Collection ID: LMC 2648
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Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Habig, Arnold F. (Arnold Francis), 1907-1999 and Kimball International
Abstract:
The Habig mss., 1976-1994, consist of materials relating to Arnold F. Habig and Kimball International's manufacture of pianos.
Extent:
2 Boxes (2 standard)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Item], Habig mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Background

Biographical / Historical:

Arnold Francis Habig was born in 1907 in Jasper, Indiana, where he worked at Jasper Machine Works after attending Spencerian Business College in Louisville, Kentucky. In 1928, Arnold was transferred to the Jasper Wood Products Company, where he worked until becoming president, director, and manager of the Midwest Manufacturing Company. The woodworking company, which changed its name to Jasper Corporation and then Kimball International in 1974, was known for its television and phonograph cabinets. In 1959, the Jasper Corporation acquired piano makers W. W. Kimball of Chicago, building a factory in West Baden, Indiana to accommodate the addition of pianos to their production lineup. In 1966, the Corporation purchased the Bosendorfer company, further solidifying the company's place in piano manufacturing. Under Habig, the Jasper Corporation offered a number of employee benefits uncommon in the 1950's, including a profit-sharing system, scholarship programs for employee's children, major medical insurance, and employee appreciation events. Habig passed away in 1999; the main offices of Kimball International remain in Jasper, Indiana as of 2014.

For more information on Arnold F. Habig and Kimball International, see the company's history.

Scope and Content:

The collection consists of correspondence, catalogues, photographs and other material relating to Arnold F. Habig and Kimball International's manufacture of pianos. Other materials include newspapers and periodicals relating to Kimball as well as to Habig. Kimball organizational documents and those of relating organizations are included. Additionally, materials relating to other projects and product lines unrelated to their primary line of pianos and oragns is also included in this collection. There is a set of VHS tapes of Habig's birthday, Kimball International Advertisements, the Olympics, and other related materials.

Acquisition information:
Gift: 2007
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged by series organized categorically and sorted alphabetically.

Physical location:
Lilly - Stacks

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

This collection is open for research.

Many collections are housed offsite; retrieval requires advance notice. Please make an appointment a minimum of one week in advance of your visit.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

Photography and digitization may be restricted for some collections. Copyright restrictions may apply. Before publishing, researchers are responsible for securing permission from all applicable rights holders, then filling out the Permission to Publish form.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[Item], Habig mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
1200 East Seventh Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47405-5500, USA
CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
CONTACT:
(812) 855-2452
liblilly@indiana.edu