Presto

Issue: 1924 1977

Presto Buyers' Guide
Analyzes and Classifies
All American P i a n o s
and in Detail Tells of
Their Makers.
PRESTO
Established 1884. THE AMERICAN MUSIC TRADE WEEKLY
Presto Year Book
The Only Complete
Annual Review of the
American Music In-
dustries and Trades.
" C.nt.i tl.OO a Year
CHICAGO, SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 1924
BANQUET AND ELECTION
OF PIANO TRAVELERS
Thursday Night's Meeting One of the Glad
Events of the Week at the New
York Convention.
The Piano Travelers' annual meeting and banquet
at the Waldorf-Astoria last week Thursday night
was an unusually interesting affair. The menu was
unsurpassed, while the entire evening was what
might be called a glorious one. The proceedings,
the reports of committees and other matters brought
up at the meeting show that the travelers are alive
to the activities of the day and a unit in everything
that pertains to the good of the trade and industry.
The report of the transportation committee, for
instance, was a scathing rebuke to the railroads for
their disregard of living up to the arrangements for
mileage books and reduced rates. That report on
transportation, as read by Gust. Ad. Anderson, placed
the Travelers' Association squarely on record as to
its attitude toward the railroads.
A delightful part of the evening was the presenta-
tion of a beautiful walking stick and an umbrella to
the "grand old man" of the trade, Edward S. Pay-
son, of Boston. In an appropriate speech, J. F.
Keeley, ex-president of the association, presented
the outgoing president, W. C. Heaton, with a token
of regard for his untiring service for the club as its
presiding officer the past year.
The following officers were placed in nomination
for the ensuing year and elected without dissenting
votes.
President, nominated by W. N. Plaisted, C. J.
Cunningham; first vice-president, nominated by Geo.
H. Bliss, Geo. E. Mansfield; second vice-president,
Jas. T. Bristol; third vice-president, Matt J. Ken-
nedy; treasurer, nominated by W. C. Heaton, W. B.
Williams, re-elected; secretary, nominated by A.
Dalrymple, Albert Behning, re-elected.
KRAKAUER BROS. PIANOS
IN ALTOONA HIGH SCHOOLS
Board of Education of Pennsylvania City Select
Famous Instruments After Severe Tests.
The Altoona, Pa., High School is equipped with
Krakauer Bros, pianos. The school bought one of
those instruments three weeks ago, and now another
has been selected for the New Junior High School.
The latter school cost fully a million dollars.
The Krakauer pianos were chosen by the Board of
Education after exhaustive tests, again proving that
where durability and tone are both seriously consid-
ered, the Krakauer Bros, is supreme in the qualities
essential to the severe uses to which instruments are
necessarily put in institutions of learning.
SOME VERY LATE OPENINGS
IN THE RETAIL MUSIC TRADE
A Few of the New Ventures in the Best Business in
the World.
The stock and fixtures of the H. B. Williamson
Co., Watertown, S. D., were recently purchased by
the Williams Piano Co.
The Milligan Music Shop, Inc., recently purchased
the Symphony Music Co., .at 1020 Wilson avenue,
Chicago, 111.
The Larkin Music House, Binghamton, N. Y., has
moved to new warerooms on Chenango street.
Gelis Brothers has succeeded F. G. Vallone in
Buffalo, N. Y.
The Phillips & Crew Co., Atlanta, Ga., recently
opened a music store at 702 Commercial avenue,
Cairo, 111,
The J.. B. Wilson Music Co., 912 Orange street,
Wilmington, Del., .was recently opened.
A branch of the Street Music Store, of Inglewood,
Cal., has recently been established by Mr. Street and
the local representative of the Wiley B. Allen Co.
The L. L. Thomas Music Co. recently opened a
store in the Rasmusson Building, Bandon, Ore. G.
C. Nelson is the manager.
The Bennett Piano Co. recently opened a branch
store in W r ilkes-Barre, Pa., recently, under the man-
agement of W. A. Valentine.
HENRY JOHNSON MAKES
HIS FIRST STATEMENT
Expects to Resume Early Next Month and Will "Go
to It" More Energetically than Ever.
Pushing, hardworking and ambitious as ever,
Henry G. Johnson, president of the piano industry
at Bellevue, Iowa, which bears his name, has made a
reasonable suggestion, even request, to creditors and
customers. He refers to the absolute necessity of
some delay in getting affairs straightened out after
the big fire which destroyed the greater part of the
factory three weeks ago. Mr. Johnson makes the
obvious statement that "it is impossible to meet
obligations, rather the payment of trade accept-
ances," until the insurance companies have made
settlements.
