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S. S. Stewart
| Name | S. S. Stewart |
| Ortssitz | Philadelphia (Penns.) |
| Straße | Church Street 221-223 |
| Art des Unternehmens | Musikinstrumentenfabrik |
| Quellenangaben | [Philadelphia and popular Philadelphians (1891) 126] |
| Zeit |
Ereignis |
| 08.01.1855 |
Geburt von Thomas J. Stewart in Philadelphia |
| Produkt |
ab |
Bem. |
bis |
Bem. |
Kommentar |
| Banjos |
1891 |
[Philadelphia] |
1891 |
[Philadelphia] |
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| ZEIT | 1891 |
| THEMA | Beschreibung |
| TEXT | Philadelphia has the proud distinction of owning the largest and best establishment for the manufacturing of banjos in the world. Stewart's banjos have a world-wide reputation, and the name is all the endorsement these excellent instruments need. The maker of these famed banjos is S. Swaini Stewart, the oldest living son of Dr. Franklin Stewart, and grandson of Thomas J. Stewart, who was appraiser of the Port of Philadelphia under President James Monroe. Mr. Stewart was born in this city January 8, 1855, and at the age of twelve began the study of music, first taking up the violin and piano, Prof. Carl Gaertucr being among his tutors. His introduction to the banjo took place at the Eleventh Street Opera House, where Lew Simmons was nightly delighting crowds of charmed listeners. He took a great liking to the instrument, and, purchasing a tack head banjo, attempted to play upon it. His parents did not look with favor upon the instrument and gave the ambitious musician no encouragement, and as the banjo on which he practiced was so poor in quality, he became discouraged, gave it up and returned to his music and violin studies. About 1872 he renewed his interest in the banjo, having heard Lew Brimmer play the "Bell Chimes", and believing there was something more in the instrument thau had yet been brought out. To follow Mr. Stewart's desire to "learn to play" would be useless. He possessed a natural aptitude for playing upon instruments, and after a few lessons under George C. Dobson of Boston and Joseph Rickett of Philadelphia, he displayed rare ability, and after having become an expert performer, set to work to improve the sphere of its music, and adopting and arranging a better grade of music for it. He made many discoveries in his study of and experiments upon musical instruments, enabling him to greatly improve the toneof the banjo. To his forethought and enterprise the public are indebted for some special varieties and sizes of banjos, which make possible the fine orchestral effects to be heard in the music rendered by banjo clubs. Mr. Stewart's banjos are now in common use, and are highly endorsed by such professional players as C. M. Hall, of Carncross' minstrels; George L. Launing, director of Boston Ideal Club; Billy McAllister, of Baird's minstrels; Geo. W. Powers, of Primrose & West's minstrels; Chas. H. Partee, Wallace M. Goldie, William A. Huntley, Wash. Norton, late lessee and proprietor of the Opera Comique, London, England, and scores of other noted soloists and instructors. We have not the space to present the superiority of the Stewart banjos, but the simple fact that they are used and endorsed by the above is ample proof of their value. Mr. Stewart's factory is located at Nos. 221 and 223 Church street, and employment is given to a score of men who turn out from 250 to 300 instruments every month. Mr. Stewart has written several books of instruction for the instrument, and is the composer of many popular selections; in fact, he gives his entire attention to the manufacture of banjos and the editing and publishing of suitable books and music for the use of players and students.
PHILADELPHIA AND POPULAR PHILADELPHLANS. |
| QUELLE | [Philadelphia and popular Philadelphians (1891) 126] |
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