Presto
Issue: 1920 1767 - Page 10
PRESTO
10
June 5, 1920.
has grown until it is recognized as the leader in shoe Lake Club, the Merchants' Exchange and
an honorary member of the Chamber of Com-
its line throughout that section.
merce.
His Civic Pride.
When the membership drive of the last named
O. K. Houck had not long been a resident of
Memphis until he was recognized as one of its organization was launched last Tuesday, Mr. Houck
greatest assets. Permeated with civic pride, from was made commander-in-chief of the "armies" en-
the beginning he took an active part in every enter- gaged, but was so seriously ill that he was com-
prise that had for its object the upbuilding of the pelled to direct the campaign from his room. How-
city of his adoption. He was a born leader. When- ever, his advice was gladly received and acted upon,
ever there was a big undertaking contemplated, O. and each day he sent a message of encouragement
K. Houck was always called into consultation and to the various teams.
Remained a Bachelor.
as a rule asked to take the lead. His absolute hon-
esty and his readiness to serve inspired such con-
Mr. Houck was never married, but he enjoyed
fidence in his fellow citizens that few could resist the society of good women and gave unsparingly of
his appeals to lend a helping hand.
his time to aid them in any movement they spon-
In 1910 Mr. Houck was largely responsible for sored. His services were especially helpful in pro-
raising a fund of $50,000 to be used by the Business moting musical affairs. Perhaps it would not be a
Men's Club in advertising Memphis. Some of those misstatement to say that no man in that entire sec-
favoring the project said it couldn't be done, but tion has done more than O. K. Houck to inculcate
Mr. Hoiick said it could—and it was done.
in the masses a love for the best there is in music.
Perhaps his genius for organization and getting The recently launched music foundation which bears
results was best displayed by his patriotic work fol- his name is an instance of this.
lowing the advent of the United States into the
Although a man of mature years and wide experi-
world war. Tn 1918 the committee of Shriners, of ence, O. K. Houck had the heart of a boy. His
which he was ciiairman, sold war savings stamps years rested lightly upon him, and his companion-
aggregating $101,385 from one sunrise to its set- ship was as delightful to the youth of 20 as it was
ting. The same year, as chairman of the feature to the man of three score and ten.
division in the sale of Fourth Liberty loan bonds,
His Father Survives Him.
he introduced to Memphis the big tank known as
His devotion to and care for his aged father and
"Huncrusher," and in 10 daily "raids" on Main
mother was so marked as to attract attention. He
street disposed of bonds amounting to $2 850,000.
looked after their needs as tenderly as a mother
In 1919, under his direction, the Shriners past would care for her babe. His father is 89 years old.
potentate committee secured 411 candidates for the
O. K. Houck died as he had lived—unafraid and
Scottish Rite reunion and 450 members for the
that all was for the best.
Shrine ceremonial, with fees totaling $91,290 added believing
The active pallbearers at the funeral were em-
to the treasury of the organization. When con- ployes
O. K. Houck Piano Company. They
tributions to the Roosevelt Memorial Fund were are: A. of S. the
Seville,
D. Dierdorf, E. L. Jordan, W. S.
called for Mr. Houck was made chairman of the
Shelby county committee, which raised half of the Christian, T. V. Day, W. T. Sutherland, L. U. Pitts
and J. G. McConnell. The honorary pallbearers in-
state's contribution.
cluded many of the leading citizens of Memphis.
Always the Good Samaritan.
The Great Confession.
But not only did O. K. Houck love his nation, his
O,
K.
Houck
had no close church affiliations,
state and his city; in his big heart there was love for though he was a man
unbounded charity and deep
each individual in the commonwealth. He was ever religious sentiment. of Saturday
afternoon, a few
ready to act the part of the Good Samaritan; he
before the end came, he dictated the following
never "passed by on the other side" when he saw a hours
fellow human in trouble. His time and means were beautiful message:
A Message to My Friends.
at the disposal of the unfortunate.
The life of the recluse did not appeal to Mr. I have been brought face to face with the supreme
Houck and he was affiliated with many civic and issue of life—my preparedness for the great sum-
fraternal organizations. He had been a Mason for mons.
My physician has advised me to put my house in
30 years, his membership being with De Soto
Lodge. He was also a life member of St. Elmo order, and just as it would be with you, I have been
Commandery, K. T., and a past potentate of Al spending much of the time in restrospection.