"We expect to have a settlement in full from the
insurance companies the latter part of this month,"
says Mr. Johnson, "or the first of next month, any-
way, when we w r ill be ready to resume our normal
activities."
What Mr. Johnson says is what might have been
anticipated, and his request will, without doubt, be
accepted by all who know him and have had deal-
ings with his energetic industry. The plan now is
to rebuild at Bellevue, and the citizens of that place
are enthusiastic in that solution of the unfortunate
event that came so near to wiping out the great fac-
tory in a night.
MUSIC PUBLISHERS TO
PLAN CLEARING HOUSE
Agree to Print Standard Prices and Will Open
Bureau in New York.
The National Association of Sheet Music Dealers
met on Monday at the Waldorf-Astoria, New York,
and discussed the proposed establishment of a clear-
ing house for retail dealers. The plan will be com-
pleted today. Paul A. Schmitt, of Minneapolis, is
chairman of the committee to arrange for the clearing
house, which will be located in this city and serve as
a general supply and information bureau for music
dealers and a retail credit rating and collection
bureau.
One hundred delegates from all parts of the United
States and Canada were present. The agreement of
the publishers to print on each copy of music a stand-
ard retail price was unanimously endorsed by the
convention. Plans were made to protest to the pub-
lishers against price reductions to teachers and
schools. Music publishers will be asked to refrain
from selling music by mail to persons in cities where
there is a retail dealer. Edward P. Little, of San
Francisco, president, presided.
OPENS SEVENTH BRANCH.
The Platt Music Company, 620-22 South Broadway,
Los Angeles, Calif., recently purchased the Forrest
Studio Victrola Shop at 6614 Hollywood boulevard.
This makes the seventh neighborhood store owned
and operated by the Platt Music Company. Here in
the new place of business the company will handle
its line of pianos, playerpianos, Reproducing pianos,
Holton saxophones, band instruments, stringed in-
struments, sheet music, musical merchandise and
Victrolas and Victor records.
ACTIVE NEW ROCHELLE FIRM.
A line of pianos were recently added by the Bruns-
wick Shop, New Rochelle, N! Y., when an additional
store was added by the company. Brunswick,
Sonora and Columbia phonographs, sheet music,
small goods and radio departments will be developed
on a considerably larger scale in the new store.
THE WINNERS IN THE
BIG QOLF TOURNAMEHT
Players and Their Scores at Bellecourt Golf
and Country Club, Bayside, L. I.,
Thursday, June 5.
Following is the complete list of winners at the
Music Industries Chamber of Commerce one-day
golf tournament last week Thursday:
Gross score—Afternoon, 18 holes, Alan Steinert;
morning, 9 holes, Theodore Cassabeer.
Net scores—Morning, 9 holes, Julius A. White,
Albert Brodbeck. Raymond E. Briggs, Harry L.
Spencer. Afternoon, 18 holes, J. C. Richardson,
George H. Bliss, A. L. Wessell, Gustave Behning,
Harry S. Holmes, Gordon G. Campbell, George F.
Chapin, George Fisher, C. A. Grinnell.
The successful and otherwise in the match play
were as follows:
First—Stanley C. Brennan, John H. Parnham, E.
C. Johnson, Henry G. Hollenberg, C. R. C. Gibson,
S. F. Brighanv J. C. Richardson, George J. Barton,
Herbert W. Hill, Chas. L. Mcliugh, C. H. Yahrling.
R. S. Bibshman, Fred C. Buell, James B. Landay,
George L. Layton, William Meikeljohn, J. J. Davis.
R. G. Kneupfer, E. B. Bartlett, T. W. Bresnahan,
Henry Dreher.
Consolation—R. O. Ainslee, E. B. Richardson,
H. B. Schaad, Jay Grinnell, Kenneth W. Curtis,
James T. Bristol, Joe Reed, A. P. McCoy, Harry J.
Sohmer, H. H. Fleer, M. Campbell Lorrini, Chas. L.
Hamilton, R. Edward Davis, Herbert Simpson,
Arthur E. Nealy, Chas. L .Grinnell, F. A. Wessell,
Wallace Reynolds, A. L. Smith, A. Fred Carter,
Chas. Jacob.
