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Community Corner

An Early 1900's Pump Organ (Free—Want It?)

While a flat screen television is today's "must have", every homeowner in the early 1900s aspired to have a pump organ. And, we've got one that needs a home.

In 1903, William and Andelia Blair bought a home at 4206 Central and raised five children. One of their most cherished possessions was the pump organ that sat in their living room.

This time period preceded movie theaters, radio, and television. So, it’s little wonder that thousands of these musical instruments were sold across the United States by Sears Roebuck, Montgomery Ward, and other companies.

While the Western Springs Historical Society still has a photo of the Blair’s organ (Click on black & white photo), we don’t know if it still exists today.  But, we recently learned of a similar one (color photo above) that had actually been placed on the curb. 

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Unfortunately, the organ was not originally from Western Springs and our exhibition space is very limited in the historic Water Tower. But, it’s such a beautiful example of early 1900 entertainment, we couldn’t let it go to a landfill without trying to find it a good home, free of charge.

If you have a bottle of furniture polish and the wall space (the organ is just 48” wide, 24” deep, and 84” tall), it could provide a wonderful addition to your home.  And, it disassembles into three pieces for relatively easy transport.

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If interested, just call the Historical Society at 246-9230 and leave your name and phone number.  We will arrange for you to view the piece and even provide free delivery anywhere within Western Springs.

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