This division started as a piano dealership in Chicago in 1857 as W.W. Kimball and Company by William Wallace Kimball ( 1828 – 1904 ) . In 1864 , Kimball moved from its earliest location in the corner of a jewelry store to sales rooms in the Crosby Opera House where Kimball sold pianos made by East Coast piano makers Chickering and Sons , the J & C Fischer Piano Company , Hallet & Davis , F.C. Lighte , Joseph P. Hale , and the W.P. Emerson Piano Company . Kimball also sold less expensive reed organs . The Great Chicago Fire destroyed all of Kimball 's commercial assets in 1871 , but he continued selling from his home , and rebuilt his dealership business
Great Chicago Fire
Great Chicago Fire
Kimball International