P. J. Gildemeester

Biography

The late P. J. Gildemeester, associated with Chickering and Sons, gave guidance and friendship to Ernest Urchs during Urchs's time as a retail salesman there. From Spillane (1890): P. J. Gildemeester was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1849 and raised in a musical household; among his musical relatives was the famous pianist Louis M. Gottschalk, called 'the American Chopin.' He entered the piano trade at an early age, joining Chickering & Sons in January 1878 as a retail salesman, and was soon promoted to the position of traveller for the firm's wholesale department. His diligence and loyalty led to his becoming confidential business manager of Chickering & Sons and, in April 1886, a partner when the house became a close corporation. He was central to the firm's New York branch operations centered on Chickering Hall (founded 1875), and was described as widely respected in both business and private circles.

Highlights

• Guided and befriended Ernest Urchs during his time as a salesman at Chickering and Sons
• Born in New Orleans in 1849; relative of the pianist Louis M. Gottschalk, 'the American Chopin'
• Joined Chickering & Sons in January 1878 as a retail salesman, rose to travelling wholesale agent, then confidential business manager
• Became a partner in April 1886 when the house became a close corporation

Sources

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. II (1913), p. 190.

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), pp. 267, 268.

Public domain.