Music Trade Review
Issue: 1886 Vol. 10 N. 10 - Page 12
148
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW.
Bush & Co., are as busy as bees. They can't turn
out pianos fast enough to supply the trade
Mr. R. H. Rodda (formerly with the Sterling Co.)
has opened warerooms in 84 Jackson street. He
sells a piano called the " Victoria," and has an organ
made for him called the " Rodda."
The Story &, Clark Organ Co. will have to have a
larger factory, if the demand for their instruments
keeps on as it has for the past two months.
R. C. Munger, the oldest dealer in St. Paul, Minn.,
has taken the agency of the Haines Bros, for his
leading piano.
T. M. Antisell, San Francisco, Cal., called on us.
He was on his way home from the East. He placed
a big order for Shoninger pianos.
Frank Abbott, e litor of the music trade paper,
Des Molnes, la., was in town last week. His paper
is as spicy and bright as ever.
Col. Fuller was here some days ago.
Nicholas S. Hoveland, the confidential and once
trusted book keeper of the Kimball Co., who was
arrested a short time ago, was brought before the
VIEW, and we will do all we can Grand Jury Thursday, December 9, and a true bill
was found against him. He pleaded guilty and prayed
to help them.
the mercy of the court. He was sentenced to ten
months in the penitentary. This was a light sea-
THOMPSON PARK, Springfield,
tence;
in fact it was placed at the minimum by re-
Mass., has a fine line of pianos,
including Baus and Newby & quest of the K. Co.
The following dealers have been in town purchasing
Evans,' which are medium in
price, and he keeps the Carpen- goods lately: A. E. Brackett, Coldwater, Mich. ;
ter organs. He also has a large Mr. Everett (Everett & Giles), Quincy, 111.; M.
assortment of banjos, guitars, Drolott, St. Anne, III.; F. Benedict (Benedict &
and violins, He is a practical Daniels), Pontiac, Mich.; R. C. Lincabaugh, Stevens-
mechanic and understands the ville, Mich.; T. M. Antisell, San Francisco, Cal.; J.
making and repairing of every T. Jackman, Tama City, la.
Yours truly,
kind of musical instrument.
have purchased the interest of all
the heirs. The new firm have al-
ready made many improvements,
such as adding new machinery
to save labor. They are hard at
work In getting out new styles
which, when ready for the mar-
ket they claim will be equal to
any made. The firm has secur-
ed the services of H. Wedekind
as superintendent and draughts-
man, who has had much experi-
ence in this capacity. From all
appearances the firm intend to
push the business with all possi-
ble energy, and we believe that
with the young blood Infused in
the concern the reputation of the
old Kurtzmann name will rapid-
ly increase instead of diminish.
These young men have the best
wishes of the Music TRADE RE-
OWEN.
THE LATE CHRISTIAN KURTZMANN.
T
HE above cut is an excellent likeness of a gentle-
man who was one of the most honorable and
highly-respected members of the music trade.
Mr. Christian Kurtzmann was one of our most inti-
mate friends, and we cannot find words which will
express our deep and sincere regret when we received
the news of his domise, which occurred on July 28th,
1886.
In 1848 he emigrated to America, working at his
trade in New York city, and in 1857 removed to
Buffalo and established himself in the piano business
in connection with one Hinzie, the firm name being
Kurtzmann & Hinzie. At this time their factory was
on Staat street, where they continued for sixteen
years, when Mr. Kurtzmann bought his partner's in-
terest, and securing the present site on Broadway,
built a new factory, which has been enlarged and im-
proved from time to time until at the present time
the dimensions are 72 by 125 feet, with a 30 by 125
feet wing, four stories high, fully equipped with all
modern conveniences for the successful prosecution
of the business.
From the very start Mr. Kurtzmann's business
constantly increased and without any great effort at
that on his part. He manufactured a piano which
was in every way well worth the price asked for it,
and he always felt like having the instrument speak
its own praise. Once, Mr. Kurtzmann was convers-
ing with a prominent manufacturer, and during the
conversation the manufacturer said to Mr. Kurtz-
mann : " I have been through the West and South
and find that everywhere I called the dealers spoke
In the highest terms of your pianos. I see that you
are now making all the pianos you can in your pres-
ent factory, but why don't you enlarge your present
facilities and double the number of instruments you
now manufacture, which you can easily do?" "Well,"
said Mr. Kurtzmann, "you see, I now manufacture
so many pianos and have so much worry, if I manu-
facture double this amount I have just double the
worry." This is a good illustration of Mr.Kurtzmann's
character. He made a certain number of pianos
which were disposed of at a good price to the leading
dealers, and which were bringing him a good profit.
