LPHS pipe organ damaged but restorable

Tucked away on the north side of Matthiessen Auditorium’s stage is a pipe organ.  You probably wouldn’t notice it since most of it is hidden in the wall, but it’s been there since 1929.

The Aeolian piece has caught the attention of organ expert Jeff Weiler who has thoroughly looked over the instrument.  He told the school board Wednesday night that it is the jewel of the auditorium and as far as organs go, it’s of national importance.

The organ has suffered water damage and after years of being mostly unused has gone out of tune.  There are also issues with the wiring and missing piece.  Still, Weiler says the damage is restorable.  The original designs were located in an archive in New Jersey and the school has kept complete records of its history.

School officials favor having the organ repaired so it could be played again and in the long tem, maybe restored.

Superintendent Steve Wrobeski says the district alone can’t afford to restore it but it would be worth a capital campaign.  He says if they restore it, it should be used.