Harry Hall Organ Co.

[smilingvox]

There never seems to be an end to my questions, which, at times, can be nearly impossible to answer.

Many have heard of organs built by Labagh-Hall and by Thomas Hall, but has anybody, here, ever heard of Harry Hall? He built about 560 instruments between the late 1890s and 1940.

I just inspected a large one he built not far from where I live. The Thompson-Allen company restored one in a funeral chapel in Bristol, Connecticut (just read their article). The quality seems to be superior. I'm trying to find out more about this builder and his work. Besides, Thompson-Allen's article, google has next to nothing.

Any leads?

[TJQOrganbuilder]

I have some info on Harry Hall Organ Co. The company was established by Harry Hall in New Haven, Ct, 1898.; incorporated 1912. Raymond H. Clarke was the last owner, closed late 1940's.

Harry Hall was born in Horsham, Sussex, England. Worked for Hook & Hastings of Kendal Green, MA, 1888; partner with Herbert Harrison in Harrison & Hall of New Haven, Ct, 1897; in successor Hall Organ Co., 1898; left firm and formed Harry Hall Co of Hamden, Ct , c1930; died 19 Aug 1945 in New Haven Ct., age 75.

Do you have pictures of organs built in the early 1920's by the Harry Hall Co. My great grandfather was an organ builder and worked for this company in the early 1920's.

I found the info on this company in the Guide to North American Organbuilders; David H Fox, Organ Historical Society, Richmond, VA, 1991 ISBN 0-013499-08-0

Any info on employees or photos of their organs?

[davegivens]

I have some info on Harry Hall Organ Co. The company was established by Harry Hall in New Haven, Ct, 1898.; incorporated 1912. Raymond H. Clarke was the last owner, closed late 1940's.

Harry Hall was born in Horsham, Sussex, England. Worked for Hook & Hastings of Kendal Green, MA, 1888; partner with Herbert Harrison in Harrison & Hall of New Haven, Ct, 1897; in successor Hall Organ Co., 1898; left firm and formed Harry Hall Co of Hamden, Ct , c1930; died 19 Aug 1945 in New Haven Ct., age 75.

Do you have pictures of organs built in the early 1920's by the Harry Hall Co. My great grandfather was an organ builder and worked for this company in the early 1920's.

I found the info on this company in the Guide to North American Organbuilders; David H Fox, Organ Historical Society, Richmond, VA, 1991 ISBN 0-013499-08-0

Any info on employees or photos of their organs?

Greetings from a newcomer!

I've been playing a Hall Organ for eons at First Church of Christ, Scientist, Alameda, CA. It was installed in 1921, 2 manuals, 11 ranks, originally. All I heard was: "it's superbly built- will last and last!" My warning to the membership: It's been 80 years now; how long can you go on a set of tires?"

Meanwhile, over in San Francisco, the Panama-Pacific Exposition of 1915 installed installed a Hall in an exhibit hall. After the Fair, it went to Second Church of Christ, Scientist, SF, where it has remained unaltered and intact since. Now the news: The edifice has been sold, the developer will junk the organ if a new home isn't found by the end of August!

Back in Alameda, we underwent a major restoration and tonal enhancement, were given a small Welte organ from which we incorporated a few ranks, had Organ Supply, Erie, PA, make a judicious set of Principals 8&4, a new string Principal for the Swell, a tapered mutation. All in all, that certain tubbiness that characterized Hall Diapasons was masterfully handled. The builder was in awe of its original Oboe (more like an Hautbois). We still have that wonderful American Romantic sound. We spent $100k to rescue a $5k installation in 1921. It's replacement value today: $450k.

[Krummhorn]

Welcome to our forum, Dave!

And thanks for the information about where you play a Hall organ.

So sad to hear about the Frisco extant Hall organ ... hopefully some entity or organ technician will latch onto it before it gets junked; that would be a total shame.

[GoneBaroque]

It would be tragic if the instrument were to disappear. could the Organ Historical Society be of any help?

Rob

[James Flood]

My name is James Flood and I am Minister of Music at First Baptist Church, Niagara Falls, New York, USA. I play a Hall Organ, Opus 682, installed in March-April 1939. It must have been one of the last. It was originally a 3/17+ with capture combination action. Water damage more than once lead to a complete rebuild and enlargement. Go to www.niagarafallsbaptist.org for details. Recordings are available from the church or through www.michaelsmusicservice.com Original quality quite high and enlargement completes the tonal pallet. I recognized the pipework from the A. Thompson-Allen posting of their rebuild of a two manual in a mortuary chapel; the console style is identical. Reply to me if you want more information: jdflood@roadrunner.com

[GoneBaroque]

Thank you for your posting. That is a fine sounding instrument, nice to have a variety of clips to listen to.

[musicman]

Regarding the Hall organ company, it should be noted that the factory was located

in West Haven, CT, the next town over from New Haven, and was on Campbell Ave.

The First Congregtional Church on the Green, West Haven, had a larger three manual

Hall located in the front of the sanctuary. It was built around 1919(approx.),

and dedicated to the memory of those soldiers killed in WW I.

It was replaced in 1974 by a small two manual tracker by the A. David Moore Co., which incorporates a Thomas Appleton case. It is located in the rear balcony.

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Referring Page: http://www.magle.dk/music-forums/114...-organ-co.html

[Krummhorn]

Thank you, musicman, for posting this information.

Much appreciated

Kh

[wljmrbill]

Interesting reading. THanks guys. James ..I enjoyed your playing and sound of the organ. It is ashame that it is so what I call "dry" sounding:but is building problems..tear up some carpet...might help.