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Missing Tapes Update

 


Well, I’m still looking for the interview tapes of my grandfather and my mother-in-law. In this round I’ve learned not to trust labels. I found a commercial tape in a “homemade” cassette holder. That prompted me to go back through all my commercial tapes and look in the cases. I found some home tapes in them and got all my commercial tapes back in their cases.


I found a tape that was labeled with my husband’s name, but I listened to it anyway. It was an accompaniment tape from my voice lessons. I updated the label. I found another tape that was labeled Heather’s Birthday Present. I listened to it. Turns out it was my birthday present TO my husband. I updated the label to be more precise. 


So what did I uncover in this round of listening?


  1. Lip Sync contest tape from Elementary School. I still can’t believe we didn’t win with Ghostbusters. But also on that tape was my sister singing, and the B side was some square dance calling. I’m going to have to ask my parents if they recognize the caller.

  2. Lip Sync tape from High School - I made a pretty good Jessica Rabbit singing “Why Don’t You Do Right?” if I do say so myself, but I still didn’t win.

  3. Mixed tape I made as a birthday present to my husband.

  4. Mixed tape my husband made for me as a birthday present. 

  5. Three voice lesson accompaniment tapes.

  6. Church Christmas music - with me singing.


I’m starting to worry as these were all my most likely suspects for being the interview tapes. But I'm excited I have tapes of my sister singing and of myself signing that I can share with my daughters.
I’m not giving up hope, yet.


If my search has inspired you to go back through your cassette tapes let me give you a warning. If your tapes smell of vinegar DO NOT PLAY THEM!


You tape unfortunately, is suffering from vinegar syndrome (effects film and audio tapes). There is no cure, but your tapes may still be salvageable. Do not bake them. I suggest contacting a professional to get them transferred as soon as possible so you do not loose your recording.


For more information on preserving your family heirlooms, don't forget to grab your copy of

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