York Research of Dr. John. J. Swain
Dr. Swain's original York Research internet site::
http://web.archive.org/web/20060920182516/http://www.calstatela.edu/faculty/jswain/brass/yorkcont.htm
WELCOME TO THE J.W. YORK RESEARCH SITE
This site is a repository of information concerning J. W. York and Sons, a manufacturer of band instruments in Grand Rapids, Michigan from 1882-1971. The work on this site represents nearly 15 years of accumulated research and input from performers, collectors and others with an interest in musical instruments and York.
About 15 years ago, I began research on a dissertation cataloging the E-flat tubas in the Shrine to Music Museum at the University of South Dakota. As part of that research, I attempted to determine the dates of manufacture of each of the instruments surveyed. Serial number lists existed for most of the major manufacturers, and at least two of the manufacturers still in business could provide very accurate dates. Because no such serial number list existed for the York Band Instrument Company (known also as J. W. York and Sons) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, I created a serial number chart with a range of date possibilities based on instrument production curves surmised from the information available at that time. After more than a decade of collecting information (quite sporadically) from a variety of sources, and attempting to interpret that information in a logical fashion, I am now ready to present what should be a far more accurate representation of the production schedule of the York Company.
The York Company
According to most sources, James Warren York started the York Band Instrument Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1882 or 1883. For a time, York imported instruments and sold them ; by 1900, when York's sons Frank and Charles joined the business, the company was producing its own instruments. The signature J.W. York and Sons appears on instruments with serial numbers as far back as #6276.
The company was purchased by James and John Duffy in 1913. The name (and signature) was changed to York Band Instrument Company in 1926. Articles of Association from 1927 which show the offering of 15,000 shares of stock at $10 per share indicate that James Duffy was president and that the address of the factory was 1600 Division Avenue, South East, the location where J. W. York had built the factory in the latter part of the 19th century. The company was sold to Carl Fischer in 1940 for $300,000; Fischer was eventually subsumed by Boosey and Hawkes and the assets of the York Company were purchased by Tolchin Musical Instruments in 1971.
Given that it is difficult to trace records, even for companies with long ownership (witness the mass destruction of records by Lyon and Healy when they moved from the downtown Chicago offices), it should not be surprising that records for York apparently do not exist. According to Gene Pilszuk, ledger books containing serial numbers and dates of manufacture were stored in the company safe. An interview with Mrs. Rose Thorndill (Venza), former executive secretary and Resident Agent at York indicated that all company records were shipped to Tolchin Instruments in Lynnbrook, New York. Tolchin's company would then be the last known location of these records, although repeated attempts to contact him in 1984 and again in 1995 were fruitless.
The project, then, has been to try to piece together information from a wide variety of sources to attempt to create a serial number list which is accurate. The information gathering process drew from a number of sources, including interviews and correspondence with former York employees and other individuals, newspapers, and music trades and music education magazines. Most important, however, was the information gathered from the instruments themselves, many of which are located in the Shrine to Music Museum, and from anecdotal information provided by individuals who own or owned York instruments. Information was provided about some 55 instruments for this aspect of the research. Production information from other manufacturers also played an important role in the design of this serial number list.
©1996 by John J. Swain
Welcome to the York Information Area
The content of this site is an experiment. In published documents the reader sees the final product, in which the author selects those facts and ideas from the research which are deemed most significant to the topic. In this area, however, I am presenting a significant amount of the information I have accumulated with the hope that you will read it and send comments, contributions and corrections. In this way, we will be able to strengthen the knowledge base about York and improve the accuracy of the information.
A Note on the Use of the Material
One of the basic reasons we do scholarly research is to broaden the understanding of a particular topic. Consequently, the individual researcher is usually happy to have the information they have accumulated, studied and organized, disseminated to the widest possible audience. As a result, others may take the information and use it in their own research. While this is perfectly appropriate, it should always be done with the understanding that at each step along the way, the work of the individual researcher is recognized through proper citation or through the granting of permission to use the material, where appropriate. Please follow the guidelines and regulations appropriate to the nature of the use of the material. I would also very much appreciate being informed when my research is being cited.
