The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1917)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 81 FROM OUR CHICAGO HEADQUARTERS— (Continued from page 79) vacate its first floor at 225 South Wabash avenue and that this space will be occupied by a concern which will retail Brunswick phonographs and Pathe records. This location is one of the most desirable upon Wabash avenue, being situated right in the midst of the retail talking machine district. Patriotic Pathe Window Display During the week when diplomatic relations with Germany were broken off, the Brunswick Phonograph Shop, at 19 East Jackson boule (j$/t£i&Xvi£/^ Phonographs ^.Pathe Record Striking Window Display of Brunswick Products vard, took advantage of the patriotic spirit so strongly manifested on the part of the people generally, by arranging the window display which is illustrated herewith. The window was devised by C. H. Johnston, who sent over to a nearby recruiting office, and secured the loan of the muskets and other accoutrements of war used in the display. Cardboard shields were prepared, and Pathe discs were mounted on top of them, each shield bearing a description of the record displayed thereon. The display attracted much attention, and resulted in some very good business. Thomas R. Johnson on Eastern Trip Thomas R. Johnson, sales manager of the talking machine division of Thos. E. Wilson & Co., is contemplating a trip to the East. "I have been hoping for some time to get away," said Mr. Johnson, "but every morninghas brought such a pile of orders to take care of that I am beginning to doubt if I can ever get away from the office. If I am lucky enough to "get sufficient time I will visit New York, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Washington and a number of other Eastern cities." The new $50 machine which the Thos. E. Wilson Co. is placing upon the market is evidently meeting with a tremendous "hit." The number of features and improvements which it possesses makes it appear that it will be even more popular than the famous $35 Ashland machine. First Majestic Dividend Notice has been given to the creditors of the New Majestic Phonograph Co. that a first dividend has been ordered paid by the court. At a hearing March 8, Referee Eastman entered an order and allowed the receiver $255 in fees. Referee Eastman also allowed lawyers' ■ fees of $800. Scotford Reproducer on Market L. K. Scotford, who has been prominent in local talking machine circles for the past two years, has placed upon the market the new "Scotford Reproducer," which is designed for all makes of hill and dale records. "My device has been very favorably received," said Mr. Scotford, "and orders have been the least of my troubles. My principal problem has been in turning them out in sufficiently large quantities. We are now, however, increasing the output, and hope to be able to ship with considerably more dispatch than we have in the past." FlexiFile's New Quarters The FlexiFile Co., of this city, manufacturers of filing devices, owners of the FlexiFile system for filing talking machine records, have moved into very attractive new quarters, which occupy the ground floor and basement at 27 South Fifth avenue. The main floor is devoted to a general display showing the FlexiFile systems as they are applied by manufacturers of talking machines to the cabinet machines, and also to the attractive line of auxiliary filing cabinets produced by the FlexiFile Co. for sale to dealers. On the mezzanine floor in the rear of the store are located the general offices. In the basement is the experimental "laboratory" where constant work is being done in the way of improvement and adaptation of the already popular FlexiFile system. The company is producing a most commendable system of training traveling salesmen. They insist that every man who goes out on the road for them shall first spend some time in the factory getting a practical acquaintance with the FlexiFile and its purpose and take an actual part in the manufacturing end of the business. The company maintains a New York office at 395 Broadway, in charge of Mr. Shotter. . Conditions and Quality The B. & H. Fibre Mfg. Co., of this city, report a remarkable demand for B. & H. Fibre needles. In fact, it is greater than at any time in the history of the company. It was crowding the capacity of the plant to the utmost before the present shortage in steel needles manifested itself and since present conditions have existed this heavy growth in demand has been tremendously accentuated. Lyraphone Chicago Offices The Lyraphone Co., of America, has opened Chicago offices and warerooms at Room 511 Grant Park Building, 624 South Michigan boulevard. They are in charge of Oscar M. Seitz, who has traveled in the West for some time, and who has charge of the extensive territory extending from Illinois to, and including, the Pacific Coast. He has organized an extensive sales force. In the same office is the headquarters of Cullen-Likens, a firm organized to take over the Illinois distribution for the Lyraphone. A. J. Cullen, of this firm, is a brother of T. J. Cullen, manager of the retail talking machine department of the W. W. Kimball Co., and E. J. Likens has hitherto been associated with A. J. Cullen in another line of business. The Lyraphone Co., by the way, is embarking in the manufacture of hill and dale disc records, and are utilizing for a laboratory and pressing plant extensive quarters at New York City. They will have their first bulletin out in thirty or sixty days. Cutting Into the Night Wade & Wade, manufacturers of the Wade & Wade needle cutters, are running their factory at 3807 Lake Park avenue, day and night in order to supply the large demand for their product. Mr. Wade believes in supplying satisfactory service, as well as satisfactory cutters, and is able to make prompt shipment by dint of straining his manufacturing facilities to the utmost. Increase Scope of Brunswick Activities Five additional travelers have been added to the Brunswick-Balke force of phonograph representatives. The men are A. B. Lippet, A. M. Geronmy, A. E. Andres, O. E. Arbuckle and Frank H. Wood. The last named was formerly with the Cheney Phonograph Co. J. Kendrick announces that Reed Landis is the latest acquisition to the Chicago force. Mr. Landis becomes advertising manager of the Brunswick phonograph department, and is excellently equipped by previous experience to handle the publicity of this concern. He was formerly connected with the Chicago salesrooms of the Aeolian-Vocalion Co. and later with the very well-known advertising firm of Lord & Thomas. E. Strauss, who was formerly manager of the Columbus, O., branch of the Brunswick-BalkeCollender Co., has been appointed assistant sales manager, and is working under Mr. Kendrick. H. E. Nelson continues in charge of the dealer's service department. Mr. Landis has already become well launched in his new work. A score or more of large plates for use in local dealer advertising campaigns have been prepared and a more forceful and intimate co-operation with Brunswick agencies is planned. Exclusive Brunswick stores have been opened in Princeton, 111., and in Kansas City, Mo. Geo. P. Thompson and W. C. Van Matta are the proprietors of the store in Princeton. (Continued on page 82) L1IU llclS IJCCH ULULIIU [JO.iyj. Uy LIU. ^UUIL. Ul IIIV. ^jiuy-iuii^. -^v., ~» . ....... — , _ 1 ; _ . _ TRANSFER NAME-PLATES We make the Name -Plates and Transfers for the largest talking machine manufacturers in this country and for dealers in every state. YOUR NAME, Mr. Dealer, on every machine brings the owner back to you for records and his friends to you for a machine. Samples, Suggestions and Sketches Furnished Free THE MEYERCORD COMPANY, CHICAGO Largest Manufacturers of DECALCOMANIA Transfer Name-Plates I