Utica business begins making pianos 100 years ago: This week in Mohawk Valley history

1905, 119 years agoSharps and FlatsUtica manufactures everything from knit goods to automobiles, shoes to fire extinguishers. But it has never made pianos. Until now, that is.Franz Joseph Brambach, who once manufactured pianos in Bonn, Germany, then New York City and then Dolgeville, leases a three-story, brick building on Niagara Street in East Utica and plans to make 3,000 pianos a year there. He will employ about 200 workers.1924, 100 years ago'Clean' cityOne of the largest and most colorful parades in Utica's history begins when 3,500 Knights Templar march down Genesee Street from the Parkway to the Masonic Temple, together with hundreds of musicians playing "Onward, Christian Soldiers." It's all part of the 111th conclave of the Grand Commandery of the State of New York, hosted by Utica Commandery No. 3.State Grand Commander Allen Hastings, of Olean, says, "Utica is one of the oldest, most historic cities in the state and one of the cleanest. When I return to Olean, I am going to...