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

Born c. 1907; with Henry Pilcher's Sons of Louisville, Kentucky, 1923-1944, head reed voicer and service department manager; operated his own service firm, 1944-1952; with Schantz Organ Co. of Orrville, Ohio, 1952, installer, tonal finisher; with Miller Pipe Organ Co. of Louisville, Kentucky, 1988, consultant, voicer, and pipemaker. Kohler died November 21, 1991.

Staff: Joseph Brown.

Sources:

• Letter to David Fox.


• Sylvester E. Kohler, "Memoirs of an Organ Builder", The Tracker 19:2, (Richmond, Va.: Organ Historical Society, 1975), 12.


• Obituary, "Sylvester E. Kohler", The Tracker, 35:4 (Richmond, Va.: Organ Historical Society, 1992), 7.


• [James E.*] Miller.


• The American Organist, March 1992, 64.

*Fox's Guide simply says Miller, as it seems to be in connection with the Miller Pipe Organ Service of Louisville, Kentucky, James E. Miller who established that company is assumed. -Ed.