14
December 6, 1924.
PRESTO
PERPETUATING THE
OLD PIANO STYLES
Certain Designs in Furniture Reproduced in
Pianos, Will Continue in Use Because of
Their Merit, Says Designer.
Accepted period styles in furniture have influenced
piano case styles in providing forms for piano indus-
try designers to follow. One prominent piano fac-
tory superintendent once expressed the view that the
furniture styles which appeal from the extent of their
usage, have prohibited piano case designers from
giving play to their originality.
"Veneration for what is antique has prejudiced the
piano buyers from considering really good new forms
for pianos," he said. He not only severely criticized
what he called "slavish" acceptance of forms in-
appropriate to the upright and grand pianos, but
also caused to be produced a few cases of original
design which, however, were never included in the
style numbers of the house.
The old and medieval styles in furniture continue
to be followed although the furniture men and piano
men too, have taken justifiable liberties with them
in carrying out their own designs. The art schools,
technical schools and prominent designers favor the
perpetuation of the accepted historic styles, which it
is claimed appeal to successive generations on the
basis of artistic and practical merit.
There seems justification for the continuance of the
old styles in the cabinets used in radio sets and in the
artistic console phonographs. They have the refine-
ment in detail and gracefulness of outline that dis-
tinguish the admired old forms. But unfortun-
ately the piano either in its upright or grand form
lent itself to a plausible copying of furniture models.
DECKER
mJ
EST. 1856
5L SON
Grand, Upright
and
Welte-Mignon
(Licensee)
Reproducing
(Efecfric)
Pianos and Players
of Recognized
Artistic Character
Made by a Decker Since 1856
699-703 East 135th Street
New York
For a
Bigger and Better
Business
There is nothing to compare
with the complete line of
M. SCHULZ CO.
The Players are RIGHT in
everything t h a t means
money to the dealers and
satisfaction to the public
You will never do anything better
than when you get in touch with
M. SCHULZ CO.
711 Milwaukee Avenue
CHICAGO
OUTHRRN BRANCH: 730 Gandler Bid*., ATLANTA, GA
Hut the old styles are here to stay and they will con-
tinue to influence the designers.
"Future generations will know us—our customs,
habits of thought and characteristics—from our fur-
niture," H. P. Hall, designer and decorator, said
this week in discussing the lecture on "The Romance
of Furniture," which he gave before students and
faculty of the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts.
"The austere elegance of the chairs, tables and beds
of the Italian renaissance reflect the splendor and
magnificence of that time," Mr. Hall explained.
"Why, one need only examine a piece of that furni-
ture to conjure visions of great ladies in rich bro-
cades, dashing courtiers with sword and dagger, clan-
destine trysts and desperate duels at dawn.
"So with the furniture of the French renaissance.
The frivolity of the days preceding the revolution
can be read in the intricate rococo carvings of the
time of Marie Antoinette.
"Cromwell, with his stern Puritan followers, in-
troduced a simplicity of style which is reflected in
our early colonial furniture. But there was beauty,
too—the influence of our friendship with France.
"Then followed the mid-Victorian times, when
every one was his own decorator, and weird and
unusual were the results.
"Today we find the trend toward home beautifica-
tion independent of past thought.
"The early period furniture is being placed in
museums, where it belongs.
"We are trying to choose the beauty that is in
thought rather than beauty in lines. We seek the
beauty that best fits our daily life, and which will
set a standard for our children to follow."
^^8
\7Ke,
ARTISTIC
PIANO
IN EVERT
DETAIL
HADDORPF PJANO CO.
P,OCKFORD,ILL.
Wholemale Office*:
N.w Tort Cil
130 W. *2nd S'
CWf*o
M0 S. Mfctfkao A*..
SMI Pmnciac^
PERSONAL ACTIVITIES OF
CONTINENTAL PIANO CO. FORCE
Representatives of the Henry F. Miller Stores Co., of
Boston, Keep Moving in Industry's Interests.
George H. Hili, production manager of the Con-
tinental Piano Company, spent the week-end at the
Boston offices.
A. C. Clausen, salt^s promotion manager of the
Henry F. Miller Stores Company, left last Saturday
to visit the western stores and factories.
John E. Carter, manager of the Boston store of the
Henry F. Miller Stores Company, reports the big-
gest fall business in the history of the store. The
Christmas demand is especially heavy on Henry F.
Miller Baby Grands and Smith & Barnes players.
Stanwood Miller, vice-president of the Continental
Piano Company, is in Maine in the interest of the
wholesale department.
C. D. Martin, of Rochester, N. Y., salesman for the
Continental Piano Company, was at the Boston offices
Monday morning. He leaves this afternoon to re-
sume his work in the Pennsylvania district.
SAVING HER REPUTATION.
A Buffalo man who finds much amusement in play-
ing ragtime melodies on the piano received a rude
shock at the hands of his little daughter, a miss of 14
years, says the Buffalo Commercial. While he was
playing one day, his. daughter came into the room.
"Daddy, stop playing," she said. Somewhat surprised,
the father wanted to know why he should cease en-
tertaining himself. "Why, the neighbors have a lot
of company." "Is that all?" commented daddy, with
fine scorn. "Well, if they don't like my playing they
can close their windows," and he attacked the piano
with renewed vigor.
"Yes, but, daddy," pleaded the daughter, as she
glided over to her parent and put her arms around
his neck, "they'll think it was I playing." That set-
tled it. He stopped.
Schaff Bros.
Players * nd Pianos have won their stand-
ing with trade and public by 54 years of
steadfast striving to excel. They repre-
sent the
LARGEST COMPETITIVE VALUE
because uf their beauty, reliability, tone
and moderate price. They are profitable
to sell and satisfactory when sold.
Brighten Your Line with the
SCHAFF BROS.
The Schaff Bros. Co.
Established 1868
Huntington, Ind.
GRAND PIANOS
EXCLUSIVELY
One Style—One Quality
SOLD FOR TAXES.
The city of Ottawa, 111., will take over the old
organ factory in that city which was sued by the
Hiawatha Pianophone company, owners of the prop-
erty. Back taxes arc due and have remained unpaid
for years. All tax notices sent out in recent years
have been ignored, and the company has failed to
comply with demands to clear up the ruins of its fac-
tory, which was destroyed by fire. The city puts a
valuation of $100 upon the property.
DEATH OF FRED STINSON.
The death of Fred Stinson, well known by reason
of his connection with the Wernes Piano Co , of Chi-
cago, was greatly regretted by countless friends in
the trade. The funeral took place on Tuesday morn-
ing when the Chicago Piano Club was represented,
and flowers were sent to the residence on Spaulding
avenue. Mr. Stinson was a good salesman whose
friends throughout the country learned of his passing
with sorrow.
giving you the
Unequaled Grand
at
Unequaled Price
Already being sold by leading dealer*
throughout the country
Write today—tell us your next year's re-
quirements and we will meet your demands
with prompt and efficient service.
Columbian Grand Piano Mfg. Co.
400 W. Erie S t
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