Presto

Issue: 1933 2269

Jan.-Feb., 1933
PRESTO-TIMES
THE NEW FINE ARTS BUILDING AND SCHOOL OF MUSIC OF THE LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY, BATON ROUGE,
LA., WHERE BALDWIN AND BALDWIN-MADE PIANOS ARE USED.
PRECEPT AND ADVICE WORTH FOLLOWING
OHIO MUSIC MERCHANTS' ASSN.
FIGHTS TO UPHOLD OHIO LAW PRO-
HIBITING SALE BY TEACHERS
BALDWIN MAXIMS INSPIRE COURAGE
At a called meeting of the officers, executives and
advisory committees of the Ohio Music Merchants'
Association the following officers were elected:
President—Carl E. Summers, Jackson, Ohio.
Vice Pres.—Harry R. Valentine, Cleveland, Ohio.
Treasurer—Marie C. Addleman, Akron, Ohio.
Secretary—Clark F. Gross, Springfield, Ohio.
Executive Committees: Leslie Stewart, Columbus,
Ohio, Chairman; F. W. Troty, Kent, Ohio; Philip
Wyman, Cincinnati, Ohio; Howard W. Smith, East
Liverpool, Ohio; Omer E. Westerfield, Greenville,
Ohio.
Portsmouth, Ohio, was selected for the 1933 con-
vention to be held on Monday and Tuesday, Septem-
ber 11 and 12, 1933.
The Ohio Association has been working strenu-
ously to uphold the Ohio state law prohibiting the
sale of musical instruments, publications, by school
authorities or by teachers, to their pupils. This stat-
ute, section 7718, bearing the caption, "Who Shall
Not Be Sales Agent for Text Books or Supplies,"
reads as follows:
"A superintendent, supervisor, principal or teacher
employed by the board of education in the state shall
not act as sales agent, either directly or indirectly, for
any person, firm or corporation whose school text
books are filed with the superintendent of public in-
struction as provided by law, or for school apparatus
or equipment of any kind for use in the public schools
of the state. A violation of this provision shall work
a forfeiture of their certificates to teach in the public
schools of Ohio."
In accordance with this statute the following reso-
lution was passed and a copy sent out by Secretary
Charles F. Gross to all teachers, supervisors, princi-
pals and superintendents in all state controlled in-
stitutions of Ohio.
At a meeting of the officers, executives and advisory
committees of the Music Merchants Association of
Ohio, held at the Deshler-Wallick Hotel in Colum-
bus, Ohio, it was unanimously voted that a copy of
the Ohio law prohibiting the sale of musical instru-
ments by school authorities or teachers as per Section
7718, School Law of Ohio, that a warning should be
issued to every teacher, superintendent, supervisor
and principal in all state controlled institutions in
Ohio. Further advising their secretary to thoroughly
investigate every complaint and receive affidavits from
the purchaser and start proceedings for the immediate
forfeiture of the certificates to teach in the public
schools of Ohio, for any infraction of the law as above
stated.
Former Attorney General Bettman, in a recent rul-
ing, has held that this law is constitutional. Also the
State Board of Education agrees to exercise every
effort to prosecute those guilty of any infraction of
this code.
The Baldwin Piano Company in advices and sug-
gestions to its own dealers in particular and of like
import to the piano trade in general presents in suc-
cinct form a bulletin of advice containing food for
thought and which, "taken to heart," is an inspiration
to any salesman or merchant who is aiming at suc-
cess.
One of these trite sayings is:
And another:
"From today's plans come tomorrow's business."
"Successful selling today is to a great extent a
job of personal selling."
Then this story to the dealer goes on to say that
newspaper advertising, direct mail advertising and all
similar advertising are quite necessary to one's busi-
ness but personal contact is an achievement worth
striving for. "Selling yourself personally to people
who are most likely to know of or to hear of pro-
spective customers and who are in a position to in-
fluence their choice is," they say, "vital to the success
of one's business."
