William Steinway
Encyclopedia
William Steinway, also Wilhelm Steinway, born Wilhelm Steinweg (March 5, 1835 – November 30, 1896), son of Steinway & Sons
founder Henry E. Steinway
, was a businessman and civic leader who was influential in the development of Astoria, New York.
, Brunswick
, the fourth son of Henry Engelhard Steinway. In Germany
, he received an elementary education, and was also given instruction in languages and music. He then became an apprentice in a piano factory, where he spent two years.
He came to the United States
with his father and brothers in 1850. With his father and his brothers Charles and Henry, he founded the firm of Steinway & Sons in 1853. In 1889, he became the head of the firm. In 1866, Steinway erected Steinway Hall
to make a place for the exhibition of the highest musical skill. It was a huge success for the company. He also founded the Steinway Concert & Artist department, which is still working today.
In 1870 William began building a company town, Steinway Village
, on 400 acres (1.6 km²) in northern Astoria, New York. Avoiding the crowded streets and labor problems associated with operating in Manhattan
, he directed the construction of the Steinway Piano Factory on this land, a large facility still in operation today. Near the factory was housing for his workers, a church, library and kindergarten as well as a public trolley line. In 1939, a resort area which Steinway developed just east of Astoria, in North Beach, was converted into North Beach Airport, later renamed LaGuardia Airport
.
His successor in the company was Charles Herman Steinway
in April 1861. He was 26 and she 17 and the couple were deeply in love. The marriage lasted 16 years and included a series of affairs which Steinway found personally devastating. Regina was to become pregnant six times – two children were still-born and a third miscarried. One son was illegitimate and moved with his mother to France when she divorced in 1876. Steinway later happily re-married.
were both driven by the desire to produce the very best in their respective fields and by the time they met in 1888, both had established companies with growing reputations for providing, respectively, the most finely crafted piano
s and the best engineered car
s.
The Steinway family had emigrated to the USA in 1850 and the quality of their instruments had rapidly made Steinway the brand of choise for professionals and, with the country's increasing numbers of wealthy entrepreneurs, a Steinway piano was to be found in many a well-heeled amateur's sitting room. Similarly, Daimler's Mercedes
cars had become increasing sought after by discerning motorists in Europe, but Daimler knew that they had potential markets in many other countries around the world and, from very early on, was looking far beyond the European borders.
Both men understood the importance of the American market – one from within the USA, the other from outside – but it was not long before the meeting between the two would result in a unique enterprise. As early as 1876, the gifted designer and Daimler confidant Wilhelm Maybach
had come to know William Steinway. During a stay in Germany in 1888, Steinway also made the acquaintance of Gottlieb Daimler and their conversations would invariably revolve around one subject: production of Daimler engines in America. Steinway, like Daimler, quite rightly believed these was a bright future for the internal combustion engine and automobile.
After William Steinway returned to America, plans quickly materialized. On September 29, 1888, Daimler Motor Co, New York, was founded and initially produced gas
and petroleum
engines for stationary and marine applications. The two entrepreneurs also started seriously considering the production of automobiles in America, as "old-world" automobiles were highly coveted there, but they were expensive due to shipping costs and customs duties.
Following Steinway's early death in 1896, his heirs weren't convinced about the project and sold all their shares to the General Electric Company in 1898. The factory was renamed Daimler Manufacturing Company.
Today, the hand polish
ed wood inside the Daimler AG company's luxury top brand cars named Maybach
is made by Steinway's factory in Hamburg, Germany.
During the 1890s, Steinway began a project to extend his company town's horse-drawn trolley line under the East River
and into midtown Manhattan. This project would eventually lead to the IRT Flushing Line
. Although he died before the completion of the project, the tunnels that were dug under the East River were named the Steinway Tunnel
s after him. The dirt removed from the tunnels was formed into a small island in the middle of the East River, now called U Thant Island
. Steinway served as head of the New York Subway Commission, the group that planned the New York City Subway
network.
.
Main Street in Astoria has been renamed Steinway Street
in his honor, and today a station on the IND Queens Boulevard Line
( trains) is named Steinway Street
.
Steinway & Sons
Steinway & Sons, also known as Steinway , is an American and German manufacturer of handmade pianos, founded 1853 in Manhattan in New York City by German immigrant Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg...
founder Henry E. Steinway
Henry E. Steinway
Henry E. Steinway made pianos in Germany and the United States. He was the founder of the piano company Steinway & Sons....
, was a businessman and civic leader who was influential in the development of Astoria, New York.
Germany
Steinway was born in SeesenSeesen
Seesen is a town and municipality in the district of Goslar, in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is situated on the northwestern edge of the Harz mountain range, approx...
