This is a transcription of the Miss Mary Dorothy Fife biography from New Hampshire Women: A Collection of Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Daughters and Residents of the Granite State, Who are Worthy Representatives of their Sex in the Various Walks and Conditions of Life, The New Hampshire Publishing Co., Concord, NH, 1895, page 219.
Mary D. Fife
ONE of the best known firms in Manchester is that of M. D. Fife & Co., dealers in pianos and organs, occupying spacious quarters in the new Weston building. The head of this firm, Mary Dorothy, daughter of John D. and Mary (Fowler) Fife, was born in Penacook, educated at Penacook Academy, studied music with Professors Jackman and Morey of Concord, and commenced teaching and playing the organ in church at fifteen years of age. Subsequently she went West, studied voice culture with her aunt, Mrs. L. M. Dunn, long one of the most noted teachers of Chicago, piano with celebrated German instructors, and taught for three years. Returning to New Hampshire, she engaged for a time in teaching but her services were soon sought by a piano and organ house at Laconia, on account of her musical ability and knowledge of instruments. Accepting this position, and also playing the organ in church, teaching music, accompanying at concerts, etc., she remained at Laconia until 1885, when she went to Manchester and established the firm of M. D. Fife & Co. Her father was for a time associated with her, but for several years the business, which is the largest in the state, and the only one in this line conducted by a woman, has been managed entirely by herself. Meanwhile she has pursued her piano studies in Boston, with Warren A. Locke, exponent of the Deppe Method, and taught the same extensively in Manchester. Her practical knowledge of the piano and the merits of the various makes, is of great advantage to herself and patrons, and by her persistent efforts to induce the purchase of the best instruments, she has contributed greatly to the elevation of the musical taste of the community. Miss Fife has been an earnest supporter of all measures promotive of musical culture and progress, and first gave impulse to the movement culminating in the recent symphony concerts in Manchester, and the organization of the New Hampshire Philharmonic Society.