Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, active 1880s to early 1900s. Originally from Owen Sound, Ontario, where he is known to have been involved in an early attempt at building an organ in 1863.
Classification: Builder
From the OHS PC Database, (James H. Cook and Elizabeth Towne Schmitt, co-editors). —
This note was added to the PC Database, but no source was given.
Walter Spencer was a pipe organ builder in Hamilton Ontario during the mid to late 19th century and the very early part of the 20th century. Prentice Steed, Palmer Steed, Charlie Williams, Walter Denton, and R. Arthur Denton were all employees of Mr. Spencer at the turn of the century and they formed the Hamilton Church Organ Works. After Mr. Spencer's retirement circa 1902 ( R. Arthur Denton manager and Charlie Williams - secretary). Only Charlie and Arthur continued in the business after the first world war. I believe that Prentice or Palmer moved to California after the first world war and joined a pipe organ building firm there. Unfortunately I have no more information about these men's fate. R. Arthur Denton changed the firm's name to R. A. Denton and Son in 1938 when his son Ellery joined as his partner. The firm continues to this day as R. A. Denton and Son, and is currently owned by Ellery's children, Janine and Nelson Denton.
Source:
From the OHS PC Database, derived from A Guide to North American Organbuilders, by David H. Fox (Richmond, Va.: Organ Historical Society, 1991). —
Active in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, 1902.
Source: