JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY

VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2 APRIL, 1971

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Journal of the American Theatre Organ Society teen" National Convention July 10-13. Photo by Eddie Zollman, Jr. Volume 13, No. 2

April, 1971 In This Issue ATOS National Membership is $8.00 per cal­ endar year, which includes a subscription to FEATURES THEATRE ORGAN, the official publication of the American Theatre Organ Society. Single 5 The Great Tabernacle Organ ...... Stu Green copies: $1 .25. Make check or money order 8 Memphis' Magnificent Malco ...... Vincent C. Astor payable to ATOS, and mail to P. 0. Box 90, 10 Jim's 'Hard Way' Wurli ...... Mrs. Harry McAlonan, as told to Stu Green New Haven, Connecticut 06501. 12 Young Man's Dream ...... J. Marion Martin 14 Letter from Puget Sound Chapter ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION 15 EXCEPT ADVERTISING SHOULD BE Chauncey Haines ...... Lloyd E. Klos SENT TO ATOS PUBLICATIONS 19 Of Mice and Managers ...... John Muri P. 0. BOX 2329, LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48150 22 Theatre Organ Editors 'Commit Matrimony' ..... Elmer Fubb 23 Help! ...... ······•················ .. .Lee Erwin ADVERTISING ADDRESS: Dick Schrum, Box 23 Audio Buffs Get Pipe Organ Fever ...... Arthur Cox 7 422, Bitter Lake Station, Seattle, Wash. 98133 . 26 Wanamaker Organ Born on West Coast

ATOS National Officers 27 Rosa Rio in Cincinnati ...... John J. Strader 33 Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries Stillman Rice, President 34 New York Boasts Another First Lee Erwin, Vice President Mary Bowles, Secretary-Treasurer Eleanor Weaver , Executive Secretary DEPARTMENTS

ATOS National Board of Directors 18 Nuggets from the Golden Days 30 For the Records 34 Chapter News Gaylord Carter Mary Bowles 24 Vox Pops 31 Letters to the Editor 39 Classified Ads W. "Tiny" James Lee Erwin 28 The Pipe Piper 32 Hollywood Cavalcade Allen W. Rossiter Allen Miller Richard Simonton Ron Willfong Albert T. Mason , Past President PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE ATOS Honorary Members 1959-Jesse Crawford HALL OF FAME It gives me great pleasure to announce that as of March 1, 1971, membership 1960-Farny Wurlitzer Jesse Crawford renewals have reached a high of 2,858. We have 368 new members making a 1961-Mel Doner Eddie Dunstedter total of 3,126. (Total 1970 membership , 3,916.) This indicates the growing 1962-Leonard MacClain Reginald Foort 1963-Eddie Dunstedter Leonard MacClain enthusiasm for theatre pipe organ and constant growth of ATOS. 1964-Reginald Foort Don Miller At this time I wish to report that the U. S. Treasury Department Internal 1965-Dan Barton Henry Murtag~ 1966-W. " Tiny" James Ray Shelley Revenue Service Exempt Application for the National Organization has been filed 1967-Erwin A. Young, Jr. Arsene Siegal and I am waiting for a letter of determination. 1968-Richard C. Simonton Firmin Swinnen 1969-Judd Walton 1970-Lee Erwin Vice President Lee Erwin has been appointed Chairman of the Ben Hall 1970-Bill Lamb Memorial Fund . Please see article on page 23 submitted by Lee Erwin concerning EDITORIAL STAFF this urgent appeal. I know I can count on each and every member to have a part m this great cause. Editor - George Thompson Associate Editors - Ray Brubacher I wish to announce the appointment of Mrs. Mary Bowles, National Secretary­ Lloyd Klos Treasurer , as chairman of a committee to preserve historical manuscripts , scores Peg Nielsen of theatre pipe organ musical compositions and other memorabilia as this was Editor-Emeritus - W . " Stu" Green some of the purposes for which this Society was formed. Watch THEATRE Publisher - Al Mason ORGAN for more information concerning this committee's plans. Art Director - Don Lockwood Advertising Manager - Dick Schrum Plan now for Seattle in July (Sweet Sixteen Convention). Circulation Manager - Vi Thompson

THEATRE ORGAN (title registered U. S. Patent Office) is published bi -monthly by the American Theatre Organ Society, Inc., a non-profit organiza­ tion, Stillman H. Rice, President. All rights reserved . Entire contents copyrighted 1970 by ATOS, Inc., Office of publication is P.O. Box 2329, Livonia, Michigan 48150. Printed by Oetroit Master-Craft, Livonia, Michigan 48150.

POSTMASTER: Second Class postage paid at Livonia, ~!{(,.;., Michigan. IF UNDELIVERABLE, send form 3579 to ATOS ATOS Circulation Department, Box 1314, Salinas, California 93901. ARCHIVES/ LIBRAR¥illman H. Rice, President

3 theatre organ

The Great Tabernacle Organ

by Stu Green

T'S PROBABLY the most familiar broadcast organ of all I time, having been on the air continually since 1929. Four generations of radio listeners grew up to the Sunday morning network programs of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir with accompaniment by Dr. Frank Asper or Alexander Schreiner at the organ. In those decades many legends evolved about the organ in that remarkable focal point of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Salt Lake City, the great tabernacle built in the wilderness near the salty inland sea over 100 years ago. Our point of interest is the fact that when the building was opened for religious services in October, 1867, it was equipped with an organ of about 10 working ranks. An organ in that wilderness - when civilization stopped at the Mississippi River? How the organ came to be is an almost incredible story, nearly as difficult to comprehend, con­ sidering the conditions, time and place, as the building of the acoustically excellent Tabernacle which houses it. The Tabernacle organ casework makes an impressive background for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. So we'll digress from our pursuit of the theatre organ briefly to examine one of the most remarkable pipe organs ever built. opportune time. Construction of the tabernacle was underway and it was to be equipped with an organ - if possible. Remarkable because the circa 700 pipes (only one third Church president Brigham Young called on Ridges to design of the instrument planned) which sounded forth on that and build the instrument. Ridges was willing but needed some October Sunday in 1867 were all built on the spot - and by materials which could be obtained only in the east. So with a crew of non-organ oriented artisans guided by one skilled only $900 to spend he hopped the stage to Omaha and took organ builder who had to design and make the required tools be­ the train to Boston. He still didn't have a definite design in fore he could tackle the main mind, so while in Boston he must have visited existing organs. task. In retrospect it is reasonable to assume he visited the organ in the Boston Music Hall, a Walcker built in Ludwigsberg, His name was Joseph Harris Ridges, an English organ tech­ Germany. Photographs show that casework and facades of nician who was converted to the two instruments are strikingly similar. Mormonism while living in Aus­ So Joseph Ridges purchased the sheet brass, spring wire, tralia. Ridges was persuaded to zinc, tin, soft leather for pouches, and ivory for keys, then donate a small instrument he built in Australia to the church returned to Salt Lake City with a definite plan for a circa and he accompanied it across 40-rank organ with tracker action, the only kind then known. the Pacific and then by mule Outside of the materials muletrained or oxcarted in from train to Salt Lake City. Need­ the east, Ridges was on his own. He had to use materials on less to say, railroads in that hand. His crew, driving 20 wagons drawn by oxen, ranged area were still in the future. He arrived in Salt Lake City at an as far as 300 miles from Salt Lake City to get just the right lumber for the wooden pipes. He devised an early plywood by laminating bevelled strips of wood to obtain practical (Opposite) The eight lowest pipes of the 32' Pedal Montre built over 100 years ago by Joseph Ridges. Lumber for them was hauled 300 miles by ox lengths and thickness for the 32' Monroe (diapason), the team. These pipes were not fashioned from single giant tree trunks but facade pipes which astound visitors by their very size. These from sections of laminated wooden tubing made by gluing together enough are still working parts of the organ as are about 200 other pie-shaped strips to form a round column from which the center was later drilled out. Pipes are in eight divisions stacked two stories in height. pipes that Ridges fashioned. He learned that buffalo hides Directly behind the facade are the unenclosed Great and Pedal divisions. could be scraped to a thickness suitable for covering reser­ Above them is the Positiv. Behind them is the Swell organ. Choir chambers voirs and the same beast provided the glue required. Nails are at left, Bombarde and Solo stacked at right. Display pipes are covered with 24-karat gold leaf. and screws were scarce so glue was doubly important.

5 theatre organ How the pioneers fabricated large wooden pipes. This cross section shows how pie-shaped pieces of wood were as­ sembled to form a laminated tube. The outside of this sample has been turned down to the desired diameter. The inside remains to be finished. Before such special­ ized work could be done, tools had to be designed and made.

Closeup of one of the laminated wood pipes built by pioneer Joseph Ridges. Wind pressures used throughout the organ range from 2-2/3" to 17".

Ridges didn't know he was getting into a 12-year project The Aeolian-Skinner console installed in 1948-1949. The clock is for timing when he started, but it took his crew that long to complete broadcasts. From the bottom the manuals are Great/Positiv, Swell, Choir, the 2638 pipe organ. He started work around 1865 and had Solo/Bombarde and Antiphonal. 700 pipes speaking for the Tabernacle opening ceremonies m 1867. chief voicer , James H. Nuttall, was the last time the original organ was given a facelifting. For nearly three quarters of The original organ was powered by a hand bellows which a century it had been enlarged and altered by builders who required the muscles of 4 husky men. Even so, exhaustion used various wind pressures, types of action, types of regula­ brought the wind pressure down · after a half hour and the tor, pipe scales and timbres. There was more than a little of pumpers had to be relieved by a second shift if it was a long the "Topsy" in the venerable organ which had grown to a concert. The more ranks of pipes added, the more acute the reported 151 ranks. It was still a beautiful instrument but the problem became. Later a water wheel-powered blower inconsistencies brought about by differences in theory and replaced the men. Luckily the electric motor-driven blower construction made it unsuitable for further enlargement. came into use around the turn of the century, and the ever­ According to organ builder Lee Haggart most of the original growing wind requirement problem was solved. instrument was removed, rank by rank, during 1948-1949 The Tabernacle's dimensions are 250' x 150' x 80' in and each section removed was replaced by Aeolian-Skinner height. It seats 8000. Its all-wood construction enhances the components. The changeover had to be accomplished grad­ acoustic properties to the extent that organist E. Power ually because of the daily use of the organ in the Tabernacle. Biggs once was moved to state, "A person can even cough in here and it sounds good." A few of the original ranks were retained, according to Haggart, notably the huge Montre pipes which form a part The organ was enlarged in 1875 and again in 1900 when of the familiar casework design, but the rest was transported the tracker action was discarded in favor of pneumatic action. to Provo, Utah, and, after a thorough overhaul and some In 1915, 1926 and 1940 more ranks were added. The 1940 modernization, was installed in an assembly hall at Brigham tonal overhaul, performed by Robert Hope Jones, former Young University.

april, 1971 6 Parts of the Great and Pedal Divisions.

They keep the 189 ranks tuned and perking. Alexander Schreiner once played at the Los Staff organists Robert Cundick and Roy M. Darley. Elias H. Jones (left) is the organ maintenance Angeles Metropolitan theatre. Supervisor. Former theatre organist Wayne Devereaux (center) is head technician. Wayne E. Carroll (right) also services organs in other local Mormon installations. 1867. He was followed by John J. McClellan, a showman The replacement of the original Tabernacle organ with an known as "the mighty Mac" of whom John Philip Sousa said even larger Aeolian-Skinner organ designed by and installed "McClellan is an ornament to his profession." Best known under the supervision of the noted G. Donald Harrison is in recent years are Frank Asper and Alexander Schreiner, a matter not openly discussed in Tabernacle circles says Hag­ thanks to their frequent broadcasts. Schreiner is of special gart. The idea of an everlasting instrument, as indestructible interest to theatre organ aficionados because of an engage­ as the Tabernacle which houses it obviously does lots more ment he played at the Los Angeles Metropolitan theatre style for inspired tradition. 285 Wurlitzer during the "golden era." However, he can't Keeping the 10,814 pipes and their activating mechanisms be classed as a theatre organist gone classical. Mr. Schreiner in top shape is the full time work of three tec_hnicians. Just informs us that he obtained a 6-month leave of absence from keeping the monster in tune is a kingsize project. Head tech­ his Tabernacle duties to give the theatre organ a whirl. Appar­ nician Wayne Devereaux is an ex-theatre organist who started ently the Metropolitan was his only theatrical engagement. at 14 as relief organist at the Ogden (Utah) Orpheum Robert He returned to the Tabernacle and serious music when his Morton, spelling Roscoe Glassman. Later he played the 6 months were up and has remained there except for concert Ogden Paramount Kimball. While living in Southern Cali­ engagements ever since. fornia he broadcast from KGER, Long Beach. He has a 10-rank mostly Kimball perking on his farm near Ogden. He Much has been said and written about the Tabernacle states that he still entertains, "for my own amusement - and organ and its distinctive tonal aspects. Loving care and fre­ other people's amazement." One of his standby jobs is putting quent updating have kept it young and current. But the the Tabernacle organ through its paces for visiting organists, fascinating aspect is the picture of Joseph Ridges creating a task he enjoys. an organ mainly from what he was able to gather from the The first organist to play the Tabernacle organ was Joseph wilderness, with the aid of his knowledge of organ building J. Daynes, who was appointed by Brigham Young when he and a strong religious faith. This pioneer deserves a salute was only 16. It was Daynes who played for the opening in from all organ enthusiasts. D

PHOTOS: Eldon Linschoten and church archives. Background supplied by "IMPROVEMENT ERA" MAGAZINE PHOTO COPYING: by Bill lamb. Alexander Schreiner, Wayne Devereaux, lee Haggart and church offices.

7 theatre organ Memphis' Magnificent Malco

Interior of the Malco auditorium. Drapes on both Imposing facade of Memphis' Malco Theatre. sides have been tied back so the full volume of Notice organ advertisement at very bottom of by Vincent C. Astor the organ can be heard. At bottom center is one marquee. This theatre realizes what it has and of the annunciators which changes for organ makes the most of it. shows. To right is console, above is 2000 lb. Photos by Bill Oberg chandelier. There is now a second three manual console at the other end of the orchestra pit.

On the southwest corner of probably usual lantern shape. The balcony chan­ Humana. One of the well-known or­ the most well-known intersection in the deliers were lanterns with latticed sides ganists was Milton Slosser, beloved by South, Main and famous Beale Street, made of crystal ropes. The 2800 seats Memphians many years. stands the finest and best preserved were installed in four levels; orchestra, In 1940, the Orpheum was bought movie palace in Memphis, the Mako mezzanine, balcony and gallery. The by M. A. Lightman and was destined Theatre. This last year, with the help organ, opus 1956, a 3 manual Style to hold the home offices of the M. A. of the only remaining theatre organ in 240 Wurlitzer, boasted 13 mellow ranks Lightman and Company chain (MAL­ town, the Mako is becoming better ap­ and a price tag of $19,000. It was in­ CO). It still holds these offices and is preciated; not only as a first class movie stalled in two chambers at balcony the proud flagship of this great chain. theatre but as the pride of the Mako level, one in the back of each loge. The The theatre was completely refurbished, chain, the last word in elegance. console was enthroned on a lift beneath new carpet, new seats and better equip­ In 1890, a small but beautiful theatre the left side of the elaborate proscen­ ment. Now re-enhanced, the theatre was built on this site, the Grand Opera ium. Also on the left side, in the Solo passed its silver year with bright future House or simply the Grand. Melo­ chamber, were all the traps and percus­ ahead. However, public interest was drama and early vaudeville were fea­ sions except the Chrysoglott which now centered on the movies alone, the tured. Later, the Grand was bought by played from the right. In the left Solo grandeur was slowly forgotten. The the Keith-Albee-Orpheum circuit which chamber were the Brass Trumpet, Ki­ public also grew tired of the organ and owned it when the theatre burned in nura, Oboe, Tibia, and Tuba; and in the console spent more and more time 1923. A colorful history was just be­ the right were the Diapason, Horn Dia­ in the pit. Then in 19 57, a terrible ginning when the Keith-Albee-Orpheum pason, Flute, Salicional, Viol d' Or­ stage fire destroyed the stage curtain New Orpheum Theatre was opened on chestre, Celeste, Clarinet, and Vox and proscenium drapery. The burning November 19, 1928. A superior vaude­ drapes fell on the console and badly ville program included Earl Estes play­ damaged it. This was almost the last ing the largest Wurlitzer in Memphis. of the Wurlitzer. The first photoplay was The Outcast After the fire the organ met the starring Corinne Griffith. ATOS. A member from Memphis, This theatre was a Rapp & Rapp Harlan Judkins, restored the console marvel - not over-grandiose but pleas­ and kept the organ as well as possible. ing and wonderful to see. A tall, Lack of public interest left the organ damask-tapestried grand foyer led the unused and decaying. The pedals were way to the ivory and gold auditorium worn, the toe studs had died one by (#18 An Acre of Seats). In every pub­ one, the traps (except the tambourine) lic corridor and passage were crystal fell silent, and the fire caused new chandeliers, the two largest in the audi­ heavy drapes to veil the shutters. torium weighing 2000 pounds each. In 1961, Bill Oberg, another ATOS These two were of a different design member, began taking an interest in the Organist and renovator Bill Oberg sitting up than chandeliers in most theatres; a with a sick Vox. The Vox had laryngitis but is neglected organ. He made trips from more classic design rather than the now recovered. his home in Milan, Tennessee, for a

april, 1971 8 long while to tinker with the organ in Memphis. In 1965, the Mako was endangered by a monster which terrorizes every -movie palace at one time or another , the office building. When Memphis heard of the planned demolition it would not stand for the proposal. Now the office building stands across the street. Bill was still tinkering until around August of 1969 when Joe Hosey, the present Mako manager, asked him to go on with the restoration in earnest so as to begin organ shows again. Bill recruited his girlfriend Linda Light and used many parts from his own pipe organ to refurbish the Mako organ . Four months and two bushels of Black Cap Magnets later, on December 21st , the Mako ad contained the first men­ Bill at the console summoning some beautiful tones out of the old lady. Thanks to him, the music he tion of an organ in many years. Now plays so well at this end comes out beautifully at the other end. Bill, an exceptional organist, plays the organ twice on Fridays , Saturdays , and Sundays. The organ is back on the marquee and has been expanded to in­ clude a piano. Bill is also planning to add some of his own pipe ranks to the organ plus a second 3 manual console. A place is waiting for a post horn. The pedals have been replaced , the traps are at work , the drapes have been tied back so the organ can achieve its full volume, and a spark­ ling white and gold finish makes the console stand out as never before. As in many other places, the theatre is benefitting from the organ's resurrec­ tion. The four large chandeliers glow just as in 1928 to illumine the un­ changed auditorium. Now the public is appreciating how much the manage­ ment has done to keep the theatre in first class condition. Plans are being made for new bulbs to be placed in the In the Main Chamber (I. to r.); Dia phonic Di­ The computer-like relay system which makes this midnight-colored dome. The grand apason, Salicional, Flute and Vox Humana. organ so versatile. This is located in its own chamber beneath the Solo chamber.

foyer has shone the same all these years with frequent relampings of its own crystal chandeliers and fixtures; these accent the fact that the foyer was re­ painted several years ago in the original white, gold and silver motif. The intact stage awaits new acts to tread its boards and automatic annunciators change for the organ shows. The Mako is a must to visit when in Memphis as it is the largest theatre in the city and the best preserved of only two downtown movie palaces which re­ main. Its stately buff-colored exterior and coffered marquee complement the splendid interior. Best of all, The Mag­ nificent Memphis Mako possesses a Mighty Marvelous Wurlitzer which is Steinway grand piano installed recently in the left hand loge (see opposite, right). Chrysoglott now one of the fortunate few to win public stands beside it. The percussions were installed after interior photo was taken. appreciation again . □

