Sam Sponsellar (1966ca.)

Originally Aeolian-Skinner Organ Co. (Opus 874, 1931)

Location:

Residence: Jane LaRoque Slaughter and Firmon E Hardenbergh
865 Circle Drive
Boulder, CO 80302 US
Organ ID: 24562

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Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Private Residences
  • The organ has been relocated.
  • The organ's condition is unknown.
We received the most recent update for this instrument's status from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: Information unknown or not applicable
  • 7 ranks. 482 pipes. 2 manuals. 8 stops. 7 registers.
All:
  • Position: In center chambers at the front of the room. No visible pipes.
We received the most recent update for this division from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Main:
  • Manuals: 2
  • Stops: 8
  • Registers: 7
  • Position: Movable console.
  • Key Action: Electrical connection from key to chest.
  • Console Style: Traditional style with roll top.
  • Stop Controls: Tilting/rocking tablets above top manual.
  • Combination Action: 'Hold and Set' pneumatic/mechanical system.
  • Swell Control Type: Balanced swell shoes/pedals, AGO standard placement.
  • Pedalboard Type: Concave radiating pedalboard.
  • Has Crescendo Pedal
  • Has Tutti Reversible Thumb Pistons
  • Has Tutti Reversible Toe Pistons
  • Has Combination Action Thumb Pistons
We received the most recent update for this console from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Database Manager on December 18, 2008:

Updated through on-line information from Firmon E Hardenbergh.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.

Database Manager on November 07, 2007:

Updated through on-line information from Firmon E Hardenbergh. -- Sam Sponsellar, from whom we had purchased the organ, lived with us for a week or so while he re-installed it in our home. He was the A-S factory Superintendent when the Simmons family in Greenwich had indicated they wanted to replace the Round Hill Church organ, originally given by a deceased family member. Sam said he had advised that the family simply make additions, but they insisted on a replacement. Consequently he purchased the organ, opining it was better than the ones then being produced, and installed it in his home. When in 1964 he was departing from Skinner he placed an ad in The Diapason, to which we were the 32nd inquirer. The others were church committees and none had gotten around to responding when we told him we would like to purchase it! Norman Lane maintained the organ until 1989 when Jane gave it to the nuns, and it was he who relocated it to the Convent in Boulder, just in time for the ceremonies elevating the Convent to Abbey status. When the Abbey was moved to Virginia Dale, it was that translocation which was directed by Norman and accomplished by him and assistants. It is being used for seven (I think I remember the number correctly) services daily.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.

Database Manager on November 08, 2006:

Identified through information adapted from E. M. Skinner/Aeolian-Skinner Opus List, by Sand Lawn and Allen Kinzey (Organ Historical Society, 1997), and included here through the kind permission of Sand Lawn:
Relocated from Round Hill Community Church, Greenwich, Connecticut; donated to Benedictine Abbey of St. Walburga in Boulder, Colorado in 1989; extant with some alterations.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Source not recorded: Open In New Tab Typed stoplist (Source: Quimby Pipe Organs)
We received the most recent update for this stoplist from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.

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