Driven by mayor and MPP, Sir Adam Beck, London became the second city in Ontario to obtain hydro electric power on November 30, 1910. Established in 1912, first in the city hall on Richmond Street and then in a former drug store on the corner of Dundas and Wellington Streets, the Hydro Shop was a pioneering retail store designed to promote electric appliances in the home and boost power consumption from Niagara Falls. Over the next several years, more Hydro Shops opened in other Ontario cities.
In 1921, the Hydro Shop introduced the "Made in Canada" Hydrola electric phonograph. At the same time, the Compo Company Ltd., Canada's first independent record company founded in 1918 by Herbert Berliner in Lachine, Quebec, issued a record labelled Hydrola.
Talking Machine World, August 1920, p. 127: "The Hydrola Phonograph Co., Ltd., has been incorporated with provincial charter and a capital of $200,000 to do a general phonograph business. The head office is to be Toronto."
Canadian Woodworker and Furniture Manufacturer, June 1920, p. 130: "The Hydrola Phonograph Co., Limited, of Toronto, Ont., are reported to have taken over the plant of the Canadian Symphonola Co., Brock Ave., Toronto. This company contemplate manufacturing a line of electric phonographs." (See Symphonola page.)
The Electrical News, August 1921, p. 39: "Hydrola Phonograph Company. The Hydrola phonograph was shown in three new models. These are manufactured by the National Table Company, of Owen Sound. The exhibit was in charge of Mr. Bellingham, 111 Hilton Ave., Toronto."
London Advertiser, June 17, 1921, p. 10. Introductory ad for the "Made in Canada" Hydrola Electric Phonograph in the London, Ontario Hydro Shop. Thanks to Norman Brooks for the ad.
Windsor Star, June 21, 1921, p. 2. Sale of electric items in the Windsor Hydro Shop.
Windsor Star, June 25, 1921, p. 23.
North Bay Nugget, December 3, 1921, p. 12. The Hydrola Electric Phonograph for sale in the Hydro Shop in North Bay, Ontario.
Windsor Star, December 20, 1921, p. 11.
Toronto Star, January 27, 1922, p. 10. Ad which mentions Hydrola-labelled records.
Toronto Star, December 3, 1923, p. 25.
Toronto Star, October 21, 1924, p. 31.
