Schoenhut
Albert Schoenhut was born in 1848 in Wurtenburg, Germany to a toy-making family. His father and gran
Albert Schoenhut was born in 1848 in Wurtenburg, Germany to a toy-making family. His father and grandfather made wooden dolls, rocking horses and wagons. At a very young age Albert began making toy pianos in his home. He was discovered for his talent as only a teen, got his hand in the backend of the business, and in 1872 struck out on his own with Schoenhut Piano Company. As his toy piano business grew he added other instruments to include: ukulele-banjo, xylophone, glockenspiel and more.
By the time of Schoenhut's death in 1912, Schoenhut Piano Company was the largest toy company in America and the first in the U.S. to import toys from Germany. Having gone through a string of owners after Albert's death, Frank Trinca purchased the company in 1984. He continued manufacturing many of the models that Albert Schoenhut brought us from the early 1900s. After 12-years in business Frank wanted to incorporate new concepts as well as expand the business. In order to help fulfill this vision his brother Len Trinca and wife Renee acquired ownership in 1996 while Frank stayed on as a consultant.
By the time of Schoenhut's death in 1912, Schoenhut Piano Company was the largest toy company in America and the first in the U.S. to import toys from Germany. Having gone through a string of owners after Albert's death, Frank Trinca purchased the company in 1984. He continued manufacturing many of the models that Albert Schoenhut brought us from the early 1900s. After 12-years in business Frank wanted to incorporate new concepts as well as expand the business. In order to help fulfill this vision his brother Len Trinca and wife Renee acquired ownership in 1996 while Frank stayed on as a consultant.