JACOB ESTEYEstey Organ Company was an organ manufacturer based in Brattleboro, Vermont, founded in 1852 by Jacob Estey.At its peak, the company was one of the largest organ manufacturers in the world, employing about 700 people and sold its high‑quality goods as far away as Africa, Britain, Australia and New Zealand. Estey built between 500,000 and 520,000 pump organs (Harmonios) between 1846 and 1955. Estey also produced pianos, manufactured at the Estey Piano Company Factory in New York City. more... |
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HISTORYJacob Estey (1814–1890), born in Hinsdale, New Hampshire, fled from an orphanage to Worcester, Massachusetts, where he learned the plumbing trade. In 1835 he came to Brattleboro, Vermont, at age 21, to work in a plumbing shop. He soon bought the store and began a long career as a successful businessman. He died in 1890. Around 1850, Estey built a two‑story store in Brattleboro and rented it to a small company that manufactured melodeons. When the tenants ran out of cash, Estey became interested in business instead of rent and eventually became sole owner. Despite having no musical talent or skills as an inventor, Jacob Estey grew the company into became a great success and left the plumbing business. In 1855, Estey organized the first manufacturing company to bear his name, Estey & Greene, followed by Estey & Company, J. Estey & Company, Estey Organ Company, and finally Estey Organ Corporation. In advertising copy, the company claimed to have been manufacturing organs since 1846.[4] Jacob Estey saw the manufacture and sale of these instruments, later known as American reed organs, as a new business opportunity. [from Wikipedia] |
