Ivan Milavec was born on February 21, 1874, in the village Blekova vas near Zgornji Logatec. He learned the organ-building trade under the master Franc Goršič, with whom he worked as an apprentice from September 21, 1888, to January 21, 1892. After completing his apprenticeship, he worked in Goršič’s workshop until May 18, 1895. Then, from May 20 to September 29 of the same year, he worked in Lenarčič’s harmonium workshop in Vrhnika before joining the army. Following his military service, on September 18, 1898, he began working in Kriegl’s organ workshop, where he remained until October 14, 1900.
Despite his family’s opposition, on May 14, 1899, he married Paula Jarec (1876-1953) from Sv. Katarina-Topol. Of his nine children, only five survived to adulthood. His daughter Pavli (1903-2000) often mentioned that her father’s greatest joy was music, singing, and dancing. He even created a songbook in which he wrote down the lyrics and notes. His favorite pastime was dancing with his wife at the craftsman’s institution.
Photo: Organistica
Milavec’s organ workshop, according to the testimony of his daughter Mara (1905 – 2010), employed 12 assistants and 4 pupils. The workshop was equipped with 13 worktables and had a supply of wood, zinc, and carbides. Milavec, dressed in a grey coat and carrying a tape measure, would regularly visit the workshop. Pavli said: “When my father finished building an organ, it was considered a celebration not only for his family but for the entire Bežigrad. It was a common sight for two gentlemen, Franc Kimovec (1878-1964) and Stanko Premrl (1880-1965), to visit and inspect the newly built organ professionally. Their arrival was eagerly anticipated by the children in the neighborhood, as Kimovec, known for his kindness, would bring candies for them.”
Over a period of just over 10 years, Milavec’s workshop produced 37 organs, and many organ builders from all over Slovenia were trained by him.
Photo: Organistica
Milavec’s daughter Mara shared with us the story of her father’s untimely death. She recounted how her father began experiencing stomach pains, and her mother tried to soothe the pain. As the pain worsened, he was taken to the hospital and operated on by a military doctor named Dr. Stojc. Despite having a high fever, the hospital staff refused to take his temperature. He also urged Mara’s mother to take legal action against the doctor. On January 18, 1915, at three o’clock in the morning, Mara’s mother was summoned from the hospital to be told that her husband’s condition had deteriorated significantly. She rushed to his side, only to find that the appendicitis had led to inflammation of the abdominal cavity and there were no available antibiotics. Sadly, he passed away at half past four in the morning.
Photo: Organistica
