Presto
Issue: 1934 2271 - Page 2
Jan.-Feb., 1934
P R E S T 0-T I M E S
VARIOUS OPINIONS ON MINISTER OF FINE
ARTS IN PRESIDENT'S CABINET
institutions, which it seems to me would be as de-
sirable a way to spend some of the easy money as
many other methods that are now under way."
Dr. Herbert J. Tily, President, Strawbridge &
Clothier, Philadelphia: "I have suggested in a lec-
ture, and in many other talks, the desirability of
having a Department of Fine Arts in the Na-
tional Government. So I am very definitely in-
terested in your suggestion and am glad to know
that you have brought it to the attention of Pres-
ident Roosevelt."
Excerpts from Many Letters Received in Reply to Presto=Times Inquiry
Steinway & Sons, New York, N. Y.: "We have
read with considerable interest the copy of the
proposed editorial in the Presto-Times which you
sent us for our perusal. The establishment of a
Department of Education at Washington with a
Secretary of Fine Arts attached to the President's
Cabinet would no doubt be of great value to all
the industries connected with the cultural devel-
opment of our country. The question has fre-
quently been broached in Washington and by
many individuals and associations interested in
the subject. We can only say that your editorial
seems timely and appropriate, and the hope that
sufficient influence may be brought to bear upon
such a movement to bring about the realization
of the idea as speedily as possible."
A. G. Gulbransen, President Gulbransen Com-
pany, Chicago: "I have carefully read the article
which you sent me and it is my belief that it is
both timely and constructive, and should be of
interest to all the people of this country, more
particularly to the music industries."
Dr. Walter Damrosch, New York, N. Y.: "The
problem of 'what to do with our leisure time' de-
mands an almost immediate solution, and unless
it is properly solved, it will become a greater men-
ace than the overwork for little pay which has
been the lot of so many.
"You and I would agree that the cultivation of
music, not as a vocation but as an avocation, will
help to solve this problem and will materially raise
the entire cultural standard of our people. A
recognition of this need by the appointment of a
Minister of Fine Arts in the President's cabinet
would go far towards crystallizing such efforts
and giving it the proper emphasis."
Harry J. Sohmer, Sohrner & Co., 31 West 57th
Street, New York: "I have read the editorial,
'Federal Action for Disposal of Leisure Time,'
and I thoroughly approve of the sentiments con-
tained therein.
"The establishment of a department of educa-
tion at Washington with a special division devoted
to music, would undoubtedly have a profound
effect on the curriculum of our colleges and this
is, after all, where we have to look for the future
of music in this country.
"In other words, a training in the arts—that is,
a training in performance—is essential if the piano
business is to succeed."
E. E. Forbes, E. E. Forbes & Sons Piano Co.,
Birmingham, Ala.: "I think your suggestion about
having a man in the President's Cabinet, who is
interested in the Fine Arts is a splendid thing.
This would be a wonderful step in education."
R. C. A. Victor Company, Inc. (Frances E.
Clark, Manager, Educational Activities), Camden,
N. J., U. S. A.: "The question of leisure time is
indeed a very vital one at this time. While the
subject of a Minister of Fine Arts in the Presi-
dent's Cabinet has been discussed for many years,
I have serious doubts whether that matter can be
brought to fruition at the present time. Any ef-
fort put forward, however, can hardly fail to be of
value. I should be interested to know what fur-
ther effort you are to make in the matter."
Edward H. Droop of E. F. Droop & Sons Co.,
Washington, D. C. says: "I hope that I may live
to see the day when there will be a Minister of
the Fine Arts in the President's Cabinet."
Winter & Company, per H. G. Heller, pres.,
New York: "In reference to the proposal for an
addition of a new portfolio to the President's Cab-
inet, we are heartily in favor of this as we feel
that with a greater amount of leisure time that the
American people are enjoying some such step
might well be taken."
Paul B. Klugh, Vice-President and General
Manager, Zenith Radio Corporation, Chicago:
"Different Congresses have considered, but have
never gone so far as to put in concrete form, a
proposal to enlarge the President's Cabinet to
include a Secretary of Education instead of, as
Mr. Freund suggests, 'A Minister of Fine Arts.'"
Karl B. Shinkman, Vice-President, York Band
Instrument Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan:
"It is very apparent that one of our Nation's
biggest problems today is a useful utilization of
the increased leisure time.