, Brunswick
Duchy of Brunswick
Brunswick was a historical state in Germany. Originally the territory of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel in the Holy Roman Empire, it was established as an independent duchy by the Congress of Vienna in 1815...
, the fourth son of Henry Engelhard Steinway. In Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, he received an elementary education, and was also given instruction in languages and music. He then became an apprentice in a piano factory, where he spent two years.
Steinway & Sons
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
with his father and brothers in 1850. With his father and his brothers Charles and Henry, he founded the firm of Steinway & Sons in 1853. In 1889, he became the head of the firm. In 1866, Steinway erected Steinway Hall
Steinway Hall
Steinway Hall is the name of buildings housing concert halls, showrooms and sales departments for Steinway & Sons pianos. The first Steinway Hall was opened 1866 in New York City. Today, Steinway Halls and Steinway-Häuser are located in world cities such as New York City, London, Hamburg, Berlin,...
to make a place for the exhibition of the highest musical skill. It was a huge success for the company. He also founded the Steinway Concert & Artist department, which is still working today.
In 1870 William began building a company town, Steinway Village
Ditmars, Queens
Ditmars is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Queens. Ditmars is in northwestern Queens bounded by Bowery Bay to the north, LaGuardia Airport to the east, 23rd Avenue to the south and the East River on the west. The neighborhood is often considered to be within Astoria...
, on 400 acres (1.6 km²) in northern Astoria, New York. Avoiding the crowded streets and labor problems associated with operating in Manhattan
Manhattan
Manhattan is the oldest and the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City. Located primarily on the island of Manhattan at the mouth of the Hudson River, the boundaries of the borough are identical to those of New York County, an original county of the state of New York...
, he directed the construction of the Steinway Piano Factory on this land, a large facility still in operation today. Near the factory was housing for his workers, a church, library and kindergarten as well as a public trolley line. In 1939, a resort area which Steinway developed just east of Astoria, in North Beach, was converted into North Beach Airport, later renamed LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia Airport is an airport located in the northern part of Queens County on Long Island in the City of New York. The airport is located on the waterfront of Flushing Bay and Bowery Bay, and borders the neighborhoods of Astoria, Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst. The airport was originally...
.
His successor in the company was Charles Herman Steinway
Marriage
It was recently revealed, when nine volumes of Steinway's personal diaries, covering 35 years, were made public on-line by The Smithsonian Institution, that he was devastated by this wife's adultery. Steinway married Regina Roos in Buffalo, New YorkBuffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. Located in Western New York on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River across from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the principal city of the...
in April 1861. He was 26 and she 17 and the couple were deeply in love. The marriage lasted 16 years and included a series of affairs which Steinway found personally devastating. Regina was to become pregnant six times – two children were still-born and a third miscarried. One son was illegitimate and moved with his mother to France when she divorced in 1876. Steinway later happily re-married.
Mercedes cars
William Steinway and Gottlieb DaimlerGottlieb Daimler
Gottlieb Daimler was an engineer, industrial designer and industrialist born in Schorndorf , in what is now Germany. He was a pioneer of internal-combustion engines and automobile development...
were both driven by the desire to produce the very best in their respective fields and by the time they met in 1888, both had established companies with growing reputations for providing, respectively, the most finely crafted piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
s and the best engineered car
Čar
Čar is a village in the municipality of Bujanovac, Serbia. According to the 2002 census, the town has a population of 296 people.-References:...
s.
The Steinway family had emigrated to the USA in 1850 and the quality of their instruments had rapidly made Steinway the brand of choise for professionals and, with the country's increasing numbers of wealthy entrepreneurs, a Steinway piano was to be found in many a well-heeled amateur's sitting room. Similarly, Daimler's Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks. Mercedes-Benz is a division of its parent company, Daimler AG...
cars had become increasing sought after by discerning motorists in Europe, but Daimler knew that they had potential markets in many other countries around the world and, from very early on, was looking far beyond the European borders.
Both men understood the importance of the American market – one from within the USA, the other from outside – but it was not long before the meeting between the two would result in a unique enterprise. As early as 1876, the gifted designer and Daimler confidant Wilhelm Maybach
Wilhelm Maybach
Wilhelm Maybach was an early German engine designer and industrialist. During the 1890s he was hailed in France, then the world centre for car production, as the "King of constructors"....
had come to know William Steinway. During a stay in Germany in 1888, Steinway also made the acquaintance of Gottlieb Daimler and their conversations would invariably revolve around one subject: production of Daimler engines in America. Steinway, like Daimler, quite rightly believed these was a bright future for the internal combustion engine and automobile.
