John F. Renner, Piano Dealer

For over thirty years, John F. Renner was associated with the music business in Sandusky, Ohio. On June 1, 1890, he began work in the music store of R.J. Rife, then worked for John Schoepfle after Mr. Schoepfle purchased Mr. Rife’s interests in the store. In 1897, Renner formed a partnership with George J. Doerzbach. They ran the music store for eight years, after which time Renner became the sole proprietor.

From the late 1890s until Mr. Renner’s retirement in 1929, the music store was located on the street level of the Odd Fellows’ Temple on Washington Row. John F. Renner sold pianos, organs, and musical merchandise. An advertisement in the June 28, 1911 issue of the Sandusky Star Journal, stated that there is a “longing in every heart for music.” Mr. Renner’s store offered payment plans for musical instruments, so that families could play music or listen to music any time of the day or night.

In April of 1921, during National Player Piano Week, Mr. Renner ran an advertisment for player rolls for player pianos. “County Kerry Mary” and the “Missouri Waltz” were two of the many featured selections. Mr. Renner often sponsored community musical events. In February, 1922, concert pianist Herma Menth gave a program at Carnegie Hall at Sandusky Library under the auspices of John F. Renner. In the winter of 1924-1925, Renner supported the Cleveland performance of the dramatic production The Miracle, which played at the Cleveland Public Auditorium during the holiday season, after a successful run in New York City.

John F. Renner died on April 27, 1930. He was survived by his wife, the former Cora Feick, four sisters, one brother, and his mother, Mrs. Josephine Renner. Funeral services for Mr. Renner were held under the auspices of the Perseverance Lodge, No. 329, and burial was at Oakland Cemetery.

Holiday Shopping in Early Sandusky

In 1884, George W. Plummer ran a confectionery at 108 Columbus Avenue, opposite the West House. His advertising card stated that the business made fresh candies every hour.  Plummer’s sold several types of candies and a full line of Christmas novelties.

G. Pommert was a grocer who sold Heywood & Williams’ Leader Flour. Russell Heywood operated a mill in Venice, Ohio in the early 1830’s.

The Sandusky Steam Baking Company operated in Sandusky at the corner of Osborne and Carr Streets for many years. The company had several different owners through the years, and it was in business in Sandusky until about 1973.

R. J. Rife sold pianos and organs at 531 Columbus Avenue.

 

Visit the Sandusky Library to view these and many other historical advertising trade cards from former Sandusky businesses, which are housed in the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center.