Presto
Issue: 1925 2037 - Page 4
August 8, 1925.
PRESTO
A DELIGHTFUL DINNER
AT DECORAH, IOWA
One of a Series of Events Shared by Friends
of Geo. P. Bent in the Town of
His Birth.
Two of the characteristically enjoyable entertain-
ments for which Geo. P. Bent has become famous
were given last month. They were, in a sense, con-
tinuations of the Drake Hotel banquet given by the
popularly known former piano manufacturer during
the music trade convention on June 13th. The first
page of the menu card of the last of the events at
Decorah, Iowa, read as follows:
"Dinner to old time friends given by Mr. and Mrs.
George Payne Bent (Gee. Pee. Bee. and Clara Ames
Wingate Bent), June 16, 1854-Tuly 24, 1857; wedded
April 26, 1876."
The list of speakers for the occasion was unusually
large and a number responded with happy remarks.
The list included the following:
Miss Albertine Appy, Mr. E. C. Bailey, Mr. Fred
Biermann, Mr. Robert Bergeson, Col. Chr. Brandt,
Mr. Robert O. Foster, Dr. F. W. Conover, Mr. M. T.
Grattan, Judge Chas. N. Houck, Mrs. Albert Lin-
coln, Mr. R. F. B. Portman, Mr. Geo. H. Payne,
Rev. Chas. A. Payne, D. D., Rev. Irving E. Putnam,
Mr. W. H. Reed, Miss Clara Rollins, Mr. Lew B.
Whitney, Mr. Norman Willett, Mr. A. J. C. Win-
gate. Orchestra conductor, Mr. B. O. Marsh; song
leader, Mr. B. O. Thorsen.
Reference is made to this event in Decorah, in one
of Mr. Bent's letters to the Rev. Irving E. Putnam,
which appears on another page this week.
and there are nearly thirty used pianos stored there
at the present time.
A fine line of grand pianos, playerpianos, reproduc-
ing and straight pianos is now shown on the second
and third floors of the building. The first floor is
used for the display of band and string instruments,
phonographs, music books and sheet music, and sup-
plies of all kinds. Several spacious booths for dem-
onstrating phonograph records are also located on the
first floor. An extensive supply of phonographs and
playerpiano rolls and accessories are kept there.
The basement is used as a stock room for all sorts
of musical merchandise, sheet music, piano benches
and phonographs.
Mr. Benedict, although seventy-eight years of age,
is at his desk in his establishment from eight o'clock
every morning until closing time and is justly proud
of the large and successful concern he has developed
in Galesburg.
NEWS NOTES FROM
PORTLAND, ORE., FIELD
Steinway Concert Grand Provides Accompani-
ment for Schumann-Heink at Two Con-
certs of Saengerfest, in Portland, Ore.
The North Pacific Singing Union, comprising sev-
enteen singing societies of Oregon, Washington and
Idaho consisting of male and mixed voices held their
eighth saengerfest in Portland, Ore., July 24, 25 and
26. Over 300 singers participated in two concerts
given in the municipal auditorium, Madame Schu-
mann-Heink being the soloist at both concerts. A
Steinway concert grand piano was furnished for the
concerts, and another Steinway was sent to the pri-
vate suite of Madame Schumann-Heink, through the
courtesy of Sherman, Clay & Co.
Two more suits were filed in the federal court at
Portland, Ore., by eastern publishers against the
United Amusement Co., of the Oaks Amusement
Park of Portland, the city's "Coney Island." One
suit was brought by Clark & Leslie, Inc., of New
Joseph Benedict, Galesburg, 111., Music Dealer, York, alleging that the copyrighted musical composi-
Proud of the Healthy Business He
tion, "Maggie Come Right Upstairs," was sung at
the Oaks without authority, and the second suit was
Has Built Up.
filed by.Ager, Yellon & Bornstein, of New York, for
Work of redecorating the entire interior of the the unauthorized using of "I Wonder What's Be-
Benedict Music Company store, at 64 South Cherry come of Sally." Damages in both cases are asked of
street, Galesburg, 111., is in progress in preparation not less than $250.00, nor more than $5,000.00.
fdr the fall trade, and Joseph Benedict, proprietor of
G. F. Johnson of the G. F. Johnson Piano Co. of
the business which he founded in that city thirty- Portland, Ore., and president of the Oregon Music
three years ago, states that his expectations for big Trades association, was the principal speaker at a
sales are brighter than ever before.
