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This Reed Organ Museum is founded and run by Milton and Rosalie Wainwright, a retired couple who love organs and the sacred music that they are capable of producing.
Milton’s Grandmother had a pump organ/reed organ and Milton used to sing while she played it, as a child. He always wishes he had cooperated better when she tried to teach him to play it! But instilled in his being was a love for good music and the sound of the reed organ.
Rosalie’s mother was a piano and organ teacher, so Rosalie learned to play moderately well. Her father and mother met at Westminster Choir College, Princton, N.J., USA, so she was in a musical home and also acquired a love of good music.
This photo is her 90-year old mother (in 2004) still playing, even after a slight stroke two years before. She has written a series of music books teaching people how to play the piano just using sacred music, and was teaching nearly 50 students, free, when she collapsed with a stroke. It was awhile before she played again, but we are so glad she did eventually!!
Their daughter, Judith, also loves good music and plays the organ. She had a nice reed organ in her home and taught her two children to play it too.
This photo is Judi playing the 3-manual John Holt organ in the Organ Museum.
The Organ Museum is in a large building that was formerly the Woodville N.Z. Catholic Church’s “hall”. Milton has remodeled it to house the Wainwrights as well as their collection of organs. They welcome visitors any time, and make appointments for groups to come through. (Phone 06-376-4427) This is a “before” photo, just after the place was purchased, July 4, 2003. As soon as possible we will post an “after” one. Won’t be long now!!
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