The talking machine world (Jan-June 1919)

June IS, 1919 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 93 TRADE GROWS IN KANSAS CITY DESPITE SOME HANDICAPS Shortage Now Confined to a Few Single Styles — New Concerns Opened Up — Messrs. Jenkins and Pearce on "Victory Special" — Edison Interests Expanding — News of the Month Kansas City, Mo., June 6. — The talking machine trade in this city and territory has been exceptionally large during the past month, according to the dealers. The trade has shown a tendency to continue to increase, but the dealers are not experiencing the handicap that at first manifested itself when a shortage of stock became apparent. Shipments are arriving in good time and very little difficulty is being experienced. The shortage now is almost entirely confined to a few single styles of machines of many different makes, although there is some difficulty in keeping a sufficient supply of the more popular records in stock. The remarkable feature of the trade here during the past month is that, despite the fact that the weather conditions were very bad, business continued to increase. The month of May this year brought a greater precipitation of rain than it has for many years and the entire month from a weather standpoint could be characterized as a gloomy one, indeed. The Victor and Columbia department at the Smith, Barnes & Strohber Piano Co.'s branch has been increasing rapidly during the past few months. This is practically a new addition to the company's business here, and, of course, has not been developed to the extent that the piano business has. However, W. J. Simonson, manager of the branch, reports that the business has grown remarkably, and that he is planning to feature it in such a way as to encourage its growth that it may become something of a separate institution in connection with the piano business, and a special sales force may be assigned to that business entirely. Up to the present time the sales force of the Smith, Barnes & Strohber Piano Co.'s branch has been handling both the piano and the talking machine business. The talking machine business at the present time is nearly large enough to justify a change in the method. W. J. Watkins, of the Watkins Music Co., Independence, Mo., recently acquired the Metropole Hotel in that city. He has already made arrangements for the remodeling of the structure and plans that it shall house his business, which is now cramped by small quarters on the north side of the Square. Mr. Watkins has one of the largest Victor agencies in this part "The Musio Without the Blur!" Thii ideal of talking machine manufacture is attained more nearly than by any other, in the construction of the MARVELOUS MAGNOLA "Built by Tone Specialists" "Magnola's Tone Deflector eliminates the scratch" We want to show yooi how to make money with MAGNOLA; and how MAGNOLA is the best buy on the TAlking Machine Market to-day. Send ui your name and let us send you some real Talker Tips. BAAGNOLA TALKING MACHINE COMPANY OTTO 8CHULZ. Pretldent Qtneral OflleM Southern Wholesale Branch 711 yiLWAUKEE AVENUE 1530 CANDLER BLDG. CHIOAOO ATLANTA, GA. of the country in proportion to the size of the town. Fred C. Comer, assistant manager of the Starr Piano Co.'s branch, is an enthusiastic sportsman and declares that a man can find recreation in fishing and hunting, and also a philosophy that is of a helpful nature to any one engaged in the talking machine business. J. W. Jenkins, III, and Burton J. Pierce, of the J. W. Jenkins' Sons Music Co., recently returned after representing the firm on the "Victory Special," which was the twenty-eighth annual trade extension tour of the Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City. The trip took the representatives of niost of the leading business houses and industrial corporations of Kansas City through many towns of Kansas, M ssouri, Oklahoma and Texas, where many stops were made for luncheons and speaking engagements. The new establishment of the J. C. McDonnell Music Co. has been completed. The interior of the store is done in white enamel and is particularly attractive. William R. Berry, manager of the company, reports that the business has been a great deal better than the company anticipated. The concern is placing on the market here the "Donola," which is made in two styles, both of cabinet design. The cabinet work is done in this city and the machine is assembled and finished at the McDonnell Music Co., a Sol motor being used. Up to the present time the company has confined itself strictly to a small retail plan, but intends to branch out into the wholesale business about July 1. The Smith, Barnes & Strohber Piano Co.'s branch has been exhibiting in its large display window a machine which the company accepted in trade. It is one of original design, though of apparent amateur construction. The cabinet has been made of branches, and a small electric light placed in the top of the machine makes it ready for use at night or in a cabin in the woods. A small Columbia machine was dismantled and installed in the cabinet. Nellie Williams, manager of the Victrola department at the Jones Store Co., reports that the business the past month has been active. The Edison Shop during the past month has met with an extremely gratifying situation in its business. This is attributed directly to the recent meeting of the Edison dealers held in this city for a discussion of general business principles. The meeting seems to have brought forth a greater understanding among the dealers, and with such an understanding it is apparent that the work is going to be characterized by more harmony and co-operation. ATTRACTIVE WINDOW DISPLAY The Wiley B. Allen Co., Portland, Ore., has been advertising the popular song, "How Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down on the Farm," with novel window decorations which answer the question. The window at the corner of Broadway and Morrison street has been made one of the most attractive in the city by Manager Case, and is arranged to represent a scene in the hay fields on the farm showing a farmer lad listening to the strains of the song on the Victrola. The Victor dog is used to good advantage in the display. Phonograph Posts, Domes, Moldings, Etc. Cabinet legs, domes, etc., standard size shipped from stock. Special sizes made to order. • Ask about our new cast Amplifier. Quickly installed, splendid natural tone. Eliminates phonograph twang. Cabinet hardware, hinges, lid supports, needle cups, knobs, etc. Indiana Phonograph Supply Co. Baldwin Block Indianapolis, Indiana Second Series of our New Service on Envelopes For Selling Victor Records C. Bruno & Son Incorporated Victor Distributors to the Dealer only 351-353 Fourth A venue NEW YORK We do not Retail C. BRUNO & SON. Inc. cup and mail 351-53 4th Ave., New York TODAY Send Me Details of Your Record Envelope Service. Name Address