Wyalkatchem Museum's pedal organ gets a workout
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382412)
Rockingham, Australia
September 11, 2025 9:06am CST
While we were in the Wyalkatchem Museum, my brother-in-law played a couple of hymns on the pedal organ that was there. I think the instrument could also be called a ‘harmonium’. This one had bellows which were operated by the foot pedals. The bellows generated wind which then causes reeds to vibrate to produce the sound.
He asked permission first of course but the lady was pleased to have someone play it.
These pedal organs were common once in small country churches. Being able to play a piano or organ was seen almost as a required accomplishment of a well-brought up young lady.
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8 responses
@DaddyEvil (174653)
• United States
12 Sep
@JudyEv I'm sure it needs someone to play it occasionally to keep it in working order.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382412)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Sep
@DaddyEvil I would think so too.
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@JudyEv (382412)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Sep
Do you have a piano in the house? The removalists always hated having to move our piano. It's very heavy.
@xFiacre (14790)
• Ireland
12 Sep
@JudyEv our current house is really too small to accommodate a piano but we do have one. It belonged to my wife’s father which is why we held onto it. Got specialist piano removalists to bring it from Larne to Belfast then a year later back to Larne to our current house. In time it’ll go back to Belfast to my musical son’s house but not till his kids have learned how to respect the furniture.
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@JudyEv (382412)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Sep
It's Vince's brother but that's okay. He is a very good musician.
@LindaOHio (222728)
• United States
12 Sep
That's cool that your BIL was able to play.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382412)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Sep
It is indeed. Our son calls it 'Willie Catch 'em' then laughs himself silly. 
