B. Schaefer & Sons Organ Company
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
In 1875 Bernhard built his first organ for St. Peter's
Church in Schleisingerville and thus started the B. SCHAEFER
ORGAN COMPANY.
Bernhard and his wife Mary had 15 children. His eldest
son John joined him in the organ making business. Other
family members also helped out at times in Bernhard's business
pursuits which at times included the manufacture of cigars,
sulfur matches and pearl buttons along with clock making.
In 1913 the name of the primary business was changed to
the B. SCHAEFER & SONS ORGAN COMPANY. John and
his twin brothers Theodore and Joseph A. Schaefer who were
born in 1887 also joined the business. In 1918 John died at the
age of 52. Bernhard suffered a stroke in 1914 from which he
never fully recovered. He passed away in 1920. After
Bernhard's death the business was incorporated under the name
of the Schaefer Organ Company. Joseph A. subsequently
bought out Ted's interests around 1926 and Ted moved to
Milwaukee. Alois and Oscar Schaefer, sons of John, also
worked in the organ business in the 1920's, leaving during the
depression years.
Joseph A. Schaefer had experience as manager of the local
Washington County Telephone Company and had an early
Buick dealership before going into the organ business in 1914.
His three sons all became active in management of the organ
business. Joseph A. became a telegraph operator at the local
Milwaukee Road depot during WWII and remained there until
he retired in 1959. He continued as president and owner of the
organ company until his death in 1965. At that time Joseph's
three sons continued the operation of the business.
9.11 BS The largest and smallest pipes built by the Schaefer Organ
COrnany, held by Joseph G. Schaefer. top, and Albert J. Schaefer, bottom.
Albert and Joseph G. left the business shortly after their
father's death. Bernard continued to run the Schaefer Organ
Company until 1982 when the building was sold to Niphos
Coatings and the corporation was disbanded, over 100 years
after its founding.
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