luncheon given in that city by the Fine Arts Club
Mr. Benedict went to Galesburg in 1892 and opened July 27. Mr. Johnson took "Music" as his subject
a small music store in a site in the Commercial block and spoke of the elevating influence of music in the
on South Cherry street. His stock consisted of a few home, school and church, and spoke of the impor-
pianos and a small rack of sheet music.
tance of music being given a larger place in our pub-
Later he moved into the McKenzie building, where lic schools, and urged every music teacher, music
he remained for a year and then moved into the club and musical organization of the city doing
Thompson building. At the end of fifteen years the everything possible to promote interest in music in
late Judge Thompson agreed to put up the building the schools.
for the store in which the Benedict Music Company
M. A. Roach, proprietor of the Eugene Music Shop
is now located.
of Eugene, Ore., has added a piano department to his
At first Mr. Benedict's establishment occupied only store, according to announcement of Harry Melvin,
the first floor but the business expanded so rapidly traveling representative of the Portland, Ore , branch
that now the concern occupies the entire building, of the Wiley B. Allen Co.
practically three floors, and the entire side of the
adjoining building to the north on the third floor.
Mrs. W. P. Wheeler, of Oshkosh, Wis., has been
One part of this third floor addition is used exclu- appointed principal of the Miessner "Melody Way"
sively as a repair shop. What is termed an "over- method of piano instruction for that city and adjoin-
flow" room is also located in this third floor addition ing territory.
SEVENTY=EIGHT BUT
STEADILY ON THE JOB
STIL HARCOURT SHOWS
TUNERS REPRO-PHRASO
Popular Piano Man Meets Friends Among
Craft and Explains Action of This Player
at Detroit Meeting.
j
Stil Harcourt of the Story & Clark Piano Co., 173
North Michigan avenue, Chicago, who has the dis-
tinction of being the creator of the sensational Repro- i
Phraso instrument, was a conspicuous figure at the !
tuner's conclave at Hotel Statler, Detroit, this week. !
Mr. Harcourt by his genial ways and knowledge j
of all things pertaining to the piano, has a wide j
acquaintance in the piano trade and particularly with
the piano technicians. Being closely connected with \
the tuners, in the fact that he is a piano technician i
himself, and aware of the struggles of the service'
men in gaining recognition in the trade, Mr. Harcourt \
is heart and soul for the organization and its ad-
vancement in the music industry.
As at previous conventions of the tuners, the Story
& Clark exhibit was an interesting feature for the]
three days beginning Monday of this week. Several'
pianos and skeletons were shown and men schooled j
in the art of tuning all classes of instruments, and]
from all parts of the country were attentive to the!
talk of Mr. Harcourt.
]
PIANO CLUB OF CHICAGO
IN PROMOTION OF MUSIC
Special Opera Performances for School Children One!
of the Achievements to Its Credit.
The Piano Club of Chicago justifies its existence!
by the promotion of music and the friendliness of the!
membership. The governors have learned that it is!
not always necessary to spend money to promote:
music. This year the board of governors suggested
to the Chicago Civic Opera Company that perform-
ances especially for school children would help toi
lay the foundation of musical appreciation. The sug-<
gestion was adopted and thousands of high school
students attended the opera. Beginning with the pur
chase of symphony tickets by Matt. J. Kennedy sev-j
eral years ago this club has always been alert to help
"Make America Musical."
The meeting this week was on Monday at the Illi-i
nois Athletic Club. This summer the meetings have ;
been short and snappy. Adjournment is before 1:30J
and the entertainment committee invariably has some!
good entertainment for the luncheoners. Regular!
monthly meeting of the board of governors followed-
the luncheon.
!
A meeting of the executive committee also was!
held following board of governors meeting.
j
MUSICIAN IS GOOD SALESMAN.
A wide acquaintance among musical people!
and activity in local musical events makes Bert Mar-j
guart a valuable acquisition to the piano sales force
of Kohler & Chase, San Jose, Calif. Mr. Marguart
is leader of Marguart's Dance Orchestra, a popular
musical organization of that city. In addition to his
musical talents he has proved his ability to discover
piano prospects and quickly close the sales on a
profitable basis.
SUMMER and AUTUMN
offer opportunities for the live piano salesman unequalled by any other season. With the Bowen Loader it is easy to get out into the
country, taking the piano along. Sales are sure, and with the Ford runabout and one-man Carrier you can demonstrate and do busi-
ness anywhere. Our latest fool-proof, indestructible Loader for only $95 affords an unusual opportunity. Satisfaction guaranteed.
