Excelsior Music Company

The Excelsior Music Co. is shown, circa 1914, at 433 Broadway in the Rabich Building. The business was started in this building by William H. Vedder and John Atkisson. In 1924 Vedder built his own store at 313 Broadway. Later he moved the business to 533-535 Broadway, the present location of Shivelbine's Music Store.

Sept. 11, 1925 Southeast Missourian

The Excelsior Music Company, located at 313-315 Broadway, is conducted as a partnership between William H. Vedder and William A. Huebel, having been under this ownership since 1920. It was established in May, 1906, by William H. Vedder and John Atkinson, continuing as a partnership for six years. In 1912 Mr. Vedder bought the interest of his partner and conducted business alone until 1920, when he sold half interest to Mr. Huebel.

The Excelsior Music Company carries a large stock of pianos, both regular and player, in several of the leading makes. It specializes in the Edison phonograph, keeping a number of models on hand. It also keeps a few band instruments in stock, but can supply any instrument wanted. Violins, guitars, ukeleles and numerous small instruments are in stock, with a full line of classical and popular sheet music, player piano rolls, and photograph records. The company also keeps a complete line of radio sets and parts. The concern is one of leading music houses in Southeast Missouri and enjoys a patronage from a large section.

Nov. 8, 1932 Southeast Missourian (excerpt)

Excelsior Furniture and Music Co. Supplies a Wide Range of the Cape Girardeau Trade Territory

This company was established and incorporated as the Brinkopf Furniture Company in 1916 and was operated under that name and management until April, 1926, when the name was changed and the Excelsior Furniture & Music Company established was a corporation with a capital stock of $12,000,000. The change was brought about when Wm. H. Vedder, W.A. Huebel and H.B. Kimmich purchased the interests of the original corporation and formed a new one consolidating the Excelsior Music Company....

[Story, Page 6, Nov. 8, 1932]

https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=Oc-rVwKPngoC&dat=19321107&printsec=frontpage&hl=en

Below is a present view of the building. The building to the left was built in 1935 for Lueders Studio at 427 Broadway.

Previous blogs:

Lueders Studio

Shivelbine's Music Store 1963

Blog by Sharon Sanders:

William Vedder's interesting life

Here are some items from Out of the Past:

Feb. 4, 1913 William Vedder and John Atkinson, proprietors of the Excelsior Music store on Broadway, are ready to dedicate their new place of business tomorrow; they have moved into new quarters one door west of the old stand.

Aug. 24, 1934 Purchase of the Excelsior Furniture & Music Co., 533 Broadway, by a newly organized corporation of five men is announced; the deal provides that Charles W. and E.J. Bauerle, Henry Kimmich, Robert Bauer and William Vedder take over all of the assets of the firm; the interest of William Heubel was purchased outright, and most of the stock owned by Vedder was absorbed in the purchase.

Dec. 8, 1934 William Vedder, until August co-owner and manager of Excelsior Music and Furniture store, has purchased and taken charge of the Frigidaire and washer sales establishment at 418 Broadway; the business was purchased from A.P. Rueseler, who had operated it since last February.

May 26, 1944 Excelsior Furniture and Music Co. has purchased adjoining building at corner of Broadway and Frederick, occupied on first floor by Singer Sewing Machine Co. and on second and third floors by apartment from E.G. Gramling.

May 4, 1947 Formal opening of reconstructed Excelsior Furniture & Music Co. store, 533 Broadway, will be held in about two weeks, exact date not having been set; project has been under way about 14 months, and included complete rebuilding of three upper floors and basement of building; when finally completed, store will have basement floor and two upper sales floors and third floor warehouse; head of firm is C.W. Bauerle.

July 2, 1953 C.W. Bauerle of Excelsior Furniture & Music Co. announces sale of retail furniture business at 533-37 Broadway by himself, his wife and Arthur R. Folsom to new company composed of local business men and headed by Dean McNeil; Bauerle's firm retains title to building, on which new company has signed long-term lease with options.

May 1, 1922 Southeast Missourian advertisement:

That it pays to be polite and accommodating is proved beyond any question by two gentlemen who conduct a music store on Broadway. A few years ago Messrs. John Atkinson and William Vedder opened a small store on Broadway for the sale of music and musical instruments. Most people said Cape Girardeau isn't big enough for such a store, but these two men were patient and every customer or caller was given the most cordial treatment. Before long the store had developed into a big concern, with as fine and complete a stock of musical goods as can be found in any city, and the business continues to increase. These two gentlemen always have the time to cater to every wish of their patrons. Mr. Atkinson is an expert piano tuner and devotes most of his time to this business. It is doubtful if there is a more proficient man in the business. Mr. Vedder looks after the store and keeps it up to date in every particular. Most any kind of musical instrument can be found there. The store also makes a specialty of phonographs and all kinds of supplies. They are also wholesalers and retailers of post cards.

[The Daily Republican published a special feature, a series of drawings and biographical sketches of prominent men in the area. The Men of Affairs in Cape Girardeau and Cape County were "cartoon pictures" that were printed daily and published in a book. A total of 38 sketches were published starting July 18, 1910.]

A picture post card of Excelsior Music Company. (Courtesy Stephen Bodine)