By Rita LaDoux

Long ago, in 1917, there was a brand new library on Como at Carter avenues, the St. Anthony Park Branch Library, a Carnegie Library that was built on land donated by the “founding fathers” of St. Anthony Park.

And into the library — perhaps at its opening — entered a brand new piano.

At that time, most pianos were built in New York or Chicago.

But this piano was built in St. Paul.

It was crafted by Raudenbush and Sons, a piano builder whose shop was in the bustling industrial area along University Avenue near south St. Anthony Park.

Raudenbush’s factory was at 2196 University Ave. across Vandalia Street from today’s Dubliner Pub.

S. W. Raudenbush, a skilled musician, had been a bookkeeper and later a traveling salesman for the W. W. Kimball Piano Company in Chicago. He started his own business in 1883, and soon after opened his workshop in St. Paul.

The father and his two sons built many styles including upright, player and baby grand pianos. They were known for their silken ivory keys and beautiful tone quality and timbre across all keys.

The pianos were sold as “Raudenbush and Sons”, “Garland”, and “Wesley” pianos. They were marketed with “special inducements to Methodist ministers and Methodist families”.

Pianos were sold in every state of the U.S., and also Canada and Europe. Unfortunately, the company closed in the 1930’s due failing sales during the Depression.

Recently, Beth Combs of Stay Tuned wrangled the library’s piano into tune for the December ­SAPBLA Forum, a sing-along featuring crooner Dan Chouinard.

Combs stated the piano is in good condition and a wonderful example of the skilled workmanship of St. Paul’s craftsmen, a truly historical musical instrument!

It may need a bit of refinishing on the outside. It’s showing “the love” of over a 108 years of its musical life.

But the tunes just keep on coming! It’s in tune and just waiting for you to play! 

Rita LaDoux is chairperson of the St. Anthony Park Branch Library.