Village Squire, 1979-08, Page 27The long way
to California
In the industrial boom that hit Western
Ontario around the turn of the century, one
of the most common manufacturing
facilities was the organ factory. One of the
largest was the Doherty organ factory in
Clinton. Many of those organs turned out
have long since hit the scrap heap but some
still turn up in unexpected places.
The story of one such organ was related
to the Clinton News -Record recently from a
man from Fremont. California. Harry
Hedrich told of being thrilled to see the
organ at an auction because he was
originally from Elmira, Ontario and the
organ came from nearby at Clinton: He
bought the organ for an unexpectly low bid •
of $170 then discovered the footpedals
straps were broken and there was an inch
of dust inside. It took hinr only a few
minutes to clean it out and reattach the
straps on the foot pedals and have the
organ playing again just as well as when it
came out of the factory. The original
guarantee on the underside of the organ
showed it was made in 1899.
But as if going from Clinton to California
wasn't enough, this organ had travelled
even further. It had been sent to the east
coast then on to England by boat. The
history there isn't know but in 1979 it was
shipped to San t-rancisco as part of a
shipment of European antiques. According
to the buyer all the the travel hasn't hurt it
at all, a tribute to the craftsmanship of the
makers of the last century.
OLD MOVIE FESTIVAL DECLARED A
SUCCESS
For the first couple of years it seemed
like a good idea whose time hadn't come.
John Schedler and Nelson Frank are a
couple of movie fanatics from Wingham for
whom money is no object when it comes to
movies. The two are partners in the
Lyceum Theatre in Wingham, a theatre
that is far from being a gold mine. Their
love of movies from the past led them to
start the Wingham Film and Nostalgia
Festival.
The Festival has just finished its third
edition and things are looking up for the
two movie lovers. Word is that the
Festival probably met all its expenses for
the first time this year. It's a nice bonus for
the pair.
Revenues come from •admission to the
festival ($3 per day or $5 for the two days)
and from space rentals by those wanting to
exhibit nostalgia items.
The festival for next year looks even
bigger and better and will be helped by a
visit from Gerald Pratley, head of the
Ontario Film Institute. Mr. Pratley
congratulated the men on their efforts and
promised help in next year's festival.
cec
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405 Main St.
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Open 9-6 Mon. -Sat.
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FACTORY OPEN FOR INSPECTION
WEEKDAYS 8:30-11:30 a.m., 1-3 p.m.
OR BY APPOINTMENT.
•
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August 1979, Village Squire 25