This handome grave is the final resting place of Clayton Grinnell, who formed one half (along with his Brother Ira) of the Grinnell Brothers Company. Grinnell Brothers produced Pianos, Organs and other music related items like sheet music.
This mausoleum was designed by the Lloyd Brothers of Toledo, OH, and includes the family crest above the door. The Grinnell crest graced their products.
*With addional information from the late A. Dale Northup’s book Detroit’s Woodlawn Cemetery.*
I have a 1935 Grinnell Brothers baby grand piano, that has been in my family since it was new. I have the original certificate with the signature of Leonard E. Grinnell. Any info out there as to who he was in relation to the original Grinnell Brothers? Also, any info as to any relatives out there of the Leonard E. Grinnell? Thanks, Michael
Hi Michael. This is posted more than a year after your comment. I hope you get it.
Leonard E. Grinnell was my uncle. The founder of Grinnell Brothers was Ira Grinnell. He had two sons by his first wife, Ellen Park. Their children were Elmer W. Grinnell (my maternal grandfather) and Charles Grinnell. Elmer W. Grinnell had a son, Leonard E. Grinnell, and a daughter, Ellen (my mother). Leonard E. Grinnell was born in 1901 (I think) and died in 1974. He was employed by the music store for a time. He was a very accomplished pianist.
Leonard E. Grinnell had 4 children (my cousins), three of whom are still living. There are many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
George Martin
Recent flashback. I was at the Ontario South Science Centre for their open house a week ago and they had one of those Grinnel self-playing pianos where you’d step on the pedals and it’d start playing perforated paper rolls like you’d see in those old cowboy westerns. I opened the lid and there it was written on the back–Grinnel Brothers Detroit. Did it say 1903? I’m not sure now. That was pretty cool though. I wonder how many of those pianos they manufactured in a year?
This is the final resting place of Clayton A. and Myrta Gay Grinnell (my great-grandparents) and their only daughter, Geraldine Grinnell Parker (my grandmother). Other relatives are also interred there. Ira and Clayton were the the original Grinnell Bros. Not sure where Ira is buried. Possibly in western NY state.
To Charles Chapman
I have been searching for the info you have posted, for over a year. Thankyou….
Your great grandmothers old hotel was in peril of being torn down… I fought and probably (Myrta), hard to save it… It will continue to house people as it has done since 1873. Do you have any hotel pics, etc. of your grandmothers that can be copied for our historical files?
Susan Walters V.P.
Brighton Area Historical Society
To Charles Chapman
Ira Leonard Grinnell (1848-1921), co-founder of Grinnell Bros. with your great-grandfather, is buried in Roseland Park Cemetery at 12 Mile Rd. & Woodward in Berkley, MI. Many of Ira’s descendants are there also. (info per obituaries at the Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library)
To Charles Chapman,
I am an auction/appraiser of fine arts/jewelry and have had the pleasure of coming across a beautiful saxophone made by Grinnell Brother’s and appears to date back to 1917. (by means of documents) can you tell me if there is a musuem or collective area where we may learn more about vintage products produced back then? Your insight would greatly be appreciated.
Sincere Thanks and appreciation
Katherine
To George Grinnell Martin
I have lived in Grand Rapids, Mi all my life. I have worked in 3 of the highend furniture manufactures. One being The John Widdicomb Company. I felt blessed to have a job at JW. Talk about history and art! But as you may know all the great furniture comapny’s have closed in GR, except Kindell. Anyway I am a collector of highend furniture and also own a Grinnell baby grand piano. It is solid walnut and inside is stamped Grinnell Bros EST 1879 Detroit, plus has 33897 stamped on the bottom. Can you tell me what this would have cost new, and what it may be worth now? Some of the ivory keys have chips and of course it does need to be tuned. Any insight would be appreciated.
ANN
Does anyone have an idea of the value of a 1935 Baby Grand Piano made by Grinnell Bros’ in 1935. It is in OK to Good Condition. Thanks.
Mr Martin, thank you so much for the information….I finally checked back! If any of you happen to travel to south Florida and would ever want to see this 1935 baby grand and the original signed certificate please leave a comment. I promise I will check this sight more often.
Michael