The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

We have a circa 1918 18" Old King Cole mache Nipper dog with glass eyes. On his collar is a little blue paper label..."Hovenden 146 Park St." We found him in Oregon and the seller told us his late Father bought him in Philadelphia.
After a little research, we discovered that Hovenden was a Victor Victrola & piano company in Portland Oregon.
So, clearly Nipper was always in Oregon. I would like to ask our Oregon members if they have ever heard of this company, have anything from them or even a period street scene showing the store???.

Can't help with the name of the store, but I'm quite sure there's a law on the books about Nippers leaving the state of Oregon. To avoid any problems please return Nipper to:

Jerry Blais
3121 Fir Oaks Place SW
Albany, Oregon 97321

. I will make it COD. In The Oregonian from 1919-1920's they are listed at 146 Park st. (between Alder st. & Morrison st.). Today, Park st. no longer runs up to that intersection. Park st. by that point is called 9th. Unfortunately, all the old building are now gone.
It seems that Mr. Hovenden started with piano's as early as the 1890's up to approx. 1909 as Hovenden-Soule company on 5th st. in Portland. Xmas 1921 is the latest ad I can find for the company.

This shows how stories change. The Son was very sure his Father found the dog in Philadelphia and yet lived his whole life in Portland.