TheatreOrgan Bombarde

JOURNAL of the AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN ENTHUSIASTS

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FAREWELL TO THE ORIENTAL

CHICAGO CONVENTION PLANS Wurlitzer Theatre Organ

The modern Theatre Console Organ that combines the grandeur of yesterday with the electronic wizardry of today.

Command performance! Wurlitzer combines the classic Horseshoe Design of the immortal Mighty Wurlitzer with the exclusive Total Tone electronic circuitry of today. Knowledge and craftsmanship from the Mighty Wurlitzer Era have produced authentic console dimensions in this magnificent new theatre organ. It stands apart, in an instru­ Partial list of features ment of its size, from all imitative theatre organ • Dual system of tone generation • Authentic Mighty Wurlitzer Horseshoe Design designs. To achieve its big, rich and electrifying • Authentic voicing of theatrical Tibia and tone, Wurlitzer harmonically "photographed" Kinura originating on the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ voices of the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ to • Four families of organ tone serve as a standard. The resultant voices are au­ • Two 61-note keyboards • 25-note pedal keyboard with two 16 ' and thentic individually, and when combined they two 8 ' pedal voices augmented by Sustain blend into a rich ensemble of magnificent dimen­ • Multi-Matic Percussion ~ with Ssh-Boom ®, Sustain , Repeat , Attack , Pizzicato , and sion. Then, to crown the accomplishment, we Bongo Percussion incorporated the famous Wurlitzer Multi-Matic • Silicon transistors for minimum maintenance Percussion ® section with exclusive Ssh-Boom ® • Reverb , Slide , Chimes , and Solo controls • Electronic Vibrato (4 settings) that requires no special playing techniques, • Exclusive 2 speed Spectra -Tone ® Sound Pizzi ca to Touch that was found only on larger pipe in Motion • Two-channel solid state amplifiers , 70 watts organs, Chimes and Slide Control ... and dozens total distributed output of other features that no other organ can offer. • 8 speakers (two rotating) • Theatre furniture styling in walnut or See ... hear .. . play this magnificent organ today. antique white and gold URLI ZER means Music to millions pianos • organs • electronic pianos • guitars • stereos • band instruments. DeKalb, Illinois 60115 ~ ATOS ~fflvES/LIBRAR7 THE COVER PHOTO The famous 4-20 Oriental Wurlitzer console TheatreOrgan after redecoration by members of CATOE. This organ was recorded by Arsene Siegal and Helen Westbrook on the Replica Record label in the l 950's. The story on Farewell Bombarde to the Oriental appears on page 5 of this issue. Volume 11, Number 2 Photo by Bill Lamb April, 1969

In This Issue A.T.O.E. National Membership is $7.00 per cal­ Editorial - Al Mason ..... 3 endar year, which inciudes a subscription to THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE, the official pub ­ An Acre of Seats ...... 4 I ication of the American Threatre Organ Enthu­ Farewell to the Oriental ...... 5 siasts. Single copies : $1.25. Make check or Whatever Became of Mary Jean Miller . 6 money order payable to A.T.O.E., and mail to A Farewell to Loew's Ohio ...... 9 P. 0 . Box 2329, Livonia, Michigan 48150 . Dennis James Thrills RTOS ...... 8 New York Hosts 14th Anniversary ...... 10 OVERSEAS Membership : $8.00. National Board of Directors Meeting 11 ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION Helen Dell Warms Damp Audience ... . 12 EXCEPT ADVERTISING SHOULD BE Au Revoir to Boyd Kimball ...... ············ ···"····· 12 SENT TO A .T.O.E. PUBLICATIONS DTOC's Good Fortune - Don Miller 13 P. 0. BOX 2329, LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48150 Larsen Visit Thrills Disabled Fan .... 14 Organ Literature Foundation Moves ...... 15 ADVERTISING ADDRESS: Dewey Cagle, 3291 A TOE Election - Special Editorial ...... 15 Guido Street, Oakland, California 94602 . Let's Communicate ...... 16 Repairing and Rewinding Wurlitzer Magnets ...... 17 The Organ Plays "Golden Favorites" 19 A.T.O.E. National Officers 1969 Convention Schedule . 22 Albert T. Mason, President Chicago Stadium 's Barton .. 24 Richard F. Kline, Jr ., Vice President Dick Schrum Entertains RTOS ...... 25 Betty Mason, National Secretary Hollywood Cavalcade ...... 26 Dorothy MacClain, Secretary-Treasurer For the Records ...... 26 Vox Pops ...... 30 A.T.O.E. National Board of Directors Disc Squeals ...... ·33 Lee Erwin Nuggets from the Golden Days ...... 34 W. "Tiny" James Theatre Organ Magazine 's l 0th Birthday ············· ······"··· · 35 Frederick J. Kruse Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries 38 Ben M. Hall 39 Chapter News ...... Dorothy J. MacClain Classified Ads ...... 42 Phil Olson Allen W. Rossiter Erwin A. Young, Jr . TO PRESERVETHE THEATREORGAN Richard H. Schrum, Honorary When we started many years ago as a group of hobbyists, the idea of 'preserv­ A.T.O.E. Honorary Members ing' meant to remove and take home a theatre organ or sit around undet a drop 1959 - Jesse Crawford light in a dark auditorium with a large group of six or seven and moon over the 1960 - Farny Wurlitzer death of the instruments. Times have changed. We now have new responsibilities. 1961 - Mel Doner 1962 - Leonard MacClai n The real sound is developed in large spaces. Even the largest home must have 1963 - Eddie Dunstedter artificial reverb to give full dimension for the pipe 's abilities. The development of 1964 - Reginald Foort young artists to carry on the use of the instruments we ar~ preserving demands 1965 - Dan Barton access to a public willing to pay for their entertainment and that means either 1966 - W . "Tiny" James theatres or other public auditoriums. This movement is developing . 1967 - Erwin A. Young , Jr. Doesn't our success now mean that we should, as chapters at least, turn more 1968 - Richard C. Simonton of our attention to the restoration in place or use in schools of the organs remaining EDITORIAL STAFF rather than just being a social group? If we give the owner or management some Editor - George Thompson reason to see that there are people willing to pay for their fun then the king of Associate Editors - Ray Brubacher instruments becomes an asset rather than a nuisance. Lloyd Klos Social life with other interested people is fun and an integral part of our Peg Nielsen chapter life but it doesn't give our favorite music much future. Support your local Editor-Emeritus - W . "Stu" Green Publications Director - Don Lockwood chapter by joining it as well as the national. Maybe there are more members in Advertising Manager - Dewey Cagle your area who would enjoy having a chapter. Circulation Manager - Vi Thompson Come to the Chicago Convention , have fun and also learn the ropes on THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE (title registered producing shows featuring the pipes and silent movies . U. S. Patent Office) is published bi-monthly by the American Theatre Organ Enthusiasts, Inc., a non-profit organization, Albert T. Mason, President . AIJ rights reserved. Entire contents copyrighted 1969 by A.T.O.E., Inc., Office of publication is P.O. Box 2329, Livonia, Michigan 48150 . Printed by Detroit Master Craft, Livonia . Michigan 48150 . - Al Mason, President POSTMASTER: Second Class postage paid at Pontiac, Michigan . IF UNDELIVERABLE, send form 3579 to A.T.O.E. Circulation Department, Box 1314, Salinas, California 93901.

3 theatre organ bombarde By Bill Peterson - number 14 in a series ROXY THEATRE - NEW YORK CITY This house, built on a magnificent scale, was conceived by Samuel L. "Roxy" Rothafel and designed by W. W. Ahlschlager. The auditorium seating 6214 persons was lavishly decorated in gold, and of awesome proportions. The public rooms were dominated by a spectacular rotunda which had its own organ, a duplex player. Kimball got the contract for the Roxy, and put a total of five consoles in the building. One was installed in the radio broadcast studio high up above the theatre proper, while no less than three consoles were located in the pit on elevators. The auditorium organ spoke out from under the stage. Very impressive to see, but not the best to hear. The Roxy was torn down in 1960. april 1969 4 FAREWELLto the ORIENTAL Recently word came to the Chicago was actually vinyl art forms and are Area Chapter of A TOE that the Ori­ produced by the company that ·used to ental Theatre was to be separated into make the plaster ones formerly used two theatres. CA TOE chairman, Bill on the original consoles. Benedict and CATOE secretary Bill The Oriental Theatre, built in 1925 Rieger , persuaded the management to by the famous theatre architects, Rapp allow the organization to have one last & Rapp , is described as a work of art . concert before the conversion took The auditorium is beyond words with place. its intricacies of Eastern magnificence With the full cooperation of the man­ featuring grotesque dancers and Indian agement, the half ton console. was re­ animal figures complete with illumin­ moved from the 12 foot pit and placed ated stained glass around the shrine-like on the main floor as the new screen was niches. This theatre was a showcase for to cover the orchestra area. Some fif­ Paul Ash and his Merry Mad Musical teen energetic CATOE members parti­ Gang and organist Henri A. Keates. cipated in the after midnight work . Stage shows and the sound of the Wur­ More than 1,000 man hours were spent litzer had long departed in favor of in the restoration work of repairing and bigger first run screen shows. cleaning before any tuning could be Publicity for this show under the done - always between midnight and capable hands of chairman, Bill Bene­ 9 a.m. dict, brought television crews from both It takes a truly dedicated T.O . lover ABC and NBC to interview both Bill to give up their night's rest and come and Hal Pearl, with accompanying live Ben Hall addressing audience du,ing Sept. 20th down night after night to get such a organ music from the Oriental on their CATOE concert featuring Hal Pearl at the monumental job accomplished in such news casts. Numerous radio stations Oriental Theatre Wurlitzer (Chicago). a short span of time. The console of carried the story as well as every major the 4-20 Wurlitzer presented quite a newspaper in Chicago. tern Slide program entitled "Best Re­ challenge for CATOE. The sides were The night of the show was marked maining Seats, Chicago Scene." This badly marred and the top had been by the large numbers of young people really brought back memories to the completely stripped and painted red. A that couldn't possibly have remembered Chicagoans that were around when the restoration crew, headed by Joe Duci the Oriental in its hey-day. The chair­ Uptown, Chicago, and other great Bella, turned the ugly plain console top man introduced the master of cere­ movie palaces were new. into the thing of beauty and wonder we monies, Ben Hall, who in turn intro­ Hal then accompanied a newsreel all marveled at on the 20th. Michael duced the organist, Hal Pearl, organist "Gay Nineties Live Again ," played a Thornton, a professional artist and at the Aragon Ballroom for seventeen medley from the 20's, accompanied a photographer, painted the firebirds on years. Hal opened the program by serial, "Purple Dagger" and finally the top. Michael thought ahead to playing "Hail to the Mighty Wurlitzer" played for a vigorous sing-a-long. lighting effects and mixed white in on followed by a nostalgic "My Blue After intermission Bill Benedict read each part of the firebirds - thereby at­ Heaven" and the firebirds almost came a telegram from the Wurlitzer Company taining the dazzling effect under the to life under the blue spotlight. congratulating CA TOE. Then he and blue spotlights. The gold ornamentation Ben Hall presented his Magic Lan- Ben Hall led a rally requesting the management to retain the Wurlitzer and move the console to the upper theatre. "A Salute to the Oriental " slide show was then presented by Ben Hall whose sharp tit and humor were much appre­ ciated by the audience. Hal Pearl closed with a medley of tunes as his "Farewell Tribute." It is only fitting to mention the names of at least some of the restoration crew led by Sam Holte, and Terry Kleven: Joe Spurr , Charles Peterson , Frank Pokorny , Jack Hadfield , Bill Rieger and a myriad of CATOE members that drove as far as 80 miles to lend a hand . We must also thank the helpers of Joe Duci Bella: Ruth Kapp, Yvonne Sinye Cheng , Bill Becker and Michael Sains ­ bury . Theatre management has told CATOE the contractors are not planning on starting to work on the Oriental until fall. Therefore, we are expecting a The Oriental 4-20 Wurlitzer in place on the original organ lift and before redecoration by program at this theatre during the con­ Joe Duci Bella and his crew . vention this summer.

