Friedrich Brothers Music House papers

Collection

Identifier: Collection 015

Staff Only

Abstract

The Friedrich Brothers Music House Collection includes the papers of a general music dealer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their merchandise included pianos, organs, music and musical supplies, ca. 1882-1929. The firm became recognized as the most extensive music business in the city and one of the largest in the state, serving all of Western Michigan. It was established by Paul W. and Otto D.T. Friedrich as Friedrich Brothers in 1873, and later assumed by their brother, Julius A.J. Friedrich.

This collection primarily illustrates everyday business proceedings through correspondence for the years 1881 and 1882. Also included are various programs, pamphlets, and advertisements, which reflect the music business during later years. The collection contains correspondence, receipts, a contract, business forms, clippings, miscellany, memorabilia, theater programs, instruction booklets, trade catalogs, a musician’s directory, ledgers, advertisements, pamphlets, sheet music, publications, a map and photographs.

Dates

1881-1952

Biographical / Historical

Paul W. and Otto D.T. Friedrich established Friedrich Brothers Music House at no. 30 and 32 Canal Street in 1873. Another brother, Julius A.J. Friedrich, took a position as clerk in 1875. In 1881 Paul W. retired, leaving Otto as the sole proprietor until he admitted Julius into partnership in 1884. In the same year Otto died, and Julius A. J. continued the business in his own name. Julius incorporated the store in 1914 as Friedrich's Music House upon bringing his sons Hugo, Julius, Jr., and Herman, into the business.

The Friedrich Music House occupied four floors in its own building and the third floor of the building adjoining on the north. The first floor contained sheet music, musical merchandise departments and the counting room. The second floor housed the piano sales rooms, that included such brands as Weber, A.B. Chase, Fischer, Franklin, Hobart M. Cable, Hoffman and others. The front portion of the third floor was maintained as an auxiliary piano salesroom. The rear of the third floor housed thousands of talking machine records. The corresponding floor of the building adjoining on the north was occupied in the rear by two large audience rooms where customers could listen to the playing of any record on either the Edison or Victor talking machine. The front part of the third floor was used as a wholesale department for records and talking machines. The basement of the building was also used for this purpose. The fourth floor was divided into studios, with a large reserve space for organs. In the rear of this floor was the repair shop.

The Friedrich Bros. Music House continued in the above location at 30-32 Canal Street until 1911. It was then located at 206 Monroe Ave., NW for 20 years. In 1931 it moved to 19 S. Division and again relocated to 44 S. Division in 1937 where it remained until closing in the 1950's.

John Sharps Robbins (1853-1929), whose correspondence as a salesman for the Friedrich Bros. is included in the collection, was manager of the piano department for 33 years. He came to Grand Rapids from Stewartsville, New Jersey, already an accomplished pianist.