Music Trade Review
Issue: 1921 Vol. 72 N. 9 - Page 59
Music Trade Review -- © mbsi.org, arcade-museum.com -- digitized with support from namm.org
FEBRUARY 26,
1921
51
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
OPTIMISM THE KEYNOTE OF EDISON JOBBERS' MEETING
Representative Edison Jobbers From All Sections of the Country Express Their Confidence in
the Future of the Industry at Montreal Gathering—Trade Problems Discussed
]f anyone expected to hear tales of woe and Phonograph Co., ot Kansas City; X. D. Tharp,
prognostications of coming calamity because of
Denver Dry Goods Co., Denver; H. G. Parchen,
untoward business conditions he was slated for Montana Phonograph Co.. Helena; Laurence H.
a pleasant surprise on February 10 and 11 at Lucker, J. L'nger, Laurence H. Lucker, Minne-
the annual Edison Jobbers' Convention, held at "apolis; Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Bolway, Mr. and
the Windsor Hotel, in Montreal, Canada, for the Mrs. J. G. Brown, F E. Bolway & Son. Inc.
keynote of the sessions was healthy optimism Syracuse; H. H. Blish, Jr., 1 larger & Blish, Dcs
tampered by earnest purpose.
Moines; Gus Silzer, Harger & Blish, Sioux City:
Practically the whole of the first day of the
convention was given up to a discussion be-
EDISON TRADE GOOD
tween the jobbers and the committee on stand-
ard forms and practices, during which was dis- Wm. Maxwell, in Interview With The Review,
Says Retail Dealers Are Experiencing an In-
cussed the course of action for the coming year
creasing Demand—Good Outlook Ahead
in relation to the fourteen sales propositions of
the Edison Laboratories. Virtually, the consen-
ORANGE, N. J., February 21.—In an interview
sus of opinion was to hew to
the meeting Alfred L. Smith, general manager dent of Thomas A. Edison, Inc., stated that con-
of the Music Industries Chamber of Commerce, ditions in the retail end of the Edison industry-
addressed! those present on the subject of musi- are satisfactory and that the outlook is very
cal instrument taxation, he having just left good. The Edison organization has received
Washington, D. C, where he had been in con- reports from a representative list of its deal-
ference with the Ways and Means Committee. ers located in every section of the country and
Friday, the 11th, found the Edison jobbers in in Canada, covering the retail sales for each
session with the Edison Laboratory representa- store during the month of January, 1921. These
tives. An all-day discussion followed, with the reports show that the retail merchants are mov-
usual interval for lunch—the lunch, by the way, ing goods on a healthy basis. In the Middle
being tendered the Edison representatives by the West, where the crop situation has been most
jobbers. One by one the fourteen sales propo- severe, a shrinkage in sales has occurred, al-
sitions were gone over minutely, Wm. Max- though a good volume of business is still being
well acting as the leader in the proceedings. done. In practically every other section the
Emphasis was laid on the fact that Edison sales are within 10 per cent of, equal to, or in
prices would not be lowered either now or later excess of the instrument sales for January, 1920.
and that the prices of Edison phonographs were The sale of Edison re-creations is in every case
not raised more than 15 per cent, including war considerably in excess of that for January, 1920,
tax, during the past period of inflation. Much so that nationally speaking the sales turnover
time was given up to talking over ideas for the in total for the retail merchants runs ahead of
promotion of re-creation sales. Another subject the same month last year. The telegraphic and
of unusual interest was that of the new mood other reports covering February already re-
change chart, which is being advertised and cir- ceived show that sales this month are running
culated throughout the country by the Edison ahead of last month.
company. This chart is in reality an invita-
In view of these facts, Mr. Maxwell feels most
tion issued by Thomas A. Edison to the gen- optimistic because, after all, the success of the
eral public to assist him in his researches on business depends primarily on the retailer mov-
the psychological effects of music on human ing his stock. He looks for a steady growth in
beings. At the close of the meeting Franklin L. sales from now on, and believes that the indus-
Miller, of the Ladies' Home Journal, addressed try as a whole is now operating under normal
the assembly.
conditions, which means products must be sold
A banquet was held in the evening, which- was upon their own merit.
Mr. Maxwell, vice-president of Thomas A.
enlivened by some vaudeville entertainment
and, of course, a iazz band. Dancing followed. Edison, Inc., plans to leave for an extended
The Edison jobbers and representatives pres- Western trip early in March, during which he
ent—some of them with their wives—were: will call on the Edison jobbers located in vari-
Harry G. Stanton, O. Wagner, T. A. Dillon, J. ous sections of the country.