Acknowledgments
Very many individuals have contributed information about their instruments and about their associations with York. I am most grateful for their help. In certain instances, I have indicated who those individuals are and how they contacted me. Generally, however, I have not listed names for those individuals who provided information about their instruments, in order to protect their privacy. I wish to acknowledge in particular theShrine to Music Museumand its staff for their help in this project. Almost all of the citations from magazines and catalogs were taken from materials they had already catalogued, thus making my work considerably easier. In addition, much of the information about a great many of the instruments was gleaned from their catalog sheets. I wish to thank Dr. Andre' Larson, Director of the Shrine to Music Museum for allowing me to have access to the materials. I wish to especially thankDr. Margaret Downie Banks, Curator of Music Instruments and Professor of Museum Science, for her work in identifying and cataloging information on York from Music Trades and many other sources and for sharing her expertise on York and a variety of related topics.
Summary of Research
Regarding J.W. York and Sons York Band Instrument Company Grand Rapids Band Instrument Company USA Line
Note: The letters/numbers in bold type at the beginning of each document listed below are used elsewhere on this site as a means of identifying the source.
From the York Archives:
The Shrine to Music Museum
414 East Clark Street
The University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota 57069
1. "The Two Martins," The Music Trades, Vol 24, No. 10, p. 39, 1902
Father and son Henry martin were employed by J.W. York and Son. Martin Sr. is 67. The Martin factory in Chicago was destroyed in the great Chicago fire. Henry Martin, Jr. is superintendent of the York factory. The latest product is the York valve trombone, which is made to resemble the slide trombone.
2. "J. W York and Sons," The Music Trades, Vol 23, No. 18, p. 41, 1902
Demand is taxing the capacity of the factory. Stringed instruments are newly added. York and Sons are getting out booklets.
3. "York Entertains Holton," The Music Trades, Vol. 24, No. 4, p. 38, 1902
Holton was a partner in the manufacturing business in Grand Rapids with York fifteen years ago. (1886)
4. "Attempt to Burn York Plant," The Music Trades, Vol. 24, No. 16, p. 25, 19025. "Latest York Catalog," The Music Trades, Vol 24, No. 18, p. 47, 1902
York received new proofs of a 22 page catalog, called "York's Silent Salesman." Dimensions are 10x12.5, enameled paper with 45 cuts (plates). Page 1 shows the York solo alto horn. The York valve trombone is also seen. Page 12 shows the Monster Eb Bass. Page 13 shows the York BBb bass. Page 14 shows the York BBb helicon.
6. "J. W. York and Sons to Move," The Music Trades, Vol. 26, No. 2, July 11, 1903, p. 41
J.W. York will move into the Raniville building at the corner of Campau and Lyon. Will occupy 11,000 square feet on the second floor. There has been a large increase in the company's business. The present quarters are Numbers 3,5 and 7 North Ionia Street. Sixty people are now employed.
7. "York and Sons New Cornet," The Music Trades, Vol. 26, No. 4, July 25, 1903, p. 40
The debut of the York "Professional" model cornet (shepherd's crook). It is fitted with a quick change device to change from Bb to A. It comes with a low pitch slide and 1st and 3rd low pitch valve slides.
8. "Secure Larger Quarters," The Music Trades, Vol. 26, No. 8, August 22, 1903, p. 42
Yorks are pioneers in the band instrument manufacturing business in Grand Rapids, having started the industry 20 years ago (1883). For the first six years, the firm had small quarters on Canal Street. For the last sixteen years they have been on North Ionia. Some time ago they purchased a site for a factory on South Division Street. They were going to build in the summer of 1903, but conditions were not favorable.
9. "J. W. York and Sons Rushed," The Music Trades, Vol. 26, No. 9, August 29, 1903, p. 41
The move into the new factory has been delayed because orders are so large, even with everyone working overtime. They can't keep up with production demands.
10. "The House of York in New York," The Music Trades, Vol. 26, No. 9, November 7, 1903, p. 4
York is now fully established in the new factory. There is a heavy demand for the professional cornet. The "Musical Herald", York's monthly paper, has just been issued (presumably for the first time?)
11. "York Slide Trombone," The Music Trades, Vol. 26, No. 22, November 28, 1903, p. 4312. "George W. Jackson Now with J. W. York and Sons," The Music Trades, Vol. 27, No. 18, April 30, 1904, p. 43
George Jackson is now employed by York. The factories are located at Numbers 2-20 Lyon Street.
