The talking machine world (July-Sept 1921)

September IS. 1921 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 93 PHILADELPHIA andi IPCALITr Philadelphia. Pa„ September 7.~ The talkie machine business in the month of August was more satisfactory than was the business during cither July or June. Weather conditions were a little more favorable, hut that was not the only reason a healthy condition developed, which seemed to be due to general trade betterment. During the month there have been little or no changes, and it would appear that the dealers are awaiting to get a little further into the Fall to sec what their business is going to require of them. H. A. Wcymann & Sons, however, have entirely rearranged their talking machine wholesale department and have added very much to its completeness and its effectiveness. They have built an office front for Mr. Bahls adjoining ihe one occupied by Harry W. Weyiiiann, the head of the firm. Back of Mr. Bahls' office they have a large reception room for the use of the dealers as they come in, something they have never before had, and there are a number of irdividual desks, with writing material, etc., so that each dealer will have the required privacy, and they have also placed there machines for his inspection and advertising novelties for his consideration, including a complete set of the Penn Victor operatic figures. Back of this reception room begin the long rows of talking machine record shelves, so that the entire department is quite convenient. Most of this space now occupied by talking machines was formerly used for the shelving and office work in connection with the Q li S music rolls. Walter E. Eckhardt's Resignation The resignation of Walter E. Eckhardt as president and general manager of the interstate Phonograph Co., which was referred to in last month's World, did not come as much of a sur prise to those who know Walter Eckhardt intimately, but it created considerable cvcitcnicnt among those who did not. The Pathe business here has bctn taken over by the Pathe Co. and it will he conducted by them, at least that being the present arrangement. Mr. Eckhardt is still holding down his former office and is settling up his affairs gradually, as lo correspondence and other details, and very shortly we may expect to hear an important anrouncement from him. as he has the choice of several large propositions, cither one of which v.ould be most inviting. Regarding his resignation Mr. Eckhardt said. "This is not entirely unexpected, as I have given my friends to understand for the past several months that negotiations were pending that would enable me to gain a free footing from business cares, ai least temporarily I am now, for the first time in inv business career of twenty-seven years, breathing perfectly free, with nothing ahead of me. It does seem that after all these years given to the phonograph industry, in which time I have managed factories, general distribution and sales and established and operated many wholesale and retail branches, my experience should not be lost entirely to an art which is so important and so prominent in the world's enterprises of the day. It was my first impression that at this time it would he profitable to hesitate and survey the. entire commercial field before deciding upon plans for the future, and although my arrangements for retiring were consummated but a few days ago I find myself at the present moment reviewing them v. ith much deliberation, for the time being, and will put on brakes and see how things are from the outside in. As soon a? I am able to calcu late, in my own mind, just what my plans will he, I will notify my friends through your newspaper columns. I wish, in temporarily retiring, lo express my full appreciation of ihe many, many courtesies extended lo mc by your paper your staff, my clients anil competitors." Many Columbia Activities The Columbia Co. is finding its business gradually on the increase during the entire month, and is looking for a corresponding increase during September. Manager Cummin has spent as nir.eh time as possible during the month in the various towns in this State, New Jersey and L'claware, where the firm has representatives, helping the dcaleri as much as possible in suggestions for the marketing i>( the Columbia product. Dealer Service Manager W. J. Lorenzo has been quite busy since he returned from his two weeks' vacation, spent in New York State, in a trip to Atlantic City to arrange a concert to he given by Marion Harris and the Columbia Saxophone Quartet, at ihe warerooms of the £. M. Blatt store, which is to be held this week, and in going about the city with sonic of Ihe out-of-town Columbia visitors. Both J. D. Westervelt and F. j>. Connelly, of the Columbia force, were also in New York Stale several weeks during the month on vacation. E. A. Manning, the assistant manager, spenl his two weeks' vacation ai Atlantic City Among the recent Columbia visitors at the local offices were: H. B. Ncwkirk, Salem, N. J.; J. W. Moss. Shaiuokin, Pa., N. Freeman, oi Chester; J. M. Carothcrs, Atlantic City; J. M. Cameron, of the Cameron Piano Co, Allcntown; I. Baker, Mt. Holly, N. J.; B. Mingen, Medford, {Continued on fayc 94) THE greatest singer of all time has gone. In his place stand the Victrola and Victor Records. Put special efforts on Caruso Records— mail work, window display and selling plans -for the public is anxious to purchase them. Buehn Service will aid you in securing the proper sales volume this Fall. The Louis Buehn Company Victor Wholesalers PHILADELPHIA