Reflections of a Canadian Churchman

Having had a first look at what the upper and lower action look like in the case, we decided to remove it entirely: The action rests on these two brackets, one of which (the treble side) has been shimmed at some point. We carefully lifted it out and placed it on the floor: We were now able to get a first look at the exhauster bellows, valves and straps. Three of the four original leather exhauster valves are missing, and the fourth has been replaced by that denim/canvas material that covers the main reservoir.  It is now clear why we couldn't get any sound out of the organ!  I depressed the reservoir while it was on the floor and tried to play the keyboard (a real trick) and was finally able to get some sound, although the reservoir only stayed depressed for mere seconds. Now, here is a look at the inside of the case with the action removed.  That's Dad looking in...  There are two signatures chalked on:  "Fred" ...

It's time to take the back of the case off and get a better look inside: As we began to look inside, we were very pleased to see no immediate evidence of mice.  Certainly there were some webs and a bit of evidence of a few other insects.  Much of the felt in many places has given way to the moths, but things look very good... just dirty. Removing the lower part of the back of the case we can see the back of the reservoir and note that the hinges are on the outside of the resevoir (some reed organs have hinges inside).  The safety/spill valve has been permanently covered over with a block of plywood, attached with screws (and as we later learned, glue).  Perhaps someone thought sealing this up might have been the solution to a leaky bellows. Taking a look at the back board of the reservoir, we can see that the bellows have have been re-covered. The top covering looks like the original rubberized cloth (with some heat damage, probab...