Music Trade Review
Issue: 1908 Vol. 46 N. 22 - Page 7
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THE
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
SCHOOL FOR PIANO MAKING.
WILLIS TOJVUKE PIANOS.
One Started in Berlin Under the Auspices of
the Piano Manufacturers' Association—Ab-
normally Low Fees—A Move Worthy of
Adoption in This Country—Governor Hughes
Encourages Trade Schools.
The Well Known Dealer of Montreal Secures
Going Plant at St. Therese—Elected Presi-
dent of the Company.
cessive piling of stock. Full, effective action of
sprinklers requires about 24 inches wholly clear
space below roofs or ceilings, and this loss of
space should be fully considered before installing
the equipment."
(Special to The Review.)
EDWARD F.J)ROOP'S WILL.
A school for pianoforte making has been estab-
lished in Berlin, Germany; the curriculum in-
cluding geometry, algebra, acoustics, designs and
ornamental drawings, bookkeeping, etc. It has
been founded by the Berlin Piano Manufacturers'
Association and workmen who are employed at
a factory not belonging to the association have
to pay three times the ordinary fees which are
as follows: Fifty cents per half year for every
two hourly subject; 25 cents for bookkeeping,
while for $1.25 the whole range of subjects can
be taken. This is certainly low enough, and af-
fords ample opportunities for ambitious work-
men, whether or not their employers are manu-
facturers who are outside of the association.
This is a most commendable move and cer-
tainly worthy of emulation in this country. The
efforts made last year by the Union Branch of
the Y. M. C. A. in New York to conduct classes
of instruction in piano making met with only a
limited degree of support from members of the
trade. It is hoped that the next course, which
will be started in the fall, will receive greater
encouragement for, whether in Berlin or New
York, there can be no question that if we are
to provide for the future of the industry, the
workmen must be instructed in all branches of
the trade to the end that they may fill the im-
portant roles of superintendents satisfactorily.
Specialization is a splendid thing in giving re-
sults, but the specialist is not usually a man who
knows all branches of the business, and is com-
petent to rectify and to originate ideas.
It is interesting to note in this connection that
Governor Hughes has just signed the bill intro-
duced by Assemblyman Wainwright extending
State aid to trade schools under certain condi-
tions. The schools are to be under the charge
of an advisory board representing local indus-
tries, must be open for forty weeks In the year,
and have at least 25 pupils, in which case each
will receive $500 a year, with $200 for every addi-
tional teacher employed. This seems like a
modest step in a right direction.
GEORGE LAWRENCE IN NEW QUARTERS.
(Special to The Review.)
Washington, D. C, May 23, 1908.
George Lawrence, piano dealer, formerly la
cated at 924 Ninth street, N. W., finding his
quarters entirely indequate for his rapidly grow-
ing business, has leased the building a t 915 G
street, N. W., right in the heart of the down-
town business section. Mr. Lawrence was for
a number of years a vocal instructor and choir
director, and abandoned his profession about two
years ago to engage in the piano business. His
new warerooms are especially adapted for his
fine stock of pianos, and the increased trade has
been very gratifying.
Montreal, Canada, May 25, 1908.
A. P. Willis, president of Willis & Co., Ltd.,
the piano dealers, is head of the new $100,000
piano manufacturing company known as the
Willis Piano Co., Ltd., who have obtained letters
patent to make pianos at St. Therese, twenty
miles from Montreal. A factory is already
erected there which turns out five hundred
pianos a year. The former owners of this con-
cern are Damase Lesage and his son, Adelard
Lesage. Mr. Willis, having acquired the con-
trolling interest of this factory, has been ap
pointed president of the new firm. The Messrs.
Lesage remain as stockholders and superintend-
ent and treasurer respectively of the new firm,
as well as assistant managers under the general
management of the president.
