What's New At Christ Church?!
A NEW ADDITION
January 6, 2021
Donated to Christ United Church of Christ
By Dr. Richard Kunkle
In Memory of Ann West Hay Kunkle (1946-2016)
,Some Notes about Kraukauer Brothers Piano
This Grand Old Dame of a piano was built in 1927 by Krakauer Brothers Company located at that time in New York City. The company was founded by a German immigrant in 1869 by the name of Simon Krakauer. He was an accomplished violinist and orchestra conductor in his hometown of Kissinger, Germany prior to coming to America in 1854. He was soon joined in the piano making business by his son David and his brother Julius. Simon’s passion was to build and improve the tonal quality of his pianos. His pianos also became known for their exceptional cases. By the early 20th century the Krakauer Brothers were building small numbers of “exceptional, high end quality” pianos, each one totally by hand and with individual attention. Due to their smaller scale production and private nature of the company, many of their pianos are in relatively good condition today and are highly revered.
My grandfather, Richard Muse Whiteman who was also an immigrant but from England, bought the piano from an unknown original owner in or about 1945. Grandpa was himself an accomplished musician who played the piano, mandolin, trumpet and sang in the choir at Denmark Manor UCC. He was a passionate Christian, and Sunday family dinners were always followed by family singing around the piano. Grandpa’s voice was rated the best of all! He subbed at Denmark Manor as pianist when needed. He also played and sang at Pentecostal singing and revival services at a local Pentecostal church.
When grandpa died, the piano took up new residence at my childhood home in Delmont, PA. Major remodeling for the new arrival was accomplished to “make it fit.” Both my mother and sister were accomplished pianists, so the Sunday sing-alongs continued and became a major event in my young life. I loved the music and singing, but, alas, whatever else I was meant to be in life, it certainly was not a musician much to my mother’s chagrin. However, I still know where middle C resides!
When my mother died, the piano came to High Turr Farm in Ligonier. We had the room and my sister did not. Ann had taken piano lessons as a youngster and could play a few tunes. Neither my son or daughter had any interest in the piano and neither did any of my grandchildren. Forsaken of talent, the piano quietly graced our living room for many years. Recently, I decided it was not kind to such a beloved and beautiful instrument to be so ill respected. I asked Julie to come and play the piano and see if she felt it would enhance our services at CUCC. She was pleased and the piano responded beautifully to her skillful touch. The grand old Dame still had it in her!
I hope this gift will bring as much pleasure to our congregation as it did to my grandfather, mother, sister and me.
This Grand Old Dame of a piano was built in 1927 by Krakauer Brothers Company located at that time in New York City. The company was founded by a German immigrant in 1869 by the name of Simon Krakauer. He was an accomplished violinist and orchestra conductor in his hometown of Kissinger, Germany prior to coming to America in 1854. He was soon joined in the piano making business by his son David and his brother Julius. Simon’s passion was to build and improve the tonal quality of his pianos. His pianos also became known for their exceptional cases. By the early 20th century the Krakauer Brothers were building small numbers of “exceptional, high end quality” pianos, each one totally by hand and with individual attention. Due to their smaller scale production and private nature of the company, many of their pianos are in relatively good condition today and are highly revered.
My grandfather, Richard Muse Whiteman who was also an immigrant but from England, bought the piano from an unknown original owner in or about 1945. Grandpa was himself an accomplished musician who played the piano, mandolin, trumpet and sang in the choir at Denmark Manor UCC. He was a passionate Christian, and Sunday family dinners were always followed by family singing around the piano. Grandpa’s voice was rated the best of all! He subbed at Denmark Manor as pianist when needed. He also played and sang at Pentecostal singing and revival services at a local Pentecostal church.
When grandpa died, the piano took up new residence at my childhood home in Delmont, PA. Major remodeling for the new arrival was accomplished to “make it fit.” Both my mother and sister were accomplished pianists, so the Sunday sing-alongs continued and became a major event in my young life. I loved the music and singing, but, alas, whatever else I was meant to be in life, it certainly was not a musician much to my mother’s chagrin. However, I still know where middle C resides!
When my mother died, the piano came to High Turr Farm in Ligonier. We had the room and my sister did not. Ann had taken piano lessons as a youngster and could play a few tunes. Neither my son or daughter had any interest in the piano and neither did any of my grandchildren. Forsaken of talent, the piano quietly graced our living room for many years. Recently, I decided it was not kind to such a beloved and beautiful instrument to be so ill respected. I asked Julie to come and play the piano and see if she felt it would enhance our services at CUCC. She was pleased and the piano responded beautifully to her skillful touch. The grand old Dame still had it in her!
I hope this gift will bring as much pleasure to our congregation as it did to my grandfather, mother, sister and me.
