Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1925 2037

August 8, 1925.
PRESTO
A DELIGHTFUL DINNER
AT DECORAH, IOWA
One of a Series of Events Shared by Friends
of Geo. P. Bent in the Town of
His Birth.
Two of the characteristically enjoyable entertain-
ments for which Geo. P. Bent has become famous
were given last month. They were, in a sense, con-
tinuations of the Drake Hotel banquet given by the
popularly known former piano manufacturer during
the music trade convention on June 13th. The first
page of the menu card of the last of the events at
Decorah, Iowa, read as follows:
"Dinner to old time friends given by Mr. and Mrs.
George Payne Bent (Gee. Pee. Bee. and Clara Ames
Wingate Bent), June 16, 1854-Tuly 24, 1857; wedded
April 26, 1876."
The list of speakers for the occasion was unusually
large and a number responded with happy remarks.
The list included the following:
Miss Albertine Appy, Mr. E. C. Bailey, Mr. Fred
Biermann, Mr. Robert Bergeson, Col. Chr. Brandt,
Mr. Robert O. Foster, Dr. F. W. Conover, Mr. M. T.
Grattan, Judge Chas. N. Houck, Mrs. Albert Lin-
coln, Mr. R. F. B. Portman, Mr. Geo. H. Payne,
Rev. Chas. A. Payne, D. D., Rev. Irving E. Putnam,
Mr. W. H. Reed, Miss Clara Rollins, Mr. Lew B.
Whitney, Mr. Norman Willett, Mr. A. J. C. Win-
gate. Orchestra conductor, Mr. B. O. Marsh; song
leader, Mr. B. O. Thorsen.
Reference is made to this event in Decorah, in one
of Mr. Bent's letters to the Rev. Irving E. Putnam,
which appears on another page this week.
and there are nearly thirty used pianos stored there
at the present time.
A fine line of grand pianos, playerpianos, reproduc-
ing and straight pianos is now shown on the second
and third floors of the building. The first floor is
used for the display of band and string instruments,
phonographs, music books and sheet music, and sup-
plies of all kinds. Several spacious booths for dem-
onstrating phonograph records are also located on the
first floor. An extensive supply of phonographs and
playerpiano rolls and accessories are kept there.
The basement is used as a stock room for all sorts
of musical merchandise, sheet music, piano benches
and phonographs.
Mr. Benedict, although seventy-eight years of age,
is at his desk in his establishment from eight o'clock
every morning until closing time and is justly proud
of the large and successful concern he has developed
in Galesburg.
NEWS NOTES FROM
PORTLAND, ORE., FIELD
Steinway Concert Grand Provides Accompani-
ment for Schumann-Heink at Two Con-
certs of Saengerfest, in Portland, Ore.
The North Pacific Singing Union, comprising sev-
enteen singing societies of Oregon, Washington and
Idaho consisting of male and mixed voices held their
eighth saengerfest in Portland, Ore., July 24, 25 and
26. Over 300 singers participated in two concerts
given in the municipal auditorium, Madame Schu-
mann-Heink being the soloist at both concerts. A
Steinway concert grand piano was furnished for the
concerts, and another Steinway was sent to the pri-
vate suite of Madame Schumann-Heink, through the
courtesy of Sherman, Clay & Co.
Two more suits were filed in the federal court at
Portland, Ore., by eastern publishers against the
United Amusement Co., of the Oaks Amusement
Park of Portland, the city's "Coney Island." One
suit was brought by Clark & Leslie, Inc., of New
Joseph Benedict, Galesburg, 111., Music Dealer, York, alleging that the copyrighted musical composi-
Proud of the Healthy Business He
tion, "Maggie Come Right Upstairs," was sung at
the Oaks without authority, and the second suit was
Has Built Up.
filed by.Ager, Yellon & Bornstein, of New York, for
Work of redecorating the entire interior of the the unauthorized using of "I Wonder What's Be-
Benedict Music Company store, at 64 South Cherry come of Sally." Damages in both cases are asked of
street, Galesburg, 111., is in progress in preparation not less than $250.00, nor more than $5,000.00.
