Consisting of three artificially constructed record series, the individual documents of varying value were collected by Professor of Organ David Boe over the course of the 1990s. Boe is less the creator of this history than Oberlin College’s point person to implement the proceeds of the K. Africa estate to install a new organ in Finney Chapel. The dedication of the Kay Africa Memorial Organ took place September 28-30, 2001. Boe’s role is also documented in the records of the Conservatory of Music.

Series I. Historical Files relating to Oberlin Community Pipe Organs, 1907(1992-98)-2002 (8 folders)

This series contains information on organs at Oberlin College, including the Brombaugh (1981 to present, Fairchild Chapel) and the E.M. Skinner (1915) / Aeolian – Skinner (rebuilt 1955, Finney Chapel). David Boe was involved in the sale of the Aeolian – Skinner organ to Truro Episcopal Church, Fairfax, VA in 1998 and the relevant materials are in this series. Also included are several photographs of the interior of Finney Chapel, the architectural drawings, and the plans for renovations. There are also several articles written by David Boe, including one on a local church’s pipe organ.

Series II. Files relating to Fisk Organ Project in Finney Chapel, 1987-2000 (10 folders)

Included in this series are several correspondence files related to the Fisk Organ Project, as well as David Boe’s “Rationale for New Organ in Finney.” The files on the Kay Africa Estate and on other donors and bequests for the organ are restricted for ten years.

Series III. Files relating to Dedication of Fisk Organ, 1998-2001 (1 folder)

This series consists of one folder on the various publicity materials published for the dedication of the Kay Africa Memorial Organ on September 28-30, 2001.

This collection was donated by David Boe on 13 August 2002 (2002/101).

Finney Chapel, Buildings and Dedications, College General (RG0)