Classic Mode

Presto

Issue: 1928 2176

April 14, 1928
PRESTO-TIMES
vice-president and manager of the piano department
Fitzgerald Music Co.
Motion Pictures—Win. H. Richardson, president
Richardson's, Inc.
Nation Days—Geo. B. Epstein, vice-president Platt
Music Co.
Number of Entrants in the Event This Year
Bands and Orchestras—W. Scott Williamson, Jr.,
secretary and manager band and orchestra instru-
Considerably Greater Than That of 1927
ments Southern California Music Co.
and Enthusiasm Grows.
Preview and Convention—H. L. Nolder, secretary
Several things point to the success of Chicago's and treasurer The Starr Piano Co.
Hotel Reservations—K. W. Curtis.
Second Annual Children's Piano Playing Tourna-
Program Arrangements—Charleston Dow, general
ment this year. The number of entrants is consider-
ably beyond the expectations of even the committee manager Fitzgerald Music Co.
Decorations—Don C. Preston, president Don C
in charge and in view of the lesser number of chil-
dren registered for piano instruction in the schools Preston, Inc.
Floor—G. II. Barnes, president Barnes Music Co.
and conservatories this year it is all the more re-
Reception—E. Palmer Tucker, vice-president Wiley
markable.
To give an idea of the wide interest being shown B. Allen Co.
Finance—I.. E. Fontron, secretary-treasurer Martin
it was stated recently that the youngest child to
enter this year's contest was a little girl about three Music Co.
Ticket Sales—F. L. Grannis, vice-president Southern
and one-half years of age, a student of the Curtis
California Music Co.
System of group instruction.
Piano Playing Contests—E. H. Uhl, president
The Chicago Herald and Examiner, which is spon-
soring the tournament, is using display advertise- Southern California Music Co.
Official Program—Wallace M. Byam, editor West-
ments ranging from small size to full page and every
day in the week a reading notice is given and in con- ern Music Radio Trade Journal.
nection with it the entry blank is reproduced.
The matter of prizes is an important one. In this
year's tournament five hundred silver, gold and dia-
mond medals will be distributed in addition to the
cash prizes. Silver medals are to be given to win-
ners of all preliminary tests, while gold medals will
go to district test winners. The winners of the semi-
finals will be presented with diamond medals and will Ernest Leins, President of the E. Leins Piano
then become eligible for the grand finals. Gold
Co., Inc., Recalls Good Depew
certificates will be given to EVERY child entering
Story on Chicago.
the tournament.
The radio this year is being employed to aid in
The news of the death of Chauncey Depew last
preparing the children. Daily instruction is going out week reminded older members of the piano trade and
every day from Station W E B H by Miss Vi Bradley, industry of the occasion on which Mr. Depew ad-
studio pianist, who plays one of the various selections dressed piano men at a dinner at the Waldorf Hotel,
of Bach required to be played in the tournament by
New York, away back in 1893. In recalling the
the contestants.
event, Ernest Leins, president of the Leins Piano Co.,
Inc., said:
The aid of the Conservatory heads has been enlisted
nearly 100 per cent. In one of the larger display
"How well I remember the witty address Mr.
advertisements run recently by the Herald and Exam- Depew delivered to the piano manufacturers assem-
iner, Esther Harris, president of the Chicago College bled at a dinner at the Waldorf Hotel, 33rd street
of Music was shown with several of her pupils. She and Fifth avenue, and how he made us all laugh at
has agreed to enter more than one hundred and fifty our own expense. On that occasion he gave the piano
in the tournament. Also the contest this year has men quite a laudation, and said we were 'ever watch-
the backing of Mrs. Edward J. Tyler, president of
ful for a victim.' This w T as a meeting of the piano
the Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs and she is manufacturers in the winter of 1893. 1 think William
enlisting the cooperation of that organization's seven Steinway presided. The editor of the Brooklyn Eagle
thousand members.
was present, as was also J. Seager Page, head of a
The preliminary tests begin April 21 and also prep- varnish company, and Frank M. Murphy, head of the
arations are being made at this time for locations, etc. Murphy Varnish Co., afterwards governor of New
The retail piano warerooms are being used wherever Jersey. The Brooklyn Eagie editor and Mr. Murphy
possible. Chicago is particularly fortunate in having are both dead.
such an able crew of workers and the experience
''Mr. Depew told a story on Chicago at that dinner.
gained in last year's tournament has been invaluable A Chicago man died and was being shown through
to them in conducting this second tournament.
the new world to which he had gone. He kept ex-
claiming to his guide: 'Beautiful! How much like
Chicago! I never knew before that heaven was pat-
terned after Chicago!'
