The Willis & Co. Piano Company Ghost Sign

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.

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).

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.

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.

Till next time!

Jo