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This document describes how you can contact Rod Fudge of Pump Organ Restorations to get answers to your questions about pump organs or reed organs.
questions_about_your_pump_organ.htm
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Are you looking for more information about YOUR reed organ? Rod can probably help; he's got quite a bit of information on most of the 600+ manufacturers available. Just email for assistance!
can't_find_information_about_your_reed_organ.htm
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If you're not sure where to locate the serial number on your antique reed organ, this article will help you find it.
how_do_i_find_my_organ's_serial_number.htm
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This can be a problem. Unfortunately, some pump organs today no longer show the name of the manufacturer which always appears along the front of the organ's stop board.
missing_manufacture's_name.htm
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Although the overwhelming number of pump organs built in this country bore the real manufacturer’s name, many did not.
who_really_built_my_organ.htm
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If you would like to try your hand at just repairing your reed organ, Rod can help. This article includes contact information for a business that carries a variety of materials to repair your pump organ.
reed_organ_materials.htm
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Many people have no idea how to get any sound out of their reed organ. Is that you? In this quick article, Rod reveals the solution.
my_pump_organ_won't_make_a_sound!.htm
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As in almost any industry there are always a handful of companies that are recognized as "Industry Leaders." On this page, you'll find a list of the two dozen or so best-known Reed Organ manufacturers
leading_reed_organ_manufacturers.htm
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In the United States alone, there were approximately 653 names of pump organ companies! Rod presents the counts broken down by state.
americas_653_pump_organ_companies.htm
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At one time or another (generally between 1840 and 1930) there were 653 pump organ manufacturers in the United States.
pump_organ_manufacturers.htm
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One of their goals is vintage or antique musical instrument restoration, which includes pump organs.
the_institute_of_musical_instrument_technology.htm
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Don't pay too much for a reed organ! In this article, Rod arms you with some important information about the market for used pump organs and how much you should expect to pay for an antique reed organ.
too_much_for_a_reed_organ.htm
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Rod explains how to properly operate the foot pedals on an antique pump organ.
proper_way_to_operate_the_foot_pedals.htm
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Rev. R. W. Blanchard of Ashley, Indiana used a pump organ in one of the first radio ministry broadcasts in the country on radio station WOWO in Fort Wayne.
pump_organ_used_for_early_1926_radio_ministry_broadcast.htm
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One of the products of a pump organ restoration done by Rod Fudge is a photo album showing all aspects of the restoration process.
restoration_photo_cdrom.htm
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A quick fix for a hutch mirror that has lost some of its "silvering" over the years.
dealing_with_damaged_hutch_mirrors.htm
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Abolitionist John Brown gave his daughter a beautiful melodeon as a wedding present. This short article includes a photo of the instrument.
melodeon_wedding_present.htm
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Curious about where you can find a reed organ to buy? Rod's got some suggestions.
buy_a_reed_organ.htm
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More than 600 companies manufactured pump organs in the United States, but no one built more organs than Estey & Co of Brattleboro, Vermont.
estey_was_the_biggest.htm
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Curious about the wood that was used to build your antique reed organ? This article explores what kinds of woods were traditionally used to build these magnificent instruments.
why_reed_organs_were_made_from_hard_woods.htm
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The restoration of old, vintage antique musical instruments is a complex and difficult process requiring various techniques and knowledge.
the_restoration_of_antique_musical_instruments.htm
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Many pump organ owners are interested in knowing if their organ has ivory keys. In this article, Rod explains how to find out.
does_my_organ_have_ivory_keys.htm
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Ever wonder what the folding levers located above the foot pedals are used for? Rod sheds a little light on the mystery...
what_are_the_folding_knee_levers_for.htm
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The answer to a question that comes up a lot in my line of work: Is it a pump organ, or a reed organ?
pump_organ_or_reed_organ.htm
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A great article about The Estey Philharmonic Organ; not your typical, garden variety antique parlor reed organ!
estey_philharmonic_organ.htm
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Links to some very interesting clips on YouTube of Pump Organ music. This is a great opportunity to hear what these fantastic instruments sound like!
video_music_clips.htm
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An interesting research piece into the physics of the Pump Organ by Kristina Knupp.
physics_of_the_pump_organ.htm
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How can my reed organ be in tune (relative to the notes on the organ itself) and yet out of tune (relative to other instruments)? This article looks at the specifics of reed organ tuning, and why some organs aren't in tune with other instruments.
how_can_my_reed_organ_be_in_tune_and_yet_out_of_tune.htm
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A list of museums (and other locations) where you can visit an antique reed (pump) organs.