"'Heaven isn't patterned after Chicago!' said the
guide, with an impish laugh. 'Man, you're not in
heaven; you're in hell!'"
SUCCESSFUL TOURNAMENT
ASSURED IN CHICAGO
A Message
to
Piano
Manufacturers
WHEN CHAUNCEY DEPEW
TALKED TO PIANO MEN
COMPLETE PLANS FOR
LOS ANGELES PAGEANT
Energetic Character of Committee Chairmen
Appointed Is Guarantee of Thorough-
ness in Carrying Out the
Ambitious Schemes.
During the last few weeks the committees in charge
of the International Pageant of Music and Exposition,
and the annual convention of the Western Music
Trades' Association in Los Angeles have been com-
pleted. All committeemen are members of either
the Western Music Trades' Association or Music
Trades' Association of Southern California. Dates
for the pageant and exposition are June 18 to 30, in
the Ambassador Auditorium, while the convention will
be held June 26, 27 and 28 in the Ambassador Hotel,
alongside the Auditorium. Chairmen and sub-chair-
men of the different committees are as follows:
BALDWIN WELTE=MIGN0N
HELPS ACTOR IN PLAY
Instrument Used by Richard Bird,, Leading Man in
"March Hare" Saves Occasion.
It has just been discovered that a Baldwin Welte-
Mignon (Licensee) was used in the recent very suc-
cessful revival of "March Hare" in a manner that is
worthy of more than passing notice. It seems in the
story of the play that the leading man, a part which
in this revival is portrayed by Richard Bird, must
not only be an actor of note but also a piano per-
former of unusual merit.
While no one will deny the quality of Mr. Bird's
performance, even his intimate friends looked aghast
PAGEANT OF MUSIC COMMITTEES.
at tliep rbblem that confronted him, of giving the
(Chairmen appoint own committee members.)
performance of a finished pianist in certain selections
General Chairman—Win. H. Richardson, president of music that had a very definite bearing on the plot
Richardson's, Tnc. and president Western Music of the play as it unfolded.
Trades Association of Southern California.
It was in this dilemma that Mr. Bird visited the
Sales Exhibit Space—E. 11. Uhl, president Southern
California Music Co., and president Western Music Baldwin store in New York City and later the re-
cording offices of the Welte-Mignon (Licensee) music
Trades Association.
records, where it was arranged that a Baldwin Welte-
Managing Director—-Waldo T. Tupper.
Mignon (Licensee) piano would be used in the per-
Secretary—A. G. Farquharson.
formance
to complete the talents of Mr. Bird and
Publicity—J. W. Boothe, general manager of the make it possible
for him to perform like a finished
music department Barker Bros.
pianist.
Advertising—Ben Platt, president Platt Music Co.
Civic and State Relations—E. A. Geissler, vice-
president and general manager Birkel Music Co.
Baldwin Piano Co. has been opened at 52 South
Music Clubs, Organizations, Etc.—J. E. Yuncker, Main street, Janesville, Wis. J. C. Taylor is manager.
it seem logical that
D OESN'T
an organization which has
specialized in the manufacture of
Piano Benches—and nothing else
—for more than half a century;
an organization in which every
one t h i n k s P i a n o B e n c h e s —
TONKBENCHES — and nothing
else—an organization which has
increased its volume, year after
year, in the face of increased com-
petition, should be able to make
Piano Benches as well, perhaps
better and certainly at a lower
cost—everything considered—than
you can?
The fact is, a good many Piano
Manufacturers know we can.
Suggestion:
Write us today. Send us de"
tailed specifications on any benches
you are now manufacturing.
Give us complete details.
Set a price for us to shoot at
and the chances are we'll surprise
you.
