Historical information

This chapel organ, or pump organ, was made by the Packard Company of Fort Wayne, USA. It was purchased locally from John Broadwood Shepherd & Son of Liebig St, Warrnambool.

The donor advised that it was played for many years in the Winslow Presbyterian Church, southwestern Victoria (on Caramut Road, now a private residence). The serial number of the organ dates to be no older than 1887 and no younger than 1901, according to The Pump Organ Society.

The goals of The Packard Company, as quoted from the Fort Wayne Gazette, 6th August 1873 are summarised as such; “In the first place, it was determined to make an organ which should be excelled by none. …. It is interesting to the uninitiated to watch the different processes which literally convert the trees of the forest into the marvellous instruments which sound the praises of God in thousands of churches and Sabbath Schools, or make sweet music in multitudes of homes.”

The music store of John Broadwood Shepherd and Son had an “impressive” stand at The Great Warrnambool Exhibition of 1896 – 1897 and received a medal for its exhibit. It was also involved in the community, sponsoring prizes for the Musical and Recital Competition, which was part of the entertainment for the Exhibition. The “Warrnambool Standard” newspaper has reference to John Broadwood Shepherd and Son in a newspaper of 1887 and another dated April 13, 1901.
A brief history of the Packard Company:

1850, Isaac T. Packard joined with Nelson J. Foss and Calvin Hatch to form Packard, Foss, & Co., manufacturing reed organs, seraphines, and melodeons
1871 the Fort Wayne Organ Company was formed, and Isaac Packard has 40 shares.
1872 the first organ was completed
5th Sept 1899, “Fort Wayne Organ Company” was officially changed to “The Packard Company”
1908 – 1914 (different dates given) the Packard Company ceased producing organs and specialised in pianos.
1930 company went into receivership
1935 the city of Fort Wayne acquired the former Packard Company property, tore the buildings down and turned it into a park, now known as Packard Park.

Significance

The organ is significant to local history for being sold by a Warrnambool business and played at a local chape or church. It represents community and religious life in late Victorian times.

Physical description

Chapel organ or pump organ (with stool), dated not before 1897 and not after 1901. Medium brown timber with fretwork and turned spindles, Manufactured by Packard, Fort Wayne U.S.A. Organ was purchased from John Broadwood Shepherd & Son, Liebig St, Warrnambool. Serial number is stamped into the wood, rear of organ. lower right panel. Pedals are covered in carpet and each has the maker's name on the lower part of the pedal frame. The keyboard has five octaves and twelve stoppers.

Inscriptions & markings

Words on front panel “Packard Organ / Fort Wayne Ind. U.S.A. / JOHN BORADWOOD SHEPHERD & SON, / LIEBIG STREET, WARRNAMBOOL.”
Serial Number "48870"