Pipe Organ Database

From the OHS PC Database, derived from A Guide to North American Organbuilders by David H. Fox (Organ Historical Society, 1991). —

Succeeded Steer* & Turner; established by John Wesley Steer(e) and sons John S. Steere and Frank J. Steere in Springfield, Massachusetts, 1891; name of firm altered from "& Sons' to '& Son' when Frank J. Steere left, 1894; the firm was reorganized, 1917; and renamed Steere Organ Co., 1919; the firm was acquired by Ernest M. Skinner , 1921.

*The original family name was Steer, the Steers added an e at the end of their name around 1890, but apparently did not change the spelling on the nameplates until sometime latter. To add to the confusion, John S. Steere re-stablished a partnership with George W. Turner in a second "Steere & Turner" in 1893. —Ed.

Staff: Alexander Arnot; George L. Beaudry; Charles F. Beckwith; Charles Bowen; Paul Buhl; Henry J. Carruthers; Charles F. Chadwick; Philip E. Dudley; Arpard E. Fazakas; Harry G. Fisk; William C. Greenwood; George O. Kingsbury; George E. La Marche; Leslie W. Leet; A. Linhares; Bryant G. Parsons, Sr.; Gideon L. Parsons; George H. Ryder; Frank J. Steer; John S. Steer; James Topp; Harry F. Van Wart; George C. Webb; Charles Willet.

Sources:

• The Diapason June 1917, 2.
• Junchen, David, Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ, Vol. 2 (Pasadena: Showcase Publications) 1990. 632.
•  Orpha Ochse, The History of the Organ in the United States (Bloomington: Indiana University Press) 1975. 240.