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W. J. Shiloh Unruh Harpsichord Photograph Albums
2022-27
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Title: W. J. Shiloh Unruh Harpsichord Photograph Albums
Dates: 1978-1980
Collection Number: 2022-27
Creator/Collector:
Unruh, W. J. Shiloh
Extent: Two photograph albums
Online items available
Repository:
History San Jose Research Library
San Jose, California 95112
Abstract: Two photograph albums created by self-taught harpsichord builder Shiloh Unruh documenting construction of harpsichords, other
harpsichord builders' and related artists' work, and travels to visit or install harpsichords. While none of the photographs
are identified, they include sites in New England and New York City.
Language of Material: English
Albums are available to researchers by appointment with the Research Library & Archives.
Contact the Research Library & Archives for information on reproduction and publication.
[Identification of item]. W. J. Shiloh Unruh Harpsichord Photograph Albums. Collection Number: 2022-27. History San Jose Research
Library
The albums were originally given to the Santa Clara County Historical and Genealogical Society in 2022 by an unknown donor;
the SCCHGS transferred them to History San Jose.
Biography/Administrative History
William James Shiloh Unruh (1951-2012), who preferred to use his middle name "Shiloh," spent most of his life in the Santa
Clara Valley and had a lifelong interest in astronomy, as well as organ and harpsichord music, locomotives and classic automobiles.
He received his PhD in the History of Science from the University of California Santa Cruz and co-authored the book, "Eye
in the Sky: Lick Observatory's First Century" (UC Press, 1988). Unruh played in school orchestras throughout school and apparently
expanded his interest in organ music while traveling through Europe after graduating from Los Gatos High School in 1970, and
became a self-taught harpsichord builder. It is not clear how long he continued this work before turning his full attention
to astronomy and science, documenting Lick Observatory's history and traveling to document solar eclipses. Unruh was also
a long-time supporter of the South Bay gay community through membership and fundraising for multiple organizations. (Information
taken from biography provided on Our Family History)
Scope and Content of Collection
Two photograph albums of color prints taken between 1978-1980 by self-taught harpsichord builder Shiloh Unruh documenting
construction of harpsichords, other harpsichord builders' and related artists' work, and travels to visit or install harpsichords.
While none of the photographs are identified, they include identifiable sites in the New England and New York area: Stonington,
Connecticut; New York City; Boston, Massachusetts; Waltham, Massachusetts. There are also business cards tucked into the albums
from artist Lance Bowen (San Francisco); Morgan & Dunstan Harpsichords (Wilson, Wyoming); Welter Stencil & Engraving Co. (Redwood
City, Calif.); and Music Antique, Inc. Early Music Specialists (San Francisco, Calif.). There is no accompanying documentation
to indicate where or to whom Unruh sold his harpsichords.
Keyboard instruments
Harpsichord
Musical instruments--Construction
Artists' studios
New England
New York, N.Y.
New York (State)
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Photograph albums
Color photographs