The Aeolian Co.
Opus 1797, 1931

Information from The Aeolian Pipe Organ And Its Music by Rollin Smith. The Organ Historical Society, 1998

Contract: June 25, 1931, $14,835

Contract: June 25, 1931, $2,250, five-rank Echo added

Frank La Forge (1879-1953) was a pianist, composer and vocal coach. He taught a number of important American singers, including Marian Anderson, Lawrence Tibbett, Marie Powers, Emma Otero and Richard Crooks. He served as accompanist for many vocal stars and instrumentalists of the day including Johanna Gedski, Ernestine Schumann-Heink and Margaret Matzenauer. His longstanding musical relationship with Metropolitan Opera soprano Lily Pons from 1937 until his death, saw the production of recital tours with flutist Frank Versaci, down the eastern seaboard and in British Columbia.

The residence was completed in 1936. The organ was a wedding gift from Laura Ford MacNichol, grandmother of the bride.

Status Note: There 1998

With roll player, 5 rk echo division. Made playable (except roll player) 1998 for a wedding. 1998 owner not known. House for sale 1999. 20rks in the main divisions.