It is the intention of the Willis Piano Co. to
increase the production of their factory to fifteen
hundred pianos annually by September 1. The
Montreal headquarters of the new concern are
in the quarters of Willis & Co., Ltd., 600 St.
Catherine street.
STRAUCH BROS/ INVITATION
To Dealers to Inspect Their Action, Key and
Hammer Plant.
Strauch Bros, desire to extend, through The
Review, a cordial invitation to the members of
the visiting trade to inspect their factory, which
is located at 22-30 Tenth avenue, 57 West Twelfth
street and 452-54 West Thirteenth street, New
York.
The inspection trip will prove an interesting
one to dealers who never have familiarized them-
selves with the processes of piano action manu-
facture. In the Strauch factory may be seen a
number of systems which will prove of more than
ordinary interest. Strauch Bros, have a com-
plete plant, not only producing piano actions,
but they are also the only local manufacturers
who cut ivory on their premises and manufac-
ture actions, keys and hammers as well. To
those who are not familiar with the various
processes an inspection of the Strauch plant will
prove extremely interesting.
There are many special features which will
attract one as the various departments are
visited. One thing is certain, the more dealers
familiarize themselves with piano action mech-
anism the greater respect they will have for the
instrument. Strauch Bros, will be pleased to
greet the members of the visiting trade at their
plant, where they can view the processes of
action, key and hammer manufacture during
their convention stay in this city.
PROTECTION OF PIANO PLANTS.
Regarding steps to be taken for the protection
of piano plants from fire and dangers to be
OPEN SPECIAL ORGAN DEPARTMENT.
avoided in that connection the "Insurance Press,"
New York, recently had the following to say:
(Special to The Review.)
"A h've-story and basement, ordinary construc-
Omaha, Neb., May 25, 1908.
Hayden Bros., the great department store of tion brick, sprinklered piano factory. Fire doors
this city, who have won such success as dealers obstructed; unprotected openings in fire walls;
in pianos and musical goods, have opened a sprinklers obstructed by stock. The intention
of the fire door is to prevent fire from passing
special department for handling organs similar to
through the door-way, but this will not be pos-
their player-piano department recently opened.
sible if the fire door is not kept in perfect order;
Separate rooms are provided for the display of
an obstructed fire door is not only of little use,
the organs, and the Estey and Crown makes will
but it is an evidence of carelessness, and when
be pushed as the leaders.
found in this condition should be adjusted at
once. The above may be termed an unprotected
SECURES AGENCY FOR HARDMAN LINE..
opening on account of the inability of the fire
George B. Faulkner, a piano and music dealer door to operate, but the criticism refers to open-
of Truro, N. S., was a caller at the headquarters ings without any doors; this is a feature to be
of Hardman, Peck & Co. last week and inciden- avoided if the fire danger is to be reduced and
tally obtained the agency for the Autotone. Be- rates kept low, as the unprotected opening is
charged for on account of the communication
sides the Hardman and several Canadian lines of
pianos Mr. Faulkner also carries a stock of afforded for fire. The distribution of water from
the sprinklers must not be hampered by ex-
Edison phonographs.
His Estate Goes to the Various Members of
His Family.
vSpecial to The Review.)
Washington, D. C, May 25, 1908.
The will of Edward F. Droop, dated March
24, 1902, was filed last week for probate. An
annuity of $250 is directed to be paid to his
sister, Miss Marie Droop, of Germany. The
right to purchase the interest of Mr. Droop in
the corporation of E. F. Droop & Sons Co. is
given to his two sons, Edward H. and Carl A.
Droop. A life interest in the remaining estate
is given to his widow, Mrs. Anna A. Droop.
On the marriage of each of the three daugh-
ters of Mr. Droop, it is provided the widow shall
pay her a sum of money not to exceed $5,000.
This marriage portion shall not be charged to
her share in the estate.
