Making Music: The history of the organ and piano industries in Erie, Pennsylvania (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781534962408)

Paul E. Fischer has lived his entire life in Erie, Pennsylvania literally surrounded by the pipe organ industry. Besides living very close to three organ factories from which the haunting sounds of the organ constantly emanated he had several family members actively engaged in the art form in one way or another. This piqued his interest in what kind of mechanical machine it was that was making all of these beautiful albeit strange sounds. Following the usual elementary and secondary schooling requirements he served an obligatory military duty mostly in Germany. There the great masterpiece organs in that country further stimulated his interest. Upon completion of his military obligation Fischer returned to Erie and to the entry-level job he had begun several years earlier at Tellers Organ Company. That job would last for 20 years and would include apprenticeship in most all departments in both the factory and the business. In the ensuing years Fischer gained considerable experience in the field with several other prominent organ builders and musicians such as Lawrence Phelps, Casavant Freres, Daniel Jaeckel, Virgil Fox, Karl Heinz Hofbauer and others. The mid-1970's saw a decline in the market for new organs and Fischer opted to start his own business in the field of historic pipe organ reconstruction. This business has done modestly well and is now operated by Paul Fischer's son Mark. With more leisure time in recent years it occurred to Paul Fischer that there had never been a comprehensive in-depth history written of the pipe organ and piano industries in Erie; thus this book. In their retirement years Fischer and his wife Nancy, spend as much time as possible traveling the world. Leading groups and planning custom travel itineraries for others has become a secondary passion for both of them. Their primary passion of course is their son Mark, daughter Carla, herself a world traveler and astute businesswoman, and their three grandchildren. "The transition from mechanic and business person to writer has been a daunting but rewarding task!"