5 theatre organ bombarde What Ever Became of

The girl blos .somed briefly on pipes over NBC in the early '50s, and then was heard no more on the networks. Yet, her fans remembered ...

Announcer Hugh Downs looked at his watch, then gazed around the some­ what cluttered studio. His eyes came The organist plugs her own arrangements of Stephen Foster tunes during to focus on the studio clock, which he a broadcast from Chicago Merchandise Mart studio. noted was nearly a minute ahead of his watch, then moved to a shopworn pipe only in the higher echelons of com­ "What ever became of Mary Jean organ console on the far side of the munications media the popular radio Miller?" studio. He caught the eye of the organ­ show was cancelled after 64 weeks, The next clue was a yellowed clip­ ist, a handsome woman in her early never to reappear. For that matter, the ping from an Indianapolis newspaper, 40's, and gave the hand signal which organ didn't survive either. It is long "The News." Date: November 12, indicates "one minute to air time." gone from the studio. 1953. The paper was part of some The organist ceased shuffling through But the program and organist were stuffing in a box of electronic parts we the music on the well-worn music rack not forgotten. From time to time this had ordered from an Indianapolis job­ and set up combinations on the three publication received inquiries, infre­ ber. Curious as to what was going on manuals of the venerable studio Wur­ quent but persistent, which asked: in Indianapolis 15 years ago, we flat­ litzer for her program theme. As the "What ever became of Mary Jean?" tened the paper and a little box ad in big second hand on the studio clock After a couple of years of this, we the "Places to Go" page caught our moved up toward the hour, both artist felt moved to look into the matter. eye, an ad for "The Bamboo Inn," and announcer automatically turned Queries to radio stations in Chicago all inviting all to "come hear concert, radio their eyes toward the control room brought the same reply; she was re­ and TV star Mary Jean Miller at the where the producer butted out his cigar­ membered, but they didn't know where organ. 20th week." So, our subject ette, raised his right hand high and, she was now. One suggested that Mary wasn't above playing in a beanery! The when the second hand passed the hour, Jean was Irma Glen, doing a little plot thickened. brought the hand down to point at the moonlighting. But Irma Glen wasn't Thumbing through a stack of organ organist. active in Chic;ago radio in the early instruction books in a local music store, The strains of Edward MacDowell's '50s. The mystery deepened. a set of Stephen Foster tunes caught "To a Waterlily" filled the studio. When To further throw us off the track, a our interest, more so after we noted the the theme had been established, the former employee of a Wausau, Wiscon­ arranger's name was given as Mary producer gave the "fade - down, - and - sin bank reported that long before the Jean Miller of Bismarck - North Da­ continue - under - speech" hand signal. "Morning Serenade" broadcasts from kota? No - Illinois. And best of all, a The music continued softly as Hugh Chicago, a gal organist named Miller photo gave us our first view of our sub­ Downs made the familiar announce­ had played Christmas holiday concerts ject.· However, the copyright date was ment without referring to his script: in a Wausau bank lobby on a plug-in 1951. She had been many places since "Good morning. Welcome to the for several years. She had also broad­ that year so we didn't follow up the fifty-second Sunday presentation of cast a "Melody Hall" program from clue. It turned out later that we should 'Morning Serenade' with Mary Jean station WSAU. Yes, answered WSAU, have. Miller at the console of the WMAQ it had been Mary Jean Miller. But they In our considerable correspondence studio organ in the Merchandise Mart, had no forwarding address. pertinent to the job of seeking high Chicago." Again the delicate strains of interest-value stories for this publica­ "Waterlily" filled the studio and the tion, we would occasionally slip in an NBC network's Sunday listeners were inquiry about that Miller gal. We got treated to 15 minutes of music appro­ some perplexing answers. priate to the day and hour. The style One writer told us he remembered was brisk and light. The standard selec­ the Miller broadcasts from Chicago tions were registered as such while the clearly and the name of the show wasn't "pops" were given a theatrical twist. "Morning Serenade" but "Frontiers of A solid classical foundation showed Faith" and included a male quartet through even the popular selections. which · sang hymns while Mary Jean Obviously, the gal was at home in accompanied on a Hammond. Besides, either idiom. he recalled seeing the group, so it had THE GREAT DAYS OF RADIO - Mary Jean is Neither organist nor announcer could to be on TV, not radio. flanked by screen personality Maggie McNamara know then that the program, which had and Joe Kelly, MC of the "Quiz Kids" broad­ Another one wrote, "She was the been building in popularity during the cast, as they prepare for a broadcast fro.m NBC musical director for the 'Quiz Kids' year 1951 , would never see a second Chicago. Mary Jean played the theme on a program when it originated from NBC anniversary. For reasons understood Hammond. Chicago - about 1952, I think." april 1969 6 Obviously, the quarry wore many hats, the better to confuse the pursuer. The next adventure in quest of La Miller was straight out of a Fibber McGee broadcast, with a touch of "Allen's Alley." He was a visitor from Florida, in his late sixties. "Howdy, bub. Yup, I know what I'm talkin' 'bout, I do. This female organ player played a concert on some kind of new-fangled organ without no pipes. She did it right there in Fort Lauderdale - oh, say - 'bout '56 or '57, give or take a year. Naw, she warn't no visitor. Lived there reg'lar with her husband. I usta stop playin' shuffleboard an' ogle her when she walked by the park. A mighty fair loo~in' woman. I'll tell you. Well worth the oglin'. Yup, thas right - Mary Jean Miller. Played THE COLLEGE WURLITZER- Mary Jean found the Wurlitzer in the Russell Stover Auditorium unusual. up a storm on that thing with all the Nine rankers with three manuals and a French style console aren't ' common. black 'n white keys - 'n footpedals." There just had to be more than one "This here college in Kansas City - "You mentioned another organist. organist with that very distinctive name. a place called 'Russell Stover Hall' - What kind of music did he play?" Perhaps more than two. Utter con­ they got this old the-ayter organ going "It wasn't no 'he' - it was a 'she' and fusion! an' it's part of the music department of what she did at that console made the During the next few months, "Miller the University of Missouri ... at Kan­ trip out to the campus worth it. Even watchers" reports were reminiscent of sas City, that is. Huh? Harry - with the big plaster on his "flying saucer" sighters' claims. She was, "I said that it's rare to find an hones' nose - admitted it." or had been, just about everywhere - to goodness theatre organ in a college. "No more partitas and gigues?" except where we could corner her for Are you sure it was a - ? "Hell no! This little babe busts right an interview. The sightings continued. "A Wurlitzer - with horseshoe con­ into 'I Love a Parade' with the drums "I remember hearing a Mary Jean sole, nine sets of unified pipes and a a-whamin' and the bells tinklin'. Boy, Miller playing hymns on a theatre load of harps and bells and whackers. she had those square toes tappin' before organ over station WRHM in Min­ That would be a Holtkamp chiffer, you could say 'Mrs. Robinson.' neapolis around 1933. She was very maybe? "A square audience? How did they young." "No, but you gotta admit it's more react?" "While I was studying in England likely. But go on." "Next, the dame beat out 'Seventy­ there was a Mary Jean Miller studying "Well, the time comes around to Six Trombones' and made us believe it. harmony and composition at the Guild­ dedicate the Wurlitzer and the powers Then, 'Hey, Look Me Over'." It was hall School of Music in London. I was scheduled three organists that could a gas! enrolled there during 1936." play the classical stuff okay and told "Didn't she play anything - er - "I was playing Hammond in this them to choose their own programs." classical?" chapel in Chicago and a good looking "When did all this happen - last "Not unless you consider 'Cumana' a gal with that name married an Army year?" Captain there just a few days after classic Latin tune. All she played was "Naw Pearl Harbor in 1941. I was expecting - back about '60 - no - '61. upbeat, lively tunes like 'I Got Rhythm' to be drafted any day. I was, too." The year my son Harry busted his nose and 'That's a-Plenty' - except for one." playing football. We went to Kansas "What was that?" "I heard her on a Hammond in City to get him a 'nose job' - you know, " 'Granada" - you know, that fla­ Miami, Florida, in 1950. All she a rebuild." talked about was fishing when she menco stomper's delight." "Okay - it was in 1961. What hap­ wasn't playing. Couldn't get enough of "What was the audience reaction to pened at the concert?" it. Well, her music was right fine, but this unexpected change of mode." I don't like fish." "Well, they had these two guys play­ "They loved it. Brightened up the "Try the union." in' psalms, preludes, fugattos - you whole evening." know, that counterpoint stuff, like "Check with the AGO!" "Do you recall the organist's name?" 'Three Blind Mice' repeated over and "Yeah - it was Miller - Mary Jean That last advice should have been over. A mess of classics by Mendel­ Miller." followed, in retrospect. somebody and Bach - busy music with We were about to turn around and It was during the 1968 ATOE con­ no chords, just slithering melodies all pursue the matter further but just then vention that a nearby conversation im­ over the place. This - played on a Eddie Dunstedter and console started planted itself on our consciousness. Wurlitzer the-ayter organ with the vib­ to climb up into the spotlight. The pair During intermission, between "halves" rators turned off. You can imagine!" were gone before they could be button­ of the Eddie Dunstedter concert, a "No good?" holed at the end of the concert. couple of voices in the next row back "The guys knocked off the heavy The question kept coming back won­ were discussing offbeat concerts they stuff like experts - but pity the poor der why Mary Jean played pops at the had attended. One had a topper, which the-ayter organ having to put up with serious concert? Maybe she can't play he told with enthusiasm. that kinda music!" the classics.

