The Greater Astoria Historical Society reflects on the life of Henry Z. Steinway, the great-grandson of the founder of Steinway & Sons, died last Thursday at the age of 93. He was a friend, benefactor and mentor.
It was a privilege to have Henry stop by the society on a number of occasions. Several years ago, when the former Berger King on Steinway Street had an exhibit of Steinway pictures, he inspected them with his daughter Kate, than came over to the society to review our exhibit of Steinway Street. We were relieved when he said “you are the only ones to get it right.” On another occasion, when we had a lecture on the company, he came over one evening and gave an impromptu lecture and answered questions from the audience.
Several years ago, we had a book signing at the Steinway Church and, again, he stole the show by dropping in. When we urged him to let us take him home to Manhattan (it was a raw April evening and he was 89 at the time) be replied, “no, no, that's all right. I have my umbrella and are a few blocks from Steinway Street. I will take the Steinway bus, to the Steinway Street station.
Perhaps the highlight of our experience with this gentleman was making him 'Honorary Mayor' of Long Island City back in 1999 at a retirement dinner. The employees all but carried him on their shoulders around the room. For a moment, it seemed like 1899.
Henry represented a world that might have passed, but has great meaning and significance to us today. The classical tradition, represented by the craftsmen of the factory (and Henry always said the secret of the company was found on the shop floor) might be demanding and difficult, but if achieved, it is ultimately beautiful – something that that represents the best in humanity.
As developers of a good portion of western Queens, the family tradition of investing with the payoff over the long term represents that spirit that made this city great.
The self-important entourages of one-hit wonders might be considered hot in what passes for the culture of today, but Henry, whose family name echoes the cultural achievements of a Tiffany or Rolls-Royce, was always approachable, a quiet, courtly gentlemen. Whether it was President George Bush (from whom he received a medal last year) or the sweeper on the shop floor at the factory, or the public on a factory tour, he always had both the time to give, and knew the right thing to say.
His mind and memory were incredible. Anyone that met him agreed: it was an unforgettable experience.
Although many people have written about the Steinways, none can manage to embrace their entire story. They made automobiles at their factory when Henry Ford was still experimenting in his wife's kitchen, assembled the land for North Beach Amusement Park (which Coney Island later was modeled after and the site of the future LaGuardia Airport) and influenced the planning of the New York City transportation network through their work on railroads, subways, and the Queensboro Bridge.
And oh, yes, they made pianos, too.
The Greater Astoria
Historical Society
