Pipe Organ Database

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

William J. Schuelke was born January 4, 1888; he was the son of Wilhelm Schuelke. He trained and worked with father's firm of William Schuelke Organ Co. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The younger William continued his father's firm with his brother, Max Schuelke, after their father's departure. The original firm went bankrupt in 1914, William J. then operated his own firm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, starting after 1916, building both church and theater organs. He died August 12, 1960 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at age 72.

Sources:

• One or more local directories of the place and period.
• Schuelke family ree records.
• David L. Junchen, Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ, vol. 2, (Showcase Publications, 1995). 595.
• Organ Handbook 1986 (Richmond, Va.: Organ Historical Society), 21.
• Elizabeth Towne Schmitt.