Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1920 1767

June 5, 1920.
MAY WEATHER FAVORED
ST. LOUIS DEALERS
But the Climatic Joys for Once Did Not Stimu-
late the Prospective Piano Buyers to De-
sirable Action in Piano Stores.
With the exception of a rankly torrid spell in mid-
summer, St. Louis is blessed with a really desirable
climate. Its citizens never brag about joys of climate
except, of course, as J. E. Kieselhorst admits, when
they encounter the ebullient climate fans of Cali-
fornia. Then they will knock over the Californians
with a few convincing weather bureau facts. Spring
is a particularly pleasant time in St. Louis and then
the shoppers flock to the retail center in such
crowds that the movement for the widening of
Olive street, gets its annual resuscitation. During
May they flocked in unusually big droves, but the
piano sales were not in equal ratio to the apparent
prospects.
With everything favoring the outpouring of the
masses, the piano sales in St. Louis were not all
they should be during the fifth month of 1920. The
nature of a great deal of the piano advertising was
an indication of the conditions. There was too much
bargain talk and the old lure of cheapness. It
seemed a new line of publicity because it had not
been used for quite a while.
The Conroy Piano Co., St. Louis, is now the only
exclusive piano house in that city. Up to the
present the firm has withstood the allurements of
the talking machines and pinned its faith in the
player-piano as first claimant on its efforts. The
Conroy house was not alone in this stand—up to
last week the Lehman Piano Co., which had also
stood forth as an exclusively piano one, has suc-
cumbed and last week added a talking machine
department.
BODANSKY TO DIRECT
MAKING OF AMPICO RECORDS
Special Arrangements Made for Production of Four-
Hand Records Is Announcement.
Special arrangements have been made to have
Arthur Bodansky, the conductor of the Metropolitan
Opera, and the new Symphony Orchestra, New
York, conduct the playing of favorite overtures and
symphonies in four-hand piano arrangements for the
Ampico. This brings to the records of these pieces
the vivid and pulsating interpretation of this man
and introduces a new and important feature in the
playing of four-hand records which will make a con-
tribution of extraordinary value and distinction to
music. Several of the works conducted by him are
now in course of preparation and will be issued in
an early bulletin. Four-hand arrangements of over-
tures and symphonies conducted by Bodansky will
be played by Arthur Lassor and Wilbur Pelletier.
SPRINKLE PIANO COMPANY
TO STAY IN GREENSBORO
Hot Fight in City Council Over License to Sell
Pianos Decided in Its Favor.
The cit3 r commissioners of Greensboro, N. C,
recently ended a hot fight over the question of per-
mitting the Sprinkle Piano Company to do busi-
ness. The company came there about a month ago,
was granted license and was fought by the Mer-
chant's Association, the later demanding that the
license of the piano firm be revoked. The spokes-
men for the Greensboro Merchants' Association dis-
claimed any intention to force the Sprinkle people
out because it is a competing firm with other mer-
chants. They alleged that the Sprinkle firm was run
by people who were not fit to be granted license to
do business in Greensboro. The city fathers de-
cided that the Sprinkle Piano Company be allowed
to stay there.
There have been several hearings on the matter,
each side hiring counsel to plead for them, in addi-
tion to their own arguments and affidavits. The
Sprinkle Piano Company contended that "other
dealers here are sore because we have invaded
Greensboro and that the whole thing was simply an
effort to get rid of competition."
The merchants' association effort was to show the
Sprinkle firm up a'n an unworthy one. The city
commissioners passed an ordinance to the effect
that no business license was to be granted to any
person whose "moral character" was not good.
The city commissioners were divided as to the
matter of revoking the license. Mayor Stafford
wanted not to revoke the license but to refuse a
new one when the present one expired, May 31 of
PRESTO
this year. The two commissioners outvoted him on
the latter proposition, however, and the new firm
seems to be firmly intrenched in Greensboro.
MUSICAL CHARACTER OF
DALLAS, TEX., IN EVIDENCE
Civic Music Commission Stages Event to Celebrate
City's Census Figure.
