The talking machine world (Jan-June 1927)

April, 1927 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD 105 rom Oo •ADQUAQTEBP DLOG., 209 SOUTH STATE ST TELEPHONE WABASH 524? LEONARD P. CANTY Beethoven Centennial Observance One of Finest Examples of Sales Promotion Dealers Throughout the Middle West Tied Up With the Event and the Result Was a Better Demand for Good Music on Records — Sales Figures on All Lines Satisfactory Chicago, III., April 8.— Talking machine dealers throughout the Middle West were witnesses to, and partners in, a laudable example of sales promotion before and during Beethoven Week, March 20 to 26, when practically all of the instruments which reach the public eye were brought into play. Extensive advertising by leading manufacturers of phonograph records, editorial spwe in newspapers dealing with the Beethoven Centennial, window displays of records in dealers' stores, and radio broadcasting combined to make the event notable in the public mind, and to boost Beethoven recordings and other records of the more serious type. Sales figures in phonographs, records and radio products throughout the Chicago territory are equal to, and, in some cases, greater than, those of 1926. Manufacturers of talking machines have perfected several improvements on their products which will give the dealer an added chance to capitalize on the interest which has already been aroused by the new type instruments, and it is expected that there will be found in the retail stores by early Fall an increased number of electric pick-up machines. While there have been several sales of distress radio merchandise in the department stores of Chicago, the effect has not been felt so keenly by the smaller dealer as in years past. The music-radio dealer and the neighborhood store are rapidly becoming more prominent factors, because of nearness to the customer's home, canvassing, and ability to give quick and efficient service on radio apparatus. Radio manufacturers throughout the Middle West are perfecting their models, and preparing them for formal exhibition at the trade show to be held in this city in June. While the sets themselves are expected to contain no revolutionary developments, it is said that many radical improvements will be shown in reproducers and in power supply units, with the electric, or light socket operated sets occupying a prominent place in many manufacturers' lines. Beethoven-Columbia Week a Big Success In musical circles throughout the Chicago district Ludwig van Beethoven, composer, during the week of March 20 to 26, was accorded the place which is rightfully his. Churches, schools, clubs, newspapers and radio broadcasting stations all gave their assistance in commemorating the hundredth anniversary of the death of Beethoven, who died one hundred years ago, on March 26, 1827. The work of forming committees in the different cities was under the direction of A. J. Heath, manager of the Chicago office of the Columbia Phonograph Co. The Chicago committee was very active under the guidance of Miss Olga Menn, chairman of the Beethoven Committee in the Chicago district. Other women connected with her on this committee were Mrs. Walter Seymour, president of the Illinois Federation of Women's Clubs; Mrs. Arthur G. Jackson, musical chairman of the same organization; Mrs. Samuel Insull, nationally known wife of the director of staff for the Chicago Public Utilities; Mrs. Edith Rockefeller McCormick, Mrs. Edward S. Bailey, Mrs. George B. Tyler, Mrs. H. McCIellan Hess and many other sociallv prominent women. Through the courtesy of Walter Roche, manager of Lyon & Healy, Columbia was successful in securing the hearty co-operation of the four Lyon & Healy stores in Chicago, where daily Beethoven recitals were given in the private auditorium during Beethoven Week, March 20 to 26. The broadcasting stations co-operated by giving the music of Beethoven a prominent space on their programs. The Chicago Daily News sponsored a Beethoven essay contest for Chicago school children and offered prizes to the various schools throughout Chicago, which devoted their music periods to the playing of Beethoven music and informing their pupils of the work and life of Beethoven, thus creating additional interest in the event. Fine Broadcast Programs In Minneapolis, radio broadcasting over Station WAMB between the hours of 10:30 a. m. and 1 p. m. was devoted to Beethoven music (Continued on page 106) A Dominating Value The New KIMBALL PHONOGRAP True Tone Quietness of Operation Plays all Records Exclusive Features Style 300 Two of the new Kimballs — new construction, not just new styles. Style 250 See and hear and you will enjoy the new KIMBALL PHONOGRAPH. Write or Wire. W. W. KIMBALL COMPANY Established 1857 306 S. Wabash Avenue Kimball Bldg., Chicago