Scope and Contents note

The collection consists of 6 volumes of scrapbooks and a folder containing 12 small brochures documenting the background of Benjamin H. Janssen and the growth of the Janssen Piano Company from 1901 to 1928. Pasted on the pages of these scrapbooks are catalogues, pamphlets, brochures, and newspaper and magazine clippings from the music trades and inserts taken from newspapers of various cities, mostly from the northeast and the midwest. In addition, there are copies of advertising letters in foreign language with English translation adjacent to the posting. Most of the foreign language letters are in Spanish. Several poems by Janssen are displayed along with reference to his music compositions.

Arrangement

Collection is dovided into one series.

Series 1: Scrapbooks, 1909-1928

Biographical / Historical

Benjamin H. Janssen started his career in the piano line with Stephen Brambach in whose employ he remained for two years, then to the Estey house for two years. Mathushek & Sons later became his employer for ten years as secretary. Later he moved to the management of the retail department for George Steck where he made a reputation as a catalogue maker and advertising litterateur. From the Courier October 5, 1901 is the following: A ... Benjamin H. Janssen has resigned the position he has held for the past year with George Steck & Co. and entered the ranks of piano makers. He has bought the business of the Alexander C. Kittel Piano Co. and will continue that business under his own name. He was for a time associated with the Mathusek concern, and later was with the Brambach Piano Company, Dolgeville, N.Y. Reportedly he was a musician, poet, composer, knew a great deal about pianos and was an accomplished salesman. He was quoted as saying AAfter twenty years of hustling for others I have decided to do a little for myself.