The History of The Famous Old Time Music Company

The Famous Old Time Music Company was established in Cincininati, OH in 1972 by Harry Sparks and Mack Smith, two college boys who had been caught up in the surge of interest in bluegrass and folk music brought on by the catchy sounds of the theme music from the TV show 'The Beverly Hillbillies' and the two hit movies 'Deliverance' and 'Bonnie and Clyde'.  Initially the store was housed in a long, narrow building which had been a Graeter's Ice Cream Shop.  In fact, some of the display cases still in use at the store today were originally from the Ice Cream Shop.  The store had a limited selection of merchandise and a small repair facility, but a booming interest in jamming and playing bluegrass music.

Ownership of the store transferred to bluegrass bassist Rich Hart in the late 1970s.  Famous Old Time Music ended this era of its development with dealership privileges from Martin Guitar Company, Gibson Company, Gold Star Banjo Company, and assorted string, book, and accessory suppliers.  There was also a very active local Cincinnati following who traded at the store and came regularly to enjoy jam sessions and socializing with picking pals.

6019 Vine Street

In 1984, Rich decided to change careers and advertised Famous Old Time Music Company for sale.  Cincinnati's own bluegrass legend, Vernon McIntyre, saw this as the fulfillment of a longtime dream.  Having been active as a consultant during the start up phase of the store and having traded and jammed at the store throughout its history, Vernon was intimately familiar with the merchandise, musicians, and fans of the music.  His reputation as a professional musician and teacher prepared him well for the role of leader of this enterprise. 

Vernon, his wife to be, Kitty, and her brother Andy Schaeffer became partners in the store in 1984.  The Famous Old Time Music Company grew into a profitable enterprise catering to local bluegrass and folk musicians. 

Another of Vernon’s longtime dreams has been to have his own concert hall and festival site.  In 2001, Vernon and Kitty purchased a 20,000 square foot show/retail facility in Wapakoneta, Ohio.    The concert hall, called Boatwhistle Memorial Hall in honor of Vernon’s father, can seat 500 people,  plus the property has 8 acres of level parking for festivals.  The Wapakoneta facility is home to the weekly Friday evening jam sessions, too.

The advent of the internet brought an end to an era in the saga of the Famous Old Time Music Company.  With retail sales foundering because of the low prices available on new and used instruments via the internet, Vernon and Kitty have chosen to emphasize the service end of the business.  The demand continues to be strong for both private lessons and repairs.  While the Wapakoneta store continues to offer regular retail hours, the Cincinnati business is now by appointment only and is comprised mostly of lessons and repairs.

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