Ebony and Ivory: What Class!
David Anthony Brayton (1824-1881) was the second owner of the “Stone Mansion” – that now houses the Fall River Historical Society – after its relocation from Columbia Street to Rock Street in 1870.
On February 21, 1868, Mr. Brayton purchased a brand-new Rosewood Overstrung Square Grand Pianoforte from Steinway & Sons, with stool, for the sum of $870.00, a substantial amount at the time. Today’s monetary equivalence would be $17,713.02. Square Grand’s were popular during that period, being considered ideal for home use. The piano originally stood in the south-east corner of the music room on the first floor of the residence.
The warranty on the bill of sale reads:
“We hereby agree to warrant Square Pianoforte. No 14608 being of our own Manufacture and now in possession of Mr. D.A. Brayton, fully for the term of five years from date, that the same is perfect and well made, will keep in good order and stand the effects of any climate (except where extreme dampness prevails) and is in all respects a good and durable instrument.”
That piano was donated to the FRHS in 1937 and is now prominently displayed in the parlor with the original stool. A beautiful and intricately detailed piece.
July 22, 2022 at 10:52 pm
This is terrific! I love the pictures.