Schlicker Organ Co.
1966

I want to make two small corrections to the otherwise excellent note contributed by Scot Huntington on January 29, 2023.

First, it should be noted that the while the console is movable, it does not have a "quick-disconnect" cable or multiple connection points at this time. Instead, it is still relies on a large and unwieldy cable bundle that dates back to 1966. The console's movements are limited to a roughly 25-foot radius from the pit where the console normally resides. Extra care is required when moving the console given the size and age of this umbilical. When funds become available, the college hopes to update the console control system to allow for a more modern and resilient connection with the chambers.

Second, while the Schlicker console is indeed original, it sadly no longer possesses the original Schlicker-style stop tablets. When the console was rebuilt by Robert M. Turner in 1991, the stop rails were replaced and new tablets were installed to accommodate the addition of the 32' resultant and many new couplers. These new rocking tablets are very similar in design to those used on many Casavant instruments in the 1970s and 1980s. One of the two original stop rails (the upper rail with Swell I, Swell II, and Postiv) was been preserved by then-College Organist James Walker and has been retained by the college as a historical artifact.

The organ was designed by Clarence Made in consultation with Herman Schlicker, and is noted for having double Swell divisions having French inspiration to contrast with the Germanic design of the Great and Positiv. Swell I is a chorus division, based on a Flute Harmonique with low-pitched mixture and trompette-family chorus. Swell II by contrast, is the Recit-Positif to the Swell I Grand Orgue, with a high-pitched mixture topping the cornet de composee and French Schalmei (Chalumeaux). The Swell divisions couple to the rest of the organ independently. The console had a quick-disconnect cable with connection plugs at the right front and right rear of the chancel in this contemporary building. After several minor modifications, the organ is fortunate to still possess its Schlicker "Choir Master" console with the company's signature Steinmeyer-inspired curved stop tablets.

Updated by Edmond Johnson, who has heard or played the organ.

In 2016, Rosales Organ Builders repaired several non-functioning slider pneumatics; restored mixtures to their original 1966 configuration; repaired sagging pipes and improved racking as necessary; cleaned reeds; and improved functionality of swell shades. While minor tonal correction were made to the reeds (to address issues caused after 50 years of use), the organ remains true to its original tonal design.

Console rebuilt by Robert M. Turner in 1991; renovated by Manual Rosales beginning 2014.

Updated through online information from Edmond Johnson.

Identified through online information from James R. Stettner. -- Mildred Miles Crew Memorial Organ. Four manual divisions: Great, Swell I, Swell II, and Positiv. Given in honor of the alumna of the Class of 1945. Source: Recital program; Sunday May 5, 1968.