On the night of May 24 Dallas enjoyed one of
the most memorable musical events of her active
and energetic musical career, a splendid celebration
embodying the first concert of the Dallas Munici-
pal Chorus under directorship of Paul VanKatw^jk,
the celebrated Belgian composer and pianist, and
the Dallas Symphony Orchestra of 50 pieces under
director Walter Fried, assisted.by two local quar-
tettes and two well known soloists.
This celebration expressed rejoicing as a result
of the census returns giving Dallas and suburbs a
population of approximately 175,000. The event
was under the auspices of the Civic Music Com-
mission appointed by the mayor, the first commis-
sion of its kind established, and it is accomplishing
wonders for Dallas musically with the full co-
operation of Dallas Music Industries Association.
This removes any suspicion on the part of the peo-
ple that the wonderful development of music in
Dallas is merely the result of a commercial or busi-
ness proposition, backed by the music merchants,
but is really a matter of civic effort, pride and in-
terest.
0. K. HOUCK DIES
AT BROTHER'S HOME
Death Comes Peacefully at Memphis to
Leader in the Retail Piano Trade of Cen-
tral South at an Early Hour on
Sunday Morning.
O. K. Houck, nationally known piano dealer of
Memphis, Tenn., with branch stores in Little Rock,
Ark., and other cities of the Central South, died at
dawn on Sunday of this week at the home of Jesse
Houck, his brother, 1234 Sledge aveue, Memphis.
He had been in bad health for a long time. About
five years ago he was stricken with rheumatism
which laid him up for several months. He came
back, and though his strength was never regained,
his heart was as whole as ever. About May 21 he
was stricken again.
The funeral was held Tuesday. Dr. A. B. Curry
conducted private services for the family at the
home of Mr. Houck's father, 774 Tate street at 10
o'clock. The body lay in state at the Scottish Rite
Cathedral from 11 o'clock till half-past two, when
the Rose Croix *service was conducted by Calvary
Chapter, assisted by Dr. C. H. Williamson. Services
were conducted at the grave in Forest Hill at 4
o'clock with Dr. Ben Cox assisting De Soto Lodge.
LOUISVILLE ASSOCIATION
APPOINTS NEW COMMITTEES
New Officers for the Ensuing Year Also Named by
Local Association at Annual Meeting.
At the first annual meeting of the Louisville Music
Dealers' Association at the Hotel Henry Watterson,
Louisville, Ky., recently, the following officers were
elected. W. C. Willis, Baldwin Piano Co., presi-
dent; R. L. Mainwaring, Steinway & Sons, vice-
president; M. W. Brock, M. W. Brock Music Co.,
secretary; Bruner Greenup, Greenup Piano Co,,
treasurer.
:\1. H. Brock, P. T. Burk and C. R. Ambuhl were
appointed a grievance committee to hear all dis-
putes among members of the association. Another
committee on advertising and publicity of a co-oper-
ative kind to increase general interest in music
named on the occasion consists of C. R. Ambuhl, W.
C. Willis and R. L. Mainwaring.
Hereafter regular meetings will be held on the
first and third Friday in each month in the dining
room of the Sewart Dry Goods Co.
PLATES ARRIVE IN CHICAGO.
A carload of piano plates was located in Chicago
on Friday last after a three weeks' hunt through
the largest and most congested freight yards in the
world. Although several piano manufacturing con-
cerns were interested in parts of the shipment, the
carload was finally located by Newman Bros. Com-
pany. It was on the Wabash road at 43rd and
Wallace streets, from which point the Newman
Bros. Company was obliged to haul its part of the
plates to its factory at West Chicago avenue and
Dix street. The company now has no drawback on
its work of producing pianos. Newman Bros, used
the facilities offered by the Chicago City Hall ;
which has men engaged in tracing hundreds of thou-
sands of carloads of goods of all descriptions. Never
in the history of American railroading has there
been so many carloads of goods lost for weeks at
a time as is the case, this spring. Government con-
trol changed the systems, and the switchmen's
strike and shortage of labor upset all remaining
chances of following one's carloads; so that now
condirions are said to be little short of chaotic.