visit_a_pump_organ.htm
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An electric bellows unit can be retrofitted to your antique pump orgran so that you can have an option of whether or not to manually pump the organ by foot.
no_more_foot_pumping.htm
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Some informational tips for caring for your antique reed organ, including how to get rid of musty antique smells, hide light scratches, and more!
eliminating_musty_antique_smells.htm
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Researchers at the UConn are using 3D printing medical technology to bring new life into some old antique musical instruments. This kind of technology could help the study of delicate vintage musical instrument restoration.
the_university_of_connecticut_--_antique_musical_instruments.htm
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An interesting article explaining the five reasons that children stop playing the piano. It doesn't pertain directly to pump organs, but is interesting nonetheless.
why_children_stop_playing_the_piano.htm
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Heirlooms take on a special significance in some families, such as the one described in this article, who wanted the foot peddles on their antique reed organ left undisturbed in the restoration process.
family_heirloom_considered_priceless.htm
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A fascinating look at the inner workings of an antique pump organ.
pump_organ_diagram.htm
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Information about finding sheet music suitable for your antique reed organ.
finding_reed_organ_sheet_music.htm
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You generally don’t run across them all that often, but they’re still out there. Here are a few photos and model names of what you might see. Some black and white photos aren’t the best because they’re taken from original company catalogues.
the_rollerplayer_organs.htm
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Some products that Rod recommends for those who would like to keep their reed organ looking its best.
products_for_your_reed_organ.htm
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Meet the all-important brass reed. It's the brass reed that makes the sound we hear when playing a pump organ.
meet_the_brass_reed.htm
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Resources for information regarding reed organs, as compiled by the Smithsonian Institution.
a_selected_bibliography_on_reed_organs.htm
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This page contains an excellent list of Canadian Reed Organ Manufacturers
canadian_reed_organ_manufacturers.htm
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Is it important how many stops my pump organ has? Does more stops mean it's a better pump organ? This article from Pump Organ Repair and Restoration Services answers just that question!
number_of_stops.htm
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American pump organ manufacturers used approximately ninety different names to identify a wide variety of different musical tones and pitches. This page, provided by Pump Organ Restorations, lists about 40 commonly used "stop face names"
common_stop_face_names.htm
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Piano Stools are NEVER Reed Organ Seats! Here, we look at what a proper reed organ stool (or seat) really looked like, along with a variety of pictures for illustration.
reed_organ_seats.htm
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A great resource for those who may be interested in learning how to play the pump organ.
learning_to_play_the_pump_organ.htm
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Information on how to order Robert F. Gellerman's "The American Reed Organ and Harmonium" as well as "Gellerman's International Reed Organ Atlas"
you_may_want_these_books.htm
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It was very common for pump organs to have an upper section called a hutch or canopy. Learn more about it in this article.
the_upper_section_of_a_pump_organ.htm
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Avoid nastry surprises when you bring home an antique reed organ...clean it thoroughly before you bring it inside because of the possibility of everything from mice and snakes to moth infestations!
insects_in_my_reed_organ.htm
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Articles and information about Melodeons; small reed organs with a five- or six-octave keyboard, most often housed in a piano-like case.
they_were_called_melodeons.htm
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In Disney's 1939 classic motion picture, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, we get to see the only pump organ that Disney Studios ever made.
walt_disney's_pump_organ.htm
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A picture showing how home delivery of pump organs was accomplished in the 1800's.
home_delivery_way_back_when.htm
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Who exactly built all of those old reed organs? Here's a picture that answers the question!
the_men_that_built_the_reed_organs.htm
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If you have an antique keyboard instrument with keys that have yellowed over the years, here are some techniques for turning them white again.
turn_yellow_keys_into_white_keys.htm
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Found on eBay: An antique reed organ converted into a bar!
a_reed_organ_liquor_bar.htm
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Parlor organs were often known for the exuberence and detail of their cases. This article includes a link to a wonderful collection of sketches that were intended as design ideas for future instruments.
reed_organ_drawings.htm
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A fascinating history of the player organ -- or Pianola -- is available from the Pianola Institute's website.
history_of_the_player_organ.htm
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The pump organ was wildly popular in the late 1800's. What happened?
why_people_turned_away_from_pump_organs.htm
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Many antique reed organs were built with round, wooden candle holders. In this article, Rod talks a little bit about how these were used.
oil_lamps_candles_reed_organs.htm
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In this article, Rod outlines the 12 different categories of reed organs, complete with pictures.
