From the OHS Database Builders Listing editor, August 18, 2016. -
The Austin Family
Several members of the Austin family were organ builders:
Jonathan Austin 1800s - Gentleman Farmer and Amateur Organ Builder, Podington, England; built the organ for St. Margaret's Church in Denton, 1886 which was still in use in 2014 according to the Northhampton District Organists Association. Three of Jonathan's sons emigrated to the United States and worked in various capacities for the family organbuilding firm which John T. and Basil F. established in Hartford, Connecticut.
The Family Business
The business remained in the family through two re-organizations (1889 when Austin Organ Co. was established as a separate business rather than a division of Clough & Warren, and 1935 when Austin Organs, Inc. was established as the successor firm). The company stopped new production in 2005, but remained in business doing service work. Shortly thereafter, the company was purchased from the shareholders by Michael Fazio, and Richard G. Taylor who retained Marilyn Austin as consultant. The business resumed production under the new owners.
Company Name | Opus Numbers | Years |
---|---|---|
Clough & Warren, Detroit, Michigan | 1 - 22 | 1893-1898 |
Austin Organ Company, Boston, Massachusetts | 23 - 28 | 1898-1899 |
Austin Organ Company, Hartford, Connecticut | 23 - 1885 | 1899-1935 |
Austin Organs, Inc., Hartford, Connecticut | 2000 - 27XX | 1937-Present |