At age 18, Foster was an apprentice for J. W. York and Sons company of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Foster became well known in the band instrument industry for designing superior cornet and
trumpet valve pistons. Henderson White made Foster a very lucrative offer in 1904. Foster joined
the H. N. White company and became the factory superintendent. Foster was responsible for many
new improvements, instrument designs, instrument patents, and the construction of superior valve
pistons. In 1927, Foster attained the title of plant Manager overseeing all aspects of production
and distribution for the entire line of instruments manufactured. Fosters brother, Harper, was
Fosters assistant for twenty years at the H. N. White company. In 1935, Foster left the
H. N. White company and founded the F. A. Reynolds company and began to manufacture his own
line of band instruments.
Cornet design.
Patent No. 43,205.
Patented Oct. 29, 1912.
Inventor F. A. Reynolds
The H. N. White Co. Clev. O.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
