August Benson, Organ Builder
When was the last time you saw or heard an organ playing?
When was the last time you saw or heard an organ playing? Considering how for most people these moments are quite few and far between nowadays, you might be surprised to hear that organ manufacturing was one of Hässleholm's main industries at the beginning of the 20th century. Organ playing simply held a very different place in people's life back then - obviously they were integral to church ceremonies, but they were also very commonly used in schools. Meanwhile, in the homes of well-heeled citizens, organs could often be found in the salon, where they served up a slice of musical entertainment along with the afternoon coffee when hosting. In Hässleholm, the organ builder was called August Benson. He learnt the trade when working in an organ factory in Massachussetts in the 1880s. His last name was actually Bengtsson , but made the practical and decidedly unsentimental decision to change it to Benson since it was easier to pronounce for English-speakers. When World War I broke out, organ manufacturing weren't exactly a top priority, and obtaining the necessary raw materials became increasingly difficult. Benson saved his business by pivoting to maintenance and renting of organs, rather than manufacturing new ones. This photograph is taken from the church tower, and you can see both Benson's workshop to the left (the building with a light roof), and the corner building next to the First Avenue, which was Benson's house. Wondering what the neighbourhood is called? The Organ Builder , obviously.
Snabbfakta
- Årtal: 1925
- Historisk plats ur Be Here Then
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