Books › Ayars, Contributions to the Art of Music in America by the Music Industries of Boston (1937) — the Squier, Farley, Rettberg, Rockwell and Elias Howe matter, 1937 › scan 274
Scan 274
Ayars, Contributions to the Art of Music in America by the Music Industries of Boston (1937) — the Squier, Farley, Rettberg, Rockwell and Elias Howe matter, 1937
29 lines. Read by computer on 27 September 2026. Printed page 248. See the scan on archive.org.
1I. B. Other Boston Pianoforte Makers—Period 1840-1915 (Continued)
3Addresses from Boston Business Directories
5Names of Firms and Information About the Firms
71860—[address hidden]
81870—[address hidden]
91883—[address hidden]
101893—[address hidden] A. M.
111900—[address hidden]
13ANDREW M. McPHAIL & CO.
15Andrew M. McPhail was "born at St. Andrews, New Brunswick, [Canada] came to Boston as a boy, and was apprenticed to the renowned piano maker, Gilbert."18 He learned to make pianos so well that he soon established a high reputation for his own product."[address hidden] stated that Mr. McPhail started his own business in 1837, but in an advertisement dated 190020 this firm claimed a record of 61 years. It does not appear in the business directories until the decade of 1850.
17This firm made three styles of squares, one of which was called "Star" and another "Crown," from their scale names.21 These and their uprights had a good sale. Their pianofortes had a special action, made by the firm of Severens of Cambridge, Massachusetts, action makers, which was later bought out by Standard Action Co.21 In March 1883 the company advertised their instruments as "Gold Medal Pianos" and stated that they "Received two silver medals in 1881 and a Gold Medal and Diploma from the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association—Judges Georg Henschel, Louis C. Elson, Chas. J. Capen."22
19Andrew McPhail "was a piano maker of the old school, who took pride in his work and considered the artistic success more than the commercial, although in his long career, from 1837 to 1891, he met all his obligations with never failing promptness. As a citizen he took a great interest in educational, artistic, and musical affairs, and also served as representative in the Massachusetts Legislature."19
21Mr. McPhail retired in 1891 and died at Omaha, Nebraska, Oct. 1, 1902. The business was carried on by the A. M. McPhail Piano Co. and later was sold to two salesmen, Mr. Blake and Mr. Owen, who sold it to Lawrence Barry. It has not been officially dissolved, though its assets and name were bought by Mark Campbell. Pianos with this name have been made by Kohler & Brambach of New York for about six years.23
231860—[address hidden]
241870—[address hidden]
26GUSTAVUS A. MILLER & CO.
28Mr. Miller was a German. He started making pianofortes between 1850-1860 and his business was auctioned off about 1872. He made overstrung squares only, which were not especially good or popular.
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