2018-05-07/2019-02-11 - From John Speller, e-mail to OHS Members List, March 09, 2016 — OHS Database No. 48893 refers to the organ at St. David's Episcopal Church, Lansing, Michigan. This instrument was apparently built in the 1960s using pipework from a variety of sources. The nameplate reads: "KILGEN ORGAN / KILGEN MANUFACTURING CO. / BOYNE CITY, MICHIGAN" On the Kilgen Manufacturing Co., I came across the following in the Daily Telegram (Adrian, Michigan), March 30, 1960, p.116: "ST. LOUIS MO. - Machinery, dies and tools of the Kilgen Organ Co. were sold yesterday for $20,000 to Scott Wheeler of Jackson, Mich., to help pay a loan by the Small Business Administration. Wheeler plans to set up a new firm, the Kilgen Manufacturing Co., at Boyne City, Mich., and move to Boyne City. Wheeler is a former sales representative of the 87-year-old St Louis firm. Sales and engineering for the Kilgen firm will remain in St Louis with the president, Nicholas Pipetone, remaining in charge of St. Louis operations." Originally 13 ranks, the organ was expanded to 16 ranks by the Lauck Organ Co.in 2006. I think this may well be the only Boyne City Kilgen ever built.
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