9 theatre organ Jim's'Hard Way' Wurli

by Mrs. Harry McAlonan, as told to Stu Green

The "bug" hit James 0. Carter early. His first pipe organ was a 5-rank His dad noticed the symptoms when he Hall church organ with a Bartholomay took his small son to a circus. Once console. Jim figured he could change little Jim heard the carousel organ, he it to a theatre organ merely by adding lost interest in everything else on the theatre organ tremulants. What he got circus midway and stood fascinated was a shaky sounding church organ. Jim Carter's console. Originally a style 235 Wur­ near the merry-go-round while dad He was learning the hard way. litzer (11 ranks), it has many added duties now. made the rounds of the other attrac­ Still determined to get the sound he tions. When he returned, Jim didn't remembered so well from a childhood ground had been vandalized or had de­ want to go home. "What a great spent haunting the theatres in the New teriorated from years of neglect. Not sound!" piped the little boy. "It'll pass" York-New Jersey area, a grown up Jim able to locate a complete instrument thought dad, as he led Jim away by the finally decided to go to the source. But Jim decided to settle for parts. He hand. by the late '40s and early '50s many would collect parts until he had enough organs in Jim's New Jersey stomping to fabricate his dream organ and install But it didn't pass. When Jim was it in his Cinnaminson, New Jersey eleven he made a pipe chest from a home. cheesebox which blew some tin whistles mounted on top. Not very satisfactory Anyone who has attempted this ap­ from the musical standpoint but it gave proach knows the pitfalls of mixing the lad a grasp of the problems encoun­ pipework of various scales and wind tered in designing an organ. pressures , and their associated chests. It's really "the hard way" as indicated The next major effort was completed by the years Jim spent colJecting his during Jim's fifteenth year. He rigged parts, testing them and, if necessary, a vacuum cleaner as a blower to a horsetrading for more suitable pipes, foot-powered reed parlor organ, an old chests, trems, regulators and impeller Gulbransen. That saved shoeleather but blades. the sound lacked the deep tremulant of the theatre organ which had become Jim's path while searching for the Jim's ideal. So Jim rigged a beater trem needed items would appear as many from a pneumatic. This provided the zigzag lines across the map of New Jer­ proper wobble but it was still a far cry sey, southeastern New York state and from the ideal. Jim's next exercise in eastern Pennsylvania. The outline of The Carter organ boasts a complete toy counter. organ building was with his own ver­ his future organ started to take shape sion of all-electric action. Using door­ with a rich strike in Bloomfield, N. J., bell chime solenoids, he operated an STOP LIST where he obtained the Royal Theatre's Aeolian-Orchestral reed organ from a 1926 style 235 Wurlitzer console, along remote melodian console. But the reeds SOLO SECTION with its Marimba, Solo Tibia and Or­ kept getting out of tune and Jim was *8' Solo Tibia Clausa (Wurlitzer) chestral Oboe. ready to tackle pipes. *8' Orchestral Oboe (Wurlitzer) *8' Kinura (Wurlitzer) * 16' Tuba (Wurlitzer) 8' French Horn (Kimball) 8' English Posthorn (Kimball) 8' Brass Saxophone (Wurlitzer) 8' Brass Trumpet (Wurlitzer) 8' Muted Violin (Kimball) 8' Quintadena (Wurlitzer) 8' Tibia Minor (Wurlitzer) 8' Tibia Plena (Gottfrield) 8' Oboe Gamba (Wurlitzer) MAIN SECTION *8' Vox Humana (Wurlitzer) *8' Viol d'Orchestra (Wurlitzer) *8' Salicional (Wurlitzer) *8' String Celeste (Wurlitzer) *8' Diaphonic Diapason (Wurlitzer) *8' Clarinet (Wurlitzer) Jim used lots of flex tubing to get air to his * 16' Bourdon/Concert Flute (Wurlitzer) pipes. The regulators are in the "traditional" The piano may be played from the console. *Basic Wurlitzer Style 235 voices location beneath the chest.

april, 1971 10 Jim adjusts a tuning roll on a string pipe. Jim works on one of the musical curiosities in his collection.

If his instrument was to be a style Meanwhile the quest for organ com­ 1970, and at this writing the organ is 235 (11 ranks), then he could confine ponents continued. The Victoria Theatre virtually completed, even to the Ampico his search to parts indigenous to that in Camden, N. J. yielded much of what baby grand piano which plays from the model. Jim planned his chambers and Jim needed and the Solo and Main console. Static wind pressure supplied had the walls nearly completed when chests came from the Frankford Theatre by the Kinetic blower is 22 inches. The in Philadelphia. The Byrd Theatre in organ has the usual percussions and he realized that the "expansionitus" that town provided a rare Gottfried toy counter, all from various theatres which had subtly affected his project Tibia Plena, a non-style 235 rank, to in Jim's area of operations. left him without enough room for the be sure. Jim Carter is enthusiastic about the additional ranks. To accommodate the Jim decided to assemble his own organ hobby, even after acquiring his whole 20 ranks, Jim had to tear down· switch stacks and relays. He used Reis­ instrument the hard way: "It's one of and start over. The present organ room ner relays and switches throughout and the greatest hobbies. True, it's expen­ is a concrete block building 15'x20'x13' changed the combination action to Reis­ sive, but it's a ho!Jby everyone can high. The block structure provides a ner all-electric. He fabricated regulat­ enjoy." large acoustically "live" chamber. "You ors, trems and cut floor frame. When asked about the oft-heard crit­ can hear a pin drop" says Jim. The expansion continued with the acquisition of a Brass Sax originally ical comment about crowding ranks of from a Hoboken theatre, and the Brass pipes voiced for an auditorium into the Trumpet from the Warner Theatre in cramped acoustics of a residence, Jim Atlantic City. Another venture in non­ replies: "The acoustic conditions may Wurlitzer pipework followed, yielding not be ideal - but what would happen a Kimball Posthorn and French Horn to the organs if we didn't move them? from the Nixon Grand Theatre in They'd be junk~d - just as were most Philly. The final non-Wurlitzer rank of those my parts came from." added was a Kimball Muted Violin. Jim has the added satisfaction of To avoid future troubles, Jim did knowing that his instrument, as such, extensive releathering, even to the Tibia never sounded out in a theatre. It's a lips. The metal pipes were washed in real patchwork quilt of an organ, but a weak acid solution and wiped with it fulfills the Carter boyhood dream of steel wool. Wooden pipes were var­ owning a theatre organ. To Jim the nished. Jim fabricated all of the cable slow parts-collecting procedure paid off. used in the installation. "It was more than worth the effort After three years of building, Jim - a dream come true," smiles Jim had 16 ranks playing by mid-summer Carter. Main chest. Pipework is all in one large chamber. □ 11 theatre organ Bourdon, Diapason, Salcional and Vox Humana, with Chimes, Xylophone, Or­ chestra Bells, Bass Drum and Cymbal. YoungMan's Dream The Drum and Cymbal had never been installed in the church, and someone by J. Marion Martin had beaten us to the other percussions. You never know where you will find The organ chamber was upstairs over a theatre organ these days, or for that the church choir, speaking through a matter how the discovery will be made. large heavy plaster grill. After removing One day in 1968 I received a post card the pipe work, we decided to take out from Ohio, informing me a church in the shutters and lower the chest, rather Durham, N. C. contained a Robert than trying to get them down the small Morton theatre organ and that in one winding stairs. One of the men placed week the church would undergo the his hand on the grill, when to our hor­ wrecker's ball, organ and all, and this ror it went crashing down 25 feet into person felt the Piedmont Chapter should to choir. Apparently it had just been save it. When contacted, none of the sitting there all these years, held in Durham members seemed even inter­ place only by its weight. We thought ested in going to look at the organ. The how lucky some soprano in that choir church had been abandoned for several was, that while singing "Will There Be years, and they were sure nothing worth Any Stars In My Crown?" had not been while could be in the run down build­ crowned by the plaster grill, thus seeing ing. It seemed the organ would go with a whole celestial galaxy. the building. Four o'clock found us with the organ Douglas Spivey, 17, shown at console of Marion When Douglas Spivey, a 17-year-old all loaded and on our way back home Martin Moller. organ pupil of mine, came for his les­ with our prize. Doug stored the little this job and the mighty little Morton as son, I mentioned the doomed little Mor­ beauty in one of his father's warehouses he enters N. C. State University in ton. I saw that strange light in his eyes until its permanent home was finished. September to major in Chemical Engi­ that organ buffs get, and he immediately Three weeks after he moved the organ said, "I want it!" He went home, talked into its new home, the organ was play­ neering. However the little Morton will not get lonesome, for Doug will be it over with his father, and called me ing again - sans shutter. back to say his folks had given him the home at every possible chance to give Like all organ buffs, Doug began to it the tender loving care it so richly go-ahead. dream of a larger and more versatile deserves. □ Phone calls to Durham completed instrument. Pipes and chests began to the deal and we found we had two appear, until the instrument is now a SPECIFICATIONSOFDOUGLAS SPIVEY'S weeks in which to get the instrument 2/10. ROBERTMORTON ORGAN out. Work was begun on a building, There are very few 17-year-old boys Whiteville, N. C. RANK MAKE UNIFICATION separate from the Spivey home, to who even have a pipe organ, to say Tuba Wurlitzer 16' 8' 4' Bourdon Robert Morton 16' 8' 4' 2-2/ 3' house the instrument. Six o'clock Sat­ nothing of installing and enlarging it 2' 1-3/ 5' urday morning found Doug, his father by themselves. Like most enthusiasts Salicional Robert Morton 8' 4' 2' V. D. 0. Kimball 8' 4' and I, followed by his father's two turned organ builder , Doug has found V. D. 0. Celeste Kimball 8' 4' trucks, on our way to Durham. Diapason Robert Morton 8' 4' that enlarging an organ can be a slow, Stentophone Moller 8' 4' complicated business. Doug's ·organ has Orchestral Oboe Robert Morton 8' When we reached the church we Vox Humana Robert Morton 8' 4' come a long way since it left the deso­ Tibia Clausa Moller 8' 4' really found a ruin, almost ready to Bass Drum collapse on its own. Electricity had late church, but he still has a long way Cymbal to go before it is finished the way he Xylophone been turned on for us however. We Chimes wants it. Orchestra Bells turned on the blower , fearing the worst. Acc. to Acc. 4' We were amazed to find every single For the past two years, Douglas has Solo to Acc. 8' Solo to Solo 4' note played. The organ was of 1920 been organist at Whiteville's First United Acc. to Pedal 8' Trem. 1 vintage: two manual, four ranks - Methodist Church. Now he must leave Trem. 2

Robert Morton 2/4 at time of rescue from abandoned church. The original 4 ranks have been expanded to 10 ranks. Installation is a credit to ability of young Mr. Spivey. april, 1971 12 Things sound better than you'd expect from Conn. ever in Sandy, Utah, since The people who have been Jordan High got its new making the world's finest Conn Organ.When the orchestral instruments school administration Its versatility makes it the since 1875. decided to buy a new organ, sound choice for school they chose the Conn 650 assemblies, musicals and ConnOrgan 3-Manual Theatre Organ. concerts. It's everything 616 Enterprise Drive, Oak Brook, Ill.60521 AMERICANTHEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY "SWEET SIXTEEN" ANNUALCONVENTION JULY 10 - 13, 1971, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON Dick Schrum, Convention Chairman, P. o. Box 7422, Bitter Lake Station, Seattle, Wash. 98133 (206) 364-5542 DEAR ATOS MEMBER, Yes, the organ on the magazine mast-head does live, and you will hear it played by nationally known artists when you attend the convention in Seattle this year. It is a Publix #1 Wurlitzer, the true Crawford Special, and it resides in our Paramount Theatre. We have pizazzed her up with a post horn, and she's ready to entertain you. Another great sound will come from the Granada Orgon Loft Club 4-31 Wurlitzer, formerly the Portland Oregon Liberty Theatre organ. The Granada Club, the former Granada Theatre, has teamed up with us to help make our convention a success. Calvery Tempie boasts 10 ranks of Wurlitzer formerly residing in the home of Los Angeles' famous Loren 'Whitney. It is now combined with 9 ranks of Kimball, and is a really spectacular sound.

Seattle's own pipe organ builder, Balcom & Vaughan, has installed a showpiece in the magnificent new First Presbyterian Church in downtown Seattle. We are proud of it and its builder. The bus tour through Tacoma and Bremerton on Monday will include a 50 minute ferry ride back to Seattle, one of the most beautiful water trips you will ever make. A pre-convention dance and social mixer is planned for Friday, July 9, after the National Board of Director's meeting. This is a chance for you to meet with old acquaintances and make new ones. The day after the con­ vention, we plan some home tours including very fine organs plus a 4-78 Flentrop Tracker organ. This day will be capped by a boat trip and ~:1 authentic Indian-style salmon bake. By all means, plan to spend some extra time here. Enjoy our water, our mountains, salmon sport fishing at the ocean, the great camping facilities and much more. WELCOMEto the great Northwest and our "Swingin'" Sweet Sixteen Convention. We are expecting youl 1 The Puget Sound Chapter A.T.o.s.

OFFICIAL JOURNAL: "THEATRE ORGAN"

4M~l21C4~ Tti~ATl?~ Ol?6A~ ~OCl~T~

PUGET SOUND CHAPTER Chauncey Haines "Tuesday Night at the Silent Movies"

by Lloyd E. Klos Photos: Haines Collection

For over 45 years, organist Chaun­ Later, he became a protege of Jesse cey Haines has been associated , in some Crawford, by whom he was groomed fashion , with silent films. He played the for the position of solo organist. When silents during their reign in the theatres Crawford was engaged by Balaban & and now, he has come "full circle " in Katz to open their deluxe Tivoli playing the silents during their revival. Theatre in Chicago in 1921, Haines By so doing , he has been privileged to went with him and became the Poet's rub shoulders with some of the greats relief organist. in the entertainment world. In 1924, he returned to the west Chauncey Haines at the organ in the Chicago Theatre, made famous by Jesse Crawford. Born in 1900, he was the son of a coast and presided at the console in Haines was substitute organist for the Poet. prominent Detroit musical director and the Egyptian Theatre in Long Beach. Picture ta ken in 1926. was allowed the run backstage at the Coming back to Los Angeles in 1925, Detroit Opera House, where he re­ Mr. Haines was featured at the Forum It was "Don Juan," with John Barry­ members the Barrymore Family, Wil­ Theatre. He played the original score more, a film which had a synchronized liam S. Hart , Lloyd Bacon and many for "The Gold Rush" when it was pre­ musical score, played by the New York others. viewed , with Charlie Chaplin sitting Philharmonic Orchestra. "I told my When in his early teens , the Haines on the organ bench , giving instruction. fellow organists that they better learn Family moved to the west coast where "In the better movie houses before how to deliver the mail, or to work his father continued his musical en­ the advent of sound," Mr. Haines says, in a grocery store, for our time was deavors in Walla Walla, Washington , "the organist did a very meticulous doomed," he recalls. Before the end owning a theatre and employing his job , even using a stop watch to fit the came, Mr. Haines opened many houses, son as drummer in the orchestra. Then themes to the action. Every perform­ on loan from Balaban & Katz, who had to Los Angeles, and while a student at ance was a live session, and you had over 100 organists playing their thea­ Manual Arts High School, Haines to be on the button. If you got ahead tres. He helped open the Roxy's played drums and piano in band whose or behind, you were sure to hear 5-manual Kimball in New York. This vocalist was Lawrence Tibbett, long a about it." might come as a surprise to theatre star of the Metropolitan Opera. Mr. He returned to Chicago in 1926, had organ enthusiasts as it was for this Haines played those instruments for a stint at the 4-manual Wurlitzer in writer. movie serials such as "The Perils of the Norshore Theatre, then went to We questioned Mr. Haines further, Pauline" and "The Exploits of Elaine.'.' the Chicago Theatre. While playing in as our information did not even list In 1917, he began as organist in Los this house, his mentor, Jesse Crawford, him on Roxy's organ staff. Angeles at the old DeLuxe Theatre at vacated the bench for his New York "I'll straighten this out for you. Of Alvarado Street and Wilshire Boule­ Paramount position. It was at the the three names on record for opening vard, one of the two Los Angeles Chicago where Haines saw a film the Roxy, Mr. Parmentier played the theatres having Wurlitzers. The other which he believes sounded the death rotunda organ, while Mr. Velasco, Mr. was Grauman's Million Dollar. knell for theatre organists. D'Antallfy and I officiated at the three Mr. Haines plays the Bovard Auditorium organ in Los Angeles. He was 18 at the time. consoles in the pit. "Velasco and I had auditioned in Chicago for S. L. Rothapfel at the studios in old Kimball Hall. I was playing B&K's Norshore at the time, and I was more than flattered and pleased to be a·sked by Roxy to come to New York to open his great movie emporium on March 11, 1927. "The hectic activity of the opening, its unpreparedness, all the snafus of that night, is one series of events which I certainly intend to write in bold detail in my book, if I ever finish it. Anyway, I have an original Roxy opening night program in my scrapbook which lists Velasco, D'Antallfy and myself at the triple organ consoles.

theatre organ "I know of only one other program customers. How could they possibly of its kind existing in the area of my afford such a luxury when they haggled home. I saw it recently, and it belongs over hiring two of baseball's greatest to the man who was the pit director pitchers, Koufax and Drysdale?" under Rapee, Charles Previn, Andre's In 1968, Mr. Haines came "full uncle. He was musical director of Uni­ circle" in another sense. When he was versal Pictures for many years, and we graduated from a Covina, California had a gabfest about that great, but high school, he was destined to enter hectic six weeks. Throop Institute, predecessor to the "Yes, that's how long I stayed at the California Institute of Technology. He never made it, because Jesse Crawford Roxy. I don't believe I was ever so unhappy and frustrated over a musical saw in him a greater potential as a situation. To begin with, Roxy was no musician. So, after roughly 50 years or so, Mr. Haines finally made Cal. less than a tyrant to work for, and Mr. Tech., but as a much-in-demand enter­ Velasco's temperament and ego so far tainer, rather than as a student. overshadowed his musical ability that it proved an impossible and intolerant For over two years, Haines has been situation. He involved the wrath of providing organ accompaniment for the Roxy so much that it spilled over on Beckman Auditorium series entitled Deszo and myself, and I asked for "Tuesday Night at the Silent Movies." 'out.' The cream of the silent movie library has been shown, including "The Gen­ "I well remember his agreeing re­ eral" with Buster Keaton; "The Hunch­ mark to me: 'OK, boy, then back to back of Notre Dame" with Lon the stockyards.' I haven't been in New Mr. Haines watches composer Johnny Green Chaney; "Way Down East" with Lil­ York since. prepare music for an Academy Awards show. lian Gish and Richard Barthelmess and "During my first three weeks of the "The Mark of Zorro" with Douglas Roxy engagement, I stayed at the Mc­ orchestral work and join the studio as Fairbanks, to name a very few. Com­ Alpin Hotel. Then, longing to see a bit an organist. During 10 years at War­ edies, tragedies, dramas, Chauncey of something besides concrete and ner's, Mr. Haines was privileged to Haines plays them all. work with such composers as Dmitri stone, I went to live with some friends "I really started to make this facet Tiomkin, Franz Waxman, Eric Korn­ in the little town of Maplewood, New of my work my main occupation about gold, Heinz Roemheld, Bernard Her­ Jersey. I used three forms of trans­ nine years ago at UCLA's Royce Hall. man, Ernest Gold and Johnny Green. portation to get there, but how lovely One picture led to another, one series the countryside looked, even in late In later years, he played under . the after another, and then the locale March. I took the subway to the ferry, baton of Alfred Newman, David Rose, broadened onto the University of Cali­ then the ferry over to New Jersey to Morton Gould and Walter Scharf. fornia's other campuses - even to connect with a little Toonerville-type In 1967, Chauncey Haines was ap­ Alaska. train, run by the Lackawanna Railroad, pointed organist for the Los Angeles "At the UCLA campus, I have had to get to Maplewood. I will always Dodgers. The Santa Monica Evening several classes in film music history, remember Maplewood as the pleasant Outlook had this to say: "The Dodgers going back to the nickelodeons with part of my New York venture, but proudly announce that they have hired their pianos and drums. There isn't one not the Roxy." Chauncey Haines to soothe the ears of comprehensive textbook on this subject, When sound came in, it really deci­ mated the theatre organists' ranks, and Mr. Haines, one of three surviving members of the B & K organ staff, was reduced to doing solo work. "After serving my final year of my 6-year engagement with B & K," he says, "I humbly folded my tent and Chauncey Haines at slipped into the night. I returned ·home the Wiltern 4 manual to Los Angeles and for three or four Kimball for Los An­ years, prodigiously applied myself to ge I es Organ Club concert in 1964. Mr. the real serious study of real music Haines greatly ap­ with real musicians." proves the efforts of theatre organ enthu­ During the Thirties, he was musical siasts in their efforts director for radio stations KF AC and to keep alive the KMPC, for some of the name radio music of the theatre shows which originated in Los Angeles. organ. He had his own symphonic-jazz or­ chestra for awhile, and was musical director for Sonja Renie's ice show, doing special arrangements of the music. One day, while on assignment at Warner Bros., Max Steiner, the studio's top composer, persuaded him to give up

