Hi MMD list -- As a gift to my father-in-law for Christmas, I would like
to ask the list members for any background information they can give me
on an old pump organ, that has been in his (Reed) family for a long
time.  The family is descended from James Frazier Reed, part of the ill-
fated Donner-Reed party of immigrants, who settled in the San Jose, CA
area thereafter.

The organ is clearly marked: "Mason and Hamlin Organ Co. Style 264, S/N
120941".  There are 9 stops (with German markings) and a 5-octave
keyboard (not quite piano size).  The case is walnut with a fairly
ornate top and is a foot pumper with pedals that swing out from behind
two sliding doors at foot level.  All original hardware appears to be
present and in working order; it appears to be a reed organ, but it
huffs and puffs a lot with little sound, making me believe it probably
needs restoration.

Any background from any of the list members can provide would be very
helpful, and I will print the results up and give it to Dad for
Christmas.  Currently they know next to nothing about the organ, except
that Dad inherited it from what was the old family home in San Jose,
California, during WW2.

Thanks to everyone in advance --  Tom Detweiler, Rocklin CA

 [ Special interest groups already exist: contact the UK group at
 [ ros@mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk (Reed Organ Society), and also
 [
 [   Reed Organ Society
 [   3575 Hwy 258 E.
 [   Wichita Falls, TX 76308-7037
 [
 [-- Robbie