James Bellak papers

1860-1888 [bulk 1881-1885]

James Bellak also known as the "pioneer piano man" was born in Prague, Austria on March 1, 1813. He studied at the Jesuit College and later went into Calico Manufacturing Business. Up until 1846, Bellak had remained in his homeland but as the war began affecting his business this prompted him to move to the United States i.e. Philadelphia where he began to teach music. He was very proficient in music and known for his works such as "Analytical Method for the Piano" and "Method for the Organ" and his over 2,000 compositions and arrangements. In 1854, he went into the piano and organ business in a private house (No. 279 South Fifth St) upon his success two more properties (No. 281 and 283) were added to meet the demand, and later in 1879 a third location (1129 Chestnut St) making his business one of the most successful of its kind in Philadelphia at the time.

For more than 30 years he performed as an organist for the St. Joseph's Catholic Church and in later years performed at the St. John's Roman Catholic Church, Manayunk, and Trinity (Southwark) Protestant Episcopal Church. He was also a member of the Rising Star Lodge No. 126, F. and A. M.; Columbia Mark Lodge No. 91, and Herman Lodge No. 7, I.O.O.F.

After he died in 1891, his property and business were left to his surviving sons Leopold and Charles, which were valued at $200,000.