The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1910)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 35 TALKING MACHINE DEALERS ORGANIZE The Eastern States Talking Machine Dealers' Association Elect Officers and Adopt Constitution and By-Laws at Meeting Held in New York City on March 9 — Addresses by a Number of Notable Members of the Trade — Frank C. Storck Becomes President — Will Meet in Atlantic City with the Jobbers in July — An Important Conference. Responding to a call sent out by Frank C. Storck, of Red Bank, N. J., a goodly number of talking machine dealers of New York and neighboring States met at the New Grand Hotel, New York, on March 9, for the purpose of forming the Eastern States Talking Machine Dealers' Association. Besides the dealers there were present, by invitation, representatives of the three manufacturing companies, the National Association of Talking Machine Jobbers and The Talking Machine World. The meeting was divided into two sessions, the morning session being given over to the discussion of the needs of an association and what could be accomplished by such an organization. Mr. Storck, as temporary chairman, opened the meeting with a few remarks regarding the object of the gathering, and then called upon Louis F. Geissler, general manager of the Victor Talking Machine Co., for suggestions. Louis F. Geissler's Address. Mr. Geissler in his talk dwelt strongly upon the possible effects of co-operation among the dealers in any particular town or section of territory, and pointed out that three dealers in a town working in harmony could accomplish more for the talking business than double the number working at cross purposes, and that everything done to further the cause of the talking machine meant an increased business, for all those handling the line. He also proposed a division of territory among the dealers of a town, and declared that better results could be accomplished by a dealer working a certain section thoroughly than by covering a large territory in the face of strong competition. Mr. Geissler then emphasized what the factories were doing to advance the business through their advertising and sales departments, and stated that the work of the factories was largely wasted unless dealers put forth their best selling efforts. He expressed himself as being greatly in favor of house to house canvassing as the best way to uncover prospects. In closing, Mr. Geissler gave assurances of his company's interest in any movement for the benefit of the dealers and promised all the support possible. Edward Lyman Bill Called Upon. Edward Lyman Bill, editor and proprietor of The Talking Machine World, was next called upon to offer what advice he could regarding the proposed organization, and in the course of his remarks pointed put the benefits, derived from organization and where the dealers would find an association of value to them in their business. Mr. Bill emphasized the fact that no half hearted interest could be expected to bring results in association work, and that only by pulling strongly together could the venture prove a success and accomplish its objects. Then, too, the dealers were warned not to attempt too much in the beginning, but rather to take up each matter separately and bring it to a successful conclusion before attempting anything else. Mr. Bill stated that he was a decided optimist regarding the talking machine business and considered that at present it was only in its infancy, with its greatest growth yet to come. In closing he promised his hearty support to the movement through the medium of The Talking Machine World. Letters from F. K. Dolbeer. F. K. Dolbeer, sales manager of the National Phonograph Co., who was unable to be present, sent a letter voicing the approval of that company for the movement, and promising support where possible. Mr. Dolbeer was represented at the meeting by A. C. Ireton, assistant sales manager, who made a brief address. H. A. Yerkes' Interesting Remarks. H. A. Yerkes, representing the Columbia Phonograph Co., was also called upon, and made an interesting address, in which he expressed the complete sympathy of his company with the movement and wished it every success. He dwelt upon the value of associated work, emphasizing the fact that if the talking machine dealers stood together with a common purpose in viewthat much betterment could be accomplished. His talk was received with close attention. The chairman then said that they would be pleased to hear something from