Marquetry on Drawer-Model Marionette Duo-Art

This piano began life as a brown Recordo. The sound board was re-engineered, as the original ribs tapered so soon that the bass bridges pushed through. The strings were the wrong weight, and were re-scaled using computer technology. Six more wound-strings were added, and the weights of the steel strings were changed.

A 14-inch Duo-Art pump, a fan-expression system, and an expression-valve-size Duo-Art stack with a soft-pedal compensation lift were all built for it. The Marquetry on the side of the piano was inspired by the pictures on the Arto-Roll boxes. The fallboard was inspired by a picture on the Rhythmodic roll box. A new bench was built, modeled after the bench originally available, but veneered to go with the rest of the piano.

The AMICA BULLETIN AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTORS’ ASSOCIATION SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2005 VOLUME 42, NUMBER 5 Teresa Carreno (1853-1917) ISSN #1533-9726 THE AMICA BULLETIN AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTORS' ASSOCIATION Published by the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors’ Association, a non-profit, tax exempt group devoted to the restoration, distribution and enjoyment of musical instruments using perforated paper music rolls and perforated music books. AMICA was founded in San Francisco, California in 1963. PROFESSOR MICHAEL A. KUKRAL, PUBLISHER, 216 MADISON BLVD., TERRE HAUTE, IN 47803-1912 -- Phone 812-238-9656, E-mail: [email protected] Visit the AMICA Web page at: http://www.amica.org Associate Editor: Mr. Larry Givens

VOLUME 42, Number 5 September/October 2005 AMICA BULLETIN FEATURES Display and Classified Ads Articles for Publication It’s Yesterday Once More — 244 Letters to the Publisher Chapter News Coin Piano Case Design — 245 UPCOMING PUBLICATION Max Vogrich and the Staccato Caprice — 251 DEADLINES The ads and articles must be received It’s All Music to Their Ears — 253 by the Publisher on the 1st of the Odd number months: Actor and Piano Roll Maker Dwight Frye — 255 January July March September Piano Men in America Part II — 256 May November Bulletins will be mailed on the 2nd week Convention Report and Photos — 271 of the even months. No Encores as Player Piano Leaves Stage — 285 Dr. Michael A. Kukral, Publisher 216 Madison Blvd. CD Review — 287 Terre Haute, Indiana 47803-1912 Phone: 812-238-9656 e-mail: [email protected] DEPARTMENTS AMICA International — 238 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES President’s Message — 239 New Memberships ...... $42.00 Publisher’s Message — 239 Renewals ...... $42.00 Letters — 240 Additional $5.00 due if renewed past the Jan. 31 deadline He Shall Be Remembered — 286 Address changes and corrections New Piano Rolls & Recuts — 288 Directory information updates Additional copies of Chapter News — 291 Member Directory . . . . $25.00 Classified Ads — 297 Single copies of back issues ($10.00 per issue - based upon availability) Front Cover: Marionette Duo-Art, submitted by Tockhwockh William Chapman (Bill) 53685 Avenida Bermudas Inside Front: Teresa Carreno (1853-1917), submitted by Mike Kukral La Quinta, CA 92253-3586 (760) 564-2951 Back Cover: Pianos Focké, Paris 1898, submitted by Mike Kukral e-mail: [email protected] Inside Back Cover: Alcoa Ad from “The Etude” February 1950, To ensure timely delivery of your submitted by Karl Ellison BULLETIN, please allow 6-weeks advance notice of address changes.

AMICA Publications reserves the right to accept, reject, or edit any and all submitted articles and advertising.

Entire contents © 2005 AMICA International Printed by Engler Printing Co., Fremont, OH ¥ [email protected] 237 AMICA INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS CHAPTER OFFICERS PRESIDENT Mike Walter BOSTON AREA NORTHERN LIGHTS 65 Running Brook Dr. Pres. Bill Koenigsburg - 978-369-8523 Pres: Phillip Baird Lancaster, NY 14086-3314 Vice Pres: Bob Tempest Vice Pres: Paul Watkins 716-656-9583 Sec: Ginger Christiansen Sec: Jason E. Beyer - 507-454-3124 e-mail: [email protected] Treas: Karl Ellison Treas: Barbara Watkins Reporter: Don Brown Reporter: Dorothy Olds PAST PRESIDENT Dan C. Brown Board Rep: Dorothy Olds N. 4828 Monroe Street Board Rep: Karl Ellison Spokane, WA 99205-5354 CHICAGO AREA PACIFIC CAN-AM 509-325-2626 Pres: Mel Septon - 847-679-3455 Pres: Halie Dodrill [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Vice Pres: Troy Taylor Sec: Carol Veome Sec: Brian Tate VICE PRESIDENT John Motto-Ros Treas: Joe Pekarek Treas: Jack & Mary Lou Becvar P.O. Box 908 Reporter: Curt Clifford Reporter: Ron Babb Sutter Creek, CA 95685-0908 Board Rep: George Wilder Bd. Rep: Carl Dodrill - 206-236-0067 209-267-9252 FOUNDING CHAPTER e-mail: [email protected] ROCKY MOUNTAIN Pres: John Ulrich - 510-223-9587 Pres: Larry Kerecman - 303-377-7729 SECRETARY Florie Hirsch Vice Pres: Bing Gibbs & Karen Simons Vice Pres: Jere DeBacker 8917 Wooden Bridge Rd., Potomac, MD 20854-2448 Sec: Jack and Dianne Edwards Sec: Louise Lucero 301-340-6664 [email protected] Treas: Fred Wilson e-mail: [email protected] Treas: Richard Reutlinger Reporter: Jere DeBacker TREASURER Wesley Neff Reporter: Bonnie and Bob Gonzalez SIERRA NEVADA 128 Church Hill Drive, Findlay, Ohio 45840 Board Rep: Richard Reutlinger Pres: John Motto-Ros - 209-267-9252 419-423-4827 Vice Pres: Sonja Lemon e-mail: [email protected] GATEWAY CHAPTER Pres: Yousuf Wilson Sec/Treas: Doug & Vicki Mahr PUBLISHER Dr. Michael A. Kukral Vice Pres: Gary Craig - 314-771-1244 Reporter: Nadine Motto-Ros 216 Madison Blvd., Terre Haute, IN 47803-1912 Sec: Mary Wilson Board Rep: John Motto-Ros 812-238-9656 Treas: Cynthia Craig SOWNY (Southern Ontario, e-mail: [email protected] Reporter/Bd.Rep: Gary Craig Western New York) MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY William Chapman (Bill) [email protected] Pres: Mike Walter - 716-656-9583 53685 Avenida Bermudas, La Quinta, CA 92253-3586 Vice Pres: Daniel Tenerowicz 760-564-2951 – Fax 775-923-7117 HEART OF AMERICA Sec: Garry Lemon e-mail: [email protected] Pres: Tom McAuley Treas: Holly Walter Vice Pres: Robbie Tubbs [email protected] — COMMITTEES — Sec/Treas: Kay Bode Reporter: Garry & Anne Lemon AMICA ARCHIVES Tom Hutchinson Board Rep: Ron Connor Board Rep: Audrey Cannizzaro 15361 Hopper Rd., Sturgeon, MO 65284 Photographer: Nancy Group & Anne [email protected] LADY LIBERTY Pres: Vincent Morgan - 718-479-2562 Lemmon AMICA MEMORIAL FUND Halie Dodrill Vice Pres: Aris John Dousmanis SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 4488 W. Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040-3934 Recording Sec: Bill Maguire Pres: Jerry Pell 206-236-0067, e-mail: [email protected] Corresponding Sec: Richard Karlsson Vice Pres: Richard Ingram AUDIO-VISUAL & TECHNICAL Harold Malakinian Reporter:Buzz Rosa Sec./Reporter. Shirley Nix 2345 Forest Trail Dr., Troy, MI 48098 Board Reps: Marvin & Dianne Polan Treas: Lloyd A. Osmundson Board Rep: Frank Nix CONVENTION COORDINATOR Frank Nix 631-673-0388 6030 Oakdale Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367, 818-884-6849 Newsletter Editor: Bill Maguire TEXAS MIDWEST (OH, MI, IN, KY) Pres: Jerry Bacon - 214-328-9369 HONORARY MEMBERS Jay Albert Vice Pres: Bill Boruff 904-A West Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-4745 Pres: Don Johnson - 248-879-7713 Treas: Vicki Brady 805-966-9602 - e-mail: [email protected] Vice Pres: Liz Barnhart Sec:Maureen Barisonek Sec: Sharon Neff WEB MASTER Karl B. Ellison Board Rep: Dick Merchant Treas: Alvin Wulfekuhl Bulletin Reporter: John McCall 6 Lions Lane, Salem, MA 01970-1784 Reporter: Christy Counterman e-mail: [email protected] Board Rep: Liz Barnhart AFFILIATED SOCIETIES AND ORGANIZATIONS ATOS FRIENDS OF SCOTT JOPLIN MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY PLAYER PIANO GROUP President - Fr. Gus Franklin 1217 St. Croix Ct. INTERNATIONAL Julian Dyer, Bulletin Editor 6508 Willow Springs Road Kirkwood, MO 63122-2326 Rosanna Harris, Editor 5 Richmond Rise, Workingham, Springfield, IL 62707-9500 website: http//stlouis.missouri.org/fsjoplin 5815 West 52nd Avenue Berkshire RG41 3XH, United Kingdom Phone: 217-585-1770 Fax: 217-585-0835 [email protected] Denver, CO 80212 Phone: 0118 977 1057 E-Mail: [email protected] INTERNATIONAL PIANO Phone: 303-431-9033 Fax: 303-431-6978 Email: [email protected] Editor - Dale Baker ARCHIVES AT MARYLAND E-Mail: [email protected] P. O. Box 51450 SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION Performing Arts Library,University of Maryland NETHERLANDS MECHANICAL Division of Musical History Indianapolis, IN 46251-0450 2511 Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Phone: 317-838-9345 ORGAN SOCIETY - KDV Washington, D.C. 20560 College Park, MD 20742 A. T. Meijer E-Mail: [email protected] SOCIETY FOR SELF-PLAYING Phone: 301-405-9224 Wilgenstraat 24 MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ASSOCIATION ITALIANA MUSICA Fax: 301-314-7170 NL-4462 VS Goes, Netherlands MECCANICA E-Mail: [email protected] Gesellschaft für Selbstspielende Musikinstrumente (GSM) E.V. Via Comte le Monticino No. 485 INT. VINTAGE PHONO & MECH. NORTHWEST PLAYER PIANO Ralf Smolne 47020 Cesena, Italy MUSIC SOCIETY ASSOCIATION Emmastr. 56 Phone: 39-547-346-046 C.G. Nijsen, Secretaire General Everson Whittle, Secretary D-45130 Essen, Germany AUSTRALIAN COLLECTORS OF 19 Mackaylaan 11 Smiths Road, Darcy Lever, Phone:**49-201-784927 MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 5631 NM Eindhoven, Netherlands Bolton BL3 2PP, Gt. Manchester, England Fax:**49-201-7266240 19 Waipori Street Home Phone: 01204 529939 MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY OF GREAT Business Phone: 01772 208003 Email: [email protected] St. Ives NSW 2075, Australia BRITAIN DUTCH PIANOLA ASSOC. Alan Pratt, Editor PIANOLA INSTITUTE Nederlandse Pianola Vereniging P. O. Box 299 Clair Cavanagh, Secretary Eikendreef 24 Waterbeach, Cambridge CB4 4PJ 43 Great Percy St., London WC1X 9RA 5342 HR Oss, Netherlands England England 238 President’s Message The Obligations of Membership Dear friends, To paraphrase a quote by Sir Winston Churchill: “Never...was so much owed by so many to so few”. As our organization is shrinking a bit in size, it is becoming more evident that there are fewer and fewer members who are taking an active part in our organization. An organization is an assemblage of individuals who share a common interest or goal. Each member should share in the responsibilities as well as the benefits of this membership. At the chapter level there is a need for members to open their homes to fellow members for meetings, or be able to suggest sites for meetings in their areas.This also includes coming up with ideas for chapter activities. Encourage younger members to offer suggestions for different venues. At the national/international level it is extremely important to share your wealth of knowledge and expertise with the rest of the organization through the bulletin. If you feel uncomfortable writing an article for the bulletin, sit down with a friend who is good at typing or word-processing and tell them your ideas. Work on a written article that will make both of you feel good for having written it. For chapter representatives, you have an extremely important job! It is incumbent upon you to share information you receive from “headquarters” with chapter members. It is also imperative to respond to communications you receive from these same international representatives. You have been elected to this position because the chapter trusts your judgment. Please respond to letters and e-mails if requested to do so! Your opinion is important and your response is vital. Each of you are an important part of our organization. If you are a chapter member but don’t know how you can help, ask your chapter president. If you don’t have a local chapter nearby, contact someone at the international level and ask them how you can help make our organization a better one. Job for today...Play a “Fall” piano roll. Best wishes, Mike From the Publisher’s Desk Greetings, The leaves are turning to mellow golds and reds and the farmer’s market is filled with butternut and acorn squash. I can’t think of a better time of year to enjoy the wonder and beauty of automatic musical instruments inside a cozy home. In the past year I have entertained and informed several groups in my home about automatic musical instruments. As the only member of Amica for several surrounding counties, I have only had two members see and hear my collection, but my doors have opened for continuing education students, seniors citizen groups, college students, and the Red Plagle the Cat Hat ladies. All of these people, at least I hope, have thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon of music and history while I explained and demonstrated various instruments. For the most part, listeners are surprised and impressed with the quality of music reproduction of both player and reproducing pianos, but the most common question still remains: “Do you ever turn all of these things on at the same time?” It never fails to be asked and I can only laugh and wonder at the origin of this question. It also never fails to amaze me that people are abnormally impressed when they see that reproducing pianos rewind and shut-off automatically. Sometimes, this seems more impressive that anything else seen or heard at my house. During the playing of my pianos I am always joined quickly by my grey cat Plagle (a musical moniker of sorts); my other cat Kittie heads under the bed whenever I even appear to be approaching a piano, guitar, or trombone. Plagle sits on the piano bench as the piano plays and enjoys the music, watches the roll and keys, and leaves when the music is over. He even sits right next to my Coinola X orchestrion when it plays. When I was young our dog named Andy, a big border collie and Bernese Mountain dog mix, sang and howled loudly as I practiced piano or when Dad played his harmonica. Since that time, pets, like visitors these days, have been a part of the musical experience for me. The only question that I seem to have recently is whether or not my guests, like my pets, really appreciate the music and dedication to instrument restoration shown to them. I have concluded that it doesn’t really matter. Music is a daily part of my house and happily enjoyed by people and animals alike. Please take care of your pets and don’t exclude them, unless they choose to be, from musical events. Mike Kukral, Publisher 239 ETTERS

In the meantime Dave Calendine, a costs to restore either of the Wurlitzers. theater organist and technician from I feel if we could get one instrument Detroit, was hired as pianist/organist to into the process, there might be more Report to the Board of AMICA play the Cremona Photoplayer for the interest from AMICA chapters to pledge Adopt-a-Piano Meeting Virginia City Players at the Virginia City contributions. I will also check with Dick Saturday, June 25, 2005 Opera House for the summer season. Kroeckle as to the availability of the Nevada City Music Hall The Cremona has been neglected for correct Spencer blower to power the decades and barely limped along Cremona Photoplayer (it is currently Present: Jim Carpita, Site Manager, (I attend the Opera House every year). powered by an inadequate Root blower). Montana Heritage Commission Dave immediately began to work on I reiterated AMICA’s interest in this John Ellingsen, the instrument restoring pipe chests, restoration project only for those Curator of History xylophone and percussion to working instruments that will remain on display to condition—the Cremona sounds 200% be played by the public; also that we Janna Hermanson, better this season. Dave intends to wished to pay directly to the restorer for Acting Curator of Collections continue work on the instrument in services and supplies (we do not want to Dave Calendine, Performer September when the season ends and contribute “state bureaucracy”). at Opera House Virginia City also next march when he returns for After the Board meeting I was able to and Organ Restorer next summer. He was able to purchase talk with Art Reblitz and Dick Kroeckle. Richard D. Reutlinger, materials for this restoration from a Art is checking into the costs of restoring AMICA Representative personal donation for the Cremona the Wurlitzer DX and is fairly optimistic exclusively. He would be interested in that it could be done for the amount We met to discuss progress of our doing some work on the instruments in currently pledged by the Founding and campaign with the Montana Heritage the Music Hall providing funds for Midwest chapters. Dick Kroeckle will be Commission. Jim Carpita is in charge of materials would be available. Dave happy to donate the Spencer blower to this area for MHC reporting to Jeff acknowledges his primary experience has the Virginia City Opera House but needs Tiberi, Executive Director. In 2004 a been with pipe organ work rather than to check into some repairs to be done grant request was prepared to the pneumatic instruments. He has contacted on it. Tourism Infrastructure Investment Art Reblitz for advice about the correct Frank Nix asked if there is an on-site Program of Montana for $26,000 to type of materials for such work and person to maintain the machines once augment our Adopt-a-Piano program to Art had complied, cautioning Dave they have been restored. John Ellingsen restore mechanical instruments in the pneumatic restoration must be much lives in Nevada City and has nursed the Nevada City Music Hall. In October tighter. Dave is known by other band machines along for over 20 years; he 2004 the grant request was turned down organ collectors as a competent restorer has full-time responsibilities with the due to lack of funds. Late in 2004 and and willing to learn. heritage Commission but would be early 2005 a number of people left the At our meeting it seemed apparent able to monitor maintenance on the Montana Heritage Commission resulting that the Commission was amenable to instruments. He has worked with the in delays toward our campaign. In March having work done by Dave and possibly entire historic site first for the Bovey I contacted Jeff Tiberi for an update and other (i.e. Mills Violano, etc). Also family who created this site and then learned that Jim Carpita had been amenable to putting some instruments with the State of Montana since the state assigned responsibility for our program. throughout Virginia City for better public bought the site. We have been in contact via e-mail and exposure and to enhance revenue. Respectfully submitted to the Board I asked Carl Dodrill to contact Jim We discussed a couple of possibilities Richard D. Reutlinger, directly about the restoration of the for initial restoration projects i.e. the Founding Chapter Wurlitzer Theater Organ via the Pipe Wurlitzer Model DX with automatic roll Organ foundation in the Pacific changer and/or the Wurlitzer 180 band Northwest. Carl has done so and Jim organ. Jim Carpita felt that the “blanket” This is a modest, grass-roots proposal is meeting with his people about the State insurance policy would cover from the Automatic Musical Instrument feasibility of letting units from the organ instruments being transported for Collectors’ Assn. (AMICA) to the leave the premises for restoration. I also restoration and that they (Commission) Montana Heritage Commission. One had asked Larry Emmons, AMICA could provide transport to Art’s shop. of the primary goals of AMICA as stated member in Wyoming, to contact the I volunteered to check out Larry in our Bylaws is “to encourage the MHC about transport of smaller Emmon’s proposal of transport as an restoration of automatic musical instruments to Art Reblitz’ shop for alternative. I also volunteered to check instruments to a condition consistent restoration. Larry has done so. with Art about the current estimate of with the original intent of their

240 continued. . . manufacturers”. With this in mind, one Once restoration work is completed, instruments can remain in good playing of our Founding Members, Richard AMICA would pay Reblitz Restorations condition for the general public to play Reutlinger, proposed an “Adopt-a-Piano” directly including costs of transport and with their own coins. We are not con- campaign to help finance restoration of insurance. This keeps the focus on the cerned here with expensive “cosmetic” instruments in the Nevada City Music work and minimizes any administration restorations where the finish is flawless Hall. He introduced the idea at last year’s costs. and every screw is replated. Your collec- National Board Meeting and received an Instruments to be considered would tion is displayed in an environment not enthusiastic response. He then put an first be chosen by John Ellingsen, unlike their original locations. article in the National AMICA Bulletin to Curator of History, Jeff Tiberi, Executive One of the goals of this program is inform the general membership about Director of the Montana Heritage also to make the public aware of AMICA this campaign. To date, he has received Commission, and Art Reblitz. Once and it’s involvement in this restoration favorable comments from several candidates for restoration are chosen program. We expect some recognition in chapters. AMICA chapters could chose which the form of a plaque or sign stating this. instruments to “Adopt”. We (AMICA) hope that this proposal Art Reblitz, early on, had proposed meets with the approval of the Montana OUR PROPOSAL that the restoration of these instruments Heritage Commission. To establish a separate fund be solid mechanical work so that the administered by our national treasurer to fund restoration of one or more instruments in the Bovey Collection. AMICA Individual chapters could contribute – CONVENTION DATES – funds to restore a particular instrument or band together to fund restoration of more 2005 Minneapolis, Minnesota June 29 - July 3 complex, larger instruments. 2006 Chicago, Illinois July 25 - July 30 Art Reblitz of Reblitz Restorations would handle to actual restoration work 2007 Germany/Holland July 5 - July 20 as he is very familiar with the collection (This is not set in stone yet. Hotels and buses are and has the trust of the Montana Heritage unable to commit this early, but it looks like this is.) Commission from past involvement.

“New Music Release”

July 20, 2005 (including Bartok, Niemann, Reger, deFalla, Leschetizky and Dohnanyi); and after that (if all recordings can be found) “Faure The Respighi/Casella CD is number 7 in Pierian’s ongoing and Marguerite Long Play Faure”. series of historic piano recordings. It includes Respighi and The Pierian Recording Society is a small non-profit CD Casella playing the composer’s arrangement for pianos, four company dedicated to the preservation of historic performances hands, of The Fountains of Rome-recorded in 1925 in the New and obscure repertoire. So far, CD sales in the US and Europe York Welte Deluxe studio. have allowed for another release every six months or so. As of Future CD releases in the series will include “Students of this writing, one of the most popular releases is the Scriabin CD! Liszt Play Liszt”, “17 Composers Play their Own Compositions” With the classical recording market generally in the doldrums, I’m amazed and grateful to see the on-going interest in these historic piano releases.

All Best Regards, Kenneth K. Caswell 3336 Mt. Bonnell Road Austin, Texas 78731 512-323-0033

Pierian Recording Society CDs amazon.com • uncommonlyclassical.com

Respighi and his wife, New York City 1925 Photos courtesy of Maestro Adriano, Zurich, Switzerland

241 continued. ..

<=- - - . Guarino 1JCk:d~ £ -1 -­ Respighi ~ ~

~ • j 1 _ -... ~ !:h H :l-- -~- --- ~~F\filT ~:< .,.. 1 , , ~ 1 '-Vi T;:.£J4-i -~ ~ ~=1 1 I..i _ Il"I .... _...... 0_ J_ " . 'l_., ·J,

.. l t~ _= 1

1="=:= -- ~.F· »>

Alfredo Casella

Casella, Malipiero, and D'Annunrlo, September 1924

Alfredo Casella 1935

Casello, De Falla and Malipiero in Venice (Festival del 1932) 242 continued . ..

New York, 1925: Respighi and Casella

VIA GIOVANNI NICOTERA 5 TEL. 389.417 ROMA

15 febb/1963

Mr.Kenneth Caswe11 J!'orest Oil Corp. 300 Oil Building Houston 2 - ~xas

Dear Mr. Caswe1l,

during my research of my 1ate husband's work a11 over the world I was informed from the United states and exactly from Dr.Stein in New York, that you have some mechanics1 rolls. I would be very pleased to know whether you keep some recorded by Alfredo Casel1a with his own music or work from the usua1 repertory.

I am 100king forward to hearing from you about the matter, as it is very important for me to gather aJ.1 he did, part1cu1ar1y this year that is his 80th anniversary of birth and the nmsicaJ. circ1e is comme­ morating him. In case you keep this material can you ma11 it to me? Or, let me know something anyway.

To the p1easure of reading you 8S soon as possible, p1ease apo1ogize me for tbe request but you w111 understand how important the matter is.

S1ncere1y yours

Yvonne Caee11!!

243 By Palmer Mai T’S YESTERDAY ONCE MORE WITH A VINTAGE PIANO ROLL COLLECTION

entrepreneurs and AMICANs/historians. of the roll manufacturing companies, Palmer Mai Bio Others are being preserved digitally with hastened by the financial stresses that The author is a long time member of scanning processes. But inevitably it accompanied The Great Depression. AMICA whose interest in music started means some good “unsaved” songs will Accordingly, a lot of the music store with piano lessons during his elementary live on their original punched paper issue business started to go downhill. That school years. After a hiatus involving only as long as the paper lasts. Such economic convulsion, of course, also high school, college, marriage, and is the impact of advancing technology contributed to widespread and complex service in Army, his interest in music and changing popular music tastes. changes in societal factors which, in turn, was again stimulated by memories of Personal rewards may be enjoyed by influenced popular music. the old player piano on which he careful tape repair of a damaged roll There are the song titles, so varied and practiced his lessons. That led to the thereby “saving” it, but its life is unique, reminiscent of the messages or purchase and restoration of a player extended only temporarily unless it is stories they provided. Such a variety of piano and to the collection of rolls eventually scanned or recut. subjects: romantic, sad, sweet, happy, and sheet music. Fragility and potential limited life imaginative, patriotic, cultural and even Acquaintance and friendship with notwithstanding, I consider the commercial. Many reflected both music Kansas City AMICANs stirred an interest education, the unique experiences and the styles as well as the dance fashions of the in street organs. Upon his retirement as pleasure involved in bringing a vintage day such as the Polka, Schottiche, Cake a business executive, he resurrected a collection together. Walk, Turkey Trot, Rag, Barn Dance, character from the past—The Organ I contemplate the numerous facets Waltz, Maxixe, One Step, Two Step, Fox Grinder. He has since made an avocation of so much memorable popular music Trot, Charleston, Jazz, Tango, Rhumba, as that character, making public produced from the very late 19th century etc. Other music styles included The appearances in various period costumes. to the first 55 to 60-plus years of the 20th Ballad, The March, The Blues, Beyond the festival, party and century. It was a musical golden age, Dixieland, Mountain, Country/Western, commercial promotion venues, he a time of greater innocence and less Hawaiian and songs from musical theater presents lectures, interspersed with complexity than now. Some would say it and film musicals, many of which music, focusing on the history of was also an era of social repression in could “cross over” into the various music the development of the street organ and several respects. Otherwise, it was a time styles in a number of ways. the historical persona of the traditional similar to an earlier golden age of the There were also foreign music rolls Organ Grinder. classical/romantic music period that that could be considered popular. Many Mai is also the author of a booklet on featured such a marvelous combination of them, however, reflected strong the collection and repair of piano of talented composers, music and historical or folk tradition. Hymns also rolls, “Perforated Paper Patter”. It is musicians. Both eras produced melody experienced “popularity.” available directly from him as well and harmony that was imaginative, Just looking at many individual titles as from QRS and the Player Piano pleasurable and memorable. It is sad to on roll boxes can produce their respective Company. consider that there may never again be tunes in my mind’s ear. Many times Palmer and his wife of 50 years, anything representing a duplication some of the words are recalled too. It Beverly, a novelist, reside in Kirkwood, of those exceptional periods, in either is a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Missouri. musical genre, again; complex societal I might not even have to play any roll and highly varied commercial at all. It is almost “…like taking a trip considerations just do not permit. without leaving home,” as acknowledged The many unique, colorful and by banjoists, Homer & Jethro in their When I look at my vintage popular interesting roll labels bring to mind how recording of “Wildwood Weed,” a music player piano roll collection, I don’t many roll manufacturers (and department contemporary cultural satire at the time, just revel in it, but appreciate what it store labels) there were and how they on the country classic, “Wildwood represents. It is at once so many things. completed and prospered initially. In Flower.” Most of all, it is a wonderful but that same time period, there were many Rolls also represent the talent, the usually silent, even archaic, stored music music stores selling pianos, rolls, music, genius of individual composers and medium now, just waiting to be phonographs/records and other of some of their partnerships and awakened and enjoyed. It is a history and music related products. Their varied collaborations with lyricists. Some were a musical treasure. However, the paper and geographically diverse advertising highly productive and very successful medium is fragile. Fortunately, labels could typically be found on while others had a more limited period some rolls are being selectively recut by roll box tops. Then came consolidation of recognition or fame. Both groups

244 continued. . . made major contributions to the success collecting duplicate song roll titles, but a lot of the music doesn’t lend itself of many stage and screen productions. with different labels and other recording well to player roll recording, let alone In so doing, they concurrently made artists with their unique musical styles. pleasant listening. I wonder if younger considerable contributions to family Revivals of some songs from one generations will really know the joy entertainment and unity, the nation’s generation to another also provided of pleasant tones of rich melody and culture, its morale, its economy and interesting contrasts in arrangement and harmony. In addition, there is little history. tempo. subtlety in current lyrics to allow for As I review song titles, I think about With regard to music roll the imagination which was one of the the varied lives of some of the composers performances, there are the varied and hallmarks of popular music in the early that I learned as the roll collection grew. unique styles of certain talented, years of the 20th century, an influence There are interesting stories of how some innovative recording artists (when of the Victorian Age. of the songs came to be composed and acknowledged) to be noted and I’m grateful for those four years popularized, adding to a rich ongoing appreciated. A consistent performance of piano lessons, practiced on an old experience. Over time, it became my aim “style,” often identifies the artist upright player piano so many years to collect rolls of the music of certain from one recording performance to ago. Even though I remain a totally composers. another. In addition to seeking music by unaccomplished pianist, those lessons Playing rolls naturally provided a particular composers, it was a bonus to eventually stimulated a comprehensive perspective of changes in music tastes find rolls played AND composed by the interest in and appreciation for music. and fads. Accordingly, there could be a same person. They were ultimately responsible for my pattern of rather similar subject titles in a Pseudonyms were commonly used, music collections and diversions that given time period. One could also providing something of a challenge I find so enjoyable. encounter similar musical phrases that in associating/classifying the names of So now and then I select some rolls some composers might occasionally certain known recording artists. to play on an old-fashioned, upright “borrow” from one another. Pseudonyms gave anonymity to those standard player piano. I place one in the Acquiring rolls spurred an interest in who chose to be adventurous without spool box, hook the leader tab to the sheet music, first for the song words being held to their usual style, while take-up spool, engage the “play” lever, because they were not printed on rolls in still broadening their general exposure. set the tempo and start to pump the foot the early roll production years. That The use of pseudonyms was also a pedals. Then to me, as the music is brought an awareness of colorful marketing strategy. A number of AMICA revived, “It’s Yesterday Once More,” and unusual sheet music covers, the historians have contributed significantly as expressed in the title and words of a artists, their artistic style, and featured to documenting artists and their popular song from 1973. And it is good. prominent public personalities. There respective pseudonyms. is also the lure of unusual titles, whether It seems to me that many of today’s Palmer Mai or not they are familiar or duplicated music styles are fractured and/or Kirkwood, MO roll titles already collected. overlapping in types, leading to Copyright 2005 There are, in fact, rewards in confusion about classification. To my ear,

Written & Submitted OIN PIANO CASE DESIGN by Mark Reinhart WITH A VINTAGE PIANO ROLL COLLECTION

they look rather than any function they the dialog regarding coin piano case perform. Design patents exist for a design, it became clear that there has The US Patent & Trademark Office number of piano cases. While not every been little published on coin pianos in grants utility patents for “any new and manufacturer chose to protect their this field of intellectual property. The useful process, machine, manufacture, designs, Seeburg and Peerless felt illustrated patents are not meant to cover composition of matter, or material.” strongly enough to seek design patent all that were granted. These represent What most people do not realize is that protection. It should be noted that only those that I have been able to locate the US Patent & Trademark Office also there are utility patents on the interior for this article. grants Design patents. mechanisms of coin pianos which is not It is interesting to note that Justus Design patents are a separate category the subject of this article. P. Seeburg was the design inventor for in which the decorative elements are Recently there was some discussion in all the Seeburg cases that were issued granted patent rights. Design patents are the Mechanical Music Digest, an online as design patents. This would certainly intended to protect the elements for how digest, regarding Seeburg patents. During indicate that JP Seeburg was deeply

245 continued... involved in every facet of his coin piano US Design Patent 44,592-this design US Design Patent 42,189-this design was production. This is something rarely seen was used for Seeburg models K/KT/KT used on the Peerless Deluxe Orchestrion today. Most corporate heads today serve Special C) as administrators. Justus P. Seeburg was US Design patent 43,357 -this design was interested in every aspect of his pianos. US Design Patent 44,593-this design was used on Peerless pianos whose model In fact, it is hard to dispute the striking used for Seeburg model H was not specified in literature beauty of many of the Seeburg models, a real achievement for Seeburg. US Design Patent 45,654-this design was Bibliography The Peerless case designs were used for Seeburg model L Orchestrion Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical from two different inventors: Nels J. Instruments, Q David Bowers, Vestal Nelson and Walter L. Englehardt. Walter US Design Patent 45,655-this design was Press 1972 Englehardt was the son of the founder used for Seeburg model J of Peerless, Frederick Englehardt. Player Piano Treasury, Harvey Roehl, Surprisingly, there were no Wurlitzer US Design Patent 41 ,6I4-this design was Vestal Press 1980 piano case design patents found. The used on Peerless pianos whose model reason for this is unknown. was not specified in literature Consulted with Don Teach, Shreveport, Louisiana, coin piano authority List of Figures: US Design Patent 41,615-this design was US Design Patent 42,862-this design was used on Peerless pianos whose model ©2005 Mark Reinhart, all rights used for Seeburg model F was not specified in literature reserved. Final Draft 12 July 2005

DESIGN. J. P. SEEBURG. • 0 OJ] ~ I"l '" • M PUNO OASE. ;; .~ & c!:l ~ J..l'PLIO.lTIOJ FIUD JU.T16, 1913, ~ ~ '" ~ CJ 42,862. PatentedAug. 6,1912. ~ o:l "p ~ r:z=i -.D ..... ~ P=l ~ o bIi•~ 0 .~'" ""'r_' ::t.; '" ~ r.l :: -''''H o:l r:n """.. 1>. ~ 'd~ "'61 ~ p.; ~ ~ .e; "m '+-l 00 .. E ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ p 1o ~ .~ ~;0$ o tl'i ~i-" ~~ Eo< ... • ~'~ ~ .. ~l':~P<'::9'* a: :h/ ~ ... ' j%7}:-, e »d...., "H ~ II o:l S"" . Eo! too ~ ~ .~ eo ~ .. 0 ~ " r4 l-t ~~ ~ rnu.iJ&l ~ ~.~ ~ ~Z -=~ o ~ •. & 1:1 0 · .,; eD o 8.... GJ61'ii ~ oel ' " C> o 0 ~~ ~~.~ ~ d I»~. 13 ,co ~ ~ ~ A _ til s E-1 &HE-< 0 ;.00- o H ~ ~ ·~ff=i P-1 '"' lit " OJ] :~ o oil M'" ~ d . .!.~'"'d~ , I ..... c;',.J:lo=;o~~ 00 ci' ~ I i I ~o ~ ~ ~~ C) 'is ~ ~ ~ 5~E~~~~ " I'l ""t r:n.5 'Ll· 6CO .S.S ...:: til f'i bJJ.5 a JUJ'LizJ'-PJ..eebu.r;g ;'l..., 0 eu.,..//~ ~ l':.-t.~c:>+JQ)~_l':..c:.S 8 ~ ~ ~ J:::j • ...-fI::• e.~ 00 <:l '" ~ ~"5..Q.B 6Y~ ~,.o o-g :l ~o ._ bD:~:=:..... ;:;;l'.-l~,.!:l cD~ ~D.... ~ ':) ~ ",,",H o J::: ~.S o

246 '\

~ # ? 01 01 CO CO 1ii- -~- =TlilR:- (~ ~J ' , ~ i~"" ~ ~ ~ ' . _ __ _ -_ , = ~r~' l

Ij t1 I ~ o I ~ '" Q ~ ~ ~ z

., S'" '"~ eo eo fl~ [ [ IX- IX- c ~ '!'> "" rJ~ $'>"" -'" = s ~ . ~ p ~

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JUSTUS P. SEEBURG, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. JUSTUS 1'. SEEBURG, OF CH I CAGO, ILLINOIS.

DESIGN FOR AN ORCRESTRION-CASR DESIGN FOR A N ORCHESTRION-CASE.

44,593. Speoifioation for Design. Patented Aug. 26,1913. 44,592. Specificati on for Desig n. Patented Aug. 26,1913. Appli oation Med Hay 22, 1913. Serial No. 769,300. Term of pa tent 14 years. Application Illed May 22, 1913. Serial No. 769,299. Term of patent 14 years.

1'0all whom it may concern : T he figure is a perspective view of all 1'0all whcmit may concern: T he figui'e is n perspective view of an 01'­ Be it known that I, JuSTUS P. SEEilU RG, a orchest rion case, showing Illy new design . Be it known that I , JUSTlJS P , SIlEllURG; a chestrion case, showing Illy new design. citizen of th e U nited S tates, residi ng at Chi­ I claim : citizen of the United States, residin« at I claim : cago, in th e county of Cook and State of T he ornamental design for orchestrion Chicago, in the county of Cock and S'tal e The ornamental design for orchestrion Illinois, have invented a new, original and cases, as shown. of Illinois, have invented a new, original , cases, as shown. ,- ornamental Design for Orchest rlon .Cases , J UST US P. SE EBURG. and ornamental Design for Orchescrion­ J USTUSP . SEEBURG. of which the following is n specification, r ef­ W itnesses : Cases, of which the following is a specifica­ Witnesses : erence being had to the accompanying draw­ C R AS. C . TILLJlIAN , tion, reference being had to th e accompany­ CIUS. C . TlLLU lI N , ing, forming- part thereof. A. S. P n rr.r.n-s. ing drawing, form ing par t th ereof. A. S. PrrILL1Ps.

Copie. of thi. patent may be obtaJned for five cents each, by addressing the " Commi ssi oner of Patents, Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the" Oommission er of Patents, Washinrton, D. C." Washi ngton, D. C."

IV ~ .1"--~ ---- ... :s:;

tv .j>. 00

.Cl"" 01 Cl) "0)"" Cl 01 ~f~· ..@. ~ ~[ =""- I _... jl b !I" ~~ I'LL i3@IPliJl -

) l W¥.ih¥¥iIlHJ 'mlllr" it WI ~ - ! 00 ~ tJ I = ~ ~ tj ~ l?;l m ~ ~: It'j ~ 1 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ iii C H i ;:fZ~ ~ :: ~ ~ Q ~~;g F~? . I ~J :z ::' ft 1: f.~~ [ ,,~ ~ f I~ ~" "" ff~ ~" ;;:'" rJ~ .., ~ ~ ;;:

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JUSTUS P. SEEBURG, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. JUSTUS P. SEEBURG, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

DESIGN FOR AN ORCHESTRION-CASE. DESIGN FOR AN ORCHESTRION-CASE.

45,655. Speclllcation for Design. Patented Apr. 21, 1914. 45,654. Specification. for Design.. Patented Apr. 21, 1914. Application 1IJed February 16, 1914. Serial No. 819,125. Term of patellt 14 years. Application 1IJed February 18, 19U. Serial No. 819,124. Term of patellt 14 years.

To all whom it may concern: The figure is a perspective view of an 1'0 aU whom it may concern: The figure is a perspective view of an Be it known that I, JusTUS P. SEEIlUllG, orchestrion case, showing my new design. Be it known that I, JuSTUS P. SEEBURO, orchestt'ion case, showing my new design. (\ citizen of the United States, residing at I claim: l10 citizen of the United States, residing at I claim: Ohica~o, in the county of Cook and State The ornn.mentnl desig'n for an orchestrion Chica/So, in the county of Cook and State of The ornamental design for an orcllestrion of Illinois, have invented a new, original, cnse, as shown. illinOIS, have invented a new, original, and case, as shown. and ornamental Design for an Orchestrion­ JUSTUS P. SEEBURG. ornamental Design for an Orchestrion-Case, JUSTUS P. SEEBURG. Cnse, of which the following is a specifica­ Witnesses: of which the following is a specification, Witnesses: tion, reference being had to the accompany­ CHAS. C. Tn..r,MAN, reference being had to the accompanying CRAS. C. TILLMAN, ing drawing', formlllg a part thereof. A. S. PHILT,IPS. drawing, forming a part thereof. A. S. PHILLll'B.

Cople! of this patent may be obtained for live cents eaoh, by addressing the" Commissioner of Patents, Copies of thll patent may be obtained for live cents each, by addreulllr the" Commlarioner of Patenta, Washington, D. C." Washington., D.O."

Q \ ~ m ,. j ~ ~! \'tscEic=:_.- ....">1>0~ ~ (J) ~Iji ~ ~ ~ ;'.~ .L:I~ r! K:::::&.... \< ;~ m~ , '..., i~ .•.••...~ "< f. III ilIIilljl!.. 11 , Ell i \... 'c III ,,. "'IH , '""' 0 I ..., ~ ~ l ~ ..'. rl-J ~ - •. 0·:".~: . ~ •~ . H~'~r{ ... ~. -~_-...__ :...00: .0 #". :• ~r~ t'r.. i ~ f§"

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

NELS JAMES NELSON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO F. ENGELHARDT & SONS, NELS JAMES NELSON, 01' CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO F. ENGELHARDT & SONS, OF ST. JOHNSVILLE, NEW YORK, A FIRM. OF ST. JOHNSVILLE, NEW YORK, A FIRM.

DESIGN FOR A PIANO-CASE. DESIGN FOR A FIANO-CASE.

41,615. Speeillcation for Design. Patented July 25, 1911. 41,614. Speolllc..tion for Design. Patented July 25, 1911. Applle..t1on 1I1ed Karch 17, 1911. Serial No. 615,123. Term of patent 7 ye..rs. Application 1Ued March 17, 1911. Serial No. 615,122. Term of pa.tent 7 years.

To a.ll whom it may concern: I claim: To all whom it mUI!J concern: I claim: Be it known that I, NELS JAMES NELSON, The ornamental design for a. piano case, Be it Imown that I, NELS JAl\IES NELSON, The ornamental design for a piano case, a citizen of the United States, residing at as shown. a citizen of the United States, residing at as shown. Chicago, illinois, have invented a new, Chicago, lllinois, have invented a new, original, and ornamental Design for Piano­ NELS JAMES NELSON. original, and ornamental Design for Piano­ NELS JAMES NELSON. Cases, of which the followino- is a sp~cifica­ Cases, of which the following is a specifi­ tion, reference being had to the accompany­ Witnesses: cation, reference being had to the accom­ Witnesses: ing drawing, forming part thereof. W. H. WILMOT, panyinO' drawing, forming part thereof. W. H. WILMOT, The figure is a perspective view of a C. M. OLSEN. The £'gure is a perspective view of a piano C. M. OLSEN. piano case, showing my new design. case, showing my new design.