Man
nng
Company
1912 Lewis Si.
CHICAGO
Pacific Coast Factory
4627 E. 50th St., Los Angeles, California
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/
April 14, 1928
PRESTO-TIMES
AMERICAN PIANO CO'S PLANS
PLACING THE AGENCY
IN INDIANAPOLIS
Christena-Teague Fiano Company Made Ex-
clusive Representative in That City and
Fifty Counties in State.
Announcement has been
made by William Chris-
tena of the Christena-
Teague Piano Company,
Indianapolis, t h a t h i s
company will be the ex-
clusive representative of
the American Piano Com-
pany in Indianapolis, and
practically fifty counties
in the state of Indiana.
The spacious building
n o w occupied by the
company in north Penn-
sylvania street will be re-
modeled and redecorated
immediately, a n d t h e
complete line will be fea-
tured within the next
thirty days.
The building now occu-
pied by the company was
originally built to meet
the needs of the Aeolian
Company in 1909, and
w a s constructed espe-
cially for a piano sales
purpose. The upper floors
will need some slight
alterations, in order to ac-
commodate the extensive
line of pianos to be car-
ried in stock. In addition
to the present sound-
proof parlors an addi-
tional one will be con-
structed to accommodate
the Mason & Hamlin
line. The building, while
apparently
narrow, is
very deep, well lighted,
and has excellent facili-
ties, including electric ele-
v a t o r s, many private
rooms with sound-proof
walls, and an excellent
CHRISTEXA-T HAGUE
recital hall on the top
BUILDING.
floor. The basement is equipped to house the radio
and talking machine units, with booths, and all mod-
ern equipment.
It was announced also that the company will seek
THE LATEST JESSE
FRENCH PRODUCTIONS
''Jesse
TrerrchB'ei
J
f//emeU)//%f
f//rce
FOLLOW THE TRADITION OF
UNQUESTIONABLE QUALITY
sub-agencies in all the smaller towns within their
jurisdiction, which will be in charge of a very capable
salesman. In the past several sub-agents have sold
the dickering & Sons, who will be retained with the
full line at their disposal. Mr. Christena will seek
the services of only the very best salesmen, and as
many as it might require to put the instruments over.
At present there will be no reductions on any of
the instruments and present prices will be maintained.
The new quarters will give the American Piano
Co.'s line the best equipped building for piano sales
purposes in Tndianapolis.
Elsewhere in Indiana.
While the situation of the American Fiano Com-
pany in Indianapolis has been settled, the situation
in the state becomes more complex. In cities like
Fort Wayne, Marion, Terre Haute, South Bend,
Evansville and Crawfordsville, Ind., where one of
the instruments of the company is now being sold,
the question arises, how long will the dealer continue
to have a leader, or will it be necessary to seek an-
other high grade instrument to take the place of the
present one in question? Reports come from these
places to the effect that some of the dealers arc
already seeking instruments to till their places. Noth-
ing has been done, it appears, to insure the small town
dealer that he will be retained as the representative
of the company in his territory. Many vital ques-
tions are being asked. Prospective buyers are anx-
iously awaiting the new prices on the line, and it
naturally affects competitive makes of pianos.
W. C. HEAT0N HEADS
WELTE=MIGNON SALES
Experienced Man in the Music Trade Has
Thorough Knowledge of Product and Wide
Acquaintance in the Trade.
William C. Heaton, who recently resigned as presi-
dent of the Auto Pneumatic Action Co., New York, is
now wholesale piano department manager and gen-
eral traveler for the Cnitcd States for the new Welte-
Mignon Corporation, 665 Fifth avenue, Xcw York.
Working directly with Robert T. Lytle, the general
manager.
At a recent meeting of the Welte-Mignon Corp.,
following its incorporation under the laws of Dela-
ware March 31, the following officers were elected:
W. E. Fletcher, president; Robert T. Lytle, vice-
president; W. F. Webster, treasurer. W. J. Webster
is chairman of the board of directors.
W. C. Heaton has been appointed general manager
of wholesale sales, and George E. Toepfer will act
in the capacity of retail sales manager in the Metro-
politan district.
"Mr. Heaton will travel all over the country," said
Mr. Lytle. "He is our wholesale manager."
Mr. Lytle and the entire Welte organization is to
be congratulated upon getting hold of so thoroughly-
experienced and earnest a man as Mr. Heaton.
