Presto

Issue: 1928 2208

MUSICAL
TIMES
PRESTO
Established
1881
Established
1884
THE AMERICAN MUSIC TRADE WEEKLY
10 Cents a Copy
CHICAGO, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1928
EXPANSION PLANS OF
BRADFORD'S, MILWAUKEE
Closing of Leases Last Week Provides for Ad-
ditional Space for Presenting Enlarged
Line of Fine Music Goods.
Bradford's, 411 Broadway, Milwaukee, Wis., of
which Hugh W. Randall is president and manager,
has just closed a lease for the entire second and third
floors of the building occupied by the Kauiv Music
Company and the space vacated by the Baldwin
Piano Co. "We are building an 'L' extension from
this building to our main building, so we shall have
an entrance on Wisconsin street into our main store.
The second floor of this building is on the level with
the first floor of our main store. It gives us the use
of the show windows and certain parts of the first
floor and the elevator," said Mr. Randall.
The company has just closed a contract for a huge
Neon tube sign to be erected on the front of the
building, which will be one of the outstanding signs
in Milwaukee.
This addition adds about 3,000 square feet additional
space to the store and allows for the expansion of
each department. The radio and phonograph depart-
ment will be located in the new building.
The ticket office and the private office of the Marion
Andrews' Concert Bureau will be moved from the
front of the main store to the rear, thus allowing a
larger space in the front of the store for the display
of musical instruments and art furniture.
Possession is to be taken on Dec. 1. In addition
to the Marion Andrews' ticket office, it is the ticket
office and general office of the Civic Concert Asso-
ciation. The Wm. Kaun Music Co. also maintains
a ticket office where a large portion of the independent
concert tickets are sold.
"Moving the radio and phonograph department out
of the main store allows for considerable expansion
in the Duo-Art department and we have this week
ordered one of the new Marie Antoinette Aeolian
Duo-Art Pipe Organs to be installed in the Duo-Art
salon on the fourth floor. This will be the only
store in this part of the country in which a pipe organ
is installed in a store for demonstration," said Mr.
Randall. The house is exclusive representative in
Milwaukee for the Steinway Duo-Art Reproducing
piano.
NEW BUREAU BOOK IS
HELPFUL TO DEALERS
Demand for Book Recently Issued by National
Bureau for the Advancement of Music
Is Very Large.
In its newly published booklet, "Pre-School Music; a
Guide to Parents," the National Bureau for the Ad-
vancement of Music has made an important contribu-
tion to the stimulation of musical interest among chil-
dren too young for formal work, right in the home,
and with the help only of the mother. The booklet
is by Floy A. Rossman, who has had wide experi-
ence as a music supervisor and especially with the
smaller children, and who has realized how much
could be accomplished before the child entered school,
even by the untrained mother, provided she is given
a little help and encouragement in the use of her
own voice and the instruments available in the home.
C. M. Tremaine, director of the Bureau, has long
felt the need of such a guide for the general public.
Proof of the wide appeal of the subject is the fact that
an article in the November issue of McCall's Maga-
zine, mentioning the Bureau's new booklet, has
already brought in to Mr. Tremaine no less than 200
requests for it, with more coming in every day.
The "Guide" is based on the recognized principles
of child psychology, which demand the use of imita-
tion and the play spirit in the learning process. The
young ear may be trained unconsciously by imitating
the call of birds and other sounds of nature and by
hearing the songs of the mother, if these are rightly
selected. The home piano, too, has an important
function, whether the mother can play it acceptably
or not, for it is there to check up on the melody,
serve as a model for reproducing tones, and also as
the tield of experiment for the child's first venture
in finding tunes and rhythmic patterns for himself.
The book is undoubtedly the first publication avail-
able free in single copies which the dealer can recom-
mend to all prospects desirous of introducing music
into the lives of their children in the most fruitful
BIG PIANO PLATE MERGER
Joining of Interests of The Fairbanks Co. and
the O. S. Kelly Co. in Springfield, O.,
Results in N^lv Organization.
The organization of the largest piano plate foundry
in the world is made possible by the merger, an-
nounced this week, of the Fairbanks Company and the
O. S. Kelly Company itt Springfield, Ohio. M. L.
Milligau, president of the Fairbanks Company, will
assume management of the consolidation.