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/
PRESTO
A DELIGHTFUL DINNER
AT DECORAH, IOWA
One of a Series of Events Shared by Friends
of Geo. P. Bent in the Town of
His Birth.
Two of the characteristically enjoyable entertain-
ments for which Geo. P. Bent has become famous
were given last month. They were, in a sense, con-
tinuations of the Drake Hotel banquet given by the
popularly known former piano manufacturer during
the music trade convention on June 13th. The first
page of the menu card of the last of the events at
Decorah, Iowa, read as follows:
"Dinner to old time friends given by Mr. and Mrs.
George Payne Bent (Gee. Pee. Bee. and Clara Ames
Wingate Bent), June 16, 1854-Tuly 24, 1857; wedded
April 26, 1876."
The list of speakers for the occasion was unusually
large and a number responded with happy remarks.
The list included the following:
Miss Albertine Appy, Mr. E. C. Bailey, Mr. Fred
Biermann, Mr. Robert Bergeson, Col. Chr. Brandt,
Mr. Robert O. Foster, Dr. F. W. Conover, Mr. M. T.
Grattan, Judge Chas. N. Houck, Mrs. Albert Lin-
coln, Mr. R. F. B. Portman, Mr. Geo. H. Payne,
Rev. Chas. A. Payne, D. D., Rev. Irving E. Putnam,
Mr. W. H. Reed, Miss Clara Rollins, Mr. Lew B.
Whitney, Mr. Norman Willett, Mr. A. J. C. Win-
gate. Orchestra conductor, Mr. B. O. Marsh; song
leader, Mr. B. O. Thorsen.
Reference is made to this event in Decorah, in one
of Mr. Bent's letters to the Rev. Irving E. Putnam,
which appears on another page this week.
and there are nearly thirty used pianos stored there
at the present time.
A fine line of grand pianos, playerpianos, reproduc-
ing and straight pianos is now shown on the second
and third floors of the building. The first floor is
used for the display of band and string instruments,
phonographs, music books and sheet music, and sup-
plies of all kinds. Several spacious booths for dem-
onstrating phonograph records are also located on the
first floor. An extensive supply of phonographs and
playerpiano rolls and accessories are kept there.
The basement is used as a stock room for all sorts
of musical merchandise, sheet music, piano benches
and phonographs.
Mr. Benedict, although seventy-eight years of age,
is at his desk in his establishment from eight o'clock
every morning until closing time and is justly proud
of the large and successful concern he has developed
in Galesburg.
NEWS NOTES FROM
PORTLAND, ORE., FIELD
Steinway Concert Grand Provides Accompani-
ment for Schumann-Heink at Two Con-
certs of Saengerfest, in Portland, Ore.
The North Pacific Singing Union, comprising sev-
enteen singing societies of Oregon, Washington and
Idaho consisting of male and mixed voices held their
eighth saengerfest in Portland, Ore., July 24, 25 and
26. Over 300 singers participated in two concerts
given in the municipal auditorium, Madame Schu-
mann-Heink being the soloist at both concerts. A
Steinway concert grand piano was furnished for the
concerts, and another Steinway was sent to the pri-
vate suite of Madame Schumann-Heink, through the
courtesy of Sherman, Clay & Co.
Two more suits were filed in the federal court at
Portland, Ore., by eastern publishers against the
United Amusement Co., of the Oaks Amusement
Park of Portland, the city's "Coney Island." One
suit was brought by Clark & Leslie, Inc., of New
Joseph Benedict, Galesburg, 111., Music Dealer, York, alleging that the copyrighted musical composi-
Proud of the Healthy Business He
tion, "Maggie Come Right Upstairs," was sung at
the Oaks without authority, and the second suit was
Has Built Up.
filed by.Ager, Yellon & Bornstein, of New York, for
Work of redecorating the entire interior of the the unauthorized using of "I Wonder What's Be-
Benedict Music Company store, at 64 South Cherry come of Sally." Damages in both cases are asked of
street, Galesburg, 111., is in progress in preparation not less than $250.00, nor more than $5,000.00.
fdr the fall trade, and Joseph Benedict, proprietor of
G. F. Johnson of the G. F. Johnson Piano Co. of
the business which he founded in that city thirty- Portland, Ore., and president of the Oregon Music
three years ago, states that his expectations for big Trades association, was the principal speaker at a
sales are brighter than ever before.