Undoubtedly this friendly advice from headquarters
has been an inspiration for Baldwin dealers to do the
things they are doing, that is to say, "DO THINGS,"
and keep in the van of piano selling activities.
Recently Presto-Times invited two or three of its
correspondents to give special reports on any impor-
tant piano selling movement that might come to
their attention and as far as such information might
be obtainable.
One of these correspondents relates an interesting
story of the purchase by the Louisiana State Univer-
sity, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, of a "battery of Bald-
win-made instruments" in which institution about one
hundred Baldwin grands and Hamilton uprights are
in use, seventy of which have been sold to the Uni-
versity within the last eighteen months. These in-
clude fifty Hamilton uprights, eighteen Baldwin
smaller grands and two Baldwin concert grands. This
sale was made through the Baldwin piano shop of
Baton Rouge and mainly through the personal efforts
of J. T. Middleton and his brother, known as the
"Middleton Boys" and who are proprietors of the
business at Baton Rouge.
Mr. J. T. Middleton informs the Presto-Times cor-
respondent that the Louisiana State University has
just completed a $650,000 building to house their
school of music. An illustration of this building ap-
pears above on this page of Presto-Times.
This building is conceded to be one of the most
complete school structures in America and that the
Music School of this University is a very important
institution, having at the present time approximately
three hundred and fifty music students, one hundred
of which are working for a degree in music this year,
it is plain to be seen that this celebrated Louisiana
institution will send out many teachers of music for
the public schools and other educational institutions
of the country.
"The history of this school of music is exceedingly
interesting," says Mr. Middleton. "In 1915, Col.
Thomas D. Boyd, then President of the University,
whose long and able administration is a tradition in
the state, decided to establish a Department of Mu-
sic."
The organization and development of this depart-
ment was entrusted to Dr. Henry Wallace Stopher,
of Indiana, whose picture is shown in the illustration
herewith. As Director of Music, Dr. Stopher"s duties
were to take charge of the university band, organize
an orchestra, train and conduct the glee club, conduct
the music in chapel three times a week, and organize
classes in public school music.
The Louisiana State University is a grand institu-
tion and its music department one of the most thor-
ough and up-to-date of any institution of the kind
anywhere, at home or abroad.
The illustrations accompanying this story show, in
the upper view the magnificent Fine Arts Building
and School of Music of which Professor Carleton
Liddle is the head of the piano department. Of the
tw r o lower views, the one at the left illustrates a row
of Hamilton uprights used in the practice rooms of
the music school; on the right three Baldwin grands
are shown with Professor Liddle seated at one of
them on the occasion of his visit to the Baldwin fac-
tories at Cincinnati, where he went to select two
Baldwin concert grands for the school. The center
photograph is that of Dr. Henry Wallace Stopher,
head of the department of music.
Certainly the Middleton brothers must be credited
with having done an outstanding piece of piano sell-
ing in their territory; a piece of work that piano men
everywhere will congratulate them upon.
NO OCCASION FOR ALARM
PRESIDENT WEEKS HONORED IN HIS
HOME TOWN
Presto-Times has received several letters from
dealers through the country denouncing the so-called
purchase of foreign-made musical instruments, more
particularly the Bechstein instruments containing the
John Hays Hammond patents for use at the great
New York City Radio Center playhouse. One of
these communications is from a well known expert
piano builder and piano technician whose article
throughout is severe against the purchase in this
country of foreign made goods at a time when the
"Buy American" slogan stares us in the face on all
sides.
Presto-Times will not publish this interesting com-
munication at this time because, evidently, there is no
reason for alarm over the Bechstein radio tryout.
Edwin R. Weeks, President of the National Asso-
ciation of Music Merchants has been knighted—at
least he has been honored by receiving the highest
decoration which is within the power of the mayor
of the city of Binghamton, New York, to confer.
It appears that recently on the birthday anniver-
sary of Miles M. Smith, Mayor of Binghamton, Mr.