It proved a glorious day and the sport was thor-
oughly enjoyed by all. The prizes were many and
valuable, consisting of traveling bags, suit cases,
men's shaving and toilet cases, and numerous other
articles in fine leather, numerous pieces of silverware,
mah jong sefs, card tables, golf sticks and sets of
golf balls, clocks, office desk pieces and fixtures, and
many other things of the kind men like, and the
winners will treasure their trophies as mementoes
of an event of rare delight.
LEE S. ROBERTS HONORED.
It was a marked compliment to Lee S. Roberts to
have all the verses of his famous composition,
"Smiles," sung by the audience at the music trade
banquet in New York last week. And it was an
added honor that he was called upon to stand up at
his table and bow his compliments to the vast audi-
ence of twelve hundred diners. Mr. Roberts was
deeply appreciative and said that the occasion was a
"wonderfully delightful surprise" to him.
E. A. KIESELHORST ABROAD.
E. A. Kieselhorst, of the Kieselhorst Piano Co.,
St. Louis, Mo., is now in London. He arrived there
two weeks ago and sends letters to friends here from
the Strand Palace Hotel. Mr. Kieselhorst says that
in London, and everywhere he has traveled, there are
many American tourists, and many entertainments
are given in which the Americans take prominent
parts. Mr. Kieselhorst's address is care American
Express Co., Paris.
THE DARTMOUTH STUDENTS.
Three sons of men prominent in the music indus-
tries are students at Dartmouth. They are sons of
Linton Floyd-Jones, of W. P. Haiues & Co., in his
second year at college; son of Martin Austin, of the
Estey Organ Company, Brattleboro, Vt., who gradu-
ates this year; and a son of Jos. Octavec, of the Laf-
fargue Company, New York.
THE "WALTHAM" AND "WAVERLY."
The General Furniture Company, one of the large
dealers m. Chicago, has taken on the "Waltham" and
"Waverly" pianos. The General Furniture Com-
pany has^ a large chain of stores in Chicago, and the
pianos from Milwaukee are having a good sale.
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/
PRESTO
SEE HOW PREMIER
GRANDS ARE MADE
June 14, 1924.
SHOWS MAKING OF PLAYER PART

But Excellent Luncheon in Factory Room
Was Also Feature of Pleasures Provided
Visitors to Plant of Premier Grand
Piano Corporation.
Among the numerous social functions associated
with the big music industries' convention in New
York last week the Premier Grand Piano Corpora-
tion's luncheon was especially unique and interesting
from an instructive standpoint. The trip through the
manufacturing plant was much like a lesson in grand
piano construction and was appreciated by every one
of the visitors.
Well Planned Ahead.
About three weeks before the date of the con-
vention invitations were sent out to piano dealers,
and to many piano manufacturers as well, to attend
a luncheon to be given by the Premier Grand Piano
Corporation, at the factory in West Twenty-third
street at noon on Thursday of convention week. Be-
fore noontime the guests began to arrive, many of
them ladies, and many possibly wondering how a
spread worthy of an important piano manufacturing
concern could be given in the workshop of a big
factory. The furnishing of a luncheon, an entertain-
ment and a study in piano making all in a regular,
every day workshop seemed too big an undertaking.
Then the Surprise.
All doubts along this line, however, were soon dis-
pelled for instead of a "buffet eat," standing up
against work benches here and there, a big main
floor of the factory had been transformed into a din-
ing room, or rather, a banquet hall, by skillful hands.
Where a short time before had been the evidences of
the work of the factory, the workmen's benches had
been deftly covered and draped with cloths of varied
hues and appropriate designs made to take the place
of flowers and the like.
Setting Was Unique.
It was not long until the Premier taxis had brought
to this assembling place, upwards of a hundred
visitors. A speakers' table was placed at the north
end of the room and at the extreme east end was an
appropriate stage for the entertainers, with a back-
ground made up of the four ivory white Premier
grands used by the Jerry lady Premier grand quar-
tette in their performance on the Keith Vaudeville
Circuit.
The four performers were at their best for the
The Best Yet
Graceful lines, rugged construc-
tion, moderately priced. It's the
very best commercial piano from
every standpoint.
SHOWING PHASE IN MAKING OF GULBRANSEN REGISTERING PIANO.
In a novel window exhibit shown this week in Chi-
cago, a Gulbransen Registering piano display was fea-
tured by one of the city's greatest public utilities—the
Commonwealth Edison Co.