apri-1, 1971 16 and I'm endeavoring to write one, be­ Today, Chauncey Haines disparages tween my diverse assignments. roundly the "old-style nickelodeon­ type" accompaniment, the so-called "I spend an average of a couple of "chase" music. "That went out years hours a day at the piano, keeping my ago. No one worth his salt has played digits honest, and other time is spent that stuff since 1917." in memorizing and research of un­ familiar music germaine to film ac­ He strives for unfamiliar and orig­ companiment. I make a supreme effort inal music, and insists that the original to keep audiences completely uncon­ must serve a purpose in the silent film. scious of the underscoring, following He must preserve the mood of the film advice of my recent mentors in the and not "kid" the picture. "I don't use industry, Newman, Steiner, Tiomkin, any familiar music, in the first place. etc. That would take the mind off the pic­ ture. We used to employ all that corny "I have just played my 16th showing stuff, though." at Beckman in less than two years. It Before he plays a silent, Haines is a beautiful place, and I feel so enters a two-week seclusion of playing, humbly grateful to be among those coupled with numerous viewings of the VacationPlans Made Yet? chosen to appear here, sandwiched movie. Then, when screening time rolls among the greats - Heifetz, Richter, around, he just sits at the instrument Rose, Stern. I approach the assignment and plays the score - completely Seattle- July10-13 with no small amount of buck fever, extemporaneously. "It's quite a testi­ but somehow, I survive; I call on my mony that people want to see all these maker for moral strength, 'where angels old classics. Young kids treat it as if fear to tread'." they've discovered some new art form." Mr. Haines looks to be a young 50, There have been relatively few rather than a man in his seventies. He theatre organists who have come "full maintains sharpness through handball circle" by playing the silents in their games with director Frank Capra and, heyday, and then playing them during before his death, silent star Harold the current renaissance - Gaylord Lloyd. Carter, Eddie Baker, John Muri, Car­ leton James, Lee Erwin, and, of course, Haines loves to play a Lloyd film. Chauncey Haines. He feels that Lloyd pictures best per­ sonify the golden era, when he pre­ But, considering all his assignments sided at the golden consoles, affection­ - concerts, radio, television and silent ately called "Swedish pies." Lloyd's movie presentations, he likes the silents antics in balancing precariously on a best. It is an art from which gathers high building ledge could be frighten­ more followers with succeeding genera­ ingly funny, and the musical accom­ tions, and he feels as if he is contribut­ paniment could add to the excitement. ing to this form's longevity. Let us show you "Before I tune out this windy blurb," Another early acquaintance is com­ he says, "I wish to be certain to give poser and pianist, Ferde Grofe, best undying and prayerful thanks to one our Native Land - remembered for his "Grand Canyon besides Jesse Crawford, and that is Suite." They are neighbors in Santa Jesse's inspiration and idol, too, the Monica, and the composer gives credit great Oliver Wallace, who later became ALASKA to Haines' father for his compositional musical director for Walt Disney. I We're Alaskans. We know the technique. reiterate Crawford's words, literally, "Great Land" from Ketchikan to Kotzebue. Let us show you our Haines believes the theatre organist when I say that no one ever rivalled State. Exciting memories of Alaska played a key role in assuring that him, or even approached him, as or­ can be yours on ... audiences reacted properly to a silent ganist, technician, showman, or per­ ALASKA AIRLINES film. He says: "The better organists of sonafity. How I miss him! He was a the silent era took a very serious ap­ whole symphony orchestra in one PRE and POST­ proach to the films, but even though small, but dynamic, explosive package. CONVENTION TOURS audiences used to be more cooperative What a guy!" and less blase than today, they still Chauncey Haines. Long may he per­ Departures from Seattle laughed at portions of the film, in­ form for his enthusiastic audiences! D tended to be taken seriously." Sendfor completedetails & colorfulbrochures to: AlaskaAirlines, Inc. The films which Haines liked to play ~--trk***********************~ ConventionDepartment ~ * 809 White-Henry-StuartBldg. best included "The Four Horsemen of i LET OUR ~ Seattle, Washington98101 the Apocalypse," "The Passion of St. ~ * Joan of Arc," "Birth of a Nation" and i ADVERTISERS KNOW ~ ConventionName ______"Tolerances." They had so many reels ~ * Name______and moods that they made a musician i YOU SAW THEIR AD ~ Address,______sound good by letting him exhibit his i IN THEATRE ORGAN ~ City______virtuosity. With some pictures, it was ~ g * State______Zip__ difficult to set a good musical impetus." *--trk*--trk**~*****--trk**--trk*--trk*** 17 theatre organ sicians Local #6 is rigidly enforcing Irwin, Pa .... 3/26 TED SCHLEN­ NUGGETS the new rule which says "organists in KER, Garden in Battle Creek, Mich.; from the any theatre without an orchestra, are HAROLD J. LYON, Legion in Mar­ not permitted to play for anything but shalltown, Iowa; FRANK S. HURST, GOLDEN DA Y'S the picture, or an organ recital or solo." Alcazar's Estey in Bell, Cal.; C. A. Aug. 1926 (M) JESSE CRAWFORD, DANA, Strand's Morton in Hudson permanent feature of the Chicago Falls, N. Y.; RALPH SCOTT, Mil­ Theatre, has recorded "Valencia" and waukee's Iris; OLIVER G. WALLACE, "At Peace with the World." Seattle's Liberty 3-manual Wurli; ED­ Sept. 1926 (J) The Elsinore Theatre WARD CLIFFORD in a large theatre in Salem, Oregon, considered one of in Oakland, Cal.; HARRY REED at the most beautiful houses in the Pacific the Kimball in Everett (Wash.) Northwest, has opened. PERCY BUR­ Theatre; HARRY QUINN MILLS, Los RASTON presides at the super­ Angeles' Loew's State ... 4/ 26 BILLY symphonic 3/15 Wurlitzer, playing for HEATON, Imperial's Morton in the pictures and vaudeville, and giving Greensboro, N. C.; GEORGE DUNK­ daily concerts. The organ is an over­ LEY, Liberty in Kalispell, Mont.; head installation, installed by Manley CHARLES MANK, Jr., at the Wonder Cockroft of Seattle, and is a credit to Kilgen in the Labor Temple Theatre, Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos him and the Wurlitzer Company. Staunton, Ill.; EUGENE H. GORDON, Oct. 1926 (J) CYRIL I. GUTHOERL Arcadia's 2-manual Barton in Cincin­ Jason and I have been chipping and is feature organist at Pittsburgh's nati; FORREST GREGORY, Fay's in panning here and there throughout the Loew's Aldine Theatre. He was form­ Rochester, N. Y.; CARLETON A. countryside and have come up with a erly at the Olympic for nine years. JAMES, Syracuse's Keith's; BOB wide range of nuggets. References were Nov. 1926 (J) Salem, Oregon's new SPENCER, San Francisco's California American Organist (AO), Diapason Bligh Theatre will open soon, and will Theatre . . . 5/26 ALBERT HAY (D), Jacobs (J), Melody (M), and have a Wurlitzer, but without overhead MALOTTE, Regent in London, Eng.; Metronome (Met.) magazines. installation. ARTHUR MARTEL, Boston's Metro­ Nov. 1926 (D) H. C. Wurlitzer, for politan ... 6/26 GEORGE BROCK­ April 1925 (D) The St. Louis many years associated with the Wur­ HORN, Sanford (Fla.) Theatre; HAR­ Theatre, largest in the city, and seating litzer Co. as manager of various stores, OLD RAMSAY, Shea's Buffalo; 4,500, has placed an order for a Kim­ has joined the Ki/gen firm as sales LEONARD LEIGH, St. Paul's Capitol ball 4-manual unit orchestra. Rapp & manager for Florida, in Miami. A. Lib­ . . . 7 / 26 The Stanley Co. in an $80 Rapp are architects for the house which bin has joined the Marr & Colton sales million deal has acquired control of will open in September. staff in Chicago. He has been asso­ the Strand Theatres in New York and Aug. 1925 (AO) JOHNNIE HILL ciated with some of the largest· organ the Fabian Circuit in New Jersey; is at the organ in the Beverly Hills manufacturers. BILLIE SELTZOR, Grand in Hazel­ (Cal.) Theatre. A rainstorm recently Mar. 1928 (D) The Kilgen Co . is ton , Pa .... 9/ 26 HAROLD J. LYON, washed out some pipes, but he accom­ installing organs in the Palace Theatre Legion in Marshalltown , Iowa . . . panies the movies with a 16' tuba in Stamford , Conn.; the Gerrittsen 10/ 26 HENRY FRANCIS PARKS kinura and bird whistle. ' Theatre in Brooklyn ; and the Capitol Chicago's Hollywood 11/ 26 Nov. 1925 (AO) GEORGE LEE Theatre in Rockford , Ill. ERNEST NORDSTROM at the Holly­ HAMRICK opened the Robert Mor­ May 1928 (D) Th e new Kimball wood Wurli in Portland , Ore . . .. 2/ 28 ton in the Riviera Theatre in Detroit. organ in the Capitol Theatr e in Jack­ LARRY JEAN FISHER opens 2/ 9 NINA GRIFFIN is house organist. son , Michigan , was opened April 1 by Kimball in Cleveland 's Moreland . . . Nov. 1925 (Met.) WALTER C. SI­ EDWARD BENEDICT of Chica go. A 3/ 28 MARSH McCURDY , New MON has prepared a collection of half-hour conc ert was follow ed by a York 's Loew's State . . . 4/ 28 WIL­ theatr e organ selections, to be published slide feature "A Trip Throu gh Kim­ LIAM KLAISS , Stanley , and LEON­ by Hamilton S. Gornon of Ne w York. bal/vi/l e." ARD MacCLAIN , Strand in Philly ; Th ere are two volum es, with 12 selec­ FRANK MISMAS , Cleveland's La­ tions in each. Featur ed are agitatos for Jan. 1929 ( D) The Whit e Institute of Organ in New York announces th at Salle ; EDWARD BENEDICT ,, State 's general use and battle scenes; dramatic 3-manual Kimball in Youngstown , agitatos for extreme excitement, tumul­ talking movies have not caused a de­ cline in pupils , and students are en­ Ohio ; W. HENRY BAKER, Feeley 's tu?us scenes, etc.; andantes for ·sadness , in Hazelton , Pa . ... 5/ 28 MILLARD grief and pathos; and mysteriosos for rolling from all sections of the country. Aug. 1930 (D) GEORGE BLAKE F. SPOONER in Philadelphia's Colo­ stealth, mystery scenes and sneaky busi­ nial; WADE HAMILTON, Tulsa's 17, is broadcasting f ram the Whit e In~ ness. Price is 65c per volume. Ritz; HENRY B. MURTAGH , New March 1926 (M) ARNOLD LOV­ stitute of Organ in New York , over WJZ every Sunday morning. He is York 's Capitol .. . 7/ 28 ROBERT K. ERING opened the new 3-manual HALE at the Colonial's Reuter in Robert Morton at the Tacoma Pan­ featured by NBC as "the youngest or­ ganist on the air." Kansas City . . . 8/ 28 TOM TERRY tages. Pipes are under the stage with St. Louis' Ambassador; ERNEST ~hutters directly behind the pit. Console GOLD DU.ST: 1/ 26 MAURICE B. HARES , St. Louis Loew's ... 9/ 29 1s on an elevator. NICHOLSON and CHARLES ALLI­ KENNETH WIDENOR at Rochester's May 1926 (J) Rochester's Eastman SON at Buffalo's Hippodrome; WIL­ Loew's 5/ 24 M&C ... 2/ 20 MARMA­ School of Music announces a summer LIAM KLAISS and LEW WHITE at DUKE EIDE , Majestic in Shamokin, course for the motion picture organist Philadelphia's Stanley . . . 2/26 Pa. under the direction of ROBERT J. HENRY E. LINGLEY at the Califor­ BERENTSEN and HAROLD OSBORN nia Theatre in Salinas; GLENN GOFF , That should do it until June. So SMITH. San Francisco's California Theatre; R. long, sourdoughs! May 1926 (M) San Francisco Mu- WILSON ROSS, Maute's Theatre in LLOYD & JASON

april, 1971 18 It can happen only in theatres that have preserved their pipe organs. Elec­ tronic organs do not quite do the job, Of Mice and Managers for they do not have the fullness of tone and the power. It can happen only in theatres that have the lighting and by John Muri Detroit. He sat with his girl-friend in proper projection equipment. Mana­ the balcony and seemed absolutely cer­ gerial know-how is important, but it is The Sunday of February 20 was a tain that he saw small animals running a scarce commodity. I have found more happy occasion for many of us Detroit across the stage in front of the screen. real ability and show-management en­ organ buffs, for it was our pleasure to But the wanton, senseless destruc­ terprise in the theatre-organ fraternity, attend the program of Lew Betterly at tion ! LeRoy Steinert, a former organ for they have the one indispensable the Royal Oak Theatre 3 / 10 Barton, man and engineer in Chicago and De­ quality in show business: enthusiasm. an instrument that had been silent for troit, pleaded with a representative of Most theatre managers demonstrate years and which was now, after three a large theatre chain in Chicago not to apathy and a cynicism that has its roots years of diligent labor by a group of take seven three- and four-manual in the soil of failure. Since they need workers, brought out of the dust to Wurlitzer organs to the city dump one to sell entertainment every day of the sound richly in a large, clean, and beau­ rainy day in 1948. The organs, in A-1 week, it would seem that the breed tiful theatre. condition, were stored in a warehouse could decide to do a good, decent job We were lucky in the case of the on the South Side during the Depres­ of promotion and selling once in a Royal Oak. In many other places it has sion. A fire that had gutted part of the while. The monotony of their advertis­ not been so fortunate. I remember the building had not come anywhere near ing of sex, horror, racism, and violence theatres I have visited in the past forty the organs. Nevertheless, the insurance is stultifying testimony to their lack of years , theatres from which the organs company insisited upon a non-salvage imagination. One of their mistaken have been long gone , vandalized , stolen, policy, since the office area of the burnt assumptions is that you can dehumanize or naturally disintegrated. The neglect building was written off as a total loss. entertainment, package it, and make of forty years has resulted in a great Consequently , a trucking company was big profits forever after. They have loss of entertainment potential and real paid twenty dollars a Mack-truckload - seen theatre attendance fall from ninety wealth from the bankrolls of theatre­ twenty-five loads in all - to dump, million admissions a week in 1946 to owners. I often wonder at the intelli­ among other things , Wurlitzer organs. eight million in 1962 and have tried to gence level of the whole theatre­ It had been a rainy week, and the make up for it by raising prices - thus operating fraternity when I see how organs went down into a soaking driving away more customers - and by persistently they have cut at their own muck . There wasn't much left that was selling popcorn , sausages, and pickles throats ; only the living dead could per­ worth scavenging after nightfall. I get that smell up their theatres. It's a form such a feat. Look at what they a little satisfaction when I think of what piker's losing game. Theatres today, have done: in the thirties they turned the boys who ordered the wrecking particularly the new ones, are little their theatres over to sound-pictures might be thinking today when they more than cement blockhouses re­ exclusively, putting their fate into the realize what a good Wurlitzer will bring sembling the theatres of 1914 in size hands of Hollywood and New York in the sales market and what they must but constructed in an exactly reverse bankers who could not have cared less think when they see the crowds for economy. In the nineteens, theatres about the future of Podunk Center's silent movies at the Chicago Oriental, were located in vacated retail stores, theatres. Theatres were bled of every the Akron Civic, the Detroit Redford whereas today theatres are built so that cent that the traffic would bear, and the Cedar Rapids Paramount , the In~ they can be turned into stores if they there was nothing the owners could do dianapolis Rivoli, and points east and flop. The current practice of giving less about it, for they had effectively de·­ west. Time and again , the organ-movie and less show ( short films, single f ea­ stroyed their only weapon , an alterna­ shows are sell-outs. tures, and no short subjects) for prices tive form of entertainment. They had up to three or more dollars a seat will driven the entertainers , musicians , and eventually collapse in a shrinking or technicians out into other fields of live­ even a static economy. lihood. In a short time, most of the I was looking at a copy of the De­ theatrical skills had degenerated and troit News for Sunday, March 6, 1928 disappeared , so that even if the theatre­ the other day, and the theatre offerings owners wanted to organize a circuit of were entlcmg. Dozens of theatres entertainers today , they couldn 't do it offered vaudeville. A few advertised without a costly period of training and their organists. There were at least ten apprenticeship. I know plenty of theatre or more legitimate stage shows, and the projectionists and stage-hands who Michigan Theatre was offering a Sun­ have never heard of a Brenograph or day noon concert by a seventy-piece a tormentor. orchestra with Arthur Gutow at the Much theatre equipment was stolen 5/28 Wurlitzer, a stage show with Dave or given away, on the theory that if one Rubinoff, and a movie to follow - for didn't need something right now , one ATOS1971 fifty cents. I know that current theatre would never need it. The front of the economics are very complicated, but I house was often kept clean , but the service areas , backstage , tlie projection NATIONALCONVENTION still think that it's time theatre opera­ booth , and. other out-of-the-way pla~es tors began selling a respectable product were permitted to become filthy. The REGISTEREARLY! and quit sitting like dirty spiders in the other night a friend of mine went to dark, waiting for a free meal to come one of the big theatres still running in along once in a while. □

19 theatre organ Gaylord Carter Convention M.C.

GRANADA ORGAN LOFT CLUB

(SOME HIGHLIGHTS)

El Pre-Convention Dance-Mixer (July 9) ! !

El Billy Nalle Blast-Off!!

El Banquet Supreme with Special Entertainment! !

El Bus Tour to Concert Plus Fabulous Ferry Ride!!

El Public Concert: Carter-Lloyd Extravaganza!!

~~ TENTATIVE SCHEDULE ~~

PRE-CONVENTION POSTCONVENTION FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

NATIONAL PARAMOUNT BUSTOUR FERRYTRIP BOARDMEETING 4/ 20 PUBLIX SEMINAR BREMERTON PARAMOUNT HOMETOURS MORNING WITHPOST MASONICTEMPLE REGISTRATION HORN 2/ 10 WURLITZER CALVARY FOODCIRCUS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 3/ 19 WURLITZER- 3/ 8 WURLITZER CHURCH KIMBALL SALMON AFTERNOONCONTINUED CONTINUEDHALLER LAKE CLUB PARADEOF 3/ 70 BALCOM 3/ 8 WURLITZER BAKE ARTISTS ANDVAUGHN BALCOMAND VAUGHNTOUR QUEENANNE GRANADA'S PARAMOUNT ORGANLOFT EVENING DANCE-MIXER HIGHSCHOOL BANQUET CLUB 4/ 20 PUBLIX CONTINUED 3/ 9 KIMBALL 4/ 31 WURLITZERSILENT MOVIE PARAMOUNT PARAMOUNT MIDNIGHTCONTINUED 4/ 20 PUBLIX 4/ 20 PUBLIX FINAL DETAILS WILL BE MAILED DIRECTLY TO YOU. Puget Sound Chapter Hosts the

National ATOS Convention and Annual Meeting SEATTLE,WASHINGTON JULY 10 - 13, 1971

PARAMOUNT THEATRE

AMONG THE OUTSTANDING ARTISTS TO BE FEATURED

~ GAYLORD CARTER ~ ANDY CROW ~ BYRON MELCHER ~ BILLY NALLE ~ JONAS NORDWALL ~ KORLA PANDIT ~ PAUL QUARINO

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON PUGET SOUND CHAPTER ORGAN

POST CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS (JULY 14th) + HOME INSTALLATION TOURS!! + CLASSICAL ORGAN TOURS! ! + BOAT TRIP AND INDIAN SALMON BAKE!!

