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IUIWC LIBRARY
IENOX AND
IILIEK
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
Colby Co. Reorganize.
Will Open Up in Dallas.
Estey Happenings.
The Colby Piano Co. of Erie, Pa., which,
as announced elsewhere, have just been of-
ficially chartered, was formally reorganized
this week at a meeting of the stockholders,
when the following officers were elected:
President and treasurer, Geo. Diehl; vice-
president, T. W. Shacklett ; secretary,
Louis Huegel.
The company have decided to make but
one grade of piano and that the best. The
force at present engaged is hardly large
enough to turn out the orders as rapidly
as they come in and President Diehl ex-
pects that in a very short time it will be
necessary to put on a large additional num-
ber of men. At present there are over 200
pianos in the course of construction.
The Colby Co. expect to do business on
safe, conservative lines. That they will
win no small measure of success under the
managership of Mr. Diehl is almost as-
sured, for he is endowed with tremendous
energy and conceded business ability.
The company have under consideration at
present the establishment of a retail ware-
room in Erie.
Oliver's Music House of Houston, Tex.,
are about to make an important move.
They will establish Southwestern head-
quarters at Dallas for the Kimball and
other leading pianos. W. R. Oliver will
be the Dallas manager, while C. E. Oliver
will remain in charge of the Houston
branch.
Captain J. Harry Estey reached Brattle-
boro last Tuesday on his return from a
three months trip on the road. His itiner-
ary included principal points in this coun-
try and as far South as the City of Mexico,
where the Esteys for years have had an
extensive sale of their instruments. They
have been in great demand for use in the
public schools in the Mexican Republic.
Probably more Estey organs are in daily
use in Mexico than any other make. From
Mexico, Captain Estey journeyed up as far
as San Francisco. It was his intention
to continue from there to the Pacific
Northwest, returning East by the North-
west route, but he was called home some-
what sooner than he anticipated by the
illness of his little daughter. We are glad
to state, however, that she has much im-
proved in health since the first report of
her illness reached him.
1900 will probably rank as the greatest
year in point of organ output in Estey his-
tory. A thousand organs a month have
lately been shipped from the great Estey
factories at Brattleboro.
A Jacob Jaunt.
Next to running a piano factory, Charles
Jacob loves Waltonian sport, and this week,
accompanied by his brother C. Albert, he
visited the regions of New Hampshire
where they have extensive lumber holdings.
While there he enjoyed a couple of days
of superb sport, fishing through the ice.
He substantiated his story that on several
occasions the fish were so large that it ne-
cessitated making a larger aperture in or-
der to pull the huge pickerel through, by
exhibiting some of his specimens, which
were of that size which supply infinite de-
light to the fisherman's heart.
While on their way back Messrs. Jacob
Bros, paid a visit to Leominster where they
are now erecting a six-story addition to
their case factory, which, when completed,
will be the tallest building in Leominster.
The New Chickering Hall.
There seems to be no^reasonable doubt
but that the new Chickering Hall of Bos-
ton will be in readiness shortly after the
new year opens. L. H. Mudgett, of Bos-
ton Symphony fame, will manage the new
hall. He will bring to this a long mana-
gerial experience which will be of infinite
advantage. Already a number of engage-
ments have been made and the list of ten-
ants who will have quarters in this new
addition to musical Boston is steadily grow-
ing, and great care will be used to have
only a select line in this structure.
Henry Lindeman is one of the happiest
men in the trade to day. Since he started
on his new venture good practical results
have ensued. From one firm alone he
has just received an order for 300 pianos to
be delivered in 1901.
POOLE
Ordering Pianosb y Wire.
On its rounds this week in and about the
city, The Review noted, at the piano fac-
tories, healthy activity in all departments.
Manufacturers are practically unanimous
in declaring that their expectations have
been fully realized. In several instances,
they have nearly given up all hope of be-
ing able to satisfy the demands of their
agents between now and the end of the
year. At a number of factories, telegrams
for immediate shipments of "hurry" or-
ders were shown The Review on Wednes-
day. Wholesale trade is destined to make
a great record for 1900.
Mason & Hamlin and Bauer,
The tremendous success achieved by
Harold Bauer, who played the Mason &
Hamlin grand piano in recital recently in
Boston, was fully duplicated in New York
this week when he was heard with the
Kneisel Quartet on Tuesday and in recital
at Mendelssohn Hall on Thursday.
Bauer is an artist in the fullest sense of
the word. His technique is as admirable as
it is masterly, and the tone which he draws
forth from the instrument, abounding in
lights and shades, demonstrates the pos-
session of a keenly sensitive temperament.
He runs the gamut of emotion in his play-
ing, and is well entitled to rank among the
few great pianists of our time.
His interesting program revealed the
lovely tone qualities of the Mason & Ham-
lin grand which virtually sang under his
magic touch. It was notable for its fullness,
roundness and delightful singing quality.
Bauer made an unquestioned "hit" and the
same may be said of the magnificent in-
strument on which he played.
Death of Louis Ritz.
Louis Ritz, head of the well-known
music trade firm of Louis Ritz & Co.,
Hamburg, Germany, died some two weeks
ago. Mr. Ritz was well known to mem-
bers of the trade in this country, particular-
ly the Esteys, with whom he has carried on
extensive business relations for many
years. There will probably be no change
in his business, as he will be succeeded by
his three sons who have been associated
with him for many years.
Norris Enthusiastic.
J. A. Norris, Eastern representative of
the Smith & Barnes Co., returned on
Monday from a visit to the factories.
When spoken with by The Review he was
enthusiastic about trade conditions, par-
ticularly as far as they affect the Smith &
Barnes interests. "The year now closing,"
said Mr. Norris, "has been the greatest in
our history. The Smith & Barnes pianos are
steadily growing in favor everywhere. Our
Declared Valid.
new styles have made a distinct hit.
That part of the anti-trust law requiring This can be estimated from the fact that
Illinois corporations to make affidavit to in the East, particularly, dealers have,
the Secretary of State that they are not in during the past year, increased their trade
any trust has been declared valid, and the with Smith & Barnes pianos a hundred
corporations that opposed the enactment per cent. At the factory we are Working
will now be compelled to pay a fine of $50 over time and every effort is being made
a day from the time fixed by the State for
to catch up with orders. We enter upon
such return.
the new year feeling that the appreciation
Freeborn G. Smith was present at the in which the Smith & Barnes goods are
Centennial Celebration of the founding of held will 'increase and multiply.' "
the City of Washington. He was present
Mr. Norris, on his way East, visited the
at the exercises of the Executive Mansion leading retail centers and reported that
at the Capitol, where he acted as escort to business everywhere is very brisk.
A. W. Fly, of Texas.
Wm. B. Armstrong, of the Foster-Arm-
Carl Hoffman of Kansas City is break- strong-Martin syndicate of Rochester, N.
Y., was in Boston Monday.
ing records in the way of holiday trade.
PIANOS
Precious, Perfect, Peerless
As to Tone, Touch, Design,
Durability and Value. . , <
5 a n d 7 A P P L K P O N S T R E E T . BOSTON, M A S S ,