The display is being made on the Dearborn street
side of the Commonwealth Edison Co., just north of
Adams street. The principal feature is the gluing of
pneumatics used in Gulbransen Registering pianos.
The glue is electrically heated by an International
glue pot, two hundred of which are in use in the Gul-
bransen factories. Miss Mae Waldron, of the pneu-
matic assembly department of the Gulbransen Com-
pany, is at work in the window daily gluing pneu-
matics.
Added interest is given the exhibit by two of the
new moving baby devices, showing the Gulbransen
trade-mark in action. There are also a Gulbransen
electric flasher, two ad enlargements in frames, two
full color oil paintings, assortment of parts, etc.
Every day large crowds are gathered in front of the
window viewing the unusual and interesting display.
Premier guests. They played all manner of eight-
hand selections; sang and whistled to the accompani-
ment of one, two, three and all four instruments, to
the great pleasure of the audience. After their regu-
lar performances on their own pianos, used in their
vaudeville stunts, they played on other Premiers in
different parts of the factory, and then joined those at
the tables in the repast. During the luncheon time
two Premier Reproducing Grands, alternating be-
tween a Welte-Mignon and the Premier Expression,
were playing.
President Hepperla Speaks.
At this period President Walter C. Hepperla ex-
tended to all the visitors the freedom of the factory
and voiced a heartfelt welcome to the guests of the
Premier Grand Piano Corporation, It was a charm-
ing, spontaneous talk in which, at the same time, he
introduced tthe officers, directors and co-workers of
his corporation. Every one was invited to go through
the factories, and Mr. Hepperla and his assistants,
superintendents and foremen, acted as guides in
conducting the visitors, so that all, dealer, player,
piano workman or manufacturer, might see, learn
and know how grand pianos, and especially Premier
Grand pianos, are made.
"We have no secrets to hide about how Premier
Grand pianos are made," said President Hepperla.
The tour of the great Premier factory was made
with profit to themselves and became a delightful
reminder of convention week.
COOPS & SONS PIANO CO.
EXPANDS IN PASADENA
Old California Music Firm Opens New Branch Store
in Promising Location.
Increasing business of the Coops & Sons Piano
Company, Pasadena, Calif., has opened a new branch
store at 16 South Raymond avenue. The new head-
quarters have been remodeled and were open for
business last week. A full line of pianos, including
both players and grands, phonographs, radios and
also small musical instruments, rolls, records, sheet
music and other musical supplies are handled.
The Coops & Sons Piano Company, 1160-90 South
Fair Oaks avenue, is one of Pasadena's most inter-
esting institutions and the oldest, and is still operated
and controlled by the originator and founder. C. W.
Coops, president of the company, states that his one
object in the beginning was "quality" and it has been
his effort to maintain this idea in the many years he
has been in the business.
Mr. Coops moved his business to Pasadena in 1913,
and in 1914 incorporated under the laws of California
for $75,000, taking his two sons, F. W. Coops and
Morton Coops, into the company. The company has
made wonderful strides since coming to Pasadena,
regardless of the war.
NEW ILLINOIS STORE.
Style 32—4 ft. 4 in.
WESER
Pianos and Players
The P>ungalow Music Co. has leased a room in
Taylorville, 111., and has opened a music store, sell-
ing pianos, talking machines, etc. The room has
been fixed up very attractively and the store was
opened for business last week. The owner, Wm.
Fowler, well known there, is a piano man of long
experience and is pricing his merchandise to appeal
to the thrifty customer who appreciates a good in-
strument at a reasonable price. It has been some
time since Taylorville had an exclusive music house,
and the company has been cordially welcomed.
Sell Readily—Stay Sold
OWENSBORO, KY., STORE SOLD.
Send to-day for catalogue, prices and
details of our liberal financing plan
Weser Bros., Inc.
520 to 528 W. 43rd St., New York
Mrs. Charles Irwin, Owensboro, Ky., has sold her
Playmore Music Shop to Mrs. Woodson Binion and
Miss Helen Binion, who took charge last week. They
expect to eventually expand the business. Mrs. Ir-
win will continue her studio at her home, 319 East
Fifth street. She will also continue her orchestra,
the Harmonizers. She has been proprietor of the
Playmore shop for the past three and one-half years.
KURTZMANN
Grands—Players
Manufactured by
C. KURTZMANN & CO.
Factories and General Offices
526-536 Niagara Street
BUFFALO, N. Y.
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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