Mr. Heaton is widely known in the music trade and
is thoroughly familiar with the Wclte-Mignon. Last
week he took hold of the wholesale sales department
at the headquarters.
The Welte-Mignon Corp. will manufacture Welte-
Mignon reproducing pianos, Welte straight pianos,
Welte organs for manual playing, Welte reproducing
organs, multi controls, etc., and music rolls for both
No definite statement is forthcoming from the organs and reproducing pianos. The line of Welte
American Piano Co. about the leasing or buying of
straight pianos and Welte reproducing pianos com-
a building for use in Chicago by the company, prises a large variety of grands both in conventional
although it is understood that the building one door and period models. The organ line comprises instru-
north of the Steger Building has been secured by the ments for church, theater and homes, thereby placing
real estate firm acting for the company. And the at the disposal of the dealer a most valuable franchise.
headquarters of the company in Xew York has yet no
statement to make on the subject.
On Monday of this week the Rissell-Weisert Co.,
26 South Michigan avenue, began its "'Chickering
Clearance Sale of a quarter of a million dollars' worth
Scruggs- \' an dcrvoort -Barney's Department Store,
of pianos at 20 per cent to 50 per cent off." The
St.
Louis, has been appointed distributors in St. Louis
sale was announced in a strong display in all the
for the C. Kurtzmann Co.'s line of pianos, it was
Sunday newspapers.
In a classified ad in the Chicago Tribune of Thurs- announced by A. W. Hosier, manager of the music
department of the big department store after closing
day of this week this is said:
negotiations with Sales Manager Becker of the C.
"Attend Bissell-Weisert's Chickering clearance sale. Kurtzmann Co. The addition of the Kurtzmann lines
< Jreat reductions on new Chickering grands, Ampico will give Scruggs control of three of leading lines
grands, Marshall & Wendell grands, and Brewster of pianos—Sohmer. Brambach and Kurtzmann.
grands. Entire stock offered from 20 per cent to 50
per cent off. Ten per cent down—balance monthly.
Open evenings."
IN CHICAGO
C. KURTZMANN IN ST. LOUIS
H. C. DICKINSON RETURNS
FROM ENJOYABLE TRIP
Vice-President of Baldwin Piano Company
Seen at Company's Offices in Chicago
Tells Incidents of Important Trip.
H. C. Dickinson, vice-president of the Baldwin
Piano Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, with offices at 323 South
\\ abash avenue, Chicago, returned this week from a
two months' trip, first to Florida and then to Cali-
fornia. Mr. Dickinson, when seen by a Presto-Times
representative this week, expressed himself as feeling
line and much rested after his visit to the warm cli-
mates, but was glad to be back in Chicago.
Mr. Dickinson, who was accompanied by Mrs.
Dickinson, spent two weeks in Florida before leav-
ing for California. Palm Beach and other famous
resorts were visited, as well as many friends and
dealers who sell the Baldwin line.
Of the six weeks in California, two were spent in
San Francisco, where progressive dealers of the Ba'd-
win instruments were visited. However, the head-
quarters of Mr. Dickinson were at Pasadena and Los
Angeles.
In the latter city the Southern California Music Co.,
of which Edward H. Uhl is president, recently secured
the agency of the Baldwin line in the Southern Cali-
fornia territory. In fact, it was through the activity
of Mr. Dickinson that the negotiations with the
Southern California Music Company were begun and
favorably completed. The Baldwin line will be more
prominently displayed than ever before. The pres-
tige it has attained in the musical world and the high
standing of the Southern California Music Co. will
give it new force in this territory. Mr. Dickinson
is elated over the fact that the Baldwin line w T ill be
exploited to the music-loving public in an intelligent
and forceful manner.
E. Leins Piano Co.
Makers of Pianos and
Player Pianos That Are
Established L e a d e r s .
Correspondence from Reliable
Dealers Invited
Factory and Offices, 304 W. 42nd Si
NEW YORK
The Heppe, Marcellus and Edouard Julea Piano
manufactured by the
HEPPE PIANO COMPANY
are the only pianos in the world with
Three Sounding Boards.
Patented in the United States, Great Britain,
France, Germany and Canada.
Liberal arrangements to responsible agents only.
Main Office, 1117 Chestnut St.
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
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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