[1] The first instruments were built in 1893 with the Austin Patent Airchest, and many remain in fine playing condition to this day.

When son John made his way to Detroit he found work at the Farrand & Votey Organ Company.

While servicing organs for Farrand, Austin worked with tracker and slider chests and some of the nascent electric mechanisms.

In the Depression years the company struggled with high overhead, decreased new business, and cash flow.

Weeks later a business partnership was formed by the owner of an organ service and repair company and a long-time Austin employee.