Music Trade Review
Issue: 1901 Vol. 32 N. 6 - Page 8
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
Modern Machinery and Methods Discussed
BY CHRIS. GARRITSON
AN INTERESTING CHAT WITH PRESIDENT
OF THE
KROEGER
CO. IN
WHICH MANY LIVE TOPICS ARE BROACHED.
Among the most progressive piano
manufacturers many improvements have
been made during the past five years in
the matter of machinery and appliances
for facilitating work in the various de-
partments. In this particular no eastern
firm has shown a more modern and wide-
awake spirit than the Kroeger Co. Since
Chris. Garritson became the prime mover
in the company's affairs rapid strides have
been made regarding men and methods,
with the result that the Kroeger Co. is now
a very important factor in the piano indus-
try of the United States. Under the pres-
ent administration its growth has been
phenomenal. Bearing this in mind, The
Review, when an opportunity offered on
Wednesday, talked with Mr. Garritson on
the subject of recent developments in con-
nection with the construction of pianos.
Mr. Garritson, whose knowledge of engi-
neering is extensive and accurate, spoke
freely on this topic when asked a specific
question.
" In your opinion," said The Review,
" has the application of modern machinery
been as generally utilized in pianomaking
as in other industries? "
''Without doubt,"was the reply. ''Take
our own case. We have, during the past
four years, spent many thousands of dol-
lars in the purchase of time-saving and
labor-saving machinery. By its use we
have been enabled to ensure a much larger
output of instruments. This has been
brought about, too, without sacrificing our
reputation for durable and otherwise satis-
factory work. On the contrary, we have
gained in reputation by the adoption of
progressive measures such as are indicated
by the introduction of the most improved
and effective mechanical processes.
"Fortunately, having in my younger
days obtained a complete theoretical and
practical knowledge of mechanics and en-
gineering, I am able to realize much more
quickly than an outsider what is best to do
under certain conditions and which is the
most advantageous method to pursue in
doing it. Hence it happens that I have
had special machinery made after my own
plans. This is now in use. When time
permits, I frequently prepare new plans.
Some of these are now under consideration
and when actually put into operation, fur-
ther saving of time and labor will inevita-
bly ensue.
"From my point of view, there is every-
thing to be gained in this progressive age,
by keeping pace with requirements that
are essential if a substantial advance is de-
sired. This is well illustrated in the fact,
that the volume of our business has in-
creased in proportion to the amount of en-
terprise and capital we have put into it.
The combination of capital and enterprise
is bound to succeed in any business where
strictly honest and legitimate methods pre-
vail. I am proud to say that they do pre-
vail with us and, I hope, always will.
Most certainly they will, so long as I re-
main responsible.
"Actual results form the true gauge
whereby a positive degree of success can
be ascertained. Here are some results:—
In four years we have increased our pay
roll from $75,000 to $150,000; we have
multiplied our agents many fold; we have
far more than doubled the area of space oc-
cupied for factory purposes; we have at-
tained a standard of proficiency among our
employees second to none in the trade; we
have correspondingly raised the standard
of our products. To-day the Kroeger pi-
ano—and I say it advisedly—stands in no
dread of comparison with any other really
first-class instrument intended for popular
use.
"We are careful to purchase only the
best material, no matter what it costs.
We employ only the most expert labor-
Our roll of wages paid shows as high an
average rate per man as will be found any-
where. Take these facts and add to them
the additional one that our modern ma-
chinery gives to these skilled mechanics,
with such material, an opportunity to pro-
duce satisfactory results, and our success,
in the shape of a big demand, constantly
increasing, is explained.
" I did not intend to elaborate so freely,
but you struck me on a subject in which I
am deeply interested: the progress of me-
chanical appliances in its relation to the
development of the piano industry. What
I have said about our own business is mere-
ly illustrative of the statement I made at
the beginning of our talk. Apart from
the success of the Kroeger products, I want
to see the piano industry, as a whole, ad-
vance all along the line; and if what I have
said serves as an inspiration to any who
have doubts as to the wisdom of conduct-
ing their business in this twentieth century
along twentieth century lines, I shall feel
amply repaid for the time taken in giving
you my views."
Before leaving the Kroeger factory, The
Review accompanied Mr. Garritson through
several of the departments and was able to
confirm by actual observation many of the
statements made by him. Without any
doubt whatever, the Kroeger factory is
now one of the best equipped piano manu-
facturing establishments not only in the
United States but in the world. The stock
of material on hand actually standing and
in course of construction is enormous. The
quality of the material is beyond criticism.
The method of keeping stock, the sys-
tem of work, and the discipline maintained
throughout the whole building, are admir-
able in every particular. The Kroeger
establishment is a great, thriving institu-
tion and the piano trade owes a debt of
gratitude to Mr. Garritson and his inde-
fatigable colleagues for their energy, skill
and persistence in successfully carrying
out an immensely difficult task in the face
of what seemed at one time to be unsur-
mountable odds.
