Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1927 2130

MUSICAL
TIMES
PRESTO
Established
1881
Established
1884
THE AMERICAN MUSIC TRADE WEEKLY
10 Cents a Copy
CHICAGO, SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1927
$2 The Year
PROLOGUE TO A GREAT PERFORMANCE
The Approaching Convention of the Music Industries and Trades as Compared
With Some of the Notable Ones That Have Marked the
Records of the Years Gone By
One week from next Monday morning the
event to which a large proportion of the men
who make musical instruments and the men
who supply the public with musical instru-
ments will make a good start at the new Ste-
vens Hotel, on Michigan avenue, Chicago.
And, while the headquarters of this year's con-
vention takes place in the "largest hotel in the
world" that may not necessarily imply that the
gathering of the men of music will also be the
greatest in the series of similar events which
had their beginning exactly thirty years ago.
But that it will compare, in that respect, with
almost any that have gone before, there can
be little doubt.
And that the convention should be a good
one every condition in the industry and trade
must suggest. It is a time when there is a
larger proportion of pessimists than ever be-
fore. And, in direct contradiction, it is a sea-
son, also, in which there are many, even if a
minority, cf the manufacturers and retailers
who are enthusiastically confident that the
turn in affairs has come and that we are at the
beginning of a new march of prosperity, and
a larger progress. The events of the week's
work will go far to decide as to which of the
two outlooks is correct and, whether the san-
guine class or the depressed, all must hope that
the optimistic viewpoint is the reliable one.
ELABORATE PREPARATIONS.
Arrangements for this year's convention
have been made upon a more elaborate scale
than has been customary. There will be a
better, if not actually a larger, display of fine
pianos, and other instruments. The new hotel
will be transformed into a veritable palace of
wonder for the music loving visitors. And the
exhibit will be the first commercial display to
find shelter in the splendid new hotel. In next
week's Presto-Times there will be a complete
and accurate roster of the exhibitors, with a
guide to the locations of all of them. In fact,
next week's issue of this paper will be devoted
almost wholly to an advance story of the con-
vention as it will unfold to the members of the
music business in all its branches from all over
the country. Presto-Times of that week will
be, as is indeed the present issue, a publication
to be preserved as a memento of an occasion
long to be remembered and often referred to.
The feature of next week's Presto-Times,
which must prove not only interesting, but
useful to dealers and salesmen, in making
sales, will be that of the groups of the Period
models of pianos, which will include many of
the most beautiful cases and decorative effects
that have ever been produced in American
factories.
As the memory of any veteran in the trade
goes back to the beginning of the convention
idea in this line of industry, it is inescapable
that some of the gatherings stand forth with
special distinctness, marked by conditions dif-
fering from all the rest. Probably the first of
the series of conventions which comes to mind
was the first, at Manhattan Beach, in 1897.
Since that time the personnel of the piano in-
dustry has so changed that it is easy for the
veteran to name every man who took part in
the first convention and who still remains in
the ranks. Other conventions that stand forth
because of unusual circumstances, must also
have special interest to the veterans who re-
call them because of some unusual conditions
by which they were surrounded.
EARLIER CONVENTIONS.
If any of the piano men have preserved the
program of the 1918 convention, they will find
interest in its form and the illustrated title
which bore the line, "Music will help win the
war." The convention was called on the
menu, "A War Gathering and Seventeenth
Annual Banquet, at Hotel Biltmore, New
York." This acrostic closed the program:
Our aim is the uplift of the trade
Unity means strength
Realizing this we strive for harmony.
All together is our slogan
In unison let us try to help one another
Many advantages await all who help
to achieve Our Aim.
THE TWELFTH MEETING.
At the time of the twelfth annual convention
the playerpiano was just beginning to stir
deeply the interest of the manufacturers. The
meeting that year took place at the Hotel
Astor, New York, on June 4 to 6. Naturally
the first topic of discussion was: "The player-
piano and what will be its future influence on
the regular piano industry." Note the "regu-
lar industry." That problem has been settled
and the playerpiano has long been almost the
"regular industry" itself. Another topic was:
"Should the actual retail selling price of each
and every piano manufactured by individuals
or firms, who are members of this association,
be cast in plain, conspicuous figures on the
plate?"
While not to exceed three industries ac-
cepted the suggestion, and cast prices in the
plates, it is certain that several others put the
"fixed price" principle into practice and have
succeeded largely by that plan.
In time for the convention of 1911, the Na-
tional Association of Piano Dealers prepared a
quite extensive booklet called "Public Instruc-
tions." In it were discussed many leading
subjects for the retailers. In that publication
was discussed, for the first time in an authori-
tative way, "Pianos in Public Schools."
ENTER, PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
At the convention two weeks hence that
topic will be emphasized almost beyond all
others. It will show the trade changes and
how the piano has become more a matter of
importance in the educational curriculum.
BURNING OLD PIANOS.