"There will doubtless be countless suggestions
for the use of this leisure—but I honestly feel that
music should play a leading part in this new prog-
ress. And I certainly will be strong for any
movement having for its object the creation and
development of a music movement under federal
direction.
"I want to compliment you on the work you
have undertaken and sincerely hope your efforts
bear fruit."
Chas. E. Wells, President, The Chas. E. Wells
Music Co., Denver, Colo.: "Again, we have found
that a knowledge of music, especially of some
band instrument, has found a position in our fac-
tories and in our places here simply because they
needed that particular part in their band, etc.
"There have been so many things developed
from a knowledge of music today that it does
seem as if it is a gold mine for the possessor, if
he would only fill in with it in the great gap in
the program of his life.
"You may rest assured we would be very
pleased to do anything in our power to assist."
George Q. Chase, Kohler & Chase, San Fran-
cisco, California: "The idea in your editorial might
be developed into something worth while."
Farny R. Wurlitzer, The Rudolph Wurlitzer
Mfg. Company, North Tonawanda, N. Y.: "I am
very much interested in seeing anything done, that
will push the possibilities of the sale of musical
instruments. Nevertheless, I am not in favor of
our establishing more government employees."
Arthur Bissell, Bissell-Weisert, Chicago, 111.:
"I am heartily in sympathy with the idea of es-
tablishing a Fine Arts Division in the Cabinet of
the President of the United States. Practically
every other important country in the world, such
as France, England, Germany, Italy, etc., has some
department devoted to the Fine Arts and it seems
to me high time that America should do likewise.
"A great deal could be done in the way of help-
ing struggling orchestras, musicians and musical
Edmund Gram, Milwaukee, Wis.: "The plan is a
splendid one. Your plans of having Congress estab-
lish a department of Education of Music and Fine
Arts would be ideal and could be very successfully
worked out to fill leisure time and make our people a
more contented, happier and musical nation."
THESE HOUSES ARE ADVISING THEIR SEN-
ATORS AND CONGRESSMEN FOR ACTION
Gene Redewill, Redewill Company, Phoenix,
Arizona: "I want to say that this is a fundamental
step forward in the interest of the music industry
and profession. With the shorter hours the workers
will spend their extra time in doing something or
other.
"It will be either good for them or bad for them—
no-in-between. Right now the nation needs the soft-
ening influences of good music.
"I'm writing our Arizona senators and congressmen.
Everybody associated with music should do this."
Wm. H. Schmoller, president, Schmoller & Mueller
Piano Co., Omaha, Neb.:
"It goes without saying that your idea to have a
Minister of Fine Arts in the President's cabinet is a
step in the right direction, and I hope the time is not
far off when our educational institutions as well as
the government will devote more time to music, art
and literature to let our representatives know that the
people desire the finer arts in place of war.
"Your editorial to which the President's secretary
replied is right to the point and I shall bring it to the
attention of our senator and congressman in Wash-
ington from our district."
Paul I. Felder, president, Philip Werlein, Ltd., New
Orleans, La.
"Needless to say, we fully endorse your action in
this matter and the establishment of a department of
education at Washington, with a special division de-
voted to music is something much to be desired.
"The government certainly should hack up any
movement to further the development of fine arts, and
there is nothing that would develop education, cul-
ture and poise more than the study of music, and too
little has been done in recent years in furthering this
most important study.
"We are writing our two senators on the subject in
hopes they will back up the program suggested.
"Best wishes and assuring you that you may count
on our full co-operation."
From the above extracts from letters received by
Presto-Times with permission to quote and other com-
munications not named or quoted, and particularly
those letters referring to action with Senators and
Congressmen, it would seem that the time may not
he far distant and in harmony with the well-known
sentiments of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, when
a new portfolio, representing the interests of the Fine
Arts, as referred to in Presto-Times editorial, will be
added to the President's Cabinet.
PRESTO BUYERS' GUIDE
Contains Full Lists with Concise Classification and Description of all
American Pianos, with Sketches of Manufacturers. Essential to All
Salesmen. Price 50 cents, postpaid.