AGAINST TAXING ADS.
The music goods trade recorded many of the pro-
tests received by the House Ways and Means Com-
mittee against the passage of the Thompson Bill,
which calls for a ten per cent tax on advertising in
newspapers, magazines and other publications
Pleas for the defeat of the bill were wired by manu-
facturers, chambers of commerce, department stores
and merchants in all lines of trade.
GOOD TRADE IN CENTRAL WEST.
W\ A. Lund, of the Kohler & Campbell Industries'
Chicago office, has returned from a trip through Illi-
nois and Indiana.
He found that farmers in this
rich agricultural region average about six weeks be-
hind with their work, owing to the cold, rainy spring
and the shortage of help; but he said that piano
business was very brisk.
O. K. HOUCK.
The services at the cathedral were open to the
public. Various civic, industrial and fraternal bodies
of which he was a member took part. President
Ellis, of the Chamber of Commerce, requested the
directors to attend in a body. The advistory board,
consisting of ex-presidents, also attended. E. R.
Barrow, chairman of the music committee of the
chamber last year, when Mr. Houck was vice-chair-
man, called the committee to attend.
The Knights Templar acted as escort in the pro-
cession from the cathedral to Forest Hill, accompa-
nied by the Al Chymia Shrine band, patrol and
chapters.
Was Fifty-Eight Years Old.
Oliver Kershner Houck was born in Decatur, 111.,
Feb. 25, 1862, the son of John Cassel and Rebecca
Kershner Houck. In 1873 the family removed to
Nashville, where for two years Oliver Houck at-
tended school before embarking upon the long trail
that leads to the great school of experience.
When 15 years old he began work on the Amer-
ican, being employed at night as a clerk in the Jesse
French music house. His few leisure hours were
spent in study.
As a Mule Driver.
Being advised that he showed symptoms of tuber-
culosis, he went to Colorado, where he engaged as
a mule driver in the work of railroad grading. Hav-
ing recovered his health, young Houck returned to
Nashville and again became connected with the
Jesse French music establishment.
In 1883 he went to Memphis and, with his father,
organized the O. K. Houck Piano Company, of
which he was president at the time of his death.
Into this business he threw all his business acumen
and unbounded energy, and under his guidance it
Enhanced content © 2008-2009 and presented by MBSI - The Musical Box Society International (www.mbsi.org) and the International Arcade Museum (www.arcade-museum.com).
All Rights Reserved. Digitized from the archives of the MBSI with support from NAMM - The International Music Products Association (www.namm.org).
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PRESTO
10
June 5, 1920.
has grown until it is recognized as the leader in shoe Lake Club, the Merchants' Exchange and
an honorary member of the Chamber of Com-
its line throughout that section.
merce.
His Civic Pride.
When the membership drive of the last named
O. K. Houck had not long been a resident of
Memphis until he was recognized as one of its organization was launched last Tuesday, Mr. Houck
greatest assets. Permeated with civic pride, from was made commander-in-chief of the "armies" en-
the beginning he took an active part in every enter- gaged, but was so seriously ill that he was com-
prise that had for its object the upbuilding of the pelled to direct the campaign from his room. How-
city of his adoption. He was a born leader. When- ever, his advice was gladly received and acted upon,
ever there was a big undertaking contemplated, O. and each day he sent a message of encouragement
K. Houck was always called into consultation and to the various teams.
Remained a Bachelor.
as a rule asked to take the lead. His absolute hon-
esty and his readiness to serve inspired such con-
Mr. Houck was never married, but he enjoyed
fidence in his fellow citizens that few could resist the society of good women and gave unsparingly of
his appeals to lend a helping hand.
his time to aid them in any movement they spon-
In 1910 Mr. Houck was largely responsible for sored. His services were especially helpful in pro-
raising a fund of $50,000 to be used by the Business moting musical affairs. Perhaps it would not be a
Men's Club in advertising Memphis. Some of those misstatement to say that no man in that entire sec-
favoring the project said it couldn't be done, but tion has done more than O. K. Houck to inculcate
Mr. Hoiick said it could—and it was done.
in the masses a love for the best there is in music.
