Pictured: Organ at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Chatham, Massachusetts where Panning was working the day of the fire.
Nearly a year after a fire destroyed its facilities in downtown Lake City, Dobson Pipe Organ Builders is opening its doors to the community that provided an outpouring of support for the iconic musical instrument manufacturer. Dobson’s main facility was destroyed on June 15, 2021 after a malfunctioning fan ignited sawdust in a work area. Owner, John Panning, says he and many others remember that day vividly.
Panning adds closing Dobson Pipe Organ Builders permanently was not an option they ever considered seriously. Instead, he and his staff focused on how they could complete their previous commitments despite the loss of many specialty tools and a lack of workspace. The company moved up scheduled maintenance work to maintain revenues. Panning says that filled in some of the gaps, but support from others helped them pull through a difficult time.
The company is hosting a public open house this coming weekend on Sunday, June 5 at its three temporary locations to show their appreciation for the support.
The open house runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Dobson’s main office at 418 W. Washington St., their north shop at 908 W. Main St., and the south shop at 1115 W. Main St. Staff will be on hand at each location during these times to showcase the work happening within. The company announced plans in February to rebuild on the same site at 200 N. Illinois St. in Lake City. Groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for September, and Panning hopes they will be operating out of their new facility by the end of 2023.
