Buckingham County Female Collegiate Institute: Piano Fortes
The Buckingham County Female Collegiate Institute was magnificent in its day; however, spending at The Institute – as with many 19th century planters – was often impractical and extravagant. An excellent example involves the music master and the piano forte. Samuel Shepard told the story:
Some year or so ago, Mr. Arnaud Préot suggested that, as one of the piano fortes obtained from Rosenkranz had a mechanical imperfection difficult to remedy, that they buy in its place a new one manufactured in Farmville by Mr. George P. Knauff. Mr Knauff sensibly offered to repair the old one at his factory, but they must have a new one. The old instrument is in the attic, and Mr. Knauff has so far received the sum of $15.00 on the purchase price of that of his own make. This is a small but common instance of the execution of the business of the Institute.
For more about The Institute, consult “At a Place Called Buckingham.”
George P. Knauff was also a popular composer of the day. His tunes included “Wait for the Wagon.”
slate river ramblings . . . . 
Pianos in that age [and lack of humidity and heat/cool control] were notorious for not staying tuned. Reed parlor organs became the instrument of choice for many,