Cunningham Township in Urbana in Champaign County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Sound on Film

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 2023

1. Sound on Film Marker

Inscription. The first public demonstration of sound recorded simultaneously with pictures on film took place at the Urbana campus on June 9, 1922. Joseph T. Tykociner's double-feature motion picture included ringing a bell and reading the Gettysburg Address. The invention was not patented. The first commercial talking film in 1927 used a phonograph, and Tykociner's invention was only later recognized. It is still used for sound on film.

Erected by University of Illinois.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the University of Illinois series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 9, 1922.

Location. 40° 6.648′ N, 88° 13.671′ W. Marker is in Urbana, Illinois, in Champaign County. It is in Cunningham Township. Marker can be reached from West Green Street east of South Wright Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is on the east side of Everitt Laboratory, about 125 feet north of West Green Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1406 W Green St, Urbana IL 61801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Theory of Superconductivity (within shouting distance of this marker); Quantum-Well Laser (within shouting distance of this marker);

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Understanding Photosynthesis (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Illite and Clay Mineralogy (about 600 feet away); Natural History Building (about 700 feet away); Multiphase Fluid Dynamics (about 700 feet away); Computer-Based Education (about 800 feet away); Cyclothems (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Urbana.

Also see . . .
1. Joseph T. Tykociner: Demonstration of Sound on Film Technology. This film shows Joseph T. Tykociner's sound on film apparatus and gives a description of its method of operation. Much of the original sound has been restored in this film. (Joshua Harris, Illinois Media Space, Sept. 20, 2016) (Submitted on June 13, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Today in 1922, Illinois professor showed how movies could talk. Tykociner's wife Helena uttered the first sounds ever heard in a motion picture: "I will ring," followed by the sounds of a bell. (Meaghan Downs, "Illinois Featured Content" blog, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, June 7, 2017) (Submitted on June 13, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 2023

2. Sound on Film Marker

Joseph Tykociński-Tykociner (1877-1969) image. Click for full size.

Bain News Service via Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (Public Domain), 1920/25

3. Joseph Tykociński-Tykociner (1877-1969)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 9, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 42 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 9, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on June 13, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.