Chymia Temple. At the session of the supreme
My moral code has always called for a square deal
council of the Scottish Rite, held last October in in every sort of relationship. Just the common call
Washington, he was honored by having the "Knight of humanity demanding relief to the distressed and
Commander of the Court of Honor" conferred upon a helping hand to the weak and overburdened.
him. Just two weeks ago the Masonic Veterans' Meeting in a small way these obligations has con-
Association at its annual meeting elected him as tributed most of the pleasure I have had in living.
their master. He was also a member of the Knights I have been trying to work at what I liked to call
of Pythias, Odd Fellows, Elks, Woodmen of the practical Christianity.
World and other fraternal orders. He was actively
Along with most folks, I believed in the existence
identified with the Rotary and City clubs, a of a Supreme Being and had recognized, in an im-
member of the Colonial Country Club, the Horse- personal sort of way, the importance of getting in
ARTISTIC CARVINGS
closer touch some time with Jesus Christ. I have
had friends say: "O. K., you have tried to do all
the good you could; what else is expected of a
man?"
In searching for an answer to this, the greatest
problem of my life, I have been driven to the con-
viction that no man has ever been saved by works
alone. I had never been able to make the surrender
and forego some of the liberties which seemed so
necessary to my happiness, and with this notion was
coupled a belief that if I tried to make a stand I
would probably stumble and be made ridiculous.
But it is all right now. All of my doubtings are
over. I have no fear of the future. I have turned
the whole record over to Jesus, and while I have
missed the joy of working in His name, while I have
missed the happiness and thrill of an extensive
Christian experience, yet I love to go back along
the road with Him and watch Him transform my
humble acts into deeds of Christian citizenship and
Christian charity.
It is never easy to separate from friends, but the
sorrow is greatly lessened when you are certain you
will see them again.
An Editorial Tribute.
The Commercial Appeal, of Memphis, in an edi-
torial on Monday said, in part:
O. K. Houck died on the morning of Sunday, a
holy and a serene day. Just as the dawn came over
the earth he journeyed into the light of the presence
of the Lord.
O. K. Houck's monument is in the business and
ethical progress of Memphis. For more than 30
years he gave the best that was in him for this city
and its people. His handiwork is in our Chamber of
Commerce, in our better knowledge of music and
art, in our kindliness towards one another and in
the higher ideals we now have as to our duty to-
wards the state, the city and one another.
He found time;, out of his regular business to do
as much for Memphis as any two of its other citi-
zens.
Charity appealed to him, suffering appealed to
him, and fun appealed to him.
He loved the world and all that was in it. He
loved life. He loved to be busy.
It is said that strong men must have enemies.
That is not always true.—If O. K. Houck ever had
an enemy it was because that man did not under-
stand. He was a strong character. In his convic-
tions he was as firm as a rock. But there never was
a more generous or a more charitable man. He
hated deceit because it is ugly. He loved truth and
honor because they are beautiful.
O. K. Houck has been a big brother to men at-
tached to The Commercial Appeal for a period of
30 years. He had the run of this office. He knew
everybody in it. He never asked this paper to do
anything and met with a refusal. He never asked
anything to be done that was not for the good of
Memphis or some one in Memphis.
This can be put down as the measure of the man:
Memphis lost its most useful citizen when O. K.
Houck died Sunday morning.
THE ORIQINAL RELIABLE
for PIANO and PHONOGRAPH
Manufacturers
HIGH-GRADE CARVED
NOVELTIES
Lamps, Wall Brackets, Book Ends,
Pedestals, etc.
FMAINO
E. KOPRIWA CO.
(STRICTLY HIGH GRADE)
Sure Sellers.
Certain Satisfaction
When in Chicago visit our showrooms
at the Factory
2220 Ward Street, near Clybourn Ave,
Tel. Lincoln 2726
TWO TRADE WINNERS
HARTFORD
I CHURCHILL
If you want Good Goods at Right Prices, here are two
that will meet your requirements—Players and Pianos.
RELIABLE — FINE TONE — BEAUTIFUL
Made By
HARTFORD PIANO COMPANY
1223-1227 MILLER STREET. CHICAGO
[jThirty years of satisfactory service in American homes.
QBNEHAL OFFICES AND FACTORY
WEED and DAYTON STREETS
KROEGER
(Establ!«hed 1552)
The name alone is enough to suggest to dealers the Best
Artistic and Commercial Values.
The New Style Players Are Finest Yet. If you can
get the Agency you ought to have it.
KROEGER PIANO CO.
NEW YORK. N. Y.
and
« *
STAMFORD. CONN,
Enhanced content © 2008-2009 and presented by MBSI - The Musical Box Society International (www.mbsi.org) and the International Arcade Museum (www.arcade-museum.com).
All Rights Reserved. Digitized from the archives of the MBSI with support from NAMM - The International Music Products Association (www.namm.org).