7 theatre organ bombarde That theory was torpedoed within a "Miss Miller, we would like to pre­ week. when someone mailed in a copy pare a story about your career to run DENNIS JAMES of a program Mary Jean had played for in THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE. a Hammond organ club ( but it didn't Would you send us some notes regard­ THRILLSRTOS say where!). Among the selections ing your philosphy toward music and If there is ever an award to a young were such finger twisters as ''Triumphal theatre organ?" theatre organist who shows the great­ March" from the opera "Aida" (Ver­ .. How about a few thoughts at ran­ di). "Bacchanale'' from "Samson and dom - right now?" est potential, that accolade should go Delilah" (Saint-Saens), "Toreador "Shoot." to Dennis James. That fact was demon­ March", "Habanera" and "Farandole'' "I have always loved and had rap­ strated most profusely on January 25 ( a wicked mess of counterpoint!) from port with the theatre organ. I have as the 18-year-old New Jerseyian per­ Bizet's "Carmen", "One Fine Day" written many musical arrangements and formed at the Rochester Theatre Or­ from "Madame Butterfly" (Puccini) and the great majority are in theatre organ gan Society's 4-22 Wurlitzer in the the "Pilgrim's Chorus" by Wagner - style - both electronic and pipe. The Auditorium Theatre. In spite of the not to mention "Ein Feste Burg" ( Mar­ instrument fascinates me, draws me to cold weather, the place was about half tin Luther) and "Everythin~'s Coming it. Melodies must first be heard in the full. Dennis deserved a full house, Up Roses." mind, the birthplace of all great music, however. The date on the program was Jan­ and I have been able to apply my clas­ uary 28. 1968. Were we getting any sical training and technique toward His program was heavily on music of closer? executing and expressing musical ideas the modern era. But, when he per­ We decided to carry the investigation beautifulJy on the theatre organ." formed the tunes which were com­ to the University of Missouri at Kan­ "How about the 9-ranker at the posed in the Twenties, the audience sas City. Even though Mary Jean's University? Been back there lately?" came to · life. Though all his renditions swingy portion of the dedication con­ "Oh yes - played a concert for the were done in professional style , we cert was seven years in the past, they Heart of America ATOE chapter on it shall dwell on the highlights. might know something as to where she not too long ago. It's a little beauty - " If My Friends Could See Me Now ," might be located . and the chapter technicians keep it in a rouser , led off the program. He dis­ The reply was terse, "For her current excellent shape.'' address try ATOE." "Now about the material for a covered the honky-tonk piano in "Love We did . The reply from the "Heart story- " Is Blue. " A big highlight was his rendi­ of America Chapter " was "Mary Jean "Story ? It seems to me that all those tion of "Colonel Bogey March ," and Miller is our program chairman." The items you read me - they are the if one couldn't visualize scenes from information was right in our own back­ story." the "Bridge on the River Kwai ," he yard - all the time. "Nothing more?" didn 't have it. Although we knew that Now we could ask all the questions "You might add that my home town there were many sound effects in the and check the many leads which had is Bismarck - Illinois. " organ , hitherto ignored by previous "But the story ... been piling up. The last piece of info organists, it remained for Dennis to use that came in prior to an exchange of "Just tell your readers that you fin­ them in "Makin' Whoopee" which correspondence with the long-sought ally found out 'what became of Mary lady was a newspaper clipping from the Jean Miller' - that she's alive and well brought chuckles from the responsive Kansas City "Star" dated May 24, in Kansas City." audience. 1959: Thus ended our quest for the elusive "Cumana'' was an excellent South Mary Jean Miller, who will present Mary Jean - but we sure wish we could American number, and "Praeludium de a concert today at the Kansas City Art have gotten her story. - Hal Steiner Festivum" showed the artist's compe­ Institute for the Soroptimists Club , tence in baroque. "Cabaret" was done has played organ in 44 of the 50 The 3-9 Wurlitzer organ re­ in fluid style, and the biggest number states as well as in seven foreign ferred to in the above story was of the evening was his reading of countries. She graduated with honors originally installed in the Plaza ·"American in Paris", complete with taxi from the University of Kansas and theatre in Kansas City, Mo. It was horns, Folies Bergere theme and other is a member of Mu Phi Epsilon sor­ removed from the theatre and in­ Paris sounds. The regular program ority and the American Guild of stalled in Russell Stover Memorial closed with three George M. Cohan Organists. Auditorium, the performing hall rousers, topped with "You're a Grand of the University of Missouri's Old Flag" which brought the audience No wonder we could never locate Conservatory of Music (at Kansas her; she never stayed put long enough to its feet as the console was lowered. City), as the "Cliff C. Jones Me­ Two encores followed with some of the for us to catch up with her! m.orial Organ" in 1961. It was Finally, the great moment came; a best music of the evening. Final medley dedicated in November of that was from the Roaring Twenties, using telephone connection to "the heart of year. In recent years the Heart America," at last, Mary Jean Miller - honky-tonk piano as solo in a couple; of America Chapter of ATOE has "Five Foot Two", "Ragtime Cowboy in person! She now lives in Kansas maintained the instrument and City, Mo., with her husband, a retired Joe", "Baby Face" and "Sweet Georgia sponsored chapter concerts in the Brown." Army Colonel by the name of Sam Auditorium. Thus, the acceptance Advice to all touring organists: If Ader, she told us. of a theatre organ as a cultural Quickly - the sheaf of notes on her asset by yet another institution of you find your audience uninspired, many engagements. We went down the higher education marks one more switch to numbers the like of Dennis whole list, one by one. Yes, she was milestone in the theatre instru­ James' last medley. It does wonders, the same Miller who played all those ment's long and often rough path especially when the bulk of your aud­ engagements, and she filled in some we toward recognition. ience is composed of those people who hadn't unearthed in two years of trying Photo copying: Bill Lamb remember those numbers. to fit the pieces of her career together. -Lloyd E. Klos

april 1969 8 A FAREWELL TO LOEW'S OHIO by Frank Babbitt and Denny Richards

- Photo by Tom Hamilton Finis

As you read this, Loew's Ohio HBG Enterprises ( composed of Cen­ booklet about the theatre have been Theatre in Columbus may be only a tral Ohio ATOE'ers Tom Hamilton, sold to those unable to attend . Copies memory. As it is being written, how­ Frank Babbitt and Neil Grover), pre­ of the records ($5.00 each) and the ever, valiant efforts are being made by sented a farewell program there on booklet (75c) all postpaid may be ob­ Central Ohio Chapter ATOE'ers and February 16. tained from Neil Grover, 5567 Craw­ many other civic minded citizens to Roger Garrett, a long time favorite ford Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43229. save this beautiful structure. at the Ohio, now manager of a tele­ · Prior to Roger's Concert, the many Within its walls is a 3100 seat audi­ vision station in Clarksburg, West Vir­ features of the theatre's stage and pit torium of Spanish-Moorish design that ginia, returned to Columbus to play lifts were demonstrated to the audience still retains its pristine splendor, thanks the farewell concert. His popularity which included many radio, television and press personalities. To the strains to stage manager Joe Worman and and the public's general interest in the of "Romance ," Roger's theme song, Loew's city manager, Sam Shubouf. theatre were attested to by the com­ the gleaming white console of the This fabulous theatre boasts such ac­ plete sell-out a week before the concert. croutrements as two stage elevators, Last minute arrangements were made Mighty Robert Morton rose into view equipment to fly 44 sets simultaneously, for 45 seats on the orchestra lift and ac­ for the last time. A standing ovation followed a varied program of classical orchestra, grand piano and organ lifts, commodations for some 100 standees and old time popular favorites. As part a perfectly maintained 4-20 Robert elsewhere in the theatre. When the of his encore, Roger played several Morton theatre organ, stereophonic additional tickets were placed on sale Ohio State University songs, reminis­ three dimensional projection equipment , the day of the concert, devoted fans cent of his football rally days at the a preview screening room on a lower stood in 15 degree cold as long as 3 level and many other features reminis­ hours in order to obtain them and theatre. cent of the golden era of the movie when they were gone , people were All of this was only a prelude to the palace. turned away. grand finale. As the curtains slowly parted revealing the 2 stage elevators at Plans have been submitted to the The interest generated was further different levels, a step ladder , music realty company that purchased the site demonstrated by the large volume of stand, chair and spot light came into for a new office building, to erect their record sales at three booths set up in view - a silent reminder of the theatre's structure around and over the theatre the lobby. These recordings were of past. A dimmed spotlight illuminated with the auditorium itself becoming a Roger Garrett and the Ohio's first or­ a basket of red carnations, Ohio's offi­ community play-house. Whether or not ganist, Bill Dalton, made at Loew's cial state flower. this will be successful is highly doubt­ Ohio during previous concerts. N um­ The hour arrived that everyone had ful. As a final tribute to Loew'~ Ohio , erous copies of the pictorial souvenir so long been dreading. The button was pushed and the console slowly started to descend into the pit and from both organ chambers rolled the notes of the song that is used at both glad as well as sad affairs - "Auld Lang Syne." As the console descended, the spotlight grew dimmer, the house lights gradually faded and by the time the last notes sounded, and the console touched bot­ tom , the theatre was completely dark and the huge crowd was so silent you could have heard a pin drop. For sev­ eral seconds not a soul stirred , nor a light flickered. When the house lights finally came up, several tear-filled eyes were seen and even a few wet cheeks . Slowly and reverently, the huge crowd melted through the exits and the theatre emptied. Thus came to an end, a concert, a theatre and an era in Columbus leaving - Photo by Tom Hamilton behind only memories of Loew's Ohio, ROGER GARRETT at the Console of the 4-20 Robert Morton at Loew's Ohio. "THE THEATRE BEAUTIFUL."

9 theatre organ bombarde NEW YORK HOSTS ATOE's 14th ANNIVERSARY by Grant Whitcomb certs in this fashion. As the formal Ex-President Dick Schrum opened part of the program began, Fr. Monello the musical program with a swinging A gala two-day birthday celebration of the Society praised Walter Froelich full-organ rendition of "How About took place during the weekend of Feb. presenting him with a scroll from the You" followed by a musical demonstra­ 8th and 9th. Both ATOE and Robert Society for his work in restoring and tion of the glorious voices of the newly Hope-I ones had their birthdays remem­ maintaining the organ. restored King of Wurlitzers. The ap­ bered. Through the efforts of the N ~w plause that followed showed the York chapter and some cooperation from the National Board of Directors, A TOEers' appreciation. a series of concerts were arranged. The Next came Dr. C. A. J. Parmentier, magic word was Wurlitzer and three one of the original organists at Radio were on display including the largest. City Music Hall. He was previously The opening concert was held at the organist at the famed Roxy and proved Beacon Theatre, an upper Broadway to be the King of Theatre Organ impro­ house which boasts a 4-19 Wurlitzer. visation. He closed with his 'disarrange­ Genial Ben Hall promptly introduced ment' ( to quote the Dr.) of the Liszt Allen Mills as the console came up "Hungarian Rhapsody #2." Any devia­ with the strains of "Give My Regards tions were compensated by sound and to Broadway" followed by a medley of harmony. the roaring twenties tunes accentuated by Allen's spectacular footwork. Some Finally arriving at the theatre by dog-sled, Ashley Miller took the 'schmaltz' then a funereal "King Wil­ - Photo by Richard Neidich anchor-man position in this triple con­ liam March" followed by a choral Lowell Ayars at Stanley 3-11 Wurlitzer "Waters Ripple and Flow" with the cert, opening with the moving "S Won­ closing "Lady of Spain" for the first The artist for the afternoon was derful" going on with the difficult half. Lowell Ayars. Having played for "Take Five" then thru several other A TOE conventions and other meetings numbers. Ashley then took the mike The Beacon presents a challenge to for years, Lowell is well known in to recall a day when the organ de­ the artist as it is a high, two balcony A TOE. A trained musician, church or­ veloped a cipher and he had to play house with the organ chambers across ganist and a fine theatre organist, his around it for 20 minutes. The cipher the proscenium speaking directly to the impeccable phrasing and registration dutifully and promptly started again so second balcony. The sound is simply came through crystal clear whether he Ashley began "It Had to Be You," suc­ tremendous in the balcony while the was using a rhythmical cymbal or a cessfully camouflaging it. The curtains orchestra doesn't receive the 'highs' or sobbing tibia. The combining of "Jesu, parted on the opposite side of the the full bass effect available higher up. Joy of Man's Desiring" with "When theatre and the second console rolled This makes a real trial for the artist the Organ Played at Twilight" was done forward with the cipher turning out to with such a time delay factor. It is a in excellent taste. Lowell pointed out have the name of Dick Schrum. They compliment to Allen Mill's ability that that in the early days there were sing­ closed the show with a wave of dual he was able to control this organ with ing organists and then demonstrated by harmony. The only flaw seemed to be the minimal time available for practice singing two songs. This is a challenge that each deserved a full concert by in this busy first-run palace. few organists of today can meet so well. themselves. A stentorian Bach type fugue as The organ was turned over to more en­ Following the concert, many old Allen's opening for his fast-paced thusiasts who did not have to return friends met and chatted while waiting "Tico-Tico" brought the audience back to New York. for the regular program to begin with for more of the musical varieties and After a dutch treat dinner at the staff organist, Jack Ward, playing the when he closed for the morning with Statler Hilton, the National Board met organ interlude. his version of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little for the semi-annual meeting. A resume Star," the applause would have war­ of the meeting appears elsewhere in The closing concert at Calvary Epis­ ranted more than one encore had time this issue. copal Church is reviewed elsewhere but permitted. the rapidly deepening snow was the We awoke Sunday morning to what While the Stanley in Newark, New major concern by this time. Many were was to be one of New York's biggest isolated on the island of Manhattan Jersey is technically no longer a snow storms in years. Undaunted by theatre, it is the home of the Italian­ with the worst snow storm for many the weather, over 300 enthusiasts made years. American Cultural Society under the tracks to the Radio City Music Hall for auspices of Seton Hall University. The a special program. Ben Hall, master of ATOE owes a vote of thanks to the 3-11 Wurlitzer has been restored by ceremonies, introduced Mr. John New York Chapter, its chairman, Bob Walter Froelich. The house has a ceil­ Henry Jackson, director of stage opera­ Balfour, the hard working secretary, ing of twinkling stars. tions at the Music Hall. Mr. Jackson Allen Rossiter, the moving spirit of Bob Balfour, the chairman, wel­ demonstrated the controls for the mam­ Claude Beckham plus all the grimy en­ comed us to an open console party moth curtain, told several anecdotes thusiasts who keep the glorious instru­ starting with Bill Gage. This is an and for a finale, knocked a newspaper ments playable. However, a vote to important part of ATOE as many fine out of brave Ben Hall's hand with a celebrate any anniversaries in warmer artists have been found for future con- whip from 10 paces. weather would carry unanimously.