He was satisfied with this and perfectly willing to
give the other manufacturers a chance to gain a part
of the business he might readily have controlled,
but which, owing to his kind nature, he was satisfied
to allow a weaker competitor to have.
Mr. Kurtzmann leaves a widow and two sons and
• a handsome fortune. The business will in the futur©
be carried on under Jthe old name by the two sons,
Louis S. and Charles. F., and Adolph Geiger, who
CHICAGO CORRESPONDENCE.
SENATOR MAHONE'S KNABE GRAND.
THE PROPOSED NEW OPERA HOUSE—A GRAND
STRUCTURE—CONDITION OF TRADE—
MISCBI/LANEOUS NOTES.
FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.
TRADERS' BUILDING, CHICAGO,
j
December 15th, 1886. f
The subscribers to the stock of the Chicago Grand
Auditorium Association met December 4th to elect
directors. Marshal Field was called to the chair,
and the following directors were elected : Fred W.
Peck, N. K. Fairbank, Edson Keith, C. L. Hutchin-
s-n, Henry Field, N. B. Ream, W. E Hale, E. S. Pike,
C. Counselman, A. A. Sprague and M. A. Ryerson.
The directors will meet next Saturday to elect officers.
$750,000 is already taken, and the capital stock will
no doubt be increased to $1,000,000. The Grand Opera
House will be located on Congress street, between
Michigan and Wabash avenues, will cost $1,500,000,
and will have a frontage of 364 feet, 189 feet and 160
feet respectively. The ground is leased for 99 years.
The structure will be fireproof throughout, ten
stories high and will seat 5,000. The stage will be
70 by 120 feet. The entrance on Congress street will
be 55 feet wide. This immense hall will be used for
opera festivals and other big gatherings. The rest
of this immense building will be used as a European
hotel and will have 400 to 500 rooms. The ground
floor will be used for stores. It will take over a year
to finish. It will be ready for the next National Con-
vention. So Chicago will beat the world with its
opera house.
Business, so far this month, has been excellent,
and all the music or piano houses are getting their
share. On State street we find Lyon & Healy. Their
sales of the Steinway are ahead of last year. Reed
& Sons have already sold a number of Knabes, to be
delivered Christmas. Estey & Camp are busy with
the Decker Bros. The Kimball Co. salesmen are
busy from morning until night; and the Shoninger
Co., for a house that has been in Chicago only since
May last, beats the record. The way their pianos
are selling is something unprecedented in the trade.
N. A. Cross & Co. are well satisfied with the way
the Kroeger goes. On Wabash avenue, the Weber,
Julius Bauer & Co. and the Sterling Co. seem to do
the bulk of the business on that street; while Steger
& Sauber, John Church Co., Wheelock & Bradbury
are not complaining. Neither Is Mason & Hamlin
Co , who have an elegant wareroom on this avenue.
The manufacturers here, C. A. Smith <$; Co., Wm.
NUMBER of prominent musical people of this
city gathered in the warerooms of Messrs.
William Knabe & Co. yesterday morning to
examine a piano made by the firm for Senator Wm.
Mahone, of Virginia, for his Washington residence.
The instrument was specially designed and built for
that gentleman, and is truly a magnificent specimen
of the highest musical as well as decorative art. It
is a full concept grand, the same in size and general
outline as the famous grand Messrs. Knabe & Co. fur-
nished for the White House. The case is of rich and
beautifully figured rosewood, decorated with inlaid
work in white holly of unique and intricate design,
carved out in the most artistic manner. Each panel
has a group of different musical instruments, the whole
surrounded by borders of fine marquetry work in
leaves and flowers, etc. The legs ami lyre are richly
carved and decorated to match the body of the case,
the whole producing a striking, and atthe same timo
most refined (esthetic effect. The tone is superb,
striking the listener by its wonderful volume, depth
and richness, combining with greatest power a most
reflaed and mellow character and charming singing
quality; the action and touch perfectly delightful to
the performer by its ease and responsiveness. It is,
indeed,a most wonderful instrument in every respect,
and the Senator is to be congratulated on its posses-
sion.— Baltimore Sun.
A
TESTIMONIALS TO THE RICHEY PIANO
COYER.
TOWN OP LAKE, NOV. 18, 1886.
DEAR MADAME : I have one of your new " patent"
covers. I find it a great protection and really beau-
tifies the instrument (and I have a fine one). I con-
sider they are necessary and a useful article. I wish
you could hear the admiration it calls forth from my
friends when they see It. You would feel repaid for
benefiting the public by them.
Wishing you every success,
MAGGIE MCGEOGHEGAN.
1153 Cor. 478 Aberdeen street.
Sept. 15, 1886.
I have one of Mrs. L. E. Richey's "patent" piano
covers and find it both useful and ornamental.
