The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1914)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. PANAMA CANAL WILL HELP PACIFIC COAST MERCHANTS This Method of Shipping from the East Will Effect a Great Saving in Freight Rates — San Francisco Pleased at Its Selection for Next Jobbers' Convention — The Phonograph Co.'s New Store to Open This Month — News of the Month Worth Recording. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) San Francisco, Cal., August 5— Vacations have about gone the rounds at the various music establishments here, and the forces are in goo.d trim to begin fall campaigns. City schools opened the last week in July, bringing many families home from the country, which naturally acts as a stimulus to business in practically all lines. For this reason most of the business houses arrange their vacations to coincide pretty closely with' the school vacations, and the reopening of schools is the signal for resumption of regular duties all round. In the talking machine quarters no time will be lost during the remainder of the year. Business kept up fairly well even when the vacation season was at its height, and all indications point to a good fall. Particular attention is now being called to the new records which were placed on the market while certain patrons were out of town, and the record sections are quite busy. Dealers and distributers of musical instruments generally are 1 looking forward with considerable interest to the opening of the Panama Canal for commerce about the middle of August, as the new method of shipment will mean a great saving to Coast interests receiving goods from the Atlantic seaboard. Pleased at Selection of San Francisco. , The local trade is elated over the selection of San Francisco as the next meeting place for the annual convention of the National Talking Machine Jobbers' Association. Every effort will be exerted by the trade to make the session a bigsuccess, and with the added attractions of the exposition, a large attendance is expected. Sherman, Clay & Co. were well represented at the national convention last month, L. S. Sherman, Andrew G. McCarthy and Chas. S. Ruggles attending, all having gone East for that purpose exclusively. Naturally they and their houses are especially gratified at the recognition given their city. Mr. Sherman came home directly after the festivities at Atlantic City were over, but Messrs. McCarthy and Ruggles remained over a few days to, visit the factory of the Victor Talking Machine Co. Mr. McCarthy, who is treasurer of Sherman, Clay & Co., gives his personal attention to the Victor department of the business, and Mr. Ruggles is manager of the company's Victor distributing branch at Los Angeles. Upon their return to headquarters they pronounced the convention a big success in every particular, and spoke enthusiastically over the hospitality extended to the delegates by the Victor Co. Sherman, Clay & Co. have just completed the redecoration of their first floors and windows and are celebrating the end of their renovations by a fine display of Victor goods and high class pianos and players. Peter Bacigalupi, Jr., Retires. The tendency in the local trade for some time has been toward additions and expansions, but the order of things has been reversed this month by the announcement from Peter Bacigalupi, Jr., that he is retiring from the talking machine business immediately. In fact, he has already vacated the old quarters on the second floor of the Douglas building, 908 Market street, and moved the remainder of his stock to a smaller room in the same building. The name of Bacigalupi has long been identified with the talking machine trade of this city, the business having been conducted under the name of Bacigalupi & Son to date, although the father and son divided their interests about two years ago, Peter, Jr., as he is generally known, taking the talking machines, and Mr. Bacigalupi, Sr., assuming full charge of the electric pianos and Edison dictating machine parts of the business. In the talking machine department a retail and jobbing business in Victor and Edison products was conducted. Peter, Jr., has not announced future plans, but his retirement does not affect his father's business. Columbia Co. News. W. S. Gray, district manager of the Columbia Graphophone Co., spent most of the past month away on vacation. He and Mrs. Gray enjoyed a pleasant outing at Lake Tahoe. It was the first real vacation Mr. Gray had taken in about five years and he made the most of it, returning to work with renewed vigor and optimism. F. R. Anglemeier, wholesale manager at the local Columbia warerooms, is spending two weeks in Sonoma County. During his absence C. J. Moore, traveling ambassador for the establishment, is keeping up his end of the work. The contest for an exposition song, which was announced .by the Bulletin a few weeks ago, is now open and full details will be announced shortly. The assurance of the Columbia Graphophone Co., through Pacific Coast Manager W. S. Gray, that the song will be made into a record and will be published by Jos. W. Stern & Co., of New York, has aroused much interest in the contest even at this early date. Formal Opening of Phonograph Co. The Phonograph Co., of San Francisco, expects to hold its formal opening in the new Edison shop on Geary street early in August. The remodeling of the premises is rapidly nearing completion and some of the stock is being moved from the old location on Post street, where the business was conducted under the name of Babson Bros. ■Te new place has been fitted up in first class shape and increased business is anticipated by Manager J. S. Baley in the new location. He reports a good July business in spite of the attention given to preparations for moving, and with the improved facilities and more desirable location he considers prospects bright for fall trade. Morgan Resigns. J. J. Morgan has resigned his position with the Emporium as manager of the talking machine department. General Manager A. A. Schell, of the Emporium music sections, says each month so far this year has shown an increase over the corresponding period of last year in the talking machine section, where Columbia goods are handled exclusively. Pacific Phonograph Co. Plans. R. A. Pommer, head of the Pacific Phonograph Co., has resumed his duties incumbent upon his business after a vacation at Lake Tahoe. J. E. McCracken, traveler for the company, spent several weeks in southern California and secured several new accounts in that section. He returned to San Francisco a few days ago, and is now establishing his bride in a home here, having been married just before leaving for the South. Arrangements have been made with Edw. Borgum to represent the Pacific Co. in the southern part of the State, with headquarters in Los Angeles. He was formerly with the Southern California Music Co., of that city. Mr. Pommer reports a better business for July than for June. Manager J. J. Black, of the Wiley B. Allen talking machine department, says the demand for dance records continues a potent factor in the business, and the new style No. XI. Victor Victrola is the favored machine. FAVORITE WITH SCHOOL CHILDREN. (Special to The Talking Machine World.) Steubenville, O., August 3. — At a recent outing given the pupils of the Washington School of this city, a Columbia "Favorite" machine played a prominent part in the day's festivities. The school owns this machine and a goodly number of records, which were purchased from the National Talking Machine Co. after the energetic sales efforts of Lambert Friedl, the company's manager. The school-children danced to the music of the "Favorite," and evidently thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the various records. Opportunity has knocked at many a man's dcor v. hen he was down at the corner saying, "Here's good luck." The Success of Your Talking Machine Department Is to a large extent dependent upon the service your distributor gives you. This admitted makes it important that you secure the best service obtainable. AND THAT IS EASTERN SERVICE To use it is to swear By it not At it. May we not have the opportunity to convince you that our service is exceptional? EASTERN TALKING MACHINE COMPANY 177 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON, MASS. EDISON FOR NINETEEN YEARS TALKING MACHINES EXCLUSIVELY VICTOR