The Willis & Co. Piano Company Ghost Sign3 min read

Picture of the Willis & Co Ghost Sign in Montreal
Sewing Machines, Pianos and Organs! Oh my!

About

Willis & Co. got their start as the sole distributors of Wanzer sewing machines in the Montreal area during their beginnings in 1884. Wanzer Sewing machines were produced in Hamilton, Ontario during the mid to late 1800s. Canada Sewing Machine Company eventually bought out by the company. For more information on R.M.Wanzer & Co. check out the Sew Muse link in the sources section. She’s done her research!

With model names like the “Wanzer A”, “B”, “C”, “D” and “F” you just know that not a drop of creative juices was spent on anything other than product design… I mean, take a look for yourself. That’s a pretty machine any way you slice it.I’m sure that’s part of the reasons our friends at Willis & Co. brought it to Montreal.

Black and gold Wanzer sewing machine
We basically sew with cheap plastic boxes nowadays – This is manufacturing art!

The next logical step of course, when you are a sewing machine distributor, is to get into the piano business (?). I’m guessing Alexander Parker Willis (1845-1934), the founder, either had a tip from a friend that the piano business was about to take off (piano sales steadily climbed from 1910 to 1930 before the crash) or he had an undeniable passion for the ivory keys. He stopped distributing these Wanzer beauties in 1888, 4 years after founding the company. Either way, it sure worked out for him: the company managed to acquire the rights to sell a range of other piano brands throughout it’s lifespan – One that greatly exceeded M. Willis’ own (the company went bankrupt in 1979).

Willis & Co. Ghost Sign Location

Willis & Co. Legacy in Montreal

Many Canadian families are still the proud owners of a Willis piano. The company mostly sold upright pianos but did sell grand pianos starting 1925 for the company’s golden jubilee! Now, if ever you cross an old piano and it says the word “Willis” on it – You’ll know where it comes from.

Willis & Co Upright Piano
“PLAY THE ENTERTAINER!!! CAAAAMOON!”

The Willis building is another part of the company’s legacy in the city (building on which the ghost sign is located). Completed in 1910, it adorns Ste-Catherine St West.

Willis Building in Montreal
Business in the front, party in the back!

Till next time!

Jo

Sources

Last Updated on December 22, 2020 by Joël Collin-Demers

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