Salem, New York
St. Paul's Episcopal

E. & G. G. Hook, Opus 189 (1855)

Notes on the 2006 Restoration

The organ was removed in 2004, and fully restored and installed in time for Easter, 2006,
when it was heard again for the first time. Several previous changes were reversed. 
     The non-original foot trundle combination levers were removed. 
     The non-original metal expression shoe was replaced with an original 
         style hitch-down mechanism, based on original parts that were 
         discovered inside the organ. 

A few non-historic concessions were made. 
     The Great III Sesquialtera was made double-draw so that its Tierce rank 
         could be optional. 
     A top D was added to the pedals making the range 26-notes: CC to c, d. 
         The d was installed in the space between b 24 and c 25. 
     The Hutchings-style Tremulant was replaced with a new Tremulant.
     The original hand-pumping mechanism was found during restoration and is 
         in separate storage. 
     A year after restoration, funds were provided for replacement of the 
         original blower located in the basement. A new, small, and silent 
         unit was installed inside the organ. 
     The hinged doors that enclose the keydesk have been removed and are stored
         inside the organ and may be replaced if desired. 

The case, which had been painted white -- possibly after a 1912 fire in the church -- was
refinished in dark walnut. In an e-mail dated 11/14/08, the Very Rev. Gary Kriss (rector of 
St. Paul's) wrote: 
     "We have never determined for certain what the original color was. A 
     piece of the case was sanded down to the bare wood and we found layers 
     of light grey, salmon or a pale pink, and green among others, as well 
     as another color or two on the back of the upper case where painters had
     painted 'around the corner.' The dark walnut color was chosen to blend 
     with the wainscoting of the church, as well as the extant walnut stained 
     wood of the keydesk and bench." 

The organ was rededicated on Friday, June 6, 2006 by Mireille Begin Lagacé. Sources: 
church website; e-mail from Rev. Kriss, 2006 OHS convention handbook.

[Received on line from James R. Stettner November 14, 2008.]