C. Robitaille, based in Quebec City, was a well-known retailer and manufacturer associated with musical instruments, notably pianos, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The business was founded by Cyrille Robitaille in 1885, initially as a sewing machine shop, before expanding into musical instruments. By 1891, the company had grown to include a dedicated piano department and became known for selling the "piano Robitaille" as well as being the exclusive dealer for the renowned Mason & Risch pianos.
Josaphat Robitaille, Cyrille's son, apprenticed with Canadian and American piano manufacturers to learn the craft of piano making, returning to join the family business in 1902. This expertise allowed the company to offer their own line of pianos under the Robitaille name.
The company, later known as C. Robitaille Inc., continued to thrive through the first half of the 20th century, expanding its offerings to include harmoniums, phonographs (notably as an early dealer of Edison and Victor products), radios, and eventually televisions. However, the core of their reputation rested on their pianos and musical instrument expertise.
In summary, C. Robitaille of Quebec manufactured and retailed pianos under their own name, in addition to distributing other well-known brands and a range of musical products. In the early 1920s, the company also marketed several models of phonograph labelled C. Robitaille which they likely also manufactured.
Quebec Chronicle, May 20, 1912.
Quebec Chronicle, September 1, 1920.
Talking Machine Review, June 1921, p. 112.
A C. Robitaille upright phonograph for sale in Granby, Quebec in 2025.
A C. Robitaille upright phonograph for sale in St Agathe de Lotbiniere, Quebec in 2024.
A Victor Victrola sold by C. Robitaille, Quebec City.