Preparatory to the convention of 1912, the
efforts of the promotion committee displayed
unequalled energy. Frequent circulars and
posters filled the trade with short stories de-
signed to arouse and keep alive interest in the
meeting, which was held at Atlantic City.
Perhaps the earlier convention there when the
"burning of the old pianos" took place, helped
to stimulate interest. The last of the circular
letters concluded with the following, printed
on green paper from large type:
"There are 57 or more reasons why you can-
not afford to miss what promises to be the
greatest convention ever held by our Asso-
ciation. Write the Secretary that you will be
on the 'Board Walk' early in the morning of
May 20, 1912. C. R. Putnam, Secretary, N. A.
P. M. of A., 120 Boylston street, Boston, Mas-
sachusetts."
AND TWO WEEKS HENCE.
And many others of the annual conventions
of the men of music were made conspicuous
and successful by reason of promotive efforts
well in advance of the meetings. But this is
not an attempt to write the history of the
music trade conventions. It is merely to recall
some of the prominent features of some of the
meetings, memories of which must still linger
in the minds of those who attended them.
And, in getting ready for this year's events
at the Stevens Hotel, there has also been dis-
played a great deal of ingenuity, persistency
and skill. The columns of Presto-Times have
presented all of the steps along that line. Next
week's issue will continue the story, and to
present every further item of the convention
plans up to the time when the Stevens Hotel
will be thronged with the manufacturers, mer-
chants and others who make up the har-
monious host to which the world owes a large
share of its delight, and no small share of the
refinement and education of the youth which
will constitute the men and women of the fu-
ture.
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-TIMES
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE FOR
CONVENTION OF MUSIC INDUSTRIES
Complete Arrangements for the Events of Week After Next, Beginning
Monday, June 6th, and Closing With Merchants'
Banquet of Thursday
May 28, 1927.
CHICAGO PIANO CLUB
AND THE CONVENTION
Further Particulars of an Important Event,
with Advice to All Who Expect
to Participate.
Roger O'Connor, of Kranich & Bach, treasurer of
the Chicago Piano Club, who presided at the Monday
meeting, this week, in the absence of President
concerning methods of piano instruction adapted to Laughead, outlined the progress of the various com-
Plans are now complete for the 1927 convention of
the music industries, which will be held in the Hotel store purposes, as well as for use in public schools. mittees that are arranging the events sponsored by
The methods to be demonstrated are such as are the club and its Committee of Arrangements for
Stevens the week of June 6, opening with a luncheon
and mass meeting under the auspices of the Chamber available to dealers in every locatity throughout the convention week, June 6-9.
The Monday luncheon at the Stevens is slated to
country.
at noon on Monday, and ending with the usual annual
banquet of the Merchants' Association on Thursday Trade Is Invited to Finals Piano Playing Tournament. be an extraordinary occasion and arrangements for
A thrilling event will take place on Wednesday eve- the great banquet of merchants Thursday night in the
evening.
ning in the Grand Ball Room of the Hotel Stevens, grand ballroom of the hotel now is well along with
Monday morning will be devoted to registration,
validation of railroad tickets and visiting the ex- where 30 of the 15,000 Chicago school children com- toward a thousand reservations booked. The main
peting in the Greater Chicago Piano Playing Tourna- thing in connection with these attractive features
hibits.
which the committees urge is to secure seats without
further delay. Many will have to be seated in the
lobbies and side rooms of the main dining room. To
avoid such location it is urgently advised to secure
reservations early. Carl Sundberg, committeeman on
tickets for the grand finals, Wednesday night, of the
piano playing contest, said that he would supply ad-
missions to any members of the club or members of
the trade who would advise him where to send and
the number required. It was pointed out that holders
of tickets should be in their places by half-past seven
o'clock, otherwise the section reserved for them may
be taken by the crowd of miscellaneous visitors.
The following telegram came to Presto-Times
office on Monday:
"Over six hundred fifty rooms are now definitely
engaged by the trade for the National Music Trades
Convention. Hotel Stevens, Chicago, June 6th-9th.
"Since the grand opening of this hotel, May 18th,
it has been selling out the full room capacity almost
every night.
"Everyone who wishes to attend this convention
should immediately write the Hotel Stevens reserving
their room. Rooms at $3.50, $4.00, $4.50 and $5.00
are selling out quickly.
"Estimating upon previous convention reservations
at this date, it is believed that from three to five thou-
sand people all engaged in the music business will be
in Chicago a part of the week beginning June 6th.
"Music Trade Convention Arrangements
Committee.
"Gordon Laughead, Chairman."
The luncheon announcement, printed in green and
THE HOTEL STEVENS, CHICAGO.
red, which has been mailed to members of the trade,
ment will play in the grand finals for the award of
reads as follows:
Directions for Obtaining Special Railroad Rates.
Special railroad rates of one and one-half fare for piano leadership.
"Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
the round trip can be obtained under the following
"The only Official Luncheon of the Music Indus-
At least 5,000 persons will see this event, and the
conditions:
tries Chamber of Commerce is Monday noon, June
committee has cautioned that no one will be admitted
1. Obtain regular ticket to Chicago, buying same without a ticket. Those interested in attending this 6th, Grand Ball Room, Hotel Stevens.
between June 2 and 8 and requesting a "certificate," function are urged to write immediately to Peter F.
"All seats at Luncheon—Reserved!
not a "receipt."
"Be in on the keynote of the most important con-
Meyer, 20 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, advis-
2. If your home station has no certificates, buy a ing him the number of tickets they can use.
vention in our history.
regular ticket to the nearest station which the agent
"YES! There will be entertainment, Theatrical
Music merchants have displayed considerable in-
informs you has them, and purchase a through ticket
Celebrities, Music.
terest in this feature of the convention, and many are
and obtain a certificate there.
"And a good dinner included—entire cost only
attending with the object of securing ideas which may
3. Upon arrival at the convention, present certifi- be used for promoting similar contests in their own $2.00.
cate at registration headquarters for validation, which
"In order to secure a CHOICE reserved seat, send
territories.
will entitle you to purchase return ticket over same
$2.00 NOW! Tables can be arranged for groups of
Exhibits
Will
Show
Association
Activities.
route at half regular rates, good until June 13, except
eight and ten.
on certain limited trains not honoring reduced fares.
"GURNEY R. BROWNELL, Chairman,
There will be comprehensive exhibits of the prize
"243 South Wabash Avenue,
4. The special rates are contingent upon 250 dele- winning retail advertisements of the year, the work
gates to the convention applying for same.
"Chicago, Illinois."
of the National Bureau for the Advancement of
Music, including particularly school band promotion,
Special Train Provided from East.
A special train will leave New York at 1:00 p. m. advertising and other material of the National Piano
Eastern Standard Time on Saturday, June 4, and Promotion Committee, and publicity of the National
Association of Musical Instrument and Accessories
special cars to be attached to it will leave Boston at
Manufacturers.
10:15 a. m. Eastern Standard Time on Saturday, June
4. For reservations, apply to Albert Behning, 105
Fitzgerald Music Company Last Week Attained to
West 40th street, New York City, or for the Boston
STRAUBE DEALERS' HELPS.
Its Thirty-fifth Year in Business.
cars to William F. Merrill, 258 Boylston street, Bos-
An advertisement featuring the Straube Grand ap-
ton, Mass.
Thirty-five years ago last week, James Taber Fitz-
pears in the June issue of "Good Housekeeping"—on
Business Sessions Will Be Held Mornings and Ex- sale at the news-stands this week. The Straube Piano gerald laid the foundation for the Fitzgerald Music
Company of Los Angeles, Cal., when he opened a
hibits Open Afternoons.
Co., Hammond, Ind., sends enlargements of this ad
small store at North Spring and Franklin streets,
The plan of holding business sessions in the morn- for dealers' windows on request. It will pay Straube then the heart of the business district.
representatives
to
make
good
use
of
them.
The
ing, so successful last year, will be continued. Tues-
Last week the thirty-fifth anniversary of the firm
Straube Piano Co. also supplies copy of tie-up ad for
day, Wednesday and Thursday mornings have been
was
observed in a public reception at the sales head-
set aside for the business sessions of the various as- dealers' use. These tie-up ads are of real value in
quarters of the company. Mr. Fitzgerald's first small
getting
prospects
familiar
with
local
stores,
as
well
sociations, thus leaving afternoons free for exhibits.
as with the Straube products. A request, saying shop was opened April 26, 1892, and one year later
Exhibitors are expected to open exhibits not later
whether
mat or electro is preferred, will immediately removed to larger quarters at 113 South Spring street,
than noon each day.
paying a bonus of $1,250 for a lease. It was the first
About 100 exhibitors have reserved space at the bring these dealers' helps.
bonus of this sort known to have been paid in Los
hotel. Several exhibitors are reported to have very
Angeles, according to Mr. Fitzgerald.
WALTHAM FOR ACCOMPANIMENTS.
interesting new products. A number of manufac-
Here he enlarged his business to include pianos.
turers also plan to have available material showing
In a concert in Tarentum, Pa., recently a Wal- After six years at this location the Fitzgerald Com-
their advertising and sales campaign for discussion tham playerpiano was used to accompany Rego pany moved to 523 South Broadway. At the end of
with dealers.
Casey, concert violinist, and Mrs. R. H. Knowles, seven years it removed again to the present Hill street
Group Methods of Piano Instruction Will Be Dem- soprano. The concert was arranged by the Windsor headquarters.
Music Company of that city, as a demonstrative pres-
onstrated.
entation of the new Waltham piano. This piano was
The Milwaukee Suburban Musical Association in-
Arrangements are being made for a demonstration
among the very first makes handled by this pioneer cludes all the school music organizations of the city
of various methods and systems of group piano in- music house here.
and suburbs.
BIG LOS ANGELES HOUSE
CELEBRATES ITS BIRTHDAY
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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