New to the Escalon Historical Museum is an Estey Pump Organ donated by Andrew Van Dyk and his son Greg. The organ was made in 1865 and purchased by Andrew 100 years later in 1965. This model has candle holders on either side of the music shelf, some intricate carving, and 13 pull stops.

The Estey Organ Company was founded in Brattleboro, Vermont, by Jacob Estey in 1852. The company was at one time the largest organ manufacturer in the United States but eventually experienced bankruptcy and then went out of business in 1960. The historic former organ manufacturing company is now a museum in Brattleboro, and is in the United States National Register of Historic Places.

Museum officials have issued an invitation for all to come in and see this beautiful organ at the museum where the hours are Wednesday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Admission is free.

If you happen to have a spare organ bench lying around the house ... the one donated is attractive, but not a match to the organ, added museum officials.