Presto
Issue: 1923 1939 - Page 4
PRESTO
September 22, 1923
A HOST OF INTERESTED
STARR PIANO CO. GUESTS
EXPERIENCES IN SOUTH AMERICA
H. C. Niles, Pittsburgh Distributor of the
Products of Big Industry at Richmond,
Ind., Heads Enthusiastic Delegation.
Piano Manufacturer from the Land of Uncle Sam Tells of What He Saw
in Uruguay and Brazil, with a Visit to the Expo=
sition at Rio de Janeiro.
AN INSTRUCTIVE DAY
Some of the Wonder-Scenes of Mountain Ranges and Undulating Plains,
with a Trip by Eirie Cable to Lofty Heights.
Visitors Inspect Factory Processes, View the Beauti-
ful "Quaker City" and Attend Evening Barbecue.
By JESSE FRENCH
Ideal weather, together with the high spirits and
enthusiasm of the visitors, made the trip of the dele-
gation of dealers headed by H. C. Niles of the Starr
Phonograph Company, Pittsburgh, to the factories
of the Starr Piano Company, in Richmond, Ind., a
most happy occasion on Tuesday of last week. H. C.
Niles, formerly advertising manager of the Starr
Piano Company, is distributor of that organization's
products for Pennsylvania, West Virginia and East-
ern Ohio. The trip w r as the occasion for a general
inspection of the great Starr factories and its prod-
ucts. Visitors from the company's Chicago, Indian-
apolis, Cincinnati and Richmond branches, with deal-
ers, were also in attendance.
The day started with a breakfast at the Arlington
Hotel, followed by a thorough trip through the Starr
factories, where every department was visited and all
operations of production observed. All visitors, offi-
cers of the company, heads of departments and fac-
tory foremen wore badges bearing their names and
information as to company connections, which added
greatly to the get-together spirit.
At noon a lunch was served, buffet style, in the
phonograph inspection department. At the end of
this room, amid fall decorations, were exhibited Starr
pianos, Starr phonographs, and the latest Gennett
records, which were admired and created much inter-
est. The styles were demonstrated continuously
throughout the day.
Late in the afternoon phonograph records were
made by the party at the factory recording room, a
feature which was enjoyed on account of its novelty.
The visitors motored, at the close of the day, to
the farm of the Starr Piano Company, west of Rich-
mond, where a barbecue of beef, lamb, pork and all
the trimmings, occupied their attention until train
time. Among the guests of the company were:
A. O. Lechner, Lechner & Schoenberger, Pitts-
burgh; Win. Cooper, Cooper Bros., New Kensington,
Pa.; R. E. Stone, R. E. Stone Co., McKeesport, Pa.;
H. C. Millemen, Millemen Piano Company, Elwood
City, Pa.; John Cooper, Cooper Bros., New Kensing-
ton, Pa.; Paul Mechling, Dawson Bros. Piano Co.,
Pittsburgh; R. R. Myers, Spear & Co., Pittsburgh;
C. W. Books, Pioneer Music Co., Indiana, Pa.; I. D.
Walker, Faller Bros. Furn. Store, Donora, Pa.; J. W.
Gonaware, Latrobe, Pa.; Ira D. Menoher, Ligonier,
Pa.; F. A. Faller, Faller Bros. Furn. Stores, Wil-
merding, Turtle Creek and Donora, Pa.; H. C. Niles,
Starr Phonograph Co., Pittsburgh; Oscar Decoster,
Decoster Bros., Jeanette, Pa.; B. S. Lyde, Spear &
Co., Pittsburgh; L. C. Milheim, Butler, Pa.; Richard
Winter, Robert Winter Music Co., Irwin, Pa.
The Indianapolis visitors were: H. G. Hook, A. J.
Apple, Russell Dierdorf, Mrs. Ruth Troup, Miss
Johanna Gilday, all of the Indianapolis Starr store;
also W. G. Wilson, VVidener Grafanola Shop; Minnie
As this is a city of 2,000,000 inhabitants, and is
the commercial metropolis of South America, we
stayed here about two weeks, sight seeing, and felt
well repaid. Any person not having seen New York
harbor would be most apt to say that there is nothing
to surpass Buenos Aires, as it is lined up for miles
with vessels from all parts of the globe. In some
places the shipping vessels were so thick you won-
dered how the vessels could get in, unload and get out
again. Everything was congested. The govern-
ment, however, is building a new dock, to cost many
millions, which, when completed, will equal if not
out rival, the capacity of our own boasted metropolis.
For at Buenos Aires they have room to expand.