The two companies have long been recognized as
the largest producers of piano plates in this country
and both have enjoyed a high character for their
products. The use of a Fairbanks or O. S. Kelly
plate in a piano was an assurance of the stability in
construction necessary to the giving a piano the dura-
ble quality.
The new consolidation under the able management
of Mr. Milligan will continue the production of piano
plates of the high character which has distinguished
the Fairbankss and O. S. Kelly plates for so many
vears.
A WASHINGTON CELEBRATION.
The "Twenty-sixth Anniversary Week" at the O. J.
DeMoll & Co., store, Twelfth and G streets, N. W r .,
Washington, D. C, was celebrated last week. The
business was founded in November, 1902, within a few
doors of the present location. The firm today occu-
pies the largest building devoted to the sale of musical
instruments in the national capital. The firm is rep-
representative there for all Aeolian Company products
and other high-grade instruments, also talking ma-
chines, and carries complete stocks of standard radio
products and fine furniture. Otto J. DeMoll and
Emmons S. Smith comprise the firm.
NEW YORK PIANO CLUB PLANS.
The annual beefsteak dinner and entertainment of
the Piano Club of New York will be held in the club
rooms, Third avenue at 137th street, Saturday eve-
ning, December 8. Albert Behning, 105 West 40th
street, is chairman of the entertainment committee,
which guarantees a program excelling anything pre-
viously attempted. The other members are H. Walter
Maass, Joseph D. McGeveran, Jacob Schorsch, C.
Albert Jacob, Jr., and Otto M. Heinzman.
$2 The Yeai
TRADE MOURNS DEATH
OF E. J. DELFRAISSE
Q R S Music Company Man, Widely Known
and Friendly, Passes Away at Illinois Cen-
tral Hospital in Chicago, After an Oper-
ation for Appendicitis.
Probably lib man in the music business had a wider
circle of friends than E. J. Delfraisse, of the Q R S
Music Company, 3.33 North Michigan avenue, Chi-
cago, who died at 10 p. m. Wednesday, November 14,
in the Illinois Central Hospital, 5800 Stony Island
avenue, Chicago, after an operation for appendicitis
the previous Saturday morning.
With Q R S for Twenty-two Years.
Mr. Delfraisse was about sixty-two years old. He
had been with the Q R S Music Company twenty-
two years, and at the time of his death was assistant
secretary, a director, and advertising manager of the
company. At one time he was representative of the
Q R S Company in New York for about three
years. For a short time he was in business for him-
self at Bethlehem, Pa. Before joining the Q R S
forces he had been for some years with L. Grunewald
& Company in New Orleans.
Surviving Mr. Delfraisse are his widow and two
married daughters—Mrs. Robert Beebe of Highland
Park, a Chicago suburb, and Mrs. Herbert Starr, of
Chicago.
The funeral was held at 2 p., m. last Saturday from
the home of George Starr, 7621 Saginaw avenue, Chi-
cago, the ceremonies being under the direction of the
Elks.
The funeral notice in the Chicago Daily News read
as follows:
"Delfraisse—Ernest Jules Delfraisse, beloved hus-
band of Ella McKenna Delfraisse, fond father of
Mabel Beebe and Leah Starr, brother of Mrs. A. D.
King and Leon Delfaisse. Funeral from residence of
George H. Starr, 7921 Saginaw avenue, Saturday, No-
vember 17, at 2 p. m.; interment Holy Sepulchre.
All Feel His Loss.
Mr. Delfraisse was the picture of health as late as
last week when a Presto-Times man called upon him.
His death is felt keenly by all his former associates at
the office, for he was the man to whom many points
of information were referred. He was aggressive,
but kindly and keen; respected and beloved by all,
including thousands from coast to coast.
GEORGE URQUHART ON PROGRAM.
George Urquhart, president of the American Piano
Co., was on the program to address the first autumn
meeting of the New York Piano Merchants' Associa-
tion, held at the Hotel Breslin Tuesday, November
20, following a dinner set for 6:30. Mr. Urquhart
had declared he was anxious to meet the "boys" of
the retail piano trade in New York.