13. "Heavy York Band Instrument Business," The Music Trades, Vol XXIX, No. 10, p. 50, March 11, 1905
York had to reoccupy the old factory on Ionia as the case and drum department.
14. "House of York Spreads Out," The Music Trades, Vol. XXX, No. 2, p. 49, July 15, 1905
The House of York spreads out, adding 7000 feet (to 21,000) to the factory. The factory is devoted exclusively to brass and silver-plate band instruments. "From humble beginnings 30 years ago (1875?) York now employs 100 people.
15. "Give the Boys the Credit That is Due Them," The Music Trades, Vol. XI, No. 22, p. 51, June 3, 1905
In number 10 of York's Musical Herald, "Frank and Charles, my two sons, have grown up in the business for 25 years and have strained to make it a success." Through the days when they were battling against business depression and money panics. . . . . . (Evidently Charles was hands on and Frank was the business end.
16. "York and Sons Eb Bass," The Music Trades, Vol. XXIX, No. 5, p. 51, February 4, 1905
The York "Monster" Eb bass.
17. "Heavy Demand for Band Instruments," The Music Trades, Vol XXXIII, No. 20, p. 41, May 18, 1907
The American manufacturers of band instruments are experiencing an era of unexampled (?) prosperity. "The growth of their business (York) has been steady and remarkable."
18. Advertisem*nt, The Metronome, Vol. 24, No. 3, March, 1913
"1912 was the largest of our 30 years (1882?) of band instrument manufacturing, but 1913 will be larger." "In just a trifle over 30 years, we have built better than 57,000 of them."
19. Advertisem*nt, The Dominant, Vol. 21, No. 3, May 1913
"Some 60,000 musicians own York Instruments."
20. Advertisem*nt, The Dominant, Vol. 21, No. 6, August 1913
Another announcement for the Al-Tru cornet. "An instrument representing our more than 30 years experience."
21. Advertisem*nt, The Musical Enterprise, Vol. 25, No. 9, June 191322. Advertisem*nt, The Musical Enterprise, Vol. 25, No. 9, June 1913
Advertises catalog #4 - the Drum catalog.
23. Advertisem*nt, The Musical Enterprise, Vol. 25, No. 12, September, 1913
The Al-Tr cornet is advertised. It has a unique slide stop mechanism. There is a new valve system in which the 3rd valve controls two slides--A or Bb. Top of the ad says "Made by York" and the bottom of the ad says "J.W. York and Sons."
24. Advertisem*nt, The Musical Enterprise, Vol. 25, No. 12, September, 1913
An advertisem*nt for the Drummer's book. Instructions are to ask for book E.
25. Advertisem*nt, The Musical Enterprise, Vol. 26, No. 2, November, 191326. Advertisem*nt, The Musical Enterprise, Vol. 26, No. 2, November, 1913
Advertising the Al-Tru cornet with a purchase price of $65
27. Advertisem*nt, The Musical Enterprise, Vol. 26, No. 3, December, 1913
Instruments are listed to try by mail. The following instruments are listed: C, Bb and A cornets, Metropolitan trumpet, Band and Orchestra horn in F, Eb, and D, slide trombone, valve trombone, snare drum, Eb tenor--upright, euphonium, double belled euphonium, Eb bass--small size, Eb monster bass, BBb bass--small size, monster BBb bass, helicon BBb bass, saxophone.
28. Advertisem*nt, The Dominant, Vol. 30, July, 1923
The company is still listed as J.W. York and Sons in this advertisem*nt.
29. Advertisem*nt, The Metronome, Vol. XLII, No. 16, p. 45, August 15, 1926
Signature is listed as the York Band Instrument Company. "Makers of good band instruments since 1882."
30. "The Instruments of the Band," Booklet published by York, 1927
This also shows the York Band Instrument Company as the signature. 3rd edition. Advertises a fleugel horn and a mellophone, called a Band and Orchestra horn. The engraving on the photograph of the tuba bell still appears to read J. W. York and Sons.
31. York Band Instrument Catalog, June 1, 1928
This is catalog #40. The engravings on bells all say Made by J.W. York and Sons, Grand Rapids, Mi. Almost all the listings note that instruments are supplied in low pitch only. Tubas in particular still have high pitch and low pitch in combination only. None of the instruments are listed by name, only by model number.
