The Washington times., 1907-11-17
MUSIC STORE
FORGED AHEAD
UNDER F. DROOP
Young German Came
Here Before War and
Made Own Way.
Has Prosperous Bust
neSS-CoHected Price
less Autographs.

just fifty years aso today, and four
years before the beginning Of that great
struggle which threatened for time TO
disrupt this country. E. l.. DTOop. d
young German, came to Washington d.
rect from his mother country in search
Of experience, new idea, and wealth.
The young man had just passed into
his majority. and in looking about for
a position happened to enter tie music
store of the late W. g. kIeJzerott then
located at the southwest corner OF
Eleventh street and Pennsylvania ave
nue. northwest.
he applied Tor a job" stated MS
qualifications. and told Mr.. Metzerott
that while he wanted and thought he
was capable of filling any position the
establishment could AFFORD, he would not
stop at hard work, II he coulG but be
given a trial Mr. MetzeroJt was imme-
djately impressed with the appearance
and address OF the yoUns NAH, and en-
aged him az once as a clerk in the
store.
Worked Hard From First.
From the first Nh. Droop made himself
enc OF his employers most faithful and
trusted assistants. There vas nothing
too hard or too difficult for HIM to ar
tempt in the interests Of his employer,
and his uncommon business ability and
energy were recognized by Mr.. NIetzerett
by rapid advancement. He soon became
a partner with an equal share in the
business
Having been saving and thrifty. and
approaching his own knowledge Of the
music business, Mr.. Droop decided,
upon the death of Mr.. Metzerott in 1854,
10 open an entirely new establishment
He went into the undertaking with
fun knowledge Of the uphill struggle
he would have because of disrupted
business conditions.
Although the .1Eht for success was not
as hard after the civil war as it had
been before. IT did not cause Mr.. DrOOp
10 rest on his arms. On the other hand,
ne worked harder than ever. When he
first made known to his friends that
he intended erecting a new building of
his own design at 925 Pennsylvania
avenue, there were many who advised
him against such a step. saying that
the city was then not large enough to
support a business Of that class on so
large a scale. Notwithstanding, Mr..
DroOp followed his own counsel That
he did right can be proven in no better
way than for those who doubted, to
visit the spacious quarters now Occu-
pied by the Z. r. Droop & Sons Com
pany, and to see the complete line of
music and musical instruments Of every
description that are always kept on
hand at this establishment.
Business Grew Rapidly.
At first only the building at 915 was
occupied by the firm. but the rapid
growth Of the business compelled the
use Of the upper floors Of the building
next door, until now both buildings are
occupied. 1t has been only a short time
since the entire building at 323 was
taken over, The enormous growth Of
the talking machine business demand
ing that several entire floors be given
over to this line Of trade
Another evidence Of the growth OF the
establishment was the necessity of open
ing a branch store in Baltimore sever
al years ago. This branch has, ike the
parent concern, showed marvellous
growth and could. if necessary, stand
alone.
Not only IS the Droop Company noted
ell over the country for its business
integrity, its class Of goods. and wide
acquaintance with all things musical,
but it is also we'll known as the first
steamship cable office to have been es-
tablished in this city. Forty years ago,
when the steamship companies were n
their infancy, and ocean travel light,
Mr. Droop entered into contract with
the most important lines and the es-
Enlistment at 923-5 Pennsylvania ave-
nue. has been the headquarters for in
formation regarding the departure and
arrival Of boats belonging Il practical
~ every large transatlantic company.
Priceless Book of Autographs.
Being a man popular in social as well
as business circles, 1t was but short
time until Mr.. Droop had drawn around
him the leading musical men Of the
city. Among a number Of mementos and
souvenirs which Mr.. DrOop has accum-
ulated, is a book OF autographs Of some
Of the best-known and most famous
pianists and musical artists Of the
world Among some Of the names which
appear in this priceless little book ap-
rear the signatures Of Paderewski J. J.
Ysaye, the famous violinist; Joseph Hoff-
man. Fritz Kreisler. Madame Gadski,
Sir Julian Pauncefot Alexander r.
Shepherd, and Richard Wallach, the
last mayor Of the District OF Columbia
There are many others Of as great note
and fans,
Air. Droop has been a member of all
the leading musical organizations Of
the District of Colunbia-German as
vel as American-since their incorpora-
ton. He is a Mason. being a charter
member Of AFmenius Lodge, No. Is: a
director in the Traders National Bank.
CorcoraR Fire Insurance Company.
Metropolitan Fire Insurance Company,
and the Washington Safe Deposit Com
pany. and is vice president OF the Amer
iean Sanitary Company Mr.. Droop Is
a member OF the Lutheran Church and
FOR years has Interested himself in all
church and charitable affairs
Being a public-spirited citizen. he has
always been connected with movements
looking TO the welfare Of Washington.