PRESTO
June 30, 1923
HISTORIC GIFT FOR WILLIAM TONK
The Spinet bequeathed by Mrs. Sarah Clarke Good-
man to President William Tonk, of William Tonk
& Bro., Inc., of New York, was in recognition of the
services rendered in connection with the introduction
of the Vibratone, which was the invention of Mr.
Clark, her former husband, and by herself improved
and perfected.
Mrs. Clark bought the instrument on one of her
trips to the European continent and paid a good price
for it, on the representation that it was used (and
enthusiastic operatic entepreneur, invited him to
London, when Gluck's new opera "La Caduta de
Gigonti," was performed. Among his other produc-
tions were (in Rome, 1750) "Telemaco," La Clemen-
za da Tito," (Naples 1751) "Armide and Iphigenie,"
and many other compositions. In 1756 the Pope
made him a Knight of the Golden Spar.
The Spinet instrument shows originality and con-
siderable thought and there is a great contrast be-
tween it and the pianoforte of today. In fact, the
11
SUCCESS WITH THE LESTER
PIANO IN INDIANA CITY
Lang Brothers, South Bend, Show Progress by
Moving to More Commodious Quarters.
One of the enthusiastic dealers in Lester pianos and
playerpianos is the energetic firm of Lang Brothers,
South Bend, Ind., which last week moved from 114
East Wayne street to larger qviarters at 439 South
Michigan street. The firm is composed of Edward
Albert and Walter Lang, who for years have been
earnest proponents of the merits of the dependable
line of pianos and players made by the Lester Piano
Co., Philadelphia.
In the new location special facilities for displaying
and demonstrating the Lester grands have been pro-
vided. The firm considers the instrument a most de-
sirable one in tone and construction and a business-
getter all the year round. In the year since the for-
mation of the company many good sales of the Les-
ter grand have been made and the business in the
pianos and players has been equally satisfactory.
Modern conveniences for the sale of records have
also been made a feature of the new store. The store
has six demonstration booths, each well aired and
well lighted and furnished with comfortable easy
chairs.
SUCCESS FOR H. J. SHEA.
The Shea Music Co., 5914 W. Madison street, Chi-
cago, reports very satisfactory sales of pianos and
talking machines, and the good judgment of H. J.
Shea in selecting the location has been verified. Mr.
Shea was formerly manager of the Vose & Sons
Piano Co.'s store on Piano Row. The Shea Music
Co. is located conveniently for the host of personal
friends of Mr. Shea residing in Oak Park and Austin,
who have associated, him with good pianos in the
past. The claim, "The Best Equipped Music Store
Outside the Loop," was verified on the opening day.
The fine stock includes upright pianos, playerpianos,
grand pianos, reproducing pianos, electric pianos,
phonographs and records.
SPINET USED BY GLUCK.
there is every evidence that if was) by Gluck, one
of the greatest musicians and composers of the period
in which he lived.
Gluck, whose full name was Christoph Willibald
Von Ritter Gluck, was born in 1714 and died in 1787,
and his name was the first among composers of mod-
ern operettas. His successful career began in 1741,
when he received a commission for his first opera
"Artaserce," an opera of one act, and six others
which followed in the succeeding four years.
The growing fame of the young composer traveled
as far as England, and in 1745 Lord Middlesex, the
spinet which was the first wedge for the introduc-
tion of the piano, does not compare in any respect
with what the present century has brought forth in
the way of pianofortes and such other instruments
belonging to the piano family. And it is a wonder
if not a miracle how it was possible for composers
of that period to produce the music which has held
the admiration of music-lovers for nearly two cen-
turies, on an instrument so primitive in its con-
struction. It has only five octaves, no piano or forte
pedals, except those operated by hand. How these
were operated is a puzzle to observers.
The stand on which the spinet rests is'not a part
of the original instrument, but an after-thought, pos-
sibly for the convenience of the owner. The instru-
ment proper is only in fair condition and William
Jones & Bro., Inc., assert it has done no repairs,
"fearing that it might detract from the appearance
of antiquity of the instrument."
INSTALMENT PLAN FOR FARMERS.
LESTER
Grand Pianos
are wonderful business builders. Their
rich, full, mellow tone, velvety action,
beautiful design, superb finish and
marvelous durability make them quick
sellers. And the price is right. Let
us give you full details.
LESTER PIANO CO.
1306 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia
The monthly instalment plan for farmers is being
adopted by dealers in many places as a regular rule.
"The average farmer," argues one dealer, "has a
steady income. He doesn't wait from one crop to
another for money to live on; in fact, his current ex-
penses are paid largely out of his steady income. He
uses his crops for bigger game, such as mortgage
payments, notes, etc. The source of this income is
seldom the same with any two families. In some
sections of the country it comes from butter and
mi!k. In other sections the products of the poultry
yard are relied upon; but in almost every case there
is some source of steady income. The farmer might
as well pay for his piano out of this income as out
of his crop. It is my belief that we could do far more
business in the agricultural districts by devising some
sort of regular monthly payment system. I believe
this would appeal to the farmer."
TO OPEN MUSIC STORE.
L. M. Tiller, Louisville, Ky., who for some years
has been in the piano business with his father, F. M.
Tiller, and who some years ago was with the piano
department of the Stewart Dry Goods Co., in that
city, is planning to open a new store. He will enter
business for himself, and handle musical instruments
and probably furniture. Definite plans will be an-
nounced soon.
A NEW-OLD STAND.
When it moved in Syracuse, N. Y., recently the
W. T. Crane Piano Co., only returned to an old
location which it left nine years ago. The new-old
stand is at 352 South Salina street, and the company
occupied it for twenty years or until Mr. Crane took
over the Greenleaf Piano Co., on South Warren street.
"We're home for keeps," said Mr. Crane last week.
Schumann
PIANOS and PLAYf.R PIANOS
Have no superiors in appearance, tone
power or other essentials of strictly
leaders in the trade.
Warning to Infringers
ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCED.
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Healy, 457 Fullerton
parkway, Chicago, announce the engagement of their
daughter, Miss Grace Anita Healy, to Frederick W.
Woodruff, son of Mrs. Frederick W. Woodruff, of
Joliet. Miss Healy was graduated last year from
Vassar. She is a granddaughter of the late P. J.
Healy, founder of the house of Lyon & Healy. Mr.
Woodruff is a graduate of the University of Pennsyl-
vania. He is president of the First National Bank
of Joliet, 111. The wedding will take place early in
September in Paris. Mr. Woodruff and his bride
will go to Switzerland on their wedding journey.
P R * )'E v\
This Trade Mark la caat
In the plate and also ap-
pears upon the fall board
of all genuine Schumann
Pianos, and all Infringe™
will be prosecuted. Beware
of Imitations such as Schu-
mann * Company, Schu-
mann & Son, and alao
Shuman,
as all
stencil
shops, dealers and users of
pianos bearing a name In
Imitation
of the
name
Schumann with the Inten-
tion of deceiving the public
will be prosecuted to the
fiillpfit extent of the law
Schumann Piano Co.
W. N. VAN (MATAE. President
Rockford, 111.
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