OK everyone, its time to put your history hats on because we are flashing back to 1955. Yes, 1955. The year Columbia House Records began selling records via the mail service. If anyone is taking note, they have been in business for 71 years. Columbia announced today that they will be closing up shop on September 15th, 2026.
I was a member with Columbia many many moons ago. The ad in the newspaper was offering 13 records for free. Yes, FREE. All I had to do was pick the record albums I wanted and Columbia house would ship them to me lickety split. The only caveat was that I had to buy four records at regular in a years time.
Hey, I could do that. And I did. My 13 records arrived at my doorstep in two weeks time. I remember they arrived in a very sturdy box. The records were well packed, the cellophane still on the records. I was in a little bit of Heaven.
As time passed on, I would receive letters alerting me of special album sales Columbia was promoting. The promotion was buy two albums and get one free. I though that was a pretty good deal.
I continued being a Columbia House member for several more years. Until. Until I happened upon a stereo company called Custom Sound. It was located at the top of my street. When I walked in, I was in Heaven. So much so that I swear I saw Saint Peter saying hello to me.
Anyway, a salesperson named Lou asked if I needed any help. I replied, YES I DO!
That day I purchased a turntable, an Amp, a 8-track player and recorder, a dual cassette player and recorder, and some heavy duty speakers to complete my purchase. Lou was so happy ringing my purchase up smiling all the way. I do believe the order came to roughly $1500.00
Lou helped my load my car and home I went.
The only problem I had was with my parents. They did not like the volume of my stereo system. In fact, they limited my volume level to number 3. Yes, I could hear the music but not as loud as I wanted it to be.
I would have to wait until my parents were not home so I could crank the volume and unleash the sound just waiting to erupt. Aww, the good old days.
Oh, and by the way, Columbia Records is set to go defunct September 15th of this year so log in and get your records, cd's, or tapes before the 15th.
