This photo shows the Grinnell Brothers Music headquarters in Detroit in 1948 just after major renovations. The building was constructed in 1908. By 1950 Grinnells was the world's largest music company which manufactured pianos in Holly, Windsor, and Detroit. Grinnell Bros. sold more Steinway pianos than all other companys combined. It sold more Grinnell Bros. pianos than it sold Steinway pianos.
I will be at the Holly Historical Society at 9 AM on Friday, May 9th to meet as many jolly Holly citizens as I can. I also have a favor to ask. For my upcoming book I need photos of the Grand Trunk RR steam locomotives from before 1950. I also need photos of the pre-1950 delivery trucks. It would be a bonus to receive photos of activities at the piano plant, especially of a delivery or of shipping by the railroad. Typically, a locomotive with 1 or 2 freight cars with loads or being loaded by employees. ASK YOUR PARENTS OR GRAND PARENTS if they have old photos.
Whew! I hope I am not asking too much. By the way, I have already completed my Holly factory portion of the book to be published late summer. I have written 25 pages on the Holly Piano Factory. The photos I have requested will make those 25 pages jump off the paper.
If some one working with Linda Smith at the historical society, can provide a laptop with USB receptical and a projector, I will bring a thumb drive to provide a 30-minute live program with photos! I am giving the same program to the Detroit Kiwanis club on Tuesday, May 6th.
Looking forward to meeting many of you in 13 days!
Hugh Grinnell
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