Very truly yours,
73 N. State.
MissL. M. AIKEN.
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW.
Bush & Co., are as busy as bees. They can't turn
out pianos fast enough to supply the trade
Mr. R. H. Rodda (formerly with the Sterling Co.)
has opened warerooms in 84 Jackson street. He
sells a piano called the " Victoria," and has an organ
made for him called the " Rodda."
The Story &, Clark Organ Co. will have to have a
larger factory, if the demand for their instruments
keeps on as it has for the past two months.
R. C. Munger, the oldest dealer in St. Paul, Minn.,
has taken the agency of the Haines Bros, for his
leading piano.
T. M. Antisell, San Francisco, Cal., called on us.
He was on his way home from the East. He placed
a big order for Shoninger pianos.
Frank Abbott, e litor of the music trade paper,
Des Molnes, la., was in town last week. His paper
is as spicy and bright as ever.
Col. Fuller was here some days ago.
Nicholas S. Hoveland, the confidential and once
trusted book keeper of the Kimball Co., who was
arrested a short time ago, was brought before the
VIEW, and we will do all we can Grand Jury Thursday, December 9, and a true bill
was found against him. He pleaded guilty and prayed
to help them.
the mercy of the court. He was sentenced to ten
months in the penitentary. This was a light sea-
THOMPSON PARK, Springfield,
tence;
in fact it was placed at the minimum by re-
Mass., has a fine line of pianos,
including Baus and Newby & quest of the K. Co.
The following dealers have been in town purchasing
Evans,' which are medium in
price, and he keeps the Carpen- goods lately: A. E. Brackett, Coldwater, Mich. ;
ter organs. He also has a large Mr. Everett (Everett & Giles), Quincy, 111.; M.
assortment of banjos, guitars, Drolott, St. Anne, III.; F. Benedict (Benedict &
and violins, He is a practical Daniels), Pontiac, Mich.; R. C. Lincabaugh, Stevens-
mechanic and understands the ville, Mich.; T. M. Antisell, San Francisco, Cal.; J.
making and repairing of every T. Jackman, Tama City, la.
Yours truly,
kind of musical instrument.
have purchased the interest of all
the heirs. The new firm have al-
ready made many improvements,
such as adding new machinery
to save labor. They are hard at
work In getting out new styles
which, when ready for the mar-
ket they claim will be equal to
any made. The firm has secur-
ed the services of H. Wedekind
as superintendent and draughts-
man, who has had much experi-
ence in this capacity. From all
appearances the firm intend to
push the business with all possi-
ble energy, and we believe that
with the young blood Infused in
the concern the reputation of the
old Kurtzmann name will rapid-
ly increase instead of diminish.
These young men have the best
wishes of the Music TRADE RE-
OWEN.
THE LATE CHRISTIAN KURTZMANN.
T
HE above cut is an excellent likeness of a gentle-
man who was one of the most honorable and
highly-respected members of the music trade.
Mr. Christian Kurtzmann was one of our most inti-
mate friends, and we cannot find words which will
express our deep and sincere regret when we received
the news of his domise, which occurred on July 28th,
1886.
In 1848 he emigrated to America, working at his
trade in New York city, and in 1857 removed to
Buffalo and established himself in the piano business
in connection with one Hinzie, the firm name being
Kurtzmann & Hinzie. At this time their factory was
on Staat street, where they continued for sixteen
years, when Mr. Kurtzmann bought his partner's in-
terest, and securing the present site on Broadway,
built a new factory, which has been enlarged and im-
proved from time to time until at the present time
the dimensions are 72 by 125 feet, with a 30 by 125
feet wing, four stories high, fully equipped with all
modern conveniences for the successful prosecution
of the business.
From the very start Mr. Kurtzmann's business
constantly increased and without any great effort at
that on his part. He manufactured a piano which
was in every way well worth the price asked for it,
and he always felt like having the instrument speak
its own praise. Once, Mr. Kurtzmann was convers-
ing with a prominent manufacturer, and during the
conversation the manufacturer said to Mr. Kurtz-
mann : " I have been through the West and South
and find that everywhere I called the dealers spoke
In the highest terms of your pianos. I see that you
are now making all the pianos you can in your pres-
ent factory, but why don't you enlarge your present
facilities and double the number of instruments you
now manufacture, which you can easily do?" "Well,"
said Mr. Kurtzmann, "you see, I now manufacture
so many pianos and have so much worry, if I manu-
facture double this amount I have just double the
worry." This is a good illustration of Mr.Kurtzmann's
character. He made a certain number of pianos
which were disposed of at a good price to the leading
dealers, and which were bringing him a good profit.
He was satisfied with this and perfectly willing to
give the other manufacturers a chance to gain a part
of the business he might readily have controlled,
but which, owing to his kind nature, he was satisfied
to allow a weaker competitor to have.
