The History of Chicago Cottage Organ & Piano Company

The Chicago Cottage Organ & Piano Company was founded in 1879, under the name Wolfinger Organ Company.  F.R. Wolfinger, John Comstock, and Herman Cable, who later went on to found The Cable Piano Company of New York, were the original owners of the Chicago-based company, but in 1885, Comstock sold his share to E.E. Wise and George Tewksbury. At this time, the name officially changed to Chicago Cottage Organ Company. 

At its peak, the company was producing around 16,000 pianos and 18,000 organs per year, and opened several more factories and offices in Chicago to meet the demand. The Chicago Cottage Organ Company’s name disappeared sometime in the early 1900’s, and it became known as the Cable Piano Company. [1] 

About Chicago Cottage Organs

Unfortunately, there is little information available about the sound and tone that Chicago Cottage Organ instruments produce documented. Even the various models and types they produced during their short tenure as a company is hardly found in company records before being bought and changing most of their manufacturing methods.

Historical accounts of the sound characteristics, tone and acoustic qualities of a Chicago Cottage Organ are very few. While there are pockets of these beloved organ owners that could give a testimonial about its value, like with many older and lesser-known brands, so much of that information is lost in the past.

Restoring a Chicago Cottage Organ

Although so many instruments were produced at the height of the company’s run, it is hard to put a monetary estimation on a restored Chicago Cottage organ. Lindeblad would love to help you explore the history and intricacies of your instrument - contact us today so we can get started!