Weeks extended birthday greetings to him in his
daily broadcast from station W N B F in the form of
an original ode.
Mayor Smith made proper acknowledgment. The
following excerpt is quoted from a letter addressed
to Mr. Weeks by the Mayor under date of February
10. 1933:
"I am of the opinion that your wit, wisdom and
pleasant verse have earned for you the exalted title
of Poet Laureate of Binghamton, and while my power
of appointment is limited, I do make this appoint-
ment, firm in the belief that it will not be annulled.
Your credentials will follow in due time.
"Again I wish to express my appreciation of the
honor you have done me, and thank you for your
sincere good wishes, which are reciprocated by
"Your good friend,
"(MILES M. S M I T H ) "
THE EMICON ON THE AIR
The Emicon, the mono-tone key board instrument
produced by Pratt Read & Co., Deep River, Conn., is
featured through station WENR, Chicago, by Whit-
ey Berquist and Harry Buddinger, who use the in-
strument in association with an orchestra conducted
by Morgan L. Eastman.
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/
Jan.-Feb., 1933
PRESTO-TIMES
ACTIVITIES IN RETAIL TRADE
NEW OFFICIALS OF WERLEIN
Paul S. Felder Elected President.
Paul S. Felder, who was elected president of Philip
Werlein Ltd., to succeed the late J. Parham Werlein,
says that there will be no change in the company's
business policy. The same business principles that
were carried on by Mr. Werlein will be continued.
Prominently identified in civic circles of New Or-
leans, Mr. Felder is treasurer of the New Orleans
Chapter of the American Red Cross and vice-presi-
dent of the Retailers' Credit Bureau. A native of
South Carolina, he has been a resident of New Or-
leans since 1905. Before joining Werlein's he was
special agent of Firemen's Fund Insurance Company
for Louisiana and Mississippi.
The post left vacant by Mr. Felder will be filled
by George Jeunesse. Established in 1842, Philip
Werlein, Ltd., is considered the oldest music store in
the South. Mr. Felder is familiar with every depart-
ment of the 90-year-old organization. His home is at
1528 Nashville avenue.
P. M. HARRIS GENERAL MANAGER
The new general manager of this great music
house, Parker M. Harris, is one of the most ener-
getic of the city's younger business men, and for
ten years was sales manager of this institution. He
was also manager of the Music Shop for a number of
years. He went to New Orleans from Chicago 15
years age where he w r as general manager of a large
music house. He has taken an active part in the civic
affairs of New Orleans. He lives at 7514 Hampson
street, that city.
"We are planning no new policies," he said. "We
are going to work hard and carry on the same policies
that were identified with our late president, Parham
Werlein. His spirit will animate the store."
Mr. Harris and Paul S. Felder, elected president
of the firm recently, have grown up with the organiza-
tion and become thoroughly imbued with the tradi-
tions and establishments of this house which stretches
back over 90 years of New Orleans history.
In a reference to the new head of Philip Werlein,
Ltd., New Orleans, La., Paul S. Felder, who has
been connected with the house since 1917, the New
Orleans "States" daily paper says that in the past
fifteen years he has learned the deep-rooted policies
of this 90-year-old company, and announces that the
same policies, as carried on by the late J. Parham
Werlein, will be continued. Mr. Felder is treasurer
of the New Orleans Chapter of the Red Cross, vice
president of the Retailers' Credit Bureau and promi-
nent in civic work.
OFFER FOR FREE PIANO GETS A PECK
OF REPLIES
Recently the Hammond (Ind.) Times published a
notice on offering an upright piano free, "for hauling
it away."
Then followed a climax concerning which the Times
announced, "The great piano siege of the times is
over. More than 350 applicants applied for the piano.
It turned out to be a grocer who offered the piano
and concerning the result the same paper says: "But
it shows something. There's still a demand for
pianos—if the price is low enough. There are still
children of musical tendencies who are not having
the opportunity to develop their talents because they
can't skirmish up the price of a piano.''