32. Advertisem*nt, The Music Magazine, November, 1928
The address is shown as MU-28 Division Avenue
33. Advertisem*nt, The Bandmaster, Vol. 3, No. 5, May, 192843. York Band Instrument Catalog, 1935
This catalog is almost an exact duplicate of the 1929 catalog except that all instruments in the catalog are shown as low pitch only.
45. "York Instrument Company, formed in 1882, A Leader," Grand Rapids Herald, February 9, 1937
"In 1882...., J. W. York, a former army musician who was playing in the Grand Rapids theaters, decided to go into business for himself. The founder was then past 40 when he set up his business on the ground floor of the building in lower Monroe Avenue, where Heyman's store now stands." By 1890 York was operating a repair plant and making a few small instruments. (cornets and trombones). New models were added until 1898 when the company was making a complete line of cup mouthpiece brass instruments. The original factory was in Ionia Avenue. Later it was moved to the Raniville Power building. In 1908, the present plant at 1600 South Division Avenue was built. For many years the company was owned solely by York and Sons. In 1913 a stock company was formed. The management in 1937 included: Karl B. Shinkman, president and treasurer; Alfred J. Johnson, vice-president; L.E. Butler, secretary. J.E. Mead, assistant treasurer.
46. "York Company Sold, Will Expand," (Grand Rapids Herald?) December 5, 1940
The York company was purchased by Carl Fischer. There is a plan to double production and employment. Ninety persons are now employed. "The founder, J.W. York, first located on Monroe Avenue, later Ionia Avenue." The Division Avenue plant was built in 1908. The firm was incorporated in 1906. The name was changed to York Band Instrument Company in 1926. The York family interests were sold to James and John Duffy in 1913.
47. York Band Instrument Catalog, 1952
USA Line instruments are advertised. Bugles were also advertised. "York bugles have been outstanding for 50 years."
48. Packing list for a shipment to Arne B. Larson, December 12, 1953
This shows shipment of a receiver for a Model 160 with the serial number 186549.
50. York Band Instrument Catalog, 1957 (1960?)
This catalog shows anniversary model cornets and trumpets. Rotary valve tubas are also shown.
52. York Band Instrument Catalog, (1964?) Address of York from catalog cover is 1600 Division Avenue South, Grand Rapids 2, Michigan
This is a copy of the previous catalog, except less well done (more cheaply produced)
54. York Band Instrument Catalog and price list, June 1, 1966
The opening commentary "for over 75 years," is also used in earlier catalogs.
56. York Band Instrument Catalog and price list, January 1, 196757. York Band Instrument Catalog and price list, January 1, 196858. Letter to Arne B. Larson from York, August 7, 1968
This letter indicates that it would be far too time consuming to recreate a serial number list.
59. York Band Instrument Catalog and price list, March 1, 1970
This gives a brief history of York. Introduction states that Holton, Martin and Foster worked at the factory. By 1898 he had a full line of band instruments made in his own factory. States that the company has been in business for 90 years. The back of the catalog notes that it is a subsidiary of Fischer, and the address is given as 105 E. 16th Street, New York.
61. York Band Instrument Catalog, (1973?)
Name change to York Musical Instrument Company, Incorporated (1973) Address is 55 Marcus Drive, Melville, New York 11764
62. York Band Instrument Catalog and price list (also strings catalog), June 1, 1973
Additional Research and Correspondence
SW. Brian Frederickson. Arnold Jacobs: Song and Wind. Edited by John Taylor. Gurney, Illinois: Windsong Press, Ltd., 1996
MK Kriven, Martin. A Century of Wind Instrument Manufacturers in the United States, 1860-1960, State University of Iowa, PhD, 1961. University Microfilms International.
