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The SEYBOLD Chapel Organ
Built by the Seybold Organ Company, Elgin, Illinois in 1905

THE SEYBOLD BEFORE RESTORATION

THE SEYBOLD READY TO SHIP HOME TO UTAH

This beautiful Seybold Chapel Organ is made from solid American Chestnut. The wood is rare today, as a blight early in the Twentieth Century destroyed nearly all the American Chestnut trees in the country. Those that were not used as fire wood, were crafted into beautiful pieces of furniture and absolutely lovely organs like this Seybold, 1905 original. The organ also has a fully finished and ornate back (not shown) and a hand pump, which is used when a young pupil, unable to operate the pedals, is at practice or giving a recital. A 'volunteer' would sit on a small chair or stool alongside the organ and operate the hand pump, while the organist worked the stops and keys.

The organ was heavily damaged by time, mites and rodents. Everything was completely rebuilt from the inside out. New Grand Organ and Knee Swell paddles were made, the pedal plates were restored, and the hand pump lever and vacuum gauge were made and restored in our shop. The antique stool was restored to match the organ, and the lovely needle work was done by the customer and sent to us for application on the new stool top. Too many operations to list, so here are a few pictures taken during restoration.

All in all, a great and treasured piece of history has been saved for generations to come.