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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW.
HENRY BEHNING RETURNS FROM THE
WEST.
HIS VIEWS UPON THE TRADE OUTLOOK IN OCCIDENTAL
REGIONS.
A
REPRESENTATIVE
of THE MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW, calling a day or two ago at the factory
of Behning & Son, N. Y., found Mr. Henry
Behning, who had not long returned from a sojourn of
two months in the West. Mr. Behning had just parted
with his son, Mr. Henry Behning, Jr., who had de-
parted for Bermuda on the ship " Trinidad," accom-
panied by his wife, in search of rest and recreation, his
health having become somewhat impaired by severe
application to business.
Mr. Behning, Sr., received our emissary in his usual
hearty and cordial manner, and displayed great readi-
ness to converse concerning his prolonged stay at Kan-
sas City, Mo., and other Western points, and as to the
condition of the music trade generally throughout those
parts. Though business is not at present active in that
region, said Mr. Behning, the general prospects for the
coming season are very encouraging. This informa-
tion, of course, will be acceptable to all Eastern manu-
facturers.
In regard to the affairs of his own firm in Kansas
City, Mr. Behning professes the utmost satisfaction.
The products of Behning & Son have long been known
in the great Missourian city, where three hundred
pianos of their make now grace and cheer as many
homes. With a foundation like this, and realizing the
extent and character of his manufacturing resources
both in regard to skill and energy, it is no wonder that
Mr. Behning regards the future of his house, both here
and in the West, with satisfaction and equanimity.
The Kansas City establishment of Behning & Son is
under the management of clear-headed, competent and
trustworthy gentlemen, who may be relied upon to en-
hance the interests of the parent house.
After spending two or three weeks in the wondrously
risen South-western metropolis, during which time he
had opportunities of making a sufficient acquaintance
with its representative business men, Mr. Behning's
feeling of confidence in the future of his Western enter-
prise was materially strengthened. If there be one
subject to which the wealthy and influential inhabitants
of Kansas City are more fond of alluding than another,
that favorite topic of conversation is the Behning
piano. Great as is its popularity here in the East, there
is something characteristic of it which seems to appeal
with more than ordinary force to the wilder though not
less musical denizens of the American Occident. Here-
in may be found interesting matter for consideration and
study by the ethnologist and the metaphysician.
Mr. Behning predicts that the three great cities of the
United States of the future will be New York, Chicago
and Kansas City ; and that the last named will be the
centre of a vast realm which for the richness and fer-
tility of its soil, the number, intelligence and culture of
its people, and the power of its moral, political and ar-
tistic influences will be to ancient Greece, even in that
country's palmiest days, as the sun in his mid-day glory
to the twinkle of a dew-drop. The signature of the Presi-
dent to the Oklahoma Bill would lend a fresh and
powerful impetus to the progress of those splendid and
fruitful territories. Then would it come to pass that
the Behning piano should materially aid in covering the
West with music as the waters cover the sea.
THE BRADBURY SUCCESSFUL.
SOHMER-SCANLAN-CUMSTON.
THE GREAT NEW TRIANGULAR PIANO MOVEMENT IN
KANSAS CITY, MO.
K
ANSAS City, Mo., is the seat of a great new
piano enterprise. The name given to the newly-
formed company by whom the venture has
been made is the Kansas City Piano Co., and the fac-
tors in this company are Messrs. Sohmer & Co., New
York; The New England Piano Company, Boston,
Mass., and Hallett & Cumston, Boston, Mass. This
important concern will be officered by James S.
Cumston, Hugo Sohmer and Thomas Scanlan, known
as three star piano manufacturers of the first magni-
tude. Warerooms will be established under the im-
mediate control of Mr. O. H. Guffin, the former agent
in Kansas City for each of this trio of firms, who will
enjoy the exclusive retail sale of their own wares in the
section of which they have taken possession.
The standing and reputation of the three houses join-
ing in this undertaking are simply above suspicion, and
there is no question as to the success of the move. On
the contrary, we should think it not improbable that
the new company will ere long contemplate the estab-
lishment of similarly conducted warerooms in other
large Western cities. We feel safe in offering con-
gratulations to all concerned on the brilliant idea that
is being so well acted upon.
PATENTS AND INVENTIONS.
Drum attachment for banjos, No. 398,176, R. Oerlein.
Music book holder, No. 398,128, Caston & Smith.
Musical box, No. 398,241, Ehrlich & Muller.
Upright piano action, No. 398,151, S. Hansing.
Muffler for upright pianos, No. 398,150.
Bridge for stringed instruments, No. 398,107, M. W.
White.
Foot shield for piano and organ cases, No. 396,137,
M. R. Brinkman.
Piano attachment, No. 396,156, F. W. Hale.
Pianoforte, No. 396,155, F. W. Hale.
Stringing and tuning device for pianos, No. 396,335,
G. M. Guild.
Device for muting pianos, No. 396,698, J. Keller.