C. Mackay, the R. S. Williams & Sons Co.,
Ltd., Toronto; J. G. Harrison, J. W. Andrews,
HOLD IMPORTANT MEETING
W. H. Thome & Co., Ltd., St. John; F. W.
Heavysege, Montreal; E. C. Boykin, the Phono- Victor Retailers of New Jersey Discuss Trade
Questions at Monthly Gathering
graph Corp. of Manhattan, New York City; H.
L. Ellenberger, F. T. Keeney, Pardee-Ellen-
The Victor Retailers of New Jersey, an as-
berger Co., New Haven; Robert L. Proudfit,
Lawrence Taylor, Proudfit Sporting Goods Co., sociation formed several months ago, held its
Ogden; G Langtry Bell, Kent Piano Co., Van- regular monthly meeting at the Robert Treat
couver; B. W. Smith, L. N. Bloom, E. S. Hersh- HoteJ, Newark, N. J., on February IS. An un-
berger, the Phonograph Co., Cleveland; P. H. usually large attendance was on hand, and mat-
Oelman, R. T. Carroll, the Phonograph Co., Cin- ters of great interest to Victor retailers came
cinnati; Mr. and Mrs. N. D. Griffin, Peter R. up for general discussion.
Hawley, American Phonograph Co., Albany;
A plan of making record exchanges between
Mrs. J. Merson, American Phonograph Co., the various members was inaugurated and other
Gloversville; Mark Silverstone, Silverstone co-operative measures were considered. Many
Music Co., St. Louis; R. B. Ailing, the Phono- new applications for membership were sub-
graph Co, of Detroit; W. L. F. Rosenblatt, mitted. The next meeting of the association
Phonographs, Inc., Atlanta; L. T. Donnelly, will be held on March 15 at the Robert Treat
Diamond 1 Music Co., Inc., New Orleans; William Hotel, at 12 o'clock noon.
A. Schmidt, the Phonograph Co., of Milwaukee;
G. L. Babson, Babson Bros., Winnipeg; A. H.
The Baltimore headquarters of the Columbia
Curry, W. F. Taylor, Texas-Oklahoma Phono- Co. is now the proud possessor of a handsome
graph Co., Dallas; Walter E. Kipp, Kipp Phono- clock which was won by that organization in
graph Co., Indianapolis; M. M. Blackmail, the the sales contest conducted last year.
\\ . A. Myers, Williamspoit; Mr. and Mrs. A. A.
Puehn, Buehn Phonograph Co., Pittsburgh; R.
1\ Cope, Giratd Phonograph Co., Philadelphia;
C. B. Haynes, E. Bowman, the C. B. Haynes Co.,
inc., Richmond. Those representing the Edison
Laboratories were
Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Leonard, Mr. and Mrs.
J A. Shearman, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Miller,
Mr. and Mrs E. H. Philips, Mr. and Mrs. Wm.
Maxwell, Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Mambert, J. B.
Gregg, D. E. Whoeier, 1). P. Babcock, A. L.
Walsh, Dclos HoMi-ii, C. S. Gardner, K. R.
Karch and E. Trautwein.
VICTROLA NO._90JVOW ARRIVES
Second New Model Announced by the Victor
Talking Machine Co. Listed at $125
Closely following the announcement last
month of the new Victrola No. 80, which was
received with enthusiasm by all Victor dealers,
the Victor Talking Machine Co. has put forth
another new style, known as Victrola No. 90,
listed at $125. This latest model is made in the
usual variety of finishes, but for the time being
will be available only in mahogany, English
Liown and American walnut. The Style X Vic-
trola will be discontinued. Victrola No. 90 has
concealed door hinges and the back t>f .the cabi-
net is completely finished. It is equipped with
all patented Victrola features.
ARTISTIC CHENEY WINDOW DISPLAY
Harrisburg Dealers Featuring Cheney Phono-
graphs in Attractive Manner
That it is possible to put life, character and
originality into a window display of talking ma-
chines is proven by the accompanying reproduc-
tion of the show window of Dives, Pomeroy &
Stewart, of Harrisburg, Pa., in which Cheney
phonographs are featured to excellent advantage.
The display attracted wide attention and the
department manager declares that a substantial
number of sales resulted directly therefrom.
It would not be convenient for the average
talking machine dealer to secure and keep on
Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart's Display
hand wax figures of full size to lend attractive-
ness to his displays, but the use of sifch figures
is an easy matter for department stores, and
even the small dealer can either rent or borrow
one or two figures to individualize his window.
HAD NARROW ESCAPE IN ACCIDENT
A. L. Jewett, general sales representative of
the phonograph department of the Starr Piano
Co., Richmond, Ind., has been receiving the
congratulations of his friends on his narrow
escape from death in a train smash-up which
occurred the last week of January. The train
in which Mr. Jewett was traveling left the
tracks due to a split rail at Greenville, O., and
the Pullman crashed into a freight car on a
siding. Mr. Jewett was badly shaken up, but is
now "on the job," much to the pleasure of a
large circle of friends.
