James Lewis

Mr. Searles and the Organ James Lewis

American millionaire Edward F. Searles will forever be remembered for his obsession with pipe organs. His most famous project was the construction of the magnificent Methuen Memorial Music Hall that houses the historic 1863 Walcker organ, originally installed in the Boston Music Hall. Searles had six other organs built for his homes, and one for his own organ factory. At the age of 46, Searles, then an interior decorator, married the fabulously wealthy widow of railroad magnate Mark Hopkins, 22 years his senior. Her death three years later left Searles with a $30-million fortune. This is the story of his lifetime involvement with the organ, illustrated with magnificent photographs of his many instruments.