“Williams Music Store” exhibit

Along with featuring amazing instruments, we have re-created a facsimile of the

John H. Williams music store in downtown Greenville, SC, circa 1905,

with period musical material on display in the windows.

(Museum photo by Grey Thompson)

 John H. Williams was a pianist, choirmaster, furniture maker, and salesman from Greenville, SC.

After spending two years studying music in New York City, Williams returned to his hometown in 1905.

Upon his return, Williams became the organist and choirmaster at First Presbyterian Church while

resuming his previous work as a carpenter with the Symmes-Williams Furniture Co.

By the end of that year, Williams had opened the John H. Williams Music Store

on the first floor of the Grand Opera House building. One of three music stores in Greenville at the time,

Williams was a presence in print media and on the concert stage.

Many demonstrations of new equipment and instruments were given in his shop on a monthly basis.

From 1905 to 1920, Williams was known as the most respected purveyor of music in the area.

     The store eventually closed by 1921, as the Grand Opera House was slowing down

and competing stores were opening due to the growth boom in Greenville in the 1920s.