| Re: Why Elkhart
I am guessing that it was a combination of cheap land, being close to Chicago and Detroit for good shipping and cheap materials, and a central location. I think there was a Band Instrument movement of some kind in the early 1900's (isn't the Music Man movie based on that?), and it may have centered in the midwest.
Getzen and Holton are located in ElkHORN, Wisconsin.
It also appears that several of the instrument makers started in the east and moved west (Conn and Bach come to mind).
Sadly the musical heritage in Elkhart is fading fast. I do believe there are still companies doing metal plating, and I think Conn still has a factory there.
The Blessing retail operation is actually in Mishawaka, and the Woodwind and Brasswind retail operation is on the north side of South Bend, close to the Michigan line. I live and work right in this area (slightly south of Elkhart).
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--Misty
Hit it hard, and wish it well. -- Claude Gordon
1925(?) Conn Cavalier Bb (s/n 14142)
2007 Barrington Bb student trumpet |