fdr the fall trade, and Joseph Benedict, proprietor of
G. F. Johnson of the G. F. Johnson Piano Co. of
the business which he founded in that city thirty- Portland, Ore., and president of the Oregon Music
three years ago, states that his expectations for big Trades association, was the principal speaker at a
sales are brighter than ever before.
luncheon given in that city by the Fine Arts Club
Mr. Benedict went to Galesburg in 1892 and opened July 27. Mr. Johnson took "Music" as his subject
a small music store in a site in the Commercial block and spoke of the elevating influence of music in the
on South Cherry street. His stock consisted of a few home, school and church, and spoke of the impor-
pianos and a small rack of sheet music.
tance of music being given a larger place in our pub-
Later he moved into the McKenzie building, where lic schools, and urged every music teacher, music
he remained for a year and then moved into the club and musical organization of the city doing
Thompson building. At the end of fifteen years the everything possible to promote interest in music in
late Judge Thompson agreed to put up the building the schools.
for the store in which the Benedict Music Company
M. A. Roach, proprietor of the Eugene Music Shop
is now located.
of Eugene, Ore., has added a piano department to his
At first Mr. Benedict's establishment occupied only store, according to announcement of Harry Melvin,
the first floor but the business expanded so rapidly traveling representative of the Portland, Ore , branch
that now the concern occupies the entire building, of the Wiley B. Allen Co.
practically three floors, and the entire side of the
adjoining building to the north on the third floor.
Mrs. W. P. Wheeler, of Oshkosh, Wis., has been
One part of this third floor addition is used exclu- appointed principal of the Miessner "Melody Way"
sively as a repair shop. What is termed an "over- method of piano instruction for that city and adjoin-
flow" room is also located in this third floor addition ing territory.
SEVENTY=EIGHT BUT
STEADILY ON THE JOB
STIL HARCOURT SHOWS
TUNERS REPRO-PHRASO
Popular Piano Man Meets Friends Among
Craft and Explains Action of This Player
at Detroit Meeting.
j
Stil Harcourt of the Story & Clark Piano Co., 173
North Michigan avenue, Chicago, who has the dis-
tinction of being the creator of the sensational Repro- i
Phraso instrument, was a conspicuous figure at the !
tuner's conclave at Hotel Statler, Detroit, this week. !
Mr. Harcourt by his genial ways and knowledge j
of all things pertaining to the piano, has a wide j
acquaintance in the piano trade and particularly with
the piano technicians. Being closely connected with \
the tuners, in the fact that he is a piano technician i
himself, and aware of the struggles of the service'
men in gaining recognition in the trade, Mr. Harcourt \
is heart and soul for the organization and its ad-
vancement in the music industry.
As at previous conventions of the tuners, the Story
& Clark exhibit was an interesting feature for the]
three days beginning Monday of this week. Several'
pianos and skeletons were shown and men schooled j
in the art of tuning all classes of instruments, and]
from all parts of the country were attentive to the!
talk of Mr. Harcourt.
]
PIANO CLUB OF CHICAGO
IN PROMOTION OF MUSIC
Special Opera Performances for School Children One!
of the Achievements to Its Credit.
The Piano Club of Chicago justifies its existence!
by the promotion of music and the friendliness of the!
membership. The governors have learned that it is!
not always necessary to spend money to promote:
music. This year the board of governors suggested
to the Chicago Civic Opera Company that perform-
ances especially for school children would help toi
lay the foundation of musical appreciation. The sug-<
gestion was adopted and thousands of high school
students attended the opera. Beginning with the pur
chase of symphony tickets by Matt. J. Kennedy sev-j
eral years ago this club has always been alert to help
"Make America Musical."
The meeting this week was on Monday at the Illi-i
nois Athletic Club. This summer the meetings have ;
been short and snappy. Adjournment is before 1:30J
and the entertainment committee invariably has some!
good entertainment for the luncheoners. Regular!
monthly meeting of the board of governors followed-
the luncheon.
!
A meeting of the executive committee also was!
held following board of governors meeting.
j
MUSICIAN IS GOOD SALESMAN.
A wide acquaintance among musical people!
and activity in local musical events makes Bert Mar-j
guart a valuable acquisition to the piano sales force
of Kohler & Chase, San Jose, Calif. Mr. Marguart
is leader of Marguart's Dance Orchestra, a popular
musical organization of that city. In addition to his
musical talents he has proved his ability to discover
piano prospects and quickly close the sales on a
profitable basis.
