Back in Time, Oct. 5
Oct. 5—The Daily Republic dated April 26, 1910, reported that Schmoller and Mueller Piano Co. from Omaha came to Mitchell to open up a wholesale/retail store. Frank A. Redline, a manager for Schmoller at the time, accompanied Mr. Schmoller.
By 1911-1912, the Redline Piano Company is part of the Mitchell business district. George W. Redline was the manager, Edward Redline was the bookkeeper, and Henry R. Redline was a traveling agent for the company located at 312 N. Main St. A full-page ad in the paper dated December 8, 1913, announced that Redline was moving to A.J. Kings building at 417 N. Main St., because they had outgrown the 312 N. Main St. location. They ran a great sale on all their merchandise. They remain at this location until 1921 when they move to 326 N. Lawler St. — across the street from the Post Office. Ultimately they end up at 316 N. Main St. from at least 1937-1941. We have no record of the company after 1942.
The Redline family built a very successful business headquartered in Mitchell. According to a Daily Republic spot on April 25, 1916, they had, "more than 500 branch stores and agencies for the world's best pianos and player pianos, electric piano and organs. ... (it) is doing the largest retail business of any store in the city; say nothing of the great wholesale business." They employed 10-15 traveling salesmen. The Mitchell store was the main retail store.
Frank and Henry Redline were the solid foundation upon which this early Mitchell business prospered. One source said that Henry was in charge of the Mitchell store from the start in 1911-12. Frank is listed as the proprietor starting in 1913 until around 1920. Frank died sometime between 1920 and 1923 (likely before 1921). The city directory of 1923 listed Rose Redline, widow of Frank, as working at the Carnegie Library. Clayton Rackcliffe was managing the store in 1921. Harriet, his wife, is listed as the manager in 1940. (We believe that Harriet may be a daughter to one of the Redline sons. Still looking for proof of this at this time.) Clayton and or Harriet Rackcliffe managed the business from 1921-1941.
