Milton Bartholomew: More pianos than typewriters

Milton Bartholomew, managing director of Yost, highlighted the disparity between the growth of the piano and typewriter industries in an interview from 1902. He noted that while the typewriter industry was expanding, it lagged behind piano manufacturing, with 175,000 pianos sold compared to 150,000 typewriters. Bartholomew attributed this to the piano's prevalence in homes, whereas typewriters were primarily used in offices. The portable typewriter, which could have appealed to consumers, was not introduced by major manufacturers until the 1920s, with Corona being a notable exception in the early 1910s.

Despite the focus on the business market due to its rapid growth, Bartholomew expressed concerns about labor shortages, suggesting that many English soldiers returning from South Africa should consider emigrating to America for work opportunities. He estimated a need for 100,000 more mechanics across the States. Additionally, he pointed out a significant increase in child labor from 1890 to 1900, which rose by 4,465 percent, although the article presented conflicting data regarding wages and the number of child workers. This aspect of the industry, particularly the role of child labor, was identified as an area requiring further research. Overall, Bartholomew's insights reflect the dynamics of the typewriter industry during a period of significant economic growth and labor challenges.