The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-12-29
M'CABE SAYS NO.
City EngineerVstoes Pipe Organ
Arrangement.
Insists That Console Must Be
Below Stage.
ISN'T STRONG ENOUGH.
Steel Eye Beams Must Be Used
for Support.
Work Of Moving Big Instrument
Well Under Way.

The work of erecting ToDeka'S big
$4,000 pipe organ in the Auditorium
commenced this morning. The chair
steps were cut out of the stage and an
even floor laid in their place. By this
evening all of the preliminary work
will be in readiness to begin the lay
ing of the foundations. A Gustafson,
the foreman, sent here by the Kimball
company, says that he will have
force of men at work day and night
until the construction is completed H
n. Hanson, another expert, is here
from Chicago helping He engaged
four carpenters in this city Within a
few days he will receive more expert
aid from the Kimball company
Upon investigation it was found this
morning that a steel I-beams with two
pillars, will have to be erected beneath
the floor of the stage to support the
big instrument which weighs between
$4,000 and coo pounds City Eng1-
neer McCabe had his force at work
on the matter this morning, and con-
clUded to call the pipe organ commit
tee together at once and advise action.
He says that foundation of brick will
have to be built beneath the cellar of
the Auditorium stage. over this will
be laid a steel beam about so feet in
length. At each end a steel pillar will
be erected, upon which the steel L
beam will be laid, right under the
floor of the stage.
I
this" said Mr.. McCabe after making
the investigation There is not enough
support in that floor and back wall to
hold $4,000 pounds with safety. There
will be no trouble if we put in a steel
I-beam. 1t will insure safety and that
is what is needed. 1 shall inform the
pipe organ committee of the matter
Immediately" Mr.. McCabe conferred
with Mr.. Gustafson on the matter. and
the latter agreed with him entirely.
Incidentally Mr.. McCabe made an
other ruling" He instructed Mr..
Gustafson with regard to the placing
of the console. For time it was the
plan of the committee to have the
console extend about two feet above the
edge of the stage to be covered with a
movable hood. Prof. Penny favored
this plan. But City Engineer McCabe
has ideas of his own in regard to the
matter. He told Mr.. Gustafson that
the console should be built right down
into the stage, so that when it is
closed. and the organ out of use. the
stage floor will be just the same as it
has been.
There may be some protest in re-
gard to your idea?' was suggested TO
Mr.. McCabe.
Il understand" was his reply that
these plans were subject to the city en-
gfneer's approval That console is not
going to stick out over the top"
The console will be five feet in width
at the front, and extend three feet and
one-half into the stage A trap door
will be built to cover and protect it
A transfer company is moving the or
gan from the cars. They began on
"Wednesday afternoon, and will not get
done until some time Friday. A lay
man cannot conceive of the immense
amount of material which a large or
gan contains. The entire pit of the
Auditorium was covered with crates
this morning, and then the story had
not been half told"
An interview with A Gustafson, the
foreman, brought out this statement:
1--WE are getting along nicely Every
we have experienced no delay. Unless
some unforeseen accident occurs we
will get the organ on the stage by
January 10, when understand the hall
is to be muse for something else.
Il think 1 shall put a night force on
tonight and keep it up until 1 see that
We will get through all right. 1 have
another man here besides myself from
Chicago, and this morning 1 hired four
carpenters from this city. I will have
two more men from Chicago to help,
and will probably employ some more
local help. Superintendent Hedgeland,
by the first of next week to aid in sup
cruising the erecting
1T is great organ and one of the
finest ever saw. 1 know the people of
Topeka will be immensely pleased. 1t
Is certainly a ma gnif1cent instrument.
THE organ will be 40 feet wide in
front and 60 feet wide in the back. At
each of the front corners will be large
pillars. At different places at the front
the pipes Will extend about three feet
out over the foundation line They will
be supported by fancy scroll work
ITO move the different heavy parts
of the instrument upon the stage, we
will use a block and tackle, operated
US out a great deal and expedite our
work to a great extent