The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1914)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. 27 ENTER JOBBING FIELD IN NEW YORK. DINNER TO FRANK K. DOLBEER. Phonograph Corporation of Manhattan, Recently Incorporated, Opens Wholesale Headquarters at 433 Broadway, with Frank K. Dolbeer in Charge as Manager — To Handle the Entire Edison Line at Wholesale — Retail Quarters to Open on Upper Fifth Avenue. Frank K. Dolbeer, for the past fifteen years manager of phonograph sales for Thomas A. Edison, Inc., and its predecessor, the National Phonograph Co., and who is well known and popular in the trade throughout the country, resigned recently from that position for the purpose of becoming manager for the recently organized Phonograph Corporation of Manhattan, jobbers and retailers of Iklison machines and records in New York City. As recently announced in The Talking Machine World, the new company, which has the backing of Chicago and New York capitalists, has leased the building at 473 Fifth avenue, in the heart of the exclusive musical and business district near Fortysecond street, of which possession will be taken on May 1. Contracts are now being let for the re F. K. Dolbeer. modeling of the structure throughout in a most elaborate manner, with a conspicuous but artistic tile front, a commodious recital hall in the rear of the first floor and other fittings in keeping. The cost of the work will be in the neighborhood of $50,000, and it is expected to be finished in time for the company to occupy the quarters about the middle of August. The Phonograph Corp. of Manhattan has already taken possession of a large floor at 443 Broadway, running through to Mercer street in the rear and including over 10,000 square feet of floor space, which will be used as a storage and shipping center for the jobbing end of the business. Only sufficient goods will be carried in stock at the Fifth avenue quarters to meet the demands of the retail trade. Mr. Dolbeer and G. L. Babson, one of the Babson family of Chicago, well known in the phonograph trade, his assistant, opened for business at the Broadway address on April 6. A stock of sample instruments were placed upon display at once and shipments of disc and cylinder machines and records have been coming from the factory in a steady stream since that time. A number of pleasing orders for goods were received from local Edison dealers during the first week, and Louis F. Barg, of 7810 Third avenue, Brooklyn, was the first dealer to be signed up by the new company. In speaking of the plans of the. Phonograph Co., • of Manhattan, Mr. Dolbeer said: "New York is practically a virgin territory for the exploitation of the Edison phonographs and records of the newer types, and it is the plan of our company to go after the business in a most aggressive manner. When our uptown quarters are opened the offices of the company will move to that address and a campaign of advertising will be carried on in the broadest sort of way and in a manner that will not only aid our own business, but will tend to benefit materially the business of every concern in New York and vicinity handling the Edison products. From our own experience and that of other Edison jobbers already established we are on the threshold of a new era in the talking machine trade." Tendered a Farewell Banquet by the Heads of the Various Departments of Thomas A. Edison, Inc., Upon His Resignation as Manager of Phonograph Sales for the Company. come manager of the Phonograph Corp. of Manhattan. Mr. Ireton is well known to the Edison jobbers and dealers throughout the country and is well fitted to fill his new and responsible position in a most capable manner. The esteem in which Frank K. Dolbeer is held by his former associates with Thomas A. Edison, Inc., was indicated on Saturday evening, April 4, when, following his resignation from the post of manager of phonograph sales for that company, which he held for fifteen years, to become manager of the newly organized Phonograph Corp. of Manhattan, the heads of the various departments of the Edison Co. to the number of thirty-six tendered him an elaborate farewell dinner at the Hotel Washington, Newark, N. J. During the course of the dinner Mr. Dolbeer was presented with a handsome gold watch of the latest model, suitably engraved, which was accompanied by a valuable chain of platinum, set with pearls. The presentation speech was made by Charles H. Wilson, vice-president and general manager of Thomas A. Edison, Inc., to which Mr. Dolbeer responded and expressed his sincere appreciation in his usual enthusiastic manner. Wm. H. Meadowcroft, who has been private secretary to Thomas A. Edison for the past thirtyfive years; E. H. Phillips, credit manager, and N. C. Durand, manager business phonograph department, made brief speeches. At the conclusion of the dinner Mr. Dolbeer was the recipient of an elaborate autographed menu, which contained a photograph of Mr. Dolbeer, with a little history of his life, and "moving pictures" of some of the striking moments of his career. The dinner broke with the drinking of the following expressive toast : Here's to you, Frank Dolbeer, Here's to you, our jovial friend ! And we'll drink the toast before we leave the company, We'll drink before we part, Here's to you, Frank Dolbeer. DEATH OF GEORGE A. LONG, Head of Long Furniture Co. and George A. Long Cabinet Co., Hanover, Pa., Passes Away After a Brief Illness — A Prominent Business Man and Citizen — No Change in Conduct of Business. A. C. IRETON PROMOTED TO MANAGER Placed in Charge of Phonograph Sales Department of Thomas A. Edison, Inc. A. C. Ireton, who has been connected with the Edison phonograph interests for seventeen years, most of that time as assistant to the manager of phonograph sales, has succeeded Frank K. Dolbeer as head of the phonograph sales department, following the recent resignation of the latter to be (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Hanover, Pa., April 3.— George A. Long, head of the Long Furniture Co., and of the George A. Long Cabinet Co., of this city, died at his home here last week after a very short illness. He was fifty-six years old and was born in Hanover, where he spent his entire lifetime. The Long Furniture Co. was established thirteen George A. Long. years ago and the George A. Long Cabinet Co. was organized several years later for the purpose of making talking machine cabinets for the prominent manufacturers and also record cabinets for the general trade. With both classes of cabinets the company met with particular success, due largely to the business ability of Mr. Long in manufacturing and marketing his product. Mr. Long was one of the most prominent citizens of Hanover, took a lively interest in the civic and social affairs of the city. He was one of the organizers of the Hanover Trust Co., a member of the Masons and other orders, and a pronounced lover of music, which influenced him to organize the local choral and oratorio societies. Mr. Long was highly respected by his friends and associates as a man of high principles and whose word was as good as a written contract in any transaction. The funeral on Tuesday was largely attended. The business of both the Long Furniture Co. and lie George A. Long Cabinet Co. will continue as before the death of Mr. Long with Clement Beecroft continuing to represent the latter company in the talking machine trade. UNION No. 1 Patent No. 776-672, others pending. 4 PRICES: Gold plated $5.00 Nickei or oxidized 4.00 EASY SELLERS— AT the left is the new UNION Sound Box just out, taking Fibre or any make of needle. It is the latest improvement in sound reproduction, and fits all Disc Machines. UNION TALKING MACHINE SPECIALTIES The upper right-hand illustration shows UNION No. 1, for playing Columbia and Victor records on Edison Machines. UNION No. 1 contains the UNION Modifier feature. The lower right-hand illustration shows the UNION Modifier, a quick-selling device, giving Edison, Victor and Columbia owners absolute control over the volume of sound. The UNION NEEDLE BOX fills another long-felt want. Write to-day for descriptive folders and prices on these four easy-selling specialties. 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