MUSIC ON LAKE FRONT, 1883
From, "A Line 0' Type Or Tivo"
Chicago Daily Tribune, Sept 30, 1940
When the Chicago Symphony Orchestra starts the celebration
of its 50th season (Thursday night, October 10,) many old timers
probably will rise up and say, "Tush, tush! It must be older
than that, Why, I remember when Theodore Thomas' orchestra
used to play in the Exposition building on the lake front, 60 years
ago and more."
Well, that was the old Maestro's orchestra, folks, not Chicago's.
He would come here on tour. This city was one of his favorite
stamping grounds, but his headquarters were then in New York.
We have come across a relic of those early Thomas concerts in
the form of a program for his "summer garden" engagement from
July 9 to Aug. 11. 1883. It is rich with the atmosphere of old
Chicago.
Concerts were given on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sat-
urday nights, and music lovers could enjoy refreshments as they
listened to the classics. The program announces as available to
the hungry and thirsty; vanilla and strawberry ice cream, cake,
lemonade, ham and cheese sandwiches, soda and mineral waters,
buttermilk, ginger ale, and three brands of beer.
The advertising matter in old amusement bills is of more in-
terest to the student of American manners than the details of the
program. We learn from this job of printing, among other things,
that:
Parlor folding beds saved room rent and cost from $25 up;
that the Monarch oil stove was nonexplosive and boiled and baked
at the same time from the same heat; that the Central Music hall
hair store received the latest styles direct from Europe and spe-
cialized in water waves and bangs; that a certain haberdasher's
"side clip" collar effectually held the tie or scarf in place; that
bow ties and Ascosts were worn by the best dressers; that the
latest perfumes were named "wild olive" and "kiss-me-quick";
that Race Brothers ran a popular oyster house at 114 Madison
street; and that to close out summer underwear a Dearborn street
shop would sell a good pair of men's drawers for 50 cents.
HOLLYWOOD
FOUR STAR REED
We have received a very attractive little folder describing "The
Hollywood 4 Star (Processed) Reed," manufactured by Fife and
Nichols, 1487 Vine Street, Hollywood, California. The folder
explains that this reed is "The Only Genuine Non-Absorbent
Cane Reed," and that it is "Brilliant" and "Lasting". In a small
paper container was a sample of the reed which looks very fine
indeed. On the third page of the folder there is a list of promi-
nent "Users and Boosters of Hollywood Four Star Reeds," and
among the names listed are Opie Cates and Dick Eckles of the
WBC Staff Orchestra, Hollywood ; Bud Catton and Harold Law-
son, CBS staff orchestra, Hollywood ; members of the Maxwell
House Show; Old Gold Program; Ray Noble Orchestra; and
Kraft Cheese Show.
PFANSTIEHL ANNOUNCES "TAILOR
FEATURE IN 4000 PLAY NEEDLE
MADE"
Pfanstiehl Chemical Company, Metal Division, has added an-
other "first" to its activities in the phonograph needle field. Tak-
ing into consideration the important fact that no tzvo phonograph
pick-ups operate at the saute angle, Pfanstiehl now furnishes a
''break-in record which polishes the patented precious-metal-alloy
point of their needle to the individual machine on which it is to be
used. The "break-in" record is to be played through once, or
twice at the most, after which the needle is ready for service—
"tailor made" for the user. The "breaking-in" process also cre-
ates the smoothest attainable bearing surface, thus protecting even
the very first of the users fine records played with the new needle.
This "tailor made" feature is the second drastic improvement
Pfanstiehl has introduced to the home phonograph field, the first
being the Pfanstiehl Finest Phonograph Needle, itself, which more
than doubled the "mileage" with 4000 or more plays.
OCTOBER, 1040
JOHN F. WIRTZ JOINS
MAGNAVOX
John F. IVirtc, New Magnavox District Manager
John F. W r irtz has been appointed district manager for New
York City and eastern New York state in a revision of the eastern
territories necessitated by the steady increase in Magnavox busi-
ness, according to an announcement by Mr. L. M. Sandwick,
Magnavox Sales Manager.
"Mr. Wirtz has had extensive experience in the merchandising
of appliances and musical instruments," said Mr. Sandwick, "and
this thorough knowledge of the dealers' problems will make him
of inestimable help to the dealers he will serve."
For the past seven years Mr. Wirtz has covered the eastern
market for RCA Victor. Two years were spent exclusively in
the sale and promotion of phonograph records, the remaining five
years being devoted to all products.
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Mr. Wirtz has been quite active
as player and arbiter in football, basketball, and baseball.
THANK YOU MR.
MAXWELL
The Chicago Tribune
Chicago, Illinois
September 23, 1940
Presto Music Times
332 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
"Dear Mr. Pengelly:
"I cannot tell you how appreciative we arc of the wonderful
article on the Festival which you had in the September issue
of PRESTO MUSIC TIMES." It was beautifully presented in
wording and typography.
"The Chicagoland Music Festival is proud of your friendship.
"Sincerely,
"Philip Maxwell
"Director Chicagoland Music Festival"
(See page 33 )
Pfanstiehl's Nexv "Tailor-Made"
Needle
PAGE TWENTY-NINE
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