New-Yorker Staats-Zeitung, October 2, 1894, p. 2

William Steinway Honored.

Wm. Steinway doesn't just enjoy the reputation of being a dedicated and supportive promoted of music here in the East. Wherever German music is concerned, he gladly lends a hand. And so he also didn't miss the opportunity in 1886 to support the enormous Singer Fest in Milwaukee, a festival of huge dimension and excellent artistic qualities. Lilli Lehmann, Marianne Brandt, Joseffy and others were the soloists the Milwaukee Musik Verein had engaged. At that time he became an honorary member of that Society, which has existed for more than 40 years and whose founder Hans Balatka achieved greatness for the musical civilization of the West. Recently Mr. Steinway gave this Society a magnificent Concert Grand and when the piece was given its artistic debut Mr. Steinway sent the Society the following telegram:

"Although not personally present I will be present in thought at your beautiful festival this evening. A 'Hoch' to the pioneer of the West for German music and art – the Milwaukee Musik Verein. With many greetings, William Steinway.."

In response the following arrived the same week:

Milwaukee, September 23, 1894
William Steinway, New York.
The entire Musik Verein and its families are delighted with the beautiful sounds of your magnificent present, being played by the masterful hands of Hans Bruening. And all send you their sincere thank you for your present and many words of recognition. The Men’s Chorus gave you a three-times thundering and powerful ‘Hoch’.
With best greetings for the Musik Verein,
J. C. Emerling, President

The Musik Verein and its local honorary member therefore have enough reason to be pleased with one another.