luncheon given in that city by the Fine Arts Club
Mr. Benedict went to Galesburg in 1892 and opened July 27. Mr. Johnson took "Music" as his subject
a small music store in a site in the Commercial block and spoke of the elevating influence of music in the
on South Cherry street. His stock consisted of a few home, school and church, and spoke of the impor-
pianos and a small rack of sheet music.
tance of music being given a larger place in our pub-
Later he moved into the McKenzie building, where lic schools, and urged every music teacher, music
he remained for a year and then moved into the club and musical organization of the city doing
Thompson building. At the end of fifteen years the everything possible to promote interest in music in
late Judge Thompson agreed to put up the building the schools.
for the store in which the Benedict Music Company
M. A. Roach, proprietor of the Eugene Music Shop
is now located.
of Eugene, Ore., has added a piano department to his
At first Mr. Benedict's establishment occupied only store, according to announcement of Harry Melvin,
the first floor but the business expanded so rapidly traveling representative of the Portland, Ore , branch
that now the concern occupies the entire building, of the Wiley B. Allen Co.
practically three floors, and the entire side of the
adjoining building to the north on the third floor.
Mrs. W. P. Wheeler, of Oshkosh, Wis., has been
One part of this third floor addition is used exclu- appointed principal of the Miessner "Melody Way"
sively as a repair shop. What is termed an "over- method of piano instruction for that city and adjoin-
flow" room is also located in this third floor addition ing territory.
SEVENTY=EIGHT BUT
STEADILY ON THE JOB
STIL HARCOURT SHOWS
TUNERS REPRO-PHRASO
Popular Piano Man Meets Friends Among
Craft and Explains Action of This Player
at Detroit Meeting.
j
Stil Harcourt of the Story & Clark Piano Co., 173
North Michigan avenue, Chicago, who has the dis-
tinction of being the creator of the sensational Repro- i
Phraso instrument, was a conspicuous figure at the !
tuner's conclave at Hotel Statler, Detroit, this week. !
Mr. Harcourt by his genial ways and knowledge j
of all things pertaining to the piano, has a wide j
acquaintance in the piano trade and particularly with
the piano technicians. Being closely connected with \
the tuners, in the fact that he is a piano technician i
himself, and aware of the struggles of the service'
men in gaining recognition in the trade, Mr. Harcourt \
is heart and soul for the organization and its ad-
vancement in the music industry.
As at previous conventions of the tuners, the Story
& Clark exhibit was an interesting feature for the]
three days beginning Monday of this week. Several'
pianos and skeletons were shown and men schooled j
in the art of tuning all classes of instruments, and]
from all parts of the country were attentive to the!
talk of Mr. Harcourt.
]
PIANO CLUB OF CHICAGO
IN PROMOTION OF MUSIC
Special Opera Performances for School Children One!
of the Achievements to Its Credit.
The Piano Club of Chicago justifies its existence!
by the promotion of music and the friendliness of the!
membership. The governors have learned that it is!
not always necessary to spend money to promote:
music. This year the board of governors suggested
to the Chicago Civic Opera Company that perform-
ances especially for school children would help toi
lay the foundation of musical appreciation. The sug-<
gestion was adopted and thousands of high school
students attended the opera. Beginning with the pur
chase of symphony tickets by Matt. J. Kennedy sev-j
eral years ago this club has always been alert to help
"Make America Musical."
The meeting this week was on Monday at the Illi-i
nois Athletic Club. This summer the meetings have ;
been short and snappy. Adjournment is before 1:30J
and the entertainment committee invariably has some!
good entertainment for the luncheoners. Regular!
monthly meeting of the board of governors followed-
the luncheon.
!
A meeting of the executive committee also was!
held following board of governors meeting.
j
MUSICIAN IS GOOD SALESMAN.
A wide acquaintance among musical people!
and activity in local musical events makes Bert Mar-j
guart a valuable acquisition to the piano sales force
of Kohler & Chase, San Jose, Calif. Mr. Marguart
is leader of Marguart's Dance Orchestra, a popular
musical organization of that city. In addition to his
musical talents he has proved his ability to discover
piano prospects and quickly close the sales on a
profitable basis.
SUMMER and AUTUMN
offer opportunities for the live piano salesman unequalled by any other season. With the Bowen Loader it is easy to get out into the
country, taking the piano along. Sales are sure, and with the Ford runabout and one-man Carrier you can demonstrate and do busi-
ness anywhere. Our latest fool-proof, indestructible Loader for only $95 affords an unusual opportunity. Satisfaction guaranteed.
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).