Perhaps his genius for organization and getting The recently launched music foundation which bears
results was best displayed by his patriotic work fol- his name is an instance of this.
lowing the advent of the United States into the
Although a man of mature years and wide experi-
world war. Tn 1918 the committee of Shriners, of ence, O. K. Houck had the heart of a boy. His
which he was ciiairman, sold war savings stamps years rested lightly upon him, and his companion-
aggregating $101,385 from one sunrise to its set- ship was as delightful to the youth of 20 as it was
ting. The same year, as chairman of the feature to the man of three score and ten.
division in the sale of Fourth Liberty loan bonds,
His Father Survives Him.
he introduced to Memphis the big tank known as
His devotion to and care for his aged father and
"Huncrusher," and in 10 daily "raids" on Main
mother was so marked as to attract attention. He
street disposed of bonds amounting to $2 850,000.
looked after their needs as tenderly as a mother
In 1919, under his direction, the Shriners past would care for her babe. His father is 89 years old.
potentate committee secured 411 candidates for the
O. K. Houck died as he had lived—unafraid and
Scottish Rite reunion and 450 members for the
that all was for the best.
Shrine ceremonial, with fees totaling $91,290 added believing
The active pallbearers at the funeral were em-
to the treasury of the organization. When con- ployes
O. K. Houck Piano Company. They
tributions to the Roosevelt Memorial Fund were are: A. of S. the
Seville,
D. Dierdorf, E. L. Jordan, W. S.
called for Mr. Houck was made chairman of the
Shelby county committee, which raised half of the Christian, T. V. Day, W. T. Sutherland, L. U. Pitts
and J. G. McConnell. The honorary pallbearers in-
state's contribution.
cluded many of the leading citizens of Memphis.
Always the Good Samaritan.
The Great Confession.
But not only did O. K. Houck love his nation, his
O,
K.
Houck
had no close church affiliations,
state and his city; in his big heart there was love for though he was a man
unbounded charity and deep
each individual in the commonwealth. He was ever religious sentiment. of Saturday
afternoon, a few
ready to act the part of the Good Samaritan; he
before the end came, he dictated the following
never "passed by on the other side" when he saw a hours
fellow human in trouble. His time and means were beautiful message:
A Message to My Friends.
at the disposal of the unfortunate.
The life of the recluse did not appeal to Mr. I have been brought face to face with the supreme
Houck and he was affiliated with many civic and issue of life—my preparedness for the great sum-
fraternal organizations. He had been a Mason for mons.
My physician has advised me to put my house in
30 years, his membership being with De Soto
Lodge. He was also a life member of St. Elmo order, and just as it would be with you, I have been
Commandery, K. T., and a past potentate of Al spending much of the time in restrospection.
Chymia Temple. At the session of the supreme
My moral code has always called for a square deal
council of the Scottish Rite, held last October in in every sort of relationship. Just the common call
Washington, he was honored by having the "Knight of humanity demanding relief to the distressed and
Commander of the Court of Honor" conferred upon a helping hand to the weak and overburdened.
him. Just two weeks ago the Masonic Veterans' Meeting in a small way these obligations has con-
Association at its annual meeting elected him as tributed most of the pleasure I have had in living.
their master. He was also a member of the Knights I have been trying to work at what I liked to call
of Pythias, Odd Fellows, Elks, Woodmen of the practical Christianity.
World and other fraternal orders. He was actively
Along with most folks, I believed in the existence
identified with the Rotary and City clubs, a of a Supreme Being and had recognized, in an im-
member of the Colonial Country Club, the Horse- personal sort of way, the importance of getting in
ARTISTIC CARVINGS
closer touch some time with Jesus Christ. I have
had friends say: "O. K., you have tried to do all
the good you could; what else is expected of a
man?"