april 1969 10 Anniversary Finale CalvinHampton at CalvaryEpiscopal Church by Raymond A. Brubacher

By early Sunday afternoon the severe snowstorm which struck the city the evening before had deposited over 14 inches of glacial beauty, and all but halted surface vehicular traffic. How­ ever, those members who braved the intensity of the storm and got to Cal­ vary Episcopal Church were treated to a recital of music both written and not written for the organ by Calvin Hamp­ ton. Mr. Hampton is indeed a genius, Brion lngoldsby, Jr., of Friday Harbor, Washington, who performed with o concert for the ATOE gifted with a sense of feeling and ex­ Puget Sound Chapter June 4, 1967 at the Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon, Washington (where he pression second to none; one of the rare restored, on his own initiative, the two-manual seven-rank Wurlitzer) is now stationed in the Far East on a four of Naval duty resulting from the present Asian conflict. This young artist is a member of organists who have the nerve to per­ the Naval Reserve, and became well known to movie goers in Mount Vernon and . Bellingham, Wash­ form orchestral music on the organ. ington, resulting from his performance there, as well as his popularity playing for _roller skating Mr. Hampton said that it is his aim devotees in Washington and Oregon, when he received his calf to active duty in February, 1968. While in service of his country he will be taking advantage of every opportunity to examine and to keep this magnificent organ largely play pipe organs wherever his ports of call take him - so look in future issues for some interesting a product of its time while making well reports on his experiences in far-off places. thought out modifications in order that all forms of music may be played upon it. RESUMEOF NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING Mr. Hampton began his program February8, 1969-Statler Hilton Hotel -New York City with a transcription for organ of Ed­ vard Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite. By the The meeting was called to order by an additional dollar membership dues time Mr. Hampton had reached "In the the President at 9:40 p.m. The minutes for foreign overseas members due to Hall of the Mountain King" he had of the meetings of July 13 and July 15, additional postage. demonstrated his superior musicianship 1968 were read ar,d approv .ed. A ~tate­ Motion made and carried that subject in both registration and technique so ment of income and disbursements was to acceptance by the New York Chap­ well that this reyiewer feels impelled to read and it was noted that the deficit of ter Board of Directors, this Board ac­ ask why our breed of church musicians 1968 will decrease but slightly for 1969. cept their bid for the 1970 convention. of today tend to look down on this type ATOE finances will be on. the agenda Ben Hall suggested and the recom­ of craftsmanship in organ playing. Next for the July, 1969 meeting. mendation was accepted that 4th of came the only legitimate work for the The subject of the Los Angeles chap­ July week-end be avoided. organ by the French organist and com­ ter's relation with the Console magazine President Mason requested that chap­ poser , Maurice Durufle, the famous was discussed at great length. It was. ters wishing to make changes in updat­ Suite in three movements. The most pointed out the A TOE had no interest ing the By-Laws submit their ideas by electrifying moments came in the toc­ in curtailing the editor of the Console April 1 for possible printing in the cata when the capabilities for contem­ in his rights to publish the magazine but June is~ue and at the July meeting. to have the chapter officially separated porary music on this instrument were Suggestions have been made to add fully demonstrated . from it. A motion was made and car­ ried with but two dissenting votes to electronic information to our magazine. After a five minute intermission to suspend the Los Angeles Chapter Char­ A motion was made and carried to keep allow piston changes to be made, Mr. ter until the July meeting. (Since then , the official magazine centered on pipe Hampton returned to the console to the Los Angeles Chapter has found it organ as there is enough copy to oc­ bring us what I have always considered possible to comply with the Chapter cupy the available time and talent in impossible to perform on the organ - Charter Agreement and has been fully our field. Chopin. The finale proved to be the reinstated. They also register tl;ie reso­ There was a discussion about a pos­ masterpiece of the program, his own lution that they were not transgressing sible theatre organ museum but the lack transcription of the complete Pictures the agreement with their previous of space and personnel would forbid at an Exhibition by Modeste Moussorg­ methods.) at this time. It was preferred that each sky. The dazzling display of tonal color Stillman Rice, chairman of the Con­ chapter m.;iintain its own rncords for and contrast that was achieved during necticut Valley Chapter, explained how the present. the performance of this work left listen­ their chapter was able to incorporate as Since hotel and other facilities are ers with a lasting impression of how a charitable organization. An ATOE booked far in advance, it was tenta­ really fortunate we are to have in our first. Other chapters could make a study tively planned to try to hold 1971 con­ midst such a musician, a term which so of the procedure and then the National vention in Seattle and 1972 in Rich­ few players of musical instruments could also apply if desired. mond, Virginia. really deserved to be called, as Calvin Motion made and carried to charge Meeting adjourned at 12:05 a.m. Hampton .

11 theatre organ bombarde HELEN DELL WARMS DAMP Au Revoirto the AUDIENCE AT "TUBES, INC." It was raining on February 24th. In Among the tunes which highlighted BoydKimball fact it had been raining, on and off, all the first half of the program were a over southern California for three days simple but pleasant "Do You Know For once, thankfully, a final concert prior to the date set for Helen Dell's What It Means to Miss New Orleans?", did not mean the end of a Theatre initial concert on pipes. Even without an emotional "Dancing in the Dark", Organ, or a theatre, or both! The the rain, the loca­ "I'm Through With Love" ( as done in Boyd Theatre at 19th and Chestnut tion was a hard-to­ her album) and a timely "Button Up Sts., became for a brief period the f ind warehouse, Your Overcoat", which was a comment only operating theatre in downtown miles southeast of on the TV commercial that spoofs Los Angeles. To musical films of the '30s. Helen pro­ Philadelphia, Pa. with a playable in­ complete the diffi­ grammed her concert carefully, avoid­ strument. This neatly groomed theatre c u 1 t conditions ing overripe cliche tunes and including boasts a 3-19 Kimball first heard on under which Miss some novelties. One was "Les Myrtles" Christmas Day in 1928 and which had DAINTY MISS- Helen Dell performed, the which, · she explainecj, she had heard become as silent as the "silents" it and friend at 'Tubes weather turned Harry Mills play on the Welte which once accompanied. Used for intermis­ Inc.' The 2-9 Wurli cold 1ate in the once graced the Barker Bros. depart­ sions from 1931 until 1939, it had re­ served her well. afternoon and the ment store in LA. Another was a swing­ mained silent for 30 years. With its rain perked up. An hour before concert band arrangement of "Shiny Stockings" dark and dusty pipes hidden behind time it was coming down in blinding a minor masterwork in jazz which had red velvet curtains radiating from the sheets and it continued that way half toes tapping. It smacked of "Artistry in edge of the cinerama screen, and its way through the concert. Rhythm" in its pattern and drive, end­ gray-blue handsome console lurking With all those negative factors, did ing on a dirty, lowdown chord. like some archaelogical specimen be­ anyone show up for the petite lady's Then, Helen asked musically, "How neath a covered orchestra pit on an debut? They sure did, over 250 strong. Are Things in Glocca Morra?" "Hope­ Some were attired in "sou'westers" and fully, warmer than here" stagewhispered inoperative lift, the presence of this oilskins. Some came equipped with Bill Exner. She closed the section with instrument was known only to the rubber boots ( they were the dry ones), that fine old depressionistic morale theatre management and a handful of but they came. The concert was held builder from a long ago Dick Powell enthusiasts until recent weeks. in the "Tubes Inc" warehouse, located movie, "Marching Along Together." inconveniently in the badly-lighted in­ Then, along came Robert E. Dil­ During intermission we looked at worth, an energetic and imaginative dustrial area of beautiful downtown the organ in closeup. The pipework is Commerce, Calif., mainly because the teacher and organ enthusiast on the installed in two ample-size, floor-level faculty of John Dickinson High School building houses Chuck Baker's 2-9 chambers in a corner of the warehouse. in Wilmington, Delaware. Bob Dil­ Wurlitzer (yes, 2-9; we checked). In­ The console is located on a dolly about side the building it was a few degrees 25 feet from the chambers. Drapes worth had become aware that RKO­ colder than outside, so when foot­ have been hung in the corner of the Stanley Warner Co. was willing to do­ stomping accompanied applause, it was warehouse to provide a proper setting nate Theatre Organs to qualified non­ for a dual purpose. Irving Cosgrove for the console and, perhaps, to take profit or tax-supported institutions. was seen lurching around the seating the edge off any excessive reverb in Having secured the cooperation of area cursing himself for failing to apply the huge, high-roofed building. faculty and students at his high school for the hot water bottle concession. In the tooth-chattering atmosphere, The organ has a bright sound, with to install a Theatre Organ at the school, organist Lyn Larsen stepped to the considerable treble emphasis on reeds Mr. Dilworth arranged through agent microphone and gave Helen a warm and strings. The Tibia is adjusted for Walter Froelich to obtain the Boyd introduction, welcoming her to the Stopped Flute quality. The ensemble Kimball to be removed to nearby Wil­ Malar label for which they both record. sound is excellent and even at full mington by student volunteers. A pre­ Helen appeared immediately, stepped organ the sound was never overpower­ liminary examination of the instrument to the immaculate white and gold horse­ ing due to the immense interior of the revealed that while a considerable shoe through a blast of applause and steel tube warehouse. The corner oc­ amount of restoration work was neces­ opened with a fast "I Know That You cupied by the organ and about 300 sary involving extensive releathering Know." folding chairs doesn't make a dent on and repairing about 100 squashed pipes, After the handclapping died down the over-all capacity. the organ was immediately playable to she greeted the enthusiasts who had so After intermission, Miss Dell played some extent. Mr. Dilworth saw an op­ valiantly braved the elements. She a medley from "Oliver", a '20s group portunity here to arrange for a final was wearing a knee-length white sleeve­ ("Lilac Time" and "Baby Face"), "The concert on this instrument in its orig­ less dress with a gold belt and golden Song is You", Anderson's "Jaiz Pizzi­ inal setting for the sake of nostalgia as "Cinderella" slippers with glass heels. cato" and the tune most closely associ­ well as the practical idea of raising She spoke in a confident, lowpitched ated with her, "One Morning in May". funds to defray the costs of relocation. (almost husky) voice and it was soon Her encore was "Step to the Rear" and Enlisting the help of organ expert evident that she was quite at ease doing those who did, following a whopping Brantley Duddy of the Austin Organ her own MCing. After a voxy version round of applause, found themselves Co. plus volunteer workers from the of "I'll Remember April," with solos out in the reality of a cold, damp night. Delaware Valley Chapter (TOSDV, on the excellent Clarinet on the Baker Somehow, the musical enchantment Inc.) and John Dickinson High School organ, she greeted her parents who had had caused listeners to forget that get­ student and faculty volunteers, serious come from Arizona to take in daugh­ ting there wasn't half the fun. restoration work commenced at the be­ ter's debut. - Peg Nielsen ginning of 1969.

