Historical Timeline1925 R.B.POTTER ORGAN COMPANY began when Ralph Potter separated from the Wilson-Bolan Company and Alfred Mangler, Sr. took over that company. Ralph was organist/choir director at St. James Church, Providence and used some of the choir members as helpers in the early years. At some point, Ralph became installation representative in RI and nearby MA for M.P. Möller.
1944 Arnold Rathbun began working part time for Ralph Potter. He worked until he was drafted into the Army in 1952.
1954 Arnold returned from Korea and Fred Whiteside was hired as a part time helper to work with Arnold as Ralph’s health was failing.
1955 Carol and Arnold met and began to date. Carol helped at the shop with pneumatics and other piece work and did some of the secretarial work.
1957 Carol and Arnold were married and officially took over the company. Fred graduated from high school and became the new company’s first full time employee. The company name was changed to Potter-Rathbun Organ Company and the shop at 520 Oaklawn Avenue became the center of operations for repairs. Carol continued to do all of the office and secretarial work in the office located in their home. The business had about 35 accounts at that time and was run as a sole proprietorship.
1963 Arnold became sales, service and installation representative for the Möller company for all of New England (except sales in western CT) and parts of Northern New York State. This gave the business the shot in the arm that was needed to have enough accounts to remain in business. A few years later, Western CT was added to his sales territory.
1963-1970’s Some full time employees that were hired over the next few years included Arthur Fraits, Melvin Capuano, Robert Newman, Gregory Drew and Martin ‘Pete’ Gilbert. A number of part time or short time employees hired over the years included Peter Bradley, Harvey Flanders, Richard Johnson and others.
1988 Brian Mattias contacted the company to do a work study program in his senior year at Bishop Hendricken High School and continued to work part time during the summers while attending college.
1993 Frederic Whiteside officially incorporated the business and took over management duties as the new President, but he did not change the name of the company. Arnold continued to work as long as his health permitted him to do so. Full time employees at that time were Gregory Drew, Martin Gilbert, Brian Mattias and Robert Newman. Carol continued as secretary and office manager with some help from Fred’s wife Fay Whiteside. The office was moved from the Rathbun’s house to the shop. The company had about 350 annual care accounts and another 75 or so ‘on call’ accounts.
2005
Frederic Whiteside retires as President and Brian Mattias takes over management of the company. Brian’s fiancée Heather-Rose Johnson becomes the new secretary and office manager with Carol remaining as consultant and payroll officer. Fred continues to work part time as a technician. OTHER NOTES: Both Ralph Potter and Alfred Mangler, Sr. worked for the Wilson-Bolan Organ Company. This firm had bought and succeeded the W. K. Adams Company of Providence, RI. When Alfred Sr. took over the Wilson Bolan Co., his sons Harold and Alfred, Jr. worked for him. Eventually, Alfred, Jr. took over the company until his retirement when the company when out of business.
Ralph Potter was born on October 14 in the early 1880’s in Providence, RI. His father, William K. Potter was mayor of Providence in the early 1890’s. Ralph was never married. He had two brothers - William, Jr. who was married with no children and Arthur, who was married and had a step son, Edwin. Arthur and his family were in show business. Ralph lived on Park Avenue in Cranston, RI near the corner of Reservoir Avenue in a second floor apartment with his nephew Edwin. Ralph died in May 1966 and is buried in a cemetery on Broad Street across from the former Remington Funeral Home. Potter-Rathbun Organ Company, Inc. 401-942-5410 |