Moving Pianos by Mule and Wagon
P. Hughes and sons was one of the first piano moving companies in Philadelphia in 1895. They were able to power their wagon with two mules. As time went by they became the largest piano moving company in Pennsylvania and they went from a two mule wagon to a fleet of trucks.
Many Uses for a Piano Moving Truck
P. Hughes & Sons would advertise for larger companies on their trucks (for example G.W. Hurver), this was common in those days. G. Huver was the company that Mrs. Hughes worked for, and where Mr. and Mrs. Hughes first met.
Pennsylvania's Largest for 40 Years
Duffy Piano Movers was the largest piano moving company in Pennsylvania running as many as 7 trucks at a time, and delivering as many as 175 pianos in one day, during the 1940's. The Duffy family was known for their honest and kindness to everyone. Pictured here from left to right: John M. Duffy, Jr., Thomas J. Duffy, official of Girard Bank, and John M. Duffy, Sr. Due to hardships during 1985 Duffy & Hughes were forced to close their doors in December of 1989
ending 95 years of service.
Joe Spike Piano Mover
Joe Spike Sr. took this picture in his brand new Mack truck in 1946. During this time his truck was considered to be the most expensive truck on the market. When Joe Spike's company shut down in 2002 the truck was still running.
Moving Pianos to Important Places
Pictured here and above, Fox Piano Movers, Ed and Mac Fox move a Steinway into the white House. It was around 1960. Billy Duffy, the grandson of John M. Duffy, was working for Fox until their retirement in 2009.
Moving Pianos from Father to Son
Mr. Eugene P. Hughes, son of P. Hughes had been in the piano moving business since he was a boy; his father had begun one of the first professional piano moving businesses in Philadelphia in 1895.
Tough Times & Changes
In the 20's P. Hughes & Son took a big blow with the great depression and the invention of the radio and they were forced to go under. Then in the 1930's Hughes started over and joined Joe Spike and John M. Duffy. The three piano movers worked out of Joe Spike's shop at 813 South 2nd Street.
In 1935 Mr. Duffy and Mr. Hughes left Joe Spike to begin their own company. P. Hughes & Son & John M. Duffy located at 59th & Market.
Powerful Trucks for Moving Pianos
Joe Spike's Acme Piano Company owned three Mack trucks and had 15 men working for him 913 are pictured here). Following the war, pianos were in high demand. Pictured fourth from the right in the rear is John Riley (16 years old) who had been working for Spike since the age of 14. John Duffy had been partners with Spike at one time, and this is where John Riley had met Mr. Duffy in 1945.
Fox Piano Movers
With the unfortunate loss of Henry Spike in 1993, Joe Spike chose to close the piano moving section of his company. John Riley then hired Fox Piano Movers. John J. Fox, Sr. began his business, Fox Piano Movers, in 1935. Fox was known for moving the largest pianos in the industry; some weighing up 1,000 lbs.
Special thanks to John J. Riley, Tim Hughes, Bob Hughes, John M. Duffy, JJJ, and Ed Fox Jr. for all of their help over the years in making Duffy Piano Movers all it is today. and thanks you, to our customers, for your interest in our history.
Duffy Piano Movers
Philadelphia Local ~ (215) 592-8411
Office ~ (484) 494-6304
Cell ~ (215) 805-8008
Office ~ (484) 494-6304
Cell ~ (215) 805-8008
