Rudolph Wurlitzer, at only 22, immigrated to the United States in 1853. When he arrived in Hoboken, New York, he had neither money nor knowledge of the English language. Wurlitzer took a job at a local grocery store. In 1854, Wurlitzer obtained work at the Heidelbach and Seasongood banking firm. He was lucky enough to live in a loft above the bank and earn a salary of $8 per week.
Wurlitzer dreamed of owning his own company. At the time, musical instruments were sold at higher prices in the United States than overseas; Wurlitzer capitalized on this discrepancy.
Wurlitzer dreamed of owning his own company. At the time, musical instruments were sold at higher prices in the United States than overseas; Wurlitzer capitalized on this discrepancy.
Wurlitzer began the Wurlitzer Company in 1856 by sending $700 to his family and friends in Schoneck, Germany for musical instruments. He received clarinets, bass clarinets, oboes, bassoons, flutes, English horns, and flageolets. Wurlitzer then sold the instruments to United States retailers at a profit. |
By 1858, the Wurlitzer Company was growing rapidly. He moved his business into a building located on Main Street in Cincinnati. In 1860, Wurlitzer began retailing while making drums for the Army. After only a few years, in 1865, the Wurlitzer Company had become the largest outlet for band instruments in America.