AMPICO FLOAT IN RODEO PARADE
FLOAT DESIGNED BY DEALER.
There was a rodeo held in Bax-
ter S p r in g s, Kans., recently, in
which J. W. Grantham Music Shop,
local representative of the American
F'iano Company, participated. Mr.
Grantham prepared a very elaborate
and ingenious float, pictured here-
with, representing a Knabe Ampico.
which was the feature of the entire
parade. Mr. Grantham reports that
as a result there are many more peo-
ple in Baxter Springs and vicinity
who have an idea of what the Am-
pico is and some of these are such
live prospects that he hopes to close
a few sales within the near future.
Mr. Grantham is one of the most
successful representatives of the
American Piano Company's line and
has a long record of fine piano sales
to his credit.
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
November 24, 1928
sary to re-arrange factory space to take care of the
demand.
New Equipment Installed.
The manufacturing division was so far behind or-
ders that it was deemed advisable to purchase addi-
tional equipment. Installation has just been com-
pleted of two Handy Presses in the cabinet room.
Announcement Made at Meeting of Stock- Facilities for Ducoing have also been increased. Ex- Announcement of New Model Bowen One-
tensive changes have been made in the factory, in-
holders Who Are Told by President Gul-
Man Loader and Carrier Is Highly Signifi-
creasing the efficiency and production very consider-
bransen That Plant With New Equip-
cant of Continuous Increase of Piano
ably. A number of departments are working over-
time.
ment Is in Full Blast.
Interest Throughout the Country.
October Best Month.
The Gulbransen Company, Chicago, has declared a
Among the significant signs indicating the con-
Mr. Gulbransen made the gratifying report that
dividend of two per cent on outstanding common
more Grands and more Registering Pianos were pro- tinuous improvement in the piano business are the
stock, payable on or before November 30th, to stock-
duced during the month of October than any other new plans of the Bowen Piano Loader Company,
Winston-Salem, N. C., for facilitating the sales and
month in the year. Piano production of the company
r
is gaining on the industry as a whole. From the radio delivery w ork of dealers. The company this week
announces
ready for shipment, a new Loader for the
end, he reported a satisfactory response to the an-
nouncement just made of the two new models with new Ford, Model "A," Pick-up Body, which, in
sliding doors—the models 360 and 270, the latter a addition to possessing all the good points of the
seven-tube set. For the cabinet division Mr. Gul- older model, is much simpler, stronger, more durable
bransen stated the volume had been a considerable and more easily attached. The price of the new
factor in the increased activities for some months model will remain the same as that of the older
past. Gulbransen cabinets have come to be recog- model and the price includes a good moving cover
nized as among the finest cabinet productions of the of 18-ounce material.
country.
Essential to Effectiveness.
Regional Meetings Effective.
The Bowen One-Man Piano Loader and Carrier long
During the present year the Company has com- ago secured its place as an indispensable aid to active
pleted an extensive program of work and direct con- piano salesmen and music dealers. Every salesman
tact with merchants and the public. Regional meet- either in the city or the country needs one or more
ings have been held in leading centers—New York, of these outfits. For successful country work the
Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, Dal- Loader obviously is a necessity. Even over the most
las, Atlanta, Omaha and Des Moines. The full Gul- indifferent roads the Bowen Loader equipment carries
bransen line of pianos has been given effective display the salesman and his sample and delivers the sold
such as no piano has ever before had in the history piano quickly and safely.
of the piano business.
The Bowen Loader provides perfect light delivery
Under the direction of Vice-President John S. Gor- for other commodities than upright pianos. It is ideal
man, a complete business-building program in co- for hauling small grands and by its aid two phono-
operation with Gulbransen merchants has been under- graphs or two console radio sets may be delivered.
taken. The ground-work has been accomplished in
Ease of Operating.
1928 and results are beginning to show. Merchants
Apart from its acknowledged uses the users also
have been pledged to increase the man-power of their appreciate the Bowen Loader for the ease with which
businesses; they have been shown that the fight of one man can load, unload, and demonstrate an up-
this industry is indisputably from the outside and not right piano or playerpiano. In fact one man only—
from the inside; proof has been given that the public the salesman—is needed to sell pianos with one of
properly approached will buy pianos and the problem these outfits.
is therefore one of organization.
