The piano, a Model L made by Steinway in the 1920s, belonged to John and Ruth Chown. He was the band director at Escanaba Area Public Schools for over 30 years and was active in the Escanaba City Band until recently, and she taught piano to thousands of local students.

The Steinway, which is now positioned outside the reading room on the east side of the library, will not be available for any member of the public to play, but will be utilized for programs that will be announced in the near future.

In January, Amy Chown — one of John and Ruth’s children — met with Escanaba Public Library Director Carolyn Stacey and offered to donate the instrument to honor John and Ruth’s legacy and provide continuing education and entertainment to residents and visitors of the area.

As per the library’s policy, gifts of a certain nature can only be accepted after consultation with the director, Library Board of Trustees and City Council.

John and Ruth Chown both had long musical careers in the Escanaba area. (Courtesy photo)

On April 27, the Library Board of Trustees considered a proposal from the Chown family. Suggestions included:

“The piano could be used as a away to generate more people to visit the library and be exposed to all the library offers. Concerts, children’s programs, community singalongs, receptions and other themed programs… Perhaps form a partnership with the (high school) band and orchestra…”

According to the minutes from the April meeting, the trustees heard some input, reviewed letters of support, and considered staff comments and public survey responses. After a motion by Trustee Gregg Novachek seconded by Christina Economopoulos, all trustees — which included Lynn Soderberg and Amy Reddinger — voted to accept the donation.

On May 18, the board again discussed how to maintain the piano after it was accepted. The family said their longtime piano tuner recommended that a humidity system be used to help keep the instrument in good shape.

A press release from the Escanaba Public Library announcing the new acquisition said that the piano would “honor two individuals whose contributions helped shape the musical culture of the Escanaba community for generations.

“The Chowns’ piano will help support future cultural programming, performances, educational opportunities, and community gatherings at the Escanaba Public Library,” the release said.

Among Ruth’s work included conducting “Monster Concerts,” which used 10 pianos and 20 pianists, as well as advocating for the arts.

“This extraordinary gift reflects the deep cultural legacy that John and Ruth Chown created in our community,” said Lynn Soderberg, Library Board Chair. “We are honored by the family’s trust and excited about the opportunities this piano will create for community engagement, musical performance, and lifelong learning at the library.”

Ruth passed away in 2008; John in 2025.

In presenting the gift, the Chown family shared that the donation reflects John and Ruth Chown’s lifelong commitment to music, artistic excellence, and creating opportunities for musicians of all ages in Escanaba.

“The library feels like such a natural venue for this piano,” noted Amy. “My siblings, Karen and Kevin, and I hope it becomes a way to bring people together through music while supporting the connection between arts, literature, and community.”

Members of the Library Board of Trustees “envision the piano enhancing library programs and community events, including performances, presentations, and special gatherings, in ways that support the library’s mission of lifelong learning, cultural enrichment and community engagement,” read this week’s press release form the library.

The library, found at 400 Ludington Street, “plans to announce future public programs featuring the piano in the coming months.”