In searching for an answer to this, the greatest
problem of my life, I have been driven to the con-
viction that no man has ever been saved by works
alone. I had never been able to make the surrender
and forego some of the liberties which seemed so
necessary to my happiness, and with this notion was
coupled a belief that if I tried to make a stand I
would probably stumble and be made ridiculous.
But it is all right now. All of my doubtings are
over. I have no fear of the future. I have turned
the whole record over to Jesus, and while I have
missed the joy of working in His name, while I have
missed the happiness and thrill of an extensive
Christian experience, yet I love to go back along
the road with Him and watch Him transform my
humble acts into deeds of Christian citizenship and
Christian charity.
It is never easy to separate from friends, but the
sorrow is greatly lessened when you are certain you
will see them again.
An Editorial Tribute.
The Commercial Appeal, of Memphis, in an edi-
torial on Monday said, in part:
O. K. Houck died on the morning of Sunday, a
holy and a serene day. Just as the dawn came over
the earth he journeyed into the light of the presence
of the Lord.
O. K. Houck's monument is in the business and
ethical progress of Memphis. For more than 30
years he gave the best that was in him for this city
and its people. His handiwork is in our Chamber of
Commerce, in our better knowledge of music and
art, in our kindliness towards one another and in
the higher ideals we now have as to our duty to-
wards the state, the city and one another.
He found time;, out of his regular business to do
as much for Memphis as any two of its other citi-
zens.
Charity appealed to him, suffering appealed to
him, and fun appealed to him.
He loved the world and all that was in it. He
loved life. He loved to be busy.
It is said that strong men must have enemies.
That is not always true.—If O. K. Houck ever had
an enemy it was because that man did not under-
stand. He was a strong character. In his convic-
tions he was as firm as a rock. But there never was
a more generous or a more charitable man. He
hated deceit because it is ugly. He loved truth and
honor because they are beautiful.
O. K. Houck has been a big brother to men at-
tached to The Commercial Appeal for a period of
30 years. He had the run of this office. He knew
everybody in it. He never asked this paper to do
anything and met with a refusal. He never asked
anything to be done that was not for the good of
Memphis or some one in Memphis.
This can be put down as the measure of the man:
Memphis lost its most useful citizen when O. K.
Houck died Sunday morning.
THE ORIQINAL RELIABLE
for PIANO and PHONOGRAPH
Manufacturers
HIGH-GRADE CARVED
NOVELTIES
Lamps, Wall Brackets, Book Ends,
Pedestals, etc.
FMAINO
E. KOPRIWA CO.
(STRICTLY HIGH GRADE)
Sure Sellers.
Certain Satisfaction
When in Chicago visit our showrooms
at the Factory
2220 Ward Street, near Clybourn Ave,
Tel. Lincoln 2726
TWO TRADE WINNERS
HARTFORD
I CHURCHILL
If you want Good Goods at Right Prices, here are two
that will meet your requirements—Players and Pianos.
RELIABLE — FINE TONE — BEAUTIFUL
Made By
HARTFORD PIANO COMPANY
1223-1227 MILLER STREET. CHICAGO
[jThirty years of satisfactory service in American homes.
QBNEHAL OFFICES AND FACTORY
WEED and DAYTON STREETS
KROEGER
(Establ!«hed 1552)
The name alone is enough to suggest to dealers the Best
Artistic and Commercial Values.
The New Style Players Are Finest Yet. If you can
get the Agency you ought to have it.
KROEGER PIANO CO.
NEW YORK. N. Y.
and
« *
STAMFORD. CONN,
Enhanced content © 2008-2009 and presented by MBSI - The Musical Box Society International (www.mbsi.org) and the International Arcade Museum (www.arcade-museum.com).
All Rights Reserved. Digitized from the archives of the MBSI with support from NAMM - The International Music Products Association (www.namm.org).
Additional enhancement, optimization, and distribution by the International Arcade Museum. An extensive collection of Presto can be found online at http://www.arcade-museum.com/library/

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