Estey Organ Museum

BRATTLEBORO TO CELEBRATE FIRST ESTEY DAY
Estey Organ Museum Events Honor Legacy

Brattleboro, VT USA September 15, 2002 -- On September 29, 2002 the new Estey Organ Museum will host a celebration of "Estey Day" for the first time, celebrating the birthday of Jacob Estey, founder of the world-famous organ company that bore his name here in Brattleboro for over 100 years. Two events will mark the day, a concert to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first pipe organ made by the Estey Organ Company and a reception at the factory buildings on Birge Street.

At 2:00 pm the proceedings begin with a centennial concert performed on Estey pipe organ Opus #1 at the First United Methodist Church on Putney Road. The organ was installed in 1902 when the congregation worshipped in the Elliott Street building now used by Hotel Pharmacy. The pipe organ was moved to the new building on Putney Road in the early 1970's by former head voicer John Wessel. Phil Stimmel and Nancy Reed will perform on this unique and historical instrument.

At 3:30 pm, Estey Day proceedings will continue with a reception at the Birge Street factory in honor of company founder Jacob Estey who was born September 30, 1814. The reception site will be the Engine House which has been closed to the public since 1960. Ten Estey instruments from the museum, Brattleboro Historical Society and other collections will be on display, and author Dennis Waring will sign copies of his new Estey Organ Company book entitled "Manufacturing the Muse." Copies of the Museum's annual report will be available as well, and refreshments will be served.

The museum would like to extend a special invitation to those who worked at the factory or had a relative that once worked there. A group photo of Estey employees is planned. The Estey Day events are free and open to all.

You can find out more about the Estey Organ Museum by visiting the website at www.esteyorganmuseum.org.

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For further information, interviews, or photos, please contact Christopher Grotke.

The Estey Organ Museum was founded in 2002 as a non-profit organization to celebrate the heritage of Estey Organ Company of Brattleboro, Vermont by the collection, restoration, display and performance of Estey and other organs; by the preservation, research, interpretation and dissemination of historical information about the company, its products and manufacturing practices, its owners, employees, markets, customers and competitors, and its effect in the context of Brattleboro and American history over time; and by the creation of a museum in which the aforementioned activities may occur.

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