On the death of Mrs. Droop it is provided that
of the money arising from the sale of the share
of Mr. Droop in the business one-eleventh part
is to go to each of the sons and three-elevenths
to each daughter. The remaining estate is to
be distributed in equal shares among the five
children, the shares of the daughters being de-
vised in trust. Anna A. Droop, Edward H.
Droop and Carl A. Droop are named as execu-
tors.
By a paper filed with the will the widow re-
nounces the life interest made to her by the will,
and elects to take in lieu her dower allowed by
the law.
i
PROOF OF FARMERS' PROSPERITY.
Folk in Wall street who have been watching
closely the progress of bank clearings all over
the country to keep in touch with the fluctua-
tions of business noted with satisfaction last
week that the figures were rising at most points
throughout the country and that the total for
the week fell only some $100,000,000 under that
for the same period a year ago. One of the cu-
rious features of the situation was brought out
during the week by a comparison printed in Wall
street of the bank clearings at Pittsburg and
Kansas City for the week ended May 9. Those
for Pittsburg amounted to $36,672,000 and those
for Kansas City to $37,545,000. Pittsburg, of
course, has a much larger population than Kan-
sas City, and is the real center in this country
of the iron and steel trade. Nevertheless, it fell
behind Kansas City in activity. The deduction
that the farmers are prosperous as well as those
lines of trade directly dependent upon them is
further pointed out by the fact that in a com-
parison of the returns of these two cities for the
week mentioned with those of the same week
in 1907, it is found that Pittsburg shows a fall-
ing off of 31 per cent, and Kansas City a gain
of 25 per cent.
W. E. Bidwell, a piano dealer of Severy, Kan.,
a town of less than 3,000 population, holds a
record of having sold fifteen pianos in one week
recently. Mr. Bidwell handles Behning, Price
& Teeple, King, Steger and other makes of
pianos.
Every One Wants to Win
To assure this, handle
H. F>. IVBUSOIV
and
Q B R H A R D
PIAIVOS
The greatest trade creators of the times
Manufactured solely by
H. P. NELSON CO., S
Write ior prices, terms and catalogues
THE
MUSIC TRADE
REVIEW
SCHOOL FOR PIANO MAKING.
WILLIS TOJVUKE PIANOS.
One Started in Berlin Under the Auspices of
the Piano Manufacturers' Association—Ab-
normally Low Fees—A Move Worthy of
Adoption in This Country—Governor Hughes
Encourages Trade Schools.
The Well Known Dealer of Montreal Secures
Going Plant at St. Therese—Elected Presi-
dent of the Company.
cessive piling of stock. Full, effective action of
sprinklers requires about 24 inches wholly clear
space below roofs or ceilings, and this loss of
space should be fully considered before installing
the equipment."
(Special to The Review.)
EDWARD F.J)ROOP'S WILL.
A school for pianoforte making has been estab-
lished in Berlin, Germany; the curriculum in-
cluding geometry, algebra, acoustics, designs and
ornamental drawings, bookkeeping, etc. It has
been founded by the Berlin Piano Manufacturers'
Association and workmen who are employed at
a factory not belonging to the association have
to pay three times the ordinary fees which are
as follows: Fifty cents per half year for every
two hourly subject; 25 cents for bookkeeping,
while for $1.25 the whole range of subjects can
be taken. This is certainly low enough, and af-
fords ample opportunities for ambitious work-
men, whether or not their employers are manu-
facturers who are outside of the association.
This is a most commendable move and cer-
tainly worthy of emulation in this country. The
efforts made last year by the Union Branch of
the Y. M. C. A. in New York to conduct classes
of instruction in piano making met with only a
limited degree of support from members of the
trade. It is hoped that the next course, which
will be started in the fall, will receive greater
encouragement for, whether in Berlin or New
York, there can be no question that if we are
to provide for the future of the industry, the
workmen must be instructed in all branches of
the trade to the end that they may fill the im-
portant roles of superintendents satisfactorily.