I have seen nothing to surpass the beautiful boule-
vard drive at Palermo Park, liberally decorated by
costly monuments and beautiful statues, beautiful
shade trees and magnificent buildings. In my opinion
its opera house scarcely equals the one in Paris,
though it is said to be the second largest in the
world. On the second floor is a large room, said to
be a replica of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, and
as in most Latin countries, the opera is well attended
and is supported by the municipalities.
Cemetary and Zoo.
In the United States we boast of our beautiful
cemeteries, magnificent trees, exquisite floral decora-
tions, etc., which I much prefer to those in the Ar-
gentine pity, which are so different and serve to
adorn what is really "a city of the dead."
The Recoletta cemetery presents a marvelous dis-
play of wealth and respect for the departed. Won-
derful mausoleums stretching immediately alongside
of each other, forming impressive rows fronting nar-
row streets, about twenty-five feet wide, running at
right angles. The visitor may readily get lost in the
labyrinths of tombs and statuary, while contemplat-
ing the wonderful display of wealth and art combined
to commemorate the virtues of the deceased. It cer-
tainly has few equals and no superiors. The one at
Lima, Peru, is of a similar character, but not on
Springer, Taylor Carpet Company; D. H. Craft, D. H.
Craft Co.; I. Seidel, Seidel Music Co.
The Chicago visitors were: William P. Krause;
Walter Melrose, music publisher; C. H. Buell,
Remick's department in Hillman's; S. J. Jein, Water-
son, Berlin & Snyder; Mr. Conover, Starr branch;
F. D. Wiggins, manager Chicago Starr branch.
From the Richmond retail store were: W. P.
Benner, manager; F. C. Templin. These were also
present: J. M. Wallace, Jr., of Wallace Music Com-
pany, Marion, Indiana; G. W. Duckwell, Palace De-
partment Store Co., Greenville, Ohio; E. I. Pauling,
manager Cincinnati Starr branch.
such a grand scale.
but as for me—
This may suit the people here,
"When my life's work here is done
And I sink to rest as the setting sun
Lay me down gently by the side
Of some flowing brook or ebbing tide.
And let their gentle murmurings be
The requiem to my memory."
Of course we visited the Zoological Gardens and
other points of interest. Through a favorable intro-
duction to public officials, we were furnished with a
launch and a guide, who took us all through the Emi-
grant station, an immense building, immaculately
clean, where every care and consideration was given
to the inmates. Then we sailed all around the harbor
and saw where the new harbor was to be, and far
beyond, extending some miles up the Platt river.
Sports and Mardi Gras.
Next day we took a launch and sailed around on
the deltas of the Platt. This was charming, as there
were many beautiful, narrow streams filled with
small pleasure boats and others bearing tropical fruits
from the jungles to the city market. To vary the
scene, there were many men in sculls racing and
practicing for the regattas. It was altogether a most
delightful trip. There is also a wonderful race track
here, and the jockey club is one of the richest and
largest, and the people generally are fond of the
sport. All the big races are held on Sunday.
We were fortunate to be here at the close of the
grand Mardi Gras Carnival. I had witnessed t h e
gala events in New Orleans, but I do not think they
equaled the one here. All along the line of parade the
city was ablaze with lights and magnificent electrical
displays. Everybody seemed to be in a jolly good
humor. Tons of confetti were thrown from the
carriages to bystanders, who repaid the senders with
interest. This festive scene was closed by a grand
ball. There was no disorder of any kind, and the
event was said to be the most orderly of all previous
demonstrations.
Best Governed Country.
On the evening of March 1st we left Buenos Aires
for Montevideo, capital of Uruguay, on steamer
"Cuidad," arriving in that city at 7 o'clock next morn-
ing. I fear I would weary my readers with a de-
tailed account of this lovely place. Here we met
again our good friend, Mr. Morgan, formerly of
Texas.
He was president of the American Club,
which gave him quite an ovation on his return. He
acknowledged the compliment in fine style, and
closed by saying he had met some fine travelers on
his return, among whom was "a live wire from New
Castle, Indiana, U. S. A." He added that he knew
the club would be glad to hear his "guest," etc. At
THE LOADER A GREAT HELP TO SALESMEN
"Normalcy" in the piano business will return when prices are reduced, when we have good crops or prospects of good crops, and
when Salesmen, (The men who actually sell the piano to the user), get to work.
The Bowen Loader will greatly aid any energetic salesman. F o r Country work there's nothing like it,—for City work it's a help.
$110.00 for the Loader complete, including springs and cover.
Shipped on approval to responsible dealers.
BOWEN PIANO LOADER CO.,
Winston-Salem, N. C.
