Friday, April 13, 2012

Rare organ saved by sale


From Iowa-

A rare pipe organ built in Mason City more than a century ago that was headed for the scrap heap has been saved.

The organ, with pipes that soar 26 feet high, has been purchased by a performing arts school in Illinois, the Globe Gazette reported Thursday.

The organ, built by the Verney Organ Co., will be moved to Dixon, Ill, where it will be installed in Philander Hall, one of the performance venues operated by the VIVA! Performing Arts School.
VIVA! officials heard of Verney through the Dobson Pipe Organ Builders, said Curt Schmitt, chairman of the board of VIVA!.

Schmitt built organs for 40 years and knew the Dobson people well. Dobson had done some extensive restoration of the Verney.

Schmitt knew less restoration would be needed on the Verney than what would be needed on another organ the school first considered using.

More here-

http://www.thonline.com/news/iowa-illinois-wisconsin/article_73128ea6-ad2c-5c4a-b1e3-f05d55481c5b.html

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