As a consequence William undertook to obtain a certificate signed by all of the jurors that stated that Steinway had won the "Highest degree of excellence in all their styles." (12) One of these was Professor Julius Erasmus Hilgard of Washington DC, who originally refused to sign the certificate (Diary ) and subsequently changed his stance. Apparently, after the exhibition was over, other manufacturers claimed that they had won the most points. In 1877, Droop played a role in William's quest to prove that Steinway and Sons had won the highest number of points for piano manufacturers in the 1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. He visited him on occasion in Washington, at least once with his wife, and Droop in turn visited him in New York.( Diary,, ) William kept Droop on as a Steinway dealer after Metzerott's death ( Diary, ), so he clearly had confidence in him. William Steinway mentioned Droop multiple times in the diary. In his early days, Droop was a member of the Arion Quartette Club, the Sängerbund and the Choral Society.(6) He was a Mason, and a member of the Concordia German Lutheran Church.(8) Cleveland was a regular customer, as were members of foreign legations and other prominent people in Washington. He also hosted Presidents at his business. (10) He befriended many musical artists, and allowed his business to serve as headquarters for leading opera companies and visiting artists. He was also involved in the steamship business, serving as General Agent for many foreign companies.(6) He was a member of the National Association of Piano Dealers and Manufacturers.(11) He was heavily involved in civic matters in Washington. The poet John Joyce wrote a poem to commemorate the event.(9)Īs a prominent businessman in Washington, Droop served as a director of several insurance companies and banks. On the 50th anniversary (November 17, 1907), he received congratulations from hundreds of persons, including Thomas Edison, Krakauer Brothers piano manufacturers, Steinway and Sons, and Henry McFarland, President of the Washington, DC, Board of Commissioners. He was well known in Washington, and these celebrations became newsworthy, occasioning a recap in the Washington Post of his life and rise in the business. Droop and Sons.(10)ĭroop held a celebration every year on November 17, to recognize the anniversary of his entering the music trade. In 1904 the business was incorporated as Edward F. Droop retired from active business in 1898, though he retained his association with the firm. (5) In January, 1894, Droop took them both on as partners.(4) In November 1895, they moved the business to 13th and G Streets in Washington. Carl apprenticed for five years with Steinway & Sons to learn the piano manufacturing business. Droop, who both entered the business with him. Metzerott's wife subsequently sued Droop, saying that he did not have the right to the firm's name or "good will." The judge ruled against her, saying that the right to carry on business at the old location carried with it the right to the name and "good will."(1) (3)ĭroop and his wife, Anna, had three daughters and two sons, Edward H. Metzerott in 1860 (6), the same year that the firm became a Steinway dealer.(13) Following the death of Metzerott in 1884, Droop sold stock and other firm assets to Metzerott's wife, who planned to open her own business, but, with her agreement, reserved the right to continue business at the old location. Metzerott moved to 925 Pennsylvania Ave NW (now site of FBI Headquarters).(10)ĭroop became a partner in W. Metzerott as a clerk, on November 17, 1857.(6) At that time, the Metzerott store was located at the corner of 11th Street and Pennsylvania Ave., now the site of the Old Post Office Building. in June of 1857, working briefly in various positions before joining the Washington, D.C. Droop spent his early years in Germany where he received a musical education. By the time of his death, Droop had entered into several business activities in addition to his music business and was active in the arts culture of Washington, D.C.Įdward F. William occasionally visited him in Washington, and he occasionally came to New York and saw William. who for many years was the agent there for Steinway & Sons. Februin Washington, D.C.) was a prominent businessman in Washington, D.C.
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