The historic Weatherford Hotel is not the only priceless artifact under the custodianship of the Green-Taylor Family. Returning to the hotel’s lobby after being refurbished is perhaps the oldest piano in Flagstaff — an 1877 Steinway upright in perfect working condition.
The piano was purchased new from Steinway and Sons in New York City by Flagstaff pioneer George Hochderffer, who had it shipped all the way around the southern tip of South America to San Francisco, where it was put on a train and delivered to Flagstaff. Hochderffer was born in Illinois in 1863 and traveled with his family to Flagstaff via covered wagon in 1897. He was a rancher, artist, botanist, local historian, military enthusiast, and world traveler and is the namesake for the Hochderffer Hills outside of Flagstaff. The piano changed hands a few more times before winding up with Weatherford Hotel owners Henry Taylor and Sam Green. For decades, musician Charly Spining would play the piano to entertain diners at Charly’s Pub, and after a hiatus of several years, he’s now back back doing that on special occasions.
For info about this model (though a different instrument in slightly better condition) check out this listing from the Antique Piano Shop.
If you know of an older piano in or around Flagstaff be sure to let us know!