Specialization is a splendid thing in giving re-
sults, but the specialist is not usually a man who
knows all branches of the business, and is com-
petent to rectify and to originate ideas.
It is interesting to note in this connection that
Governor Hughes has just signed the bill intro-
duced by Assemblyman Wainwright extending
State aid to trade schools under certain condi-
tions. The schools are to be under the charge
of an advisory board representing local indus-
tries, must be open for forty weeks In the year,
and have at least 25 pupils, in which case each
will receive $500 a year, with $200 for every addi-
tional teacher employed. This seems like a
modest step in a right direction.
GEORGE LAWRENCE IN NEW QUARTERS.
(Special to The Review.)
Washington, D. C, May 23, 1908.
George Lawrence, piano dealer, formerly la
cated at 924 Ninth street, N. W., finding his
quarters entirely indequate for his rapidly grow-
ing business, has leased the building a t 915 G
street, N. W., right in the heart of the down-
town business section. Mr. Lawrence was for
a number of years a vocal instructor and choir
director, and abandoned his profession about two
years ago to engage in the piano business. His
new warerooms are especially adapted for his
fine stock of pianos, and the increased trade has
been very gratifying.
Montreal, Canada, May 25, 1908.
A. P. Willis, president of Willis & Co., Ltd.,
the piano dealers, is head of the new $100,000
piano manufacturing company known as the
Willis Piano Co., Ltd., who have obtained letters
patent to make pianos at St. Therese, twenty
miles from Montreal. A factory is already
erected there which turns out five hundred
pianos a year. The former owners of this con-
cern are Damase Lesage and his son, Adelard
Lesage. Mr. Willis, having acquired the con-
trolling interest of this factory, has been ap
pointed president of the new firm. The Messrs.
Lesage remain as stockholders and superintend-
ent and treasurer respectively of the new firm,
as well as assistant managers under the general
management of the president.
It is the intention of the Willis Piano Co. to
increase the production of their factory to fifteen
hundred pianos annually by September 1. The
Montreal headquarters of the new concern are
in the quarters of Willis & Co., Ltd., 600 St.
Catherine street.
STRAUCH BROS/ INVITATION
To Dealers to Inspect Their Action, Key and
Hammer Plant.
Strauch Bros, desire to extend, through The
Review, a cordial invitation to the members of
the visiting trade to inspect their factory, which
is located at 22-30 Tenth avenue, 57 West Twelfth
street and 452-54 West Thirteenth street, New
York.
The inspection trip will prove an interesting
one to dealers who never have familiarized them-
selves with the processes of piano action manu-
facture. In the Strauch factory may be seen a
number of systems which will prove of more than
ordinary interest. Strauch Bros, have a com-
plete plant, not only producing piano actions,
but they are also the only local manufacturers
who cut ivory on their premises and manufac-
ture actions, keys and hammers as well. To
those who are not familiar with the various
processes an inspection of the Strauch plant will
prove extremely interesting.
There are many special features which will
attract one as the various departments are
visited. One thing is certain, the more dealers
familiarize themselves with piano action mech-
anism the greater respect they will have for the
instrument. Strauch Bros, will be pleased to
greet the members of the visiting trade at their
plant, where they can view the processes of
action, key and hammer manufacture during
their convention stay in this city.
PROTECTION OF PIANO PLANTS.
Regarding steps to be taken for the protection
of piano plants from fire and dangers to be
OPEN SPECIAL ORGAN DEPARTMENT.
avoided in that connection the "Insurance Press,"
New York, recently had the following to say:
(Special to The Review.)
"A h've-story and basement, ordinary construc-
Omaha, Neb., May 25, 1908.
