P R E S T O
LYON & HEALY HISTORY IN PICTURE
June 21, 1924.
APPRECIATES HONOR
TO E. R. JACOBSON
Hammond Newspaper in Warm Eulogy of
President of Straube Piano Company in
Indiana City.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF LYON & HEALY, 1904.
Left to right: Robert B. Gregory. James F. Bowers, P. J. Healy, John P. Byrne, Chas. F. Post.
On Monday of this week, in answer to a corre-
spondent, the editor of the "Investor's Guide" col-
umns of the Chicago Trihune published the follow-
ing:
"Lyon & Healy, Inc., reported net p.ofits of $502,-
901 for 1923, compared with $377,434 for the previous
year. The preferred dividends were earned over 3.18
times in 1923. After payment of these dividends
there was a surplus for the year of $345,101. I his
preferred stock is high grade."
That highly satisfactory statement seems particu-
larly gratifying at a time when business generally is
supposed to be somewhat in the dumps. It shows
that, with good management and the spirit of enter-
prise that belongs to American enterprise, there can
be no slacking up. Hanging in one of Presto's edi-
torial offices, is a framed group portrait which sug-
gests the inevitable mutations of life and seems to
prove that a great business house, once well started
and firmly established, will move forward with ever
increasing momentum, under right conditions.
The picture is here reproduced in miniature. It
presents the best portraits ever taken of the leaders
of the house of Lyon & Healy in the early years of
this decade. And very significant of the changes
which must come is the fact that, of the five promi-
nent men of the music trade who less than a quarter
century ago were directing the house of Lyon &
Healy, only one remains.
Mr. Bowers is the only one still living. The stal-
wart forms of Robert Gregory, J. P. Byrne and Chas.
F. Post, as they were when the picture was taken in
1904, seem to promise long years of activity. But it
is five years ago that the last of them—Mr. Post,
passed away, and Mr. Byrne has been gone for ten
years. Mr. Healy passed away in 1905—just a year
after the picture was taken. But the great house
of their making moves forward steadily and strongly,
gathering momentum as time passes.'
copy. Your exhibit was most excellent and the en-
tire trade admires it. You are the best musical mer-
chandising advertiser in the United States."
The unusual tribute to this firm's advertising
methods comes almost simultaneously with the an-
nouncement that Sherman, Clay & Co. last year en-
Vice-President of Sherman, Clay & Co. Proud joyed the largest year in volume of business in its
history.
of Able Publicity Work of Neill
It is significant, it was pointed out, that advertis-
C. Wilson.
ing conspicuous for its quiet temper and absolute
A special telegram from Fred Sherman, who was adherence to the most modern ideals of business
attending the convention of the National Association should assist in creating such huge sales.
"We are earnest sponsors of the better business
of Music Merchants in New York, apprised Neill C.
Wilson, advertising man for Sherman, Clay & Co., bureau and every ideal of the San Francisco Adver-
San Francisco, of the winning of the first award in tising Clubs. This means that we disbelieve in super-
Class B of the advertising contest by the big Pacific lative statements, not only because they are apt to
Coast concern. In competition with more than 100 be untruthful, but because they are sure to be poor
leading music houses of America, first prize was business getters," Wilson commented. "We try to
awarded to Sherman, Clay & Co. for sales appeal, be sincere and as artistic as possible in our adver-
prestige value, attractiveness, truthfulness and in- tisements."
dividuality of its advertising.
The competition was held in connection with the
ADDS JESSE FRENCH & SONS.
National Association of Music Merchants and the
The Ralph B. Waite Piano Co., fourth floor of the
United States Music Industries Chamber of Com- McClurg building, 218 South Wabash avenue, Chi-
merce, thirteen advertising experts and music mer- cago, has just put in stock a line of the Jesse French
chants serving as a jury on awards. The achieve- & Sons small grand pianos, both the 5 ft. and the 5 ft.
ment was all the more significant inasmuch as last 9 in. models. Mr. Waite is highly pleased with this
year Sherman, Clay & Co. scored only one point new addition to his line of high-grade pianos and be-
below the Cable Piano Co., Chicago, winner of the lieves they will be good sellers.
competition.
Fred R. Sherman, vice-president of Sherman, Clay
OPENS IN MORGANSTOWN.
& Co., arrived in San Francisco last week from New
The Baldwin Music Store recently held its formal
York, bearing the large silver cup, which comes to
the Pacific Coast for the first time—the recognition opening in the Delardes Building, at 432 Spruce
of one of the country's greatest industries that adher- street, Morgantown, W. Va. This concern handles
ence to the principles of truth and attractiveness in the Baldwin piano line exclusively. Clarence A.
advertising has been most conclusively demonstrated Gilbert and Arthur A. Prettyman, who were both
formerly connected with the W. F. Frederick Piano
by a western firm.
Neill C. Wilson, advertising manager for Sherman, Co., comprise the firm.
Clay & Co. and the man actively engaged in produc-
NEW IOWA BRANCH.
ing this advertising, received the following wire from
The Nelson Music House, Fort Dodge, opened a
Fred Sherijian:
"Accept my most hearty congratulations on the branch music store in Algona, la., June 1. This
fact that today our house won first prize in the adver- store handles pianos, stringed instruments and radio
tising contest, the entire credit due to your wonderful outfits.
FRED SHERMAN WIRES
HIS CONGRATULATIONS
"Signal Honor for Hammond Manufacturer" was
the heading of a front page article in the Hammond,
Ind., Press last week, which proudly related the
story of the election as president of the National
Piano Manufacturers' Association of E. R. Jacob-
son, president of the Straube Piano Co.
"As spokesman for piano manufacturers throughout
the nation, Mr. Jacobson will be vitally concerned
with the advancement of music. The association
not only concerns itself with securing better co-oper-
ation throughout the industry, but, in conjunction
with allied musical associations, strives continually
to further the cause of good music.
"As a result of the activities to date, the music in-
dustry has been completely revolutionized within
the last quarter century; and it will be Mr. Jacob-
son's office to carry on the work outlined for the
manufacturers.
''Friends of Mr. Jacobson who have been appraised
of the signal honor done him by his fellow manu-
facturers are recalling his rise to a position of prom-
inence. As a very young man, Mr. Jacobson joined
the Straube Company as a salesman. He exhibited
such marked ability that he was soon given an oppor-
tunity to acquire an interest in the business. Within
a few years the management of the company was
changed and Mr. Jacobson acquired complete con-
trol, being elected president.
"He continues as the active head of the local con-
cern, and is said to have more friends in the industry
than almost any other man. His elevation to the
presidency of the Manufacturers' Association is
being commented on very favorably by the press of
the music industry."
DANCE MARKS OPENING.
Young and old were made welcome at the celebra-
tion recently of formal opening of the new Jefferson
City, Mo., home of the Martin Bros. Piano Co.,
Springfield, Mo. Ashby L. Payne, manager of the
branch store, is well aware of the value of the good-
will of the youthful dancing folk. Every caller at the
store on opening day was presented with a rose, of a
particular variety. This later on gained admission to
the dance given by the company at the State Park,
music for which was furnished by the Ekin Haigh
Orchestra.
The Best Yet
Graceful lines, rugged construc-
tion, moderately priced. It's the
very best commercial piano from
every standpoint.
Style 32-^ ft. 4 in.
WESER
Pianos and Players
Sell Readily—Stay 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
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/