Casavant, Joseph National Historic Person
Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
Joseph Casavant
(© Expired)
Address :
900 Girouard Street East, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
1974-05-18
Life Date:
1807 to 1874
Other Name(s):
-
Casavant, Joseph
(Designation Name)
Importance:
Maker of musical instruments, best known as church organ maker
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: 900 Girouard Street East, Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
At the age of 27 Joseph Casavant abandoned a career as blacksmith in his native Saint-Hyacinthe to enter the classical college at Sainte-Thérèse to study music. Encouraged by Father Charles-Joseph Ducharme, who recognized his talent, he became interested in building musical instruments. In 1840 he produced his first church organ in his shop at Saint-Hyacinthe. When he retired in 1866 Casavant organs were in demand throughout eastern Canada. Under the direction of his sons, Claver and Samuel, the firm Casavant Frères acquired an international reputation as builders of fine instruments.