NO PIANO DEALER OR PROSPECT CAN AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT IT
PRESTO PUBLISHING CO.,
-
-
417 S. Dearborn St., CHICAGO
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/
P R E S T 0-T I M E S
VARIOUS OPINIONS ON MINISTER OF FINE
ARTS IN PRESIDENT'S CABINET
institutions, which it seems to me would be as de-
sirable a way to spend some of the easy money as
many other methods that are now under way."
Dr. Herbert J. Tily, President, Strawbridge &
Clothier, Philadelphia: "I have suggested in a lec-
ture, and in many other talks, the desirability of
having a Department of Fine Arts in the Na-
tional Government. So I am very definitely in-
terested in your suggestion and am glad to know
that you have brought it to the attention of Pres-
ident Roosevelt."
Excerpts from Many Letters Received in Reply to Presto=Times Inquiry
Steinway & Sons, New York, N. Y.: "We have
read with considerable interest the copy of the
proposed editorial in the Presto-Times which you
sent us for our perusal. The establishment of a
Department of Education at Washington with a
Secretary of Fine Arts attached to the President's
Cabinet would no doubt be of great value to all
the industries connected with the cultural devel-
opment of our country. The question has fre-
quently been broached in Washington and by
many individuals and associations interested in
the subject. We can only say that your editorial
seems timely and appropriate, and the hope that
sufficient influence may be brought to bear upon
such a movement to bring about the realization
of the idea as speedily as possible."
A. G. Gulbransen, President Gulbransen Com-
pany, Chicago: "I have carefully read the article
which you sent me and it is my belief that it is
both timely and constructive, and should be of
interest to all the people of this country, more
particularly to the music industries."
Dr. Walter Damrosch, New York, N. Y.: "The
problem of 'what to do with our leisure time' de-
mands an almost immediate solution, and unless
it is properly solved, it will become a greater men-
ace than the overwork for little pay which has
been the lot of so many.
"You and I would agree that the cultivation of
music, not as a vocation but as an avocation, will
help to solve this problem and will materially raise
the entire cultural standard of our people. A
recognition of this need by the appointment of a
Minister of Fine Arts in the President's cabinet
would go far towards crystallizing such efforts
and giving it the proper emphasis."
Harry J. Sohmer, Sohrner & Co., 31 West 57th
Street, New York: "I have read the editorial,
'Federal Action for Disposal of Leisure Time,'
and I thoroughly approve of the sentiments con-
tained therein.
"The establishment of a department of educa-
tion at Washington with a special division devoted
to music, would undoubtedly have a profound
effect on the curriculum of our colleges and this
is, after all, where we have to look for the future
of music in this country.
"In other words, a training in the arts—that is,
a training in performance—is essential if the piano
business is to succeed."
E. E. Forbes, E. E. Forbes & Sons Piano Co.,
Birmingham, Ala.: "I think your suggestion about
having a man in the President's Cabinet, who is
interested in the Fine Arts is a splendid thing.
This would be a wonderful step in education."
R. C. A. Victor Company, Inc. (Frances E.
Clark, Manager, Educational Activities), Camden,
N. J., U. S. A.: "The question of leisure time is
indeed a very vital one at this time. While the
subject of a Minister of Fine Arts in the Presi-
dent's Cabinet has been discussed for many years,
I have serious doubts whether that matter can be
brought to fruition at the present time. Any ef-
fort put forward, however, can hardly fail to be of
value. I should be interested to know what fur-
ther effort you are to make in the matter."
Edward H. Droop of E. F. Droop & Sons Co.,
Washington, D. C. says: "I hope that I may live
to see the day when there will be a Minister of
the Fine Arts in the President's Cabinet."
Winter & Company, per H. G. Heller, pres.,
New York: "In reference to the proposal for an
addition of a new portfolio to the President's Cab-
inet, we are heartily in favor of this as we feel
that with a greater amount of leisure time that the
American people are enjoying some such step
might well be taken."
Paul B. Klugh, Vice-President and General
Manager, Zenith Radio Corporation, Chicago:
"Different Congresses have considered, but have
never gone so far as to put in concrete form, a
proposal to enlarge the President's Cabinet to
include a Secretary of Education instead of, as
Mr. Freund suggests, 'A Minister of Fine Arts.'"
Karl B. Shinkman, Vice-President, York Band
Instrument Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan:
"It is very apparent that one of our Nation's
biggest problems today is a useful utilization of
the increased leisure time.
"There will doubtless be countless suggestions
for the use of this leisure—but I honestly feel that
music should play a leading part in this new prog-
ress. And I certainly will be strong for any
movement having for its object the creation and
development of a music movement under federal
direction.
"I want to compliment you on the work you
have undertaken and sincerely hope your efforts
bear fruit."
Chas. E. Wells, President, The Chas. E. Wells
Music Co., Denver, Colo.: "Again, we have found
that a knowledge of music, especially of some
band instrument, has found a position in our fac-
tories and in our places here simply because they
needed that particular part in their band, etc.
"There have been so many things developed
from a knowledge of music today that it does
seem as if it is a gold mine for the possessor, if
he would only fill in with it in the great gap in
the program of his life.
"You may rest assured we would be very
pleased to do anything in our power to assist."
George Q. Chase, Kohler & Chase, San Fran-
cisco, California: "The idea in your editorial might
be developed into something worth while."
Farny R. Wurlitzer, The Rudolph Wurlitzer
Mfg. Company, North Tonawanda, N. Y.: "I am
very much interested in seeing anything done, that
will push the possibilities of the sale of musical
instruments. Nevertheless, I am not in favor of
our establishing more government employees."
Arthur Bissell, Bissell-Weisert, Chicago, 111.:
"I am heartily in sympathy with the idea of es-
tablishing a Fine Arts Division in the Cabinet of
the President of the United States. Practically
every other important country in the world, such
as France, England, Germany, Italy, etc., has some
department devoted to the Fine Arts and it seems
to me high time that America should do likewise.
"A great deal could be done in the way of help-
ing struggling orchestras, musicians and musical
Edmund Gram, Milwaukee, Wis.: "The plan is a
splendid one. Your plans of having Congress estab-
lish a department of Education of Music and Fine
Arts would be ideal and could be very successfully
worked out to fill leisure time and make our people a
more contented, happier and musical nation."
THESE HOUSES ARE ADVISING THEIR SEN-
ATORS AND CONGRESSMEN FOR ACTION
Gene Redewill, Redewill Company, Phoenix,
Arizona: "I want to say that this is a fundamental
step forward in the interest of the music industry
and profession. With the shorter hours the workers
will spend their extra time in doing something or
other.
"It will be either good for them or bad for them—
no-in-between. Right now the nation needs the soft-
ening influences of good music.
"I'm writing our Arizona senators and congressmen.
Everybody associated with music should do this."
Wm. H. Schmoller, president, Schmoller & Mueller
Piano Co., Omaha, Neb.:
"It goes without saying that your idea to have a
Minister of Fine Arts in the President's cabinet is a
step in the right direction, and I hope the time is not
far off when our educational institutions as well as
the government will devote more time to music, art
and literature to let our representatives know that the
people desire the finer arts in place of war.
"Your editorial to which the President's secretary
replied is right to the point and I shall bring it to the
attention of our senator and congressman in Wash-
ington from our district."
Paul I. Felder, president, Philip Werlein, Ltd., New
Orleans, La.
"Needless to say, we fully endorse your action in
this matter and the establishment of a department of
education at Washington, with a special division de-
voted to music is something much to be desired.
"The government certainly should hack up any
movement to further the development of fine arts, and
there is nothing that would develop education, cul-
ture and poise more than the study of music, and too
little has been done in recent years in furthering this
most important study.
"We are writing our two senators on the subject in
hopes they will back up the program suggested.
"Best wishes and assuring you that you may count
on our full co-operation."
From the above extracts from letters received by
Presto-Times with permission to quote and other com-
munications not named or quoted, and particularly
those letters referring to action with Senators and
Congressmen, it would seem that the time may not
he far distant and in harmony with the well-known
sentiments of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, when
a new portfolio, representing the interests of the Fine
Arts, as referred to in Presto-Times editorial, will be
added to the President's Cabinet.
PRESTO BUYERS' GUIDE
Contains Full Lists with Concise Classification and Description of all
American Pianos, with Sketches of Manufacturers. Essential to All
Salesmen. Price 50 cents, postpaid.
NO PIANO DEALER OR PROSPECT CAN AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT IT
PRESTO PUBLISHING CO.,
-
-
417 S. Dearborn St., CHICAGO
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).