PLAN TO SPEND SOME TIME BEFORE AND AFTER CONVENTitN IN OUR BEAUTIFUL NORTHWEST ~. ~ GATEWAY TO THE BEAUTIFUL CANADIAN NORTHWEST AND FANTASTIC ALASKA TheatreOrgan Editors - '' :J.ff' , (Tc,...1!-Jj· lLP/: 6 : ,. , :, ' I 'Commit Matrimony' - -

Stu Green and Peg Nielsen finally tie the knot in California The Newlyweds!

People get married (and divorced) Somewhere along the 10-year collab­ plant, one which until that moment had every day, so we probably shouldn't oration they discovered they had be­ decorated the So. Pasadena Rialto Wur­ devote much space to the subject - and come enamored. Having survived earlier litzer 216's console. He cued her walk we wouldn't if this publication and bouts with the institution of marriage, back to her seat with a majestic wed­ the theatre organ hobby weren't so they both were wary of it ("who wants ding march and a peal of chimes. thoroughly spliced into the union. to live in an institution?"). So - the Next morning at 6:01 all Southern It's perhaps uncommon for a couple long engagement. But finally all reasons California shook, rattled and rolled in a of middleaged THEATRE ORGAN for maintaining two separate establish­ massive earthquake. Greengri-La (as editors to take the drastic step but this ments in single blessedness dissolved. they call their pad in the San Fernando one has been brewing for at least eight "Besides, I needed the tax break" con­ Valley) rolled with the earthwaves as years ( the couple in question were en­ fesses Stu. though mounted atop a giant bucking gaged for three years), so there was bronco (it's only two miles from the some heel dragging somewhere. First to reveal the hitching in public was George Wright. During his Feb­ quake epicenter), and Peg heard Stu But no matter, they finally broke shout above the rumble of grinding down and did it early in 1971. The ruary concert he called Peg to the con­ sole and presented her with a hyacinth stratas and shattering glass, "Gad, what background merits some comment. Stu a way this old planet has of observing Green met Peg Nielsen in Southern our union!" He wasn't so spirited when California in the late '50s when she he learned the shattering glass was his volunteered to do the typing of his supply of booze. POSTHORN magazine. When ATOE took over the publication from the But it's the wedding reception at Bob Southern Calif. Theatre Organ Club Power's Camarillo home which is of (renaming it the BOMBARDE), Stu most interest to organ fans, because and Peg went along with the deal. To­ while the newlyweds were greeting the gether they provided reams of stories, incoming guests there was a continual record reviews, VOX POPS, news and floor show going on in the Power living features for the BOMBARDE and now room where the famous "style 260" for the THEATRE ORGAN magazine, Rodgers is king. All afternoon and until of ten under such aliases as Hal Steiner, early in the evening, organist guests Bert Brouillon, G. Bandini, Effie Klotz provided a musical counterpoint to the and even - ulp! - Elmer Fubb. babble of voices, often silencing the

(above) Wedding guests Verna Owen and Helen Dell were decorative - and Helen made pretty music on the Rodgers '260 Special '. (below left) Bill Thomson provides a 'magic carpet' honeymoon trip with a performance of his 'Bahama Suite', a favorite with Peg and Stu. (center) Byron Melcher recreates great moments from his Replica recording, "The Gorilla in the Garden". "No offense to Stu," he explained. (right) A highlight of the reception was Eddie Dunstedter's Gershwin medley. Stu looks about ready to bawl - but he'll get used to marriage. II J~J_.p • The attorneys for the Estate of the records, piano rolls,' photographs by the late Ben Hall have offered us ( the na­ thousands, books, documents, posters, tional organization) the entire set of and nostalgic you-name-it, we will be Ben's collections for a very reasonable back in touch with you to make some price - if we can act immediately! We plans for a specific Ben Hall Memorial have accepted this offer knowing that project. But, for right now, we need this is absolutely the only way we could that $2.00 per member in a hurry. be sure that this irreplaceable material Please send as much as you can as fast could be kept safe from unknowing as you can to: fragmentation and possible loss. But we Ben Hall Memorial Fund, ATOS have accepted on faith that you will Box 1331 help us immediately raise the necessary Passaic, N. J. 07055 Ann Leaf beamed at the newlyweds. emergency fund of almost $5,000 to cover the "entire contents" purchase Thanks for your help. and the expenses · of packing and remov­ Sincerely, chatter with ear-catching grandeur. Ann ing the material to safe storage. Leaf, Helen Dell, Carol Jones, Byron LEE ERWIN, Chairman Melcher, Bill Thomson were some of Just two dollars per member will get Ben Hall Memorial Fund the artists. And Eddie Dunstedter illus­ us past this immediate crisis! As soon (Editor's note: Since Ben lived in the trated his complete recovery from his as the volunteer crews safely remove New York area, the New York Chapter is recent illness with an electrifying Gersh­ "Little Mother" ( after we cut a fare­ acting on behalf of the national organiza­ win medley. well record on it), the Duo-Art, the tion in removing and storing the mem­ barrel organ, and all the fabulous Hall orabilia. Send your individual contribution Out on the patio Stu was making his collections of organ tapes, organ at once.) O umpteenth trip to the spiked punch­ bowl when it came time to cut the wedding cake. The happy pair posed for photos then served the guests. Little did they know the Power cat had eaten AudioBuffs GetPipe Organ Fever the decorative icing and geegaws from "Yes Sir! Let's do this again - by all instrument based both on his knowledge the cake the night before, nor how hard means!" of the organ itself as a member of the Bob and Alice Power worked into the That was the reaction of over one original restoration crew and on his wee hours to repair the damage. hundred members of the New York knowledge as a professional radio Audio Society after their first recording engineer. session with a theatre pipe organ. Then, on with the music! And Jerry The scene: Rahway, New Jersey. The gave the HiFi buffs a program they instrument: A Wurlitzer 2/7 Style E-X won't forget - music of many varieties in the Rahway Theatre. The artist: to challenge their skills as "recordists." Jerry Mendelson who once studied During the intermission the audio - under the "Poet of the Organ," Jesse fans crowded around the console. Crawford. The occasion: The first joint Others gathered in the theatre's lobby meeting between the New York Theatre to discuss how the "Biggest Little Wur­ Organ Society and the New York litzer" had challenged their equipment Audio Society ( and possibly the first and their recording techniques . such joint meeting ever held by any chapter of ATOS) . Back at the console for the final half of his program , Jerry generated a high Limited to members of both groups level of enthusiasm that later mani­ bearing recording equipment as their fested itself in heavy applause and ticket of admission , the 1,600-seat encores that were terminated by ar­ theatre became a virtual forest of rival of the hour for the theatre's microphone stands before the formal regular matinee. program got under way at 10 a.m. , With Eddie Dunstedter in the distance (left) and Sunday , March 7. In considerably less than 15 minutes, Lee Haggart rubbernecking along the stoprail, So that audio buffs understood the the entire forest of mikes disappeared a much thinner Stu gets ready for his 'chaser' and the recorders (of every size and which emptied the place in five minutes. significance of the instrument they were about to record, immediate past NYTOS description) were carried or wheeled Chairman, Bob Balfour, traced the out of the lobby and onto the street. Finally it was time to break it up so development of the organ from the Time precluded playbacks and , from the newlyweds could get home to their pipes of Pan through to the days of the expressions on the faces of most of "baby" ( we hasten to explain that they Robert Hope-Jones and the era of the the audio buffs, this was uppermost on recently adopted a puppy). So Stu sat great motion picture palaces. He then their minds as they headed home know­ down at the console and played. As described some of the unique acoustics ing that another theatre pipe organ always, the place was empty in five of the Rahway Theatre and offered recording sesison was now a "must" for minutes. ELMER FUBB some tips on recording this particular both groups. ARTHURCox

23 theatre organ damage to theatre organs doesn't take but rewmng the theatre to restore use into account the dozens of church of lighting effects not seen in over 25 organs in the quake area which became years. Their efforts had made the vin­ partially or wholly unplayable during tage neighborhood house come alive that one disastrous minute of terrestial again. But there would be one last palpitation. Of those we could write a chance for the public to see the house volume. and hear the organ in its natural set­ * * * ting. A concert and silent film show, Dick Loderhose reports that about starring Kay McAbee at the M&C, was 100 attended the final (benefit) concert arranged for April 17. After that the Lee Erwin arranged for the late Ben organless house would have to stand Hall's "Little Mother" (215 Wurli) in on its own, minus the group's TLC. As mid-March. Dick couldn't attend but we went to press Rick hadn't located decided to contribute to the worthy a new home for the M&C. cause in his own way. He's planning a * * * concert on April 18, with Ashley Miller at the console of the Loderhose 4/ 44 Readers are encouraged to submit inter­ Wurlitzer installed in Dick's Jamaica esting sidelights on the organ hobby (ex­ clusive of chapter news itf;ms), material Estates, N. Y. home. Donation will be they believe will be of general interest $2.00 and proceeds will go to the Hall about local organ activities and installa­ fund which will help ATOS purchase tions and the people who work at the Hall's collection of tapes, records, hobby. We know "there's VOX POPS in piano rolls, documents, posters, barrel them there chapters" and it only requires organ, and "Little Mother" too. Chair­ a 5c postcard to get it to VOX POPS man Erwin has pledged $5,000 for the Editor, Box 5013 Bendix Station, North Hollywood, Calif. 91605. entire collection and is depending on ATOS members to help reimburse The recent California earthquake did money borrowed to meet the late March some severe damage to an instrument deadline. Members may send contribu­ in a home located between the levelled tions ($2.00 per member should swing EVICTED! Rick's Marr & Colton got orders to move. Veteran's Administration Hospital wing it) to Ben Hall Memorial Fund, ATOS, and badly damaged Olive View Sani­ Box 1331 , Passaic, New Jersey 07055. Theatre organ music has been given tarium in the ravaged town of Sylmar * * * a meaningful boost in Jackson, Missis­ - practically astride the quake epi­ After more than a decade of stagings sippi, thanks to the efforts of organist center. The sprawled pipes and col­ at Ho berg's in Northern California Dolton McAlpin who talked FM radio lapsed chests of John Spradley's 3/ 8 (where it was born), the West Coast station WJMI into including some Morton were spectacular enough to be Annual Horne Organ Festival moves organ sides on their 7: 00 to 11 : 00 p.m. the subject of a nationally syndicated this year to a more central location on mood music program. Dolton started news story originated by the LA Times. California's coast. With the last of the the ball bouncing with a few tapes of John has had the organ since 1958 but Hobergs gone and the future of the what he calls "tender stuff" that he only recently located the home with woodland resort undecided, Festival recorded on Jeff .Seale's Morton organ the 3-car garage he needed to set it Chairman Tiny James decided to move in Laurel. The response was immediate up properly. It had been playing only to a rustic garden spot where he had and gratifying. "Makes one feel good a few weeks when the tremblor reduced seen successful conventions held - inside to know that a few folks around it to a mass of twisted parts. "Looks Asilomar Park at Pacific Grove ( not to still dig the theatre organ," sals Dolton. like a giant hand had squashed it," be confused with Sylmar, epicenter of * * * says Spradley, "but we're lucky to be the recent quake), not far from Mon­ Mary Leedom submits a newspaper alive. I'll never forget the sound of our terey. Exhibitors are enthusiastic about clipping heralding the discovery in ,piano thrashing around the living the superior show room arrangement, North Africa of a mosaic showing an room." John plans to start over again, and most of the big name brand spon­ organ circa JOO A.D. It pictured the salvaging what he can. sors have already made commitments. same old water-regulated Hydraulus Just below Van Norman dam, about Accommodation costs are comparable developed by Ctesibius in Alexandria three miles from the epicenter, Dick with Hoberg's. Dates are September 26 some 400 years earlier. Which brings Roelofs reported that his five-rank resi­ through 30, a fine time and place for us to a realization of the great strides dence organ had thrown a few pipes an organ-oriented vacation. Write now made in the development of the instru­ from their racks but they weren't dam­ for an explanatory folder and registra­ ment during the past century. During aged. A mile further west lies the Stu tion blank: Home Organ Festival, Box the many centuries of Roman rule, the Greens' pad. The quake hit with suffi­ 248, Alameda, Calif. 94501. organ remained a crude and unrefined cient force to throw the 8' C Tibia * * * "water organ." During the past hundred pipe from its rack and dislodge two Richard Shindell took the bad news years it has undergone more changes, large Diapason pipes from their offset stoically; he would have to move his improvements and refinements - even chest. No serious damage. But Ben 3/ 11 Marr & Colton out of the Toledo some regression - than in the previous Brown's organ, a good 25 miles from (Ohio) State Theatre, the only home it 2000 years. the epicenter, had two reed pipes snap has known since 1927, before summer. * * * off at the junction of the boot and The 2000-seat house's management John Hammond, remembered for his resonator. Also a String pipe. Bob Car­ wants it out. Rick thought of all the long engagement at the Saenger Theatre son (3/26 Wurli), about the same dis­ hours he, Martin Thal, Dr. Bob Teska, in New Orleans, now lives in Bogalusa, tance, reports a couple of dislodged Ron Rattner and Rowland Hattnick Louisiana, and keeps his hand in by pipes. However, the cross section of had put in restoring not only the organ playing in a local church.

april, 1971 24 The theatre organ gained some im­ artists wi-ll play especially arranged orites, expertly played on the 4/22 portant recognition by the non-hobby duets on their instruments. Wurlitzer, were the highlights. Mr. press during February, the most widely Muri reports that his concert bookings * * * are keeping him hopping, and follow­ circulated being the "Nostalgia" (Feb. Remember the days when church ing his Rochester appearance he was to 19) issue of LIFE with its salute to organists literally looked down their do five concerts in three days on the cinema palaces prepared by poor Ben noses at the theatre organist? Those Hall before his death. Two more TO­ Indianapolis 3/ 14 Uniphone organ in days are becoming a memory. For the Rivoli Theatre. oriented articles appeared in the Feb. example, on January 25 in Rochester's issue of MUSIC JOURNAL, one cov­ Auditorium Theatre, the local AGO * * * ering the rebirth of interest in the chapter, at its monthly meeting, was A little-known sideline of silent film instrument ("Theatre Organ Phoenix" treated to a seminar on "How to Play era Hollywood organists was playing by Aubrey Haines) and a reprint of the the Theatre Organ" by ex-dean David mood music on studio sets during film­ story about an organ in a bicycle shop Cordy. After explaining the differences ing to help the actors emote. Called we ran last year. Both articles were in the two instruments by using the "sideline musicians," their music, usu­ written with assists from this magazine's 4/ 22 Wurlitzer, the members were ally played on portable reed organs, staffers. urged to noodle, which resulted in the helped make the glycerin roll during * * * high point of the evening. A minister scenes requiring tears. Sometimes the The passing of silent film comedian played a few bars of the inevitable budget allowed the addition of a violin, fiute and cello, but usually the music Harold Lloyd is a loss to the TO hobby Bach, then switched on the tremulants came from a foot-powered reed organ. as well as to the film-making com­ and did a riotously funny arrangemerit munity where he lived a scandal-free of "Never On Sunday," complete with Such a "sideliner" was Jeff Gledhill, ]if e studded with good works in the xylophone and glock. "Reverend who?", who supplemented his earnings as a theatre organist by "tear jerking" for area. He was especially generous in questioned one wag. All had a fine time. such Universal Studio stars as Marion making prints of his classic comedies * * * Davies, Carol Lombard, Laura La­ available for ATOS showing ( e.g. the The new television show "The Smith Plante and Mary Philbin, starting in 1968 ATOS Convention in L.A.). He Family" which debuted in January, will 1919 when he was 19. Fifty-one years attended many such showings and Dick bring fond memories to those who re­ later Jeff was back in the saddle accom­ Simonton sometimes could entice him member a radio program of the same panying silent film revivals, this time to say a few words to the audience. The title, which originated over WENR, on an electronic, at the Hollywood loss is most acute to a generation which Chicago in the late twenties. Playing Encore Theatre. recalls the first time around for such mother and father Smith were James memorable silent comedy-thrillers as * * * and Marian Jordan, later to be famous "Grandma's Boy," "Safety Last," "Sailor Old prospector Klos has determined as "Fibber McGee and Molly." Playing Made Man," "The Freshman" and the whereabouts of two notable theatre the young daughter, Betty, and supply­ "Never Weaken." Lloyd was enthusias­ organists of the Twenties. George Ep­ ing the organ music background, was tic about the scoring provided by Gay­ stein, who once played the Roxy Kim­ WENR artist, Irma Glen. A feature lord Carter for the Lloyd comedies. He ball, has been retired for 11 years and story on Miss Glen will appear shortly was always an organ fan, even to hav­ lives in Brooklyn. Ted Meyn, who was in Theatre Organ. ing a player pipe organ in his lavish featured in such theatres as Jersey home. * * * City's Loew's Jersey, Kansas City's * * * The future of the 4/90 Austin organ Midland, and Cleveland's State, retired seven years ago and lives in Asbury "Project 3 Records" has not only in Rochester's Eastman Theatre is most Park, New Jersey. Both will be subjects contracted to release the material re­ precarious. The theatre, part of the of biographies to appear in Theatre corded by Billy Nalle during his stint heavily endowed University of Roches­ Organ. at the Long Island University Wurlitzer ter, has received a $1 .7 million grant * * * for the 1970 ATOS convention, but the from the Eastman Kodak Co. for a The story about the Larkin Building's firm's prexy, Enoch Light, is so enthu­ complete refurbishing, the first major Moller in the October issue of Theatre siastic he intends to give the album, renovation since the theatre was opened Organ, brought fond memories to entitled "Big, Bold & Billy," a world­ in 1922. Though officials are very coy ATOS member, John W. Roblin of wide distribution of a magnitude never to inquiries, one cryptically answered Pittsford, N. Y. John lived in the Buf­ before afforded a theatre organ disc. It as to the organ's fate: "Out in the falo area in the early '30s and remem­ is reported that Light figuratively fiip­ street!" In 1923, the theatre was host bers Harry Springer's hour program ped on hearing the tapes which are to the National Association of Organ­ played on the Moller each Sunday recorded in "quadrisonic" (four chan­ ists, the story to be run in a future issue afternoon over WEBR. Primarily clas­ nel) stereo. Standard 2-channel versions of Theatre Organ. In 1964, the Austin sics were played, which didn't seem to will also be released. was used for a session of the ATOS convention. excite theatre organ fans. * * * * * * * * * Billy Nalle's reputation as an inno­ About 1300 members and guests Much favorable comment on the vator won't be harmed by an April 30 turned out at Rochester's Auditorium Roxy feature in the October issue. To concert planned for Denver's Phipps Theatre on February 11 for John Muri's correct a small error, Clealan Blakely Auditorium by the Denver Chapter of show, featuring solos, slides and movie informs us that the pictures were taken the AGO. According to the news re­ shorts. Entitled "All Aboard," the by him in the spring of 1929, not 1927 lease, it will be the first time a classical RTOS presentation had railroads as the as mentioned. Clealan remembers the pipe organ and a theatre organ have theme, and the music savored the Roxy's Second Anniversary Show, "and been presented in concert. With Charles sounds of the high iron. A French loco­ it was fabulous." He brings to light an­ Eve at the classic pipes and Nalle at motive movie, "Pacific 231," a short­ other feature in the "Cathedral of the the theatre instrument, after classical ened version of Buster Keaton's "The Motion Picture," which somehow has and pop concerts, respectively, the two General," plus six Jesse Crawford fav- been overlooked in past references.

