ABSTRACT
A Chicago-based retailer, beginning as a mail-order house in 1872. As early as 1898 the firm was offering Edison cylinder phonographs and Berliner gramophones, as well as records for them. In the 1930s the firm began to issue records under its own label, Montgomery Ward; at first these were pressed by Victor using Victor or Bluebird masters,offering good jazz and country material. They also sold phonographs under the Lakeside name. During 1939-1940 there was a series from the Varsity label. In 1988 the firm discontinued catalog sales and the use of house-brand products.
