Wyalkatchem Museum's pedal organ gets a workout

@JudyEv (362589)
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.
8 people like this
9 responses
@LadyDuck (483268)
• Italy
14h
I am sure the lady was pleased to hear him play the organ.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (483268)
• Italy
1h
@JudyEv It is a shame those instruments are not played. Unplayed musical instruments can deteriorate over time.
@JudyEv (362589)
• Rockingham, Australia
4h
I don't suppose it gets played much. The older brother played the piano in William Wordsworth's house in England.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (159288)
• United States
16h
I'm glad she allowed him to play it.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (159288)
• United States
4h
@JudyEv I'm sure it needs someone to play it occasionally to keep it in working order.
@JudyEv (362589)
• Rockingham, Australia
4h
Yes, she was quite happy about it.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (195837)
• United States
16h
Interesting name!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362589)
• Rockingham, Australia
4h
It is indeed. Our son calls it 'Willie Catch 'em' then laughs himself silly.
@Juliaacv (54854)
• Canada
10h
My best friend growing up used to play the organ at our little country church. I love the sound of organ music.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362589)
• Rockingham, Australia
4h
These would have been very popular at one time.
@wolfgirl569 (122182)
• Marion, Ohio
9h
That would be interesting to hear
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362589)
• Rockingham, Australia
4h
Some of the older ones get a bit wheezy. lol
• United States
12h
My brother has played many a church organ
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362589)
• Rockingham, Australia
4h
Were some of them the proper pipe organs?
@xFiacre (14321)
• Ireland
16h
@Judyev I remember those bellows organs. Such a pity that piano playing is not the thing it was in the past. My son, wife and granddaughter play.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (362589)
• Rockingham, Australia
4h
Do you have a piano in the house? The removalists always hated having to move our piano. It's very heavy.
44m
your brother is very talented
@LindaOHio (200410)
• United States
Just now
That's cool that your BIL was able to play.