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10
THE
7VTWSIO TRHDE
REVIEW
the work in all departments was being done
systematically, carefully, intelligently; that
the men had a uniformly contented and
cheerful
expression and were carrying on
"What perfect facilities you must have in upright, are constructed; a third department
their
respective
tasks as if they took a real,
order to produce such perfect instruments!" is set apart for hammers; a fourth for
live
interest
in
them; that absolute silence
This remark has often been made by visitors strings; a fifth for sounding boards, and so
reigned
at
the
benches
during work; that
to the new Sohmer warerooms after exam- on.
ining and listening to the Sohmer baby grand
Having said this much in a general way, the discipline in other respects was perfect;
and the latest styles in Sohmer uprights. The Review will devote a few paragraphs to that many of the men had grown gray in
The Review, among others, has said it, in the details of factory construction and ar- the Sohmer service, some exceeding thirl y
effect, more than once to members of the rangement. The Sohmer factory, six stories years, others twenty-five, and many between
Sohmer firm. On the last occasion, it was in height, with a handsome clock tower— fifteen and twenty; that the stock was well-
suggested that a visit to the Sohmer factory from which can be obtained a magnificent arranged and conveniently distributed ; that
would be at once interesting and instructive. view of the surrounding country—stands the utmost cleanliness was maintained in
The idea was approved and in due course near the water front and in close proximity every part of the establishment, annd that the
the journey was made.
A ride on the Third avenue "L" to Eighty-
ninth street, an excursion among the dwell-
ings of the East side to the Astoria ferry at
Ninety-second street, a voyage across the
East River in the midst of a tempest about
as alarming as anything in that line the East
River can furnish, a brief period of trans-
portation on a suburban trolley car tripping
through Astoria and lo! the Sohmer factory,
looming up, lofty and impressive, above all
other structures in the vicinity, was reached.
Within one hour The Review, courteously
received and carefully piloted by Jacob Rock-
er, the factory superintendent, was able to
endorse fully the firm's official statement that
the Sohmer factory is "a model in every detail
and one of the most extensive in the country;
complete in every department, supplied with
the best labor-saving machinery, and with
every facility, arrangement and improvement
for economical production."
Sixty minutes was a quite sufficient length
1 > ferry and railroad. The structure is "L" building itself is being kept in excellent re-
of time to verify the assertion that "we per-
shaped, 104 x 150 feet, with additional space pair. This is a good showing and one that
mit no piano to leave our establishment with-
of 100x200 feet for lumber. The lumber reflects great credit on the firm members,
out a careful inspection, in order to insure
yard is well stocked. Within the " L " are the each of whom contributes an active share in
perfection in every part. Our immense lum-
one or more branches of work in connection
drying rooms.
ber yard is stocked with a large supply of
On the ground floor is a large stock of with the Sohmer business.
the choicest material, all of which is thor-
As The Review was about to leave the
prepared lumber and much in course of prep-
oughly seasoned in the drying rooms before
aration. In the rear of the building on this factory, the question was asked: "Do you
being used. The numerous employees are
floor is a splendid 125 horse power steam have much to contend with here in the shape
skilled artisans whose best energies and tal-
engine of modern design, giving power for of labor trouble?" The answer was signifi-
ents are devoted to their labors."
the entire plant. Part of the second floor cant: " N o ; we work together as comrades;
There is no doubt about it. The Sohmer
contains the offices and supply stock room. almost as brothers. We respect the members
factory is a model in every detail. It is com-
On this floor also are the action and hammer- of the firm and they, on their part, have
plete in every department. It is supplied
shown over and over again that they have
with the best labor-saving machinery. It making departments; the key and string-
our
real interests at heart. We are all proud
does contain every facility, arrangement and making departments, and the veneer stock-
of
the
Sohmer name and ihe Sohmer piano,
improvement for economical production. The room. The third floor is set apart for fin-
and
we
shall always do our level best to sus-
Review, on tour, noted the care taken in in- ishing, fly-finishing and stringing.
tain
the
glorious record of both."
Bellying, sounding-board construction and
spection of instruments about to be shipped.
A NEEDHAM ART CALALOGUF.
The immense lumber yard is very much in grand case-making is done on the fourth floor;
evidence, also the drying rooms,. The men— the fifth floor is also given over to case-mak-
The Needham Piano & Organ Co. have
two hundred and fifty of them—were seen ing and veneers ; the uppermost floor is fully just issued an elegant art catalogue in colors.
at their work, and it was easy to recognize occupied by the varnishers. The grand case The frontispiece is a first-rate portrait of
the fact that every man understood his busi- department is admirably equipped. About Ellis Parkman Needham, with an interesting
ness thoroughly and was laboring intelligent- forty grands were seen in process of con- biographical notice. The illustrations include
ly, faithfully and effectively to further the struction. From the foregoing some idea several special constructive features of the
can be gained of the factory plan. The gen-
Sohmer interests.
Needham piano. There is appropriate text
Officially, the firm in writing of their facil- eral impression given to the visitor is very with each illustration. The Needham piano
ities say: "We make the case, but we also favorable. One comes away feeling that the and orglan factory is also illustrated and de-
make the keys, actions, hammers, strings, Sohmer factory represents the highest type scribed. In a pocket at the end are several
sound-boards; in fact, everything essential of piano manufacture.. Furthermore, the im- perfect illustration sheets of the current
to the character and quality of our piano- pression is gained during the visit, after a Needham piano styles,' with description, on
fortes." Yes ; it is all true,. There is a well- careful scrutiny, that the men employed in reverse of each. The catalogue is admirably
organized, well-equipped department where the several departments represent the high- arrange^ and edited; as an example of the
the keys for Sohmer pianos are made; an- est type of laboring manhood.
engraver's and printer's arts it is unique in
other in which the Sohmer actions, grand and
It was also observed by The Review that its richness.
THE GREAT SOHMER FACTORY