Pipe Organ Database

a project of the organ historical society

E. & G. G. Hook (Opus 334, 1864)

Exhibited in the 1961, 1983 OHS convention(s)

Location:

Mechanics Hall
321 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01608 US
Organ ID: 6278

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Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Auditoriums and Concert Halls
  • The organ has been restored to a previous state.
  • The organ's condition is good, in regular use.
We received the most recent update for this instrument's status from Paul R. Marchesano on November 22, 2022.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: Slider
  • 64 ranks. 3,504 pipes. 5 divisions. 4 manuals. 52 stops. 52 registers.
All:
  • Chest Type(s): Slider chests
  • Position: In center chambers at the front of the room. Facade pipes or case front visible.
We received the most recent update for this division from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Main:
  • Manuals: 4
  • Divisions: 5
  • Stops: 52
  • Registers: 52
  • Position: Keydesk attached.
  • Manual Compass: 58
  • Pedal Compass: 30
  • Key Action: Mechanical connection with pneumatic assists (i.e., Barker levers, etc.).
  • Stop Action: Mechanical connection between stop control and chest.
  • Console Style: Traditional style with a keyboard cover that can be lifted to form a music rack.
  • Stop Controls: Drawknobs in horizontal rows on flat jambs.
  • Swell Control Type: Balanced swell shoes/pedals.
  • Pedalboard Type: Flat straight pedalboard.
We received the most recent update for this console from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.
Database Manager on May 07, 2018:

Electrified by Earl Reed, c. 1930.

We received the most recent update for this note from Paul R. Marchesano on November 22, 2022.
Database Manager on March 28, 2014:

Updated through online information from Russ Nyland. -- Rededication 10/2014

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on July 06, 2008:

Updated through on-line information from James R. Stettner. -- Impetus for the organ came from a $1000 donation by Ichabod Washburn in 1863. Organ opened in October 1864 by J.H. Willcox. Organ repitched by George s. Hutchings in 1889. Extensive work done by Hook & Hastings in 1914 before the organ was electrified on its original chests a decade later. Restored/retrackerized by the Noack firm in 1982 as their opus 92. Rededicated September, 1982. This is the only extant, mechanical action, IV-man. Hook.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on October 30, 2004:

Status Note: There 1995

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
Database Manager on October 30, 2004:

Restored & retrackerized Noack 1982. OH 1983. OHS Historic Organs Citation, re-awarded 27 Jun 1983 after restoration. Materials from Hook & Hastings Op. 371, (1865) from First A. M. E., Boston, MA used in restoration.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.
from Boston Organ Club Newsletter (September 1968): Open In New Tab Typed specification
We received the most recent update for this stoplist from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.

Instrument Images:

Keydesk: Photograph by Gavin Klein. Taken on 2019-10-15

Right Stop Jamb: Photograph by Gavin Klein. Taken on 2019-10-15

Principal 16' Facade: Photograph by Gavin Klein. Taken on 2019-10-15

Main Hall Organ: Photograph by Gavin Klein. Taken on 2019-10-15

Mechanics Hall interior with organ: Photograph from an archival source: Mechanics Hall archives, submitted by Leonardo Ciampa. Taken approx. 1885

Hall interior with organ in front: Photograph by Leonardo Ciampa. Taken on 2021-02-05

Facade and console from the left: Photograph by Leonardo Ciampa. Taken on 2021-08-03

Console and pipe facade: Photograph by Leonardo Ciampa. Taken on 2021-02-02

Center facade above console: Photograph by Leonardo Ciampa. Taken on 2021-10-07

Console from the left: Photograph by Leonardo Ciampa. Taken on 2021-02-08

Manuals with foot composition trundle labels: Photograph by Leonardo Ciampa. Taken on 2021-02-05

Console: right stopjamb: Photograph by Leonardo Ciampa. Taken on 2021-10-07

Console: left stopjamb: Photograph by Leonardo Ciampa. Taken on 2021-10-07

Builder's nameplate: Photograph by Leonardo Ciampa. Taken on 2021-10-06

Pedalboard, foot trundles, and expression shoe: Photograph by Leonardo Ciampa. Taken on 2021-10-12

Foot trundles to left of expression shoe: Photograph by Leonardo Ciampa. Taken on 2021-10-12

Corresponding labels to left foot trundles: Photograph by Leonardo Ciampa. Taken on 2021-10-12

Foot trundles to right of expression shoe: Photograph by Leonardo Ciampa. Taken on 2021-10-12

Corresponding labels to right foot trundles: Photograph by Leonardo Ciampa. Taken on 2021-10-12

Rollerboard: Photograph by Leonardo Ciampa. Taken on 2021-10-12

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