SUMMER and AUTUMN
offer opportunities for the live piano salesman unequalled by any other season. With the Bowen Loader it is easy to get out into the
country, taking the piano along. Sales are sure, and with the Ford runabout and one-man Carrier you can demonstrate and do busi-
ness anywhere. Our latest fool-proof, indestructible Loader for only $95 affords an unusual opportunity. Satisfaction guaranteed.
BOWEN PIANO LOADER CO.,
Winston-Salem, N. C.
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/
August 8, 1925.
PRESTO
CHRISTMAN
The First Touch Tells"
Put New Life Into Your Trade
By Selling the Famous
Studio Grand
(only 5 ft. long)
It will Fascinate any Discriminat-
ing Customer and Insure the Sale.
Have You Tried The
CHRISTMAN
Reproducing Grand
Equipped with
TMI
MASTER'S
FINGERS
ON
YOUR
riANO
A marvel of tone and expressive
interpretation of all classes of com-
position, reproducing perfectly the
performances of the world's great-
est pianists.
"The First Touch Tells t 9
i. U. 8. Pat Off
Christman Piano Co.
597 East 137th St.
New York
last a real appreciation of the vital issue of having the
piano in tune in the American home.
Tuning a Necessity.
There is no stringed instrument made that does
not need tuning. Piano dealers often mislead their
customers in this respect when it would be simple to
Tuneless Pianos Everywhere, a Natural Re- tell them the facts. Dealers have given customers
the impression that the piano or roll operated piano
sult of Owners' Indifference, Are Seri-
does not need tuning, and by so doing in time have
made dissatisfied customers, besides reacting against
ously Affecting the Musical Ear of the
the dealers' best business interests. If the dealers
Younger Generation in America.
would educate their customers to the fact that the
piano or the roll operated piano must be kept in tune
and sell them the tuning service it would create busi-
ness, put the dealers in touch with their customers,
Condition Can Be Improved by the Successful Carry- satisfy them and keep the customers sold. Then
there would not be so many silent pianos in the
ing Out of Well-Planned Schemes of
homes.
Ambitious National Organization.
The piano tuner has now been recognized as a
member of a profession and has been justly awarded
By HARRY EDWARD FREUND,
his legitimate status in the industry. The standard
In Address at Annual Convention of National Asso- has been raised and is being maintained, so that the
industry at large feels impelled to co-operate in sup-
ciation of Piano Tuners, Hotel Statler,
port of this national movement. It has been an
Detroit, Mich., August 4.
extraordinary situation that both manufacturers and
dealers have concentrated their entire efforts in pro-
Ninety per cent
duction and sales, and that limited interest was shown
of the pianos in the
by either body to see that after the instrument was
American homes are
sold and placed in the home the customer was im-
out of tune. The de-
pressed with having the instrument kept in tune.
plorable result of
What has been the inevitable result? The family
this condition is seri-
in many cases has become dissatisfied with the piano
ously affecting the
or the roll operated piano; the children have been
American
musical
seriously handicapped in their musical studies with
ear, especially in re-
the pianos in their homes out of tune, and the friends
gard to the younger
who called felt that when the musical part of the eve-
generation. For the
ning's entertainment was over the full appreciation
children accustomed
of the real beauties of music had been lost.
to hear the pianos
Make America musical. The piano or roll oper-
out of tune will be
ated piano is essentially the instrument of the home,
brought up with a
and the piano is recognized as the greatest instru-
faulty musical ear,
ment of all time. How can a nation become musical
and it will seriously
with ninety per cent of the painos in the American
affect their musical
homes habitually out of tune? Either playing on or
knowledge,
educa-
listening to such instruments will compel a decad-
tion and appreciation HARRY EDWARD FREUND.
ence of music in general.
in after life.
Culpable People.