FEBRUARY 26,
1921
51
THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW
OPTIMISM THE KEYNOTE OF EDISON JOBBERS' MEETING
Representative Edison Jobbers From All Sections of the Country Express Their Confidence in
the Future of the Industry at Montreal Gathering—Trade Problems Discussed
]f anyone expected to hear tales of woe and Phonograph Co., ot Kansas City; X. D. Tharp,
prognostications of coming calamity because of
Denver Dry Goods Co., Denver; H. G. Parchen,
untoward business conditions he was slated for Montana Phonograph Co.. Helena; Laurence H.
a pleasant surprise on February 10 and 11 at Lucker, J. L'nger, Laurence H. Lucker, Minne-
the annual Edison Jobbers' Convention, held at "apolis; Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Bolway, Mr. and
the Windsor Hotel, in Montreal, Canada, for the Mrs. J. G. Brown, F E. Bolway & Son. Inc.
keynote of the sessions was healthy optimism Syracuse; H. H. Blish, Jr., 1 larger & Blish, Dcs
tampered by earnest purpose.
Moines; Gus Silzer, Harger & Blish, Sioux City:
Practically the whole of the first day of the
convention was given up to a discussion be-
EDISON TRADE GOOD
tween the jobbers and the committee on stand-
ard forms and practices, during which was dis- Wm. Maxwell, in Interview With The Review,
Says Retail Dealers Are Experiencing an In-
cussed the course of action for the coming year
creasing Demand—Good Outlook Ahead
in relation to the fourteen sales propositions of
the Edison Laboratories. Virtually, the consen-
ORANGE, N. J., February 21.—In an interview
sus of opinion was to hew to
the meeting Alfred L. Smith, general manager dent of Thomas A. Edison, Inc., stated that con-
of the Music Industries Chamber of Commerce, ditions in the retail end of the Edison industry-
addressed! those present on the subject of musi- are satisfactory and that the outlook is very
cal instrument taxation, he having just left good. The Edison organization has received
Washington, D. C, where he had been in con- reports from a representative list of its deal-
ference with the Ways and Means Committee. ers located in every section of the country and
Friday, the 11th, found the Edison jobbers in in Canada, covering the retail sales for each
session with the Edison Laboratory representa- store during the month of January, 1921. These
tives. An all-day discussion followed, with the reports show that the retail merchants are mov-
usual interval for lunch—the lunch, by the way, ing goods on a healthy basis. In the Middle
being tendered the Edison representatives by the West, where the crop situation has been most
jobbers. One by one the fourteen sales propo- severe, a shrinkage in sales has occurred, al-
sitions were gone over minutely, Wm. Max- though a good volume of business is still being
well acting as the leader in the proceedings. done. In practically every other section the
Emphasis was laid on the fact that Edison sales are within 10 per cent of, equal to, or in
prices would not be lowered either now or later excess of the instrument sales for January, 1920.
and that the prices of Edison phonographs were The sale of Edison re-creations is in every case
not raised more than 15 per cent, including war considerably in excess of that for January, 1920,
tax, during the past period of inflation. Much so that nationally speaking the sales turnover
time was given up to talking over ideas for the in total for the retail merchants runs ahead of
promotion of re-creation sales. Another subject the same month last year. The telegraphic and
of unusual interest was that of the new mood other reports covering February already re-
change chart, which is being advertised and cir- ceived show that sales this month are running
culated throughout the country by the Edison ahead of last month.
company. This chart is in reality an invita-
In view of these facts, Mr. Maxwell feels most
tion issued by Thomas A. Edison to the gen- optimistic because, after all, the success of the
eral public to assist him in his researches on business depends primarily on the retailer mov-
the psychological effects of music on human ing his stock. He looks for a steady growth in
beings. At the close of the meeting Franklin L. sales from now on, and believes that the indus-
Miller, of the Ladies' Home Journal, addressed try as a whole is now operating under normal
the assembly.
conditions, which means products must be sold
A banquet was held in the evening, which- was upon their own merit.
Mr. Maxwell, vice-president of Thomas A.
enlivened by some vaudeville entertainment
and, of course, a iazz band. Dancing followed. Edison, Inc., plans to leave for an extended
The Edison jobbers and representatives pres- Western trip early in March, during which he
ent—some of them with their wives—were: will call on the Edison jobbers located in vari-
Harry G. Stanton, O. Wagner, T. A. Dillon, J. ous sections of the country.
C. Mackay, the R. S. Williams & Sons Co.,
Ltd., Toronto; J. G. Harrison, J. W. Andrews,
HOLD IMPORTANT MEETING
W. H. Thome & Co., Ltd., St. John; F. W.
Heavysege, Montreal; E. C. Boykin, the Phono- Victor Retailers of New Jersey Discuss Trade
Questions at Monthly Gathering
graph Corp. of Manhattan, New York City; H.
