Frederick T. Steinway
b. February 9, 1860 · American
Biography
Frederick T. Steinway, brother of Charles H. Steinway, was born in New York on February 9, 1860. After elementary schooling in Berlin, Germany, he studied chemistry and metallurgy at the School of Mines, Columbia College, before entering Steinway & Sons as a factory apprentice. His scientific training proved valuable when Theodore Steinway was experimenting to find the proper alloy of ore for the modern piano plate. Trained by his uncle Albert Steinway in factory management, he became an acknowledged expert in materials such as lumber and veneers and in factory organization, and he planned and designed the new Steinway & Sons factories at Steinway, Long Island (1903). Described as just, fair, and beloved by employees, he was a lover of fine horses and an amateur musician partial to the classics. Averse to public life, he nonetheless accepted the position of trustee of the German Savings Bank of New York, succeeding his uncle William Steinway. Steinway, was in charge of the Steinway & Sons factories, assisted by Theodore Cassebeer, grandson of Doretta Steinway-Ziegler. Steinway headed the Steinway and Sons factories in 1907, the year Theodore Cassebeer was appointed assistant manager under him. From Spillane (1890): Frederick T. Steinway, born February 9, 1860, was a member of the firm of Steinway & Sons and one of three sons of the late Charles Steinway who joined the firm, alongside his brothers Henry W. T. and Charles H. Steinway. He was described, with his brothers, as highly educated and practically trained in all departments of piano construction and its acoustics.
Highlights
- Brother of Charles H. Steinway; in charge of the Steinway factories, assisted by Theodore Cassebeer
- Designed and planned the imposing new Steinway & Sons factories erected at Steinway, Long Island, in 1903
- Assisted Theodore Steinway's experiments to find the proper alloy of ore for the modern piano plate
- Succeeded his uncle William Steinway as trustee of the German Savings Bank of New York
- Headed the Steinway factories, under whom Theodore Cassebeer was appointed assistant manager in 1907
- One of three sons of the late Charles Steinway serving in the firm as of 1890.
- Described as highly educated and practically trained in piano construction and acoustics.
Sources
Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), p. 312; Vol. II (1913), pp. 181, 182, 187.
Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), p. 222.
Public domain.