In Memoriam ~~ Robert H. Ferrell

With fond memory, we make note of Robert H. Ferrell, our friend and client, who died in August 2018.  His nine plus decades produced legions of students and friends in his distinguished career as historian and presidential scholar as well as his first interest and study in music which continued throughout his life. We greatly miss him. Here are published tributes.

Wall Street Journal         New York Times          Washington Times          Washington Post

We met Robert later in life after his retirement from Indiana University and move to Ann Arbor to be near to his daughter and her family.  We were very honored to have him choose us (twice) to build house size practice organs to provide a break from his life long research and writing. The first organ was the fourth of our twelve two-stop practice organs. 

A while after the two-stop installation in Ann Arbor, Robert was again visiting our shop in Appleton while we were building two six-stop practice organs.  The first was sold and the second was still available.  After looking and listening for a short while he asked if we accept 'trade-ins.'  We did and as as one says, the rest in history.

It is interesting that both organs have been relocated from Michigan to Texas (one by way of installation also in North Dakota).  The two-stop is in the home of Dr. Christopher Anderson, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas.  The six-stop is at the Moores School of Music, the University of Houston, under the direction of Dr. Daryl Robinson, .

Below are pictures of Robert's two- and six-stop instruments, both of solid Cherry.