L. Ellenberger, F. T. Keeney, Pardee-Ellen-
The Victor Retailers of New Jersey, an as-
berger Co., New Haven; Robert L. Proudfit,
Lawrence Taylor, Proudfit Sporting Goods Co., sociation formed several months ago, held its
Ogden; G Langtry Bell, Kent Piano Co., Van- regular monthly meeting at the Robert Treat
couver; B. W. Smith, L. N. Bloom, E. S. Hersh- HoteJ, Newark, N. J., on February IS. An un-
berger, the Phonograph Co., Cleveland; P. H. usually large attendance was on hand, and mat-
Oelman, R. T. Carroll, the Phonograph Co., Cin- ters of great interest to Victor retailers came
cinnati; Mr. and Mrs. N. D. Griffin, Peter R. up for general discussion.
Hawley, American Phonograph Co., Albany;
A plan of making record exchanges between
Mrs. J. Merson, American Phonograph Co., the various members was inaugurated and other
Gloversville; Mark Silverstone, Silverstone co-operative measures were considered. Many
Music Co., St. Louis; R. B. Ailing, the Phono- new applications for membership were sub-
graph Co, of Detroit; W. L. F. Rosenblatt, mitted. The next meeting of the association
Phonographs, Inc., Atlanta; L. T. Donnelly, will be held on March 15 at the Robert Treat
Diamond 1 Music Co., Inc., New Orleans; William Hotel, at 12 o'clock noon.
A. Schmidt, the Phonograph Co., of Milwaukee;
G. L. Babson, Babson Bros., Winnipeg; A. H.
The Baltimore headquarters of the Columbia
Curry, W. F. Taylor, Texas-Oklahoma Phono- Co. is now the proud possessor of a handsome
graph Co., Dallas; Walter E. Kipp, Kipp Phono- clock which was won by that organization in
graph Co., Indianapolis; M. M. Blackmail, the the sales contest conducted last year.
\\ . A. Myers, Williamspoit; Mr. and Mrs. A. A.
Puehn, Buehn Phonograph Co., Pittsburgh; R.
1\ Cope, Giratd Phonograph Co., Philadelphia;
C. B. Haynes, E. Bowman, the C. B. Haynes Co.,
inc., Richmond. Those representing the Edison
Laboratories were
Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Leonard, Mr. and Mrs.
J A. Shearman, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Miller,
Mr. and Mrs E. H. Philips, Mr. and Mrs. Wm.
Maxwell, Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Mambert, J. B.
Gregg, D. E. Whoeier, 1). P. Babcock, A. L.
Walsh, Dclos HoMi-ii, C. S. Gardner, K. R.
Karch and E. Trautwein.
VICTROLA NO._90JVOW ARRIVES
Second New Model Announced by the Victor
Talking Machine Co. Listed at $125
Closely following the announcement last
month of the new Victrola No. 80, which was
received with enthusiasm by all Victor dealers,
the Victor Talking Machine Co. has put forth
another new style, known as Victrola No. 90,
listed at $125. This latest model is made in the
usual variety of finishes, but for the time being
will be available only in mahogany, English
Liown and American walnut. The Style X Vic-
trola will be discontinued. Victrola No. 90 has
concealed door hinges and the back t>f .the cabi-
net is completely finished. It is equipped with
all patented Victrola features.
ARTISTIC CHENEY WINDOW DISPLAY
Harrisburg Dealers Featuring Cheney Phono-
graphs in Attractive Manner
That it is possible to put life, character and
originality into a window display of talking ma-
chines is proven by the accompanying reproduc-
tion of the show window of Dives, Pomeroy &
Stewart, of Harrisburg, Pa., in which Cheney
phonographs are featured to excellent advantage.
The display attracted wide attention and the
department manager declares that a substantial
number of sales resulted directly therefrom.
It would not be convenient for the average
talking machine dealer to secure and keep on
Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart's Display
hand wax figures of full size to lend attractive-
ness to his displays, but the use of sifch figures
is an easy matter for department stores, and
even the small dealer can either rent or borrow
one or two figures to individualize his window.
HAD NARROW ESCAPE IN ACCIDENT
A. L. Jewett, general sales representative of
the phonograph department of the Starr Piano
Co., Richmond, Ind., has been receiving the
congratulations of his friends on his narrow
escape from death in a train smash-up which
occurred the last week of January. The train
in which Mr. Jewett was traveling left the
tracks due to a split rail at Greenville, O., and
the Pullman crashed into a freight car on a
siding. Mr. Jewett was badly shaken up, but is
now "on the job," much to the pleasure of a
large circle of friends.
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).