One of the greatest innovators in piano design and construction was Frederick Mathushek. Mathushek’s vision was to create the finest pianos possible, and with his unique approach and unconventional designs, he eventually succeeded in building some of the finest pianos in American history.

Our 1867 Mathushek Baby Grand Piano was purchased in the early 1900s by Frank O. Mitchell residing at the time in Quincy, Illinois. After its purchase the family relocated to Memphis, Tennessee. The son of Frank (Hoy N. Mitchell) married Mary Lee Stone of Jackson, Mississippi in 1933. The piano was given to Hoy and Mary Lee as a wedding present.

Mary Lee was an accomplished piano and organ player and spent many hours, not only playing the Mathushek piano herself, but also teaching young children in her home how to play. She was an elementary school teacher by profession, and served as Music Supervisor for the school system of Jackson. During her teaching career she also taught at the Methodist orphanage in Jackson where she met what was to become her adopted son, Prentiss Raiford Mitchell. Prentiss came to live with Hoy and Mary Lee in 1946.

At the time of Mary Lee’s death in 1980, Prentiss, then residing in Tallahassee, FL inherited the piano. In 1990 the piano underwent a total restoration by Mr. Gary Bowser of Bowser Piano & Organ Service in Tallahassee. The piano is in perfect restored condition and playable.