Far rand & Votey fleeting.
The regular annual meeting of the Far-
rand & Votey Organ Co., was held at their
offices in Detroit, Mich., on Feb. 2, when
the following officers were elected: Presi-
dent, E. H. Flinn; Vice-president, A. E.
F. White; Secretary, L. M. Ide; Treasurer
and Gen'l Manager, W. R. Farrand. The
business report for the year was an un-
usually satisfactory one.
Post-prandial Remarks.
The ringing words of Paul G. Mehlin at
the dinner of the local Association on Wed-
nesday night regarding the importance of
high-grade work and high-grade methods
are typical of the man.
The possibilities of trade development
abroad, as far as the piano trade is con-
cerned, were referred to in a very pertinent
and interesting manner by Adolpho H.
Fischer. There is no mistaking that were
the proper plan of campaign devised and
executed the American piano would be-
come a decided factor in foreign trade.
Chas. H. Parsons, made an admirable
presiding officer at the dinner, and all who
attended acclaimed him "a royal good fel-
low." At the head of the local association,
Mr. Parsons is bound to made a splendid
record during the Convention of the Na-
tional Association to be held here in May.
Charles Freund, who was called upon to
respond in behalf of the music trade press,
made an excellent impression upon all pres-
ent by the modesty and good-sense dis-
played in his brief speech.
Appreciate the Newby & Evans.
More desirable new agencies have been
added to the Newby & Evans list. This
is as it should be. The recently published
statements of the firm concerning the
merits of the Newby & Evans piano is not
in the least exaggerated.
The dealer who has an opening for an
instrument that will give complete satis-
faction to him in a business way and to his
customers from the standpoint of durabil-
ity and substantial merit should certainly
investigate.
P. J. Greany, of the Greany Piano Co.,
hailing from that fashionable center, New-
port, R. I., is building up a very excellent
trade with the Calenberg piano and during
his visit to the city last week he placed a
substantial order for these instruments.
J. H. Wessen, of Houston, has rented
the Commoner Building on Willis street,
Alvin, Tex., and has opened a piano and
music store.
To Lease.
Two handsome connecting warerooms,
with magnificently equipped hall in rear, 50
x 60 feet, at
11 E. 14th St.
These quarters are admirably situated
and appeal to those desiring to cater to the
very best trade. They have been occupied for
many years by Geo Steck & Co.
Further particulars will be furnished by
Morris E. Sterne,
9 East 14th Street,
NEW YORK.
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
Modern Machinery and Methods Discussed
BY CHRIS. GARRITSON
AN INTERESTING CHAT WITH PRESIDENT
OF THE
KROEGER
CO. IN
WHICH MANY LIVE TOPICS ARE BROACHED.
Among the most progressive piano
manufacturers many improvements have
been made during the past five years in
the matter of machinery and appliances
for facilitating work in the various de-
partments. In this particular no eastern
firm has shown a more modern and wide-
awake spirit than the Kroeger Co. Since
Chris. Garritson became the prime mover
in the company's affairs rapid strides have
been made regarding men and methods,
with the result that the Kroeger Co. is now
a very important factor in the piano indus-
try of the United States. Under the pres-
ent administration its growth has been
phenomenal. Bearing this in mind, The
Review, when an opportunity offered on
Wednesday, talked with Mr. Garritson on
the subject of recent developments in con-
nection with the construction of pianos.
Mr. Garritson, whose knowledge of engi-
neering is extensive and accurate, spoke
freely on this topic when asked a specific
question.
" In your opinion," said The Review,
" has the application of modern machinery
been as generally utilized in pianomaking
as in other industries? "
''Without doubt,"was the reply. ''Take
our own case. We have, during the past
four years, spent many thousands of dol-
lars in the purchase of time-saving and
labor-saving machinery. By its use we
have been enabled to ensure a much larger
output of instruments. This has been
brought about, too, without sacrificing our
reputation for durable and otherwise satis-
factory work. On the contrary, we have
gained in reputation by the adoption of
progressive measures such as are indicated
by the introduction of the most improved
and effective mechanical processes.
"Fortunately, having in my younger
days obtained a complete theoretical and
practical knowledge of mechanics and en-
gineering, I am able to realize much more
quickly than an outsider what is best to do
under certain conditions and which is the
most advantageous method to pursue in
doing it. Hence it happens that I have
had special machinery made after my own
plans. This is now in use. When time
permits, I frequently prepare new plans.
Some of these are now under consideration
and when actually put into operation, fur-
ther saving of time and labor will inevita-
bly ensue.
"From my point of view, there is every-
thing to be gained in this progressive age,
by keeping pace with requirements that
are essential if a substantial advance is de-
sired. This is well illustrated in the fact,
that the volume of our business has in-
creased in proportion to the amount of en-
terprise and capital we have put into it.
