E. & G.G. Hook Organ

The Athol Historical Society’s pipe organ built by E. & G.G. Hook Company of Boston in the 1840s will be recognized with a citation by the national Organ Historical Society.  The organ’s age and outstanding condition make it an important historic instrument. This organ was installed in 1848.  It is the 83rd product of E. & G.G. Hook, pioneer organ builders from 1827-1926.  The history of the Hook brothers is very interesting.  Elias (1805-1881) and his brother George G. (1807-1880) were sons of a Salem, Massachusetts cabinetmaker.  The boys apprenticed under the famous Boston organ builder William Goodrich.  They returned to their hometown in 1827 and set up shop using the company name  E.&G.G. Hook.  The company grew and they moved their operation to Boston in 1831. In the next 40 years the factory produced more than 600 instruments establishing a reputation as one of the finest manufacturers of organs in the country.  In 1872 Francis Hastings entered into partnership with the Hook brothers. The company was known as Hook and Hastings as of 1881.  The company ceased operations in 1936, having built more than 2,500 instruments.  Those that still survive in New England and elsewhere are speaking monuments, which attest to the superb craftsmanship of the Hook brothers. It is now being realized that many nineteenth century organs are no longer in working order and unfortunately some have been lost over the years.   Many were replaced by modern electronic substitutes, which lack the silvery cohesive tone quality for congregational signing.  Through the generosity of eight persons (George Engel, Joseph Fay, Charles Lee, Wallace Lord, Luna Richardson, Charles Tyler, Marshall Waterman and Alice Starrett Waterman) the Athol Historical Society’s organ was thoroughly renovated and an electric blower was installed to supercede the old pump handle. The organ is in outstanding condition.  The repairing of this musical instrument is more than the restoration of an antique.  It ensures that future generations will have this marvel of Yankee craftsmanship for years to come.  Photo by Mike Phillips.

July 31, 2005 - Organ recital and historic citation presentation:

Frank B. Stearns is Organist/Choir Director at Center Presbyterian Church Slippery Rock, PA.  His early local musical study was with Harold W. Brown and Ruth Lawton Noyes.  He is active in the Organ Historical Society, the American Guild of Organists and several early music organizations and historical societies.

Dana Erickson for Saint-Gobain Corporation in Worcester.  He sings in local choirs and play woodwinds in early music groups. His home is in Phillipston, MA.

Athol Historical Society president Susannah Whipps accepts a citation from the Organ Historical Society acknowledging the importance of the Hook Organ as an historic instrument worthy of preservation.  Frank Stearns made the presentation.