Trustees Honor Roll

Mervar, Anton

Button Accordion Manufacturer (1885-1942)
Inducted on November 30, 1991

After completing his apprenticeship in Slovenia, Anton Mervar moved to Cleveland in 1912 to pursue his venture in America, the manufacture of button-style accordions. Firmly established as a master craftsman, Anton moved to a new, larger factory on St. Clair Avenue in 1921. His accordions were shipped across the country and overseas, even to Slovenia. Expanding to retail other musical instruments, records and phonographs, Anton became a consultant to Columbia, Victor, Continental and Okeh, evaluating test pressings and recommending recording contracts for such Cleveland-style artists as Matt Hoyer, Louis Spehek, Anton Strukelj and the Lausche-Udovich duet. The craftsmanship and distinctive sound of Mervar accordions have contributed significantly to the enduring popularity of button boxes.