The combination of capital and enterprise
is bound to succeed in any business where
strictly honest and legitimate methods pre-
vail. I am proud to say that they do pre-
vail with us and, I hope, always will.
Most certainly they will, so long as I re-
main responsible.
"Actual results form the true gauge
whereby a positive degree of success can
be ascertained. Here are some results:—
In four years we have increased our pay
roll from $75,000 to $150,000; we have
multiplied our agents many fold; we have
far more than doubled the area of space oc-
cupied for factory purposes; we have at-
tained a standard of proficiency among our
employees second to none in the trade; we
have correspondingly raised the standard
of our products. To-day the Kroeger pi-
ano—and I say it advisedly—stands in no
dread of comparison with any other really
first-class instrument intended for popular
use.
"We are careful to purchase only the
best material, no matter what it costs.
We employ only the most expert labor-
Our roll of wages paid shows as high an
average rate per man as will be found any-
where. Take these facts and add to them
the additional one that our modern ma-
chinery gives to these skilled mechanics,
with such material, an opportunity to pro-
duce satisfactory results, and our success,
in the shape of a big demand, constantly
increasing, is explained.
" I did not intend to elaborate so freely,
but you struck me on a subject in which I
am deeply interested: the progress of me-
chanical appliances in its relation to the
development of the piano industry. What
I have said about our own business is mere-
ly illustrative of the statement I made at
the beginning of our talk. Apart from
the success of the Kroeger products, I want
to see the piano industry, as a whole, ad-
vance all along the line; and if what I have
said serves as an inspiration to any who
have doubts as to the wisdom of conduct-
ing their business in this twentieth century
along twentieth century lines, I shall feel
amply repaid for the time taken in giving
you my views."
Before leaving the Kroeger factory, The
Review accompanied Mr. Garritson through
several of the departments and was able to
confirm by actual observation many of the
statements made by him. Without any
doubt whatever, the Kroeger factory is
now one of the best equipped piano manu-
facturing establishments not only in the
United States but in the world. The stock
of material on hand actually standing and
in course of construction is enormous. The
quality of the material is beyond criticism.
The method of keeping stock, the sys-
tem of work, and the discipline maintained
throughout the whole building, are admir-
able in every particular. The Kroeger
establishment is a great, thriving institu-
tion and the piano trade owes a debt of
gratitude to Mr. Garritson and his inde-
fatigable colleagues for their energy, skill
and persistence in successfully carrying
out an immensely difficult task in the face
of what seemed at one time to be unsur-
mountable odds.
Far rand & Votey fleeting.
The regular annual meeting of the Far-
rand & Votey Organ Co., was held at their
offices in Detroit, Mich., on Feb. 2, when
the following officers were elected: Presi-
dent, E. H. Flinn; Vice-president, A. E.
F. White; Secretary, L. M. Ide; Treasurer
and Gen'l Manager, W. R. Farrand. The
business report for the year was an un-
usually satisfactory one.
Post-prandial Remarks.
The ringing words of Paul G. Mehlin at
the dinner of the local Association on Wed-
nesday night regarding the importance of
high-grade work and high-grade methods
are typical of the man.
The possibilities of trade development
abroad, as far as the piano trade is con-
cerned, were referred to in a very pertinent
and interesting manner by Adolpho H.
Fischer. There is no mistaking that were
the proper plan of campaign devised and
executed the American piano would be-
come a decided factor in foreign trade.
Chas. H. Parsons, made an admirable
presiding officer at the dinner, and all who
attended acclaimed him "a royal good fel-
low." At the head of the local association,
Mr. Parsons is bound to made a splendid
record during the Convention of the Na-
tional Association to be held here in May.
Charles Freund, who was called upon to
respond in behalf of the music trade press,
made an excellent impression upon all pres-
ent by the modesty and good-sense dis-
played in his brief speech.
Appreciate the Newby & Evans.
More desirable new agencies have been
added to the Newby & Evans list. This
is as it should be. The recently published
statements of the firm concerning the
merits of the Newby & Evans piano is not
in the least exaggerated.
The dealer who has an opening for an
instrument that will give complete satis-
faction to him in a business way and to his
customers from the standpoint of durabil-
ity and substantial merit should certainly
investigate.
P. J. Greany, of the Greany Piano Co.,
hailing from that fashionable center, New-
port, R. I., is building up a very excellent
trade with the Calenberg piano and during
his visit to the city last week he placed a
substantial order for these instruments.
J. H. Wessen, of Houston, has rented
the Commoner Building on Willis street,
Alvin, Tex., and has opened a piano and
music store.
To Lease.
Two handsome connecting warerooms,
with magnificently equipped hall in rear, 50
x 60 feet, at
11 E. 14th St.
These quarters are admirably situated
and appeal to those desiring to cater to the
very best trade. They have been occupied for
many years by Geo Steck & Co.
Further particulars will be furnished by
Morris E. Sterne,
9 East 14th Street,
NEW YORK.
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).