T~~^REEBORN G. SMITH has just returned from
U" Washington, where he has been looking after
1
the interest of the Bradbury piano, and has suc-
ceeded in keeping it in the front rank as the national
favorite. He reports that the Bradbury has again been
elected by a large majority, and is proud to state that
Mrs. President Harrison was so charmed with the
Bradbury at her rooms in the Arlington Hotel, that
upon taking up her residence in the Executive Mansion
as the " First Lady of the Land," she sent an official
order by a special messenger to Mr. Smith, requesting
him to place the Bradbury in the White House. Mr.
Smith gave the matter his personal attention and had
the instrument set up in Mrs. Harrison's private parlor,
according to her wishes, where it will not only be seen,
but heard and admired by her many friends who visit
her, and who will be charmed by its elegant tone.
The Bradbury piano was used by Mrs. President Grant
during two terms, and also by Mrs. President Hayes and
by President Arthur, while they were at the White
House. Vice-President Morton also has a beautiful
Bradbury piano at his elegant suite of rooms at the Arl-
ington. The Cabinet has recognized its merits. Secre-
tary Windom, of the Treasury Department; Secretary
Tracy, of the Navy, and Secretary Noble, of the Interior
Department, have already ordered the Bradbury, and
Mr. Smith expects soon to receive orders from the other
members of the Cabinet.
Admiral Porter has used a Bradbury square for over
twenty years and has just ordered an upright of the
most desirable model.
Senators and representatives by the score are being
made happy by the music of the Bradbury.
Mr. Smith proposes by the sweet tones of the old re-
liable Bradbury to keep harmony in the cabinet.
The extensive establishment built by Mr. Smith in
Washington is among the finest warerooms in the coun-
try; in fact, all his fifteen houses are first class, and each
is doing a splendid business. This important " Inaugu-
ral " event has occasioned a boom all along the line in
the Bradbury warerooms and agencies, and Mr. Smith
is way behind orders.
WANTED
A Piano Salesman for the
Pacific Coast.
Violin tail piece, No. 396,408, R. A. Macready.
Pneumatic action for organs, No. 396,955, F. Prit-
chard.
Stringing and tuning device for pianos, No. 396,740,
G. M. Guild. v
Adjustable standard for music racks, No. 398,408, A.
Koehn.
Upright piano action frame, No. 398,635, H. Mallebre.
A good, reliable, energetic and accommodating man
wanted to seU pianos ; one who is strong enough to find
prospects, follow them up, and consummate sales. Some
trips to be made into the country. We have good agen-
cies and a permanent place for the right man.
Address, stating nationality, age, experience, success,
salary required, etc., etc.
PIANO DEALERS,
Musical pneumatic toy, No. 398,697, W. H. Brown.
HASTINGS & WINSLOW,
132 POST STREET, SAN FRANCISCO.
Manufactures of
GOOD WORDS FOR THE BEHR PIANO.
IRONTON, OHIO, March 5, 1889.
FINE VARNISHES.
PIANO-FORTE VARNISH
GENTLEMEN: The piano reached here yesterday in all
A SPECIALTY.
O. K. shape, and I am so well pleased with it that I
MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY.
could not tell you in writing. The pleasing tone of the
Behr gives full satisfaction to my ear, and the finish is
NEW MUSICAL CONSERVATORY A T
more than fine; there cannot be too much said about
UTICA, N. Y.
the merits of your piano. The tone is sweet and mel- We make a specialty of the manufacture of Organ
HE new Conservatory of Music in Utica, N. Y., low, yet powerful; the treble is like the Swiss bells and and Piano Springs of the standard styles, made from
will be under the direction of Louis Lombard. the bass is just grand. I am satisfied that I have the best best quality steel-oil tempered, and every spring
tested, and true to weight. All springs guaranteed.
The East wing of the Butterfield House in piano in Ironton. You need not fear any competition. Send
for prices.
Yours
truly,
that city has been appropriated for the purposes of the
AUGUST FILLGROVE.
SABIN MACHINE CO., Montpelier, Vt.
institution. The citizens of Utica are acting with great
generosity and liberality towards the new enterprize,
and uphold the hands of Mr. Lombard in every way.
A NOVELTY IN PIANOS AND ORGANS.
Funds for from 14010175 scholarships have already
Electro-Bronze 4 Art 4 Work
been pledged to him. Among the many names of
AND
public spirited contributors of substantial sums is that
that of Mr. E. D. Buckingham, of the old and distingu-
ished house of Buckingham, Moak & Marklove, who
5 ^ E L S , DiDOS, FRIEZES, CENTERPIECES, ETC., FOR PIANOS / ^ D ORGANS.
takes a keen and enthusiastic interest in this most com-
Wrought Brass Butt Hinges.
FINELY POLISHED AND PLATED PIANO AND ORGAN HINGHS.
mendable movement.
Messrs. BEHK BROS. & Co.:
Organ and Piano Springs.
T
Electro-Plating of Every Description.
D. LOTIIROP, of the firm of D. Lothrop & Co., Dover,
N. H., is in this city. He has given Jack Haynes a nice
order for Newman Bros, organs, with which instru-
ments he is particularly charmed.
Continuous and Sectional Hinges, for every purpose, any width and
length. Fancy and Irregular Shapes Made to Order.
Wrought Brass Pressure Bars, and Brass Goods in General.
THE HOMER D. BRONSON CO.,
BEACON FALLS, CONN-