S1.Telephone Interview with Vern Avery, former York employee, Holland, Michigan 24 January 1984
S4. Letter from Lloyd Farrar, Silver Spring, Maryland, 21 June 1984
S7. Telephone interview with Robert Elaison, 11 January 1983
S8. Interview with Arne Larson, Shrine to Music Museum, 11 January 1983
S9. Telephone interview with Ralph Wells, former York employee, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2 February 1984
S10. Telephone interview with Gene Pilszuk, former York employee, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2 February 1984
S11. Telephone interview with Rose Thorndill (Venza), former York employee, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2 February 1984
S15. From York's Musical Journal Vol II, No. 7, December, 1885:
Advertisem*nts for several instruments, including Higham (sold by Lyon and Healy), Challenger (sold by WW Fisher in Penn, also Besson and Courtois cornets), Boston Musical Instrument Factory 3-Star Bb cornet, and Excelsior Band Instruments by Charles Missenharter, New York.
S17. Letter from Gene Pokorny, Chicago Symphony, 25 October 1989
S19. Grand Rapids Business Directory:
Grand Rapids Band Instrument Company was a subsidiary of York and Son, Est. 1883. In 1930, the name Grand Rapids Band Instrument Company no longer appears in the directory.
S20. Letter from Glenn Bridges to the Grand Rapids Public Library (no date):
York went into the publishing business with Frank Holton of Allegan, Michigan, before going into the manufacturing business. York's granddaughter was Mrs. Lucille Reynolds of Grand Rapids. He had one great-granddaughter.
S21. Grand Rapids Press, 28 April 1894: York hired workmen from Courtois and Besson
S22. Grand Rapids Press, 19 December 1908:
York produces an average of 300 instruments per month. The market is the US and Canada. The company employs 130 people. Personnel include:
Alfred Johnson - expert instrument maker
Edward Gonrad - valve department
Frank Simmer - bell maker
William Fitzsimmons - plating James Miller - buffing and polishing
S23. Grand Rapids Press, 1/26/5: York has 85 employees
S24. Grand Rapids Press, 5 Dec. 1971:
In 1890, York joined with Tom Thomas and opened an office at Ionia and Fulton Streets to repair instruments. York employed 300 people at one time. In 1951 there were 120 workers. The business was sold to James and John Duffy (original partners) in 1913 and the name was changed to York Band Instrument Co. in 1926. Carl Fischer bought York for $300,000 in 1940 and sold it in 1970 to Tolchin Instruments, Inc. Alvin Feldman, the manager, left to manage the service department of the Chicago Music Instrument Company in Lincolnwood, Illinois.
S25. Summary of Information from the county records
S23 February 1927: Articles of Association, James Duffy, President. Address is 1600 Division Avenue, SE 23 December 1931: Karl Shinkman is appointed agent for the company 16 February 1936: Karl B. Shinkman is Vice President, L.E. Butler is Secretary. Total stock is 15000 shares at $10 per share.
Board of Directors is:
James Duffy, 319 Ashburn, S.E.
John Duffy, 20 Gay St. S.E.
Karl Shinkman, 1412 Prospect, S.E.
Benjamin Robinson, 50 College Avenue, S.E.
Alfred Johnson, 341 Fuller Ave. S.E.
7 January 1941: Jonathon Mead is appointed Resident Agent, H. Meyers is President
21 March 1942: Pearl Vanstratt is appointed Resident Agent, Harry Meyers is President
22 July 1954: Alford Freeman is appointed Resident Agent, Alphonse Derleth is Assistant Secretary
6 December 1964: Carl Schwartz is President, David Myers is Secretary; company is registered in the State of New York.
7 September 1971: Rose Venza is appointed Agent for the company.
28 June 1972: Murray Morris is Secretary; location is changed from 1600 Division Street in Grand Rapids to 615 Griswold Street in Detroit.
