Fred Wilby Chickering

Biography

Fred Wilby Chickering, son of Josiah B. Chickering, was born in Cincinnati on March 1, 1865. Following his brother Clifford's example, he apprenticed at the Chickering and Sons factory in Boston beginning in 1882, working at the bench for seven years and mastering all branches of piano building. More inclined toward a commercial career, he became a salesman with the old house of Smith and Nixon in Cincinnati, then managed the retail store of Mason and Hamlin in Chicago, and later managed the retail department of the Weber Piano Company in Chicago, before joining his brothers in the manufacture of pianos at Chickering Brothers. He took full charge of the commercial end of that business. Described as a good musician of optimistic and enthusiastic temperament, an indefatigable worker with striking magnetism and persuasive power, he is credited by the text with helping the firm's growth surpass its founders' fondest hopes. A portrait of Fred Wilby Chickering accompanies the text.

Highlights

• Born in Cincinnati on March 1, 1865; apprenticed seven years at Chickering & Sons in Boston from 1882
• Worked as a salesman for Smith and Nixon in Cincinnati, then managed retail stores for Mason and Hamlin and the Weber Piano Company in Chicago
• Took full charge of the commercial side of Chickering Brothers after joining his brothers

Source

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. II (1913), pp. 71, 72.

Public domain.