Hayden Bros., the great department store of tion brick, sprinklered piano factory. Fire doors
this city, who have won such success as dealers obstructed; unprotected openings in fire walls;
in pianos and musical goods, have opened a sprinklers obstructed by stock. The intention
of the fire door is to prevent fire from passing
special department for handling organs similar to
through the door-way, but this will not be pos-
their player-piano department recently opened.
sible if the fire door is not kept in perfect order;
Separate rooms are provided for the display of
an obstructed fire door is not only of little use,
the organs, and the Estey and Crown makes will
but it is an evidence of carelessness, and when
be pushed as the leaders.
found in this condition should be adjusted at
once. The above may be termed an unprotected
SECURES AGENCY FOR HARDMAN LINE..
opening on account of the inability of the fire
George B. Faulkner, a piano and music dealer door to operate, but the criticism refers to open-
of Truro, N. S., was a caller at the headquarters ings without any doors; this is a feature to be
of Hardman, Peck & Co. last week and inciden- avoided if the fire danger is to be reduced and
tally obtained the agency for the Autotone. Be- rates kept low, as the unprotected opening is
charged for on account of the communication
sides the Hardman and several Canadian lines of
pianos Mr. Faulkner also carries a stock of afforded for fire. The distribution of water from
the sprinklers must not be hampered by ex-
Edison phonographs.
His Estate Goes to the Various Members of
His Family.
vSpecial to The Review.)
Washington, D. C, May 25, 1908.
The will of Edward F. Droop, dated March
24, 1902, was filed last week for probate. An
annuity of $250 is directed to be paid to his
sister, Miss Marie Droop, of Germany. The
right to purchase the interest of Mr. Droop in
the corporation of E. F. Droop & Sons Co. is
given to his two sons, Edward H. and Carl A.
Droop. A life interest in the remaining estate
is given to his widow, Mrs. Anna A. Droop.
On the marriage of each of the three daugh-
ters of Mr. Droop, it is provided the widow shall
pay her a sum of money not to exceed $5,000.
This marriage portion shall not be charged to
her share in the estate.
On the death of Mrs. Droop it is provided that
of the money arising from the sale of the share
of Mr. Droop in the business one-eleventh part
is to go to each of the sons and three-elevenths
to each daughter. The remaining estate is to
be distributed in equal shares among the five
children, the shares of the daughters being de-
vised in trust. Anna A. Droop, Edward H.
Droop and Carl A. Droop are named as execu-
tors.
By a paper filed with the will the widow re-
nounces the life interest made to her by the will,
and elects to take in lieu her dower allowed by
the law.
i
PROOF OF FARMERS' PROSPERITY.
Folk in Wall street who have been watching
closely the progress of bank clearings all over
the country to keep in touch with the fluctua-
tions of business noted with satisfaction last
week that the figures were rising at most points
throughout the country and that the total for
the week fell only some $100,000,000 under that
for the same period a year ago. One of the cu-
rious features of the situation was brought out
during the week by a comparison printed in Wall
street of the bank clearings at Pittsburg and
Kansas City for the week ended May 9. Those
for Pittsburg amounted to $36,672,000 and those
for Kansas City to $37,545,000. Pittsburg, of
course, has a much larger population than Kan-
sas City, and is the real center in this country
of the iron and steel trade. Nevertheless, it fell
behind Kansas City in activity. The deduction
that the farmers are prosperous as well as those
lines of trade directly dependent upon them is
further pointed out by the fact that in a com-
parison of the returns of these two cities for the
week mentioned with those of the same week
in 1907, it is found that Pittsburg shows a fall-
ing off of 31 per cent, and Kansas City a gain
of 25 per cent.
W. E. Bidwell, a piano dealer of Severy, Kan.,
a town of less than 3,000 population, holds a
record of having sold fifteen pianos in one week
recently. Mr. Bidwell handles Behning, Price
& Teeple, King, Steger and other makes of
pianos.
Every One Wants to Win
To assure this, handle
H. F>. IVBUSOIV
and
Q B R H A R D
PIAIVOS
The greatest trade creators of the times
Manufactured solely by
H. P. NELSON CO., S
Write ior prices, terms and catalogues
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).