april 1969 12 Finally, while restoration efforts were to the mighty Kimball sound but only His opener was a brisk "You," fol­ in progress, TV and Concert Organist a brief farewell until we meet again in lowed by a suite from Gershwin's "Am­ Larry Ferrari, who has become an a new location and with the organ in erican in Paris" music that deserves irrepressible pipe organ enthusiast, tried even better condition than this crash to be heard more often. (One of the out the Boyd Kimball. Arrangements program in restoration. things that will be sorely missed when were made for a midnight concert fea­ Our thanks go to the friendly and those organists whose memory spans turing Larry Ferrari tentatively sched­ cooperative Boyd Theatre staff under the golden era of popular music are no uled for Saturday, February 22. the management of Mr. Ray Meyer, to longer with us is their ability to dig into To the everlasting credit of everyone the tireless workers who made this eve­ their memories - and music collections connected with the project, the organ ning possible, to. the leadership of - and come up with gems. Not that was sufficiently restored by the morn­ Robert E. Dilworth, and finally to the music is necessarily obscure or for­ ing of the concert - even the lift, which Larry Ferrari for providing over two gotten; but to some of the younger defied all kinds of electrical teasing, hours of pipe organ entertainment. artists, perhaps, it is not as viable in finally became co-operative, but only -Grant Whitcomb their experience and as easy to come after Don Stott and Dick Croft spent by as are some other tunes. Hence the entire night nursing this erratic much deserving music is neglected, and elevator back to reasonable health. other music is over-played.) DTOC'sGood The remainder of the first half of his There is one thing all "final" concerts program included a sensitive "People"; have in common - problems. In this Fortune: a selection of three ballet excerpts note­ case the weather and the late hour were worthy for their orchestral registration; not on our side. Nevertheless, nearly a slow, sentimental blues featuring 500 of the faithful were at the Boyd Don Miller Tibias; "Brazilian Sleighbells"; the old at midnight. After a brief greeting by Two good friends, Billy N alle and chestnut "Mighty Lak' a Rose" played Mr. Dilworth, the console rose to the Don Miller, were reunited when Billy sentimentally on Dulciana and Unda spotlight with Larry Ferrari at a gleam­ visited the Detroit Theater Organ Club Maris; and as a windup "Slaughter on ing console opening with "This Could to present his January program. The Tenth A venue." be the Start of Something Big." For extent of their friendship was amply After intermission, Don announced those of us who had heard the first revealed when, during Billy's playing (with a fanfare of brass) his co-star, feeble pipe-like sounds from this Kim­ of "The Happiest Orchestrion" the Maureen Lyon, a very talented and ball a few weeks ago, the effect was mighty "orchestrion" began to run charming young lady well known for electrifying. Even though the combina­ down! Just when it seemed that the her intermission performances at the tion action was not operating and other music was about to grind to a dis­ Redford Theatre and elsewhere. She malfunctions were evident, the mag­ pirited halt, the resourceful Don came gave Don a further breather and the nificence of this instrument - in perfect to the rescue by dashing onto the stage audience a glimpse of the coming gen­ tune - spoke through the temporarily and winding the instrument back up eration of organists with assured per­ tied-back curtains with full authority. again, restoring all its jangling vitality formances of "Everything is Coming Here was the "big sound" - crowned in time for a brilliant climax. The gag Up Roses", "It's Wonderful" and with a very powerful trumpet stop . was enhanced by highly audible sound "Granada." At the finish of his opening number , effects created by a gigantic ratchet Larry paid a brief tribute to Bob Dil­ ( dubbed "·Ratchet Mirabilis, not to be worth's group and the A TOE and then confused with the English Post Ratchet " launched into the uninterrupted first by its creator, Dave Brewer) tempor­ portion of his concert - music of arily affixed to the console's posterior. Broadway and the Movies. Our artist Not to be outdone by his friend, Don illustrated the operative percussions Miller himself appeared in concert be­ with appropriate use of glock and fore the DTOC the following month. chimes. The straight organ passages Appearances by Don Miller, one of the exhibited the beauty and power of the authentic masters of the console in the Kimball which Mr. Duddy had tuned days of the silent screen, are infrequent so perfectly. Mr. Ferrari continued with since his retirement, and each one is a a varied program moving rapidly from memorable event. ATOE members who song to song in an uninterrupted string attended the 1967 National Convention of harmony with considerable use of in Detroit will recall Don's brilliance the full organ effect. that stifling July afternoon as he opened - Photo by Phil Gorden The second half of the Larry Ferrari the convention with a performance that Don, Maureen and John concert involved a considerable range to many was the high point of the in repertoire making full use of the entire convention . Don then returned and a surprise Kimball Tibias. In addition to all the On this occasion, however, Don an­ brought out a young sailor friend of various rhythms presented, even a nounced that the program would be in­ his, John Tyner , who sang "Moon polka was included . In accordance with formal "Just as if you were guests in River " and "My Favorite Things", with his telecast tradition, Larry concluded my home and I played the organ for Don accompanying at the console. with sacred music consisting of hymns. you ." True to his word, the evening The evening concluded with an ex­ Since the time alloted to us by the was relaxed, light, and varied. However , cellent "Misty" and a spectacular and theatre was depleted , Mr . Dilworth an­ it was the familiar Don Miller playing, climactic "Battle Hymn of the Repub­ nounced that we would have to close with his bright and surprisingly mod­ lic" in honor of Washington's birthday, the program , and our organist con­ ern-style arrangements and harmonies, featuring a shattering entrance of the cluded with the traditional "Auld Lang and his brilliant, varied and effective Post Horn which almost blew the audi­ Syne." In this case it was not "goodbye" registration . ence out of the theater. -Ben Levy

13 theatre organ bombarde LARSENVISIT THRILLS DISABLED "NO. 1 FAN" IN TEXAS FOREWORD: Much has been said as he was packing his dress suit for a and written about the recent concert concert tour - and the first stop would tour of Lyn Larsen, the cities, the be Tulsa, just a short air hop from music, the organs, and the triumphs. Dallas. And as luck would have it, Lyn But instead of recounting the concert had an extra day on his hands between adventures in the big towns, we offer concerts. Sure, he'd be glad to come the following vignette which, we feel, and play for Rodney. Lyn had wanted reveals a side of the Larsen character to meet Rod ever since first hearing as important as his musicianship. In about the courageous young man. so doing we also come face to face When the plane carrying Lyn set with the raw courage of another down at Dallas, there was a reception man ... committee waiting for him. Besides Charlie Evans ( who is a well-known organist in the Dallas area), there was American Airlines pilot John Beck and NEWS ITEM CHARLESEVANS, Roc1ney's miracle Les Burford, Vice-President of the May 11, 1964 - Seriously in­ Dallas Power & Light Co., all theatre organ enthusiasts. jured in an auto accident north the old WL W (Cincinnati) radio studio. So Rod's vast store of technical know­ The group lost little time in ameni­ of Plano last night was Rodney ledge was put at Charlie's disposal and ties; this was to be Rodney's day. They Yarbrough, 25, of Celinas, Texas. while Rod provided the instructions, hustled him right over to Celina. Yarbrough suffered multiple in­ the hands of Charlie and his volunteer It's got to be quite a thrill to see one's juries, including a broken neck. helpers carried them out. It was a great idol walk in the door. Photos, letters He was returning from Dallas morale builder for Rodney Yarbrough and recordings are one thing, but here because it proved to him that he could where he had visited his ailing was Lyn Larsen - in person! And our still be useful in his chosen field, al­ BOMBARDE reporter on the scene father. though confined to his cot. notes that -the admiration was mutual; The finished organ sounded very the two organ enthusiasts established much as it had when Lee Erwin played immediate rapport. They were soon The life Rodney Yarbrough had WLW's memorable "Moon River" late .deep in discussion of organ stops, in- known ended on that fateful night. All night soporific on it, back in the days stallations they admire, recordings, the effort he had put into building up a when radio had programs. music, maintenance problems - the pipe organ installation and service busi­ More important than the organ in gamut of pipe-oriented experiences ness in his corner of Texas - gone - Rodney's scheme of things was the fact which form a cohesive atmosphere along with a backlog of orders totalling that Charlie Evans became his cham­ among the most disparate persons. In $100,000. How he had struggled to pion, urging people planning organ in­ fact, the two became so engrossed in make his lifelong love of the wind­ stallations to take advantage of the their discussion that the organ Lyn had blown instrument into a trade which young man's skills, telling the Yar­ come to play for Rod was neglected would support him and his dreams for brough story to all who would listen for a time. the future. And he was very near his and urging organ enthusiasts to visit Finally, Rod's mother, Jessie, asked goal. He had the confidence of pipe Rodney and write letters to him. if Lyn would play. She and Rod's dad, organ owners who needed service and Charlie even managed to latch onto Ted, had been hovering in the back­ he was in good standing with the theatre a four-rank Robert Morton organ which ground, leaving Lyn all to Rodney on organ fans because of his many deeds he and a group of North Texas ATOE this noteworthy day. But as the hours in behalf of the old giants in Dallas, chapter members installed in the Y ar­ ticked by, they began to wonder if the Houston and San Antonio. brough home. A roll player was in­ Morton would even be turned on. cluded so Rod could hear organ music But as of May 11, 1964, Rodney even without an organist being present. Yarbrough could forget the active life. As convenient as that was, Rodney His injuries paralyzed him from the still longed to hear a fine organist play neck down. Rodney faced the facts a dedication concert, perhaps -even Lyn bravely but it was a heartbreaker. Larsen. In the depth of his despair, a miracle Larsen had become one of Rodney's named Charlie Evans appeared on the favorites through the medium of re­ scene. Charlie had acquired an historic cordings, a much-favored Yarbrough Wurlitzer and he needed Rod's help in pastime. When Rod mentioned Larsen making it sound the way it used to in he was just dreaming aloud. He knew of no plans which would bring the West Coast organist to Dallas. SEND ALL MATERIAL AND Charlie Evans made a mental note. INQUIRIES FOR ADVERTISING Later that night he shot off a letter to TO: a friend in Hollywood, someone who Dewey Cagle knew Lyn Larsen. If Larsen was ever I I Advertising Manager near Dallas, would he consider visiting I I 3291 Guido Street Rodney? No harm in asking. Rodney's mother, Jessie, tells Lyn about the little Oakland, California 94602 Evans had his answer by phone the Morton which Charles Evans and his crew in­ next day. The message had caught Lyn stalled for Rodney. Rod supervised installation.