S26. Telephone interview with Dr. Margaret Downie Banks, Shrine to Music Museum, undated
S28. York Catalog, hand dated 1916
S29. York Catalog, hand dated 1907
S30. Interview with Robb Stewart, Arcadia, California, March, 1995
J.W. York and Sons/York Band Instrument Company Timeline
YEAR COMMENTARY
1839
J.W. York is born in Exeter, New Hampshire (MK)
1882
James York formed business with brother (S4)
Company founded by J.W. York (S27)
"Makers of good band instruments since 1882." (29)
"In 1882...., J. W. York, a former army musician who was playing in the Grand Rapids theaters, decided to go into business for himself (45)
"...set up his business on the ground floor of the building in lower Monroe Avenue." (45)
1883
York and Son established (S19)
York enters a brief partnership with Smith (SW)
1884
Company is known as J.W. York and Company (SW)
1885
York began importing instruments (S7)
York enters a brief partnership with Holton. (SW)
York manufacturing a good cornet (MK)
1886
1887
Company renamed York and Son in recognition of his infant son, Charles E. (SW)
Holton is a partner with York (3)
1888
1889
1890
York joined with Tom Thomas to open an office to repair instruments (S24)
"By 1890 York was operating a repair plant and making a few small instruments." (45)
1891
1892
1893
1894
1895
1896
1897
Alfred J. "Bill" Johnson becomes company foreman (SW)
Bill Johnson joins the company (MK)
1898
Company renamed York and Sons in recognition of second son, Frank W. (SW)
"New models were added until 1898 when the company was making a complete line of cup mouthpiece brass instruments." (45)
1899
1900
Sons Frank and Charles joined the business (S4)
1901
1902
Henry Martin Jr. and Sr. employed by York (1)
Henry Martin Jr. is plant superintendent (1)
Valve trombone is the latest product (1)
Demand is taxing the capacity of the factory (2)
Stringed instruments are newly added to the inventory (2)
Booklets are being produced. (2)
The York "Silent Salesman)(5)
Attempt to burn the factory (4)
York bugles are first produced about this time. (47)
1903
Company will move into the Raniville Building at the corner of Campau and Lyon. Present quarters are on Ionia Street (6)
Large increase in the company's business (6)
60 people are now employed (6)
Debut of Professional Model Cornet (7)
Company to secure larger quarters. Site for new factory purchased on South Division Street (8)
Company moves into new quarters in November (9)
"York's Musical Herald is issued (10)
There is a heavy demand for the Professional model cornet (10)
1904
George W. Jackson is now employed by York (12)
The York factories are located at #2-20 Lyon Street (12)
1905
York reopens the old factory on Ionia as the case and drum department (13)
7000 square feet are added to the factory, which is devoted to brass and silver plated instruments (14)
York now employs 100 people (14)
1906
York firm is incorporated. (46)
1907
York and other manufacturers are experiencing continued growth and prosperity (17)
1908
York produces 300 instruments per month. There are 130 workers. (S22)
"In 1908, the present plant at 1600 South Division Avenue was built." (45)
1909
1910
1911
1912
1912 was largest volume year in the 30-year history of the company, but 1913 will be larger. (18)
1913
Business sold to James and John Duffy (S24)
Advertisem*nt in Metronome indicating that York has produced better than 50,000 instruments in 30 years. (S26)
York sons Frank and Charles phase out the business (SW)
Bill Johnson, along with James and John Duffy formed a stockholding company (SW)
March 1913 "...we have builded better than 57,000 of them." (18)
May, 1913 "...some 60,000 musicians own York instruments." (19)
Announcement of the Al-Tru cornet (20)
"In 1913 a stock company was formed." (45)
York family interests were sold to James and John Duffy (46)
1914
1915
1916
1917
J.W. York retires and moves to California (SW)
1918
York made valve trombone in late teens (S9)
1919
1920
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
1926
Company name changed to York Band Instrument Company (S24)
York family relinquishes all interest in the company (SW)
August: Signature is listed as York Band Instrument Company in advertisem*nts. "Makers of good band instruments since 1882." (29)
1927
James Duffy is listed as president on the articles of association (S25)
J.W. York dies on February 9th in Los Angeles. (SW)
Signature on the catalogue booklet is York Band Instrument Company (30)
1928
York and Sons signature is used until this year. (S30)
Catalog #40. Almost all instruments are listed as available in low pitch only. (31)
Company address is shown as MU-28 Division Avenue (32)
1929
1930
1931
Karl Shinkman is appointed agent for the company (S25)
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
Karl Shinkman is secretary. L.E. Butler is Secretary. (S25)
Total stock in the company is 15000 shares at $10 per share. (S25)
1937
Karl Shinkman is president and treasurer. Alfred Johnson is vice president. L.E. Butler is secretary and J.E. Mead is assistant treasurer (45)
1938
1939
1940
York purchased by another company (S1)