Ooples of this p..tent m..,. be obtailled for Ave cent. e..ch, b,. ..ddr.asine the" Commissioner of l'atents, Copies of this pa.tent may be obtained tor five oents e..oh, by ..ddressing the "Commissioner of l'a.tent,. Washington, D. C." Washington, D. C."

~ tv VI 0

. f'\ II ~ ,p ~ C.:> ~ Ot ... ~ (Xl f!t~! ~ . £1IiZDiiI ~ ~ ~ ~ -V t' ~ :z: tt ~ :.; &11 ti':1 I t=: 0 Q CO I ~ ~ ~ ::: o!Zl 1ti':1CD :: ~::l l5 ' C°!=l .... ~. ~ ~ ~ '" Q ~ t:J.z i _\~:II ~ ~ ~ J~ ~ ~ ~ 1:- ·,~\PW\\!\I' l.I!I'U,. ::' ..&' . §: . .-': . : i~ ~ •. Cf ~~ l'l ... .r{ ~ ~ 0 ~ If '";;0 rtf ~ ~- f' I<>

-UNITED STATES PATENT O]-'FICE. UNITED STATES P.A.TENT OFFICE.

WALTER L. ENGELHARDT, OF ST. JOHNSVILLE, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO F. ENGEL­ NELS JAMES NELSON, OF CHIOAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO F. ENGELHARDT & SONS, HARDT &: SONS, OF ST. JOHNSVILLE, NEW YORK, A FIR1IL OF ST. JOHNSVILLE, NEW YORK. A FIRM.

DESIGN FOR A PIANO-CASE. DESIGN FOR A PIAll"O-CASE. 42,189. Specification tor Desip. Patented Feb. 20, 1912. 43,357. Specification tor Deslp. PatentedDec. 24, 1912. Application med November 11, 1911. Serial No. 659,830. Term ot patent 7 years. Application mod October 17, 1912. Serial No. 728,376. Term ot patent 7 years. To all WMm it 1MII/ conurn: I claim: To aZl1ohom it may concern: The figure is a perspective view of a piano Be it !mown that I, NELS JAMES NELSON, a The ornamental design for a. piano case Be it known that I, WALTER L. ENGEL­ case showinll; my new design. citizen of the United States residing at as shown. HARDT, a citizen of the United States, resid­ I claim: . Chicago, Dlinois, have invented a newl...0rigi­ ing at St. Johnsville, cotmty of :Mont­ The ornamental design for a piano case as nal, and ornamental Design for .t'iano­ NELS JAMES NELSON. ,2.·omery, ana State of New York, have in­ shown. Cases, of which the following is a specifica­ Witnesses: vented a new, ori~nal, and ornamental WALTER L. ENGELHARDT. tion, reference being had to the accompany­ O. E. BERGESON, Design for Pilmo-Cases, of which the fol­ ing drawing, forming part thereof. E. C. COOK. lowing is a specification, reference being Witnesses: The figure is a perspective view of a piano had to the accompanyinll; drawing, forming ALPHONSE HE:rnRIOH, case, showing my new design. part thereof. RaDT. S. CRAIG. Oople, of tW, patent may be obtained tor live o~nts eaoh, by addresalng the "Ccmmhdcner of Patents, Copies ot tW. patent may be obtained fer llve cent. eaoh, by addresa1ng the "Ccmml..loner of Patenu, Washington, I>. 0." Waab.l.netcn, D. C."

In~ AX VOGRICH AND From Player Piano Group THE STACCATO CAPRICE Bulletin 175 June 2005

When I first joined the PPG one of the actually meant, but thank goodness for Australia, arriving in Sydney in 1853. He first bulletins sent to me was a the player piano! was a concert violinist and violin teacher celebration of the life of the esteemed It was time to find out about Max and became a recognized composer and Reginald Reynolds “The Paderewski of Vogrich and his Staccato Caprice and concert organizer. Affluence generated by the Player Piano”, and as you know the quite a few people have come into the the gold rush, and the increasing avail- father of our Vice-President Mrs. Yvonne picture. ability of cheap imported instruments in Hinde-Smith. Attached with that Max Wilhelm Karl Vogrich was born the following decades contributed to the commemorative booklet was a CD of in Hermannstadt (Romania) in 1852 and success of his enterprise. recordings by Reginald Reynolds, died in New York in 1916. He was a He was the founder of Palings music showing how he demonstrated perfectly pianist as well as a composer and trained publishing firm, and by 1875 he had the capabilities of the player piano as a at the Leipzig Conservatory. He toured opened an extensive showroom in respected musical instrument. widely as a pianist and resided mostly in George Street (see picture of his music Whilst I knew most of the pieces New York, Australia and London. He warehouse), where he also began to played there was one that I had never composed operas, symphonies, chamber publish a modest amount of music. His heard of before, the Staccato Caprice music, piano music and also edited firm, Palings, became one of the most by Max Vogrich. It’s such an unusual Schumann’s works. He also wrote books successful music firms in Australia and a piece, delightful and quite captivating. I about improving finger dexterity when number of musicians kept studios at his managed to find the very same roll on playing fast piano. Max Vogrich also Sydney showroom, and visiting artists which Mr. Reynolds played; the revised Carl Czerny’s book “The School also gathered there. Metrostyle of Velocity for the Piano”. A book ideally He composed ‘The Sydney Railway L30043 suited for pupils to improve finger Waltz’, prepared expressly for the made by The technique when playing fast piano to occasion of the official opening of the Aeolian advanced level. Ah, now I see, the first railway in New South Wales, in Company. Staccato Caprice! 1855, which ran from Sydney to This was On looking for the sheet music I found Parramatta. I’ve never heard of a piano kindly given this fascinating drawing of Max Vogrich roll of this waltz, wonder if there is one? to me by dedicating the Staccato Caprice to his As well as the many 88-note versions, Reynolds’ own rather Richard friend W.H. Paling. Presumably that’s the I have found the ‘Staccato Caprice’ on battered roll. Stibbons at city of Sydney in the background, and the following hand-played rolls (although his last PPG how it’s changed. It says the piano is an I expect there are many more): meeting in Cromer. It sounded a very Erard. In 1792 Sebastien Erard fled the AMPICO 62861G—Marguerite curious piece of music, and at the time I French Revolution and created a piano Volavy. Much has been written about this thought it was probably very difficult to factory in London. In Europe Erard very talented pianist, but to summarize hand play at such speed. pianos were used for the Ampico system she was born in Moravia 1886, and I mentioned this to our Chairman (as fitted by Marshall & Co. in London.) admitted to the Vienna Conservatory at Paddy Handscombe, and this was his If you look closely you’ll see many the age of 12. She made her first visit to reply; “Staccato Caprice is written in F composers names in the waves. America in 1906. She used the sharp major—6 sharps including E sharp I also managed to find beautiful pseudonym of Felix Gerdts, and George (=F natural) which is fiendish to read, drawings of Paling’s Music Warehouse in Kerr when recording light works for especially with so many leger lines above George Street, Sydney with extraordinary Ampico. She became a recording artist the treble clef! Otherwise it’s quite detail. Perhaps better actually shown on for QRS in 1919, but in 1926 returned to simple in construction, but to be the an A4 paper, and if anybody would like a Ampico both as an artist as well as an polished, effortless show-piece intended copy of any of these drawings printed on Editor. She became a teacher for the it needs to be played very fast and so Kodak picture paper I would be delighted remainder of her life, and died in New requires absolutely perfect fingering and to send you a complimentary copy. York in 1951. technique.” William Henry Paling (Willem AMPICO 50183E—Victoria Boshko. When I found the sheet music my Hendrik Paling) (1825-1895) was the son She only played the one roll, the brother-in-law, a classically trained of a piano builder. He was born in the ‘Staccato Caprice’ for Ampico. She was pianist, played it to me, and he immedi- Netherlands, studied violin and piano born in Russia, and the daughter of the ately felt it was written by a pianist for a under Bartholomeus Tours, and taught at sculptor Kapton Ivanovich. She studied pianist. Sadly not playing the piano I the Rotterdam music school for three with Burmeister in Germany and Bauer would never understand what this years (1844-7). He emigrated to in Paris. She played piano for the Czar

251 continued. . .

and appeared in Europe and the United States. She was a familiar figure on American concert stages throughout the early 1920’s. DUO-ART 6436(8)—Jose Echaniz. He was born in Guanabacoa, Cuba 1905. First taught by his father, then went to the Falcon Conservatory in Havana, and became a professor of piano at the age of 14! In 1922 he made his solo debut in New York, and in 1929 made a concert tour of Europe. He also conducted the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra, and the Grand Rapids Symphony Orches- tra. He was on the faculty at the Eastman School of Music, and stayed there for 25 years. He also made rolls for Ampico in the 1920s. He died in New York in 1969. WELTE-MIGNON 763—Yolanda Mero recorded the ‘Staccato Caprice’ for Welte-Mignon in October, 1905. She was born in Budapest in 1887 and began piano lessons with her father and because of her astonishing musical abilities was admitted to the Budapest Conservatory at the age of 6. She studied under August Rennebaum who had been a pupil of Liszt. In 1908 she became a professor at the Budapest Conservatory. In 1909 she moved to America and became the wife of Hermann Irion, a Steinway Piano Company executive living at their estate in Rockland County, N.Y. She also made tours of Europe. During the depression Yolanda Mero- Irion discovered that 60% of unemployed musicians in America were singers. With wealthy socialite Mrs. Lytle Hull, Yolanda outlined a plan which would put singers to work and provide inexperienced American operatic artists with a much needed stepping stone to the Metropolitan opera house in New York City. In 1943 with the help of Yolanda Mero-Irion the ‘New Opera Company’ was born. Yolanda produced a number of operas in the late 1940s. These operas became famous because they were out to prove, once and for all, that opera does not have to be sung by, and I quote, ‘middle-aged tenors and bulging contraltos!’ She left only a single ten- inch Victor 78 recording, the ‘Staccato Caprice’ on one side and Liszt 4th rhapsody on the other. She died in 1963 in New York. She also made piano rolls for Duo-Art, and Ampico.

252 continued. . .

The Welte-Mignon piano roll by Yolanda Mero is now on the Aeolia CD No. 1003 issued with the latest Pianola Journal from ‘The Pianola Institute’, recorded on Denis Hall’s Steinway grand. I didn’t intend this article to be so long, but at least there are a lot of pictures for you to see, and as Gershwin’s song reminds us, ‘Summertime, and the living is easy,’ so at least you’ll have time to sit back and enjoy the bulletin. Alas I have to somewhat disagree about Have a happy and relaxing summer, summer, the lawns seem to grow at a Christine Robinson tremendous rate, even overnight; a bit like the laundry basket!

Submitted by Richard Reutlinger

T’SALLMUSIC “The Collectors” - Dayton Daily News TO THEIR EARS April 24, 2005 By Bob Batz

Couple keyed into hobby nearly 40 years ago

What began 39 years ago with an unsuccessful attempt to buy a used player piano has turned into a rewarding musical experience for Mike and Liz Barnhart. Some Miami Valley residents tend to Mike and Liz Barnhart listen to one of their vintage mechanical music machines. think small when it comes to hobbies. They have a large collection of instruments that fills their home, which had to be Others, like the Barnharts, believe big expanded to accommodate them all. is best. As it turned out, the Barnharts didn’t that includes a 1926 Double Mills “My husband and I collect player get the piano because it was already sold, Violano piano with violins, a 25-note Pell pianos and other vintage music devices, but a short time later they bought another Monkey Organ with 37 pipes and a hand and it all started in 1966, when I saw a old upright player at a downtown Dayton crank, and a 79-year-old Wurlitzer newspaper ad for an old upright player,” music store and their hobby was off and Theater Pipe Organ that once entertained Liz Barnhart said. “Neither of us plays running. inmates at Jackson State Prison in the piano, but we enjoy music. I told Over the years, that first player piano Michigan. Mike, ‘Gee, I’d like to have a player has blossomed into a marvelous Liz is especially proud of their two piano.’ He said, ‘So would I.’ So we went menagerie of mechanical music machines reproducing player pianos, which play for it.”

253 continued. . .

At left, a few of the hundreds of music rolls the Barnharts have in their collection.

Above, a close up of one of the player pianos owned by the Barnharts, playing Rachmaninoff. rolls that are recordings of original Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and musical works. an entire class of chemistry “It’s a real thrill to be able to sit students from Stebbins High in your living room and listen to School who had a teacher everybody from Rachmaninoff to who loved piano music.”

George Gershwin,” she said. In 2007, Liz will lead Mike Barnhart makes repairs to his 10 foot tall Weber Mike, a former electronic engineer 100 AMICA members on Otero Orchestrion that dates to 1916 and was made in Germany’s Black Forest. at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base who a tour of Germany and has expanded the house to make room Holland. She said prospective collectors should for their over-growing collection “We will visit music museums and the first join an organization such as of instruments, is partial to the 6-foot homes of other collectors,” she said. AMICA. Stinson Carousel Band Organ he built Mike, who taught himself how to “It will allow you to find instruments two years ago. The instrument’s 200 restore instruments, is keeping busy that are available and provide you with pipes were installed by Don Stinson of these days repairing the couple’s tips on what to look for when shopping Bellefontaine. 10-foot-tall Weber Otero Orchestrion for them. It will also give you the The Barnharts—he’s 68; she’s 66— that was made in 1916 in Germany’s opportunity to get to know other are members of the Automatic Musical Black Forest. collectors and meet people who make Instrument Collectors Association, the “I restored it back in 1978, and it their livings restoring the instruments.” Musical Box Society International worked fine until two months ago Then she ran a hand over the and the Carousel Organ Association of when one of the pieces I didn’t now-refurbished 6 1/2 foot Chickering America. They attend conventions and replace finally gave up the ghost,” reproducing grand piano they purchased band-organ rallies and often entertain he said. in 1978 from a neighbor who lived four visitors with their museum-like collection The future of the hobby is uncertain, doors away. of instruments. according to Liz. “When it came time to deliver the “During a 1978 player-piano “AMICA has about 1,400 members piano, the movers just rolled it down the convention at the Dayton Convention worldwide, but, unfortunately, we’re middle of the street to our house,” she Center, busloads of convention-goers all getting older and younger people said. toured our home,” she said. “We’ve also really aren’t into mechanical musical shown our collection to church groups, instruments.”

254 By Mike Kukral CTOR AND PIANO ROLL MAKER DWIGHT FRYE (1899-1943)

and tragedy to his roles and became a went to New York around 1920. I have always been a great fan of favorite of director James Whale. Next Unfortunately, that’s about all that can be Hollywood horror films of the 1930s. time that you watch the original found of Dwight Frye’s piano roll Some of the images, dialogue, and make- Frankenstein (restored version available making experience. Can anyone add up created at Universal Studios have on DVD) look for the hunchback Fritz to more to this tale? Sadly, Dwight Frye become icons of American culture; stop and adjust his sock while scurrying joined other screen immortals at age 44. notably Bela Lugosi as Dracula and Boris up the laboratory steps. It is said that he died from the exhaustion Karloff as the monster in Frankenstein. In Dwight Frye’s stage career began as of working nightshifts at a wartime plant both of these 1931 films we see the great an award winning pianist during his while spending days searching for film character actor Dwight Frye. In Dracula teenage years. By 1922 he had made his roles. His favorite time of day was when he plays the mad fly-eating “Renfield,” way to Broadway. In an interview that I he could relax and play the piano. while in Frankenstein he is the doctor’s conducted in the 1990’s, Dwight’s son assistant “Fritz” (it was never “Igor” in stated his dad had said that he “paid the Happy Halloween! the Karloff films). Frye brought humor bills by making piano rolls” when he

Dwight Frye as the mad Renfield in the 1931 production of Dracula. Dwight Frye at the piano with actress Dorothy Francis in his Who can forget his laugh? early Broadway years. 255 “Piano Men in America” Part II from PIANOS & THEIR MAKERS by Alfred Dolge

Many writers point to the fact that a large number of our he found, to its fullest extent, was the problem for Tremaine captains of industry have been born on a farm, have lacked to solve. Believing with the enthusiasm of youth in the almost higher education and had to “make themselves,” inferring, if not boundless commercial possibilities of the new automatic positively asserting, that greatness in man can only originate on appliances for musical instruments, he knew that success was the soil or in the dwelling of the poor. In 1866 a boy was born in only obtainable if adequate capital could be combined with the the city of Brooklyn who was christened Harry B. Tremaine. manufacturing and selling organization then at his command. So The father and mother, highly educated people of culture and strong was his faith, so plausible the plans which he had worked refinement, brought up their boy with all the advantages which a out that he did succeed in interesting men of affairs, and large city offers. Unlike the country lad, young Tremaine saw obtained capital by the millions for the furtherance of his the sky-scraping office buildings of New York go up, saw the ambitious plans. Backed by this abundant capital, he lost no time traffic on its thoroughfares, the ships in the harbor, loading and in setting his machinery in motion. The advertising campaign unloading merchandise to and from all quarters of the globe. He for the Pianola, which he inaugurated immediately, stunned the was not awestruck. It looked natural to him. He saw it every day old-timers in the piano trade. Dire disaster was prophesied when he went to school, but he observed and absorbed. Contrary by many, but Tremaine knew his cards, his carefully laid plans to the old prescription according to which the great men of the did not miscarry and no one today denies him the credit of future had to leave the schoolroom at the age of 13 or14 to learn having blasted and paved a trade, young Tremaine wanted to go to the high school. the way for the popularity Instinctively, he felt that there must be a big story back of all this of the player piano. Like all commotion on Broadway and in Wall Street, there must be laws great leaders, Tremaine has and system behind all of it, and he wanted to know them before the talent to pick the right he would attempt to take his place on the stage as one of the man for the right place. actors. That he would play a leading role was beyond question He found an able assistant for him but he wanted to be well prepared to know his lines and in Edward R. Perkins, who what they meant. joined the Aeolian forces in 1893 at the age of 24. In Harry B. Tremaine we meet the new element in the Perkins exhibited such business world. The thorough education which he had enjoyed ability and strength that he had trained his mind in logical reasoning, supporting his was entrusted with the large vision for utilization responsible position of of modern inventions and vice-president and general discovers on a large scale. manager when the greater Tremaine had the great organization was completed. Edward R. Perkins advantage that he had nothing to forget. He also William E. Wheelock came into the fold as president of the knew how to apply all that Weber Piano Company in 1903, and is now in charge of the he had learned in relation to financial department as treasurer of the corporation. modern economics. When Tremaine understands the economy of high-priced labor. he, in 1898, took charge of When he wanted to build the best player pianos he secured the the business of the Aeolian services of Pain, Votey, Kelly and others of ability. Just as soon Company as president, he as he was ready to enter the piano field proper, he associated surveyed the situation as it with the Weber and Steck piano, and finally made a combination presented itself. His father with the house of Steinway for the exclusive use of the had laid a good foundation. Pianola in their instruments. Knowing that large capital can be Votey had perfected his economically applied only under conditions of increasing Harry B. Tremaine Pianola. How to exploit what returns, which again are only possible with relatively large 256 continued. . .

markets, he branched out and commercial or financial pursuits. He has made his record in went into the markets of breaking the path for the new school of industrial revolutionists Europe, Asia, South America in the piano industry. A pioneer of the most forceful, aggressive and Australia. For the type, he is withal of a gentlemanly and most retiring disposition, stimulus of the home market shunning publicity to an unwarranted degree. bidding for the patronage William B. Tremaine died in 1907, having seen his work bear of the wealthy, Tremaine fruit a thousand-fold under the magic wand of his gifted son. built Aeolian Hall, in the very heart of New How rapidly the player piano is forging to the front, York’s fashionable quarters, with almost irresistible force, is clearly demonstrated by the engaging the best artists tremendous growth of such factories as seem to know how to to demonstrate the value of serve the public best. his products at the elegant Among those the Autopiano Company has made its mark by auditorium. In 1903 he producing a player piano of distinctly original construction and organized the Aeolian, quality. Edwin S. Votey Weber Pianos & Pianola Company, capitalized at The demand for their player has always been ahead of $10,000,000 and controlling the capacity to supply, and artists of the highest standing the following subsidiary are praising the dominant features which distinguish this companies: The Aeolian instrument from many others. Although established only Company, the Orchestrelle 8 years (1903) the Autopiano Company, under the aggressive Company (London), The management of President R. W. Lawrence, has risen to a Choralion Company position of one of the largest producers of player pianos. (Berlin), The Aeolian Manufacturing thoroughly reliable instruments and employing Company, Ltd. (Paris), comprehensive, modern business methods the Autopiano The Pianola Company Company is rendering valuable service for the introduction of Proprietary, Ltd. (Melbourne the player piano. and Sydney), the Weber Because of the impetus given to the player-piano industry by Piano Company, George the extensive advertising of the Aeolian Company, Wilcox & Steck & Company, White Company and others, a demand for a reliable player Wheelock Piano Company, action made itself forcibly felt. Charles Kohler seized upon Stuyvesant Piano company, the opportunity and established the Auto-Pneumatic Action Chilton Piano Company, George B. Kelly Company in 1900. He secured the active assistance of W. J. Technola Piano Company, Keeley, Thomas Danquard and other experts. Danquard obtained Votey Organ Company, Vocalian Organ Company and the a patent in 1904 for a device called the “flexible finger,” by Universal Music Company. These companies give employment means of which the wippen of the piano action is attached to about 5,000 people, scattered all over the world. Aside from direct to the player mechanism, thus eliminating the harshness the extensive piano factories in New York City, and the player of contact and imparting elasticity without interfering with factories at Garwood and Meriden, there is a Steck piano factory the function of the piano action. at Gotha, Germany, producing 3,500 pianos annually, and a large factory for the Weber Piano Company is in course of Because of their excellent quality a large number of piano construction at Hayes, near London. Operating as independent manufacturers have adopted these actions for their player concerns, these companies are capitalized at about $4,000,000. pianos. The Auto-Pneumatic Action Company is perhaps the The total capital employed under the direction of Harry B. largest producer of player mechanism at the present time. Tremaine amounts to $15,500,000 which is more than the capital The Standard Pneumatic Action Company, the Amphion invested in the entire piano and organ industry of the United Company, Ariston Company, Gulbransen-Dickinson Company, States in 1890. Chase & Baker Company and Simplex Piano-Player Company The remarkable results achieved by Tremaine within so short are also making history for the player piano. a time can be accounted for by the fact that he learned from Among the phenomenal successes of latter days, the firm of history what others had to learn in the dreary school of Kohler & Campbell stands pre-eminent. Beginning with a small experience. As an observant student, he saw the potentialities capital in 1896, this firm has placed over 120,000 pianos on the of mechanical appliances for musical instruments and knew market within 14 years. how to develop them. A genius as an organizer, he believes in combination of capital and brains, division of labor and John Calvin Campbell, born at Newark, N. J., in 1864, was responsibilities, and adequate compensation for all. He a mechanical genius. After serving his apprenticeship as a has proven that a higher education is not a hindrance machinist, he turned to construction, and invented several useful for advancement, but a necessity for progress in industrial, wood and iron working machines. In 1890 he took up piano

257 continued. . .

making and made a scientific New York is proud of such names as Kranich & Bach, Strich study of piano construction. & Zeidler, Mehlin & Sons, Behr Brothers, Lauter (of Newark), He was so successful that his Wissner, Stultz & Bauer, Ludwig & Company, Pease pianos were at once accepted Piano Company, Winter & Company and others who are making by the whole-sale trade as of history as manufacturers of meritorious pianos. splendid commercial value, Philadelphia has, besides the time-honored Schomacker, the and he saw his firm rise to Blasius, the Lester and the Cunningham Piano companies—all unexpected magnitude. He of whom are as true to the traditions of honest values in pianos died in 1908. as any the old Quaker City has ever produced. To his surviving partner, Among the firms who Charles Kohler, the credit is have done much to keep due of organizing the great Boston to the front is the business in such a manner as Henry F. Miller & Sons to keep pace with the Piano Company. Henry F. demand for their pianos. Miller, born at Providence, John C. Campbell Born at Newark, N. J., in R.I., on September 25, 1825, 1868, he attended the public was educated as a musician school and studied for one year at Princeton College. At the and acquired a reputation age of 20 he turned to piano making. Establishing the firm of especially as an organist. His Kohler & Campbell, he found opportunity to display his commercial inclination remarkable talent as a factory organizer and businessman. prompted him, however, to Supplementing Campbell’s ingenious construction with accept an offer of the Boston thorough workmanship in all details of the piano, he made piano makers, Brown & advantageous use of modern methods in manufacturing and Allen, to join their forces in produced a fine piano, which he could offer at tempting prices 1850. After studying with to large distributors. The remarkable fact is to be recorded Henry F. Miller this concern for seven years, that among his largest customers are piano manufacturers of he accepted a more promising position with enterprising note who carry the Kohler & Campbell pianos in their various Emerson, and in 1863 started, in connection with J. H. Gibson, retail warerooms. who was an expert scale draughtsman and constructor, to make Naturally modest and of a retiring disposition, Kohler has not the “Miller” piano. Success followed his efforts, and in course been active in any of the general trade movements, but that he of time he admitted his five sons to partnership, incorporating will be called upon to take his part in time to come is warranted finally under the name of Henry F. Miller & Sons Piano by the record which he has made. Company. He died on August 4, 1884, at Wakefield. His sons took up the work of their father under the leadership of Henry F. The American Piano Company of New York, incorporated Miller, Jr., continually improving their product so that many of in June, 1908, is another of the modern combinations of the greatest virtuosos are using the Miller grand pianos in large establishments. Capitalized at $12,000,000, it controls the their concert work. Besides paying proper attention to the factories of Chickering & Sons, in Boston; William Knabe & development of the musical character of their instruments, Company, in Baltimore; Haines Brothers, Marshall & Wendell, Miller & Sons were among the first and most persistent Foster & Company, Armstrong, Brewster and J. B. Cook advocates of architecturally correct designs for piano cases, and companies, located at Rochester, N.Y. C. H. W. Foster of achieved marked success in Chickering & Sons is president of this company, with George C. that direction as well. Foster, George L. Eaton, Charles H. Eddy and William B. Armstrong as vice-presidents. While maintaining retail Aside from the many warerooms at New York, Boston, Baltimore and Washington, illustrious names founded this company distributes its products elsewhere through many years ago, Boston can dealers exclusively. proudly point to younger firms, who by superior merit The house of Wing & Son, New York, was founded in of their production are 1868 by Luman B. Wing, as partner in the firm of Doane, adding new luster to its fame Wing & Cushing. Luman B. Wing died in 1873, and was as a piano-producing center succeeded by his son, Frank L. Wing, who admitted R. of the highest order. It was in Delano Wing (his son) to partnership in 1905. This firm 1883 that Frank A. Lee is probably the pioneer of the mail-order business in joined the John Church pianos. Building a reliable instrument, the concern has Company of Cincinnati, and met with uninterrupted success during the 43 years of its in November of that year the existence. Everett Piano Company was John Church

258 continued. . . started in Boston through his efforts. The name Everett was Kimball took hold of it with such energy that he soon became chosen by Church because of its euphonious clearness, which the largest piano dealer in the West. The great Chicago fire of makes it as easy to remember as it is easy to spell. John Church 1871 did not spare Kimball’s warerooms, which were entirely and the other associates of Lee, having been piano dealers for destroyed. Kimball immediately ordered a new stock of pianos many years, started out to build a commercial piano, but as soon from his manufacturers, turning his home into an office and the as Lee became president of the Everett Piano Company he barn into a piano wareroom until he could find new quarters in changed that policy and began to make pianos of the highest the business center of the city. In what high esteem Kimball was order. It took years of perseverance, and often discouraging held by the people of whom he bought is shown by the fact that trials, to obtain for the Everett piano that recognition as an Hale, of New York, telegraphed him on the day of the fire, “You artistic piano which it deserved. Lee never lost faith in its can draw on me at once for $100,000.” Hale appreciated the ultimate success, and through his determination, ably assisted by good customer and demonstrated unlimited faith in Kimball’s the artistry of his superintendent, John Anderson, he finally had integrity. the satisfaction of seeing his concert grands used by Reisenauer, A born organizer, Kimball Dr. Neitzel, Chaminade, Carreno and other leading virtuosos, outgrew the limited sphere of and the Everett pianos admitted among the selected leaders of the local piano dealer. He the world’s pianodom. branched out and became a The John Church jobber on a large scale. Company also controls the Among his first employees Harvard Piano Company of was a lank and lean farmer’s Dayton, Ky., and, with its boy from Wisconsin, who large catalogue as music showed such aptness for the publishers, is a great factor business that he soon became in the music world. Frank Kimball’s right-hand man. A. Lee, as president, has Edwin Stapleton Conway guided the destiny of this was just the man to carry out great company since 1894. Kimball’s far-reaching plans. The west being sparsely The Ivers & Pond, Briggs, Edwin S. Conway settled in those days, but Merrill, Hume, Jewett and rapidly filling up with a splendid class of wealth-producing Poole Companies, Theodore farmers, pianos were not in great demand. Kimball resolved to J. Kraft and others are bring the pianos to the farmer’s door. He made Conway the maintaining the traditions general field organizer, whose duty it was to travel from place to of famous Boston Makers Frank A. Lee place and select in each town the brightest young fellow who and assisting creditably in making history for the future. could be trusted with consignments of organs and pianos, which Turning to the West, we encounter a galaxy of brilliant men he was to sell to the farmers of his neighborhood. Conway’s to whose exceptional talents, business acumen, shrewdness and personality, his energy, power of persuasion and convincing courageous farsightedness the unparalleled development of the manners fitted him excellently for that work, and many a industry in that part of the country must be ascribed. The most prosperous dealer of the middle west proudly calls himself today prominent figure was William Wallace Kimball. Descending a “Conway Boy,” meaning that he was induced by Conway to from good old English stock, Kimball was born on a farm in enter the field and profited by Conway’s coaching. Pretty Oxford County, Maine, in soon Kimball had a net of agencies covering the entire western 1828. After passing through country and the proceeds of his yearly sales of pianos and organs the high school he practiced ran into the millions of dollars. teaching for a while, but Bright and early, on a spring morning, Conway blew into the soon became a commercial author’s office, in New York, explaining in a few words that he traveler. In his wanderings he had finally convinced the “Governor” of the necessity of making came to Chicago, and was so his own organs at Chicago, and now wanted all the information impressed with the future he could get, in order to buy material. Kimball had resolved to possibilities of the little city climb a step higher and become a manufacturer. Success was a that he made it his home and foregone conclusion, because he controlled the outlet of established himself as a thousands of organs, and even his piano sales at that time piano dealer in 1857. He sold exceeded the imposing number of 4,000 per year. When the the Chickering, Hallet & organ manufacturing was well under way, he started in 1882 his Davis and Emerson pianos piano factory. At stated before, Kimball was a born organizer. largely in his early days. With unerring eye he always understood how to pick the right When Joseph P. Hale intro- man for the right place and to keep him there. When his duced his commercial piano, W.W. Kimball manufacturing department assumed greater proportions he sent 259 continued. . . for his nephew, W. Lufkin, 1880 he formed a partnership with the organ builder, F. R. and charged him with the Wolfinger, organizing the Wolfinger Organ Company, which management thereof, was changed to the Western Cottage Organ Company, and later although Lufkin had, up to on to the Chicago Cottage Organ Company. that time, never been inside Cable applied the methods used in selling books, as far as of a piano or organ factory. possible, to the organ and piano business, with amazing success. Kimball was original in all Like Kimball, he was a born organizer and an excellent judge of that he did. He reasoned that, men and their abilities. The training which he had enjoyed in the for the management of book-selling business impelled him to introduce system in his such big factories as he manufacturing and selling organization, with all that this word contemplated, a man brought implies in modern business management, and perhaps he was up at the work-bench or at an the first in the piano industry to profit by the application of office desk would have too scientific accounting. At all events, his success was so rapid, and narrow a vision. He wanted his business assumed such immense proportions, that it became a man who would just as the wonder of his contemporaries. readily plan to make 30,000 W. Lufkin instruments a year as 5,000. Of an exceedingly Lufkin was that man. He made the first 5,000 pianos, and is nervous temperament, Cable turning out 30,000 instruments per year now, including most was not only a rapid thinker, imposing church organs. Without a doubt, the Kimball factories but also a worker of stand without a parallel. Not only are they producing all parts of extraordinary capacity. the piano, from the case up, including iron plates, actions and Himself the soul of honor keys, but since 1904 the entire mechanism of the player piano and integrity, he treated has been also made there, including the music rolls. To the small everybody on that basis, and parlor organ, the building of church organs was added in 1890. his keen judgment assisted Kimball reversed the order of things. Two hundred years ago the his intuition in making bold church-organ builders made pianos as a side issue. Kimball, moves on the chessboard of evolving from a small retail dealer to the largest piano trade with advantageous manufacturer in the world, became a church-organ builder as results. Starting out in his well. enterprises by catering to the demands of the masses, he Kimball, not so bold as Conway, listened carefully to the aimed for the highest in his latter’s aggressive plans, worked them down to the line of safe J. Frank Conover piano production, and in possibility and then charged Lufkin with making the goods 1890 he consolidated the business of Conover Brothers, of New which Conway had to sell. A splendid trio, with a most able York, with his own, securing at the same time the valuable leader, and hence the unparalleled success. Kimball saw his assistance of that eminent piano constructor, J. Frank Conover, business grow to an institution with a turnover of over for the manufacture of the Conover piano. As his business $4,000,000 per annum. He died on December 15, 1904. The assumed larger proportions, he called his brothers, Hobart M. corporation is continued with C. N. Kimball as president, E. S. and Fayette S. Cable, to his aid, and, although he had Conway, vice-president, and W. Lufkin, treasurer. surrounded himself with a number of able men, his close H. D. Cable, born at Walton, N.Y., in 1849, spent his personal application to the complexities of his large business early days on a farm. finally undermined his constitution and he died prematurely on After attending the Walton March 2, 1899, at the age of 50. Academy, he turned to The business, having been incorporated, has been continued, teaching, with such success but the name of the company was changed to the Cable that at the age of 17 he was Company, in honor of the founder. F. S. Cable served as elected principal of the president until 1903, when he started in business on his own schools at Easton, PA., account. He was succeeded by F. S. Shaw, under whose able and a year later appointed management the company largely extended its activities, superintendent of schools at adding a department for player pianos, and paying careful Williamsport, PA. In 1869 attention to the development of the artistic Conover piano, the publishing house of preparing for the introduction of the same on the concert Barnes & Company sent him platform. In the short space of 20 years the Cable Company to Chicago as manager of has attained a position as one of the great leaders of the western their western department, and continent, and the genius of H. D. Cable has shown to for 11 years Cable filled that contemporaries the great possibilities of the piano business in its responsible position with legitimate channels. great success and fidelity. In H. D. Cable 260 continued. . .

Lucien Wulsin, born in goods, but just as soon as an efficient number of artisans had Louisiana in 1845, came been trained, under the guidance of Superintendent Macy, the with his father’s family to development of the artistic Baldwin piano was taken in hand Cincinnati in his early with avidity and with corresponding success. childhood. He went through Lucien Wulsin’s inborn love for the noble and beautiful is the Cincinnati public school stamped upon every part of the great institution. The factories, and part of the high school. located opposite beautiful Eden Park, at Cincinnati, are models At the age of 19 he enlisted of decorative architecture. Instead of imprisoning his men with the Union army, at first between four plain brick walls, Wulsin engaged an architect to serving in a Kentucky design his factories, with orders to combine the beautiful with infantry battalion, and from the practical, paying attention to hygienic improvements. January, 1864, until the end Always kept scrupulously clean, the workrooms in the Baldwin of the war, in the Fourth factory impress the visitor much more as artists’ ateliers than as Ohio Cavalry. In March, piano makers’ workshops. The walls of the spacious offices 1866, he entered the employ are decorated with pictures of Greek and Roman structures of of D. H. Baldwin, a music Lucien Wulsin architectural beauty, to train the eyes of the workman for proper teacher, who was selling the and correct forms; flower-beds surround the factories and Decker Brothers’ pianos in Cincinnati. Wulsin started in as a living flowers are to be found at the factory windows. An air of clerk, bookkeeper and general factotum, and made himself so refinement permeates the entire establishment and gentlemanly useful that he was admitted to partnership in 1873, the firm behavior is a characteristic of the Baldwin employees. name becoming D. H. Baldwin & Company. The sound policy underlying the management of this great An era of expansion and larger activity was inaugurated. As business is best described in Wulsin’s own words, which he the first move, a branch store was opened at Indianapolis. In used in a letter to the author: “I realize that the welfare of our 1878 the Louisville branch was started under the management company and the success of its people will come from a fair of R. A. Johnston, who was made a partner in 1880. After treatment of all our men and the awakening in them of the ideals Johnston’s death in 1882, George W. Armstrong, Jr., Clarence and enthusiasm which, after all, do exist in the average human Wulsin and A. A. Van Buren, who had been employed by the being.” firm for a number of years, became partners. With the growth of the business the necessity of manufacturing became more and It is not to be wondered at that the Baldwin pianos carried more apparent, and in 1889 the Hamilton Organ Company was off the highest prizes, wherever exhibited, gaining even that organized as a subsidiary concern for the making of organs—the much-coveted distinction, the Grand Prix at the Paris Exposition Baldwin Piano Company, Valley Gem Piano Company and of 1900. Nor does it require an explanation why Pugno Ellington Piano Company soon following. Later on the exclaims, “The Baldwin tone is boundless; you can’t get to the Hamilton Piano Company was formed, and the firm of D. H. bottom of it—can’t pound it out,” and when, on the other hand, Baldwin & Company changed into a corporation under the title aesthetic de Pachmann whispers his enchanting Chopin of The Baldwin Company, the latter controlling all the above pianissimo passages on that same piano. The Baldwin piano is subsidiary companies. an art product, made by artists who are living and working in an artistic atmosphere, because the man who created the Baldwin D. H. Baldwin died in 1899, leaving the bulk of his estate for institution is an idealist. Lucien Wulsin was decorated with the missionary purposes. Ordinarily this would have meant the Cross of the Legion of Honor at the Paris Exposition of 1900. winding up of the business, in order to pay out the large amount which represented Baldwin’s interest, but Wulsin did not As far back as 1849 an propose to have the work of his life destroyed through an act of Alsatian by the name of the man whom he had made wealthy by his 33 years of faithful Trayser made pianos and devotion. Together with Armstrong he arranged to buy all the melodeons in Indianapolis. stock of the Baldwin estate and of the only remaining partner, A. Drifting about the country, he A. Van Buren. came to Ripley, Ohio, in 1869, where he started a Freed from all interference, the two partners set to work to piano factory, which was develop the business to its fullest possibilities. They were an removed to Richmond, Ind., excellent team. Wulsin, the man of ideas and business foresight, in 1872, when James S. and enthusiastically believing in the progress of the American people Benjamin Starr acquired an and the perpetual growth of the nation, planned the ultimate interest in the concern. In expansion. Armstrong, the mathematician and man of figures, 1878 Trayser retired, and worked out the details of the plans to never-failing exactness. As Milo J. Chase entered the a matter of good business policy, stress was laid in the beginning firm, the name of which was upon the commercial—the money-making—part of the business, changed to the Chase Piano with proper regard for the building up of a reputation for reliable Company. In 1884 the Starr Benjamin Starr 261 continued. . .

Brothers obtained control establishment of branch houses at Cincinnati, St. Louis and of the business and changed Chicago, Healy wisely decided for the latter, and in 1864 the the name to the Starr Piano firm of Lyon & Healy was established under the protection of Company, with Benjamin the parent house of Oliver Ditson & Company. To encourage the Starr as manager. Upon the young men, Ditson predicted that they would do a business of retirement of James Starr, $100,000 per year within 10 years. Healy reported sales of over Henry Gennett and associates that amount before the first 12 months had passed! The piano obtained control of the trade of America has produced a large number of “great company and began a workers,” but it is the opinion of all who knew him that Healy campaign of expansion outworked them all. The great results achieved by him are, which has made the concern however, due not only to the amount of work which he one of the leaders of performed, but largely to the systematic methods he applied. the middle west. Gennett The author will ever remember Healy’s first visit to his New assumed the business York office. After the usual greeting, and every-day question, management and opened “How is business with you?” Healy pulled out of his pocket a distributing warerooms in Henry Gennett small black note-book and read off statistics as to how many many leading cities of the letters had been received daily by his firm during the past month western and southern States. Benjamin Starr superintended the as compared to the same month of one, two and three years factories, ably assisted by Harry Gennett. The business assumed before. The methodical statistician, the mind which from the immense proportions under the guidance of Henry Gennett, small detail could construct a prognostication of the future, was while his son Harry developed into a good piano constructor, thus displayed. It was the key to Healy’s great achievements. who has done excellent work in improving the Starr piano and Nervously working at the store during the daytime, he would promises more as a piano maker for the future. Benjamin Starr take memoranda of the day’s doings to his home and there work died in 1903, having had the satisfaction of seeing the small out statistics to guide him in his bold undertakings. Those who factory with which he started grow to an establishment wondered at Healy’s positive, unfaltering aggressiveness did not producing annually about 18,000 pianos of a quality above the know how well he had fortified himself with unfailing figures ordinary market instrument. It is the laudable ambition of Harry and facts, gathered from his comparative statistics, proving Gennett to see in the near future the Starr concert grand, the correctness of his conclusions. Thus Healy was able to designed and constructed by him, used by artists of note in their accomplish more in one lifetime than would ordinarily be public concerts. possible for the combined efforts of several business men. In the romantic vales of However, searching for the main cause of the success of the Bunifort, County of Cork, man who built the greatest music house in the world, we find it Ireland, a boy was born on in the character of P. J. Healy. Although exacting to a degree, his March 17, 1840, to farmer sympathetic character enabled him to draw from his employees Healy, the thirteenth child of the best that was within them in a manner which made all of his a poor but happy family. The young men enthusiastic boy was christened Patrick workers for the success of Joseph. When the good “ould the firm. Just and fair under sod” would not yield enough all conditions, he displayed a to support this growing sincere solicitude for all who family, Healy senior packed worked with him. Like all up his worldly goods and leaders, he had the faculty took his family to the land of of picking the right man promise and possibilities. and putting him into the Patrick Joseph was 10 years right place. As Kimball of age when he landed in P.J. Healy found his Conway, so Healy Boston. Attending the public discovered in another schools, he had an eye for earning money, and we find him Wisconsin farmer’s boy the working the bellows of a great church organ for the organist, qualities which only need Bancroft. This man became interested in the Irish lad, and when opportunity for developing Healy had finished his school course Bancroft secured for him a into the making of a strong position as errand boy with the music dealer, George P. Reed. man. Charles N. Post entered Chas. N. Post The errand boy soon advanced to be a clerk, and we next find the employ of Lyon & Healy him in a responsible position in the great music publishing house as a bookkeeper in 1864, when 16 years of age. He grew up to of Oliver Ditson & Company. be Healy’s right-hand man, and when the business had outgrown Ditson had a keen perception of the possibilities in the the sphere of merely dealing in musical merchandise, and the rapidly developing cities of the west and planned the manufacturing of instruments became a necessity, young 262 continued. . .