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/
September 22, 1923
A HOST OF INTERESTED
STARR PIANO CO. GUESTS
EXPERIENCES IN SOUTH AMERICA
H. C. Niles, Pittsburgh Distributor of the
Products of Big Industry at Richmond,
Ind., Heads Enthusiastic Delegation.
Piano Manufacturer from the Land of Uncle Sam Tells of What He Saw
in Uruguay and Brazil, with a Visit to the Expo=
sition at Rio de Janeiro.
AN INSTRUCTIVE DAY
Some of the Wonder-Scenes of Mountain Ranges and Undulating Plains,
with a Trip by Eirie Cable to Lofty Heights.
Visitors Inspect Factory Processes, View the Beauti-
ful "Quaker City" and Attend Evening Barbecue.
By JESSE FRENCH
Ideal weather, together with the high spirits and
enthusiasm of the visitors, made the trip of the dele-
gation of dealers headed by H. C. Niles of the Starr
Phonograph Company, Pittsburgh, to the factories
of the Starr Piano Company, in Richmond, Ind., a
most happy occasion on Tuesday of last week. H. C.
Niles, formerly advertising manager of the Starr
Piano Company, is distributor of that organization's
products for Pennsylvania, West Virginia and East-
ern Ohio. The trip w r as the occasion for a general
inspection of the great Starr factories and its prod-
ucts. Visitors from the company's Chicago, Indian-
apolis, Cincinnati and Richmond branches, with deal-
ers, were also in attendance.
The day started with a breakfast at the Arlington
Hotel, followed by a thorough trip through the Starr
factories, where every department was visited and all
operations of production observed. All visitors, offi-
cers of the company, heads of departments and fac-
tory foremen wore badges bearing their names and
information as to company connections, which added
greatly to the get-together spirit.
At noon a lunch was served, buffet style, in the
phonograph inspection department. At the end of
this room, amid fall decorations, were exhibited Starr
pianos, Starr phonographs, and the latest Gennett
records, which were admired and created much inter-
est. The styles were demonstrated continuously
throughout the day.
Late in the afternoon phonograph records were
made by the party at the factory recording room, a
feature which was enjoyed on account of its novelty.
The visitors motored, at the close of the day, to
the farm of the Starr Piano Company, west of Rich-
mond, where a barbecue of beef, lamb, pork and all
the trimmings, occupied their attention until train
time. Among the guests of the company were:
A. O. Lechner, Lechner & Schoenberger, Pitts-
burgh; Win. Cooper, Cooper Bros., New Kensington,
Pa.; R. E. Stone, R. E. Stone Co., McKeesport, Pa.;
H. C. Millemen, Millemen Piano Company, Elwood
City, Pa.; John Cooper, Cooper Bros., New Kensing-
ton, Pa.; Paul Mechling, Dawson Bros. Piano Co.,
Pittsburgh; R. R. Myers, Spear & Co., Pittsburgh;
C. W. Books, Pioneer Music Co., Indiana, Pa.; I. D.
Walker, Faller Bros. Furn. Store, Donora, Pa.; J. W.
Gonaware, Latrobe, Pa.; Ira D. Menoher, Ligonier,
Pa.; F. A. Faller, Faller Bros. Furn. Stores, Wil-
merding, Turtle Creek and Donora, Pa.; H. C. Niles,
Starr Phonograph Co., Pittsburgh; Oscar Decoster,
Decoster Bros., Jeanette, Pa.; B. S. Lyde, Spear &
Co., Pittsburgh; L. C. Milheim, Butler, Pa.; Richard
Winter, Robert Winter Music Co., Irwin, Pa.
The Indianapolis visitors were: H. G. Hook, A. J.
Apple, Russell Dierdorf, Mrs. Ruth Troup, Miss
Johanna Gilday, all of the Indianapolis Starr store;
also W. G. Wilson, VVidener Grafanola Shop; Minnie
As this is a city of 2,000,000 inhabitants, and is
the commercial metropolis of South America, we
stayed here about two weeks, sight seeing, and felt
well repaid. Any person not having seen New York
harbor would be most apt to say that there is nothing
to surpass Buenos Aires, as it is lined up for miles
with vessels from all parts of the globe. In some
places the shipping vessels were so thick you won-
dered how the vessels could get in, unload and get out
again. Everything was congested. The govern-
ment, however, is building a new dock, to cost many
millions, which, when completed, will equal if not
out rival, the capacity of our own boasted metropolis.
For at Buenos Aires they have room to expand.
