Putting Up the Mammoth Organ

Buffalo Evening News May 2, 1901

Work has begun this morning upon the erection of the mammoth organ in the Temple of Music at the Pan-American Exposition. The work is under the supervision of Emmons Howard of Westfield, Mass., of the firm of Emmons Howard & Son, organ builders. The son is here, also, assisting in the work.

"The completion of the work depends somewhat upon the date when the leaks in the roof are stopped, but you may say that it will certainly be finished by Dedication Day, May 20th," said Mr. Howard to a NEWS reporter this morning.

The first to play upon the notable instrument will be that world-celebrated artist, Frederick K. Archer of Pittsburgh. He has been engaged to give an organ recital with it on Dedication Day, May 20, to show the world its wonderful register and infinite capacities. Nearly 200 of the leading organists of the country, from Maine to California and from Florida to Oregon, have made applications for the privilege of playing upon the majestic instrument and all have been dated. Among these are Mr. W.C. Hammond of Holyoke, Mass., Prof. William C. Carl of New York and Prof. Flagler of Auburn, NY.

The action of the instrument is what is technically termed the tubular pneumatic action. It has four manuals, or keyboards, and pedals. It is blown by five different wind pressures, operated by three of the largest-sized Spencer water engines. The action contains four miles of tubing. It has adjustable combinations reached from the organist's seat. Its total weight is 25 tons, and its dimensions are 40 feet high, 36 feet wide and 36 feet deep.

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