And adds this to the statement: "Many of those
who telephoned after the piano had been disposed of,
said they were able to pay a small sum for the instru-
ment. You might be able to sell yours. But that's
a matter between you and the advertising depart-
ment."
A SPLENDID SHOWING
Business with the Binion-Stocker Music Company,
Monett, Missouri, for January showed an increase
of 33% over the business for the preceding month,
December, and February is doing well. "Hard work
and enthusiasm are the best weapons with which to
fight the depression, at least, all our salesmen have
found them to be," said Mr. Binion. The Binion-
Stocker Company now maintain branch stores at
Galena, Crane and Marionville, Missouri.
THE NEW WURLITZER MANAGER AT
CHICAGO
A. L. Owen, well-known figure in the western
music trade and who has been the manager of the
Wurlitzer Music House at St. Louis for several years
past, took his new position as manager of the Chi-
cago branch of Wurtlitzer the first week in February.
NEW FIRMS, CHANGES, REORGANIZATIONS
PICK=UPS
French's, Inc., capital stock listed $5,000, at Mont-
gomery, Ala., has been incorporated in a new Ala-
bama incorporation. The officers and stockholders
are Willie S. Yougene, Jr., president; S. N. French,
Vice President; T. A. Lambert, Secretary and Treas-
urer.
Oscar Overby's Music Store, at Eau Claire, Wis-
consin, was recently damaged by fire so that Mr.
Overby is now in line for a "damaged by fire" sale.
Incorporation papers have just been issued for the
Automatic Musical Instrument Company, 2553 Calu-
met avenue, Chicago. There are 400 shares no par
value common stock and the incorporators are E. E.
Rulman, S. S. Clark and N. A. Vanopstall. This
business seems to be associated with the Grand
Rapids, Michigan, concern of the same name, located
at 1500 Union avenue, S. E., Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Philip Paul Bliss, son of the late P. P. Bliss, song
writer and singer with Moody-Sanky, recently died
at Owego, New York.
Charles Frederick Stein, manufacturer of the piano
bearing his name, is not only active from morn till
night at his factory when in Chicago, but does a
good deal of work "out in the field" of dealers. Just
recently he took a motor bus for Peoria at night,
closed a fine deal in that city and at another point
the next day, motored back to Chicago that night
and was busy in piano construction by eight-thirty the
next morning. Good, live activity this, and profitable.
David Daniels, a well-known Wheeling, West Vir-
ginia musician, has opened a music store at his new
location, 1514 Market street, that city. This store
has been fitted up as an up-to-date modern establish-
ment and is known as the Daniels Music House,
christened by a grand reception and musicale.
The Jamison Music Store, which for several years
was located at 509 Broadway, Logansport, Indiana,
has taken new quarters at 315 Fifth street, opposite
the Paramount Theater in that city. Arthur Jamison,
manager, announces that the same service to musi-
cians and lovers of music will be accorded in the new
location.
Chester Rice of the Joe McDaniel Music Company,
Columbus, Ohio, is doing a good deal of song writ-
ing these days. Mr. Rice is the composer of several
real "song hits." One of them, "In Our Little Home,
Sweet Home," has been recorded by the Columbia
Phonograph Company, and another one, "I Am
Thinking of You," has become popular.
The Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Gazette in a recent issue
gives a writeup of the Waite Music Company, a
business which has been located at 225 Third street,
that city, for about two scores of years. References
to the Waite Music Company in the newspapers of
that section of the state are always of a high charac-
ter and always refer to the progressive spirit of the
business which is one of the leading houses of Iowa.
The Clark Orchestra Roll Company, DeKalb, Illi-
nois, continue to get out an up-to-date list of music
rolls and they are having a very good sale on the 65-
note rewind rolls for electric pianos. Evidently the
Clark Orchestra Roll establishment takes the lead in
rolls for electric and playerpianos.