I have seen nothing to surpass the beautiful boule-
vard drive at Palermo Park, liberally decorated by
costly monuments and beautiful statues, beautiful
shade trees and magnificent buildings. In my opinion
its opera house scarcely equals the one in Paris,
though it is said to be the second largest in the
world. On the second floor is a large room, said to
be a replica of the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, and
as in most Latin countries, the opera is well attended
and is supported by the municipalities.
Cemetary and Zoo.
In the United States we boast of our beautiful
cemeteries, magnificent trees, exquisite floral decora-
tions, etc., which I much prefer to those in the Ar-
gentine pity, which are so different and serve to
adorn what is really "a city of the dead."
The Recoletta cemetery presents a marvelous dis-
play of wealth and respect for the departed. Won-
derful mausoleums stretching immediately alongside
of each other, forming impressive rows fronting nar-
row streets, about twenty-five feet wide, running at
right angles. The visitor may readily get lost in the
labyrinths of tombs and statuary, while contemplat-
ing the wonderful display of wealth and art combined
to commemorate the virtues of the deceased. It cer-
tainly has few equals and no superiors. The one at
Lima, Peru, is of a similar character, but not on
Springer, Taylor Carpet Company; D. H. Craft, D. H.
Craft Co.; I. Seidel, Seidel Music Co.
The Chicago visitors were: William P. Krause;
Walter Melrose, music publisher; C. H. Buell,
Remick's department in Hillman's; S. J. Jein, Water-
son, Berlin & Snyder; Mr. Conover, Starr branch;
F. D. Wiggins, manager Chicago Starr branch.
From the Richmond retail store were: W. P.
Benner, manager; F. C. Templin. These were also
present: J. M. Wallace, Jr., of Wallace Music Com-
pany, Marion, Indiana; G. W. Duckwell, Palace De-
partment Store Co., Greenville, Ohio; E. I. Pauling,
manager Cincinnati Starr branch.
such a grand scale.
but as for me—
This may suit the people here,
"When my life's work here is done
And I sink to rest as the setting sun
Lay me down gently by the side
Of some flowing brook or ebbing tide.
And let their gentle murmurings be
The requiem to my memory."
Of course we visited the Zoological Gardens and
other points of interest. Through a favorable intro-
duction to public officials, we were furnished with a
launch and a guide, who took us all through the Emi-
grant station, an immense building, immaculately
clean, where every care and consideration was given
to the inmates. Then we sailed all around the harbor
and saw where the new harbor was to be, and far
beyond, extending some miles up the Platt river.
Sports and Mardi Gras.
Next day we took a launch and sailed around on
the deltas of the Platt. This was charming, as there
were many beautiful, narrow streams filled with
small pleasure boats and others bearing tropical fruits
from the jungles to the city market. To vary the
scene, there were many men in sculls racing and
practicing for the regattas. It was altogether a most
delightful trip. There is also a wonderful race track
here, and the jockey club is one of the richest and
largest, and the people generally are fond of the
sport. All the big races are held on Sunday.
We were fortunate to be here at the close of the
grand Mardi Gras Carnival. I had witnessed t h e
gala events in New Orleans, but I do not think they
equaled the one here. All along the line of parade the
city was ablaze with lights and magnificent electrical
displays. Everybody seemed to be in a jolly good
humor. Tons of confetti were thrown from the
carriages to bystanders, who repaid the senders with
interest. This festive scene was closed by a grand
ball. There was no disorder of any kind, and the
event was said to be the most orderly of all previous
demonstrations.
Best Governed Country.
On the evening of March 1st we left Buenos Aires
for Montevideo, capital of Uruguay, on steamer
"Cuidad," arriving in that city at 7 o'clock next morn-
ing. I fear I would weary my readers with a de-
tailed account of this lovely place. Here we met
again our good friend, Mr. Morgan, formerly of
Texas.
He was president of the American Club,
which gave him quite an ovation on his return. He
acknowledged the compliment in fine style, and
closed by saying he had met some fine travelers on
his return, among whom was "a live wire from New
Castle, Indiana, U. S. A." He added that he knew
the club would be glad to hear his "guest," etc. At
THE LOADER A GREAT HELP TO SALESMEN
"Normalcy" in the piano business will return when prices are reduced, when we have good crops or prospects of good crops, and
when Salesmen, (The men who actually sell the piano to the user), get to work.
The Bowen Loader will greatly aid any energetic salesman. F o r Country work there's nothing like it,—for City work it's a help.
$110.00 for the Loader complete, including springs and cover.
Shipped on approval to responsible dealers.
BOWEN PIANO LOADER CO.,
Winston-Salem, N. C.
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).