th, after which it
was disposed of by his heirs. Mr. Badger was a faithful worker in the
Sabbath schools and took a deep interest to promote good music among
the young. Some time in 1874 he produced the cantata of Esther, with
Madam Anna Bishop, queen, W.C. Campbell, king, Vernon Lincoln, Hamen,
Mrs. M.R. Blake, Hamen's wife. The old Platt's hall was packed to its
fullest capacity. The cantata was given to the unbounded delight of
Mr. Badger, and the audience cheered us all to the utmost. Enthusiasm
was at the highest pitch and encomiums of praise were showered upon
us. Those were halcyon days for fine singers. We had no lack of voices
to call upon at all times.

Among the earliest music stores was that of an aged Italian named
Salvator Rosa. He occupied half of a store on Montgomery street, near
Market, and was a genial, quiet old gentleman, who spoke very little
English. His stock was principally selections from Italian operas, of
which he knew every note. Both American and Italian artists loved to
visit the old fellow and sun themselves in his doorway. Rosa moved
later to Sacramento street and continued in the field and was followed
by Rasche Bros., in turn by J.T. Bowers, a brother-in-law of the
Rasche brothers. After Bowers, the business was conducted by Chas. S.
Eaton, and then after some years faded from sight. Also established in
the music literature business at one time in Clay street, was Schubert
& Co.'s branch New York house, succeeded by the Ruppell Bros., their
managers, who later gave up the business. Blackman & Davis,
Southerners, tried the business for a while, being among the first to
occupy a store in the original Phelan Building. Another off-shoot of
Gray's was John Broder, who commenced work as a little boy. He is now
in ripe manhood conducting a similar business in the Byron Mauzy
building on Post street where he is still successfully conducting the
work he chose when a boy.

Engaged in the earlier years of the music business was Woodworth,
Allover & Co. Here the founder of the present firm of Benj. Curtaz &
Son was employed. Woodworth, Allover & Co. dealt mostly in imported
French pianos and harmoniums. They were succeeded by Woodworth, Schell
& Co. and with them was connected Mr. Curtaz, who later was in the
firm of Hemme & Long. Woodworth, Schell & Co. after several years
discontinued. A.L. Bancroft & Co. for a few years also engaged in the
music business on Market street but later retired. A.