The Arcadia Music Shop, formerly located at 17
Arcade. Nashville, Tenn., has moved to a more con-
venient location at 21 Arcade.
The M. P. Moeller Music Store of Hagerstown,
Maryland, has moved from a location which it had
occupied almost from the time the business was
started over fifty years ago to a more central location
at 66 West Antietam street.
By the way, the Moeller Music Company have been
selling some of the Gulbransen spinet reed organs,
the little five-octave instrument, with one set of reeds,
originated by Mr. A. G. Gulbransen.
R. B. Oslund, the active music dealer of Spokane,
Washington, had added to his fame the starting of
a suburban community to be known as "Oslund City,"
a locality where it is said the automobile speed limit
has been placed at seventy-five miles per hour. Mr.
Oslund himself is an enthusiastic motorist and when
he motors to Chicago seventy-five miles an hour is
not an unusual gait for him to keep up for hours at
a time. Success and our best regards to hustler
Oslund!
The Huntington Piano Company factory at Shel-
ton-Derby, Conn., which was one of the lively loca-
tions of piano manufacturing in the active days of
this industry, has been swept by fire and therefore is
"no more" in the absolute and entire meaning of the
term.
The Paramount Music Company, Charlotte, N. C,
say they are assured of a better trade for the spring
of 1933 than they had a year ago. In fact, sales have
shown improvement since Christmas.
The Jardine Music Store, Red Oak. Iowa, has
moved to its new location, 412 Coolbaugh street.
George Riddle, well-known piano-accordion expert,
is now with Heaton's Music Store, Columbus, Ohio.
The Sampson Music Company of Boise, Idaho, has
given up its branch store at Weiser, Idaho, but con-
tinues to keep a stock of pianos and other instruments
at that place with Edward Smith as agent.
Mr. Phillips of the D. Z. Phillips Music Company.
Pueblo, Okla., who was recently reelected president
of this business, says that they are planning for an
"intensive sales program for 193'3." Mr. Phillips also
says that efforts will be put forth to renew and de-
velop interest in piano study.
The National Musical String Company, New Bruns-
wick, has leased a large part of its plant to two indus-
trial concerns of that city.
Solar's Music House, Inc., 3215 West 26th street,
Chicago, has decreased its capital stock from $100,000
to $5,000.
The Brooks, Mays & Co. store at 128 South Grand
street, Monroe, La., maintains a first class piano re-
pair shop, which department is in charge of Max
Kulke, an experienced and expert piano maker who
served his apprenticeship in Berlin, Germany.
SCHMOLLER & MUELLER CELEBRATE
REMOVAL
The Schmoller & Mueller Piano Company and the
Fred J. Schamp Music Company, Sioux City, Iowa,
recently celebrated the removal of the Schmoller &
Mueller Company's headquarters from 413 Nebraska
street to 414 Pierce street, that city. An evening
of cards and dancing, concluded with serving of a
buffet lunch, was enjoyed.
FOR ATTENTION OF MUSIC PUBLISHERS
AND COMPOSERS
The house of Otto Zimmerman & Son, Inc., Cin-
cinnati, is recognized as leaders in music publication,
printing and engraving.
Composers having in mind publishing their own
compositions, as well as music publishing houses, will
do well to get in touch with this important music en-
graving house. Their rates are liberal, in fact with
their immense facilities they are able to make prices
at the lowest possible rate for first-class work.
Presto-Times is quite familiar with thfe work turned
out by the house of Zimmerman & Son and can cheer-
fully recommend them to publishers and composers.
MR. TERRILL'S GENUINE FIRE SALE
The recent "damaged-by-fire" sale at TerrilPs Mu-
sic House, Franklin, Ind., was a genuine sale of dam-
aged pianos, for the fire in the Terrill store was a
"hot" one and did a lot of real damage to about a
score of pianos. And another thing, the Terrills are
square and upright in their music business.
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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