april 1969 14 Lyn was willing and added that they Conversely, Lyn found a kindred soul He left a radiant Rod Yarbrough could continue the conversation even in Rodney, who is a philosopher in behind. Somehow, the four years of while he played. The little Morton, his own right. His inability to engage in confinement, at least for the moment, rescued from a dark Weatherford, Ok­ physical motion has turned his interest didn't seem so intolerable. lahoma, theatre was located in 1965 by to the riches of the mind, and there - Hal Steiner, Dallas a group which has since become the seems to be no limit to quests in that North Texas ATOE chapter. It has a direction. Thus, discussion between Tibia, Vox, String and Diapason, with these very different personalities con­ Chimes and Xylophone added. Just tinued, love of pipes being the common right for a home where organs are ap­ ground and catalyst. preciated. Rod isn't alone in that res­ The clock ticked off the minutes re­ pect. The elder Y arbroughs share his lentlessly and as the afternoon sun enthusiasm. slanted its rays through the windows, Lyn played another set on the little Morton. Rod is very proud of the or­ gan. He had his friends busy for . days tuning and making adjustments so it would be "just right" for Lyn. After all, doing just that is Rod's bag. Too soon the hands of the mantle clock edged toward 4: 30 when Lyn would emplane for his next concert on the following night in Wichita. The two Rod's eye-view ol Lyn Larse,i (holding a bottle said their goodbyes reluctantly and Lyn of his favorite beverage - Burpsi-Booma). The was spirited back to Love Field by his organist was happy to relax between concerts "honor guard." with a most knowledgeable fellow enthusiast. ORGAN LITERATUREFOUNDATION MOVES Rodney listens closely as lyn plays some ol the The Organ Literature Foundation, which has been a source of books on organ selections used during his concert tour. The shelf history, lore and construction since 1950, is expanding. In an effort to improve of rolls and the audio equipment pictured help service to its customers, the Foundation has moved from its long familiar address Rod while away the hours when there is no one (Nashua, New Hampshire) to larger quarters in Braintree, Massachusetts. Pro­ there to play for him. prietor Henry Karl Baker states, " ... the move has enabled us to increase storage space and stock facilities, so we can give 'return mail' service from now on." So, Lyn sat down at the small console and applied the kind of magic which Baker added that the Foundation has released an Addenda List (No. 61) has put his music in great demand, sky­ which is available to readers who send a self-addressed, stamped (6c) envelope rocketing the young man to interna­ to: The Organ Literature Foundation, 45 Norfolk Road, Braintree, Mass. 02184. tional prominence in four short years. After a couple of tunes, Lyn closed the Special Editorial swell shutters some and said, "Rod, I've got a problem with my player piano IT IS IMPORTANT back in Hollywood and perhaps you can help ... " The music continued It is once again time for our annual some decry 'organ politics,' any organi­ under the dialogue. election of Directors. Every paid-up zation must have rules to function and member will be receiving a ballot by withou~ them we cannot get together to "Call me on the phone when you get mail. There are four vacancies to fill restore organs to playing condition. The ready to work on it, and I'll describe and we still need a few more candidates. whole country's interest in theatre organ the steps," replied Rodney. But Rodney Please submit at once the name of a has been through our united actions as had so much to talk about that Lyn member who you think would be will­ ATOE even though there are many finally quit playing so he could give ing to serve well in this capacity. These worthy organ clubs scattered around the full attention to Rodney's questions. people, together with the four remain­ country. There are those of us who Rod wanted to know all about Lyn's ing board members, will elect our offi­ can't play a note but serve and support adventure last year in Australia and his cers (according to corporation law) for the pipes and without us there would be plans for this year "down under". He the next fiscal year. If you are really very few organs to be played. Keep our wanted to hear about Lyn's concert interested in this work, please vote and ATOE great and responsible and we tours and the organs Lyn had played. return your ballot as soon as possible. will have theatres asking us to come in. Lyn described his adventures in the Last year's election had the greatest With your ballot, send any ideas, sug­ manner of a seasoned storyteller, full response so far. Many more people are gestions or gripes. Maybe you will come of boyish enthusiasm but with an au­ now showing more interest in ATOE as up with some vital thought that · has thority which bespeaks a maturity far a national organization as they realize been unknown up to this time. So many beyond his years. It is a pleasant ex­ the national is what holds this entire in our group are new. Our growth in perience to have one's idol live up to all country together. The only way we can the last few years has been remarkable the preconceptions our imaginations can get the work done is by volunteers and and I firmly believe we have only weave around a mortal. To be a fine the only pay they receive is appreciation. b~gun. musician is one thing, but to be also a While there is no music without Return your ballot as soon as pos­ well-rounded, sensitive human being - theatre organists, the best organist can't sible. Let's cast a record number of well, Rod found those qualities in Lyn. play a note without an organ. While votes in 1969. -Al Mason

15 theatre organ bombarde Organists need to be cautious about their fees; none of us should look upon LET'S COMMUNICATE ATOE service as a sole means of mak­ by John Muri ing a living. For an example of over-communica­ " there is something wrong when the standing tion, one needs only to look upon one ovation is given for nothing in particular." of my pet peeves: the standing ovation. This new custom got completely out of hand some years ago when some ex­ One of the most gratifying signs of The theatre as a community center was hibitionistic person ( and there is one the times in the field of contemporary a tremendous social force in the early in every crowd) decided to jump up theatre organ is the success of several years of this century. When the entre­ and over-compensate. What happened of our member-artists as they give per­ preneurs turned picture houses into is that we complacent people all went formances that are open to the general popcorn palaces showing sexy movies, along with the idea, and now we jump public. Numerous performers have been they abdicated a high social function. up for almost everybody, be he a visit­ willing to appear for a minimum re­ When television came in, the general ing organist of very modest attainments ward, and in many cases for no reward public, not understanding or caring or The Visiting Celebrity. Now there is at all other than the joy and satisfaction about the necessity for cohesiveness in nothing wrong with one's being kind one brings to one's self and one's listen­ our enormous society., decided to go on and showing one's appreciation. But ers. Most of us are aware that the its own trip, using the picture tube for there is something wrong when the American Federation of Musicians does hypnotic stimuli. Who cared or gave standing ovation is given for nothing not look upon such service with a much thought to what could happen to in particular ·. In my youth, the standing favorable eye; yet the members of that the cities and towns of the United ovation was reserved for the highest Union would be taking a very short­ States when the only place we could dignitaries: the President of the United run view of the state of music in our gather together was the bowling alley, States, judges, and the like. Today we country if they did not realize that a the roller rink, or the tavern? get up for comedians. If we give our nucleus of people are going to have to The lack of communication is real highest acclaim to the mediocrities in keep the tradition of "live music" going and ominous. Sometimes we under­ our field, what are the top performers until the day when the public demands communicate and sometimes we over­ to think when they get the same treat­ and gets living performances again. communicate. Speaking of under-com­ ment? Basic to good communication is That day may not come in our lifetime, munication, isn't it time we started talk­ honesty, exercised with good judgment. but we cannot afford to give way to ing about an equitable means of paying It is not fair to applaud everyone alike, despair. Strange things happen in the the artists who perform for us before for the very good reason that such prac­ entertainment world. The current rage an inflationary trend puts us out of tice destroys communication between for cacophony and kicks will surely business? It seems to me that a formula artist and audience. When the best get make way for something else; whatever can be worked out based on seating, the same treatment as the worst, the it is, that something will -very likely be potential audience and costs that will best have no way of knowing how well better than the present offerings, which, be applicable and acceptable in the they have done, and the worst have technically speaking, could not get great majority of cases. The "name" been given a reception they did not much worse. organist may bring in a few extra dol­ merit. If we ins.ist on treating every­ The spirit of the times determines lars, although organists are not in the body as if they were "Somebody," then public taste and acceptance; it is quite public eye the way they used to be. we will soon have the situation in which probable that a more serene time will Fees that are considerably out of line nobody will be anybody. Uniformity arrive, bomb or no bomb. The need for with ordinary operating costs and rev­ will have flattened out all of us, and the group communication, so sadly appar­ enue require selling techniques that go boring results of every concert will be ent in today's society, has been caused beyond our function as a group of en­ predictable. Sincerity must be a part of in part by unimaginative and unre­ thusiasts; it turns us into business men. intelligent audience reaction. The re­ sourcef ul theatre operators who don't Furthermore , the higher the fees go, sult will be greater efforts and finer care what happens to their audiences as the more difficult and worrisome it be­ work by performers and enhanced long as they pay to get into the theatre. comes to keep the books balanced. listening for audiences.

"Collectors Item"

An exciting New Album of Favorites including Malaguena ... Autumn Leaves ... Cumana ... and others, as played by the master of the X-66 .. only $5.00 ppd. Order directly from DON LEE PRODUCTIONS Box EH, Garden Grove, California 92642

YOU HEARD HIM AT 1968 A.T.O.E. CONVENTION I IN THE LOS ANGELES COCOANU _T GROVE I april 1969 16 TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT Repairingand Rewinding WurlitzerMagnets by Ben Levy

