Austin Organ Company, in Hartford, Connecticut, has gone out of
business.  I believe they were the largest existing church organ
manufacturer in the U.S., just over 100 years old.  The only other
existing company I know of is Cassavant, but they're in Canada.

The church mentioned in Austin's letter to employees (below) that
failed to pay them for services rendered was the coups-de-grace,
as there've been other churches that turned up to be 'non-pay' types.
What's up with that?  I know they used to demand payments of 1/3 down,
1/3 upon start, and 1/3 at finish.

Upon hearing the news from a sales representative, one music director
from one of Austin's largest accounts drove to Hartford to talk to
Kimberlee Austin, and reported the factory and office had the pall of
a funeral service -- most everyone was crying.  Many of their employees
have known no other job besides their job at Austin for decades; indeed
sad.

I wonder if a servicing outlet will rise from the ashes, as Austin has
the only equipment to make the parts for their own magnets, "universal
chests", etc.

Visit http://www.austinorgans.com/home.htm -- which didn't yet make
mention of this event.  The site gives you a 'factory tour', among
other things that are about to slip into history forever.

Karl Ellison

 - - -

The following letter was sent this afternoon by Kim Austin to company
representatives:

  Dearest Austin Rep:

  Unfortunately, there is a church who is not paying us a rather
large sum which has caused significant problems in our cash flow.
This, coupled with catastrophic losses on several jobs and the lack of
new business because of rumor mongering, have led us to the sorrowful
decision to close the doors as of 3:25 P.M., Monday, March 7, 2005.

  As you know, things have been financially very challenging to us
over the past few years. I regret to state that we have been unable
to overcome the obstacles, which seem to grow greater each year.

  It has been my privilege and pleasure to work with you all.
I appreciate your efforts, and only wish they could be rewarded further.
I am deeply sorry in having to inform you of this, and am deeply sorry
for whatever way I might have failed you, or the company. Thank you for
your service.

  Best wishes always,
  Kimberlee J. Austin