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I was very interested to read Philippe Rouillé's comments on the
history of the Gavioli organ company in Paris.  By chance, my
grandfather, Giovanni Emanuelli, was actually born in rue d'aligre 14
in 1890.  He was the son of Italian immigrants (Domenico Emanuelli and
his wife, Virginia Fecci), who were resident in 1890 at this address.
Unfortunately, I do not know for how long they had been there or how
long they stayed.

Domenic and Virginia came from Bardi, in the Provinicia di Parma
in northern Italy.  This area is well-known as the origin of many
generations of barrel organ players who travelled regularly throughout
Europe, playing their organs as a source of cash income.  Paris and
London were among their favourite destinations.

Bearing in mind the fact that my great-grandfather came from such
a region, I wondered whether he was engaged in some way in the "organ
industry" that was obviously thriving in the Faubourg St. Antoine in
the 1880-1890 period.  I have heard of factories operating at Rue
d'aligre 3, Quai de Bercy 44, and Place de La Nation, and of course
at rue d'aligre 14.

Does any one know whether the Gavioli company was still operating at
rue d'aligre 14 in 1890, or what other activity was going on there
at that time?  I should be very grateful for any information here.

Best regards,
Tony Emanuelli
Germany