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

Succeeded James E. Treat & Co.; established in Methuen, Massachusetts by James E. Treat and Edward F. Searles; active, 1898-c. 1911.

Facility purchased in 1936 by Ernest M. Skinner, used as shop for E.M. Skinner & Son until 1943 when the Skinner firm relocated.

Staff: John M. Ingraham; Ammi P. Whiton.

From Organ Database Builders editor Stephen Hall, October 26, 2015. —

Searles was a millionaire who had previously purchased the organ built for the Boston Music Hall by E.F. Walcker of Germany. He had Serlo Hall (now Methune Music Hall) built for it as part of his estate. Serles was a decorator with architectural training, and a talented pianist and organist as well, but had no experience in building organs. He likely agreed to provide financial backing to Treat in exchange for him setting up shop in Methune to install and maintain the organ.

Source:

• Methune Memorial Music Hall website, accessed October 26, 2015, https://www.mmmh.org.

See also James Treat and Edward F. Searles.