Mr. Kurtzmann leaves a widow and two sons and
• a handsome fortune. The business will in the futur©
be carried on under Jthe old name by the two sons,
Louis S. and Charles. F., and Adolph Geiger, who
CHICAGO CORRESPONDENCE.
SENATOR MAHONE'S KNABE GRAND.
THE PROPOSED NEW OPERA HOUSE—A GRAND
STRUCTURE—CONDITION OF TRADE—
MISCBI/LANEOUS NOTES.
FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.
TRADERS' BUILDING, CHICAGO,
j
December 15th, 1886. f
The subscribers to the stock of the Chicago Grand
Auditorium Association met December 4th to elect
directors. Marshal Field was called to the chair,
and the following directors were elected : Fred W.
Peck, N. K. Fairbank, Edson Keith, C. L. Hutchin-
s-n, Henry Field, N. B. Ream, W. E Hale, E. S. Pike,
C. Counselman, A. A. Sprague and M. A. Ryerson.
The directors will meet next Saturday to elect officers.
$750,000 is already taken, and the capital stock will
no doubt be increased to $1,000,000. The Grand Opera
House will be located on Congress street, between
Michigan and Wabash avenues, will cost $1,500,000,
and will have a frontage of 364 feet, 189 feet and 160
feet respectively. The ground is leased for 99 years.
The structure will be fireproof throughout, ten
stories high and will seat 5,000. The stage will be
70 by 120 feet. The entrance on Congress street will
be 55 feet wide. This immense hall will be used for
opera festivals and other big gatherings. The rest
of this immense building will be used as a European
hotel and will have 400 to 500 rooms. The ground
floor will be used for stores. It will take over a year
to finish. It will be ready for the next National Con-
vention. So Chicago will beat the world with its
opera house.
Business, so far this month, has been excellent,
and all the music or piano houses are getting their
share. On State street we find Lyon & Healy. Their
sales of the Steinway are ahead of last year. Reed
& Sons have already sold a number of Knabes, to be
delivered Christmas. Estey & Camp are busy with
the Decker Bros. The Kimball Co. salesmen are
busy from morning until night; and the Shoninger
Co., for a house that has been in Chicago only since
May last, beats the record. The way their pianos
are selling is something unprecedented in the trade.
N. A. Cross & Co. are well satisfied with the way
the Kroeger goes. On Wabash avenue, the Weber,
Julius Bauer & Co. and the Sterling Co. seem to do
the bulk of the business on that street; while Steger
& Sauber, John Church Co., Wheelock & Bradbury
are not complaining. Neither Is Mason & Hamlin
Co , who have an elegant wareroom on this avenue.
The manufacturers here, C. A. Smith <$; Co., Wm.
NUMBER of prominent musical people of this
city gathered in the warerooms of Messrs.
William Knabe & Co. yesterday morning to
examine a piano made by the firm for Senator Wm.
Mahone, of Virginia, for his Washington residence.
The instrument was specially designed and built for
that gentleman, and is truly a magnificent specimen
of the highest musical as well as decorative art. It
is a full concept grand, the same in size and general
outline as the famous grand Messrs. Knabe & Co. fur-
nished for the White House. The case is of rich and
beautifully figured rosewood, decorated with inlaid
work in white holly of unique and intricate design,
carved out in the most artistic manner. Each panel
has a group of different musical instruments, the whole
surrounded by borders of fine marquetry work in
leaves and flowers, etc. The legs ami lyre are richly
carved and decorated to match the body of the case,
the whole producing a striking, and atthe same timo
most refined (esthetic effect. The tone is superb,
striking the listener by its wonderful volume, depth
and richness, combining with greatest power a most
reflaed and mellow character and charming singing
quality; the action and touch perfectly delightful to
the performer by its ease and responsiveness. It is,
indeed,a most wonderful instrument in every respect,
and the Senator is to be congratulated on its posses-
sion.— Baltimore Sun.
A
TESTIMONIALS TO THE RICHEY PIANO
COYER.
TOWN OP LAKE, NOV. 18, 1886.
DEAR MADAME : I have one of your new " patent"
covers. I find it a great protection and really beau-
tifies the instrument (and I have a fine one). I con-
sider they are necessary and a useful article. I wish
you could hear the admiration it calls forth from my
friends when they see It. You would feel repaid for
benefiting the public by them.
Wishing you every success,
MAGGIE MCGEOGHEGAN.
1153 Cor. 478 Aberdeen street.
Sept. 15, 1886.
I have one of Mrs. L. E. Richey's "patent" piano
covers and find it both useful and ornamental.
Very truly yours,
73 N. State.
MissL. M. AIKEN.
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