types_of_pump_organs.htm
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Some insight into the process Rod uses to tune an antique reed organ.
tuning_the_reeds.htm
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Pump organs were used throughout all branches of the armed forces during both World Wars, as well as the Spanish American and Korean conflicts.
pump_organs_at_war.htm
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Rod provides a list of common problems with pump organs and their causes. Useful in troubleshooting issues with your reed organ.
common_pump_organ_problems.htm
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An interesting chart showing the count of reed organ manufacturers by country. It's fascinating to see all of the places from which reed organs and pump organs originated!
reed_organ_manufacturers_by_country.htm
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Pictures of a dollhouse hobby model pump organ that Rod put together.
dollhouse_pump_organ.htm
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A humorous letter from a colleague working on restoring a large Estey reed organ.
on_the_lighter_side.htm
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The "ORGAVAC" - Reed Organ Vacuum Pumps - Completely eliminate foot pumping and improve the performance of any reed organ!
the_orgavac.htm
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A "not so antique" reed organ music box.
a_reed_organ_music_box.htm
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Sadly, every year pump organs of every kind are turned into municipal landfill.
landfill_-_final_resting_place_of_many_a_pump_organ.htm
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Beware of people on line that sound like circus barkers trying to sell pump organs
warning_--_to_pump_organ_buyers.htm
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Although the overwhelming number of pump organs built in this country bore the real manufacturer’s name, some did not. It was common for pump organ manufacturers to build organs for other pump organ companies.
do_i_own_a_stencil_organ.htm
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The pump organ company Gilbert & Co., located on King’s Road, London, England sold a three manual organ that came with 40 stops and 1,365 reeds.
the_monster_pump_organs.htm
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Although it’s not uncommon to see an actor playing a piano in a Hollywood movie, it is uncommon to see one playing a pump organ.
hollywood_and_the_pump_organ.htm
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Here’s probably the best collection of reed organ related publications that I’m aware of that can still be purchased. The fellow that sells them is also a Reed Organ Society member.
reed_organ_publications.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the A. B. Chase Company.
a._b._chase_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Adler Organ Company.
adler_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Beckwith Company.
beckwith_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Bell Pump Organ Company.
bell_pump_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Burdett Organ Company
burdett_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Cable Hobart organ Company.
cable_hobart_organ_company.htm
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The following is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Carhart & Needham Organ Company.
carhart_&_needham_organ_company.htm
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This is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Chicago Cottage Organ Company.
chicago_cottage_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Clough & Warren Organ Company
clough_&_warren_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Cornish Pump Organ Company.
cornish_pump_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Wilcox & White Company.
dominion_organ_company.htm
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The following is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the E. P. Carpenter & Company.
e._p._carpenter_&_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Farrand & Votey Organ Company.
farrand_&_votey_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Geo. P. Bent Company.
geo._p._bent_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Prince Company.
george_a._prince_&_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Hamilton Organ Company.
hamilton_organ_company.htm
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J. Estey Organ Co. “The largest pump organ company in America”
j._estey_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the D. W. Karn Organ Co. Ltd.
d._w._karn_organ_co._ltd.htm
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This is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Kimball company.
w._w._kimball_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Lyon & Healy organ Company.
lyon_&_healy_organ_company.htm
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This is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Mason & Hamlin Organ Company
mason_&_hamlin_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Miller Organ Company.
miller_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Moline Organ Company.
moline_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Newman Company
newman_brothers_organ_company.htm
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This is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Packard Brothers Organ Company.
packard_brothers_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Prescott organ Company.
prescott_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Putnam Company.
w._w._putnam_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Shipman Organ Company.
shipman_organ_company.htm
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The company started out in Meriden, CT., 18 W. 23rd St., New York, NY. Established 1891, and later were known as Æolian Organ and Music Company.
the_aeolian_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Cable Organ Company.
the_cable_organ_company.htm
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The company was located in Meriden, CT; 18 W. 23rd St., and New York, NY 1900.
vocalion_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the W. Doherty & Company.
w._doherty_&_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Weaver Company.
weaver_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Western Cottage Organ Company.
western_cottage_organ_company.htm
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Unfortunately, this is just about all the information that’s survived the passing of time on the Wilcox & White Company.
wilcox_&_white_organ_company.htm
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On the campus of University of South Dakota, located at 14 East Clark Street, Vermillion, South Dakota, is the Nation Music Museum.
the_world's_premier_collection_of_vintage_antique_musical_instruments.htm
