Saloon patrons listening to the first jukebox in San Francisco.
The first jukebox was installed at the Palais Royale Saloon in San Francisco. It
became an overnight sensation, and its popularity spreads around the world.
That first jukebox was constructed by the Pacific Phonograph Company. Four stethoscope-like tubes were attached to an Edison Class M electric phonograph
fitted inside an oak cabinet. The tubes operated individually, each being activated
by the insertion of a coin, meaning that four different listeners could be plugged
in to the same song simultaneously.
Towels were supplied to patrons so they could wipe off the end of the tube after
each listening.