Pipe Organ Database

From OHS Database Builders editor, Stephen Hall, November 6, 2016. —

John J. Tyrrell served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he worked as an architect, then joined the Aeolian-SkinnerAeolian-Skinner Organ Company as a draftsman. He worked in the engineering department, but was moved to the office after a short time.

After Joseph Whiteford stepped down, Tyrrell replaced him as president of the firm, while Whiteford remained as tonal director. When Whiteford left the company, Don Gillett became president and tonal director, with Tyrell as chairman of the board. Tyrrell left Aeolian-Skinner in 1968 and worked briefly for Allen Organs [electronic], then moved to St. Petersberg, Florida and became sales representative for Casavant Frères Ltée. in several southern states. His next position was as a M.P. Möller, Inc. representative, he then moved to Hagerstown, Maryland in 1981 to become sales director for that firm. After leaving Möller, he returned to Florida (Gainesville}, then St Petersberg in 2009. He represented `Randall Dyer in Florida from 1993 until his death in 2015.

Sources:

• An email from Randall Dyer, received Oct 17, 2015.
• Transcript of a speech given by John Tyrrell to AIO members at one of their national conventions (year uncertain). Transcript is available through the Aeolian-Skinner Archives website at http://aeolianskinner.organsociety.org/john_tyrrell_transcript.html.

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

With Aeolian-Skinner firm of Boston, Massachusetts, 1964-1967, president, 1960-1966; with Allen Organs (electronic organs) of Allentown, Pennsylvania, 1969; representative of the Casavant firm of St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada, in Lakeland, Florida, 1976, with Möller firm of Hagerstown, Maryland, c. 1981, production manager, sales manager; retired 1989; consultant in Gainesville, Florida 1989.

Sources:

• Music* February 1969 (New York: American Guild of Organists), 54.
• Music October 1969, 16.
• Music June 1976, 50.
• Organ Handbook 1983 (Richmond, Va.: Organ Historical Society), 31.
• Elizabeth Towne Schmitt.
The American Organist April 1979 (New York: American Guild of Organists), 36. The American Organist Feb. 1989, 51. The American Organist May 1989, 52, 93.

*Name changed to 'The American Organist' beginning with the January 1979 issue.