Post was charged with the factories are in charge of his brother, Mark Healy, who is responsibility of managing that studiously preparing himself for the career of a master builder department. of the Lyon & Healy piano. After success was secured Coming from a family of in the making of guitars, musical-instrument makers mandolins, etc., Healy’s ambition who pursued that art for was to build an instrument of the generations in the little town higher order. Although the Erard of Schoneck, Saxony, harp was at that time considered to Rudolph Wurlitzer landed in be perfection, Healy knew from New York about 1854. His experience that even that renowned career was such as usually make was not satisfactory, and falls to the lot of young he charged Post with the work of German emigrants who producing a harp which would be land here without means, acceptable to the artists as superior but endowed with a thorough to the Erard. Post engaged the education and expert services of George B. Durkee, an knowledge of their inventor of note, and the two men profession. Struggling for Rudolph Wurlitzer set to work to construct a harp the first few years to earn which made the name of Lyon & Lyon & Healy Harp a living, he finally found his bearings in Cincinnati, where Healy famous wherever orchestra he established himself as an importer of musical instruments music is played. Durkee went at his problem with a well-trained in 1856. With the enthusiasm and optimism of youth, he scientific mind and succeeded in constructing a mechanism overcame the many obstacles and difficulties facing a young which did away with the irritating “buzzing” so common to the business man who has to earn his capital, and gradually ordinary harp. He further developed a scale so perfect as to climbed up the ladder until he was recognized as a power by his make the playing of the instrument much easier. By enlarging contemporaries. In 1890 his eldest son Howard was admitted to the soundboard he furthermore increased the volume of tone partnership. By studying the musical-instrument business in all perceptibly. The first harp was turned out in 1886, and Healy its phases for several years in Europe, young Howard was well had the satisfaction of seeing his instruments accepted by the prepared for his work and soon made his presence felt, and the Gewandhaus orchestra of Leipsic, and by nearly all the leading rise of the house of Wurlitzer to its pre-eminent position dates orchestras of Berlin, Vienna, Stuttgart, St. Petersburg, New from that time. Incorporating in 1890 with a capital of $200,000, York, Boston, Chicago, etc. as the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company, it has now increased its capital to $1,000,000, and owns the Rudolph Wurlitzer The building of church organs was the next addition to the Manufacturing Company, also with a capital of $1,000,000. In manufacturing department, which had grown to such magnitude the course of time two other sons, Rudolph H. and Farney that in the year 1890 over 100,000 instruments were turned out. Wurlitzer, joined the concern, each taking charge of a The business, started in 1864 in a modest manner, had steadily department, so that at the fiftieth anniversary, in 1906, Rudolph grown until it was known all over the globe as the greatest Wurlitzer, Sr., was able to retire from active participation establishment of its kind. When Lyon retired from the firm in and enjoy the well-merited rest of private life. The Wurlitzer 1890, the corporate form was adopted, with P. J. Healy as Company at present is perhaps the largest manufacturer president, Charles N. Post, vice-president, and Robert B. of mechanical instruments, Gregory, treasurer. The concern continued in its onward march including player pianos, its under Healy’s inspiring leadership, extending its influence in all business connection covering directions, but Healy had to pay the penalty for drawing to all parts of the globe. excess on nature’s limitations. He died on April 5, 1905, at the age of 65, mourned by all who knew him, honored by the mem- Among the many bers of the trade with the sobriquet, “The grand old man of the remarkable men who music trade,” leaving his footprints behind as an example to have made their mark in the coming generations that honesty of purpose, application of development of the piano duty and fairness in all dealings with fellow-men make industry of the west, life worth living to a much greater degree than the mere William H. Bush stands out accumulation of wealth. as one of those sturdy characters whom misfortune Charles N. Post succeeded Healy in the presidency until only spurs on to greater 1908, when he retired to the pleasant life of a gentleman farmer, efforts. on his ranch in southern California. Healy’s fourth son, Paul, has since been the active head of the great corporation, and upon Coming from good old his instigation the manufacture of pianos has been added. The Holland stock, William William H. Bush

263 continued. . .

Henry Bush was born in 1829 on a farm near Baltimore, MD. established a reputation as a One of the first railroads built in the United States ran through repairer of old violins, and the Bush farm to the City of Baltimore, and we find William as a built altogether about 300 lad of 14, with remarkable enterprise, contracting for the use of new instruments, which he the steam engine and the one freight car of which the railroad sold at prices ranging from could boast to carry his vegetables to Baltimore, so as to be the $150 to $300 apiece. In 1889 first in the marketplace. In 1854 he landed at Chicago and soon he, in conjunction with his engaged in the lumber business, accumulating a fortune. The sons, Albert and Alexander, great fire of 1871 burned up his lumber yard and reduced him who had studied piano again to the point where he had started 17 years before. Success making with George Steck, was his, and in 1886 he started in partnership with his son, started a piano factory under William Lincoln Bush, and John Gerts, under the firm name of the name of the Krell Piano W. H. Bush & Company, for the manufacturing of pianos. Company. Alexander died in 1895, and Alert Krell, Sr., in William L. Bush, born in 1861, had served his apprenticeship 1900. with Geo. H. Woods & Company as an organ and piano maker, and from 1881 to 1883 as salesman for the W. W. Kimball After his brother’s death, Albert Krell, Sr. Company. John Gerts had learned piano making in Germany, Albert, Jr., retired from the thoroughly mastering all branches of the art. company and organized the Krell-French Piano Company of Springfield, Ohio. This concern, after a disastrous fire, moved to With W. H. Bush at the head as financier, the concern New Castle. Albert Krell resigned from this company in 1905 prospered from the very start, and was changed to a corporation and started the Auto Grand Piano Company of America in in 1891 with a paid-up capital of $400,000. Connersville, Ind., making the manufacture of player pianos Philanthropically inclined, the elder Bush planned to create a specialty. for Chicago an institution which should serve music and the arts, Among the successful but before his well-conceived plans materialized he passed away pioneer piano makers of the in 1901 at the age of 74. west Braton S. Chase has The Bush Temple of Music was started in 1902 and made his mark. Tracing his completed in 1903, and stands as a monument to the enterprise, connection with the trade energy and liberality of the Maryland farmer boy, as one back to 1869 when his father of Chicago’s landmarks. started the Chase Piano Company at Richmond, Ind., The Conservatory of Music connected with the Bush Temple Braton acquired a thorough was founded by William Lincoln Bush in 1901, with Kenneth and practical knowledge of M. Bradley as Director and Mme. Fannie Bloomfield-Zeisler the art under his father’s at the head of the piano department, the position now being tutelage. occupied by Mme. Julie Rive King. Among the teachers of note who have given luster to this school, the great violinist, Ovide In 1889 he formed a Musin, may be mentioned. connection with C. H. Hackley, the philanthropic William L. Bush, a talented musician himself, is very Braton S. Chase lumber king of Muskegon, solicitous for the lasting success of this music school, which has Mich., and started the Chase-Hackley Piano Company, achieved a far-reaching reputation. He also established similar for which enterprise he soon secured recognition as one of the institutions at Dallas, Tex., and Memphis, Tenn., thus assisting leading piano producers of the west, fully realizing Hackley’s in the propaganda for musical development not only as a desire to bring fame to the City of Muskegon as the home of the manufacturer of excellent pianos, but also as a lover of the art Chase Brothers and Chase Hackley pianos. for art’s sake. Among the many sturdy and thrifty German emigrants who The Bush & Gerts Piano Company is known for its zeal in have done so much in the development of the great middle upholding and defending the ethics of the piano trade. William west, Mathias Schultz was one of those typical characters whose L. Bush is using his forceful pen with telling results in the will-power could not be downed by adversity or obstacles. Born warfare against the illegitimate stencil and dishonest methods at Warburg, Germany, in 1842, his mother being left of selling, insisting that the maker’s name should be on every a widow at the time of his birth, the child had a necessity to be piano and a fixed selling prices established by the maker. placed with relatives until he reached the age of 11, when he Albert Krell, born at Gelbra, Germany, on September became entitled to the privileges of the military orphan asylum 10,1833, came to America in 1848 and settled at Cincinnati in at Potsdam because of his late father’s services as a soldier. At 1849. Coming from a family of musical-instrument makers, he the age of 14 he was apprenticed to a cabinetmaker. Just as soon was an expert violin builder, and started in business at the age as he had served his time he took to “wandern” and started to of 16, renting a small shop in the rear of a drug store. He visit his dear mother. Arriving at his home town, he learned that 264 continued. . . his mother had been buried two weeks previous. Broken- Observing how other piano hearted, he started on his journey again, leaving it to fate where dealers had drifted into piano he might land. manufacturing with great success, Steger bought out Sentimentally inclined, young Schultz felt his lonesomeness a small concern which owned intensely and resolved to enlist as a soldier, just to get comrades a factory near Chicago, and and companionship, to find someone who would take an interest following the example set by in him and for whom he could care. But, fortunately for him, J. P. Hale, commenced to fate intervened. The day before his physical examination by the manufacture a commercial military authorities he broke his should-blade and was not piano for the wholesale trade. accepted. With no prospect for a military career, he longed to go Satisfied with a comparatively to America, and started for London, where he expected to earn small margin he soon enough money to pay his passage to New York. He found work created a large demand for in a piano factory and learned the art as it had then been his product. Around the developed. After a two years’ stay in London he sailed for permanently increasing New York in 1868 and made his home in Chicago. The piano factory buildings in the John V. Steger industry being then in its infancy in America, Schulz returned to prairie, the town of Steger cabinetmaking and, in partnership with two colleagues, started grew up. Ambitious to be counted among the leaders of a shop at Chicago in 1869. In 1876 Schultz bought out his the industry, he made use of every opportunity to enlarge partners. With remarkable energy he overcame all the difficulties his business. A shrewd financier and one of the boldest which beset a young manufacturer, who lacks experience as well manipulators in the piano trade, Steger accumulated great as capital, and his superior craftsmanship, extraordinary capacity wealth in a comparatively short period and is at present for work, together with his inborn honesty and integrity, soon counted among the largest producers of pianos in the west. brought prosperity and his business grew steadily. In 1889 it had assumed such large proportions that it was incorporated under Among the pioneers of western piano trade, Julius Bauer & the name of M. Schultz Company, with his son, Otto Schultz, as Company has always maintained a reputation for producing a vice-president. The manufacturing of organs and pianos was high-grade piano of merit. Founded in 1857 by Julius Bauer, the now made a specialty. business, since the death of the founder in 1884, has been under the able management of his son, William M. Bauer. Like many pioneers, Schultz had overtaxed himself in the attempt to satisfy ambition and passed away in 1899 at the age History is made for the west by such names as Chickering of 57. Brothers, Bush & Lane, George P. Bent, Newman Brothers, the Melville Clark Piano Company, Schumann Piano Company, His son, Otto Schultz, Gram-Richtsteig, Grinnell Brothers, the Farrand Company— succeeded him as president. famous for the manufacture of high-grade instruments. Under his aggressive leadership the company The fact that Chicago has, during the past decade, become has forced its way to the the greatest piano market in the world is largely due to the front rank of large producers energy and enterprise of firms like Smith, Barnes & Strohber in the piano industry. Company, Price & Teeple, Hobart M. Cable Company, The business started by Schaeffer Piano Mfg. Company, Cable-Nelson Piano Company, the German orphan boy Adam Schaaf, Schiller Piano Company, the Haddorff Piano has grown to imposing Company, the Straube Piano Company, P. A. Starck Company, proportions, with splendid Arthur P. King, H. P. Nelson prospects for future Company, and others, who development. manufacture pianos in quantities of from 3,000 Born in Suavia about to 15,000 per year in their 60 years ago, John V. Steger modern establishments. inherited all the characteristics Otto Schulz It is claimed that the large peculiar to the scions of the Bajuvarian tribe. Energetic, western factories are at shrewd and tenacious, they are known to make their way, present able to give the irrespective of surroundings or conditions. greatest value in the market, At the age of 17 Steger landed at Chicago and found which accounts to some employment in a brass foundry. Having accumulated a extent for the unprecedented small capital, he formed a partnership with a piano tuner growth. Although scarcely and opened a piano store. It was but a short time after, when 25 years old, the western Steger became sole owner of the business, in which he factories supply to-day prospered beyond his fondest dreams. fully half the pianos sold Julius Bauer

265 continued. . . in the United States. Estey, secretary and treasur- er. From its small beginning All the pioneers in the the production of the Estey organ trade of the United factories rose to an output of States have eventually turned 1,800 organs per month. The to piano making, in most Estey factory became the instances discarding the alma mater of a number of organ altogether. young students who later on Farming in New made names for themselves Hampshire has ever been a in the organ world. Joseph most precarious occupation, Warren, of Clough & War- the rocky soil and long ren; the four Whites, father winters seldom enabling and sons, of Wilcox & White even a hard-working and fame; Stevens, of the Stevens intelligent farmer to support Organ Company; Putnam, of his family. Jacob Estey was Jacob Estey the Putnam Organ Company, Julius Estey born on such a farm near Wright, of Mason & Hamlin, Hinsdale, N. H., on September 30, 1814. When only four years and last, but not least, Votey, of the Aeolian Company, are all of age he had to leave his parents’ home to be graduates of the Estey school of organ building. In 1885 supported by a neighboring farmer. The boy had to work the Estey Piano Company was organized, establishing a large very hard for his meals and scant clothing, but, being made of factory in New York City. Branch stores had been established in the right stuff, he ran away when 13 years of age and escaped to New York, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, London Worcester, Mass., where he was apprenticed to a plumber. After (England), and elsewhere. Wherever exhibited, the Estey pianos serving his apprenticeship he took to traveling, following his and organs carried off highest awards for superior construction profession, and landed in 1834 at Brattleboro, VT., the town and workmanship. which was to become famous all over the world because of the Jacob Estey was a man of firm character, molded in the organs which Estey, later on, made there and sent to all parts of school of adversity from his earliest childhood, but, perhaps the globe. because of his own sufferings, he became a very sympathetic In 1835 he established his own plumbing shop. Thrift and employer and enjoyed the respect and love of his employees. He economy brought him wealth, so that in 1848 he could erect a died on April 15, 1890. large building on Main Street. The upper part of this building he Levi K. Fuller was a born scientist and did valuable service rented to a melodeon maker by the name of Greene. Having in the improvement of the Estey organ. A great reader and surplus money to invest, Estey bought an interest in the student, he was well versed in acoustics, and his collection of melodeon business, continuing, however, his profitable tuning-forks and acoustic apparatus exhibited at the World’s plumbing establishment. Fire destroyed the building in 1857, Fair, Chicago, in 1893, was honored with a special award by the and Estey found himself almost a poor man once more, as all his judges. Fuller served as Governor of the State of Vermont, and money had finally been invested in the melodeon factory. With received numerous other public honors in recognition of his the grit of the Yankee, Estey did not give up. He had observed ability. Ambitious and conscientious to an exalted degree, Fuller the possibilities of the organ business, and within a year he would often overwork himself in a manner which finally caused started again to build parlor organs. his untimely demise on October 10, 1896, at the age of 55. In 1860 he engaged Levi K. Julius Estey, like his father, was an enterprising but careful Fuller as engineer. Fuller was business man. After the death of his two senior partners, the then only 19 years of age, but management of the business rested upon him, and with the had studied mechanics so inborn Estey spirit he sought for new fields in which to expand thoroughly that he became the business and spread the fame of the name of Estey. He most valuable to Estey. The commenced the building of large church organs in 1901, business grew by leaps and erecting a special factory with the most modern equipment for bounds. Superior quality was that purpose. It was not for him to see the full development of the watchword all through this new enterprise. He died on March 7, 1902, aged 57. His the factory. Fuller was admit- sons, Jacob Gray Estey and J. Harry Estey, succeeded him as ted to partnership together managers, enjoying the services of their trusted office manager, with Estey’s son Julius in L. W. Hawley, who has been in the continued service of the 1866, when the Estey Organ Estey Company for over 50 years. Company was organized with Jacob Estey as John Boulton Simpson acquired control of the Arion Piano in Levi K. Fuller president, Levi K. Fuller, 1869, and manufactured high grade pianos until 1885, when he vice-president, and Julius formed a combination with the Esteys, by which the name was 266 continued. . . changed from Arion Piano Company to Estey Piano Company. considerable talent and love for music, we find him A large factory with modern appliances was erected in as a young man playing New York, and the Estey grand and upright pianos soon became the organ in this church at a dominant factor in the piano trade. John Boulton Simpson Brattleboro, VT. is still president of the company, assisted by Jacob Gray Estey and J. Harry Estey as active business managers, maintaining Having acquired a the prestige of the Estey reputation for high-class thorough knowledge of the products. works of the great composers, and being an expert judge Every now and then we of tone and tone quality, hear of a genius, born on the James H. White would ever rocky soil of New England, search for the highest in tone who has music in his soul. production, and, together with Being the exception, this trait, his brothers, supplemented the when existing, is usually so inventions of his father. The forceful that such a man’s life James H. White records of the United States will be entirely wrapped up in Patent Office speak volumes it, in contra-distinction to his of the valuable contributions fellow-Yankee, who as a rule which the White family has is shrewd and practical, but made to the industry, but cannot whistle a simple tune his greatest service to the correctly. Henry Kirk White company was the courage and was born and raised on a farm energy which he displayed in near Hartford, Conn. His fam- times of stress and danger, ily dates back to the good old Henry Kirk White steering the ship clear of English stock of the early set- breakers and advancing the tlers who landed at Nantasket, Mass., in 1630. Supposed to prosperity of the concern in spend his life on the “home place,” Henry thought more the face of apparent adversity. of music than of farming. With no opportunity for musical Strong as his father and education, his natural ability made him a teacher of singing brothers were as inventors and and leader of choruses at the age of twenty. He learned the art technicians, without the of tuning pianos and organs, and traveled from place to place artistic and commercial genius Edward H. White following that profession, acquiring valuable knowledge as to of James Henry, the company the various constructions of these instruments. In 1845 he began would hardly have reached to make musical instruments and two years later manufactured that dominant position which melodeons at New London. In 1853 he removed his factory to it occupies today. Washington, N. J. The Civil War compelled him to abandon his enterprise and take up his abode at Philadelphia, where he found Edward H. White, born a rich field as a tuner and repairer of pianos and organs. He April 5, 1855, inherited the established a reputation as an expert tuner, and in 1865 the inventive genius of his father great Estey Organ Company called him to Brattleboro, VT., as and made his mark, especially superintendent of their tuning department. He worked with the by inventing the Angleus Estey Company twelve years, and during that time taught his piano player, which at once three sons the art of organ making. brought that company to the front in the industry of piano- When in 1877 that great captain of industry. H. H. Wilcox of playing mechanism. He died Meriden, made White and his sons a tempting offer to start an September 16, 1899, at the organ factory, the family packed up their belongings and moved age of forty-four years. to Meriden, Conn. The Wilcox & White Organ Company, Howard White capitalized at $100,000, was organized, and the White family Howard H. White, the began to make their imprint on the history of organ and piano youngest of the three talented brothers, was born on September building in the United States. 9, 1856. After he had mastered all branches of the art he was intrusted with the management of the large factories, which in The oldest son, James H. White, born on September 26, 1847, the course of time had grown to a huge establishment. He had served for a number of years in the Wanamaker house at applied himself so zealously to his manifold duties that he Philadelphia, studying commercial usages and merchandising, passed away on December 9, 1897, aged only forty-one years. before he learned organ building at Estey’s. It was but natural, The founder, Henry Kirk White, died January 13, 1907. James therefore, that he should be intrusted with the business H. White, the only surviving member of the founders, still management of the new concern. Like his father, born with 267 continued. . .

