The talking machine world (Jan-Mar 1921)

March 15, 1921 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 109 fPnllADELPHIA and IPCALIiy ^ Philadelphia, Pa., March 5. — The talking machine business in Philadelphia during the past month was very much better than during the month of January, and the prospects at the beginning of March are most gratifying. There ■ seems to be plenty of everything on the market at present — but customers — and they seem now to be .getting about in greater numbers. This pleasing development has undoubtedly conduced to the general feeling of optimism which is now apparent at every turn. Mobilizing to Fight Tax In order to relieve the trade of too much burden in the way of taxation, C. J. Heppe & Son have taken it upon themselves to begin a crusade in this city to try to get the next Congress to come to the relief of the talking machine dealers as well as piano dealers. The Heppe house has sent a letter to all the dealers here asking them to write to their Congressmen and Senators to this effect: "Dear Sir: In your consideration of the various tax problems which are before Congress, I wish to request your particular attention to the suggested tax on sales. I think you will agree with me that the present excess-profits tax. surtaxes and the excise taxes on certain industries are injurious and discriminating. Of course, I am particularly opposed to the 5 per cent excise tax on the music industry. Our business has been seriously affected by this tax. "I think a limited sales tax on all gross sales of every kind would be far more practical and not so discriminatory as the present taxes. I am sure it would be much easier to collect, more satisfactory to the general public and more encouraging to industries in general. I sincerely hope you will lend your efforts to the adoption of such a tax policy." Columbia Business Improves The Columbia Graphophone Co. reports that business in February was very much improved over January and the outlook for a steady improvement is most encouraging. The entire sales force of the firm met the last Saturday in February to discuss the standard monthly sales plan for March. The men were addressed by H. L. Tuers, who had come over from New York for that purpose. During the month Manager Cummin, of the Columbia, visited all sections of his territory. W. L. Lorenzo, who has been connected with the New York advertising department, has come to Philadelphia to become the new dealer service manager. On the evening of February 17 the "Notethe-Notes" Club of the Columbia, the women's club of the firm, held a meeting to which they had invited the male members of the house. They had as their guest of honor W. A. Willson, who came over from New York, and who made a long and interesting address. The ladies served refreshments and the affair was very much enjoyed. J. Wood, who was with the Columbia some time ago, has returned to the firm's employ and has taken charge of the record department. J. T. Callahan, former Columbia sales manager, was married the middle of the month to Miss Helen Perry. The office force presented him with a very handsome mahogany clock and candlesticks to match. Among recent Columbia visitors were S. P. Spiger, Woodbury, N. J.; J. H. Bartlett, Wilmington, Del.; O. K. Fink, Pottstown; A. Wol ston, Chester; H. C. Jarvis, Millville, N. J., and R. Sloan, Lansdale. Among the men over from the main offices were Geo. W. Hopkins, general sales manager, and O. F. Benz, assistant general sales manager. Pathe Dealers Hold Meeting Business with the wholesale and retail departments of Pathe Freres is reported satisfactory and dealers have begun to stock up in a very satisfactory way. Among the recent Pathe visitors were S. Fellman, of Fellman Brothers, Salisbury, Md.; Messrs. Lea and Lewis, of the Lea-Lewis Furniture Co., Danville, Pa., and Fred Whitenight, of Wilkes-Barre. The Pathe people have opened up new accounts in Scranton, Danville and Old Forge, Pa., and Burlington, N. C. During the month the Pathe men held a meeting at the Hotel Adelphia, which was attended by all the dealers in this city and vicinity, and was very much of a success. It was addressed by President E. A. Widmann, Sales Manager George W. Lyle, and others. Vocalion Shop Now Open The old Sonora Shop, at 1626 Chestnut street, has been changed to the Vocalion Shop, and is in charge of John P. Foley, who was formerly connected with the Philadelphia Show Case Co. It handles Aeolian-Vocalion machines and records exclusively, as well as the Melodee music roll and sheet music. Mrs. Caroline Ross, who was for some time connected with the Gimbel talking machine department, has gone with the Vocalion Shop to be in charge of its record section. Buehn Establishes New Victor Agencies Louis Buehn, of the Louis Buehn Co., Inc., {Continued on page 110) We Are Prepared To aid Our Dealers in making this their biggest year in Victor Merchandising. Increased Victor Production will call for more intelligent and concentrated application in sales methods. Constructive counsel will be given, "when desired, on Business Problems. We place at your command careful, fair and dependable methods of distribution. Also the use of our Victor Period Model Salon. The Louis Buehn Company OF PHILADELPHIA