The Detroit Organ Company was founded in 1881.  Two years later the
business was taken over by C.J. Whitney and Edwin Scott Votey (1856 -
1931), the inventor of the "Cecilian" piano player.  In 1899 the name
of the firm was changed to The Farrand Company, which also constructed
the self-playing "Olympia" organ.  There were branches in Paris and
London.

I could not find a picture of William R. Farrand, the dates of his
birth and death or other details of the course of his life and career.
The Farrand Company went bankrupt in 1915.  I'll appreciate any further
information.  Thanks in advance.

Hendrik Strengers
Delft, Netherlands
hekaton@hetnet.nl.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]

 [ Ref. http://www.biggrower.com/Farrand-Votey-Organ-Installed-in-Ransdell-Chapel-article11016 
 [ "William R. Farrand (1854-1930) and Edwin Scott Votey (1856-1931)
 [ worked for Whitney Organ Company in Detroit, and when Whitney retired
 [ in 1887 the two joined to establish their own company."  -- Robbie