Pipe Organ Database

a project of the organ historical society

C. S. Haskell [Haskell Pipe Organ Manufacturing Co.] (1908)

Location:

Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church / Wesley United Methodist Church
102 E Laurel Street
Georgetown, DE 19947 US
Organ ID: 69413

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Status and Condition:

  • This instrument's location type is: Methodist Churches
  • The organ is no longer at this location; destroyed, dispersed, relocated or taken in trade.
  • The organ's condition is not playable.
We received the most recent update for this instrument's status from Jake Darmstadter on December 07, 2021.

Technical Details:

  • Chests: Slider with pneumatic pull-downs (externally, EP or TP)
  • 8 ranks. 457 pipes. 3 divisions. 2 manuals. 8 stops. 12 registers.
All:
  • Chest Type(s): Slider with pneumatic pull-downs (externally, EP or TP) chests
  • Position: In a gallery-level case at the rear of the room.
  • Built by C. S. Haskell [Haskell Pipe Organ Manufacturing Co.]
  • Slider Motors: Pneumatic (EP or TP) slider motors.
We received the most recent update for this division from Paul R. Marchesano on October 19, 2021.
Main:
  • Built by C. S. Haskell [Haskell Pipe Organ Manufacturing Co.]
  • Manuals: 2
  • Divisions: 3
  • Stops: 8
  • Registers: 12
  • Manual Compass: 61
  • Pedal Compass: 30
  • Key Action: Tubular-pneumatic connection from key to chest.
  • Stop Action: Tubular-pneumatic connection between stop control and chest.
  • Stop Controls: Haskell style stop-keys/keyboard.
  • Combination Action: Adjustable mechanical system.
  • Swell Control Type: Balanced swell shoes/pedals.
  • Pedalboard Type: Concave radiating pedalboard.
  • Has Crescendo Pedal
  • Has Combination Action Foot Trundles
  • Has Coupler Reversible Foot Trundles
We received the most recent update for this console from Paul R. Marchesano on October 19, 2021.
Paul R. Marchesano on October 19, 2021:

The original contract, dated April 23, 1908, provided details, a filled form page with details of construction, a five year warranty and promise of installation before four months from date of signing of the contract. The cost was $1500. Signed by Charles E. Haskell and representatives and witnesses of the church, May 8, 1908. (See documents tab)

On September 16, 1926, there was correspondence with "Edgar Rodeau, Church Organ Builder, Westmont Heights, N.J." regarding repairs to the water motor in which Mr. Rodeau informs the church that these motors haven't been used in 10 years and would not be repairable, nor would the water pressure at the church be sufficient to pump the organ. A new electric blower and motor were offered for $300.

By 1947, the church was obtaining quotes to move the organ from the rear of the church to new chambers to be built behind the pulpit at the front of the church, 8 feet above said pulpit. One proposal, from Frank Brown (according to his letterhead, successor to John Brown) of Wilmington Delaware, suggested that since there was greater desire to have fine concert organists play concerts on organs these days, when the organ was moved and electrified it woul dbe a good ides to add a few stops to the organ to make it sufficient for concert purposes.

A proposal dated, July 23, 1947, suggests the addition of the following stops: 8' Aeoline to Swell organ, a soft string stop...$450 16' Bourdon to Swell organ (from tenor C)...$370 8' Gamba to Great organ, loud string...$475 16' Lieblich Gedeckt to Pedal organ (soft)...$350 Not exactly the upgrades one would expect!

-- information from materials provided by Jake Darmstadter

We received the most recent update for this note from Paul R. Marchesano on October 19, 2021.
From contract, copy provided by Jake Darmstadter: Open In New Tab Originally published April 23, 1908
We received the most recent update for this stoplist from Paul R. Marchesano on October 19, 2021.
Original Contract: Open In New Tab Original contract (scanned carbon copy)
Document created on 1908-05-08
We received the most recent update for this document from Paul R. Marchesano on October 19, 2021.

Instrument Images:

Organ in original location in the church. In the late 1940’s the organ was moved to the back (now front) of the room: Photograph by Unknown, from church historical records, submitted by Jake Darmstadter. Taken approx. Before 1940's