2004-10-30/2019-11-17 - From the OHS PC Database, derived from A Guide to North American Organbuilders, by David H. Fox (Richmond, Va.: Organ Historical Society, 1991). — Born August 26, 1814; farmer/inventor; established American Steam Piano Co. {American Steam Music Co.} of Worcester, Massachusetts, first makers of steam calliopes; removed from the firm; returned to farming in Springfield, Massachusetts; died April 4, 1902. Source: W. J. G Ord-Hume, Barrel Organs (New York: A. S. Barnes and Company, 1978), 481.
2019-11-18/2019-11-18 - From Organ Database Builders editor Stephen Hall, November 17, 2019. — Stoddard's original purpose for his invention was not to provide popular tunes for steamboats and circus parades, but rather to call people to worship in a manner similar to the Moravian trombone choirs playing from steeples. It was not well received in his home town, Worcester, Massachusetts; the city passed an ordinance prohibiting its being played within the city limits. The Stoddards left Worcester in 1877 moving to Springfield, Massachusetts, about forty miles away. Mrs. Stoddard was an evangelist and her husband was an active member of the Advent Church. Supposedly, Joshua Stoddard took his calliope to religious meetings—especially in Springfield—as an accompaniment for hymn singing. Stoddard was successful as a farmer and bee keeper, but his track record as an inventor is spotty at best. In addition to the calliope, he invented a hay raker, a patent for this farm implement was granted to him in 1870 and for an improved model in 1871, both being highly successful. In 1884, he got a patent for a fire escape that was not successful, and the same fate awaited a fruit-paring machine, which he invented in 1901. Nor was he inclined to success in the manufacturing business, the company he formed to build his calliope only lasted four years, and he was ousted before the collapse. In the words of Raymond C. Lajoie: The American Steam Music Company (which lasted four years [1856-1860]) was located in Worcester. The company had twelve employees. It had strong backing from city capitalists; but as the result of an executive power play, Joshua [Stoddard] was forced out of the company. True to his name, he was more suited to the Old Testament than to the machinations of modern economics. Stoddard continued bee keeping, inventing, and religious activities for the remainder of his life, passing away in Springfield, Massachusetts, April 4, 1902. Sources: Raymond C. Lajoie, "Joshua C. Stoddard—Inventor of the Steam Calliope", Keyboard November 29, 2017, https://www.keyboardmag.com/miscellaneous/joshua-c-stoddardinventor-of-the-steam-calliope. Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography, "Stoddard, Joshua C." (New York: D. Appleton, 1900.) Text of United States Patent US13668A; Apparatus for Producing Music by Steam or Compressed Air.
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