In the late 1800s, pianos were so popular that in the early days of the Calgary Herald, it became a common advertising commodity, along with coal, horses and fabrics. Prices in the late 1880s seemed to range from $240 to $500 (the dollar today is about $8,287 to $17,152.) Many piano dealers are advertised weekly, hoping for the best price, honesty and quality. It turned into a piano war! One ad even told the prospect: “Parties who pay for the scrub only get scrubs, whether it’s buying a bull or a piano.” Next came some ads from the Herald archive page of the 1880s, especially suitable for careful reading today, as this is World Piano Day. The day is celebrated on March 29, as it is the 88th day of the year, a tribute to the number of keys on the piano.