York sold the assets to the company (S7)
Carl Fischer buys York for $300,000 (S24)
York sold to Carl Fischer Musical Instruments, December (SW)
York is in financial difficulty and is purchased by Carl Fischer (MK)
1941
Jonathon Mead is appointed resident agent. H. Meyers is president (S25)
1942
Pearl Vanstratt is appointed resident agent. Harry Meyers is president (S25)
1943
York manufactures munitions for the government (through the war years) (SW)
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
Serial numbers were in the 150,000 range (S10)
1951
York has 120 workers (S24)
1952
York has 85 employees (S23)
USA line instruments are listed in the catalog (47)
1953
Alford Freeman is appointed resident agent. Alphonse Derleth is assistant secretary (S25)
1954
1955
1956
1957
Anniversary model cornets and trumpets are shown in the catalog as are rotary valve tubas. (50)
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
York company was out of business. (S9)
Carl Schwartz is president. David Meyers is secretary (S25)
Company is registered in the State of New York (S25)
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
York sold to Tolchin Instruments (S24)
1971
Rose Venza is appointed agent (S25)
Tolchin Instrument Company closes the Grand Rapids factory (SW)
1972
Murray Morris is appointed secretary (S25)
Company registration is changed from Grand Rapids to 615 Griswold Street in Detroit (S25)
1973
York purchased by Martin Tolchin. (S12)
Name of the company is York Musical Instrument Company, Incorporated. Address is 55 Marcus Drive, Melville, New York. (61)
1974
1975
1976
Proprietary rights to the company purchased by Boosey and Hawkes. (SW)
The following benchmark instruments were used to establish provisional list.
7500 at 1903: based on the presentation instrument dated 1903 with the serial number 8400
28,000 at 1910: This is the approximate serial number of the oldest instrument in the research base to have the 1910 patent date.
89,000 at 1927: The is the approximate serial number of the oldest instrument in the research base to still bear the J.W. York and Sons signature.
91,000 at 1928: An instrument with this approximate serial number was dated through contact with the original owner.
109,000 at ca. 1933: An instrument with this approximate serial number was dated through contact with the original owner.
112,000 at ca. 1937: An instrument with this approximate serial number was dated through contact with the original owner.
120,000 at ca. 1929: An instrument with this approximate serial number was dated through contact with the original owner.
180,000 at ca. 1953: This is based on an invoice for a part for an instrument with this approximate serial number.
Fluctuations in the production numbers were based on the following:
The numbers for 1890-1903 are completely conjectural. They are based on what seems to be a logical expansion of production in the last decade of the 19th century.
Beginning at 1908 the production figure of 3600 is based on the newspaper article which gives the monthly production figures (300 instruments per month)
The drop in production for 1915-16 is based on similar drops among the other manufacturers as a result of World War I.
The slow decline in the late 1920's and early 1930's is based on similar fluctuations among other manufacturers. This includes a sizable drop during the years of the Great Depression and a steady growth in the latter half of the 1930's.
Few of the manufacturers produced instruments during the last 2-3 years of World War II.
All of the manufacturers exhibit a dramatic growth in production immediately following World War II.
Bibliography
Interviews
Telephone Interview with Vern Avery, Holland, Michigan 24 January 1984
Telephone Interview with Robert Elaison, 11 January 1983
Interview with Arne Larson, 11 January 1983
Telephone Interview with Ralph Wells, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2 February 1984
Telephone Interview with Gene Pilszuk, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2 February 1984
Telephone Interview with Rose Thorndill (Venza), 2 February 1984
Interview with Robb Stewart - March, 1995
Correspondence
Letter from Lloyd Farrar, Silver Spring, Maryland, 21 June 1984
Letter from Fred Hertlein, Honolulu, Hawaii, 30 April 1993
Letter from James R. Huff, Vero Beach, Florida, 22 October 1989
Letter from Kenneth Pick, 8 August 1989
Letter from Gene Pokorny, 25 October 1989
Letter from Glenn Bridges to the Grand Rapids Public Library
Letter to Arne B. Larson from York, August 7, 1968
Packing list for a shipment to Arne B. Larson, December 12, 1953
Books and Periodicals
Frederiksen, Brian. Arnold Jacobs: Song and Wind, edited by John Taylor. Gurnee, Illinois: Windsong Press, Ltd., 1996
From York's Musical Journal Vol II, No. 7, December, 1885
Grand Rapids Business Directory
Grand Rapids Press, 28 April 1894
Grand Rapids Press, 19 December 1908
Grand Rapids Press, 1/26/52
Grand Rapids Press, 5 Dec. 1971
Kriven, Martin. A Century of Wind Instrument Manufacturers in the United States, 1860-1960, State University of Iowa, PhD, 1961. University Microfilms International.