25 theat -re organ "One of the devices which must have The current crop of TV "late show" contributed enormously to the smooth vintage movies sometimes makes wait­ operation of this great theatre, was a ing through those dreary "talk shows" pilot light annunciator in one of the worthwhile. We caught a sequence in WanamakerOrgan balcony corridors. "Friendly Persuasion" which depicted a circa 1863 reed organ salesroom - a "Every balcony seat had its little tent at a county fair. The salesman's pilot on this board, and it was a fas­ pitch went something like this: "It has BornOnWest Coast cinating experience to watch these 48 reeds plus a Tuba Meera-bellows, winking on and off, as patrons were and the Vox Humana sobs like a lady." seated, or left their seats. One of the The brand name given was "Payson & Edward Crome, Los Angeles organ ushers would check this, and with a Kline" (our spelling). The research ap­ builder and maintenance man, has a system of unobtrusive signals, indicate pears somewhat faulty. While some reed pleasant reminder hanging on his shop the current seating situation to other organs used the term "Vox Humana" wall of the truly "colossal" instrument ushers down in the rotunda. This was for tremolo (an air-powered fan on free now installed in the Philadelphia Wana­ the origin of their famous line, 'For the reed organs), the entertainment pipe maker Store. His father, Ed Crome, best remaining seats, take the Grand version hadn't yet made its appearance. Sr. , was awarded a Silver Medal for his Staircase to your left.' And another 3 5 years or more would contribution to the excellence of the organ built by the Los Angeles Art "Their control of the fantastic crowds pass before Robert Hope-Jones would voice his first Tuba Mirabilis (if that's Organ Company for a pavilion at the which thronged the Roxy during this St. Louis World Fair 1904. Crome Sr. period, was certainly most effective. what was meant). Or were Payson & Kline far ahead of their time? was the factory superintendent. After The balcony seats were the ones I con­ the Fair closed the organ was dis­ sidered the best, since one could not * * * mantled and moved to Philadelphia only see and hear the show well, but Something which has long been where it became the nucleus for the could also absorb the feel and atmos­ needed for the full enjoyment of the Wanamaker store organ. It 's been phere of this fabulous theatre. Believe theatre organ hobby is a complete biog­ growing ever since. Ed exhibits the me, it was really something!" raphy of Jesse Craw/ ord. Well, a pro­ glass case which contains his father's fessor of sociology in Ball State Univer­ * * * blue ribbon and certificate , reminders sity, Muncie, Indiana, is endeavoring to of a more opulent organ era, with more An issue of the Erie Press in Sep­ earn his doctorate via compilation of a tember featured a story of ATOS mem­ than a little pride. It's his linkage to book on the poet. Prospector Klos, after one of the world's largest pipe organs. ber Robert J. Luckey's removal of the searching his files, has referred Dr. John organ from the Shea 's Theatre in Erie W. Landon, also an ATOS member, to □ into Gannon College's South Hall. Lee Haggart, Clea/an Blakely, Dick Luckey, who as a kid became interested Simonton, and Dick Loderhose in an in theatre organs when he saw Don attempt to fill in the little-known parts the Wurlitzer. Shock came later. It Baker playing for an old movie, has of the organist's career. wasn't learned what had happened to spent over $3,000 on parts for the in­ poor Ben until three days later. strument, and hopes to set up the 49- * * * year-old organ in a public place for It isn't often that an organist refuses At the annual meeting the officers concerts. to recommend the purchase of his own for 1971 were announced: Gale E. latest recording. So it is news when Smith, president; Ben A. Harris, vice * * * Hollywood organist Johnny Duffy has president; Arthur Haman, secretary; Last October, the 1750-seat Seneca only brickbats for his collection of con­ George E. Codd , treasurer; Donald S. Theatre in Buffalo, N. Y. succumbed temporary tunes ("Aquarius," "Hey Hall, program chairman; and Tom to the wreckers' axes. This Rapp & Jude," etc.) released under the album Lockwood, librarian. Family member­ Rapp-designed house was built in 1929 title "Giants." It was played on a better ship now totals 635, and increase of 66 and featured a 3/ 15 special Wurlitzer grade electronic, and as always, Johnny over 1969. which is now owned by Niagara Fron­ put his all into the arrangements and * * * tier . Chapter vice-chairman Wallace the performance. But something hap­ Just when the Rochester Theatre Cole. Two theatres in Niagara Falls, pened between the taping and the press­ Organ Society believed its case vs. once having Wurlitzers, are closed. ing to make the music sound "as though organist Jack Ward was settled by the They are the Strand and Cataract. The it had been pushed through a keyhole N. Y. State Supreme Court decision axes are near. - compressed, distorted." Johnny tried in RTOS' favor, notice of appeal was * * * to get the record company to withhold filed in the Appellate Court. Recall Jack "Giants" release, but got nowhere. suffered a fall from the club's elevated Luella Wickham, now in her 70s Needless to say he isn't recording for console awhile back. and holding her own as an organist­ that label anymore. teacher in Syracuse, N. Y., remembers * * * very well the "freckle-faced adolescent * * * California organist, Chauncey Haines, who always sat in the front row, close December 14, 1970 will long be in telling his life story to Old Prospec­ to the 2/ 6 Marr & Colton console in remembered in the annals of the tor Klos, is emphatic in his praise of the silent movie days" in Syracuse, at­ Rochester Theatre Organ Society as two organists, "My D"ear Jesse" (Craw­ tentively watching Luella's every move. "The Evening of the Great Disappoint­ ford) with whom he studied and One day the Rivoli Theatre manager, ment." The group, which wanted to worked, and "The Great Oliver Wal­ Maury Fitzer, said to the boy, "You run something different for the Decem­ lace." (See the Chauncey Haines biog­ enjoyed the movie, kid?" To which he ber program, had signed Ben Hall for raphy in this issue.) Incidentally, Haines answered, "What movie - I came to a showing of his show "From Movie was one of the three organists at the hear the organ music." The "kid" is Palaces to Popcorn Parlours." Don triple-console Roxy Kimball opening now TO's editor emeritus, Stu Green. Scott, local organist, filled the void on night, March 11, 1927.

april, 1971 26 Rosa Rio In Cincinnati

by John J. Strader

December 25, 1970, saw the arrival of Rosa Rio in the Queen City of Cin­ cinnati, just as the old gentleman with the white beard was setting a course for his return to the North Pole. It was a somewhat chilly day, as Rosa and husband Bill Yeoman checked in at their living quarters in Hamilton, Ohio. The first order of business was to seek out old friends, Stan and Vir­ ginia Todd (owners of the much-talked­ of SHADY-NOOK STEAK HOUSE in Hamilton) and to limber up a bit Elegant console of Stan Todd's 4 m, now 30 rank Wurlitzer, located at the Shady , Nook Steak House, at the console of Stan's 4/ 30 ( and Hamilton, Ohio. The decor of this console is reminiscent of the late San Francisco Fox Theatre. growing) mighty Wurlitzer. Although Photo: courtesy White Press the large sign at the entrance to the Theatre magnate Fred Baum, owner few new selections. Bill and Rosa did a Steak House clearly reads, "Stan Todd of the ALPHA CINE Theatre plus a segment featuring well-known themes at the Organ," one would have to admit number of other neighborhood houses, from the good old days of radio broad­ that Rosa Rio appeared to be rooted presented Rosa playing the score to the casting - recalling such favorites as, to the Howard seat-much to the utter 1925 GOLD RU.SH comedy, starring "The Shadow," "Lorenzo Jones," "When delight of everyone within hearing dis­ Charlie Chaplin. The house boasts a A Girl Marries" and many others that tance, during her seven-day visit to the Gulbransen courtesy of the Barnett Or­ were household words back in that Greater Cincinnati area. gan & Piano Company, with sufficient "golden era." Rosa cued Charlie Chap­ tonal equipment to undulate each and lin right through the "GOLD RUSH," every one of the theatre 's 500 or so to the delight of the crowd, musically seats. Thus , Sunday , December 27 , supporting those moments of peril or found Rosa at her best , in shimmering romance , as the situation on the screen gold , prepared to give her all for the indicated. cause. The faithful , the devoted and the With the performance over and the curious arrived at the box office and audience departed-theatre owner Fred by the time the appointed hour of 2: 30 Baum , the Yeomans and the Straders p.m. had arrived , it was apparent that all headed back to Hamilton , Ohio and a goodl y representation of the Ohio Stan Todd's mighty Wurlitzer. Upon Valley Ch apter ATOS was present. the heels of a sumptuous steak dinner , Rosa managed to ascend the Howard This writer had been asked by theatre seat once more , topping off a delightful management to introduce the program , evening with thirty ranks of real, live in anticipation of which , endless hours Wurlitzer, as only a pro like Rosa is of rese arch and copious notes had been capable of doing. All in the same breath extracted from "The Story of Rosa - three cheers are in order by way of Rio" by Lloyd E . Klos which appeared congratulating Dave Junchen of Jun­ in the February 1970 issue of THE­ chen Pipe Organ Service for the excel­ ATRE ORGAN. (Thanks, Lloyd , I'd lent job he has done (and is doing) on have been lost without it!) Stan's installation at Shady-Nook Steak When the moment of truth arrived, House. it became apparent that everything I Hardly had Stan 's Howard seat had had so carefully prepared to say in my a chance to cool from all the activity­ introduction of Rosa , had either been when Cincinnati 's own Lee Erwin came published in the newspapers prior to through town on his way back to Man­ the program, or handed to the audience hattan from an engagement at the in printed form as they entered the RIVOLI Theatre in Indianapolis , In­ theatre . So, with little left to say, other diana. Thus , under the Strader banner Stan Todd and Rosa Rio at the Shady Nook than "here she is," Rosa came on in a once again, Lee took .Stan Todd and a Steak House Wurlitzer. blaze of glory, entertaining her atten­ steak house-full of delighted customers

Photo by White Press tive audience with old favorites plus a by surprise: but that's another story. D

27 theatre organ Senate Theater, PARAMOUNT HAWAII Michigan Ave. at Livernois Iceland Amphitheatre, 4/ 34 Wurlitzer owned by Detroit 8041 Jackson Theater Organ Club. Monthly 3/19 Wurlitzer played regularly. HONOLULU concerts. (By membership Waikiki Theatre, Kalakava Ave. only). REDWOOD CITY 4/ 16 Morton played Friday and Captain's Galley #2, Saturday nights. FLINT 821 Winslow St. 4/19 Wurlitzer played nightly Capitol Theatre except Monday. ILLINOIS 3/11 Barton played Saturday & Sunday nites. Also for Wed­ nesday matinees twice a month RESEDA CHICAGO by Flint Capitol Theatre Or­ Pipes 'N Pizza, 7500 Reseda Blvd. Aragon Ballroom, gan Club members. 2/10 Wurlitzer played Tuesday 1106 W. Lawrence thru Sunday. 3/ 10 Wurlitzer played occasionally. GROSSE POINTE FARMS SACRAMENTO Chicago Stadium, Punch & Judy Theatre, Carl Greer Inn, 1800 W. Madison St. Kercheval at Fisher Rd. 2600 Auburn Blvd. 6/ 62 Barton played for sporting 2/ 5 Wurlitzer played by ATOS events and other occasions. Motor City Chapter members 4/16 Morton played evenings. Friday evenings (Sept. thru Montclare Theatre, May). Also for specia l con­ This feature is an up-to-date list­ SAN DIEGO 7133 W. Grand certs. ing of theatre pipe organs playing Fox Theatre, 720 B Street 3/ 10 Barton used by Chicago chapter ATOS for concerts. on a regular basis in the United 4/31 Robert Morton played reg­ LANSING ularly and for ATOS concerts. Oriental Theatre, States. Playing times and artists 20 W. Randolph St. Michigan Theatre are subject to change and it is SAN FRANCISCO 4/ 20 Wurlitzer used by Chicago 3/ 10 Barton played Sunday suggested that each facility. be Chapter ATOS for concerts. A venue Theatre, nights. contacted for precise information. 2650 San Bruno Ave. Patio Theatre, 6008 W. Irving Pk. Additions, corrections or deletions 3/ 14 Wurlitzer played on Friday 3/ 17 Barton used by Chicago ROYAL OAK Chapter ATOS for concerts . should be reported to Lloyd Klos, evenings for concerts and silent Royal Oak Theatre, 104 Long Acre Road, Rochester, movies . WGN Studios, 2501 Bradley Place W. 4th at Washington N. Y. 14621. Cinema 21, 2141 Chestnut St. 3/ 10 Wurli-Kimball played on 3/ 10 Barton played by ATOS 2/ 6 Morton, played occasionally. "Pipe Dreams" each Sunday . M otor City Chapter members. CALIFORNIA Lost Weekend, 1940 Taraval CRYSTAL LAKE Also for special concerts. 2/ JO Wurlitzer played Martinetti's Restaurant, Wednesday thru Sunday. 6305 Northwest Highway MINNESOTA BURLINGAME (U.S. 14) Encore Theatre, Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St. 2/ 8. Wicks w/ percus sio ns, played 1157 California St. 4/ 21 Morton. Theatre frequently nightly. MINNEAPOLIS 2/ 11 Wurlitzer played by Bill closed due to subway con­ Diamond Jim's Taylor for Sunday nite inter­ struction. ELMHURST missions. 2/7 Wurlitzer played nightly. SAN LORENZO Elmhurst Skating Club, (By membership only) COURTLAND Roosevelt Rd. at Route 83 Ye Olde Pizza Joynt, 4/ 24 Hybrid, mostly Geneva. River Mansion , 19518 Hesperian Rd. MOORHEAD Steamboat Slough Played Saturday & Sunday af­ 3/ 13 Wurlitzer, played ternoons, and nights except Bud's Roller Rink, 3/11 Robert Morton played Wednesday thru Sunday. Monday & Wednesday. 2120 First Ave. N. regularly. 3/7 Johnson-Barton played Satur­ SANTA CLARA NORRIDGE day and Sunday evenings. EL SEGUNDO Captain's Galley #1, Hub Roller Rink, Old Town Music Hall, 3581 Homestead Rd. 4510 Harlem Ave. 146 Richmond 3/12 Wurlitzer played nightly 3/ JO Wurlitzer, played daily. MISSOURI 4/20 Wurlitzer played regularly . except Monday . PARK RIDGE KANSAS CITY FRESNO SANTA ROSA Pickwick Theatre, Warner Theatre, California Theatre, 431 B Street 5 South Prospect Russell Stover Auditorium Fulton at Toulumne 2/7 Wurlitzer played occasionally 3/10 Wurlitzer played for 4/16 Robert Morton played by theatre mgr. Chicago Chapter ATOS affairs. ST. LOUIS weekends Fox Theatre, Wilson Theatre , 1455 Fulton VALLEJO N. Grand Ave. at Washington 2/11 Wurlitzer played weekends. Rudy's Supper Club, INDIANA 4/36 Wurlitzer played daily. 2565 Springs Rd. GARDENA 2/ 6 Wurlitzer played nightly EAST CHICAGO Roosevelt Memorial Park, except Monday. Indiana Theatre, 3458 Michigan NEW JERSEY 18255 S. Vermont 3/ 11 Wurlitzer played for special 4/17 Wurlitzer played regularly. COLORADO events. ASBURY PARK GLENDALE FORT WAYNE Convention Hall ALAMOSA 3/7 Kimball played on special Whitney Recording Studio Embassy Theatre, Rialto Theatre cccasions. 4/34 Wurli-Morton played occa­ 121 W. Jefferson St. sionally for ATOS concerts etc . 2/7 Wurlitzer played every 4/ 15 Page played between week­ ATLANTIC CITY evening. end shows, September thru May. Convention Hall, near Boardwalk HAYWARD DENVER 7/45 Midmer-Losh, played on Pizza Joynt special occasions . 3/13 Wurlitzer Paramount Theatre, 519 16th St. INDIANAPOLIS 4/ 20 Twin-console Wurlitzer New Rivoli Theatre, Convention Hall Ballroom played every Sunday evening. 3155 E. Tenth 4/ 42 Kimball played on special LONG BEACH occasions. 3/ 14 Uniphone played between Koons Motorcycle Shop, shows. 1350 E. Anaheim St. FLORIDA EATONTOWN 2/18 Wurlitzer played Saturday WHITING Mahns Brothers Bicycle Shop evenings. DUNEDIN Hoosier Theatre, 2/8 Morton played on occasion. LOS ALTOS Kirk Theatre, 2686 U.S. Alt. 19 1335 119th Street 3/1 9 Wurlitzer played by leading MONTAGUE Melody Inn, 233 Third Avenue 3/11 Wurlitzer played for special artists during concert season. events. Montague Roller Rink 4/2 0 Wurlitzer played every Information obtained by writ­ evening . ing "Kirk Organ Series" at 2/8 Morton played daily . above address. LOS ANGELES MICHIGAN OCEAN GROVE Elks Lodge, 607 S. Park view Ave. Ocean Grove Auditorium 4/61 Robert Morton, played reg- GEORGIA DETROIT 4/ 12 Hope-Jones Wurlitzer ularly for ATOS affairs . Redford Theatre, Lahser Rd. at played on special occasions . Tubes Inc. Warehouse Grand River Ave. (U.S. 16) 2/15 Wurlitzer played often. ATLANTA 3/ 10 Barton played by ATOS PITMAN Wiltern Theatre, Fox Theatre, Motor City Chapter members Broadway Theatre 3790 Wilshire Blvd. 660 Peachtree St. N.E. Friday evenings (Sept. thru 3/8 Kimball played by several 4/37 Kimball played for monthly 4/42 Moller played Friday and May). Also for special con­ organists on rotating schedule ATOS & public concerts. Saturday nites and Sundays. certs. Sundays.

april, 1971 28 RAHWAY Rahway Theatre OKLAHOMA 2/7 Wurlitzer used by New York Chapter ATOS for concerts. MIAMI Coleman Theatre SURF CITY 3/7 Wurlitzer played on irregu­ ARTISTS • • lar schedule, Sundays and We­ ' ' Surf City Hotel, Long Beach Island off Route 72 nesdays. 3/15 Wurlitzer played nightly, TULSA :Jr'Ifhe Bujinejj Card _A-Jj May thru September. Christian Crusade Auditorium, 2808 S. Sheridan Road TRENTON 3/ 10 Morton (w / traps), played Lincoln Theatre for Sunday morning and eve­ :lor!ln/ormalion Wrue: 3/15 Moller played on irregular ning services. schedule. D·ICK SCHRUM, Advertising Manager OREGON NEW YORK BOX 7422 BITTERLAKE STATION COOS BAY SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98133 BINGHAMTON Egyptian Theatre 4/ 12 Wurlitzer played on Roberson Center for the Arts & Saturday evenings . Sciences, JO Front St. 3/17 Link played by leading OAKS PARK artists monthly. Oaks Park Roller Rink 4/ 17 Wurlitzer played daily. NEW YORK CITY Beacon Theatre, PENNSYLVANIA Broadway at 74th St. JOHN MURI 4/19 Wurlitzer used by ATOS HERSHEY N.Y. Chapter for concerts. Hershey Community Theatre, Radio City Music Hall, off Chocolate A venue Theatre Organ Concerts Rockefeller Center 4/ 80 AEolian-Sk.inner played for special occasions. 4/ 58 Wurlitzer played for every show, every day. LANSDOWNE 1735 BOSTON BOULEVARD NORTH TONAWANDA Lansdowne Theatre, Lansdowne Ave. Riviera Theatre, 67 Webster St. 3/ 8 Kimball played Friday , DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48206 3/11 Wurlitzer (being enlarged) Saturday and Sunday nites . played Saturdays & Sundays. Also used by Niagara Frontier PHILADELPHIA (313) 868-3322 Chapter ATOS for monthly John Wanamaker Co., concerts. 13th and Market Sts. 6/ 400 organ played each noon PLATTSBURGH and for opening and closing of Strand Theatre store. 3/25 Wurlitzer played often for UPPER DARBY stage shows or concerts with Tower Theatre, leading organists performing. 69th and Market Sts. 3/ 17 Wurlitzer played on ROCHESTER weekends. Auditorium Theatre, DON THOMPSON 875 Main St. E. TENNESSEE 4/ 22 Wurlitzer played by leading Europe's leading Concert Organist artists in monthly concerts, KNOXVILLE September thru May. Info. from RTOS Box 53, Fishers, Tennessee Theatre, 604 Gay St. rapidly becoming America's busiest New York 14453. 3/ 14 Wurlitzer played on weekends. entertainer at the Theatre Organ ROME MEMPHIS Capitol Theatre Mako Theatre 3/7 Moller played Friday and 3/13 Wurlitzer played Sundays. Saturday. 933½ N. Ardmore Ave. SYRACUSE UTAH Hollywood, Cal. 90029 (213) 660-4232 Empire State Theatre & Musical Instrument Museum, Harriet SALT LAKE CITY May Mills Bldg., State Fair The Organ Loft, Grounds 3331 Edison Street 3/ 11 Wurlitzer played during 5/ 42 Wurli-Morton played for Fair Week, late August. Also Saturday night parties, dances, used in monthly concerts. concerts, etc. OHIO VIRGINIA MARTHA AKRON ALEXANDRIA Civic Theatre Alexandria Arena Martha Lake - Concert Artist 3/13 Wurlitzer played for special 4/ 34 Wurlitzer played daily shows. for skating. Extraordinaire CANTON Virginia Theatre, Geo. Washing­ ton Memorial, Parkway at Palace Theatre First Street Available Anytime for Anything ( A !most) 3/ 9 Kilgen played most 3/ 10 Barton played nightly. weekends. RICHMOND Reasonable Prices CINCINNATI Byrd Theatre, Cary Street Shady Nook Restaurant, 4/17 Wurlitzer played between State Route #27, shows , nightly except Sunday . between Milville & Oxford Loew's Theatre, 1600 OLIVE WAY E., SEATTLE, WASH. 98101 4/ 25 Wurlitzer played nightly 6th and Grace Streets except Monday. 3/ 13 Wurlitzer played every (206) 322-6000 Friday and Saturday nite. COLUMBUS Mosque Auditorium Ohio Theatre 3/ 17 Wurlitzer played frequently 4/ 20 Morton played occasionally every month. Seattle Center Food Circus for Columbus Assn. for Per­ SEATTLE 3/ 8 Wurlitzer played daily, May forming Arts. ROANOKE Granada Organ Loft, thru October. American Theatre LORAIN 3/ 11 Wurlitzer played every 5011 California Ave. S.W. Palace Theatre Sunday morning . 4/ 31 Wurlitzer played several WISCONSIN 3/10 Wurlitzer played on special times monthly for silent occasions . WASHINGTON pictures. MILWAUKEE OLMSTEAD FALLS Lamplighter's Inn, FEDERAL WAY Center Theatre, Ridge Skating Rink, Wisconsin Ave. at 2nd St. 7068 Columbia Rd. Big Bob's Pizza, 620 N. 85th St. 3/18 Kimball played Wednesday, 31406 Pacific Hwy. S. 3/ 28 Kimball played on Friday Friday and Saturday nites. 2/ 5 Morton played nightly. 2/7 Wurlitzer played nightly. and Saturday nites.

