Dear Friends, We are very happy to report the largest residence organ in Washington DC has been saved and will remain in Washington. The 35 stop 1905 Hook&Hastings organ at the McKim residence will be removed to storage and eventually installed at the Universalist National Memorial Church at 16th and S streets NW. Yesterday a farewell open house was held at the McKim house for one last sounding of this venerable instrument. Starting January 26 we will begin removing the organ. We will take down the impressive facade of speaking pipes and remove the oak case work. At that point we will need the help of many volunteers to hand the thousands of pipes out of the organ and carry the estimated 70 trays of pipes. If you are able to help lift heavy items, climb a ladder, handle pipes in a very cold room with NO HEAT OR RUNNING WATER in the house, we would be very pleased to have you join us.
Please note the following times;
Thursday, January 29 2 or 3 people
Friday January 30 3 or 4 people
Monday Feb 2 3 or 4 people
Tuesday Feb 3 5 or 6 people
Wednesday Feb 4 5 or 6 people
Each day would be from 9AM to about 5 PM. The house is located at 18th and R streets NW. Please call Donna at 410-889-3800 at our office or email at the above address. Again please remember there is NO HEAT and NO RUNNING WATER in the house. Since there is really limited space to put the organ as it comes apart we must restrict the number of people we can have in the house, so we can't accomodate the curious and on-lookers. I hope you will be able to join us in this endeavor.
Many thanks,
David M. Storey
January 20, 2004
David M. Storey
