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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
9
PROSPEROUS CONDITIONS REPORTED IN DETROIT TRADE
Good Business Being Done, and Piano Men Are Optimistic—Music Trades Association Holds
Meeting—Caruso Concert at Toledo Interesting Dealers—Hudson Sales Staff Meets
DETROIT, MICH., April 16.—The Review corre- of Detroit, who are selling tickets, report a very
spondent here made a short trip last week large demand from Michigan people.
Patriotic music rolls, patriotic music and pa-
through Canada and had some pleasant chats
with the proprietor or manager of a large num- triotic talking machine records are unusually ac-
ber of music stores. It is worth noting that tive since the war declaration by the United
every such store reported that while their busi- States. American flags and American colors are
ness was affected at the outset of the European prominently displayed in practically every music
war things gradually started to improve and store in the city.
C. H,, Johnson, formerly in charge of the Chi-
that at the present time trade is exceedingly
good. If that is the Canadian situation, there cago Brunswick retail store, is doing excellent
is every reason why music dealers in the United work for the Pathe store, 114 Farmer street, this
States should be doubly optimistic and not feel city, having recently taken charge.
The Brunswick Co., manufacturers of the
that the bottom is going to fall out just be-
cause this country has become involved in the Brunswick phonograph, have arranged some ex-
war. Of course, the music dealers may feel a cellent accounts in Detroit. At the present time
slight dropping off in business for a few weeks, Weil & Co., large installment furniture deal-
but it can't stay that way. The past week was ers, Wayne and Michigan avenues, are fea-
not very active in the piano business, but on turing the Brunswick line, but we understand
the whole it was quite good—certainly much from good authority that on or'about May 15
better than dealers expected. Leading bank- Wallace Brown, 31 East Grand River avenue,
ers say that Detroit is in such good condition will become the exclusive Detroit distributor
commercially that no matter how serious we for this line. In fact, alterations to the Wallace
become involved, it would not hurt our city. Brown store have already started, and Mr.
Furthermore, another banker said this country Brown does not deny the rumor which has
has so much money that there is certain to be been very common for some time that he will
the greatest of prosperity for many, many become a Brunswick dealer. The deal, as we
months. The war loan of seven billion asked understand it and which is partially confirmed
by the government is going to go right back by Mr. Brown, is that he becomes the exclu-
into the pockets of American manufacturers sive local retailer, and that he will handle other
and American workmen. So why should any goods made by Brunswick, such as billiard ta-
dealer become pessimistic and let up in any bles, tires, etc.
The number of marriage licenses since the
way on plans for expanding the business? Pay
no attention to the war—keep on sawing wood war has increased 1,000 per cent., which means
and each month will show astonishing results— more couples going housekeeping, hence more
opportunities for the sale of pianos, talking
is the advice of the leading bankers.
The Detroit Music Trades Association called machines and other musical instruments. So
a meeting for last Tuesday night at the Hotel after all "it's an ill wind that does not blow
Charlevoix, but only a few of the members some good."
A meeting of the sales force of the J. L.
showed and the result was no regular meeting,
but a round-table gathering of informal dis- Hudson piano store was held last Monday night
cussions. While those absent no doubt had at the Hotel Statler, Manager E. P. Andrew
legitimate excuses—such as previous engage- officiating during the business meeting.
J. A. Stewart, president of Ludden & Bates,
ments, sickness, etc.—the fact remains, never-
theless, that the association is accomplishing music dealers in Atlanta, Ga., is in the city
nothing if that is the spirit when meetings are for a few days visiting his son, who has a farm
called. The secretary was somewhat at fault near Detroit. Mr. Stewart was under the im-
in not getting out the notices sooner, as some pression that Detroit was hot at this time of
members did not get their cards until the day the year and dressed accordingly in light ap-
of the meeting, which is much too late. There parel—now he wishes he was back "where the
should be a lot of good topics for Detroit cotton blossoms grow." He said .business
dealers to take up and act upon not only for throughout the South was good and that there
their individual good, but for the future good was general prosperity in the South. Atlanta
of the business. For the past two years the itself has been on the boom for some years.
W. F. Riemer, formerly with the sales de-
local association has been in the rut—meetings
being held infrequently and even when they partment of the -J. L. Hudson piano store, com-
were held the attendance would be so small ing to this city from the Lyon & Healy store,
that "it took all the joy out of life." Why can't Chicago, has joined the sales department of the
the Detroit piano dealers get together oftener Sherman, Clay & Co. music store at Spokane.
Detroit piano dealers will be interested in a
and in larger numbers?
The C. A. Hawkins Piano Co., Alma, Mich., bad check bill which has passed both the Michi-
has been capitalized with a capital stock of gan House and Senate, and only awaits the sig-
nature of the Governor to become a law, in which
$10,000.
Interest continues to get stronger every day event it would take effect within ninety days.
in the coming Caruso concert at Toledo on This bill makes it a felony for anyone to issue
Thursday evening, May 3, and Grinnell Bros., a check without sufficient funds in the bank.
It inflicts a heavy fine and punishment for such
offense.
Burdick Trestrail, manager of the piano de-
THE LEADING LINE
partment of R. S. Williams & Sons, Toronto,
was in the city on Monday looking the field
over and incidentally getting some new ideas
WEAVER PIANOS
on methods and systems used by some of De-
Grands, Uprights
troit's leading retailers. He spent considerable
and Players
time with Manager E. P. Andrew, of Hudson's.
YORK PIANOS
MASON & HAMLIN AT CONCERT
Uprights and Players
The Mason & Hamlin piano was used 'Thurs-
day evening at Aeolian Hall' at a concert given
by Marcia Van Dresser, soprano. This piano
will also be used to-morrow evening at the
Princess Theatre, New York, at a joint concert
given ^ y - Clarinda B. Smith, soprano, and
Nicholas Garagusi, violinist.
LIVINGSTON PIANOS
Uprights and Player-Pianos
If your competitor does not already have this
line, go after it at once.
Weaver Piano Co., Inc.
FACTORY
YORK, PA.
Established 1870
L. W. Funk has opened new piano warerooms
in McConnellsburg, Pa.
Good Looks
High Quality
Moderate Cost
Add
CHRISTMAN
PIANOS
to your line
Show them to your critical
customers and see how
quickly they will sell.
Their
Attractive Case Designs
Exquisite Veneers and
Fine Finish
are bound to attract atten-
tion and both you and your
trade can't help but appre-
ciate their marvelous tone.
Christman
Pianos
make pleased customers —
help increase your sales and
net you' a legitimate profit.
They are beyond question
the highest grade and most
artistic pianos made for the
price.
Send for new catalogue.
Prompt and courteous atten-
tion given to inquiries.
"The first touch tells"
Christman Piano Co.
597 E. 137th Street
New York