j j Part 1. Preparatory Steps nail to make it easier to get it under Dead action magnets are a, common the magnet base. occurrence in elderly theatre organs. It isn't any use to try to repair mag­ Usually they are tossed into a cigar nets if you can't see what you're doing. box and replaced by spares. When the Magnifying spectacles ( binoc;ular mag­ supply of spares runs out, one is faced nifiers with a headband or spectacle with the problem of finding replace­ bows), or a magnifier lamp consisting ments , adapting some other kind of of a circular fluorescent lamp sur­ magnet to do the job , or else repairing rounding a magnifying lens and mount­ the dead ones. ed on a flexible stand, are essential. I Repairing magnets is a practical and prefer the magnifying spectacles to a relatively painless procedure. This ar­ separately mounted magnifying glass ticle applies to Wurlitzer magnets, and because they are always in front of especially to the variety known as your eyes when you want them , do Fig. 1. Schematic of Wurlitzer Magnet (Lead-in "black cap." However, the process not distort the image or get in the way, wires removed for clarity) . should be adaptable to other types as and provide stereoscopic vision. Watch­ LEGEND well. It seems that the "black cap" is making , medical, and electronics supply 1. Coils a common offender and thus is an houses list them at about $5 and up. 2. Paper collars appropriate subject for a discussion of The more expensive varieties will per­ 3. Iron magnetic bridge repair techniques. mit you to have your own eyeglass 4. Le.ads from inner layers of coils (normally prescription installed in addition to the attached to heavy lead-in wires) The techniques to be described are magnifying lenses if you wish, and are 5. Leads from outer layers of coils those the author developed by trial and adjustable in various ways that the 6. Ends of paper coil forms error and have been applied success­ cheaper ones are not. Since you're on 7. Iron pole pieces fully in the repair of a sizeable number your last pair of eyes, you should treat of magnets over a period of approxi­ them to the best. The added comfort to the heavier feed wire. The other end mately six years. They are offered as and lack of eyestrain will pay off. In­ of the winding ( the top layer) is suggestions , not dicta; it is hoped the stall a good light too. threaded through the paper collar - in ingenious reader will regard them as and out , as your wife would insert a such and modify or improve them as Wurlitzer magnets were made by pin in a hem. This end of the coil is suits his inclination, skill and facilities . casting two iron pole pieces into a base soldered to the similar end of the other Suggestions by readers on improve­ of Bakelite (zinc in earlier models); coil, the soldered joint being tucked ments are welcome! then the coils were slipped over the between the two coils for protection. pole pieces , the coils connected together First of all, remove the magnets and the feed wires attached; after which Lean your defunct magnet ( and by from the chest carefully to avoid dam­ an iron bridge was crimped over the the wa;f, make sure it is defunct before aging them further. If you grip the ends of the poles. The completed mag­ you fix it: do your own testing) upside magnet with a pair of pliers and yank net was then dipped in varnish or shel­ down against the side of a tray con­ it out of the chest , you stand an excel­ lac. The two coils are connected in taining about ¼ " or less of denatured lent chance of scraping the coils on series so that when current flows in alcohol ( shellac thinner) for several the sharp edge of the hole in the chest them one of the two pole ends at the hours or overnight. This will soften · the and abrading the windings . Such dam­ Bakelite base becomes a north mag­ varnish but will not affect the insula­ age will almost always be difficult to netic pole and the other a south pole; tion on the coil wire , which is enamel. repair , and may necessitate a rewind­ in other words , they are "horseshoe" The alcohol should cover only the ver y ing job. While this isn't hard to do, magnets. This means that the current tip of the magnet , not touching the it is to be avoided if possible . Dave must flow in opposite directions in the coils or they will tend to unravel into Brewer of the Detroit Theater Organ two coils. The two coils are wound a gooey mess. After this treatment it Club uses the head of a common nail identically, and are connected as shown will be easy to work the iron bridge up as a lever to pry the magnet gently in the sketch ( Fig . 1 ) in order to and off, as well as to perform the other loose from the chest, then uses long­ achieve this . operations . nose plier s to remove the two brads which hold it in, finally using his fin­ The coils are wound on paper tubes To get the bridge off, hold the mag­ gers to remove the magnet from the which have paper collars slipped over net near the base , use diagonal cutters chest. It pays to be careful in this their ends . The winding begins and or long nose pliers to work the bridge process! After the magnet is out of ends at the top. The beginning of each around until it loosens, then pull it off. the chest clip off the wires close to the coil ( the bottom layer) extends under­ Use persuasion rather than violence , magnet. File or grind the head of the neath the paper collar and is soldered and don't cut it in two.

17 theatre organ bombarde Underneath the bridge are several the collar ( see Fig. 2). Do this in sev­ fingers. If it won't unwind with a turns of relatively heavy cotton-covered eral places around the circumference gentle pull, leave it alone; you can feed wires. These are soldered to the until you loosen and can remove the solder to it as it is. If it breaks off No. 37 wire of the bottom layer of the collar, usually in several pieces. Cau­ underneath the coil, you will have to coil. Carefully unwind these lead-in tion! Do not insert the needle too far rewind the entire coil. Do the same wires ( they are interlaced in such a under the collar or you'll get ·into the with the other coil and you'll end up way that they don't always go where windings and break wires! One of the with the four ends of the two coils out you think they do). If you find out pieces of collar you'll remove will have in the open. after this that they are still attached the coil end threaded through it if you Somewhere in the above process you to the coil windings, cut the fine wires couldn't pull it out before. Use this as will probably have found the reason so as to leave their ends sticking out a handle to unwind a turn or two of the for the magnet's being dead, if it is of from under the paper collar. If the fine wire from the coil and cut it off. the black-cap variety. In this particular fine wire breaks or has corroded in two, variety the problem almost invariably don't fret; you'll probably be able to is that the fine wire has corroded in find the beginning of the coil later. two in one or more places where it With a needle or toothpick carefully has been in contact with the paper col­ pry the ends of the outside ( top layer) lar. You will note a small green spot of the coils up from the their position where this has happened. Generally between the coils. These are (or you can locate the trouble by looking should be) soldered together. Cut the for these green spots after the alcohol wire so as to separate the two coil dip, which tends to make them promi­ windings. Never mind if they break off at the paper collars. The object is just nent. It's probably caused by sulfur to find out where the ends of the coil content in the paper. enter the paper collars. Take the needle and pry one of the coil ends In the next installment, Mr. where it enters the hole in the collar Levy explains how to test the (see Fig. 1). If it comes out of the existing coil windings, how to collar easily grasp the end and carefully Fig. 2. Using a Needle to remove paper collars. repair open circuits and "shorts," unwind a turn or two from the coil how to ·remove a badly damaged itself so that you won't lose it. Do this coil and save the magnet frame Underneath the collar and pointing with both coils. If it doesn't come out which can be rewound, how to straight toward the top of the magnet easily, it isn't broken in the collar, and connect the repaired coils for the pole will be the inner coil end. Pry this you should go on to the next step, which correct polarity. A later install­ up and pull it out carefully, unwinding is to remove the collars. Do this in ment will explain the actual perhaps half a turn from the inner any case. rewinding of coils on existing layer, until you have enough wire to Carefully insert the needle under the frames. collar and pry upward until you break work with-say half an inch. Use your

A BOMBARDESequel In the October 1966 issue of this accompanied John to the solitary, de­ because the "ancillary" ranks are con­ magazine we featured a technical re­ serted hilltop - and agreed. If the site trolled by one set of stopkeys for all port on the restructuring of a Wurlitzer was available, this would be the place. manuals rather than separate stopkeys 3-11 console to accommodate 26 ranks Three years have passed since we ran for each manual. This space-saving de­ of pipes. The project was undertaken by the console rebuild article. In the mean­ vice appears especially on larger Robert John Ledwon when he and his father, time, the building has been erected on Morton models. For example the Mor­ Ray, made a master plan for the con­ the hilltop and the rooms furnished ton in the San Diego Fox has an inde­ struction of a reasonably large instru­ tastefully. The Ledwons have moved in pendent string chamber controlled by ment, properly installed in the best and John has become a schoolteacher the ancillary system. These may be possible acoustical setup. John already for gifted children. The floor plan is switched to the desired manual by the had a 3-11 Wurlitzer in his Canoga almost exactly as it appeared on page flip of one stopkey. Park, Calif. home but he was unhappy 20 of the October 1966 TOB, with one The installation is only partly com­ with the limitations of the single stop­ exception. We showed the console fac­ rail console and the cramped acoustics plete. John and Ray are doing it slowly ing the chambers. It has now been but carefully. When completed, it will of his inadequate music room. With placed with its back to the corner. the new 3-11 console, which he had be a showpiece which will equal many shipped across the country from Platts­ To refresh the memories of those of the finest in southern California and burgh, New York, John envisioned an who don't keep their old TOB's on surpass many. Its large listening area, ideal setup - a secluded "aerie" where file, the addition of 8 ranks was ac­ non-parallel walls, silenced wind condi­ he could play anytime of day or night, complished by the "ancillary" method. tioners and carefully selected and in­ without neighbors close by to complain Stopkeys for the original 11 ranks re­ stalled pipework - these alone make it if he played after 10 P.M. main very much as they were, and seven a formidable contender in the "excel­ ranks were added in the usual "unit" lence'.' department. But there is still Gradually the plan took shape and manner, available on more than one much to do before it sounds out in the one day John saw a hilltop while driv­ manual and at more than one pitch. full glory of 26 unified ranks. Mean­ ing through Agoura ( near Los An­ However, eight ranks were added in while, John says that it's thrilling just geles), and it seemed to beckon to him. one group which is switchable to any to anticipate that great day when it will He went home and told his parents that manual from one stopkey. This wstem finally be ready to play. • he had found his "eagle's nest." They avoids multiple additions to a stoprail - Carole Angle

april 1969 18 musical story. A piece which a listener The OrganPlays "GOLDENFA VO RITES" won't enjoy to the full early in the recording he will find delightful later. HOW THE READERSDIGEST RECORD SET EVOLVED The piece won't be different later, the When you buy a theatre organ re­ sponsibility for the "golden 12" evolve? listener will. The challenge is not only cording, do you ever wonder how it Let's let the organist tell us. to get his interest at the beginning; it's came about? There it is in it's slick to keep it through the biggest and jacket sealed _in sparkling cellophane, longest story of all, the entire album. a track of modulated grooves, good, You have your total menu planned. bad or indifferent, which had to have Now comes that nebulous time called a start somewhere. "arranging." For many · musicians this There are many steps and processes means pencil, score sheets and a big involved in making a recording and we eraser. For me, years of playing by ear can't possibly cover them all in' a single make hearing and arranging at a "men­ article. tal keyboard" far easier and faster. Therefore, let us assume that the This "peace-and-quiet" system works Readers Digest, encouraged by the re­ equally well in planning registration so sponse to previous organ record offer­ that only minor changes for clarity and ings, decides on another 4-disc pack­ balance need be made at the organ. age. The initial jobs are lining up talent The piece will tell you how it wants to and instruments. Usually, the organists go, if permitted. The more you get selected can suggest suitable instru­ yourself out of the way the more the ments. message comes through "loud and THE BIRTH OF clear." If showing off various ranks of The D1gest chose four well-known A VINYL 'CHILD' pipes or playing loudly or playing fast and highly skilled organists: Richard by Billy N alle or cutting a handsome hindsight at Purvis, Paul Michelson, Richard Leibert How do you start planning an album? the console is more important than and Billy N alle. These artists were What really happens when you're re­ music, per se, then you're in trouble. willing and able to suggest suitable cording? Attempting to answer these You may not know it until it's too late, instruments: The San Francisco Grace questions calls for a person to leave but, console kid, you're in trouble. Cathedral 100 ranks of Aeolian­ + mother, doctor, lawyer and his guardian Finally the "Moment of Truth" and Skinner and the Boston Symphony Hall angel far behind while he whistles the you wade through cables, Ampex tape Aeolian-Skinner (Purvis) ; the W ana­ old hymn "Just As I Am Without One monsters and microphones to join the maker Store organ in Philadelphia and Plea." Warning: No two people con­ audio, tape and organ engineers and the huge instrument in St. John the ceive, gestate and give birth to a vinyl the producer. It's like the patient ar­ Divine's Cathedral in New York (Mich­ child by the same formula, much less riving in the operating room and giving elson). These would make up the con­ a foolproof one! What works for one a cheery "hi!" to the doctors and cert on "straight" organ portions of player is too kooky to be believed by nurses. There is brief discussion on the release. another. Ready for one man's rundown? what section of the program to take On the theatre organ side, Dick - or rather, countdown? Well, unhitch in what order. You approach the con­ Leibert has long been associated with your old gray mare, put on your outer sole; everything about it looks as it the Radio City Music Hall 4-58 Wur­ space suit and we'll do some underseas did the previous day. Yet, somehow, it litzer and he also likes the Auditorium research. isn't quite the same and you can't put theatre 4-22 Wurlitzer of the RTOS in My recipe is similar to that for your finger on why. Perhaps it's the Rochester, N. Y. Billy Nalle once re­ hatching a concert program. Until intensity of recording demands which corded the Richard Weber organ for shortly before recording time, no play­ barely are equalled at any other playing the Mirrosonic label and would like to ing is done at the keyboard. Pieces are time. At this point I always think of record it again in its new home, the played mentally and every possible the opening line from that marvelous Strand theatre in Plattsburgh, N. Y. factor is drained and weighed for story article "entitled "How To Dismount And he fell in love with the Detroit value. A piece which has too little story From An Elephant: The first thing you Theatre Organ Club's 4-34 Wurlitzer to tell or, worse, is pretentious, is inust do ... is to collect yourself." when he played a concert there. So we rejected. This period takes as much Several attempts · may be made to have four organists and eight organs . courage as imagination. One of the record the desired performance of a Moving ahead through many pre­ keys to good programming is saying piece. Each such is called a "take," liminary arrangements, let's examine "no" early enough. Otherwise, you later the work of producing one of the four will have on your hands a "mule in recordings which will comprise the set, horse harness." (Example: "You'll "The Organ Plays Golden Favorites," Never Walk Alone" is a thoroughbred; from three viewpoints, the organist's, "The Impossible Dream" is a mule.) the organ owner's and a newspaper Then comes a juggling of pieces to reporter's. strike a balance not only from piece to Billy N alle is responsible for 12 piece but between this or that grouping. selections on one disc. They are light In turn, groups, and then both sides classics and what are generally called of the album must have balance in "standards" - "Through the Years", everything from "weight" to moods. "Only a Rose", "The Old Refrain", Utimately, I'll gauge the opening piece "Jalousie", "Parade of the Wooden of the first side with the final piece of Soldiers", "Blue Tango", "My Hero", the second side. Not for an instant can Billy spent plenty ol time at the DTOC's setter "Always", "Kammenoi - Ostrow" - all you "take a nap" on listener psychology board, selecting combinations for use during his solid musical values. How did his re- any more than on the psychology of the Senate Theater session in Detroit.