"The Two Martins," The Music Trades, Vol 24, No. 10, p. 39
"J. W York and Sons," The Music Trades, Vol 23, No. 18, p. 41
"York Entertains Holton," The Music Trades, Vol. 24, No. 4, p. 38
"Attempt to Burn York Plant," The Music Trades, Vol. 24, No. 16, p. 25
"Latest York Catalog," The Music Trades, Vol 24, No. 18, p. 47
"York and Sons New Cornet," The Music Trades, Vol. 26, No. 4, July 25, 1903, p. 40
"Secure Larger Quarters," The Music Trades, Vol. 26, No. 8, August 22, 1903, p. 42
"J. W. York and Sons Rushed," The Music Trades, Vol. 26, No. 9, August 29, 1903, p. 41
"The House of York in New York," The Music Trades, Vol. 26, No. 9, November 7, 1903, p. 47
"York Slide Trombone," The Music Trades, Vol. 26, No. 22, November 28, 1903, p. 43
"George W. Jackson Now with J. W. York and Sons," The Music Trades, Vol. 27, No. 18, April 30, 1904, p. 43
"Heavy York Band Instrument Business," The Music Trades, Vol XXIX, No. 10, p. 50, March 11, 1905
"House of York Spreads Out," The Music Trades, Vol. XXX, No. 2, p. 49, July 15, 1905
"Give the Boys the Credit That is Due Them," The Music Trades, Vol. XI, No. 22, p. 51, June 3, 1905
"York and Sons Eb Bass," The Music Trades, Vol. XXIX, No. 5, p. 51, February 4, 1905
"Heavy Demand for Band Instruments," The Music Trades, Vol XXXIII, No. 20, p. 41, May 18, 1907
Advertisem*nt, The Metronome, Vol. 24, No. 3, March, 1913
Advertisem*nt, The Dominant, Vol. 21, No. 3, May 1913
Advertisem*nt, The Dominant, Vol. 21, No. 6, August 1913
Advertisem*nt, The Musical Enterprise, Vol. 25, No. 9, June 1913
Advertisem*nt, The Musical Enterprise, Vol. 25, No. 9, June 1913
Advertisem*nt, The Musical Enterprise, Vol. 25, No. 12, September, 1913
Advertisem*nt, The Musical Enterprise, Vol. 25, No. 12, September, 1913
Advertisem*nt, The Musical Enterprise, Vol. 26, No. 2, November, 1913
Advertisem*nt, The Musical Enterprise, Vol. 26, No. 2, November, 1913
Advertisem*nt, The Musical Enterprise, Vol. 26, No. 3, December, 1913
Advertisem*nt, The Dominant, Vol. 30, July, 1923
Advertisem*nt, The Metronome, Vol. XLII, No. 16, p. 45, August 15, 1926
Advertisem*nt, The Music Magazine, November, 1928
Advertisem*nt, The Bandmaster, Vol. 3, No. 5, May, 1928
"York Instrument Company, formed in 1882, A Leader," Grand Rapids Herald, February 9, 1937
"York Company Sold, Will Expand," (Grand Rapids Herald?) December 5, 1940
Catalogs
York Catalog hand dated 1907
York Catalog hand dated 1916
York Catalog hand dated September 4, 1928.
"The Instruments of the Band," Booklet published by York, 1927
York Band Instrument Catalog, June 1, 1928
York Band Instrument Catalog, 1935
York Band Instrument Catalog, 1952
York Band Instrument Catalog, 1957 (1960?)
York Band Instrument Catalog, (1964?)York Band Instrument Catalog and price list, June 1, 1966
York Band Instrument Catalog and price list, January 1, 1968
York Band Instrument Catalog and price list, March 1, 1970
York Band Instrument Catalog, (1973?)
York Band Instrument Catalog and price list (also strings catalog), June 1, 1973
