A Grand Opening

Well on to 1,000 people visited the new factory of tlie Ann Avbor Organ Co. last evening befcween 7:30 anti 10 o'cloek, during whieh time the conipany keit open house for all who chose to cali and inspect the building, macihiuery, mode of doing the work and the producís. The workmea were on hand at their several posta and answered any questions that were put to them in a most civil and obliging rnanner. Manager Ij. H. Clement, Superintendent D. F. Allmendinger and Foreman Cady were here, there and everywhere, seeing that their guests luid every opportunity to see all they wanted to and the Ohequainegon Orchestra played some nice selections of music which were much appreciated by those present. It is a matter for cougratulation to the company that it bas now got into quarters "hich will enable it to turn out lts orders without being hampered for lack of room. Among other things that the visitors saw last night was the first organ ever built by D. F. Allmendinger, and which was sold to the Bethlehem parochial school and is still used by ttrem. It is in good condition musically even now, although its cases look rather auüquated and time worn. A few words regarding the cornpany and its gradual growth froin a sinall beginrüng to its present generous proportions will not liere be out of place. The business was established in 1S72 by David F. Allniendinger, the present superintendent, who began by repalring and building reed and pipe organs in a frame house whicli stood w-h ere portions of the present factory now stand, and here he built bis lirsi organ in that yeür, which he sold to the Bethlehem church for $200. In 1875 nis house was enlarged and raised to enable him to build organs in n part thereof. In 3880 the iirst factory building proper was ereoted, 22x42 feet and two stories higli. In 1S85 an addition cxtending to the corner was built, 2(ix3G feet two stories high. In 1888 a cliange was made in the business and a joint stock company under the name of the Allmendinger : Piano & Organ Co. was formeel. A briek factory, four stories high, 32x40 j feet, was built and a briek enginel room 18 by 40 feet was also put up. In 1S89 arrangements were made wnereby the retail business of Mr. Lew H. Clement was Consolidated with. the company, and he was made manager. Ir. 1892 the company was cmmped for room and an addition extending north f rom the main factory was erected. Itj was 50x2ti feet in size and two stories J high. The name of the company was, in this year cnanged to its present, title the Ann Arbor Organ Co. In 1895 the large addition just fmished, 100x40 feet and five stories in helght waa completed, giving the a present floor space of 23.320 square feet in the factory building proper. In 1880 flve men were employed and about 50 organs built; in 1885 eight! men were employed, and about 75 organs built; in 1888 12 men were employed, and about 125 organs built; ir. l 1889 20 men were employed, and 200 j organs built; in 1890 30 men were employed, and about 325 organs built. At the present time in the faetory and retail department 50 men are given daily employment and 820 organs wore built last year. The capacity of the old faetory was 900 organs per year, while that of the new one is from 2,500 to 3,000 organs yearly. In the erection of the new faetory about $12,000 bas been expended, with which has been purchased a kurge Allis-Corliss engine, a much larger boiler, an Andrews dry kiln, size 20x35 1 feet, and a two story lumber shed 50x60 feet. The factdry 'has been equipped with every modern labor saving device. A side track runs from tke Aon Arbor Railroad direct to the lumber yards; the lumber is loaded from the wagon in trucks, and run into tuc dry kiln, where it can be dried in from six to ten days. It is then carried on the same trucks into the lumber sheds, and finally without removing into the factory. Here it passes, without needless turaiiig1 or haudling. through eaoh machine iu turn, being handled on trucks in al] stages, and carried trom floor to floor on a large steam elevalor. The flrst floor is used for n machine room; the second for oabinet inaking, sliow room, stock room and office; the third floor for an action and bellowa makins room: the fourth Hoor for fly finlslhing or setting up; the fiftli üoor for fine pollshlng aml finishing. Within the past year rgans have been shipped to South África, Australia, Knglauil. Si'otland, Jmnaic-a. and nearly every state iu the union, while Inquiry lias just been recelyed f rom Newfoundland. The present stockliolders' number 32. Tile directora are Frederick Schmid president, F. H. Belser vice president, D. F. Allmondingor superintendent, Gottlob Luick, Gottlob Stark, Eruest Eberbach and Herman Hutzel. AVm. M. Sturgeon is treasurer OJid Lew H. Clement secretary and manager. Some of the stockholders are also interested in the Olifford Piano Co., a Chicago corporation of thieh Lew H. Clement is president. The retail department sells upward of 100 pianos a year, has at the present time over ?20,000 invested in pianos in stock and at rent, there being over 50 pianos out at rent at this time. The sales of sheet music will equal about $2,500 a year, and of smal] musical merchandise about $3,000 a year.- Daily Times. Jan. 17.