Music is an important part of being human and seems to be universal as some form of music is found in all cultures. Drums, rattles, and flutes seem to be the oldest musical instruments. During the nineteenth century, pump organs became popular for use in private homes and small churches.
The history of pump organs begins in the eighteenth century with the development of the free-reed organ. In 1840, the first pump organ, called a harmonium, was patented in 1840 and many similar instruments were quickly developed. In the American west, harmoniums reached the height of their popularity in the late nineteen and early twentieth centuries. The instruments were light and thus easily transported and, in addition, they could stay in tune regardless of heat and humidity.
Shown below are some museum exhibits of pump organs.
Museum of Mental Health, Salem, Oregon
Lake Chelan Historical Society Museum, Chelan, Washington
The Jason Lee House, Willamette Heritage Center, Salem, Oregon
The Jason Lee House, constructed in 1841, is the oldest frame structure still standing in the Pacific Northwest. In 1965, the structure was moved to the Willamette Heritage Center in Salem where it was used as a museum.
Boon House, Willamette Heritage Center, Salem, Oregon
The Boon House was constructed in 1847 and is believed to be the oldest single-family dwelling in Salem, Oregon. The first occupants were John D. Boon (1817-1864) and his family who had come to Oregon in a covered wagon on the Oregon Trail. The house was moved to its current location on the Willamette Heritage Center in Salem in 1972.
Methodist Parsonage, Willamette Heritage Center, Salem, Oregon
The Methodist Parsonage, constructed in 1841, was originally the living quarters for the missionaries involved with the Oregon Mission Manual Labor School that would be built on the present-day campus of Willamette University in Salem. In 1844, the mission was disbanded, and the building became the parsonage for the Methodist Church. Today the Parsonage is at the Willamette Heritage Center.
According to the display:
“In the 1800s people looked to reading, artwork, storytelling, parlor games and playing musical instruments for an evening’s entertainment.”
Stevensville Historical Museum, Stevensville, Montana
History Museum, Hood River, Oregon
Renton History Museum, Renton, Washington
Franklin County Historical Society and Museum, Pasco, Washington
Fort Dalles Museum, The Dalles, Oregon
Presby House Museum, Goldendale, Washington
East Benton County Historical Society and Museum, Kennewick, Washington
History Museum at Fort Missoula, Missoula, Montana
Nevada City Living History Museum, Nevada City, Montana
According to the display:
“Player reed organs were among the first instruments to use the new pneumatic systems and ‘piano rolls’ beginning in the 1890’s. This organ has an especially beautiful inlaid oak case and porcelain pulls.”
Wenatchee Valley Museum, Wenatchee, Washington
North Lincoln County Historical Museum, Lincoln City, Oregon
Deschutes Historical Museum, Bend, Oregon
Wasco County Historical Museum, The Dalles, Oregon
Miracle of America Museum, Polson, Montana
Cataldo Mission, Idaho
The Cataldo Mission was built by the Catholic Jesuits for the Coeur d’Alene Indians in 1850.
World Museum of Mining, Butte, Montana
Powell County Museum, Deer Lodge, Montana
More museum photo tours
Museums 201/301 compares similar exhibits in several museums.
Museums 201: Upright pianos (photo diary)
Museums 201: Washing machines (photo diary)
Museums 201: Antique farming equipment (photo diary)
Museums 201: Women's sidesaddles (photo diary)
Museums 301: Sewing machines (photo diary)
Museums 301: Typewriters (photo diary)
Museums 301: Kitchens (photo diary)
Museums 201: Bicycles (photo diary)