Additional enhancement, optimization, and distribution by the International Arcade Museum. An extensive collection of Presto can be found online at http://www.arcade-museum.com/library/
10
June 5, 1920.
has grown until it is recognized as the leader in shoe Lake Club, the Merchants' Exchange and
an honorary member of the Chamber of Com-
its line throughout that section.
merce.
His Civic Pride.
When the membership drive of the last named
O. K. Houck had not long been a resident of
Memphis until he was recognized as one of its organization was launched last Tuesday, Mr. Houck
greatest assets. Permeated with civic pride, from was made commander-in-chief of the "armies" en-
the beginning he took an active part in every enter- gaged, but was so seriously ill that he was com-
prise that had for its object the upbuilding of the pelled to direct the campaign from his room. How-
city of his adoption. He was a born leader. When- ever, his advice was gladly received and acted upon,
ever there was a big undertaking contemplated, O. and each day he sent a message of encouragement
K. Houck was always called into consultation and to the various teams.
Remained a Bachelor.
as a rule asked to take the lead. His absolute hon-
esty and his readiness to serve inspired such con-
Mr. Houck was never married, but he enjoyed
fidence in his fellow citizens that few could resist the society of good women and gave unsparingly of
his appeals to lend a helping hand.
his time to aid them in any movement they spon-
In 1910 Mr. Houck was largely responsible for sored. His services were especially helpful in pro-
raising a fund of $50,000 to be used by the Business moting musical affairs. Perhaps it would not be a
Men's Club in advertising Memphis. Some of those misstatement to say that no man in that entire sec-
favoring the project said it couldn't be done, but tion has done more than O. K. Houck to inculcate
Mr. Hoiick said it could—and it was done.
in the masses a love for the best there is in music.
Perhaps his genius for organization and getting The recently launched music foundation which bears
results was best displayed by his patriotic work fol- his name is an instance of this.
lowing the advent of the United States into the
Although a man of mature years and wide experi-
world war. Tn 1918 the committee of Shriners, of ence, O. K. Houck had the heart of a boy. His
which he was ciiairman, sold war savings stamps years rested lightly upon him, and his companion-
aggregating $101,385 from one sunrise to its set- ship was as delightful to the youth of 20 as it was
ting. The same year, as chairman of the feature to the man of three score and ten.
division in the sale of Fourth Liberty loan bonds,
His Father Survives Him.
he introduced to Memphis the big tank known as
His devotion to and care for his aged father and
"Huncrusher," and in 10 daily "raids" on Main
mother was so marked as to attract attention. He
street disposed of bonds amounting to $2 850,000.
looked after their needs as tenderly as a mother
In 1919, under his direction, the Shriners past would care for her babe. His father is 89 years old.
potentate committee secured 411 candidates for the
O. K. Houck died as he had lived—unafraid and
Scottish Rite reunion and 450 members for the
that all was for the best.
Shrine ceremonial, with fees totaling $91,290 added believing
The active pallbearers at the funeral were em-
to the treasury of the organization. When con- ployes
O. K. Houck Piano Company. They
tributions to the Roosevelt Memorial Fund were are: A. of S. the
Seville,
D. Dierdorf, E. L. Jordan, W. S.
called for Mr. Houck was made chairman of the
Shelby county committee, which raised half of the Christian, T. V. Day, W. T. Sutherland, L. U. Pitts
and J. G. McConnell. The honorary pallbearers in-
state's contribution.
cluded many of the leading citizens of Memphis.
Always the Good Samaritan.
The Great Confession.
But not only did O. K. Houck love his nation, his
O,
K.
Houck
had no close church affiliations,
state and his city; in his big heart there was love for though he was a man
unbounded charity and deep
each individual in the commonwealth. He was ever religious sentiment. of Saturday
afternoon, a few
ready to act the part of the Good Samaritan; he
before the end came, he dictated the following
never "passed by on the other side" when he saw a hours
fellow human in trouble. His time and means were beautiful message:
A Message to My Friends.
at the disposal of the unfortunate.
The life of the recluse did not appeal to Mr. I have been brought face to face with the supreme
Houck and he was affiliated with many civic and issue of life—my preparedness for the great sum-
fraternal organizations. He had been a Mason for mons.
My physician has advised me to put my house in
30 years, his membership being with De Soto
Lodge. He was also a life member of St. Elmo order, and just as it would be with you, I have been
Commandery, K. T., and a past potentate of Al spending much of the time in restrospection.
Chymia Temple. At the session of the supreme
My moral code has always called for a square deal
council of the Scottish Rite, held last October in in every sort of relationship. Just the common call
Washington, he was honored by having the "Knight of humanity demanding relief to the distressed and
Commander of the Court of Honor" conferred upon a helping hand to the weak and overburdened.
him. Just two weeks ago the Masonic Veterans' Meeting in a small way these obligations has con-
Association at its annual meeting elected him as tributed most of the pleasure I have had in living.
their master. He was also a member of the Knights I have been trying to work at what I liked to call
of Pythias, Odd Fellows, Elks, Woodmen of the practical Christianity.
