Pipe Organ Database

a project of the organ historical society

The Aeolian Co. (Opus 999, 1906)

Location:

Residence: Mrs. Chester W. Lasell / The House of Affirmation / Estate of Mind
120 Hill St.
Whitinsville (Northbridge), MA 01588 US
Ballroom
Organ ID: 72017

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Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Private Residences
  • The organ is currently being renovated or restored.
  • The organ's condition is not playable.
We received the most recent update for this instrument's status from Clarence Risher on October 29, 2022.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: Electro-pneumatic (EP)
  • 10 ranks. 3 divisions. 2 manuals. 10 stops.
Manual I (Expressive):
  • Chest Type(s): Electro-pneumatic (EP) chests
  • Built by The Aeolian Co.
We received the most recent update for this division from Jim Stettner on October 30, 2022.

Manual II (Expressive):
  • Chest Type(s): Electro-pneumatic (EP) chests
  • Built by The Aeolian Co.
We received the most recent update for this division from Jim Stettner on October 30, 2022.

Pedal (Expressive):
  • Chest Type(s): Electro-pneumatic (EP) chests
  • Built by The Aeolian Co.
We received the most recent update for this division from Jim Stettner on October 30, 2022.
Main:
  • Built by The Aeolian Co.
  • Manuals: 2
  • Divisions: 3
  • Stops: 10
  • Manual Compass: 61
  • Pedal Compass: 30
  • Key Action: Electrical connection from key to chest.
  • Stop Action: Electric connection between stop control and chest.
  • Console Style: Traditional style without cover.
  • Stop Controls: Drawknobs in horizontal rows on terraced/stepped jambs.
  • Combination Action: Adjustable combination pistons.
  • Swell Control Type: Balanced swell shoes/pedals.
  • Pedalboard Type: Flat straight pedalboard.
  • Has Crescendo Pedal
  • Has Combination Action Thumb Pistons
  • Has Coupler Reversible Foot Trundles
We received the most recent update for this console from Jim Stettner on October 30, 2022.
Jim Stettner on October 30, 2022:

This entry represents the installation of a new organ. Identified through online information from Clarence Risher, and verified with the Aeolian opus list.

From The Aeolian Pipe Organ and its Music by Rollin Smith, the contract was signed September 22, 1905 for a cost of $6,750.00. The organ was shipped April 28, 1906.

The home was later the adut leadership and training conference center for the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts. in 1996, it became a treatment center for Roman Catholic clergy known as The House of Affirmation.

The present owners of the house - Estate of Mind - is home to a growing community of creatives, artists, and makers, with a focus on collaborative projects and events.

We received the most recent update for this note from Jim Stettner on October 30, 2022.

Instrument Images:

Player console, after decades of neglect and weather damage.: Photograph by Clarence "Sparr" Risher. Taken on 2021-10-29

Organ pipes: Photograph by Clarence "Sparr" Risher. Taken on 2021-08-03

Ballroom with organ facade: Photograph from an archival source: Estate of Mind website, submitted by Jim Stettner. Taken approx. Date unknown

House (partial) and properety: Photograph from an archival source: Vintage postcard, submitted by Jim Stettner. Taken approx. 1920's

House and property: Photograph by Vintage postcard, submitted by Jim Stettner. Taken approx. ca. 1940's

Facade: Photograph from an archival source: OHS Archives, submitted by Jim Lewis. Taken approx. c.1910

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