Presto

August 1, 1925.
PRESTO
WEEK'S RECREATION
FOR THE TONK MFG. CO.
Dealers Requested to Place Orders Before
August 15, When Factory Will Close
for a Week.
In this season of vacations the Tonk Manufactur-
ing Co., 1912 Lewis street, Chicago, makers of the
Tonkbench, has made plans in which the factory will
close for one week and all the employes will have
their vacation together. This plan has definitely set-
tled the vacation problem of the active Chicago indus-
try and has proved successful in the fact that a get-
together spirit prevails where Tonkbenches are made,
and more enjoyment is derived from a group vaca-
tion than as if given individually. The following
appears in a "Tonk Topics" article asking dealers to
place orders now:
We do not make such a request on any ordinary
occasion; but this is play time. Instead of going
away one or two at a time, we all go at once—that is,
all but two of us—one in the office to open the letters
and answer the most important ones, and one in the
shipping room to see that any really urgent call for
service is taken care of with our usual dispatch.
One can get more joy out of one's vacation if the
mind is free from business care. That is the reason
for this appeal. We do not wish to lose a single
order, but we would like to speed up and get them
out before we go away. Will you help us? That is
to say, may we have that order now? Today?
We stop work on Saturday noon, August 15, and
we will start up again Monday, August 24.
The Tonkbench girl will spend her vacation on the
western cost and incidentally will look in at the new
Los Angeles plant and instruct the western organi-
zation in the true principles of the Tonkbench busi-
ness—how to build honor, integrity and reputation
into every Tonkbench—and, that the way to sell
Tonkbenches is to help sell more pianos.
Then she will also be on the lookout for some
wide-awake western ideas to pass on to you.
OPTIMISM IN THE
TRADE JUSTIFIED
GALVESTON MUSIC STORE
HAS NEW OWNER
President Charles E. Mitchell of National City
Bank of New York Says There Is a Very
Bright Outlook for Business Prosper-
ity, Giving Reasons for Opinions.
Galveston Piano Company Acquires Good Will and
Stock of Phonograph Shop.
The Galveston Piano Co., Galveston, Tex., recently
acquired by purchase the Galveston Phonograph
Shop owned by Lester Peterson, which will be oper-
ated as a branch 6f the piano house.
The store changed hands last week and Mr. Peter-
son, who has been owner and manager for the past
five years, retired. Conrad A. Peters is manager.
Remodeling of the shop has been started and the
mezzanine floor is being enlarged for a display room.
The lines of phonographs and records will continue
to be handled and the Victrolas will be added. There
will be a musical merchandise line added of all sheet
music and accessories. The line of W'erner player-
pianos will be placed on display also.
Miss Florence Ganter has been placed in charge of
the music merchandise department and Miss Irene
Young, who has been with the Phonograph Shop for
the past three years, will remain in charge of the
phonograph and record department.
John Meyers and R. H. Rath are partners in busi-
ness in Dodge City, Kan., under the name of the
Dodge City Music Co.
STRONG FEATURING OFQRSROLLS
The above is a view of part of the Southern Cali-
fornia Company's music roll department at Los An-
geles, Cal. This department is in charge of Miss
Florence Beebe, who for many years was in charge
of May & Co.'s roll department at Cleveland, Ohio.
Below is a view of the same institution's demonstra-
tion room. The rolls are all Q R S, made by the
Q R S Co., Chicago.
MORE BANK CREDIT IN USE
Disparity Between Prices of Farm Products and In-
dustrial Costs Is Gone, He Declares in Statement
Which Must Seem to Stimulate Piano Trade.
The country is enjoying prosperity at present, ac-
cording to a statement issued last Saturday on gen-
eral business conditions by Charles E. Mitchell, pres-
ident of the National City Bank. In addition, Mr.
Mitchell said, there is every promise for better busi-
ness than this country has had since 1920. Mr,
Mitchell's statement follows:
A Business Revival.
"All of the reassuring conditions which contributed
to the revival of business at the beginning of this
year are still present and the confidence then gener-
ally expressed is being justified. Since that time there
has been enough pessimistic talk to hold optimism in
check and to discourage all enterprise which could
be discouraged. But in spite of it, the volume of
business has been greater than in the first six months
of any other year, and if the crops come through as
they now promise, a new impetus will be given to all
business.
Farm Outlook Good.
"In that great section of the country where corn,
livestock and dairy products are the mainstay of
agriculture, the outlook is exceedingly good. The
cotton crop is still in the critical stage, but promises
a yield equal to this year's consumption. The winter
wheat crop is short, but of a quality demanding the
best prices. The spring- wheat crop is not yet safe,
but looks to be a fair one.
All agricultural products are bringing remunera-
tive prices and there would seem to be just reason
for the belief that agricultural sections will find them-
selves in an easier financial situation this fall than for
several years past and will naturally make expendi-
tures somewhat more freely. It is generally agreed
that commodity buying throughout the country has
been cautious in recent months and that stocks of
all kinds are light at the present time, which means
that increased demand for consumers will be
promptly felt by the industries.
More Credit at Bank.
"While there is more bank credit in use than ever
before, bank resources are greater than ever before,
and, while there is not even the beginning of a
strain on our credit resources, it may be expected that
rates will strengthen as demands increase.
"It is generally agreed that the chief cause of poor
trade and unemployment in the last five years has
been the disparity between the prices of farm prod-
ucts and the prices of what the farmers have had to
buy. That disparity has now largely disappeared
It would be unfortunate to have a general rise of in-
dustrial costs which would throw this situation out of
balance again."
Piano Trade Effects.
Naturally conditions as seen by the prominent New
York banker are of a kind to give confidence to the
retail piano trade. With the farmer's condition so
greatly improved, banks letting go of money and all
business stimulated, it will be easier to close sales
than for some time back. Piano dealers who can see
ahead and take advantage of the situation should
realize results as soon as the summer season of play
and resting passes. In fact, many piano salesmen
already report sales, and the demand for expert men
in the stores affords evidence that things are starting
up in accordance with the views expressed by Banker
Mitchell in the interview reproduced above.
PIANO EMPLOYEES' PICNIC.
The third annual picnic of the employees of the
United Piano Corporation of Norwalk, O., was held
on Saturday, July 18, at Ruggles Grove. Cars left
the factory at 9 a. m. Games and other amusements
were provided. These affairs have proved highly suc-
cessful and those eligible to attend looked forward
to the outing with keen anticipation.
POOLE GRANDS FOR BROADCASTING.
The two broadcasting studios of Station WNAC,
the Shepard Stores, Boston, have selected Poole
grands, made by the Poole Piano Co., Boston, and
radio fans have been commenting on the piano's
pleasing tone. The pianos play a most important
part in practically all musical programs.
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