Christian Kurtzmann, Jr.

Biography

Christian Kurtzmann, Jr. was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1886, the son of Louis S. Kurtzmann. Described as well-read and a good musician, he studied modern industrial methods and the application of scientific discoveries at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston for three years before entering the family piano factory in 1908 to learn piano making under his father's guidance. He subsequently carried out the reorganization and equipment of the extensive factories of the Louismann-Capen Company, with the stated aim of producing an artistic piano under favorable conditions and at minimum cost. Christian Kurtzmann, Jr., joined his father Louis S. Kurtzmann in 1912 in acquiring a controlling interest in the Brockport Piano Manufacturing Company, which was reorganized as the Louismann-Capen Company. He served as vice-president and secretary of the new firm, which manufactured the 'Louismann' and 'Capen' pianos.

Highlights

• Joined his father Louis S. Kurtzmann in acquiring control of the Brockport Piano Manufacturing Company in 1912, becoming vice-president and secretary of the reorganized Louismann-Capen Company
• Son of Louis S. Kurtzmann, educated at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Entered the family piano factory in 1908 to learn piano making under his father
• Carried out reorganization and re-equipping of the Louismann-Capen Company's factories

Source

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. II (1913), pp. 140, 141.

Public domain.