29 theatre organ not unpleasant sound although quite recording of organ music we've experi­ different from what one usually expects enced in a long time. from a theatre organ. Missing, or de­ Jim Benzmiller is a young man who emphasized, is a dominant Tibia sound. must be gifted with great physical stam­ But if these tend to limit Gaylord's ina, judging from the way he tackles­ activities, it isn't apparent. He has a rather, attacks especially the fast tunes fine romp through a program selected (12th Street Rag, It's Today, Ain't She to avoid the overdone while exploiting Sweet). Jim has speed, accuracy, imagi­ his great skills as a true theatre organ­ nation and a sharp feeling for offbeat ist. He opens by rushing through his harmony. He seems to have a prefer­ theme Perfect Song as though raring to ence for the big sound of full combina­ get at Hoop-de-Do and Just One of tions, but he has moments of quiet re­ Those Things which follow. A moody flection during Autumn Leaves (lush and introspective original, Nocturne, Stopped Flute and Vox) and Rockin' provides some insight into the Carter Chair. But between these softies he character, and Good Morning Starshine blasts off into a jumpin', jivin', Sunny is his nod to mod music. His salute to Side of the Street with a chromatically silent movies consists of a majestic moving harmonic treatment worthy of Manufadurers, distributors or individuals Westward Ho and an energetic Great early Billy Nalle (although he claims sponsoring or merchandising theatre pipe Chase (both recorded on previous Car­ Kay McAbee has influenced his style). organ records are encouraged to send ter records). Music in the grand style Also played on the sweet side is Over review pressings to THEATRE ORGAN are Gold and Silver Waltz, excerpt from the Rainbow. In complete contrast is SOUTHWEST, Box 5013, Bendix Station, Rhapsody in Blue and a selection from a slambang 12th Street Rag replete No. Hollywood, Calif. 91605. Be sure Leoncavallo's opera 1l Pagliacci. Mem­ with rides, riffs, brassy and distinctive to include purchasing information, if ory twangers are C arioca and Look for between-phrase fillers, key changes and applicable. the Silver Lining. All are played in a speed which is reminiscent of a run­ solid Carterian style favoring · mainly big away piano roll, heightened by a very REPRISE PERFORMANCE, Gay­ combinations. Occasionally the Mor­ prominent Xylophone and a grunting lord Carter at the San Diego Fox ton's 32' Diapason is heard, a real pedal. This style is carried through "Wonder Morton." MAS-2013 speaker rattler. South and Ain't She Sweet. Folk Song (stereo), available by mail at $5.00 The Morton's stoplist is printed on Medley ( which covers most of Side 2), postpaid from Malar Productions, the liner inner jacket. An examination gets various treatments depending on Box 3104, Glendale, Calif. 91201. of it will show what we mean when we whether it's Dixie, Waltzing Matilda or Gaylord Carter's recordings are few say it's quite a different Morton. But the Beatles' Yesterday. Serenata starts and far between (his last previous pipe playing it is a familiar Gaylord Carter. out mile-a-second but calms down to a recording was played on the Dick Si­ It's his show throughout. lush bolero treatment of the second monton 4/ 36 Wurlitzer in the mid­ * * * theme. All of the music is treated with '60s). A pity when one considers the BOLD, BRASSY, BRILLIANT, respect, imagination and often unbeliev­ entertainment value of a Carter per­ Jim Benzmiller at the 2/ 19 Miller able manual dexterity. There's not a formance, live or recorded. Despite the Orchestral Organ. Custom Fidelity dull moment in these grooves. dearth of recordings, Gaylord is one stereo No. CFS-2318,. available The revamped organ does very well of the most widely known theatre or­ from Jim Benzmiller, P.O. Box as a theatre organ in the slow, lush ganists due to his numerous concerts 207, Stevens Point, Wisconsin tunes and also in the loud and fast across the land, including his 'Flicker­ 54481. $5.50 postpaid. numbers where its "straightness" is fingers' (silent film) shows. sometimes admitted. It has a magnifi­ There's quite a story behind this rec­ The legions of fans who got a lift cent, round pedal bass and interesting ord. We've heard of theatre organs being from Gaylord's live shows can expect 2' octaves (should we say "upperwerk" "churchified" when installed in a house the same values from the recording. For in this case?) which add brilliance but of worship, but this is the first time once we can agree with Malar's some­ never seem shrill. times bilious jacket note author: "His we've heard of a proper 1930 church organ being intentionally "theatrical­ The title of this one tells much of its music is warm, big and sensitive. Gay­ story. Jim has a winner. lord is fun to watch and hear." ized" ( except for one of Fred Tulan's The organ is something else. This projects we can't reveal). The Moller first recording of the San Diego Fox served in dignity and solemnity for 34 SOMETHING SPECIAL, Lyn 4/ 32 Robert Morton organ has been years and then Jim Benzmiller entered Larsen at the Bob Power ("Style made in somewhat closeup perspective the scene, and the Moller would never 260") Rodgers Special Theatre Or­ without much of the big theatre's roomi­ be the same. With the approval of the gan. MAS-2014 (stereo), available ness in evidence. The instrument is not pastor, organist Benzmiller nearly dou­ by mail at $5.00 postpaid from a standard Morton; it is an organ orig­ bled the number of ranks operated Malar Productions, Box 3104, irally moved from another theatre and from the 2-manual console. Some of Glendale, Calif. 91201. enlarged on being installed in the Fox the added ranks were theatre organ in 1929. The single stoprail didn't allow sets, including Vox, Xylophone, Chry­ Let us start by stating that in our for many additional stop keys, so coup­ soglott and theatre tremulants. The humble opinion this recording contains lers ( plus a floating ancillary) were church is St. Stanislaus at Stevens Point, some of Lyn Larsen's finest playing on used instead of the usual unification, Wisconsin and the Moller, while main­ records to date. The music simply putting it in the "semi-straight" class. taining its basic churchly qualities, is sparkles through a well chosen group This gives the instrument a charac­ also equipped to show off light music of tunes which show off both Lyn's and teristic all its own, especially in the high to good advantage. Add to this a verit­ the very special electronic's fine points. registers. In general the emphasis is on able musical demon (in church?) and The high kicking opener is Broadway Strings, Reeds and Flute mutations, a the results add up to the most unusual Rhythm followed by a topnotch ballad

april, 1971 30 arrangement of Noel Coward's peren­ heard other records of the Dendy and nial tearjerker, I'll See You Again. it sure sounds different when Lyn is in • Then a 1920's fast moving novelty, residence, as he was for several months Dance of the Blue Danube and a re­ last year. Except for one selection, all . ~. creation of the Helen and Jesse Craw­ the tunes presented here are typical of ford duet of Masquerade, during which Lyn's fine imaginative approach to Lyn plays both parts with amazing music. That one is I've Got a Feeling ~~ ~ authenticity (we dusted off our scratchy I'm Fal(ing which is rampant with Jesse ...... old Victor 78 to check this). Lyn is a Crawford effects but falls short of be­ talented composer (he scored a film re­ ing a true JC arrangement. Because of ~ I cently, music we'll discuss shortly) but this neither is it good Larsen, although rarely plugs his own tunes. He should. those who are unfamiliar with the TTT~;rTTT 0 pen Your Heart is a fine ballad, Crawford original may find it novel. moody and tender. Rubber Ducky is Letters to the Editor concerning all The selections have a great range. pure '20s pop music and Lyn treats it aspects of the theatre organ hobby are Perhaps the most ambitious work is as such. There is one flaw - the duck encouraged. Send them to the editor Slaughter on 10th A venue, followed by concerned. Unless it's stated clearly honk is a washout ( we understand pro­ duets with pianist Tony Fenelon of on the letter "not for publication," the ducer Helen Dell supplied the over­ Riders in the Sky and the theme from editors feel free to reproduce it, in zealous lungpower). Grieg's Wedding The Apartment during which Tony em­ whole or part. Day at Troldhougen is played with bellishes the tunes with piano frippery. Address: P. 0. Box 2329 verve and perhaps a little too much Presented with typical Larsen under­ Livonia, Michigan 48150 speed, but it's still a gasser; the most statement are Moon Song and a bloozy ambitious selection on the disc. A Cry Me a River. Another gem is Gersh­ Dear Editor: Crawfordish Louise, a Polynesian Ta­ win's Bess, Oh Where's My Bess, then Ref erring to the December issue of boo in a jungle of electronic canaries, a lively She Didn't Say Yes. But per­ Theatre Organ, "Where the Bartons a Fred and Ginger Cheek to Cheek and haps the most interesting music on the an operetta finale, My Hero, fill out the Were"-Part 5. The installation in the disc is that which Lyn composed for a theatre in Lombard, Illinois, was in the novel program. film during his Australian sojourn. The now razed Parkside Theatre. This the­ The organ does everything Lyn de­ highlights of the score are heard in atre was built about 1915 and razed mands. The brass reeds and color reeds Fantasy Suite. Heard are Katie, Try a sometime during the great depression. are very good. A too slow Tibia trem Little Kindness, 0 pen Your Heart and This, however, was not a Barton Organ, may bug sensitive ears but it's effective Someday, all highly listenable tunes. but a second hand Bartola Pit Organ. on the ballads. Ensemble sound is good. I do not know where it was originally The Chrysoglott effect is tops. On the The organ is a fine one and Lyn installed. technical side, the close-up miking ob­ plays it to the hilt. Recording is good. There was another Barton Organ in­ scures the acoustic spaciousness afford­ The somewhat higher "white noise" stalled in the same general area that ed by the large room; so often there is level heard here has finally driven home to my knowledge has not appeared on little or no acoustic mixing of voices, the value of the Dolby noise reduction the list. This was a 2 manual ( not sure which tends to make them stand out in system used on Essential's stateside re­ of the ranks-I would guess 7 or 8) in stark relief. Even a little artificial echo leases. But that in no way mars enjoy­ the York Theatre in Elmhurst, Illinois. would have mellowed the sharp attacks ment of the music. It's a good show. There was not an organ sounded sweet­ and releases. er than this little Barton when it was * * * played by Lew Harvey, now deceased. We believe the full beauty of this fine It was in this theatre with Lew at the instrument remains to be captured in ALSO OF INTEREST console and at the Chicago Theatre, grooves, but the exceptional perform­ when Jesse Crawford presided that I RANDALL-ICIOUS NO. I, Hal ance of Lyn Larsen plus the interesting acquired my love for the Theatre Pipe material, make this one well worth Randall at the Hammond B-3. Organ. I myself do not play a note; I having. ESAR No. ES-213 (stereo), avail­ am just a dues paying Theatre Organ * * * able by mail for $5.00 postpaid Enthusiast. from Randall Enterprises, 9060 LYN AT THE DENDY, Lyn Lar­ C. DANIEL REIMER sen at the 3/16 Wurlitzer in the Auburn Folsom Rd., No. 23, Rose­ Wheaton, Illinois ville, Calif. Dendy Theatre, Melbourne, Aus­ * * * tralia. ERS-1008 (stereo), available Solid Hammond stylings played with Dear Sir: at $5.00 postpaid from Essential a Kruger bass beat and plenty of vari­ Records, Box 3544, Glendale, My personal memories of the theatre Calif. 91201. ety in the arrangements. Hal Randall is pipe organ include the following: well known in California's Bay Area The first I realized anybody played Here's Lyn again, back on his own and has appeared in concert at the an organ in a theatre was at the Isis label. Being a guy who knows what he Annual Home Organ Festival. Tunes Theatre in Bristol, Virginia about 1925. wants from an organ and how to get offered are restricted to Hal's most fre­ This was on a two manual Robert Mor­ ton and the organist was George Goo­ that sound, it stands to reason that any quent requests. Heard are Sound of kin. Then there was the Columbia The­ organ Lyn plays for a period of time Music, Yellow Bird, Chattanooga Choo­ is going to acquire what we might call atre in the same town over on the choo, Satin Doll, Bluesette, Lover, La "Larsen characteristics." Our point is Tennessee side which had a 5 rank that Lyn, for this recording, made the Cumbanchero, Dancing on the Ceiling, Wurlitzer with the piano console and Dendy sound very much tonally like Going Out of My Head, Alley Cat and I think the organist was a Mr. Sknell. the Bob Carson Wurlitzer on which he Bye Bye Blues. Good rhythmic fun I have that console in our basement has done most of his recording. We've throughout. now.

31 theatre organ Twenty-three miles southwest in WATCH for "The Winning of Bar­ Johnson City, Tennessee, at the Majes­ bara Worth" to be released for special tic there was a 2 manual 8 rank Wur­ showings over the nation. After the litzer played at one time by John Metz 1926 classic with Vilma Banky, Ronald and also by George Gookin and others. Colman and Gary Cooper may come This organ was later given to Milligan the 1925 version of "Stella Dallas." College four miles out. I have practiced * * * on this organ. WITH Mrs. Sam (Frances) Goldwyn We moved to Northwest Arkansas and director Henry King present, the and I went regularly to Rogers where first 1971 showing of "Worth" was at the Victoria Theatre had a two manual the Richard Simonton home in Toluca Robert Morton played by a Mrs. Lake. The 1926 classic played beauti­ Brown. I also went to Fayetteville to fully. The acting was all low key. The see organists play at theatres there. We desert photography was magnificent. Of moved to Texarkana where the man­ course, the musical artistry of Gaylord Directed by Carter on the 36-rank, 4-manual grand ager's wife played on the large Robert Lyle W. Nash Morton in the Saenger Theatre, now Wurlitzer added a fifth dimension to the Paramount. This was about 1927. the showing. I also visited Shreveport, Louisiana, BEYERL Y BAYNE is as enchant­ * * * often to hear a Mr. Daugherty play on ing to interview today as she was when WHEN "WORTH" comes your way, the big organ at the Strand. When visit­ her star as a film actress was among see it! ing New Orleans, I saw Ray McNa­ the highest in the cinema heavens. Her * * * mara play on the Robert Morton at the voice is sharp, her diction that of an SHORT SUBJECTS ... Neil Hamil­ greater Saenger Theatre, where I be­ accomplished actress and her memory ton delivered the funeral eulogy for lieve he was assisting John Hammond. fantastic. We met BB at the CBS TV Bronko Billy Anderson . . . Author In those days, I would go to theatres show of Merv Griffin. She recalled her James Robert Parish, having finished mostly to see and hear the organ play start in films with S & A in Chicago. his Edward G. Robinson book, is re­ during the picture, such as Dwight "I started for $25 a week," she said searching a new title-"The Paramount Brown at the Palace in Dallas, Texas, "and then went to $75 and finally $350 Pretties" - meaning the lovely young Milton Slosser at a St. Louis Theatre ... I went to the studios with a friend, things of another era . . . The monthly who talked to me from the console Miss Taylor. She wanted a job and did George Wright organ concerts at the while I was always on the front seat. not get an offer. But I did." South Pasadena Rialto are drawing Lawson Reid was at the Princess over very well, thank you. at Hot Springs, Arkansas, and he also * * * BB had some ideas of what makes a * * * would talk to me from the console and IT WAS in 1928 that Pathe, accord­ even handed me his headphones so I star. "You must have glamour . . . a certain beauty or distinction in your ing to a reader friend, tested Bob Hope could hear him on radio. This was in for films and said he'd make a good the good old days when they would appearance . . . You must have a voice ... good diction ... and charm and gravedigger. MGM also tested the fun­ place the microphone on the theatre ny fellow but declined to sign him . floor to soak up the organ music during . . . I think an aura of light goes with the entire feature picture for enthusi­ a star . . . they stand. out and above * * * astic listeners such as myself. I would everybody else in the cast." BY the time you read this Lillian listen on my home-made one-tube radio * * * Gish may have her long overdue Oscar. and headphones with storage battery THE PETITE lady who thrilled mil­ The Hollywood greats are honoring under the bed, hearing others such as lions from 1914-to 1924 is as trim and Miss Gish when the golden symbols are D. Carlos Myers from WHO, Des elegant today as ever. At the CBS party given this spring. We've advocated this Moines, Iowa, Al Carney from the after the telecast a man asked me who for 10 years. McVickers Theatre in Chicago, Lew that stunning woman in pink chiffon * * * White, Jesse Crawford and many oth­ was. Her dark hair and eyes sparkled ALTHOUGH most every actor or ers. Then on my honeymoon we got with zest and happiness. actress of the last 50 years has arrived to sit in the Times Square Paramount * * * or departed from Pasadena (1910 to 1960 ), Van H efl,in said the other day and listen to Don Baker play on that THE 1916 version of "Romeo and he hadn't been in Pasadena in 30 years. magnificent Wurlitzer. Those were the Juliet" with Francis X. Bushman is days! among the films she feels worthy of * * * STEPHEN MORTON , JR. remembering . . . BB thinks: Richard QUESTIONS, comments and contri­ Chamberlain is a fine young actor ... butions are welcomed to P. 0. Box 113, Likes John Wayne ... Still gets several Pasadena, California 91102. hundred Christmas cards from fans ... Is violently opposed to the nudity "filth" GET THE GUYS of today's films ... Says "Airport" was a magnificent film . . . "Yes, I think if TO VOCALIZE my son or daughter wanted to be in WITH"SING-ALONG SONG SLIDES"!! films and had talent, I'd encourage them." Send for National's FREE Catalog of all-time hit songs-for as low * * * as 50¢ a tune. Projectors too. ·CHARLES STARETT, now in re­ EnjoyPuget Sound inJuly tirement, gets mail at his beach home: NATIONALSDNDSLIDE SEIVICE INC. 131 Rockledge Terrace, Laguna Beach, 4ZI. 4BtbSt. NewYork, N.T. 1D03S California.

