Werlein, John Parham

Submitted by Mike Miller

John Parham Werlein. Any institution which has been giving intelligent service to a community for over eighty years under the direction of the same family is an object of interest to that community.

John Tyler was president of the United States, before the Mexican war was fought, before the wild gold rush to California, when railroads and the telegraph were yet but dreams of the inventor, when steamships of the present day perfection were but visions of the future, then, in 1842, was laid the foundation of time House of Werlein.

The founder, Philip P. Werlein, was born in Germany, on March 30, 1812. Leaving home, he came to America at the age of nineteen. With a cultivated taste for music, an accomplished musician, a fine pianist, he soon became associated with several musical organizations. After several years spent in the North he decided to come south, and in the little town of Vicksburg, Mississippi, he began that which today is Philip Werlein, Ltd., the largest music house in the South. In 1846 Mr. Werlein married Margaret Halsey, daughter of Jerusha Conklin and Shepherd Halsey, and a descendant of Thomas Halsey, who came from England by way of Holland in 1640 and landed at Lynn, Massachusetts, afterwards settling on Long Island.

After years in Mississippi Mr. Werlein decided to go with his family to New Orleans, thus giving an indication of the foresight and fine judgment which have ever been characteristic of the House of Werlein. New Orleans, then a swamp girdled town, has grown into the South's largest and most interesting city. Mr. Werlein became associated with Mr. William Mayo's well established house, situated at No. 5 Camp Street. When Mr. Mayo retired, soon after this, Mr. Werlein became the sole owner and proprietor of Philip P. Werlein. Floods and financial panic, scourge of yellow fever, Civil war and the plague, the World war and political upheavals again and again took over the city. but the House of Werlein still stands firm as the Rock of Gibraltar. After the Civil war Mr. Werlein was obliged to go into bankruptcy, as everything he possessed was seized by the federal authorities and sold at public auction. Broken in health, he had his son Philip emancipated at the age of eighteen and put him at the head of Philip Werlein with such meager stock as two or three old square pianos and a little sheet music which an old faithful employe had saved as his own and turned over when the Werleins returned from the war. Philip Werlein the first remained actively connected with the business until the day of his death, in March. 1887.

Philip Werlein, II born in Vicksburg, February 22, 1847, coming to New Orleans with his parents about 1852, attended the public schools in New Orleans and at the time the Civil war broke out was a student in the Military Academy at Alexandria, Virginia. Though but a boy he was employed in active service in the Confederate tax bureau office at Shreveport and rendered duty in the field the latter part of the war. Philip Werlein was identified with religious work in the city in various ways, especially interested in the Young Men's Christian Association. He built up the business of Philip Werlein from bankruptcy to prosperity. Honesty and integrity were the foundation upon which he built it. He died in November, 1899.

Philip Werlein, III, was born January 5, 1878, and died February 2, 1917. Only thirty- nine years of age, yet in his short life he had accomplished more than many men much older. Upon his father's death he was made president of the Philip Werlein, Ltd., the present name of the business, it having been incorporated in 1896. Young, energetic, untiring, he carried the house successfully through the first years of the World war, a time which tried men's souls. Philip, the third, attended the Dyer School and entered old Tulane High when he was fourteen. He entered Tulane University, but was obliged to leave just before graduation, owing to his father's condition of health. Interested in all civic matters, he had a busy life. As a speaker he was much sought after; as an able officer he filled many important positions; as friend and advisor he could be trusted. He was succeeded by his brother, John Parham Werlein, the fourth of the name of Werlein upon whom the mantle has fallen to carry on time traditions of the house of service to humanity through music.

It was the House of Werlein that guaranteed the full cost of a season of opera. At another time it guaranteed the Symphony Orchestra against loss. New Orleans owes it to the present head, John Parham Werlein, that the city heard the great Caruso on his only visit here. Also he has brought on a number of world famous artists at his own expense, including Paul Whiteman, king of jazz, who delighted a large audience.

John Parham Werlein received his education at Rugby Academy in New Orleans, St. Paul's School at Concord, New Hampshire, and the University of Virginia. Associated with his brother Philip for several years, he was well equipped to take charge of the business. He has done much to enlarge and extend the trade and influence of this old and honored house. There is still another Philip, Philip the fourth, and another Parham to carry on and maintain the traditions of the House of Werlein.

As member and exalted ruler of the Lodge of Elks in New Orleans John Parham Werlein has rendered service of a valuable nature. As a member of various clubs and organizations he is interested in many civic and charitable enterprises.

The prediction may be safely made that the House of Werlein will continue to live and uphold its policy of uprightness, honesty and justice to all.

A History of Louisiana, (vol. 2), p. 28, by Henry E. Chambers. Published by The American Historical Society, Inc., Chicago and New York, 1925.