Short History of the Lester Piano Co.

The Lester Piano Company which was located in Tinicum Township between Manhattan and Messasoit Avenues, was a major piano manufacturer from 1888 to 1960. From "The Music Trades" we read: 

 "Demand for Grands So Great Lester Piano Co Forced to Build New Addition to Big Plant LESTER PA Oct 9, 1922 

"With the completion of another large building at the twenty acre plant of the Lester Piano Co this firm will be able to double its production of Lester grands for which the demand has been increasing faster than production The new addition will also make it possible to introduce new manufacturing methods which will result in certain economies without in any way affecting quality it is stated. More and better business is in prospect say the officials.
 "Philadelphians often commented upon the rapid growth of the Lester Piano Co. Francis A North became associated with the first generation of Lesters engaged in the piano business when the instruments were manufactured in a third story back room at 1308 Chestnut Street over a retail store. Shortly after that, the firm moved into larger quarters at Ninth and Division Streets, which it soon outgrew. The next location was in a new factory built outside the city limits. The community that grew up around this plant was called Lester, taking its name from the piano. Almost every year since, a new building was added to the plant. The firm's larger quarters was needed due to the then high demands for their instruments. Originally in 1888 it was fifty pianos that year, all made by hand. In 1908 it was 5,000. The present capacity (in 1922) is 12,000 instruments annually. 
"Some of the skilled artisans making Lester pianos today began with the original firm. One thing that makes the employees contented is the light well ventilated buildings. Sons and daughters of old employees follow in the footsteps of their ancestors as Lester piano makers. Much of the credit for the rapid growth of the Lester Piano Co is due to G L Miller, son of George Miller. He has been largely responsible for the excellent routing in the manufacturing process. Once the lumber leaves the car it never goes over the same route twice in being incorporated in a Lester piano." 
end of article