the advertising end of the talking machine business and called upon Geo. P. Metzger, advertising manager of the Columbia Phonograph Co. Geo. P. Metzger in Optimistic Mood. Mr. Metzger is an optimist on the talking machine situation, and in the course of his remarks it was plain that he believed the trade surface only had been scratched. He emphasized the necessity of hustling for business, and instanced the fact that where he lived, Stamford, himself, or none of his friends, save one, had been approached by local dealers to sell them a talking machine. Mr. Metzger felt that what was true in his town was true of others, and that the field was a rich one which lay before the talking machine dealers, and it only required systematic effort on their part to produce rich harvests. There .weje a. number of other short talks when the chairman announced that as the hour was past twelve it was necessary to adjourn for lunch, and that the meeting would re-convene at two o'clock, at which time definite plans for the formulation of a permanent organization would he presented for the consideration of the talking machine men present. J. N. Blackman on Association Work. At the opening of the afternoon session J. Newcomb Blackman, vice-president of the National Association of Talking Machine Jobbers, and one of the most active members of that successful organization, spoke on the subject of association benefits and methods, from his own experience, and offered the dealers some excellent advice for their guidance in the new undertaking. After Mr. Blackman's~ talk the work of organizing made rapid progress, the following officers being nominated and elected: President, Frank C. Storck, Red Bank, N. J.; vice-president. H. V. Lough, Plainfield, N. J.; secretary, John Diehm, Brooklyn, N. Y., and treasurer, A. Lasus, New Roehelle, N. Y. On the executive committee were appointed E. F. Glover, West Hampton Beach, N. Y. ; Chas. A. Laureigh, Orange, N. J.; Thomas Riddel], Brooklyn, N. Y. ; R. Montalvo, New Brunswick, N. J., and M. Goransky, Yonkers, N. Y. The constitution and by-laws, drawn up by a committee appointed at a preliminary meeting early last month, were approved with slight changes. The dealers registered at the meeting were: H. V. Lough, Plainfield, N. J.; Chas. A. Laureigh, Orange, N. J.; M. Goransky, Yonkers, N. Y. ; H. Henry Springmann, Hempstead, L. I.; Irwin Moser, Hamden, N. J.; M. Buchner, Newark, N. J.; W. O. Brown, Dover, N. J.; Barnett & Buck. Newburgh, N. Y.; H. H. Lister, Plainfield, N. J.; N. Alexander, Long Branch, N. J.; International Phonograph Co., New York; Greater New York Phonograph Co., New York; Adolph Mayer, New York; Jacob Wester, Newark, N. J.; Otto Goldschmidt, New York; John Lanzaro, Brooklyn, N. Y.; Thomas Riddell, Brooklyn, N. Y.; A. Lustberg, Huntington, L. I.; E. F. Glover, West Hampton Branch, N. Y. ; R. Montalvo, New Brunswick, N. J.; Seaver Bros., Brooklyn, N. Y. ; John Diehm, Brooklyn, N. Y.; Frank C. Storck, Red Bank, N. J. The following dealers were registered at their written request, though not present at the meeting: Irving P. Hallock, Greenport, N. Y. ; D. S. Marsh, New London. Conn.; G. Pagani & Bro., New York; F. E. Soule, New Milford, Conn.; E. A. Koonz, Wurtsboro, N. Y., and B. Howard, Tannersville, N. Y. Before the adjournment resolutions were passed thanking the hotel management for their courtesy and Edward Lyman Bill for the support afforded the association through the columns of his publications. The next meeting will be held on April 13 at the New Grand Hotel, New York, and thereafter meetings will be held every quarter on the second Wednesday of the month. It is hoped to hold the July meeting at Atlantic City at the same time as the jobbers' convention, July 5, 6 and 7. A meeting of the executive committee has been called for March 18. The yearly dues are $5 for active members and $2 for associate members, the latter not being entitled to any vote though they may attend the meetings and profit by the discussions. SYRACUSE WIRE RECORD RACK No. 2A WITH BOARD SHELVES This illustration shows our 2A rack with board shelving so that the envelope system for carrying the records can be used. This rack is an exact duplicate of our 2 A with the addition of the wood shelving. If you have our catalog compare it with our 2A; if you have no1 catalog get one to-day. Price of the Rack as Shown, $5.25 (envelopes NOT included) SYRACUSE WIRE WORKS, Syracuse, N.Y. The R. S. Williams & Sons Co., Toronto and Winnipeg, Canadian Representatives