October 17, 1925-
P R ESTO
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE
HOUSE THAT HOUCK BUILT
Nashville Newspaper Recently Contained a
Fine Display in Which Interesting Facts
Were Worked Into an Advertisement.
The Nashville, Tenn., Banner, of Oct. 4, contained
a well-displayed advertisement of the O. K. Houck
Piano Co., of that city, in which there was much of
general trade interest. The sketch gave a brief
review of the development of an institution the
founder of which was one of the most popular and
respected members of the piano business, whose
memory is still an inspiration to younger members of
the trade. Following is a part of the Banner article:
The late O. K. Houck, founder of the O. K.
Houck Piano Co., was regarded as one of the most
capable merchants in the music trade. His keen
insight and knowledge of the business prompted him
during the early years to seek the privilege of dis-
tributing only the very best instruments obtainable
in the respective lines. For instance, for more than
thirty years the O. K. Houck Piano Co. has been
exclusive representative in its respective territories
for the Steinway piano.
It has always been the teaching and the inspira-
tion in the Houck stores, where service is rendered
by a sales person or service man, that the result
be more than a commercial transaction and that hap-
piness, culture and education be the results to each
friend or patron. Therefore, his one continuous
effort and "smiling through" disposition was based
not only on success commercially but in ably serv-
ing his fellowman.
The Houck stores are thoroughly departmentized,
and there are always capable department heads and
assistants in each department.
Following the death of O. K. Houck, his brother,
Jesse F. Houck, succeeded to the presidency of the
company. It was his firm determination to carry
out the policies of his brother, the founder of the
company, and to at all times make such improve-
ments and strengthen the organization so that it
would better serve the music public.
In selecting A. L. Garthwaite as manager of the
Nashville store, Mr. Houck was certain that the
friends and patrons of that establishment would be
most ably served, as '"Smiling Al" certainly has a
most thorough knowledge of the music industry in
general and the line of merchandise carried in the
Nashville store in particular.
Here is the executive personnel of the company
as it stands today: J. F. Houck, president; W. T.
Sutherland, vice-president; Jesse F. Houck, Jr., sec-
retary; J. G. McConnell, treasurer.
PLANNING FOR THE
INDIANA ASSOCIATION
COLLEGE BUYS OUTFIT
OF CABLE=MADE PIANOS
First Gathering of Music Dealers of Hoosier
State to Take Place at Indianapolis
October 28-29.
By EARL BULLOCK.
Four Mason & Hamlin Instruments Included
in Sale to Illinois Wesleyan College at
Bloomington by Local Branch.
Illinois Wesleyan, one of the most influential and
rapidly growing colleges in Illinois, has just pur-
chased twenty-eight pianos from the Cable Piano Co.
of Bloomington, 111. The officers of this progressive
institution decided that new equipment throughout
would greatly facilitate the work of its well-known
music school. The new pianos were all purchased of
L. W. True, manager of the Cable Piano Co 's store
at Bloomington.
The pianos selected included eighteen of the fa-
mous Cable-made Kingsbury pianos, three of which
were the new model Kingsbury grands. Three Con-
over grands, two Cable Midget uprights and a Cable
upright, Style "C," made up the total of Cable-made
pianos. Four Mason & Hamlin pianos raised the
total number to twenty-eight pianos purchased at
one time from the local branch of the Cable Piano Co.
GROWS IN NIAGARA FALLS.
"Everything for the Musician" is the slogan used
in its advertising by the Music Shop, 203 Fall street,
Niagara Falls, N. Y., of which Joseph A. Goldstein
is proprietor. The store makes good on the claim
by presenting a comprehensive stock of pianos, talk-
ing machines, mus'cal merchandise, music rolls, rec-
ords and sheet music. The business has steadily in-
creased every year since it was established six years
ago.
Hicks Music House, Beaver Falls, Pa., was slightly
damaged in a fire which broke out in the Ballard
Building last week.
Announcement was made yesterday that an organi-
zation meeting of the Indiana State Music Merchants'
Association will be held at Indianapolis, Oct. 28 and
29, in the Hotel Lincoln. The meeting was post-
poned from Oct. 7 and 8.
Speakers will include E. R. Jacobson of Hammond,
president of the Music Industries Chamber of Com-
merce; Henry E. Weisert of Chicago, president of
the National Association of Music Merchants; and
F. B. T. Hollenberg, known as the father of the
national association. All music dealers in Indiana,
including piano, band, talking machine and small mer-
chandise dealers, have been invited to the meeting.
The proposed organization is sponsored by the Ft.
Wayne Music Merchants' Association, the National
Association of Music Merchants and the Indianapolis
Music Dealers' Association. From all indications the
convention will have a large attendance. Reserva-
tions already are being received and Indianapolis
sponsors of the association are busy getting out lit-
erature. Music dealers in the Indiana capital say that
a state organization has been needed for years, and
this represents the first actual step toward perfecting
one.
* * *
One of the Indianapolis newspapers is sponsoring
the construction of six ideal residences. The Pear-
son Piano Company of this city has just announced
that it has closed a contract to equip at least three
of these model homes with Duo-Art reproducing
pianos. The homes will be equipped with every mod-
ern device calculated to make them as complete in the
way of culture and conveniences as can be made.
The Stahlschmidt Piano Co., 618 Main street, Evans-
ville, Ind., announces this week in the newspapers
the receipt of a carload shipment of Gulbransen Reg-
istering pianos.
SHERATON
SCHILLER
PIANOS
That are making GRAND PIANO HISTORY
Excellent Workmanship
Wonderful Tone Quality
SCHILLER PIANO COMPANY
Factory and Main Office
Oregon, 111.
Astounding Values
Chicago Office
932 Republic Bldg.
Chicago, 111.
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