april, I971 32 ATOS Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries

ALOHA (40) Dr. Donald Williams, Secy. NORTH TEXAS (35) RED RIVER (27) Larry G. McPherson, Chm. P. 0. Box 1051 John Beck , Chm . Lance E. Johnson, Chm. 45-030 Mahalani Circle Delran , N. J. 0807 5 6032 Linden Lane 1324 S. 23rd Street Moorhead, Minnesota 56560 Kaneohe, Hawaii 967 44 EASTERN MASS. (1} Dallas, Texas 75230 Carrol Smaby , Secy. Mrs. Claire Watson, Secy. Richard R. Linder , Chm . Mrs. Doxie Jackson , Secy. 1515 Ward Ave. -#1404 915 Wisteria Way 321 - 20th Avenue N. 3 Maud Graham Circle Fargo , North Dakota 58102 Honolulu , Hawaii 96822 Burlington, Mass. 01803 Richardson, Texas 75080 ROCKY MOUNTAIN (23) BEEHIVE (31} Francois Lambree, Secy. N·ORTHERN CALIF. (4) Duane E . Searle, Chm. 4 Royal Oak Drive Clarence E. Briggs, Chm. 472 Quentin Nashua, N. H. 03060 Dewey Cagle , Chm. 1608 E. Statford A venue 3291 Guido Street Aurora , Colorado 80010 Salt Lake City, Utah 84106 HEART OF AMERICA (25) Oakland , California 94602 Kenneth C. Tillotson, Secy . Mrs. Darlene Walker, Secy. Edward P. Wood , Chm . Mrs . Lorraine Cagle , Secy. 2240 Oakland 2479 Beverly 1548 Lexington Court 3291 Guido Street Aurora , Colorado 80010 Salt Lake City, Utah 84106 Kansas City , Missouri 64110 Oakland , California 94602 SIERRA (29) CEDAR RAPIDS (39) S. C. Sparrowhawk, Secy. Robert V. Longfield , Chm. 7206 Olive OHIO VALLEY ( 10) 4800 Auburn-Folsom Rd. #49 Charles G. Albrecht, Chm. Loomis , California 95650 282 - 34 Street S.E. Kansas City, Missouri 64132 George V. Eaglin , Chm. Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 16 E. Walnut Street Mrs. Cathy Zeller , Secy. LAND O'LAKES (9) Southgate, Kentucky 41071 5223 Glancy Drive Mrs. Pat Marshall, Secy . Clyde Olson, Chm. Carmichael, California 95608 3020 Circle Drive 6626 West River Road Glenn E. Merriam, Secy. Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402 Minneapolis, Minn. 55430 P. 0. Box 222 SOONER STATE (34) Cincinnati , Ohio 45202 Ron Willfong , Chm. CENTRAL INDIANA (26) Alice Tubbesing, Secy. 1205 S. Indian Thomas L. Hawkins, Chm. 3213 Windgate Road OREGON (20) Tulsa, Oklahoma 74127 St. Paul , Minnesota 55119 821 North Broadway Gerald Duffy , Chm. Mrs. Edna Green , Secy. Greenfield, Indiana 46140 Rt. 13 Box 529 LOS ANGELES (3) 532 N.E. 41st Portland, Oregon 97232 Tulsa , Oklahoma 74107 Mrs. Olive Pollock, Secy. Neil Kissel , Chm. 40 N. Gladstone Avenue 112 W. Live Oak Mrs. Raechal Zenk , Secy. SOUTH FLORIDA (32) Indianapolis, Indiana 46201 San Gabriel , Ca. 9·1776 9557 S.W. 62nd Drive Robert K. Andre , Chm. Portland , Oregon 97219 611 Alhambra Circle CENTRAL OHIO (30) Dr. Howard Stocker , Secy. Coral Gables , Florida 33434 4001 Mountain A venue Edwin E. Lawrence, Chm. PIEDMONT (18) George W. Gerhart, Secy. San Bernardino , Ca. 92404 1313 Highland Drive Box 245 Dr. Paul M. Abernethy , Chm. Powell, Ohio 43065 Miami , Florida 33138 MID-AMERICA (28) 1610 Vaughn Road Paul S. Noblitt , Secy. Victor L. Rork , Chm. Burlington , N. C. 27215 SOUTHEASTERN (14) 4642 Musket Way Route 6 Tommy Teaver, Chm. Columbus, Ohio 43228 George W. Anthony, Secy. Wichita , Kansas 67233 1206 Peachtree St., N.E. Box 1676 Atlanta, Georgia 30309 CHICAGO AREA (13) David E. Dillon , Secy. Burlington , N. C. 27215 William Rieger , Chm. 1938 Marion Road Mrs. Norma Simmons , Secy. 3615 DeMooney Road 6244 W. Eddy Street Wichita , Kansas 67216 PINETREE (21) Chicago , Illinois 60634 Atlanta , Georgia 30337 MOTOR CITY (24) Leon A. Carpenter , Chm . ST. LOUIS (15) Mrs. Karol Shirey , Secy . 181 South Street Phillip W. Gorden, Chm. John Ferguson , Chm. 921 Carmel Drive Gorham, Maine 04038 Palatine , Illinois 60067 6883 Niagara , Apt. 16 7216 Pershing Romulus , Michigan 48174 Joseph Depeter, Secy . St. Louis , Missouri 63130 CONNECTICUT VALLEY (11} Donald G . Lockwood , Secy . 5 Reg Roe Road Edgar T. Kline , Secy. Frank B. Manion , Chm . P. 0. Box 671 Falmouth , Maine 04105 12090 Fleetwood Place 52 Mark Drive Dearborn , Michigan 48121 Bridgeton , Missouri 63042 Wapping, Connecticut 06074 POTOMAC VALLEY (7) TOLEDO (38) Paul N. Taylor, Secy. NEW YORK (17) George R. Johnson , Chm. (Officers Unknown) 12 Byron Road Arthur M. Cox , Jr., Chm. 6516 Haystack Road WESTERN RESERVE (16) Manchester , Conn. 06040 24 Kensington Terrace Alexandria , Virginia 223 IO Richard L. Geyser, Chm. Maplewood , N. J. 07040 DAIRYLAND (36) Mrs. Marjorie L. Lane , Secy. 479 S. Rocky River Drive Allen W . Rossiter , Secy . Berea , Ohio 44017 Fred Hermes, Chm. 13901 Castaway Drive P. 0. Box 1331 616 Sixth Street Rockville , Maryland 20853 Avon Pryor , Secy. Passaic , New Jersey 07055 Racine, Wisconsin 53403 803 W. Market St., Apt. 13 PUGET SOUND (12) Akron , Ohio 44303 Karen Steinke, Secy. NIAGARA FRONTIER (8) WOLVERINE (22) 1303 S. 71st Street Harry L. Harkness, Chm. Randorf A. Piazza , Chm. Gary Montgomery, Chm. West Allis , Wisconsin 53213 12230 Ashworth Ave. N. 230 Jewett Avenue 2364 Mulberry Road Seattle, Washington 9,8133 DELAWARE VALLEY (2) Buffalo, New York 14214 Bloomfield , Hills, Mi. 48013 Grant Whitcomb, Chm. Elwyn A. Guest, Secy. Thelma Barclay, Secy. David Voydanoff, Secy. Rees Road, Melody Hill 19 Center Street 10228 N.E. 24th 1796 Bums Devault, Pennsylvania 19432 Angola, New York 14006 Bellevue, Washington 98004 Detroit , Michigan 48214

33 theatre organ NewYork Boasts AnotherFirst (Note: The following was prepared for New York Chapter's newsletter, "The Horseshoe" but it of such wide­ spread interest that Theatre Organ is reproducing it in its entirety.) ..,.,.. ······· Special Announcement! ! ! V -'A'\...V' WNYC-TV (Channel 31) Ill Ill Presents "SOUND FOR THE SILENTS " •CHAPTERNEWS• Featuring LEE ERWIN at the BEE HIVE MIGHTY WURLITZER The Bee Hive Chapter, Salt Lake of City, has been moving ahead, slowly LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY but surely. Our December meeting was 9:30 p.m. held at the Capitol Theatre and thanks Sunday, March 28, 1971 to Clarence Briggs and his crew of workers, the organ sounded great. This Dust off your UHF television dial 10-rank Wurlitzer is the only theatre and gather your friends about your set mount in its heyday; treats the TV audi­ pipe organ remaining in a Salt Lake to watch NYTO's first "feature length" ence to a short community sing (with theatre. television show - a one-hour program an "on-camera" assist from hundreds of Members of the Bee Hive Chapter with Lee Erwin telling the story of the our chapter members and guests!); he supplied many nice surprises, especially theatre pipe organ and showing how it plays his own original score as the au­ when David Reese, Scott Gillespie, Jo­ accompanied the classics of the silent dience views exciting episodes from Ann Harmon, Leland Lay and also film era. "The Eagle" starring Rudolph Valentino some of our new members, presented He demonstrates the capabilities of and Vilma Banky. their favorite musical arrangements of LIU's 4/ 26 Wurlitzer with music of The entire show produced by Chan­ "old and new" tunes. those times and of ours. He shows pic­ Work was progressing favorably on tures of LIU's former Brooklyn Para- nel 31 "in association with Long Island University and the New York Theatre the Elk's theatre organ. A few chapter Organ Society"! members along with members of the Elk's Club, were re-leathering and had It is our hope that ATOS members many of the pipes once again playing (and chapters) throughout the country . . . then a low blow . . . a water pipe BINDERS will write to their local educational TV broke and damaged one chest exten­ outlets and encourage them to present sively and many pipes received water TO this splendid history and demonstration damage. The work has come to a halt PROTECT of our beloved instrument. At least one until the Elks determine how extensive broadcaster has expressed interest in the damage has been and just what will YOUR having a tape permanently in their sta­ be involved to restore it back to the tion library. And Channel 31 is consid­ original condition. ISSUES ering a second showing in April! If this Our February meeting was held at betokens a trend, Lee, LIU and NYTOS the Organ Loft. The staff organists, Jo­ OF may have rung the loudest bell yet for Ann, David and Scott, were on hand gaining public appreciation of the thea­ to give outstanding performances of tre pipe organ! their favorite melodies, and a few mem­ THEATREORGAN bers had the courage to "try their This durable casebound cover will bind Your chapter officers and board of hands" on this superb console, which one full year's issues of THEATRE ORGAN. directors are exploring the possibility of brings forth unbelievable sounds such Imprinted in gold on black, the binder having this show also made into a 16 as only this great organ can do. becomes a permanent reference volume . mm motion picture for even broader that protects issues from damage and DARLENE WALKER keeps them in perfect order. educational exposure! Magazines are held securely in place and If you were at LIU the evening of CHICAGO AREA can be inserted in only a few seconds. January 21 when the show was taped , A special pocket will enable you to easily CATOE began 1971 with a social at label and identify the year of any volume. you will have the added thrill of seeing Lyons Township High School on Janu­ • 3.50 (including postage) yourself on TV! ary 30. The organ, a 3/21 Moller, is Make check or money order So use this occasion to show your the original organ from Chicago's Port­ payable to: friends what the theatre organ hobby is age Theatre, but it has been in the all about! school auditorium for many years. This ATOS BINDER was our first event there since the organ P. 0. Box 90 You've never had an opportunity like was restored by CATOE member Gary New Haven, Conn. 06501 this before ! Rickert and others.

april, 1971 34 The first part of the program, played Also with us on Saturday was a by Frank Eschbach with Bob Mathias group of young people from Downer's at the piano , consisted of "old favor­ Grove High School. They attended both ites". During the second half Frank's morning concerts, then in the afternoon brother, Al Eschbach, played a program they heard the Hermes 5 manual Wur­ which reflected an extensive classical litzer featuring Fred Hermes, Jr. and background, although his selections in­ the magical Brenograph . He :finished cluded many contemporary tunes. The this concert with "Rhapsody in Blue" organ was a very early theatre installa­ with special lighting. tion and lacked some of the "schmaltz" In the evening the group went to of the later ones but it lent itself well Fred Dove's home in Zion, Illinois, to Al's style. where he demonstrated his 4 rank Kil­ gen. Open console followed all these programs. The Downer's Grove 3 man­ ual Wurlitzer , installed by CATOE, (see TO Volume 12, No. 6) has aroused Lyn Larsen in the spotlight at the Downers Grove High School Wurlitzer during his February 12th great interest and developed talent in concert. The CATOE sponsored show was a sell-out. many students through the instrument. Tom Yannitell photo This organ crawl was organized through good inter-chapter relationship. of the enthusiasm of the general audi­ ence for theatre organ at its best. FRED HERMES On February 28, one of the first organists at the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge , Father Thomas Barrett , re­ DELAWARE VALLEY turned to the 3/ 10 Wurlitzer after al­ Many members of the T.O.S.D.V. en­ most 40 years' absence to play for a joyed a beautiful concert Saturday , CATOE social. February 6th , 1971 at the John Dick­ His playing was very clean and the The auditorium of Lyons Township High School inson High School , Wilmington, Dela­ audience found it very easy to sing ware , given by Dennis James of Cherry in LaGrange during CATOE's January social. along to his smooth style. Al Eschbach is at the console of the 3/21 Moller. Hill, New Jersey. This was on the 3/ 19 After the concert , CA TOE members Tom Yannitell photo Kimball formerly in the Boyd Theatre , gathered in the lobby for refreshments. Philadelphia. After the concert the stage curtain The two main topics of conversation opened to reveal the refreshment tables were the upcoming trip to the Coronado Dennis was home on mid-semester being prepared by our hostess , Mrs. Theatre in Rockford to hear the 4/ 18 vacation from Indiana University 's Helen Near. At that time she was pre­ Barton which has just been restored by School of Music , and this was his 5th sented with a placque in appreciation CATOE members , and the Gaylord concert while on vacation , the other of the coffee and cakes she donates for Carter Show at the Oriental Theatre on four being one in Buffalo , New York , each social. Octavio Escobar was given March 30 which will feature two sel­ two in Binghamton , New York and one a similar placque for the assistance he dom seen films of the late Harold Lloyd . in Syracuse , New York. For these four has given to Mrs. Near. As usual , CATOE has a busy season the weather was bad - blizzards for CATOE 's first public concert of 1971 lined up. each. But the weather was great in Wil­ was held at Downers Grove High DENNIS MINEAR mington and Dennis played to an ap­ School on February 12. We started the preciative audience of 800. year right with Lyn Larsen , one of DAIRYLAND Dennis opened with a lively "If My America's most talented and ambitious Friends Could See Me Now" followed Saturday morning January 23rd, cold young theatre organists , at the console by two songs made famous by one of the 3/10 Wurlitzer. His wide variety and windy, daunted not the brave mem­ of his teachers, Leonard MacClain , of tunes and the treatment of each one bers of Dairyland Chapter. A double "Where You Are Concerned" ( com­ provided an enjoyable evening for peo­ header at the two downtown theatres posed by Leonard MacClain) and "But­ ple with many varied musical tastes. in Milwaukee was the drawing card . terflies In The Rain". These were played In these days when Ruby Keeler is Gary McWithey played the large 3/27 with much feeling on the tibias. On his Kimball in the Center Theatre, show­ back on Broadway, Nostalgia is "the next selection , "Col. Bogey March", case for the Marcus Circuit , and the thing" , and Busby Burkley is again be­ Dennis played a pedal solo and can­ most beautiful theatre in Wisconsin. He coming a household name , Lyn's rendi­ didly announced he could never master culminated his program with a beauti­ tions of such things as "Broadway that for his first teacher, George Van ful arrangement of Malotte's "Lord's Rhythm", "Something's Got to Give" , Os, but he had finally learned it. and "Louise" are particularly well re­ Prayer". ceived. One of the main characteristics Later at the Riverside, David Olsen Next Dennis played a nostalgic Glen of his style is the way he plays "vin­ played a 13 rank Wurlitzer with no Miller medley, followed by a Gershwin tage" arrangements of songs from the drapes ahead of the shades. This con­ medley. Dennis has an easy way with twenties, thirties, and forties - some­ cert was impromptu - set up that same ballads and a nice beat for up-tempo what surprising for someone his age. morning - and the repair crew was just songs. He gives each song an individual treat­ clearing up a bad case of constipated After an intermission, Dennis very ment while maintaining his own style. solo-tremulitis as the gang arrived from ably accompanied a silent movie, "The Several copies of Lyn's album "Get the Center Theatre. Dave played one Great Train Robbery", followed by a Happy" were on sale in the lobby dur­ of the best concerts our chapter has Jesse Crawford arrangement of "Dance ing intermission. In a matter of minutes ever heard. Both these organs will of The Blue Danube" and this followed they were all gone - a true reflection sound excellent for a future convention. by another silent movie, Charlie Chap-

