Objects Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1975X.00.666 |
Object Name |
Piano |
Title |
Piano, Bell Piano & Organ Company Limited, 1926 |
Date |
1926 |
Year Range from |
1926 |
Year Range to |
1926 |
Description |
Piano made by Bell Piano & Organ Company Limited, 1926. Upright piano made of wood with a dark finish. The piano case is plain except for decorative moulding on the left and right side of the upper front panel. In the bottom, centre there are three brass pedals. Inside the piano on gold coloured metal is embossed lettering with the manufacturer's name. Made in 1926. Used in the Nurses' Residence at Guelph General Hospital. |
Notes |
Historic Context - GGH School of Nursing The Guelph General Hospital (GGH) School of Nursing opened in 1888 to provide nursing training. The training program was originally two years but increased to three years in 1896. Emphasis was placed on practical training with nursing students gaining experience in most hospital departments. Students resided in the attic of GGH until a residence was built in 1906. In 1911, a newer residence was constructed. Classes were held in the hospital until a campus was built beside GGH in 1957. The new campus included a school complex, a social centre, and a residence building. The program was reduced to two years again in 1971. In 1974, the last class graduated, and nursing education was transferred to Conestoga College. Nursing schools across Ontario were being closed and moved to community colleges. Over its 86 years, the school graduated 1278 nurses who worked in the Guelph community and across Canada. Historic Context - Bell Piano & Organ Company William Bell (b. 1833) born in Dumfries, Scotland where he learned carpentry. He moved to Toronto with his parents and brothers in 1853. In 1864, William and his brother Robert, established the bell Piano & Organ Company as "W. Bell and Co." on Upper Wyndham Street. In its first year, the company produced a total of 25 melodeons. In 1865, the growing company moved to a two-story building on Carden Street and to manufacturing organs. By 1881, the company had around 200 employees and produced more than 1200 organs and melodeons annually. Products were exported around the world. As business and production increased, the company added more buildings until they "occupied most of the block between Wyndham and Woolwich Streets". In 1884, William Bell partnered with Mrs. W.B. Kennedy, A.W. Alexander and his son, W.J. Bell. In 1888, the company's name changed to the Bell Organ and Piano Company Limited when W.J. Bell sold the business. The new owners began producing pianos and continued to expand with warehouses in Toronto and branches in Hamilton, St. Thomas, London (ON), England, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. By 1907 piano sales surpassed organ sales and the company name was changed to the Bell Piano and Organ Company Limited. By 1920, player pianos, electric reproducing pianos, phonographs, piano benches, radio tables, and cabinets were also being produced by the company. The company stopped producing organs in 1928. During the 1930s, the Guelph factories closed. In 1934, the company was sold again to Lesage Pianos Limited of Quebec, who continued producing products with the Bell name until WWII. Updated 2020 |
Artist |
Bell Organ & Piano Company Ltd. Guelph |
Search Terms |
Bell Piano and Organ Company Limited Guelph General Hospital School of Nursing |
Subjects |
MUSIC - INSTRUMENTS MANUFACTURING AND TRADES |
Dimensions |
H-139.4 W-67.6 L-158.4 cm |
Dimension Details |
Dimensions: L. 60-1/4" (158.4cm.) ( along front); Ht: 54-7/8" (139.4cm.) (from top to floor) Width. 26-5/8" (67.6cm.) ( across side front to back). |
Collection |
Artifacts |