Better Pipe Organ Database


The Aeolian Co. Opus 1111 (1909)

Residence: Joseph Widener (Lynnewood Hall): Art Gallery Wing
Elkins Park, PA

Note: Not extant. Not playable. (in this location)


Images


July 2021 - Console on its face (still capture from video) (Photograph by The Proper People (YouTube), submitted by Jim Stettner/Jim Stettner)

July 2021 - Console on its face (still capture from video) (Photograph by The Proper People (YouTube), submitted by Jim Stettner/Jim Stettner)

Unknown - Console and Pipe Facades (ca. 1972) (Photograph by Anita Fetterhoff Myers/Database Manager)

Unknown - Console Alcove (in art gallery wing) (Photograph (ca. 1915) from the collection of Jim Lewis/Database Manager)

Unknown - Aerial View of the Estate (Photograph (1935) from the collection of Jim Lewis/Database Manager)

Consoles

Main


Notes

2014-07-14 - This entry describes an original installation of a new pipe organ. Identified by James Lewis, based on personal knowledge of the organ. -- The mansion, once known as the "Versailles of America", held one of the finest private art collections in America. The organ is installed in the art gallery wing, but in recent years the house has not been properly maintained and the organ has significant water damage -Database Manager

2021-07-31 - According to *The Aeolian Pipe Organ and its Music* by Rollin Smith (OHS Press, 2nd edition, © 2018), The contract was signed July 22, 1909 for a cost of $12,000.00. It included a 14-rank manual compound windchest including 5-rank String P Mixture. The organ had two, straight 16' Pedal stops: Flute F and Bassoon. The organ was shipped November 6, 1909. A Duo-Art system was added in 1919 for $4,500.00. A letter of acceptance for this is dated September 2, 1919. -Jim Stettner

2021-08-01 - After watching a YouTube video by The Proper People (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EVRpmG_6s0 at 15:46) it is evident that the property has fallen into ruins. The console is on its face, stripped of it's ornate case, and damaged. The pipes have been removed - whether by controlled means or vandalism O do not know. -Jim Stettner

2021-11-15 - The property has been listed for sale for a number of years and sits abandoned. -Paul R. Marchesano


Documents


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