PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — When the Glen Foerd mansion in East Torresdale was gutted and renovated in 1903 and 1904, then-owner and industrialist Robert Foerderer wanted to add something unique: a C.S. Haskell pipe organ.
"And it has been here ever since," said Ross Mitchell, executive director of the now historic site located along the Delaware River. "It has not worked for the past 20 to 30 years, and even at that point, it was partially."
But thanks to a generous gift, the organ is ready to sing again — and entertain the public on a regular basis. The Wyncote Foundation awarded the historic site a $425,000 grant to restore the pipe organ.
"Certainly as part of our grant, we will be having organ recitals," Mitchell assured.
The first concert will be held on Saturday, Jan. 6 by the principal organist for the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, who will perform works by Bach and other composers.
A Valentine's Day organ recital and happy hour is also set for Feb. 14.
According to the Glen Foerd organization, Foerderer had the custom organ built in the grand stair hall of the Gilded Age mansion for his wife, an accomplished organist, but he died before the home renovations were complete.
"My understanding is that Robert Foerderer, before the mansion was even completed and [he was] on his deathbed, he was asking about the status of the organ," Mitchell said. "We certainly look forward to utilizing this organ in the way it was originally intended."