guides the destiny of the memorable concerts upon the immense pipe organ erected great corporation, which by the Farrand & Votey Company. now employs a capital of E. S. Votey displayed his ingenuity as an inventor by $450,000. devising many improvements in church-organ mechanism, After the decease of Edward and more especially in his work on piano players. He had and Howard White, Frank such implicit faith in the future of the piano player that he C. White, son of James Henry, joined the Aeolian Company in 1897, buying the pipe-organ was placed in charge of the and player-piano departments of the Farrand & Votey Company, mechanical department of the and building his first thousand of Pianolas in the Detroit shops. factory. He was always of a The company’s name was now changed to “The Farrand very decidedly inventive turn Company,” and special attention was given to its own creation, of mind, and to him are due the Cecilian player piano, an instrument of merit and high many valuable improvements quality. The company has also put upon the market a metallic and devices that have made piano-player action. the Angelus world renowned. Charles A. Sterling An expert reed-organ builder, Isaac T. Packard interested As a commercial enterprise a number of capitalists to start an organ factory at Fort Wayne, the Sterling Company of Ind., in 1871. Packard was a fine mechanic and inventor, Derby, Conn., is one of the producing an instrument of superior quality. Under the earliest successes in history. conservative guidance of S. B. Bond, as president of Taking over the assets of the company, steady progress was made, the concern “what was known as the depending more upon the superior quality of its product than Birmingham Organ Company upon the ordinary business propaganda. in 1871, Charles A. Sterling S. B. Bond, born at organized in 1873 the Sterling Lockport, N. Y., October 17, Organ Company with a capital 1833, came with his father’s of $30,000. The manufacturing family as pioneers to Fort of pianos was commenced Wayne in 1842. At the age of in 1885. Shortly after, J. R. 13 young Bond went to work Mason joined the company, as a porter and assistant clerk acting as secretary and for the State Bank of Indiana, treasurer until 1901, when he J.R. Mason which at that time was under was elected to the presidency. the management of Hugh A thorough piano-man, with many years of experience in the McCulloch, who later on west, where he was born in 1847, Mason developed the business acquired fame as Lincoln’s of the company to its present magnitude, improving the quality Secretary of the Treasury. of the instruments in every respect, being particularly successful In 1874 Bond was elected in producing a satisfactory player piano. The company is now president of the Fort Wayne counted among the largest producers of pianos, and the capital National Bank. He remained stock has been increased from $30,000, in 1873, to $1,000,000. S.B. Bond in the presidential chair until A number of working-men skilled in the art of organ December, 1904, when he resigned in order to devote his whole building started the Detroit Organ Company on a co-operative time to the growing business of the Packard Company. plan in 1881. Like all such Utopian undertakings, the Although identified with banking from boyhood, Bond was enterprise did not succeed, and in 1883 C. J. Whitney, a in love with the inspiring atmosphere of the organ and piano prominent music dealer, and E. S. Votey, a practical organ factory, which he always preferred to the cold walls of the maker, bought the business and incorporated the Whitney banking house, though he made his mark in both. He died Organ Company. In the same year W. R. Farrand joined July 20, 1907. the corporation, assuming the financial management, the manufacturing being in charge of Votey. In 1887 Whitney His son, Albert S. Bond, entered the service of the Packard retired and the name was changed to the Farrand & Votey Company as an apprentice at the age of 16, in 1879. After five Company. Ambitious to extend its business, the company years’ experience on the bench, young Albert spent two years commenced to manufacture church organs in 1888. traveling as salesman for the Company and was elected general Consummating an advantageous deal for all the patents manager in 1886. Under the guidance of his father he soon of the renowned organ builder, Frank Roosevelt of New York, expanded the business. Well educated, with distinct artistic the company was in a position to build most excellent inclinations and full of progressive enthusiasm, he added the instruments, and scored a decided success at the Chicago manufacture of pianos in 1893. Maintaining the high standard of Exposition of 1893, where Guilmant and Clarence Eddy gave the Packard name, the pianos were readily accepted by the trade

268 continued. . . as high-class instruments, The business prospered, but the field was too limited for and since the successful enterprising Story, and when in 1867 Jacob Estey offered him introduction of the Packard the agency for the Estey organs, in the western states, Story Player Piano the business of closed out his business at Burlington and established himself at the corporation has assumed Chicago. In 1868 he admitted Isaac N. Camp as partner. The commanding proportions. firm of Story & Camp soon became one of the leaders in the The Packard products piano and organ trade of the west, having stores at Chicago and are valued for musical quality St. Louis, controlling a large wholesale and retail trade through of tone and most exquisite the entire west. workmanship in all details. With his characteristic keenness and foresight, Story Another concern which observed that the west would eventually manufacture its own has strongly assisted in musical instruments, and he therefore retired from the firm of establishing the reputation Story & Camp and in 1884, with Melville Clark and his son, for the highest quality of Edward H. Story, founded the firm of Story 7 Clark, for the western-made pianos is the manufacture of reed organs. Calvin Whitney A. B. Chase Company of Melville Clark was known Norwalk, Ohio. Starting in 1875 to manufacture organs, it as an expert reed-organ began the making of pianos in 1885. A. B. Chase died in builder, who had patented 1877, when Calvin Whitney assumed the management. many improvements. The Whitney was a strong character, who impressed his personality business was successful from indelibly upon the enterprise. Born at Townsend, Ohio, on the start, and in 1888 September 25, 1846, he started in business at the age of 19 with the Story & Clark Organ a capital of $400, which he had saved from his earnings as a Company was incorporated, store clerk. A man of lofty ideals, he aimed in whatever with E. H. Story, son of the he undertook for the highest and purest. With unfaltering faith founder, as president, he conquered all the difficulties which the western pioneer and Melville Clark, vice- manufacturers had to encounter and had the satisfaction of president. The foreign trade seeing his company rank in the lead of high-class piano grew so rapidly that a factory manufacturers. He was among the first to take up the was erected at London, player piano earnestly, and in 1905 produced the Aristano grand England, in 1892, under the player piano. Whitney died on June 6, 1909, having lived management of Charles H. E.H. Story a strenuous but very useful life. L. L. Doud has served the Wagener, and another in 1893 company as secretary since its start in 1875, and still fills his at Berlin, Germany. position with zeal and ability. W. C. Whitney, son of Calvin, educated in the factory and office of the Chase The organs designed and Company, is preparing himself for greater work in the future, made under the supervision acting at present as vice-president of the company. of Melville Clark were of the highest order in quality Among the pioneers of the and tone, and when in 1895 music trade in the west, the making of pianos was Hampton L. Story’s name commenced, the same high stands foremost. Born at standard was maintained. Cambridge, VT., June 17, Melville Clark severed his 1835, he showed an inborn connection with the company talent for music, and his first in 1900, to start the Melville employment was in a music Clark Company, and the store at Burlington, VT., at the management has since been princely salary of $50 per in the hands of Edward Melville Clark month and board. Having H. Story. The demand for saved a small capital from his pianos increased at such a rate that the erection of larger wages as schoolteacher, he factories became necessary, and in 1901 the company erected bought out his principal in its model plants at Grand Haven, Mich. Counted among the 1859. Not satisfied to merely largest producers of high-grade pianos, the company is its own a dealer, he joined a piano Hampton L. Story distributor, controlling a chain of warerooms in the principal maker by name of Powers, cities of the United States. manufacturing the Story & Powers piano in 1862. This was perhaps the first piano factory in the State of Vermont. Melville Clark’s name will forever be printed upon the pages of the organ and piano industry as one of the most prolific 269 continued. . . inventors. Born in Oneida County, New York, he inherited a In January, 1889, he formed a partnership with A. P. Roth, love for music and became an enthusiastic student. Desirous who had acquired a thorough business training in the author’s to learn all about the construction of pianos and organs, store and general offices in New York, and the firm of Roth & he served an apprenticeship as a tuner and took to traveling. Engelhardt began business as makers of piano actions. In 1898 Landing finally in California, he started a factory for the the firm placed their first player piano on the market. It was production of high-grade organs. The enterprise was a success, known as the “Peerless” self-playing piano. This was soon but the market for the product was limited, and in 1877 he sold followed by the “Harmonist” player piano, and later on by the out his interest. After a short stay in Quincy, Ill, we find him coin-operated automatic player piano with endless tune sheet. in 1880 at Chicago making organs under the firm name of Clark A.P. Roth retired from the firm on January 1, 1908, and & Rich. Engelhardt admitted his sons, Alfred D. and Walter L., to In 1884 he joined H. L. Story under the firm name of Story & partnership under the firm name of F. Engelhardt & Sons. Still in Clark. Desirous of devoting himself entirely to the development the prime of life, Engelhardt has seen his enterprise grow from of the piano-player mechanism, Clark severed his connection the smallest beginning to one of the largest establishments of with the Story & Clark Piano and Organ Company in 1900, after its kind, with the prospect that its future is guaranteed by the 16 years of zealous activity, and started the Melville Clark Piano activity of his sons. Company with a capital of $500,000, erecting modern factory Another firm which graduated from the Steinway school is buildings at DeKalb, Ill. The patent records tell the story of Wessell, Nickel & Gross, action makers. Otto Wessell, born in Clark’s activity and success in his efforts in that direction. Clark Hotstein, Germany, in 1845 came to America with his parents in produced his first 88-note cabinet player in January, 1901, and 1847. Graduating from the New York public school, he was his 88-note interior player piano in 1902, while his first grand apprenticed to a cabinetmaker, and improved upon that by player piano was completed in 1904. He had the satisfaction of learning the piano trade afterward. While in the employment seeing his self-playing grand piano used in a public concert at of Steinway & Sons he advanced to a position of trust New Orleans in December, 1906, under the auspices of and responsibility. In 1875 he started in business, forming a L. Grunewald & Company. Among the many improvements in partnership with his colleagues, Nickel and Gross, who were player mechanism for which Clark obtained patents may be also employed as action makers by Steinway & Sons. Because mentioned the application of the downward touch of the key and of their practical experience in producing the highest class of his transposing device, the latter having been adopted by other work, the business was a success from the start and the firm has player-piano makers under Clark’s patent. ever since maintained the leading position for quality. The career of Frederick Otto Wessell was a Engelhardt, senior partner of self-made man. With few Engelhardt & Sons, is inter- opportunities in his youth, esting. Born in Germany, he he achieved his prominent came with his parents to New position in the business world York at the age of 10. Having by force of character, gone through the public unimpeachable integrity and school, he was apprenticed to that peculiar noblesse and a cabinetmaker. After serving liberality which is usually his apprenticeship, desirous of acquired only by those who seeing something of the life of have to commence at the the “Wild West,” he enlisted bottom rung of the ladder. The as a cavalryman in the United writer often met Otto Wessell, States Army, and took part in in his early days, at piano many of the early battles with factories loaded with two Indians on the far-western Frederick Engelhardt upright actions, which he had plains, narrowly escaping the Otto Wessell carried from his shop, partly massacre of Custer’s force by Sitting Bull. After his discharge to save the expense of hiring an expressman, but also to see from the army he entered the employ of the author, and was whether his customer was satisfied, and a broad smile would soon advanced to the position of superintendent of the run over his genial face when the actions were accepted without soundboard department at the Dolgeville, N. Y., factories. He criticism. designed and executed the exhibit of that department for the Paris exhibition of 1879, for which the highest award was From those small beginnings Wessell saw his firm rise to granted by the jury. prominence second to none in America, employing over 500 hands and counting among his customers the foremost makers Ambitious to be more than a mere soundboard maker, of high-class pianos. An indefatigable worker, Wessell, like Engelhardt sought a position in a piano-action factory. He others of his kind, drew too rapidly on nature’s bounty and finally found employment with Steinway & Sons, where for passed away on May 25, 1899, at the age of 54. The business seven years he had charge of the action department as foreman. is continued by his partner, Adam Nickel, with Henry Nickel, 270 continued. . .

Jr., and Arthur and Fernando Charles Pfriemer is another Wessell, sons of the founder, Steinway graduate who made as junior partners. his mark. Among the old-time Born in 1842, under the hammer coverers, John shadow of the romantic old Frederick Schmidt stood castle Hohenzollern, where in the front rank during the forefathers of the Emperor the period of his activity. Born of Germany dwelt, Pfriemer at Marburg, Germany, in performed his duty as a 1823, he learned the trade of soldier during the Austro- cabinet-making. He went Prussian War and came to in partnership with Peter America in the latter part of DeWitt Lydecker in 1864, 1866. succeeding Ole Syverson, A cabinetmaker by trade, who had founded the business John Frederick Schmidt he learned hammer making Charles Pfriemer in 1856. In 1877 Lydecker in Steinway’s shop, and later retired, and Schmidt continued until 1886, when ill health on assumed charge of the hammer department in Albert Weber’s compelled him to seek the quietude of private life. His firm factory. In 1874 he started in business on his own account, and has ever enjoyed an enviable reputation for excellent was among the first to use iron hammer-covering machines. workmanship in hammer making. He died on September 26, Achieving an enviable reputation for making a peculiarly 1906. His son, David H. Schmidt, is carrying on the business as pear-shaped hammer, Pfriemer built up a large and lucrative a corporation with marked ability and success. business. He died in 1908. The business is carried on by his two sons.

Written & Submitted ONVENTION REPORT by Phillip L. Baird

friends. I still can remember that bitter Then groups embarked on one of the old cold January third 4:00 am meeting in the Minneapolis city transit busses for a visit Phillip L. Baird St. Paul Como Park offices to reserve a to the flour milling district living history President Northern Lights pavilion for six months later. Anyone mills. A guided history of the building, Chapter of AMICA who has been on an AMICA convention complete with a panorama, while sitting 19 August 2005 planning committee must know of what on an elevator. lengths one must go for success. The afternoon offering was a trip Northern Hospitality Realizing we did not have one or two to a restored neighborhood theater vast collections to visit, our committee and newly installed theater organ. Live One of the best complimentary decided to capitalize on all the assets entertainment was presented by Miss remarks came from a couple of of the twin city area and present those Jane’s Parlour. Thursday evening AMICANs leaving early Sunday 3 July activities to make a convention fun and highlight was the pumper contest. All from the Marriot in Minneapolis. They interesting. Both Minneapolis and St. entrants were excellent, but first award were impressed with the variety of Paul have desirable places of historical went to “Mr. Alex.” activities and the general good spirit of significance and we chose those places of Friday was a full day of activities. the whole convention and were sorry to greatest appeal. On Wednesday afternoon Three tours were arranged and executed miss the continued activities of Sunday 43 people took a guided bus tour of both in a schedule that included the Pavek afternoon home visits. Of course I was Minneapolis & St. Paul. It proved to me Museum of Radio History, the wonderful very pleased to hear the positive remarks. how much I take for granted and found collection of reproducing pianos and Eighteen months ago our small how much I truly enjoyed the tour myself beautiful home of Ronnie Olsen. For the Northern Lights Chapter of AMICA as host for the afternoon. nature lovers the tour included a drive questioned how we would put a Our basic plan was to spend one day around the lakes area, Minnehaha Falls convention together and be successful. in each city. The logo theme was and Rose Gardens. Our convention committee of twelve the Minneapolis Foshay Tower, so on Then on to the city of two somehow made it through monthly and Thursday the first tour started with a domes…Minnesota State Capital and then weekly meetings and we are still trip to the tower observation deck. the Cathedral of St. Paul. However,

271 continued. . .

AMICANs always travel best on their Hill, son of James J. Hill. The home is After plenty of time for personality stomachs, so a picnic in one of St. Paul’s now the private residence of Richard and adjustment refreshment, the grand crown jewels, Como Park. While Nancy Nicholson. A concert on the banquet was underway accompanied by a enjoying a picnic the strains of the ballroom Aeolian pipe organ was quality dance band and vocalist. Wurlitzer band organ could be heard presented by Phillip Baird & David Sunday breakfast included updates on from the restored 90 year old Cafesjains Mertesdorf. The concert consisted of AMICA business and presentations of the Carousel. Most AMICANs hopped on classics, show tunes and ended with Stars Chicago 2006 convention and Germany for a grand ride. The Marjory McNeely and Stripes by Sousa. Our host, Nancy 2007 convention. Sunday afternoon was Conservatory afforded a splendid array of Nicholson, conducted house tours and devoted to open houses. I must relate, as flora and fauna in its 19th century glass then dessert was served on the terrace one who had an open house, I was very building including the newly opened while fireworks were displayed from the pleased with the number of guests who addition. Taste of Minnesota. Thus ended a long attended and it gave further opportunity For those inclined to railroads and day and groups boarded their busses for to make lasting friendships. railway history, the Minnesota Museum a trip back to Minneapolis and much Our Northern Lights AMICA chapter of Transportation was the place to be. needed rest. was truly pleased to present the 2005 Restoration of steam locomotives and Saturday was devoted to some AMICA convention. We wanted to ancient railway passenger cars were all excellent seminars on very good topics. present a variety of events and display present for inspection. Those leaders are to be congratulated for our northern hospitality. We sincerely With railways the afternoon theme, their presentations. Then of course, the thank all who came to Minneapolis and the tour entered the grand mansion of real highlight and of any convention is to are pleased with all the positive remarks. James J. Hill, founder-builder of the cavort around the MART and see what We sincerely hope one and all enjoyed Great Northern Railway. This was the everybody else is willing to stuff into their stay with us. For those first time time to relax and explore this great house bags and drag home. Not wanting to be visitors, you now know we are not of Summit Avenue. The dinner of true undone, I was fortunate to find some always frozen up here. Scandinavian fare was served for all to great Welte reproducing piano rolls. After savor. The evening event was a short the Mart one and all needed refreshment Phillip L. Baird, President walk through the gardens to DOVE and time to do whatever one does to look Northern Lights Chapter HILL, which was the home of Louis B. splendid for the evening gala. St. Paul, MN O P E

N Don Barton presiding at convetion Don Barton & Mel Septon I N G Ladies at Cross Stitch Marriott Banner

272 continued. . .

Dorothy Olds AMICA Banner Dorothy Olds in stitches H O S Hospitality Room P Dick Kroeckel giving impromptu concert Bill Chapman

I Don Barton checking things out T A L I Bob Anderson, Don Johnson, Bennett Leedy T Y

The White Elephant Paul Watkins & Bill Chapman and snacks

273 continued. . .

Alex Thompson testing pumping Palmer Mai

Mary Ellen and Ron Connor

Hospitality Time

Ed Copeland, Dorothy Olds, Don Jones

Bode Bode

John Motto-Ros

Bennett Leedy

Galen Bird

PAVEK MUSEUM OF RADIO HISTORY

Karl Eihlers Alex Thompson, Ron Connor, Mike Walters

274 continued. . . P A V E K R A M D U I S O E C U H O M I M S O O T Marjory McNelly Conservatory F O P R A Y R

K Barbara Hartwell, Halie and Carl Dodrill at the Como Park Conservatory

275 continued. . . R T O R N M A U N O S S L E P U S O Yousuf Wilson, Tom Bode E Paul Watkins, Jason Beyer M R N T O A H F T Kathy Stone, Liz Barnhart, Dorothy Olds Mel Septon, Paul Watkins, Kiven Lukes O I U O S N E Alex Thompson and Cecil Grace

Group

276 continued. . .

Jackson Street Roundhouse

D Packard Peacock O V E

Nancy Nicholson, owner of Phillip and David, performers H Dove Hill House Gallery Organ I HEIGHTS L THEATRE L

H Ed Copland demonstrator of Dove Hill Organ O U S

E AMICAns enjoying organ concert Karl Eilers at the Height’s organ 277 continued. . . P U M P skit

E Alex Thompson R

C skit O N skit T E skit S

T Alex Thompson

skit

Alex Thompson

skit

278 continued. . . M I S C Ed Coplund workshop Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis E

High atop the Foshay Tower, Linda and Galen Bird check out the view L from the observation deck L A N E O U St. Paul Cathedral S

Don Jones, Tim Wheat, Jerrillyn Boehland

279 continued. . .

Mike & Liz Barnhart

John Motto-Ros

Terry Smythe workshop

280 continued. . .

Carousel Pig

Bill Chapman

Mike Walter B A N

Faye Cressman, Sarah, Karen & Q Walter Pridham U E Dorothy Olds, Ruth Fell, T Barb Watkins Carousel Ticket Booth

281 continued. . .

Mike Walter

Kathryn Dumas, Bob Dumas, Faye Cressman Durrell Armstrong of the Player Piano Co.

Jerrilyn Boehland, Don Jones, Don Barton, Howie O’Neill

Halie Dodrill, Kurt Morrison, Ron Babb Art Reblitz, Bennett Leedy

Phillip Baird, Paul Watkins

John Motto-Ros, Art Reblitz

Dorothy Olds, Ruth Fell, Barb Watkins, Paul Watkins

282 continued. . .

Bob Dumas, Kathryn Dumas, Tim Wheat

Dennis Dahlman, Phillip Baird, Ron Olsen, Dick Kroeckel, Art Reblitz

Charlene & Norbert Torer

Dan Brown, Bob Rosencrans, Bill Chapman, Denny Dahlman

Jerrilyn Boehland, Tim Wheat, Cecil & Boo Grace

Murray Willyard, Dick Koreckel, Bill Chapman, Ron Olsen

283 continued. . .

284 Jane Albert

o ENCORES AS From The Australian, PLAYER PIANO LEAVES STAGE 30junOS

Player pianos - or pianolas as they are grants, and doesn't look set to now. FOR 25 years Greg Crease has been often incorrectly labelled - were one of Owner Barclay Wright, who has run recording player piano music rolls for the the most popular forms of family home the company for almost 48 years, said he Mastertouch Piano Roll company, one of entertainment in Australia during the could no longer afford to cover costs. only two companies in the world still 20th century. Since it began operating in "I'm distraught," Mr. Wright said. "But making them. 1919, Mastertouch has recorded 2500 I'm in my seventies and it requires a lot But today the factory in inner-city master rolls with six to eight tunes on of effort." Sydney, which also holds a museum each, ranging from the classics to Delta Mr. Wright has approached the exhibiting 30 antique instruments, will Goodrem. With their paper music scrolls Heritage Council of NSW for assistance shut its doors because of a lack of funds and distinctive sound, player pianos but was told there was little it could do. and dwindling interest in the century-old survived the Great Depression, the "We wouldn't see it as our role," said the player piano. "talkies" and even television. But the council's spokesman Murray Brown. "We've reached a place economically increasingly cheap cost of home "Sometimes you have to reach the where people will only pay a certain entertainment systems and a decreasing conclusion this relied on the enthusiasm amount," said Crease of the rolls, which interest in the instruments of yesteryear of Barclay Wright, and if there's no one cost between $25 and $27. "People look have meant the business is no longer in the wings willing to take it on then on them as a luxury item so that's the viable. perhaps it's had its day." The Powerhouse first to go if you're in the country and Mastertouch received a $150,000 loan Museum is considering storing suffering from the drought, and lots of when it moved to a disused fire station in and displaying the heritage-listed our customers are." Petersham, but has never received any instruments.

From Encyclopedia ofAutomatic Musical Instruments - by Q. David Bowers, page 535 It is Just Like a REAL Jazz Orchestra This 1922 Capitol Jazz Concert Orchestra will Crowd Your Place Increase Your Business Double Your Profits SOMETHING ENTIRELY NEW!

Attention ItPays for Itself OU want more IN order to introduce Ybusiness. This this new Orchestra Jazz Orchestra will get we will install it in your you more business. place at practically no ~-···--··l People passing your i £l.~rllOOdll [.otJ(!s ! expense. This New OrchutrCJ 1 L __ .~_ _.... ! doors will stop to Your customers will go listen to the sweet wild about it and never music and will drop in stop dropping nickels -spend their money into it to hear it play and come again and a· and in that way it will gain with their friends, pay for itself. which means-Big Crowds-· Big Busi· If you cannot call, mail ness-Big Profits. today the enclosed post --. : card and we will tell you Nolice! Don't Delay - Every I how you can get this " IIOLl hcn'l? an old plano I day you are without ~;k:"f,~:',"~;h:x::,:.'adlll wonderful business get· this trade winner, you L _ : ter so that it costs you are Losing Business. practically nothing.

This Capitol Jazz Orchestra is a 1921 Invention' -entirely different from the old Mail back the enclosed style electriC pianos and organs you have seen in the past This is a Real Musical Postal and we wiII send you Instrument that plays with Human Ex­ full Information FREE. pre~ion that the people want and enjoy.

-Page 535- 285 Thomas Benton scientists to effectively monitor animals law school, went in orbit, which would eventually allow to visit her sister Fryer humans to safely travel in space. after she graduated Although she always knew her father from UC-Berkeley Thomas Benton Fryer passed away “truly was an incredible man,” Darlene with a history June 22, 2005 at Stanford, a few weeks Fryer Fredell only learned from talking to degree. There she met an Englishman, before his 80th birthday. He will be other scientists at NASA Ames Research Stanley Fryer, Far East manager of the remembered by family and friends as a Center who knew and worked with him British American Tobacco Co. very kind, generous, & interesting man. that “he was far beyond that.” The couple married, traveled He was a very loving and devoted “He really influenced and changed throughout China for Stanley Fryer’s husband and father who contributed many lives, careers, the space program work and had their son, Thomas. When & accomplished more in his lifetime than and the medical industry,” his daughter their boy was 13 and fluent in Mandarin, most would ever dream of. said. the family returned to the United States Thomas Fryer was born and raised in Mr. Fryer died at age 79 on June 27 of because of China’s growing political Peking (Beijing), China on July 17, 1925. a rare cancer of the intestines that was unrest and settled in San Carlos. Mr. He graduated from the Univ. of Michigan diagnosed in April. Fryer graduated from Redwood High in Electrical Engineering in 1945. He Thomas Fryer, Jr. and his sister School, participated in a special Marine worked at NASA Ames Research Center proudly described Mr. Fryer’s patented program and was sent by the military to for 30 years. Mr. Fryer invented invention of the first implantable device the University of Michigan. He graduated implantable devices which revolutionized that not only enabled accurate readings in 1949 and four years later was hired by the space program and the medical field. from test animals but also was fine-tuned Ames Research Center, which in 1958 In 1980 he received the highly acclaimed by Mr. Fryer for use in medicine to help became NASA Ames. He worked there “Inventor of Year” award. In 1993 he was treat head injuries. for 30 years. inducted in the “Space Technology Hall In 1980 after he patented his He met Idalene, his wife of 54 years, of Fame”. In 1980 he launched his own induction-powered biological radiosonde, at a YMCA dance in San Francisco. The company, Biomedical Monitoring Mr. Fryer was named NASA’s inventor couple lived in Sunnyvale and Cupertino Systems Inc. where he designed medical of the year, and in 1993 he was inducted before settling in Saratoga in 1967. instruments that are still in use today for into the Space Technology Hall of Fame. Mr. Fryer’s son said his father, with epilepsy & sleep studies. He was a true Other inventions that grew out of help from his mother, built houses from gentleman who had a very kind heart, his brain-monitoring research led to scratch, one in Cupertino and three deep devotion to family, and energetic pacemakers and other implant devices on the Saratoga property, only hiring lively spirit. involved with sleeping problems. professionals when permits required He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Eph Konigsberg, who worked with them. His daughter said he also Idalene Fryer of Saratoga, his son, Mr. Fryer and joined him in the space renovated a Victorian home in San Thomas Fryer, Jr. of Cozumel, Mexico hall of fame, said he also was inducted in Francisco’s Alamo Square by himself. and his daughter Darlene Fredell of San 1993 “by following Tom’s lead” in other He traveled the world for business and Francisco. He is preceded in death by his space developments. pleasure, his children said, and like daughter Alberta Fryer Nacke. “But Tom definitely was a pioneer,” his mother was a history buff. He he said of his work on the space program. discovered he was a great-great-grandson “Because of him, they could keep records of Thomas Hart Benton, a Democratic Thomas Fryer, 79 and reduce the number of animals used. Party leader and senator from Missouri, NASA Researcher He was a very generous person who and was related to John Charles Fremont, His inventions were used helped a lot of people.” Benton’s son-in-law and a leader in the in the space program Both men later started their own U.S. battle against Mexico for California. companies. After he retired from Fremont was the brother-in-law of Mr. By Betty Barnacle NASA in 1979, Mr. Fryer established Fryer’s great-grandmother, Eliza Benton Mercury News Biomedical Monitoring Systems, making Jones. instruments that used his device in other Mr. Fryer hoped to write a book about Thomas Benton Fryer was a genius ways. his famous ancestors but his wife and who also was extremely modest. Although many in his family were children figure he was star enough to be He won acclaim in his field when he Californians, Mr. Fryer was born in the subject of a book of his own. found a way to stop monkeys, dogs and Beijing, where his mother, Frances other research animals from scratching Kerry Jones, daughter of the dean of and pulling out the pesky wires attached the University of California-Berkeley to them. The breakthrough allowed

286 CD REVIEW The Aeolian Pipe Organ Plays Duo-Art Organ Music, Retrovox XPMM1510592

For those interested in renditions of render needed sharp tonal attacks and seem to open and close too fast in relation literature recorded for automatic organs, harmonics. to the melody. this CD will be very satisfying. It has All over, the recording is good. That this organ is heard again is a lush selection of 19th century music The recording process might have truly amazing considering its history. recorded by leading organists of the day, been slightly improved by changing The 176-note player was originally and other selections recorded or produced microphone placement. At times there commissioned in 1919 by Lord Kenneth by unknown organists designated is a slight imbalance in accompaniment Crossley at Mobberly Hall, Cheshire. as “A.O.G”. The later are very nicely and melody but the quality of the music He was a wealthy motor and bus recorded and edited pieces and are overcomes it. To get the most of this CD it manufacturer. Upon his death the thoroughly enjoyable. should be played on the high-end stereo organ went into storage and subsequently One would need to listen long and with ability to produce deep bass. Except underwent several moves. Finally it was hard to find a better rendition of for the Vox Humana, Celeste and Clarinet, rebuilt in 1998 and installed in a residence “Liebesfreud”, played by Rollo Maitland. higher harmonics are absent, reflecting the in Devon, England, where this recording Great sensitivity is heard in this old true 1920’s organ voicing. was made. war-horse, sweet but short of saccharine. “A Deed of the Pen” may be played The CD is available from Paul Morris The occasional chime does not add to the slower to give a crisper sound to rapidly Music, 27 Blackall Rd, Exeter EX4 4HE, warmth of the piece. repeated chords. One would question U.K. $15, bulk rate available email: The CD contains one popular tune if the roll speed was set too fast to get [email protected] “Meadowbrook”, that might be better left the best rendition. Similarly “Noel and Review by Bill Chapman to a dance organ as the organ does not Variations” played by Marcel Dupre, contain required un-nicked pipework to seems too fast when the swell shades

AMICA 2006 – CHICAGO July 26th thru July 30th, 2006

The 2006 AMICA convention will be headquartered at the Hyatt Regency Woodfield Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois, a northwestern suburb of Chicago. We were able to obtain a room rate of $85.00 per night plus tax for single, double, triple or quad occupancy. The convention will include a full day (Saturday) at the Sanfilippo collection with optional tours of the Krughoff collection on Wednesday and Thursday and an optional tour of the Choffnes collection on Thursday. We are currently negotiating for additional collection tours. Because of the inclusion of these fantastic collections, we are expecting a very strong turnout. Convention registration will be limited to 300 registrants. As in the past, registrants must be members of AMICA International to attend. We will be sending out convention registration information in late February or early March 2006. The mailing will be staggered so as to hopefully arrive around the same time worldwide. I can not stress how important it will be to send in your registration as soon as possible. In 1992 we reached the 300 limit in just six weeks. A more detailed description of the convention will be published in the next edition of the AMICA Bulletin. Mel Septon – Convention Chairman

287 EW PIANO ROLLS & RECUTS

New from David Caldwell Music Rolls 400 Lincoln Lake Ave., N.E., Lowell, MI • Phone: (616) 897-5609 • [email protected]

New Roll releases from Dave Caldwell: (see his website for more deails if you wish) AMPICO: 205171 “Somebody Loves Me” Gershwin. P/B Grofe. One of the best known and loved Gershwin songs. Grofe was a friend of Gershwin and gives it that great touch! 208681 “Ain’t She Sweet” Ager. P/B Carroll. Probably up there with the top ten 1920s songs! Hot piano playing by Adam Carroll! 206411 “Ah Ha” Monoco. P/B Confrey. You can’t go wrong with a Zez Confrey recording! Practically the inventor of “Novelty Piano Playing”. 65581 “Dizzy Fingers” Confrey. P/B Confrey. This is a signature Novelty Piano Piece of Zez. Expertly played and interpreted for the Ampico! 66821 “Jay Walk”. Comp/P/B Confrey. A personal favorite, this lesser known novelty number is a GREAT piece both pianistically and musically! SNAPPY!

DUO-ART: 713125 “Ah Ha” Monoco. P/B Moran. Super number played here by Alan Moran. Bouncy fox trot with great piano tricks! 0990 “The Continental” Conrad. P/B Adam & Carroll. Fred and Ginger made this one famous. One of the best recordings for reproducing pianos has your feet tapping! 713194 “Who”. Moran. P.B Moran/Milne. One of the BEST recordings of this 1920s standard. Four-handed recording that fills the keyboard! 0686 “Am I Blue”. Arranged/P/B Lieberman. Great old blues number given the dance treatment. Just about everyone recorded this number due to its immense popularity!

New from Don Teach - Shreveport Music Co. Phone: (318) 798-6000 • 1815 E. 70th Street • Shreveport, LA 71105 • [email protected] New Roll Releases “O” ROLLS I have just had two O rolls recut that I believe have not been recut before. One is O-798 with Dizzy Fingers, At Peace With the World, My Pal Jerry, What a Man, Bye Bye Blackbird, Tamiami Trail, Somebody’s Lonely, Talking to the Moon, I Found A Round About Way to Heaven, and Horses.

The second roll is O-893 containing Glad Rag Doll, I Fall Down and Go Boom, I’m In the Jail House Now, Carolina Moon, Dream Train, Marie, My Inspiration Is You, Good Little Bad Little You, Four or Five Times, Everybody Loves You.

288 PLEASE VISIT THESE SUPPLIERS OF RECUT ROLLS

Rob Deland: Blues Tone Rolls Don Teach: Shreveport Music Co. Steve Bentley: Playrite Music Rolls www.bluesrolls.com 1815 E. 70th Street, Shreveport, LA 71105 1536 N. Palm St., [email protected] [email protected] Turlock, CA 95380 U.S.A. Phone: (847) 548-6416 Phone: (318) 798-6000 Phone/Voice: (209) 632-5784 Fax: (318) 797-4572 Fax: (209) 667-8241 David Saul: Precision Music Rolls 1043 Eastside Road Magic Melodies & Keystone QRS Music Technologies, Inc. El Cajon, CA 92020-1414 360 Lawless Road 1026 Niagara Street, Buffalo, NY 14213 [email protected] Jamestown, KY 42629 Phone: 1-800-247-6557 Phone: (270) 343-2061 Fax: 1-716-885-7510 Bob & Ginny Billings: Rock Soup www.qrsmusic.com 14010 Rim Rock Drive, Reno, NV 89521 Robin Pratt: Artist Choice Music Rolls toadhall @sprynet.com www.wiscasset.net/artcraft/pratt.htm Scott Boelman: Lazy Dog Piano Rolls Phone: (775) 853-4659 [email protected] www.lazydogpianorolls.com Phone: (419) 626-1903 [email protected] Leedy Brothers Music Rolls One Olive Street, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694 4660 Hagar Shore Road Tim Baxter: Meliora Music Rolls Phone: (949) 218-0108 Coloma, MI 49038 www.members.aol.com/meliorarol/index.htm www.leedyrolls.com [email protected] David Caldwell Phone: (269) 468-5986 400 Lincoln Lake Ave., N.E. Fax: (269) 468-0019 Joyce Brite: Player Piano Lowell, MI 49331 & Musical Music Exchange Phone: (616) 897-5609 Larry Norman: Rollertunes http://mmd.foxtail.com/Exchange/ DavidWFrom [email protected] www.home.earthlink.net/~rollertunes http://mmd.foxtail.com/Exchange/rollpage.htm www.malli.net/~uni/Caldwell [email protected] Phone: (504) 721-7188

Possible Wurlitzer 10-Tune APP Roll Recuting Project If you are interested in obtaining mostly never-before-recut Wurlitzer 10-Tune APP (Automatic Player Piano) rolls, including at least 1 - all Blues & Mainly Pre-WWI material, let me know. Tune list and prices have not been finalized. Run will be limited to 17 sets of Aprox. 36-40 rolls. Full sets for sale only. If we can get enough people interested a list of rolls and a final price will be established. Please let me know if you are interested E-Mail: [email protected] or my Mail: Stephen Kent Goodman 5731 E. Bernadine Dr. Tarpey Village, CA 93727-7235

289 From Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical Instruments - by Q. David Bowers, page 307

290 seemingly bottomless punch bowl. The entire afternoon was the epitome of a delightfully long, languid summer News day. Thank you Don. From The Chapters

CHICAGO CHAPTER Reporter: Kathy Stone President: Curt Clifford - (630) 279-0872

Our latest meeting was held in June at the home of our chapter president Mel Septon and his wife Kathy Stone. On the agenda for business was our continued discussion on the preparation for the 2006 convention. Committees were formed for hotel reservations, convention reservation, transportation, finances, swap mart and convention souvenirs. Al Choffnes, Joe Pekarek, Marty Persky, George Wilder, Jerry Biasella and Fred Plank will head these up. Mel FOUNDING CHAPTER Septon will orchestrate the entire event. Still open for discussion are various planned side trips and other places Reporter: Don Ellison of interest. President: John Ulrich - (510) 223-9587 After the meeting we enjoyed a delicious meal provided by our host and hostess and contributing members of our SUMMER PARTY AT chapter. To top things off we were all treated to an after DON ELLISON’S HOUSE dinner concert from classical to popular tunes on Mel’s 9’ 6” Saturday, July 16, 2005 Steinway model “D” Duo-Art reproducing piano, only one of a few known still to exist. AMICA members were treated to an afternoon of vintage music at Don Ellison’s home. His large two story home is furnished with a plethora of wonderful musical instruments. The star of the lineup is a nicely restored Seeburg KT Special. Don played a number of 10 play rolls on it. There are also four player pianos including a Knabe Ampico grand, a Schaeffer upright once owned by Don’s parents and completely rebuilt and Piano Disc equipped by Bing Gibbs, a Farrand 88 note pumper upright, and a Schimmel grand piano equipped with a Piano Disc system with all the bells and whistles. If these instruments are not enough for you, sit down at Don’s lovely three manual Conn theater organ. The instruments are set against a background of antique furniture and artifacts that transported the attendees to a graceful and elegant bygone era. Outside on the patio members relaxed with glasses of punch and wine while music from the various instruments drifted out through the open windows. The source of music was not solely from mechanical instruments. Chris and Jack Bradshaw and Nan Bostick provided live ragtime entertainment. Banjo accompaniment by Bill Armstrong. The music was grand. Grilled sausages, salads and desserts kept the energy of the AMICA group at peak levels – not to mention the

291 selling the Mechanical Music books by Kevin McElhone is going well, and many members purchased copies to give out. We voted to order 200 more and Liz Barnhart will take them to the Convention. Stuart Grigg has been producing our Chapter mailings for many years, and we appreciate his efforts. Mike Barnhart has agreed to help with the mailings in the future. We discussed locations for future meetings and decided that we would meet again at the Minneapolis convention. In electing officers, the chapter voted Don Johnson as our new President, and he will be one of our hosts for Oktoberfest on October 15. Thanks to the Leedy families for organizing and hosting our weekend!

Don, Ken and host Barry enjoy another roll on the Ampico.

MIDWEST CHAPTER Reporter: Christy Counterman President: Stuart Grigg- (248) 356-5505

Saturday, April 2 began with a late snowstorm and ended with a beautiful sunset and 50 degree temperatures. We traveled almost to the shore of Lake Michigan to begin our afternoon at the adjacent houses of Bennet Leedy and Barry Leedy. Bennet’s collection includes a front room with back to back grands including his 1927 Haines Brothers Ampico Scott Bower played Gershwin-without the roll! in a Louis XV case, a 5’10” 1924 Kurtzmann Welte and a 1925 Weber Duo-Art. Roll collections were upstairs and downstairs and his mom’s extensive display of carnival glass amazed us all. He restores pianos downstairs and the Leedy Brothers Roll Auction operates here too. After enjoying appetizers and listening to the many rolls, we went out for dinner at the Lake Michigan Hills Golf Club. The view over the golf course was perfect as the sun went down. The evening was highlighted by a concert at Barry’s, featuring Scott Bower playing Gershwin on the 1925 Mason and Hamlin Ampico grand. Barry also has a very nice Steinway Welte upright which is in the midst of restoration. The collection of vintage National Park memorabilia was a nice reflection on his summer job at Yellowstone. Tim Needler takes his turn at Barry’s walnut Ampico On Sunday morning, we were back at Barry’s for Grand with a Duke Ellington selection. breakfast and the business meeting. Our chapter project of

292 Mike Barnhart shows his restoration work to Jerry and Karl. Carol Thiel serves up a treble clef from the cake. Sisters Jody Trittipo and Miriam Hanscom model musical red sweaters

Midwest Chapter Minneapolis Meeting August Meeting

Here is a brief description of our meeting Hose Bennet Leedy puts another roll on the Kurtzman Welte Licensee. in Minneapolis – the pictures will tell the story. The Midwest Chapter had 22 members attending the Minneapolis convention, so we took the opportunity to hold our business meeting after the pumper contest. Outside the hospitality room of the Marriott was a large atrium where we discussed upcoming meetings. After our fall meeting north of Detroit, we plan to visit Cincinnati and perhaps Indianapolis in 2006. Quite a few of our members drove around the surrounding areas to visit towns such as Stillwater and Red Wing, not to mention visiting close by attractions such as the Metrodome for a Twins game and of course, shopping at the Mall of America. Many of us have wonderful souvenirs from exploring on our free time. We enjoyed visiting old friends and meeting some new ones. President Don Johnson, surrounded by chapter members, holds our charter.

Mike Barnhart shows Jerry Brasella his dad’s crank organ. The Midwest Chapter had 22 attendees in Minnesota.

293 Christy Counterman and Sherri Neff at the corner where Mary Tyler Moore threw her hat into the air in downtown Minneapolis.

Larry and Marilyn Reichert enjoy the view in the Como Park Conservatory.

Huston Place. Showing off the original steel door are Tim Needler, Bob Andersen and Don Johnson.

Charlene Torer takes a turn at playing the original NBC chimes used on radio programs.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER Reporter: Shirley Nix President: Frank Nix- (818) 884-6849

Quite a few Southern Californians attended the Convention in Minneapolis, and everyone who went had a great time. There were so many trips and visits for us, many in places we would never have found or been able to get into on our own, and each one had its’ own excitement and charm. (We’ll never forget sitting in the backyard of a mansion watching fireworks over the river after having had a Miriam Hanscom, Jody Trittipo and Liz Barnhart compete wonderful organ concert and super desserts. It just doesn’t get in the special AMICA edition of Quiz Show. any better than that.) Minneapolis is a fascinating city, with an interesting history, and lent itself well to entertaining us. Don Barton and his crew really did a great job, and we all owe them a vote of thanks. They worked hard and made a super convention for all of us. When we got back to “normal living”, whatever that is, it was time to plan our next Southern California meeting, which was held July 9th at the home of Frank and Shirley Nix. The attendance was good, with over seventy people there. We had a lot of guests and family members, which pleased us very much. Bill Whitney, our badge guru, brought his son Darrell and his family, and Richard and Mary Thomas brought their son and his family. It’s such a pleasure to see some younger people attend the meetings, and we really enjoyed having them. Jody Trittipo, Donna and Hal Estry at host Phillip Baird’s July, of course, is outdoor living time, so the Nixes Arts and Crafts living room.