After William Steinway returned to America, plans quickly materialized. On September 29, 1888, Daimler Motor Co, New York, was founded and initially produced gas
Gas
Gas is one of the three classical states of matter . Near absolute zero, a substance exists as a solid. As heat is added to this substance it melts into a liquid at its melting point , boils into a gas at its boiling point, and if heated high enough would enter a plasma state in which the electrons...
and petroleum
Petroleum
Petroleum or crude oil is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and other liquid organic compounds, that are found in geologic formations beneath the Earth's surface. Petroleum is recovered mostly through oil drilling...
engines for stationary and marine applications. The two entrepreneurs also started seriously considering the production of automobiles in America, as "old-world" automobiles were highly coveted there, but they were expensive due to shipping costs and customs duties.
Following Steinway's early death in 1896, his heirs weren't convinced about the project and sold all their shares to the General Electric Company in 1898. The factory was renamed Daimler Manufacturing Company.
Today, the hand polish
Polishing
Polishing is the process of creating a smooth and shiny surface by rubbing it or using a chemical action, leaving a surface with a significant specular reflection In some materials polishing is also able to reduce diffuse reflection to...
ed wood inside the Daimler AG company's luxury top brand cars named Maybach
Maybach
Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH is a German luxury car manufacturer. It was founded in 1909 by Wilhelm Maybach and his son. The company was originally a subsidiary of Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH and was itself known as Luftfahrzeug-Motorenbau GmbH until 1912.Today, the ultra-luxury car brand is owned by...
is made by Steinway's factory in Hamburg, Germany.
Public Transit
East River
The East River is a tidal strait in New York City. It connects Upper New York Bay on its south end to Long Island Sound on its north end. It separates Long Island from the island of Manhattan and the Bronx on the North American mainland...
and into midtown Manhattan. This project would eventually lead to the IRT Flushing Line
IRT Flushing Line
The Flushing Line is a rapid transit route of the New York City Subway system, operated as part of the IRT Division and designated the 7 route...
. Although he died before the completion of the project, the tunnels that were dug under the East River were named the Steinway Tunnel
Steinway Tunnel
The Steinway Tunnel carries the trains of the New York City Subway under the East River between 42nd Street in Manhattan and 51st Avenue in Long Island City, Queens, in New York City. It was originally designed and built as an interurban trolley tunnel , with stations near the trains' current...
s after him. The dirt removed from the tunnels was formed into a small island in the middle of the East River, now called U Thant Island
U Thant Island
U Thant Island is the smallest island located in the borough of Manhattan in New York City. The tiny artificial island is in size and located in the East River, just south of Roosevelt Island...
. Steinway served as head of the New York Subway Commission, the group that planned the New York City Subway
New York City Subway
The New York City Subway is a rapid transit system owned by the City of New York and leased to the New York City Transit Authority, a subsidiary agency of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and also known as MTA New York City Transit...
network.
Legacy
William Steinway died on November 30, 1896, and was buried at Green-Wood CemeteryGreen-Wood Cemetery
Green-Wood Cemetery was founded in 1838 as a rural cemetery in Brooklyn, Kings County , New York. It was granted National Historic Landmark status in 2006 by the U.S. Department of the Interior.-History:...
.
Main Street in Astoria has been renamed Steinway Street
Steinway Street
Steinway Street is a major street in boroughs Queens in New York City, New York, in the United States. Steinway Street is 2.4 mile two-way street that runs north-south, and spans between Berrian Boulevard in Astoria and Northern Boulevard in Long Island City...
in his honor, and today a station on the IND Queens Boulevard Line
IND Queens Boulevard Line
The Queens Boulevard Line is a fully underground line of the B Division of the New York City Subway in Manhattan and Queens, New York City, United States. The line provides crosstown service across Manhattan under 53rd Street and east through Queens to Jamaica...
( trains) is named Steinway Street
Steinway Street (IND Queens Boulevard Line)
Steinway Street is a local station on the IND Queens Boulevard Line of the New York City Subway. It is served by the R train at all times except late nights, when the E train replaces it, and the M train weekdays....
.
External links
- Official website of Steinway's factory in New York City
- Official website of Steinway's factory in Hamburg
- The Steinway & Sons Collection in La Guardia and Wagner Archives
(see also the section Steinway & Sons in the article La Guardia and Wagner Archives) - Greater Astoria Historical Society bio on Steinway
(see also the article Greater Astoria Historical SocietyGreater Astoria Historical SocietyThe Greater Astoria Historical Society is a non-profit cultural and historical organization located in Astoria, Queens, New York, dedicated to preserving the past and promoting the future of the neighborhoods that are part of historic Long Island City, including; the Village of Astoria,...
) - Forbes Magazine article on Steinway
- William Steinway Diary Web site – National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution