Carl Barckhoff [Sr]
1887

From a History of the Barckhoff organ:
Originally, the organ was a tracker action organ with hand pump bellows furnishing the air to the organ. Consequently, you always needed a person there to pump the bellows in order to play or practice on the organ. In 1907, to make playing the organ more efficient and modern at the time, the organ was converted to a DC current action organ and an electric blower was added as well. Votteler Holtkamp doing business as the Sparling Organ Company of Cleveland, OH did the conversion. Five of the Stopped Diapason (wooden) pipes stems where replaced with stems labeled "Patten [sic] Aug 9, 1898 and manufactured or
installed February 19, 1907". It is in this configuration the organ is in today. The present keyboard was added at that time. The Votteler Holtkamp signature plate is on the console and is also on the blower case.

From a fascinating history of the Barckhoff organ, quoting notes from Charles Hendrickson, quoting Faculty Minutes, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota:

"It was resolved that the Moline Pipe Organ #6 costing $1400 be purchased for the musical conservatory. The following persons agreed to be responsible for one year for the amounts set opposite their names: Wahlstrom, $300, Prof. Frick $200, Prof. Uhler $200, Prof. Werner $200, Prof. Patri $200, Prof. Sander $200."
October 24, 1887.
"The President read a letter from the Moline Pipe Organ Co. to the effect that it was impossible for them to have the pipe organ ready by Nov. 1."
November 4, 1887
"In regard to the Moline Pipe Organ Co., it was decided that if no answer was received from said Co., to the letter sent by Prof. Wahlstrom by tomorrow morning's Sioux City Mail, a copy of the designated letter be sent by registered mail and that an answer to said registered letter be demanded at once.” November 16, 1887.
"It was decided to telegraph to said Company asking them how soon they could have the organ ready for use providing we accept the offer they now make us.”
November 18, 1887
"After some discussion from which it appeared manifest that we could wait no longer on the Moline Pipe Organ Co., it was decided to dispatch to Carl Barckhoff,
Salem Ohio asking how soon he could have the organ ready for use providing we take the organ and accept the offer he made to Prof. Norman in St. Paul."
November 21, 1887
"Met for the purpose of considering the communications from the Moline P. O. Co. A letter & telegram were read in which it was clear that the Moline. P.O. Co. had not yet done anything on the organ intended for us by Christmas. It was then by motion decided to cease communications with Moline P.O. Co.. Also to open communications at once with Carl Barckhoff, and order him to build organ #9 complete immediately."
January 5, 1888