294 planned a barbecue in the afternoon, with lots of hot dogs, good time. At least I hope so. We love doing these meetings, hamburgers, and salmon burgers, salads and munchies, topped and summer is the perfect time, with the outdoor theme. off with ice cream sundaes, all accompanied by lots and lots Two weeks later we were asked to host a tour for the of good music. Lunch was served outdoors, and the Ruth and Coin Op Collectors, who were having their convention near- Carl Frei organs furnished most of the music during lunch. by. We agreed, and again called on other members and family Steve Nix did all the cooking, and without any to help, and just like the cavalry, they came to the rescue. complaints, (from him or the guests that is) and Doug Nix Robin Biggins took over the upstairs music box room, demonstrated the machines in the Music Haus while Frank Lloyd Osmundson played the street organs, Steve Nix attended to other matters. demonstrated the Music House machines, Herb Mercer lent a Steve’s wife, Tara Nix did most of the set up and hand anywhere he was needed, and Brook Osmundson clean up chores were handled by Tara and Doug’s girlfriend manned the punch bowl and good table. There were about 75 Barbara Nielsen. These four really worked, and helped make COCA members who arrived by bus, and they seemed to it all happen. appreciate the machines and generally had a good time. Frank We had a short meeting, as is normal, but this time we gave them a pitch to join our organizations as well, which had to let everyone know that Ken Hodge would be never hurts. Our neighbors are finally getting used to the stepping down as Treasurer after only a seventeen-year stint. buses coming I guess…no one was out on their porch this He is selling his home in Lancaster and moving to Colorado. time, wondering what in the world the Nixes are doing now. It will be the Rocky Mountain Chapter’s gain, but a big loss to us. Ken was presented with a plaque thanking him, but what can you say to someone who has been so devoted to his How much fun is an job…We all said “Thank You”, but that hardly begins to tell AMICA convention? what we all feel. We hate to lose Ken, but wish him well on Ask Rochelle Mercer, his new adventures. He has been a staple at our organ rallies, Roy Beltz and Diane Lloyd. too, and that will be another hole that’s hard to fill. However, Ken had been busy and convinced Lloyd Osmundson to take over as Treasurer, so our money will still be in good hands. Lloyd is another person we depend on a lot in this Chapter. He is always there with a smile when we need him…well, almost always with a smile. We feel very fortunate to have him come in to take Ken’s place. We had to promise him a plaque, too, if he held the job for seventeen years! (We did that gladly…) Frank gave a rundown on upcoming events, such as the Bill Blair and Jean Hurley at the organ rallies and a planned trip to Northern California for our Foshay Tower. fall meeting. One of our members, Josh Rapier, got married, and we wish the young couple all the best in their life together. Josh does a lot of piano work in the area, having trained under the watchful eyes of Reese and Terry Banister. The meeting adjourned, and everyone was free to enjoy the music. Everything was playing well, whether ones taste ran to the large Helios, Duwyn, Styria, Imhof Mukle or to Ken Hodge assures Lloyd the smaller items like the Wurlitzer BX or CXB or the Osmundson he’ll love Coinola Midget or Seeburg KT. The violanos also had their being treasurer. share of admirers, particularly the two singles Frank has on midi playing duets. Upstairs the music boxes displayed their charms and entranced those who ventured up. This room has a charm all its own, with many different types of boxes on display. Of course, if the bold (and loud) sound was one’s choice, there was the organ room, with the outdoor instruments. The Ruth was set up to crank, and it was well used all afternoon. I guess a lot of people felt the need to work off their lunch, and it does burn up the calories. In the house itself the Steinway Duo-Art was playing up a storm, along with the Weber Unika. Also on display was the Lloyd and Brooke Osmundson, phonograph lamp, a birdcage with a family of two adults and anticipating all the fun of two babies, and the writer automaton. There are a few music Lloyd’s being treasurer. boxes in there, too. When the time came to leave, I think everyone had had a 295 Nice to have Virginia and Jerry Doring attend. The work crew-Barbara Nielsen, Doug Nix, Ken Hodge shows his “retirement” Tara Nix and Steve Nix. plaque.

Maya Thomas, 7 year old granddaughter of members Richard and Mary Thomas, shows off her considerable talent at the Bill Whitney with his family at the Nix meeting. Nix Steinway.

From Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical Instruments - by Q. David Bowers, page 562

296 ADVERTISING FOR SALE 1920 MARSHALL & WENDELL Upright Early “A” Ampico player GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT mechanism 80% rebuilt. Pnuematic Stack and Expression Units bench ALL ADVERTISING IN THE AMICA BULLETIN tested. Bronze Transmission: brass switches, “B” box valve spring All advertising should be directed to: clamps. New strings, new hammers custom bored are yet to be hung. Mike Kukral Cabinet refinished brown mahogany. Not much work needed to finish 216 Madison Blvd. the restoration and have it playing $4500. Vince Ricca Columbus, Ohio Terre Haute, Indiana 47803 614-488-4208, [email protected] (6-05) Phone: 812-238-9656 1919 CHICKERING & SONS Upright Early “A” Ampico player e-mail: [email protected] mechanism complete original condition to be restored. Piano acoustical- Ad copy must contain text directly related to the product/service ly rebuilt with new strings, hammers, dampers, action felts. Cabinet is being offered. Extraneous text will be deleted at the Publisher’s original mahogany painted white with matching bench. $2000. Vince discretion. All advertising must be accompanied by payment in Ricca Columbus, Ohio 614-488-4208, [email protected] (6-05) U.S. funds. No telephone ads or written ads without payment will be accepted. This policy was established by a unanimous vote of 1928 CHICKERING Model 59 LF Ampico A grand. 5’9” walnut the AMICA Board at the 1991 Board Meeting and reaffirmed at Louis XV artcase with matching bench and 50 Ampico rolls. Ampico the 1992 meeting. AMICA reserves the right to edit or to restored 10 years ago. Piano action rebuilt, including new hammers, reject any ad deemed inappropriate or not in keeping with shanks, and flanges 2 years ago. Refinished and restrung by a previous AMICA’s objectives. owner. $9500. Kenneth Snowden 415-334-3673 or The BULLETIN accepts advertising without endorsement, [email protected] (6-05) implied or otherwise, of the products or services being offered. 1929 STEINWAY XR from the Harvey and Marion Roehl collection, Publication of business advertising in no way implies AMICA’s a Mike Kitner restoration, excellent player, approximately 200 rolls. endorsement of any commercial operation. $15,000. Conchon 10 tune 15 inch cylinder music box with six bells, AMICA PUBLICATIONS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO drum and castanet, with matching table $4,950 Don Scheetz, ACCEPT, REJECT, OR EDIT ANY AND ALL 828-890-8994 [email protected] (6-05) SUBMITTED ARTICLES AND ADVERTISING. 1923 5’2” KIMBALL WELTE Licensee Grand, Mahogany, Serial #350911. Re-strung, new hammers, action regulated, refinished, All items for publication must be submitted directly to the includes original bench, Welte totally rebuilt. Bodine Motor/Minarik Publisher for consideration. speed control for accurate temp. Incredible expression. $9,000. Ron CLASSIFIED AD RATES FOR AMICA MEMBERS: Olsen 763-535-6662 4155 Quail Ave. N., Robbinsdale, MN 55422 (4-06) 1-50 Words ...... $10.00 MASON AND HAMLIN Red Welte Upright Piano with bench and 51-100 Words ...... $20.00 125 rolls. Pristine original. $7500. Paul Ciancia 201-569-8255 days, 101-150 Words ...... $30.00 201-891-6842 eves (6-05) Non-member rates are double for all advertising. SAVE THESE PIANOS! 88 note uprights—need restoration. Claren- don, Milton. Claviola missing stack, matching roll cabinet. 1923 Chick- DISPLAY ADVERTISING ering baby grand, not a player. Christy 330-864-4864 (Ohio) (5-05) Full Page — 71/2 " x 10" ...... $150.00 Half Page — 71/2 " x 43/4" ...... $ 80.00 G ROLL COIN OPERATED PIANO with Xylophone and Pipes Quarter Page —35/8 " x 43/4" ...... $ 45.00 $5500. Coin operated barrel Street Piano wih bells $1800. Apt. size Business Card — 31/2 " x 2" ...... $ 30.00 early Player Piano Elect. or pump $1200. Paul Cuoco, 113 Monument Special 6 for 5 Ad Offer - Place any ad, with no changes, for a Ave., Wyoming, PA 18644 Phone 570-693-2764. (5-05) full year (6 issues), and pay for only 5 issues. Payable in advance. 4’-8” AMPICO GRAND, 1931 HAINES BROS. William and Mary Photographs or halftones $15.00 each case with matching bench, restored A/B player works beautifully. Loose Sheet or Insert Advertising: Inquire $15,000. offers. Available: 5’-4” Knabe AMPICO “A” mahogany (1925), 5’-2” MW AMPICO “A” mahogany (1924), MW studio We recommend that display advertisers supply camera-ready AMPICO A/B (1930), Knabe, large upright AMPICO “A” (1919). copy. Copy that is oversized or undersized will be changed to correct size at your cost. We can prepare advertisements from 404-378-1949 (Georgia) (1-06) your suggested layout at cost. 1929 CHICKERING ART CASE AMPICO A Grand scarce 5’4” PAYMENT: U.S. funds must accompany ad order. Make check Spanish Mediterranean harpsichord style, with 9 legs, spreaders and payable to AMICA INTERNATIONAL. Typesetting and wrought-iron furniture. I’m only aware of one other in a collection. layout size alterations charges will be billed. Older restoration plays well, with a little very minor finish crazing. DEADLINES: Submissions must be received no later than the Bench, roll cabinet and numerous rolls included for $15,995. Charlie first of the odd months (January, March, May, July, September, Poulton, Tampa FL 813-973-7030 [email protected] (5-05) November). The Bulletin will be mailed the second week of the PIANOLA “PUSH UP” piano player. Very rare 65-88-note version even months. (Rev. 5-05) (one of two known). Mfg. by The Orchestrelle Co., London, circa 1908. Restored circa 1995. With 80 rolls, including original 65-note test roll. Photos available. $7,500 firm. Dick Howe, 73 Saddlebrook Lane, Houston, TX 77024, 713-680-9945 [email protected] (5-05) “We’ve heard that a million monkeys at HANDMADE BARREL AND PNEUMATIC ORGANS made in Germany. With moving figurines and a lot of humorous surprises. a million keyboards could produce the See: www.magic-mechanical-music.de Musik & Spiel Automaten complete works of Shakespeare; now, Geratebau, Ing. Hansjorg Leible, D-79400 Kandern/Holzen, Kirchstr. 2; Tel: 07626-7613, Fax 07626-971009 (6-05) thanks to the Internet, we know that is STEINWAY RED WELTE GRAND (T-100), Hamburg Model O, not true.” with original rolls. Please contact [email protected] for additional - Robert Wilensky information. Alejandro Radchik, Av. Mexico 37-507, Condesa 06100, Mexico, DF. [Mexico City] Tel.: 011- 52-555-419-5374 (6-05)

297 AMPICO. DUO-ART, WELTE, AND 88 NOTE PIANO ROLLS. New Recuts and Originals, including "Jumbo" and Program Rolls. Also N.O.S. QRS 88 Note rolls. Dave Caldwell, 400 Lincoln Lake Ave. N.E. Lowell, MI 49331; Check out my website: www.malli.net/-uni/caldwell email: [email protected]; phone: 616-897-5609. (1-06) r~' 1922 Welte-Mignon "Autograph" grand (plays Licensee rolls). 5'6" AMPICO - DUO-ART brown mahogany Louis XVI artcase with matching bench and 100 Welte rolls. Welte restored 10 years ago. Piano action rebuilt, including new hammers, shanks, and flanges 9 years ago. Serviceable original WELTE - RECORDO finish with some wear, not alligatored. $4800. Kenneth Snowden 415­ 334-3673 or [email protected] (6-05) 88 NOTE 1924 STEINWAY OR Duo-Art walnut Art case w/veneer damage from fire on one side, rebuilt player. in crates, w/new Ivory keys $11,500 Condition: D; 1995 BALDWIN 4'7" red polish Mah. Including, Jumbo, Program and Medley Rolls W/Pianodisc $8,900 Cond.: A; 1987 YAMAHA G2 Ivory polish s/Pianomation $8,900 Cond.: A; 1920 FRANKLIN 56" Ampico Mah. Offering listings of new recut and original rolls $3,500 Cond.: B+; MARIONETTE AMPICO GRAND original of above for direct purchasing, without bidding. complete w/matching bench $2,500 Cond.: Co; 1995 STORY & CLARK 42" Wal. $2,500; AMERICAN PLAYER PIANO 48" Also buying small and large collections Studio, $2,900. Contact: Schroeder's Pianos 562-923-2311 (6-05) Write or e-mail for listings and prices. WANTED Include P.O. address OAK BENCH or STOOL for 1879 oak pump organ. Please call or email [email protected] (5-05) and type you're interested in. FILMUSIC, PICTUROLLS, AND SUPERTONE PIANO ROLLS wanted. Call Alex at 209-478-0099. (5-05) http://www.revealer.com/caldwell/ RED WELTE MIGNON piano rolls (T-100). Paying top dollar. Mike Kukral 812-238-9656 or [email protected] (6-05) Dave Caldwell ANNOUNCEMENTS 400 Lincoln Lake Ave., N.E. Lowell, MI 49331 A tour of Mechanical Music and Christmas Markets in Black Forest. Museum and Private Collections in Freiburg - "100 Years Welte"; 616-897-5609 Triberg, Waldkirch; Elztall; Furtwangen Musical Clocks; Welte Restoration in Ettlingen; Speyer and famous Bruchsal. Dec 1-10,2005. [email protected] (1-06) $1,795 per person including air from NYC. Brochure? 1-800-262-4284 r'" or [email protected] (5-05) V

.III..T_I.TM ~._·137001· __I.J www.BluesRolls.com ** Since 1988 ** Rare vintage player piano rolls reissued - over 400 great ragtime, blues and popular 88-Note music rolls; Ampico, Duo-Art, and Welte Licensee rolls ofpopular and classical music are available, as well as "A" roll recuts for your nickelodeon piano. A NEW LIST offine Duo-Art classical (and some pop) music and Welte popular (and some classical) rolls is now IN STOCK and READY TO SHIP! Twenty of each, plus new 88-note BLUES recuts by such greats as James P. Johnson and "Fats" Waller. Browse to \vww.bluesrolls.com or email for details: [email protected]. You can also call or write for a list - please specify which type of roll interests you! r. BluesTone Music Rolls J Rob DeLand I 485 Gatewood Lane Grayslake, IL 60030 I 847-548-6416 (6-05)

298 JOHN WRASSE PIANO MOVING Specializing in: Player Grands, Nickelodeons & Orchestrions Anywhere in Continental US • • • • • • 25 years experience Knowledgeable Rebuilder Well-known - References Available Insured • • • • • • Your instrument is wrapped, padded and secured for transport in an insulated, clean custom-built heavy-duty trailer. Professional and personal service.

John P. Wrasse, Piano Pro 31449 216th St., Bellevue, IA 52031 Office (Korin): 815-398-4861 Cell (John): 563-580-2472 E-mail: [email protected] (6-05) (3-06)

WANTED TO BUY MUSIC BOXES MUSICAL CLOCKS MECHANICAL ORGANS Always in the market for better quality disc and cylinder music boxes, musical clocks, singing birds, band organs, player organs, monkey organs, Wurlitzer 78 rpm jukeboxes, slot machines. Any condition. MARTIN ROENIGK 75 Prospect Avenue Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (800) 671-6333 • (479) 253-0405 www.mechantiques.com • [email protected]

(3-06)

299 Motivated Buyers-please make an offer!

Richard S. Comras Post Office Box 1826 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

Potential Buyers,

For the past thirty-five years we have lived in Tarzana and have recently moved to Rancho Mirage. We have no room in our new desert home for our wonderful upright Steinway Duo-Art Player Piano. We’ve had this instrument for the last thirty years. It is in excellent condition, has rinky-tink, electric playing, and also has foot pumps. The piano was manufactured in 1925 and carries the serial number 230525. It comes with a beautiful bench and many player rolls.

We are motivated sellers and have placed a reasonable price of $18,500.00 on this wonderful instrument. A friend of ours who owns the Ivy Antiques Shop at 12318 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604, has allowed us to leave it with her for viewing and sales. Ms. Dio, the owner, has full authorization to handle the transaction.

While looking at the piano be sure to look through the shop. It is large, beautiful, and has many unusual and fantastic items.

Sincerely, Richard S. Comras

(4-06)

300 ’s Player Piano Ser vi Ben A Complete Restoration Service ce For The Pneumatic Piano Complete pianos and player systems restored using factory original techniques by an experienced professional. Complete or partial systems can be sent to my shop for restorations. I supply special UPS cartons for this unique service. Ben Gottfried 464 Dugan Rd. • Richfield Springs, NY 13439 315-858-2164 (6-05)

Visit the AMICA Web Page at www.amica.org From Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical Instruments - by Q. David Bowers, page 438

The Augustiner Museum Freiburg, Germany Announces the Opening of the Grand Exhibit “100 Years of the Welte-Mignon Piano” September 16, 2005 to January 8, 2006 See and hear the history, instruments (some on special loan to the museum), people, and artists of a past and glorious age of piano music recording. The exhibit includes many items never before displayed from personal collections around the world! Exhibition Catalog available a must for all piano and music collectors.

For details and additional information please contact: [email protected] Mike Kukral recommends accommodations a few hundred feet away from the Museum at “Hotel Schwarzwaelderhof”. E-mail: [email protected] (5-05)

301 MARTY PERSKY Automatic Musical Instrument Specialist Serving Collectors and the Trade Worldwide Instrument Brokering & Locating Collections / Estates / Individual Instruments Appraisals / Inspections / Free Consultation Some Great Instruments Offered Ð Call for Images & Videos

6’2” RAA Mason&Hamlin AMPICO A Knabe Ampico B Link E with xylophone super piano must sell 12,000 w / Ampichron and torch glass 17,000

Nat’l Dog Race w / Selector 23,000 Big Bruder Playing 165 rolls 18,500 Paillard 31cyls 22,500

Also Regina 27” Changer 23,000, Mills Single Violano unrestored 18,750, Regina Desk 14,500, Wurlitzer 146 A with bells, Polyphon Mikado 16,000, other Music Boxes, Automata, Books, etc.

Website: www.MechMusic.com

Tel. 847-675-6144 6514 N. Trumbull Ave. Fax. 847-675-6160 Lincolnwood, IL 60712 USA E-mail: [email protected] (6-05)

302 Opportunities Silver Anniversary Auction Newnan, Georgia Where Rare is Common 1981 March 17 & 18, 2006 2006 An Opportunity to Expand Your Collection

Offering Includes: 1. The ultimate in Phonographs: Opera with Mahogany horn, many Victors with Wooden Horns. Including Victor 6, and most other Victor models, Columbia, Edison and Others (Over 30) 2. Early Specialty Items. Hexaphone, Reginaphone, and more. 3. Dozens of Musical Boxes: Outstanding Cylinder and Disc Type. (27” Changer, etc.) 4. Peerless Nickelodeon, etc. 5. Numerous coin-operated machines including very uncommon arcade machines.

Preston Evans (G.A.L. 1287) 31 Redbud Trail Newnan, GA 30263 770-502-0028 or www.prestonopportunities.com We are accepting qualified consignments if notified early. Watch for our upcoming full page ads.

All details of Auction are in free one sheet advertisement. Not available until February 1. Our illustrated color catalog will be available around February 8th. The cost is $25.00, admits one to the auction and applies to any purchase.

Auction location: 19 First Avenue Newnan, Georgia (2 blocks from town square) (5-05)

303 REPLACEMENT LEADERS These 11 1/4” x 17” reprints, not trimmed and without tabs, are excellent replicas of the more popular types of reproducing piano roll leaders. While intended for roll repairs, they may also be used for decorative purposes. To splice, overlay new leader on old roll, lay a straightedge on an angle, cut through both papers with a sharp knife, discard scrap, and butt-join with magic mending tape on top surface.

A. Brown on buff B. Black on ivory C. Black on ivory D. Black on ivory (For early red label boxes) (Area for reusable (Most common) (Very late rolls by combined artist photo) Aeolian/American)

Note: Early Welte’s with blue leaders may be repaired with this brown leader. Many of these when reissued had brown leaders.

E. Green on ivory F. Green on ivory G. Welte (Most common) (Favorite Fifty & Brown on buff Selected Roll Service) (Most common)

Please make checks payable to Checks or money Price: $ 1.00 each Style Quantity AMICA INTERNATIONAL, orders from foreign Minimum Order: $10.00 A ______And send to: countries must B ______be drawn on C ______BRIAN K. MEEDER U.S. bank. D ______904A West Victoria Street Postage and Handling $ 5.50 Santa Barbara, CA 93101-4745 E ______Roll Order $ ______F ______e-mail address for orders: G [email protected] Total Amount (U.S. $) $ ______Total Quantity ______

304

-I:

~f

~

u

·USI~£ ft~ Vftp£!,t Rue l"orand u CHEZ IRSOSTENE PARIS· 1!'Ip. CLEMENT. ~Wg?~;lion 01 transf Editions EPHI.interdit~~Pa . 942 - Piano Focke - 1898 A R0UEN SFR-Ol, PARIS ormatlons