As many of you know, Louis Suierveldt, master builder of band organs,
dance organs and street organs, passed away on December 30, 1998.
He was the salt of the earth, and a wonderful human being who never
knew when to stop working. This work ethic, coupled with a tremendous
old-world pride-in-craftsmanship and the need to please others is
undoubtedly what did him in; he worked constantly, seven days a week,
and in December he did so in his damp shop while sick with pneumonia.
He would tell me constantly he was going to finish up with my job
(two Seeburgs) and two other projects, and then lay his tools down
in January in order to pursue his dream of retirement (and finishing
his dream project, a Wurlitzer 165 replica built from scratch).
I worried about Louis. A lot. When I received the news, I was
devastated, as were countless other folks, who had the pleasure of
knowing Louis over the years.
After a period of mourning, Louis' son John approached me about
passing the word about what he leaves behind: a beautiful B.A.B. organ,
complete with original B.A.B. rolls, the Wurlitzer 165 replica, nearly
finished, and an assortment of band organ parts and rolls.
I know folks out there are interested, and if so, drop me an email;
I'll see that the inquiries are delivered to the family.
Thanks,
Mark Forer
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