October 16, 2008

Century-old on display at museum

by Betty Jane Wilson, society president

Porcelain knobs and keys covered with celluloid are a few of the wonders of the Story & Clark Organ on display in the entry room of the Valley Falls Historical Society Museum.

Once stored in the Historical Shrine Church, the instrument was transferred to the museum where the late Emile George disassembled and restored the century-old organ that originally featured brass reeds. George declared that everything that wasn’t wood or metal was replaced.

Historian Arthur Strawn helped strip the walnut cabinet of many varnishes and George restored the instrument, which contained some hand carved ornaments, with a fine satin finish. The ornate stool accompanying the organ was also restored by George.

Paintings by local artists, cabinets by local artisans, now deceased, and the historic depot fern are just a few of many items on display at the museum.

New 2009 calendars are available for $5.

Jamie Durand, Glenn Lester, and Galen Reichart will be hosts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18. Admission is free.

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