Light Weight an Advantage.
G. GULBRANSEN.
The
element
of weight has been considered in its
A
SUCCESSFUL
BALDWIN
DEALER.
holders of record November 20. This action was
design and construction. It weighs only 90 pounds;
taken Tuesday, November 13, at a special meeting of
The Baldwin Piano Company has an active agent is very compact and neat in appearance. It marks
the Board of Directors of the company. President in Newaygo County, Michigan, in the person of C. J.
A. G. Gulbransen summarized the progress of the Bekkering of Fremont, that state. Mr. Bekkering is the music store using it with the character for effi-
company so far this year. The plant, he stated, is an enthusiastic Baldwin man and is meeting with ciency and progressiveness.
Write to the Bowen Piano Loader Company, Win-
operating full blast at present and it has been neces-
ston-Salem, N. C, for particulars about its new model
Bowen Loader and the attractive moving accessory
free with every purchase.
GULBRANSEN CO.
DECLARES DIVIDEND
WHAT BOWEN
LOADER INDICATES
GULBRANSEN ADVERTISING.
Tn connection with Gulbransen National Advertis-
ing in the Literary Digest for August, the Gulbran-
sen Company, Chicago, has issued to its dealers a
broadside illustrating four retail advertisements. These
are strictly modern, and of very attractive nature. Of
these ads, the smallest of the group emphasizes the
furniture angle. The national ad brings to the maga-
zine readers a very strong message of the Gulbransen
Minuet Model, sold everywhere in the country at the
one national price of $295. The main illustration is
very unique and illustrates not only the Minuet but
the fancy back that is available at very slight extra
cost. The feature illustration from the National ad-
vertising, shows the Minuet in an attractive room
setting, and an insert shows the standard back.
Dealers - -
Profiting
by Straube
Difference
HE SUPERIOR construction of the
T
Straube Grand, the difference which can
be seen as well as heard, is helping hundreds
of piano merchants to make more, easier
and quicker sales.
The dramatic way in which dealers can
prove Straube superiority to prospects, the
exclusive features such as laminal construc-
tion of the key bed, the rim and the braces,
afford exceptional opportunity for profit.
With the approach of the holiday season
this opportunity for profit with the Straube
is intensified. It is easier to turn' shoppers"
into purchasers when you can demonstrate
quality in construction and in tone so clearly.
Have the ad/antage of Straube's exclusive
points in your holiday selling. Get all the
facts now; it will not obligate you in the
least. Let us show you the Straube difference
which means profittomerchants.Write today.
STRAUBE PIANO COMPANY
1107 Manila Ave.,
O N E
Hammond, Ind
traube
BAY ASSETS BRING $95,000.
Theodore Friedeberg, of the Manhattan Machinery
Exchange, New York City, bought the tangible fac-
tory assets of the H. C. Bay Company, of Bluffton,
Ind., at the recent sale-meeting held in the offices
of Referee-in-Bankruptcy Parkin, 137 South La Salle
street, Chicago. The price his company agreed to
pay was $95,000. His purchase included machinery,
lumber and other equipment. The real estate was
not sold at this meeting, but bids for it are being
considered and a deal may be made at a meeting
in December.
C. A. SCOTT ON SOUTHERN TRIP.
Pictured above is the Straube Florentine Grand, one of
the many period models available in various sizes — in-
cluding the world's smallest full scale grand, The Sonata,
four feet, four inches.
Inset in the circle is the back of a Straube Grand, show"
ing the laminal construction of key bed, rim and braces>
exclusive Straube features.
Rationally ^Advertised— Rationally Triced
C. A. Scott, head of the Marquette Piano Company,
3213-15 Fifth avenue, Chicago, is on an extensive
business trip in the Southern States. Mr. Scott is
stirring up new customers in the South and getting
orders from old ones. He expects to be back in
Chicago in two or three weeks.
R. A. BURKE IN TEXAS.
R. A. Burke, of the Story & Clark Piano Company,
173 North Michigan avenue, Chicago, is now in Texas
calling on customers. E. M. Love at the main office
says trade this year is peculiar, but the days of the
big spurts are certainly very encouraging.
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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