Pipe Organ Database

a project of the organ historical society

Wm. Schuelke Organ Co. (Opus 34, 1885)

Exhibited in the 1990 OHS convention(s)

Location:

St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church
1927 North 4th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212 US
Organ ID: 6326

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Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Roman Catholic Churches
  • The organ has been restored to a previous state.
  • The organ's condition is good, in regular use.
We received the most recent update for this instrument's status from Paul R. Marchesano on October 28, 2021.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: Slider
  • 28 ranks. 2,035 pipes. 2 manuals. 25 stops.
All:
  • Chest Type(s): Slider chests
  • Position: In a gallery-level case at the rear of the room.
We received the most recent update for this division from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Main:
  • Manuals: 2
  • Stops: 25
  • Position: Detached keydesk (mechanical action).
  • Manual Compass: 58
  • Pedal Compass: 27
  • Key Action: Mechanical connection with pneumatic assists (i.e., Barker levers, etc.).
  • Stop Action: Mechanical connection between stop control and chest.
  • Console Style: Traditional style without cover.
  • Stop Controls: Drawknobs in horizontal row above top manual.
  • Pedalboard Type: Flat straight pedalboard.
We received the most recent update for this console from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Database Manager on May 15, 2019:

As per The American Organist, April 2019, the church has announced a contract with Patrick J. Murphy & Associates ot Pennsylvania for the complete restoration of its 1885 William Schuelke organ, at a cost of $474,950.   The article notes that the instrument is in nearly original condition, except for the additon of and electric blower and tremulant.  Most notable about the organ is the use of cone-valve chests and Barker-lever machine.  A 2018 recording of the instrument is located at   https://Youtu.be/0hab6NgnDVA.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on May 07, 2018:
We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Database Manager on July 26, 2013:

Updated through online information from John Paradowski.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on October 30, 2004:

The builder did not use opus numbers to identify his work, but the catalog number S-34 was assigned to this instrument by Elizabeth Towne Schmitt and may be used for reference.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on October 30, 2004:

Status Note: There 2004.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on October 30, 2004:

Ventil chests (kegellade), pneumatic levers on both manual key actions, detached console. Swell on one side of the rear gallery and Great on the other. Historic Organs Recital 6 Sep 1988. The only changes to the organ are the electric blower and an added tremulant.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Source not recorded: Open In New Tab Typed stoplist from David Bohn
We received the most recent update for this stoplist from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
  • Sonata No. 1 in F - IV. Allegro vivace - Piece by Felix Mendelssohn. Performed by Ruth Tweeten. Produced by The Organ Historical Society in 1990 with the title: Historic Organs of Milwaukee: Twenty-five Historic Pipe Organs, Madison to Milwaukee
  • Sonata No. 1 in F - III. Andante Recit - Piece by Felix Mendelssohn. Performed by Ruth Tweeten. Produced by The Organ Historical Society in 1990 with the title: Historic Organs of Milwaukee: Twenty-five Historic Pipe Organs, Madison to Milwaukee

Instrument Images:

Church Exterior: Photograph by Rodney J. Weed. Taken on 2013-11-03

Church Interior and Altar: Photograph by Rodney J. Weed. Taken on 2013-11-03

Gallery and Organ Cases: Photograph by Rodney J. Weed. Taken on 2013-11-03

Console: Photograph by Rodney J. Weed. Taken on 2013-11-03

Pedalboard and Swell Pedal: Photograph by Rodney J. Weed. Taken on 2013-11-03

Swell Drawknobs (1-5): Photograph by Rodney J. Weed. Taken on 2013-11-03

Swell Drawknobs (5-9): Photograph by Rodney J. Weed. Taken on 2013-11-03

Pedal Drawknobs (1-5) and disconnected Tremolo: Photograph by Rodney J. Weed. Taken on 2013-11-03

Great Drawknobs (1-6): Photograph by Rodney J. Weed. Taken on 2013-11-03

Great Drawknobs (7-11): Photograph by Rodney J. Weed. Taken on 2013-11-03

Manuals and Presets: Photograph by Rodney J. Weed. Taken on 2013-11-03

Left Drawknobs: Photograph by Rodney J. Weed. Taken on 2013-11-03

Right Drawknobs: Photograph by Rodney J. Weed. Taken on 2013-11-03

Console: Photograph by Andrew Schaeffer, via Facebook, submitted by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2021-10-18

Façade pipes: Photograph by Andrew Schaeffer, via Facebook, submitted by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2021-10-18

Gallery and organ cases: Photograph by Andrew Schaeffer, via Facebook, submitted by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2021-10-18

Builder nameplate: Photograph by Andrew Schaeffer, via Facebook, submitted by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2021-10-18

OHS Citation: Photograph by Andrew Schaeffer, via Facebook, submitted by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2021-10-18

Church exterior: Photograph by Andrew Schaeffer, via Facebook, submitted by Jeff Scofield. Taken on 2021-10-18

Organ console and case in loft: Photograph from an archival source: 1990 OHS Handbook, William T. Van Pelt, submitted by Paul R. Marchesano. Taken approx. 1990