Merry Christmas, 1971, From Sue and Mike (Exploring My Reel-to-Reel Catacombs, Volume 11) (MP3)

A young married couple, living in Lincoln, Nebraska, spent a few minutes here and there, throughout December of 1971, making tapes for his parents. They talked about his graduation from school, her end of the semester, their activities preparing for Christmas (although at one point, Mike mistakenly says it's September), their Christmas celebration, then finally talking about their anniversary celebration on December 27th (coincidentally, also my parents' anniversary).

They used tiny reels, and recorded at 7 1/2 IPS, meaning frequent changes of sides and tapes. Their audio offerings were apparently recorded on at least three of these small reels of tape, but only two of these were spliced together, when I found this reel for sale at a rummage sale or some other similar event, 20 years or so ago. The third reel was to be recorded on New Years Day, when Nebraska would be facing (and crushing) Alabama in the Orange Bowl. Unfortunately, though, that reel did not make it into my collection. Here are both sides of those first two tapes, for you to enjoy:

1.) Sue and Mike - Merry Christmas, 1971, Part One (MP3)

2.) Sue and Mike - Merry Christmas, 1971, Part Two (MP3)

3.) Sue and Mike - Merry Christmas, 1971, Part Three (MP3) 

4.) Sue and Mike - Merry Christmas, 1971, Part Four (MP3)

Comments

[Dmitry]

Wow amazing, thank you

[Bob W]

Thanks - always great to hear "found audio" like this. I always wonder what happened to the people in these tapes.

[Tom Jones Tribute Artist - Ian Anthony - UK.]

I wonder if the recordings which kids make today on their phones, mp3 recorders, websites....etc will still be around in 30 years or so from now? As a recording artist myself it seems like we don't have the same 'reverence' for the stuff we record these days?

[Andy Lester]

I went to school in Lincoln, first grade with Mrs. Haase at Elliott School, in 1972. Dad worked at the university. I sent him a link on the crazy off chance he'd have any idea who they might be.

[Richard]

Just got around to listening to this today. I find this couple very charming and hope they stayed happy together. Shame we don't have the other reel.