It is an astounding fact, but nevertheless true, that
The out-of-tune piano situation is not confined to
the American piano manufacturers and dealers have
permitted this situation to continue for an unlimited the American home. It is also to be found in instru-
period. The only interest shown until recent years ments in public places of entertainment, and even in
has been in having the concert grand piano used on the schoolroom. In your program for the future the
the tours of eminent artists kept in tune. This was co-operation of the music teachers should be sought,
principally done to satisfy the artist and the considera- so that the teachers in some measure will be able to
tion of the public's musical ear was only secondary.
ascertain if the piano in the pupil's home on which
The National Association of Piano Tuners in the the pupil is practicing is in tune.
last three years has accomplished a Herculean task
There is always the risk, with the out-of-tune
in organizing the piano tuners of the United States, piano, of having the pupil become tone deaf. That is,
in carrying out a well-planned system of examination all sense and proportion of tone value and apprecia-
in issuing certificates to the tuners and in bringing tion will be destroyed.
home to manufacturers and dealers in the industry
Musical ear training, under the present situation
the vital importance to their own business interests with ninety per cent of the pianos in the American
and their duty to the public in lending their financial homes out of tune, is an impossibility. With the
and moral support to this great educational move- millions of dollars that are being spent annually in
ment.
the various forms of musical entertainment and edu-
The Tuner's Position.
cation, the real benefit of such musical inspiration
Your president, Charles A. Deutschmann, your and uplift is being lost to a large extent.
Tuners' Message to People.
secretary, W. F. McClellan, and their associates,
have been unselfish and indefatigable in the incep-
The National Association of Piano Tuners is bring-
tion and successful carrying out of the work which ing a most valued message to the American people
has resulted in the real progress -of the National in having it realized that a real issue is at stake,
Association of Piano Tuners. Your officers have had in that we will have a nation barred from the won-
to overcome and break down the indifference to a derful possibilities of music in their lives, in the not
large extent, of the manufacturers of pianos and roll far distant future, as a result of the piano in the home
operated pianos and also that of the dealers. It has being out of tune.
only been because they were inspired with the spirit
This convention marks a distinct step forward in
to carry on that they have eventually accomplished the history of the industry. The exhibits of the man-
the purpose they set out to fulfill.
ufacturers prove that at last they are appreciating
In the past, the tuner was not recognized as part their obligation to the purchasers of their pianos.
of the industry. Little was done to place tuning on The awakening interest of the dealers shows that
its proper plane, and the absolute necessity of hav-, they feel it incumbent upon themselves to do their
ing the piano or the roll operated piano in tune in the share, and the press publicity given to your conven-
American home was disregarded and neglected to the tion is evidence that the American people regard the
detriment of the industry as a whole and as a bar issue as vital with its influence and proper direction
against the musical development of the nation.
in creating and building up a musical nation.
I have known of Mr. Deutschmann's and Mr.
The members of the National Association of Piano
McClellan's and their associates' labors for many Tuners have started a really constructive work which
years and have felt that at times they were battling means a new life and greater expansion for the indus-
against big odds. However, as an example of the try. You are to be heartily congratulated upon your
fact that the value of the piano tuner was being remarkable advance in having piano tunership recog-
recognized, as well as the importance the piano in- nized as a profession and made attractive and invit-
dustry is now attaching to the piano tuner's profes- ing for addition to its ranks, in bringing the industry
sion, we need only look back about three years ago to its duty and the American people to a fuller real-
when, Mr. Deutschmann tells me, a leading manu- ization of the happiness, joy and pleasure of music
facturer, A. G. Gulbransen, president of the Gul- with the piano in tune in the American home.
bransen Company, gave Mr. Deutschmann for your
association the financial and moral support of his
PLANS FALL DRIVE.
company.
This splendid co-operation afforded a big impetus
Considerable additions to its floor space have been
to your association. I understand Mr. Gulbransen, secured by the Landon-Sleckner Music Co., Williams-
with his characteristic vision and broad purpose, en- port, Pa., and the company is enlarging the piano and
tered wholeheartedly into the plan of your association, musical merchandise departments at 427 Market
enabling the organization to largely extend its field street. Practical means to stimulate sales will be de-
of operations and to nationalize the movement. vised for the spirited drive for business planned for
Other manufacturers followed and today there is at fall.
TUNE UP AND MAKE
AMERICA MUSICAL
HOPE IN TUNERS' ASSOCIATION
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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