World and other fraternal orders. He was actively
Along with most folks, I believed in the existence
identified with the Rotary and City clubs, a of a Supreme Being and had recognized, in an im-
member of the Colonial Country Club, the Horse- personal sort of way, the importance of getting in
ARTISTIC CARVINGS
closer touch some time with Jesus Christ. I have
had friends say: "O. K., you have tried to do all
the good you could; what else is expected of a
man?"
In searching for an answer to this, the greatest
problem of my life, I have been driven to the con-
viction that no man has ever been saved by works
alone. I had never been able to make the surrender
and forego some of the liberties which seemed so
necessary to my happiness, and with this notion was
coupled a belief that if I tried to make a stand I
would probably stumble and be made ridiculous.
But it is all right now. All of my doubtings are
over. I have no fear of the future. I have turned
the whole record over to Jesus, and while I have
missed the joy of working in His name, while I have
missed the happiness and thrill of an extensive
Christian experience, yet I love to go back along
the road with Him and watch Him transform my
humble acts into deeds of Christian citizenship and
Christian charity.
It is never easy to separate from friends, but the
sorrow is greatly lessened when you are certain you
will see them again.
An Editorial Tribute.
The Commercial Appeal, of Memphis, in an edi-
torial on Monday said, in part:
O. K. Houck died on the morning of Sunday, a
holy and a serene day. Just as the dawn came over
the earth he journeyed into the light of the presence
of the Lord.
O. K. Houck's monument is in the business and
ethical progress of Memphis. For more than 30
years he gave the best that was in him for this city
and its people. His handiwork is in our Chamber of
Commerce, in our better knowledge of music and
art, in our kindliness towards one another and in
the higher ideals we now have as to our duty to-
wards the state, the city and one another.
He found time;, out of his regular business to do
as much for Memphis as any two of its other citi-
zens.
Charity appealed to him, suffering appealed to
him, and fun appealed to him.
He loved the world and all that was in it. He
loved life. He loved to be busy.
It is said that strong men must have enemies.
That is not always true.—If O. K. Houck ever had
an enemy it was because that man did not under-
stand. He was a strong character. In his convic-
tions he was as firm as a rock. But there never was
a more generous or a more charitable man. He
hated deceit because it is ugly. He loved truth and
honor because they are beautiful.
O. K. Houck has been a big brother to men at-
tached to The Commercial Appeal for a period of
30 years. He had the run of this office. He knew
everybody in it. He never asked this paper to do
anything and met with a refusal. He never asked
anything to be done that was not for the good of
Memphis or some one in Memphis.
This can be put down as the measure of the man:
Memphis lost its most useful citizen when O. K.
Houck died Sunday morning.
THE ORIQINAL RELIABLE
for PIANO and PHONOGRAPH
Manufacturers
HIGH-GRADE CARVED
NOVELTIES
Lamps, Wall Brackets, Book Ends,
Pedestals, etc.
FMAINO
E. KOPRIWA CO.
(STRICTLY HIGH GRADE)
Sure Sellers.
Certain Satisfaction
When in Chicago visit our showrooms
at the Factory
2220 Ward Street, near Clybourn Ave,
Tel. Lincoln 2726
TWO TRADE WINNERS
HARTFORD
I CHURCHILL
If you want Good Goods at Right Prices, here are two
that will meet your requirements—Players and Pianos.
RELIABLE — FINE TONE — BEAUTIFUL
Made By
HARTFORD PIANO COMPANY
1223-1227 MILLER STREET. CHICAGO
[jThirty years of satisfactory service in American homes.
QBNEHAL OFFICES AND FACTORY
WEED and DAYTON STREETS
KROEGER
(Establ!«hed 1552)
The name alone is enough to suggest to dealers the Best
Artistic and Commercial Values.
The New Style Players Are Finest Yet. If you can
get the Agency you ought to have it.
KROEGER PIANO CO.
NEW YORK. N. Y.
and
« *
STAMFORD. CONN,
Enhanced content © 2008-2009 and presented by MBSI - The Musical Box Society International (www.mbsi.org) and the International Arcade Museum (www.arcade-museum.com).
All Rights Reserved. Digitized from the archives of the MBSI with support from NAMM - The International Music Products Association (www.namm.org).
Additional enhancement, optimization, and distribution by the International Arcade Museum. An extensive collection of Presto can be found online at http://www.arcade-museum.com/library/
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).