35 theatre organ lin in "Shoulder Arms". On this he used Beacham took advantage of the oppor­ the original Chaplin score which ~e tunity to schedule this concert between transcribed from a record made m the completion of the billiard tourna­ England. His closing was a ten minute ment and reinstallation ~f the ring. medley from Richard Rodgers "Victory There seems to be a not-fully-under­ At Sea Suite" which showed how hard stood law of nature which says that Dennis has been working. The long, theatre organs attract water. A recent appreciative applause brought Dennis manifestation of this occurred at the back for an encore for which he ac­ Wiltern theatre when the Feb. 9 earth­ companied a third movie, W. C. Fields quake broke two sprinkler lines and in "The Great Chase". thoroughly flooded the backstage area, Following the concert, open console including the organ ready-room and the was held. console pit. Fortunately this caused no RUTH McALONAN permanent damage to the organ; how­ ever, the earthquake also opened a major leak in the roof directly over the LOS ANGELES solo chamber (naturally!), and only Lew Betterly and an "old friend"; the Royal Oak Theatre 3/10 Barton. quick work with the plastic tarps ~y Phil Gorden photo The first two concerts presented Dick Stoney and Wiltern Crew Chief under the leadership of 14CJ71chairman Leonard Worne during the downpour Neal Kissel had much in common. Both The "Big Day" finally arrived on of Feb. 16 prevented a real catastrophe. artists are young, both have university Sunday morning, February 21st when, The roof has allegedly been repaired, after more than two years of pains­ degrees in classic organ, and both . are but no one will know for sure until the outstandingly talented theatre orgamsts. taking restoration under the able leader­ next rain storm. On Jan. 24 Mike Ohman, a young vet­ ship of Mert Harris, the Royal Oak The installation of the San Gabriel eran of Larry Bray's famous Salt Lake Theater's 3/10 Barton was heard in Auditorium 3/ 14 Wurlitzer is proceed­ City Organ Loft, started the new year concert for the first time in nearly forty ing nicely, despite the frustrating loss of off with a Sunday morning concert on years. And who else should appear at work time which results from the al­ the Wiltern theatre's 4/ 37 Kimball, de­ the console on such an occasion than most constant use of the house for stage lighting his audience with a well bal­ a former organist at the theater, Lew productions. The console elevator is anced program which included his own Betterly. Thrilled with the opportunity now completed, the gorgeously refin­ descriptive composition "Santa Ana Ir:i­ to play a "friend" after so many years, ished console is in place, chamber work terstate Freeway 5". Despite the big Lew remarked on the fine condition of and wind-ing are nearly complete, and Kimball's unorthodox console layout, the organ as he musically took us back the console is being wired to the relay. Mike handled it like a twenty-year vet­ in time to a day when live organ music eran. With the new solo tibia well­ BILL EXNER in theaters wasn't so unusual. And we trem'd and regulated, and with Mike's hope it won't be unusual at the Royal own brass trumpet temporarily substi­ MOTOR CITY Oak any more, now that the "Golden­ tuted for the oboe horn, the Kimball Voiced" Barton is speaking once again. The colonial setting of Grosse Pointe's sounded better than ever. DON LOCKWOOD intimate Punch & Judy Theatre re­ On Feb. 28 the second concert of sounded with the throb of the mighty the year featured Jonas Nordwall of 2/ 5 Wurlitzer on Sunday morning, De­ NEW YORK Portland, Ore. on the Elks' Auditorium cember 20th, with Bill Buswell at the The New York Chapter presented a 4/ 58 Robert Morton. This "monster" console. The occasion was the Motor is a slightly unified straight organ with nostalgic concert by the renowned Don City Chapter's Christmas program fea­ Baker at the 4/ 26 Wurlitzer of the theatre voicing, which has left more turing the instrument which Ben Hall, than one experienced theatre organist former Brooklyn Paramount Theatre during a visit to the theater in 196_9, ( now part of Long Island University) mumbling to himself. Jonas , however, dubbed "Little Sister" because of its requested to tackle it in preference to on Sunday, February 7th. Several hun­ distinct likeness to his own "Little dred ardent fans heard Mr. Baker play the Wiltern Kimball, and dazzled his Mother". appreciative audience with a program a variety of his old standards and some Bill Buswell's experience as a former new popular songs in which his artistry ranging from Bach to Simon and Gar­ theater organist was very much in evi­ funkle, by way of Chopin, Delius, and demonstrated the diversified tonal range dence that morning as he evoked the of the organ's 26 ranks. a tasteful assortment of theatre organ many resources of the mini-Mighty favorites. The mighty Morton rewarded Wurlitzer before a sizeable crowd. In the endless hours of tender loving care all its 31 year residence this Wurlitzer lavished on it by Crew Chief Dick perhaps never sounded better. Stoney and his crew by behaving beau­ Chicago organist John Grune ap­ tifully and sounding far better than ever peared at the Detroit Theater Organ seemed possible four years ago when Club's 4/ 34 Wurlitzer on January 30th Dick took over the organ. in a program presented by the Motor Although maintenance of the Elks' City Chapter. John, with little practice organ is a continuing Chapter project, time at this one-of-a-kind Wurlitzer the organ has seldom been used for (just try to find your favorite stops at concerts in recent months due to the first glance on this lady), proved to be installation of a boxing ring in the cen­ master of both the instrument and his ter of the auditorium. The ring was program material as evidenced by the temporarily removed recently to make appreciative audience on hand, which way for a month-long billiard tourna­ also included members of the Wolverine Lee Erwin, Don Baker, Ashley Miller and Jerry Mendelson at Don Baker's "Homecoming" con­ ment, and Program Director Dwight Chapter and DTOC. cert at LIU. april, 1971 36 Don Baker commented that it had 17. His show consisted of British, Scot­ is possible to single out any one par­ been three decades since his last per­ tish, Viennese, and American and Ori­ ticular show. Our sincere thanks to the formance on the Brooklyn Paramount ental tunes. While playing "In a Baldwin Piano and Organ Company for organ. He has fond memories of this in­ Chinese Temple Garden," a set-up on furnishing such a magnificent instru­ strument because he personally worked stage with Oriental costumes and rick­ ment that performed flawlessly through­ on the organ's installation crew! shaw provided the atmosphere for the out the entire show. Don Baker's concert also served as music. The final meeting of 1970 was held a benefit for the National ATOS me­ An original compos1t10n entitled on November 30th in the auditorium of morial fund for the late Ben M. Hall , "Randy's Rag" was played in tribute to the Baldwin Piano and Organ Company National's Director and noted historian. our Chairman and MC, Randy Piazza. at their Cincinnati factory. We were Mr. Baker played an appropriately ten­ Frank's rendition of Franz Schubert's treated by host and fellow member der rendition of Ben's favorite song, familiar classics were enthusiastically Eddie Osborn to a fine evening of "Little Orphan Annie", in his memory. received by his audience. Later in the varied music supplied by Eddie himself, Ben Hall had once exclaimed , "The evening he presented several Gospel Eddie Willhite and Hal Vincent. An Golden Age of the Theatre Organ lives hymns. outstanding display of talent was shown on when Don Baker plays." Tunes from the Twenties closed the by Hal Vincent in playing both the The entire program was well re­ evening's entertainment on a cheery organ and piano simultaneously with ceived by an enthusiastic audience. note. Frank is just as popular now as rythm accompaniment; then Hal and he was three years ago when he gave Eddie Willhite playing organ duets and CLIVE D. LOUDEN his first concert at the Riviera. Eddie Osborn presenting solo tunes of many old favorites. Our sincere thanks SmRLEY CoLE NIAGARA FRONTIER to Eddie Osborn and Paul Mooter from the 100 persons in attendance. Jimmy Boyce of Alexandria, Vir­ OHIO VALLEY The year ended a very successful one ginia, made his Niagara Frontier debut This comprises a summary report of with notes of progress on two fronts a smash hit on November 10 at the our chapter activities for the last half for our chapter. One was finalizing Riviera in North Tonawanda. The ca­ of 1970. chamber plans for the Albee Theatre pacity audience was introduced to his The September meeting took place Wurlitzer installation at Emery Audi­ warm personality and unique musical torium of the University of Cincinnati styling when he played Latin pieces as at Hyams Music Corner in Elmwood Place, Cincinnati. The artist at this under the direction of Herb Wottle well as show and movie tunes. He in­ with assistants Bob Klensch and Tote cluded three of his own compositions: meeting was Charlie Hyams who en­ tertained the group on several Lowrey Pratt. Several working crews are now "Tango in Time," "Let Me Hear You active on this project on a regularly Whisper ," and "Alexandria March." organs including the latest and largest theatre model. Charlie demonstrated scheduled basis. The other progress Dick Smith jammed 1,300+ listeners many techniques of the Lowrey to the note is the birth of a monthly newsletter into the same theatre on December 9. group, and one of the highlights was under the editorship of Hubert Shearin. He played several Crawford arrange­ the playing of organ accompaniment Our Chapter Chairman George Eaglin ments, Smith originals , and a Christmas with taped music of a full orchestra. made the comment that he was very Fantasy segment. In accompanying the well pleased with chapters accomplish­ In what has become a welcomed an­ silent flick, "The Cure ," one must con­ ments the past year, and that he is nual event , October 18th saw another sider that he had never before seen it. looking forward to 1971 with enthu­ Flicker Fingers presentation featuring He played it COLD and did a flawless siasm for continued progress. Look for job. Gaylord Carter sponsored by our Chap­ future write ups on theatre organ in­ ter , this time at the Taft Theatre in On January 27, young Dennis James stallations in and around the Cincinnati Cincinnati. Chapter Chairman George made his first appearance at the Rivi­ area. Eaglin welcomed the audience to the era 's 3/ 11 Might y Wurlitzer organ. JOHN SCOTT chapter's sixth public concert in the After his opening , "If They Could See Queen City . After acknowledging Me Now " he presented two Leonard credits , George introduced WKRC's POTOMAC VALLEY MacClain tunes and a pleasing 1940's TV News Director Bob Jones , the M.C. We haven't been heard from for medley , which included several of who briefly reviewed the Harold Lloyd awhile. Why? The Chapter has been Glenn Miller's most famous songs. Sailor Made Man and Ne ver Weak en busy with complete restoration of the Latin, American , semi-classical , and movies being featured , and introduced 2/ 8 Wurlitzer in the Tivoli Theatre, contemporary pieces were a large part Gaylord Carter. Gaylord set the audi­ Frederick, Md . You will get a chance of Dennis's repertoire. He also accom­ ence at ease immediately and prepared to see and hear it during the 1972 Na­ panied the silent "Great Train Rob­ them for a fun filled evening of laugh­ tional Convention. At the same time a bery " with exact timing, right down to ter and thrills with his perfect scoring second crew was removing a 3/ 10 Kim­ the gun shots. Chaplin 's famous "Shoul­ touch at the Baldwin Theatre Model ball from the Warner Theatre in Wash­ der Arms" flick was accompanied with Organ - the Pro-200. The program be­ ington, D. C. This instrument will be music themes composed by Chaplin , gan with Gaylord playing the Age of installed in the WET A-TV Educational and Dennis did an excellent job here. Aquarius followed by various show Net Station but is in storage at the He closed this perfect evening with tunes , pop tunes, and then Grand Fan­ present time. Gershwin's "American In Paris" num­ tasia on "I Paglicacci". The sing-a-long At the same time three more home ber, to the high approval of his enthu­ slides were a highlight of the program , organs have become playable. Art Cas­ siastic listeners. but the two silent film comedies had beer's 2/ 5 Hybrid , George Johnson's Niagara Frontier Chapter's own the audience of about 1600 in tears 2/ 5 + Wurlitzer, and Bob Lane's 2/ 5 Frank Olsen of Canada presented a from laughter. From the concert com­ Robert Morton. tasteful blend of humor, personality, ment cards received, this public con­ While the Tivoli and Warner Projects and expert musical ability when he per­ cert had to be Gaylord 's most outstand­ were going on, the Dow Evelyn's family formed at the same organ on February ing Queen City performance yet, if it located a 2/ 8 Wurlitzer in a church in

37 Arlington (close by). Within a few vintage Crawford style was beautifully hours purchase had been completed, done in "The Perfect Song". The up-to­ and removal began with less than ten date tunes included "Quiet Nights and days available to remove it. Does Quiet Stars" and "Close to You". anyone know where a trumpet rank, Next Don Myers was to have ac­ toy counter, percussions, and second companied silent movies, but due to touches might be located? Those had the unexpected bright sunlight pouring all been stripped out. in through the windows, this was can­ Back in October with the restoration celed. Instead Don presented a group of the Tivoli Wurlitzer completed, it of the latest songs from Burt Bacha­ was deemed appropriate to run a silent rach, which made good use of the movie one week of "Wings" with Lee newly installed vibraharp. Well done Erwin at the console of the 2/ 8 Wur­ Don! Ron and Don are currently staff litzer. organists at Big Bob's. The November meeting finds us at A big spaghetti and pizza smorgas­ the Alexandria Arena. This is the loca­ bord was devoured by the full house tion of Jimmy Boyce's 4/ 34 Wurlitzer of A TOS'ers. There were many of our which was formerly in the Centre Concert Artist Harvey Gustafson and Red River members from Vancouver, B.C. in at­ Chapter chairman Lance Johnson. (I to r) Theatre, New York City. Jimmy Boyce tendance. It's a long, long way from was the artist for the •concert. Our Vancouver to Federal Way. guests for the concert were members of of the work involving mailing lists for The Hammond Organ Society of Fair­ Another added attraction for the day concert notices, door prizes and setting fax. was the visitation to Lavelle McLaugh­ up the arrangements for the silent December 13th meeting began with lin's residence. Lavelle has the 3M/9R movie. Since the Roller Rink was not a business meeting held at the Lautzen­ Marr and Colton originally installed in built or arranged for showing of films, heiser Studio in Springfield, Va. The the Fountain Square Theatre, Indian­ it presented somewhat of a problem, present officers were re-elected for apolis, Indiana. The organ sounds great which with ingenuity was finally solved. another year. At the conclusion of the in the large addition built onto the During these weeks, many members meeting our own Chapter member Mr. home. also took time off from their work to Al Worley took control of the Lautzen­ EDDIE ZoLLMAN, JR . help clean the organ chambers, per­ heiser 3/ 13 Wurlitzer and played a cussion actions, the rink floor, lounge selection of songs of the Christmas and stage area. All the pipes were re­ Season. RED RIVER moved from the chambers and cleaned, That same afternoon, Mr. Ray Bru­ This a summary of Red River Chap­ and the organ was tuned and put in bacher presented the Annual Christmas ter activities since last September. The shape for the concert. Concert: light classic on the classic Fall kick-off meeting at Bud's Roller The Annual Concert for the Theatre Moller located in the George Washing­ Rink in Moorhead, featured chairman Organ Fund raising was held at the ton Masonic National Memorial in Lance Johnson playing an original ac­ Rink on Thursday, November 19 at Alexandria , Virginia. companiment to the silent comedy 8 :00 P.M. Harvey Gustafson opened GEORGE R. JOHNSON "Smithy", starring Stan Laurel. This his program with a potpourri based on picture was made before Laurel and "Wonderful" as the console rose out of Hardy became a team. At the business­ the pit, followed by both new and old PUGET SOUND luncheon meeting which followed, the familiar tunes. Following the intermis­ Our February 7th meeting was held discussion centered on ideas for raising sion, the Laurel and Hardy comedy at Big Bob's Pizza Place , Federal Way, money for the chapter Theatre Organ "Your Darn Tootin" was shown ac­ which boasts a mint condition 2M/ 7R fund and the work to be done for the companied by Harvey using his own Morton-Wurlitzer. First on the agenda up-coming Harvey Gustafson concert score. This being one of the funniest was 20-year-old Ron Barnett, who pre­ with silent movie in November. movies ever made by the comedy team , ,sented a polished concert of old and Between the September meeting and the audience was nearly broken up by new standards. Ron's ability to play the the November concert , several addi­ laughter! For the last part of the pro­ tional meetings were held to take care gram, Harvey played several more selections, with his famous arrangement of "Stars and Stripes Forever" as the

Ron Barnett (seated) and Don Myers at the Red River Chapter members discussing concert. Big Bob Pizza. (I to r) Lance Johnson, Alice Harden, Hildegard Eddie Zollman, Jr. photo Krause and Pay Kelly. Don Swanson mans the box office.

april, 1971 38 console descended into the pit for the finale. The next meeting was held at the - CLASSIFIEDADS - home of Mel and Alice Harden in Classified ads are carried at 20 cents per word, per insertion. Moorhead on January The main 10. No charge for first ten words for members. purpose of this meeting was to settle expenses from the concert and finalize details. Members discussed the concert FOR SALE- Poort: Cinema Organ $6; WANTED-Rodgers 33-E. Bauman, 9950 Barnes-Gammons: Two Centuries Ameri­ Durant, Beverly Hills 90212. and suggested many ideas to make the can Organ Building $5.50; Williams: Euro­ next concert even more successful. pean Organ $20; new Catalogue F with WANTED-Rank of post horns (English Synneva Seielstad of Grand Forks re­ each order. Organ Literature Foundation, horn). Randy Piazza, 230 Jewett Ave., ported on the National Convention and Braintree, Mass. 02184. Buffalo, New York 14214. the suggestion was made to have better FOR SALE- Kinetic blower, 1165 RPM, communications and arrange joint meet­ 675 cu. ft./min. at 4". Single phase Cen­ WANTED- Music (sheet or taped) for tury 60 cycle 118-220 volt motor $80. Phantom of the Opera (1925 silent). Tom ings with the Grand Forks Home Or­ Lockwood, 19 Manor Drive, Rochester, gan Club. For the remainder of the W. A. Fife, 5081 W. Rowland Ave. , Little­ ton, Colo. 80123. Ph. (303) 794-2302. N. Y. 14617. afternoon members took turns playing the Thomas three manual organ. FOR SALE- Wurlitzer 2/7, not quite FOR SALE-Artisan theatre organ. Three complete. Originally 2/4 w/3 ranks added. manual "Imperial" model, 4 set_ssolid state LANCE JOHNSON Glock , xylo , chimes and toy counter com­ generators , sustain , trans. percussions, real plete. $3,500 for all. S. P. Steen, 788 River vibra harp and orch. bells, reverb., presets, Rd., Chatham, N.J. 07928. (201) 635-5753. Leslie, 5 amps, 2 tone cabinets. Was SOUTHEASTERN $12,500, now $7,500. For specs write FOR SALE - 16' Bourdon (Wurlitzer) Newport Organs, 1593 Monrovia Ave., w/action; 8' diapason; 8' violin; 8' flute; 8' Newport Beach, Ca 92660. The coffered ceiling of the Alabama vox; 3 HP blower/motor; 2M console; set Theatre in Birmingham heard a good switch and couplers. Special deal for all. deal of music from the 4/ 20 Wurlitzer Ray-El Organ Co. , 614 E. 36th St., Min­ WANTED (desperately) - Tracker bar for Style "R" Wurlitzer Player Organ. Mack Watson and other Southeastern neapolis, Minn. 54407. (612) 832-2632 after 5 p.m. or (312) 362-4844. Also, Welte-Mignon Reproducing Organ Chapter ATOS members have restored Rolls. Items to be used in non-profit ven­ to superb playing condition. This FOR SALE - Collector 's item-Stereo or ture to keep Scotty's Castle organ in play­ January meeting of the chapter on the mono original pressing. Leonard MacClain ing condition for tours. Contact Fred (Melody Mac) at the 3/33 Kimball, Stan­ Beeks, 1785 Somerset Place, Reno, Nevada 31st was a Sunday filled with a succes­ ton Theatre, Baltimore (dismantled). Full 89502. sion of versatile "stars who descended color photo of Mac and theatre ( de­ on the Alabama" in an informal free­ molished 1965); historical summary and FOR SALE - Robert Morton 2/7, Beauti­ ! or-all at the console. photos. $ 10 for either album. Ted Schiller , ful Condition. Now Playing. Robert An­ Box 93, Joppa , Md. 21085. dre , 611 Alhambra Circle , Coral Gables , Florida . Phone: 446-077 5. Tommy Teaver, Southeastern Chap­ WANTED - Player piano rolls. Ampico, ter's new chairman, held a short busi­ Duo-Art, Welte , Deluxe. Ivan Shapiro , 169 ness meeting and introduced Mr. Wat­ E. Burlington Rd. , Riverside , Ill. 60456. FOR SALE: Wicks' ORGAN BUILDING son who opened the organ for business , FOR AMATEURS. 287 pages. $10.00 FOR SALE-Residence Pipe Organ , Com­ postpaid. Organ Literature Foundation. commenting that he was enjoying one pact 2/M 5 rank - chimes, Gottfried pipe Braintree, Mass. 02184. of the first opportunities to actually work , Robert Morton ornate console , ex­ play the instrument due to constant cellent condition. $975.00. Write: Bond , FOR SALE-Wilcox-White player reed restoration demands. Watson's omnibus P.O. Box 71, Petaluma , Calif. 94952. organ , excellent condition , many rolls , through the mighty Wurlitzer was ex­ bench. $895 .00. Write: Bond , P.O. Box FOR SALE-Steinway Duo-art 6 ft. 4" 71, Petaluma , Calif. 94952 . cellent - to the delight of several Grand. Excellent playing condition , many "recording engineers " on hand - and roll s. Can be played from pipe organ. $4,250 .00. Write: Bond , P.O. Box 71, t;reat to 11ear... was followed by equ ally captivating Petaluma , Calif. 94952. stints from Dolton McAlpin ( of Baton Rouge Paramount fame) , Mr. Jay Mit­ The meeting at the Alabama dis­ chell of Birmingham and a host of played some of the newly generated members and guests. enthusiasm by the chapter and was only a "natural " since Southeastern 's concert guest for December was Lee Erwin , once staff organist for the theatre at the ripe old age of eighteen! If only Erwin could have been present to weave an additional chapter of his pipe organ subtlety as he did at the Atlanta Fox Christmas meeting. Southeastern Chapter is in the proc­ ess of placing copies of The Best Re­ maining Seats in the libraries of Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and Emory Uni­ versities. Each copy bears an inscrip­ tion denoting the ATOS, Southeastern Chapter, as donor and includes a me­ morial page to Ben M. Hall - for which the books have been given in One of the posters (designed by John McCall, The console of the Alabama Wurlitzer, refinished memoriam. Jr.) our club is distributing to organ/piano stores by member Charles Walker. Dolton McAlpin on in the Atlanta area as port of our membership the Howard Seat. JoHN CLARK McCALL, JR. drive.

39 theatre organ fflRIO

LyN .LARSEN wi1h

on the Robe~ Power .special · Rodgers Theatre Organ

Look what Malar Productions has put together - the sensational stylings of Lyn Larsen and the super sounds of Bob Power's Rodgersl Five dollars will get you "Something Special" from Malar Productions, P.O. Box 3104, Glendale, California 91201. Meanwhile, be thinking about a Rodgers for your very own. If your living room is smaller than Bob Power's, how about our new junior-version of that organ, the Rodgers Custom 340? Full details are yours for the asking.

ORGAN COMPANY 1300 N.E. 25th Avenue, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123