19 theatre organ bombarde regardless of duration, and is given a When a child of flesh is born, the different number for identification. bearer and the borne have immediate Thereby the producer in later editing rendezvous. However, with a vinyl can locate quickly the desired "take'' child there's no such luck! The per­ of every piece. The number of "takes'' former is kept in limbo from a few can go as high as the protein of the weeks to a year. My experience when player and the patience of the producer hearing the whole album again after can endure. If my feeling for a piece its release is to think it better or worse isn't completely in focus, I'll put it aside but never the same as when recorded. and go to another, possibly not return­ Duke Ellington has the wise answer: ing to the earlier one until as late as ''My best album is my next one." the next day. To me, getting a full­ The personal and musical disciplines blooded performance is the chief thing. I face in recording are inconvenient, TUNING CAN BE TEDIOUS - Audrey Weber Occasionally I'll accept some minor difficult and sometimes embarrassing. reads while holding down keys as Dick Weber misdemeanor if the particular "take" They also are one thing more - neces­ tunes pipes in a chamber. If Dick takes too really sings the story. Of course, music sary. You learn that you can deal with long, she props a pencil between keys to spell and the other six lively arts do not the music only to the extent that you weary digit. canonize sloppiness. However, neither can deal with yourself. In this connec­ GETTING THE INSTRUMENT do they take kindly to the "Lysol tion, the use of a tape .recorder is of READY Treatment." If the player's pride takes highest value. You can't argue with it! by Dick Weber precedence, then there will be times Giving honest answers to questions This recording project really stirred when he is more fastidious than God. about a recording, making music in up the dust. Joe Habig, RCA's pro­ Some pieces fall naturally into a set any medium, must include the source ducer, called for permission to use the arrangement and vary little during re­ of music. A score filled with notes or organ with only a week's notice for the cording; others may prove elusive. In a reel of recorded tape is not music. play date and confirmation by letter. these latter, no more than the basic Music does not exist until its sounds The wife and I rolled out of bed framework ( called form) and general begin. Music enables minds and hearts about 4 a.m. every mooing to com­ character are in my mind when record­ to communicate and share in ways no pletely dive headlong into all innards ing begins. Perhaps the piece will un­ other kind of language can equal. I of the instrument. Even after Billy wind its truth gradually, perhaps all in don't know of any way of getting a arrived and started working over his one moment's inspiration. Listening in­ performance of music unless physical program at the console on Saturday tently not only to the organ but also and material realities are put to use. a.m., we continued to releather, regu­ to the personality of the piece is crucial. Neither do I know of any way of late and voice. Even an extension of Creating "in transit" makes a producer breathing life into music without the the exposed 8' Tibia was added to give extremely nervous. He views with spiritual reality which gives the per­ Billy all he required to meet his ex­ dread and foreboding, being certain it former himself his breath of life. The acting performance. And don't I know will lead to overtime and gasping bud­ only real music I ever played came what a perfectionist this great guy is! get. Consequently, you do not advertise from acknowledging and cooperating So our day throughout the recording your inspirations from DHQ (Divine with all three realities. I'm a Catholic, session averaged around 14 hours. Went Headquarters) during recording. After specifically a member of the Anglican home with a full growth of whiskers "the strife is o'er, the battle done," yqu family ( called Episcopalian in the and crusted from sweat and dust! But can add to his storehouse of useless U. S.), probably the only ·family which we would do it all over again. The can put up with me. Therefore, I'm result of all our efforts left everyone - convinced that all three realities ul­ Billy, RCA and the Weber family - timately are gifts. If the gifts are won­ in great spirits at the fantastic sound derful, then how much more so is recorded! The RCA Engineers remark­ the Giver. One man's experience would ed that it was the quietest and yet most answer those questions at the beginning brilliant theatre organ they had ever by saying it's essential to talk it over recorded. Ernie mentioned that that at every stage with DHQ. The Law, the opinion went back to and included the Prophets and the Apostles agree when era of Jesse Crawford at the Paramount! our Lord says ( as does the title of an So we're anxiously awaiting the Reader's Ellington piece) "Do Nothin' 'Til You Digest album. Hear From Me." Now let's attend a recording session Next, let's get the viewpoint of the as experienced by a newspaper reporter. organ's owner. His instrument has been Journalist Lois Bassett_ was given a selected for recording. Naturally he routine assignment by her editor; some­ wants his pride and joy to sound its thing unusual was going on at the IT WAS RIGHT HERE LAST NIGHT - Billy Nalle very best when captured in micro­ Strand Theatre. Look in and see if looks for a stop key during his first taping ses­ grooves. For some unexplained reason, there's a story for the Plattsburgh "Press sion at the Strand. The tension which accom­ the owner is too of ten the last to learn Republican." panies recording explains why it seems that about a planned recording of his in­ Lois dropped in and saw the possi­ Gremlins take over after the last rehearsal and s tru men t. But recording companies bilities. Her story, reproduced in part, rearrange the stops to befuddle the artist about don't mind waiting; they'll give any provides the impressions of a reporter to record. organ owner a couple of days to re­ who isn't necessarily organ oriented. Your last piece is on tape, the whole leather that leaky chest or voice a Yet, it's an enthusiastic one. Being a album done and "in the can." You couple of ranks of honky reeds. Dick woman, she dreamed up a romantic remember no more the anguish for Weber was more fortunate than most; lead-in for the piece, starting with the joy that an album child has been born. they allowed him a whole week. headline -

april 1969 20 'OLD FLAMES' through, Nalle spoke enthusiastically of the electrical and mechanical knowl­ REKINDLE ROMANCE the renaissance of interest in the theatre edge, along with musical perspective, PLATTSBURGH - "The Wooing of organ which is going on throughout the that puts them among the few who can Winifred" was taking place and I was country. be called true geniuses." there. He is delighted that the theatre organ Dick Weber, who has been a host Suitor was Billy Nalle , New York which he feels in the '20's was "so far to Nalle and company, commented, City theatre organ impressario. ahead of its time" is coming back in "You can't imagine the frustration we Object of his ardent ministrations many places besides the theatre. go through m going over this entire was a massive bit of femininity whose Of music, Nalle says, "The best of organ. every whim had to be catered to before pop music of today is as demanding as "I've lost 10 pounds in the last two she would respond favorably. its classical counterpart." weeks just preparing for this record­ Scene: The darkened Strand Theatre. He has no favorites, per se, but en­ ing!" Time: 10 a.m . joys "a lot of music in almost every As he s·poke, "Only a Rose, take Silhouetted against lights from the category." four" was in progress. console , N alle appeared to be sacrificing What does he dislike? The "golden favorite" was about to himself before a towering "altar " of "I dislike pretentious, busy music, become part of a record album. banked lights , pipes and electronic which substitutes noise for telling a * * * paraphernalia. story. There is the "Golden Favorites" "I prefer to play music in the popular story from three separate viewpoints. and jazz categories, but I do play semi­ Yet, we have heard only part of the classical and occasionally classical story. Also of interest would be the things plus improvising in different clas­ producer 's views, the recording en­ sical styles . gineer's, the guy who does the master­ He has just such an ''.improvisation" ing ( on that one and only Scully lathe, concert coming up next April. no doubt), the writer who prepares the Unmarried "as yet ," Nalle like to jacket notes , the artist who conceives travel; has been in the Far East , is a and creates the cover design for the photography buff, and enjoys "listening jacket, and the creator of the promotion to music" most of all. campaign . They all contribute to the He 's impressed with the North Coun­ success or failure of a record album or PRECARIOUS PERCH- Diclc breathes easier tun­ set. ing the 161 Bourdon is finished. It's a speaking try ; finds Plattsburgh "quaint ," and display set mounted high on the back wall of compares the Adirondack Mountains However, the slice of the complex pie the stage and dramatized by " black light ." from the air to his skyscraper home in we have presented dealt with areas close New York , which he's dubbed "Casa to the heart of our hobby. We trust that As he evoked pure liquid notes from Cielo" ( Spanish for "home in the it instructed as well as entertained. Our Winifred 's soul, her response was at heavens"). thanks to Mr. Nalle , Mr. Weber and first subdued. But as his mastery con­ The album will contain 12 numbers Miss Bassett for the special degree of tinued , Winifred succumbed. chosen by a Readers Digest research understanding we'll have while listening The "tryst" culminated in a trilling team , six recorded here, and the other to "The Organ Plays Golden Favorites ." crescendo of notes pouring from her six at the Senate Theatre in Detroit. enraptured soul. Time for a "take." "Winifred" is the affectionate tag In our next issue we hope to A voice from the ladies room an­ given the huge Wurlitzer organ by relate some of the experiences nounced "Only a Rose, take one," a~d Nalle, who refers to the instrument as of organist Richard Leibert dur­ N alle began test runs. "shf' since he feels it is necessary to ing the taping of his portion of Between takes, he and Producer Joe handle "her" with kid gloves to over­ "Golden Favorites." Habig listened, picked out the rough come her fem ale temperament. For more about the Wurlitzer spots and he returned to the console He had recorded the organ once be­ organ in the Strand Theatre, for "takes" two, three and so on . . . fore in 1964 when it was housed at the Plattsburgh, New York, see the Between takes, N alle remarked that home of Richard (Dick) Weber , pres­ August 1967 issue of THEATRE he'd known the Weber brothers long ent operator of the Strand, while he ORGAN BOMBARDE for "A before they were in the theatre field. resided in Schenectady . Family Affair." "These two together have the ability, Thursday was the actual recording day and Nalle's performance was being fed into a battery of recording equip­ ment housed - oddly enough - in the theatre's ladies room! Recording followed three days of preparatory work by the crew, assisted by Dick Weber, his brother Bob and Dick's wife, Audrey, technicians all. Talking with Nalle prior to the cut­ ting, we learned that he began playing the piano by ear at the age of four in his native Fort Myers , Florida. His theatre organ training began -m SOUNDS FROM THE LADIESROOM - Ernie Oel­ IT'S ALL OVER# I CAN RELAX#- Alter the final the Tampa Theatre when he was 18, rich (foreground) checks the balance while re­ take, Billy rela;es with the knowledge that he and he went from there to Julliard cording engineer Dave Philhower looks over did his best to make the forthcoming grooves School of Music in New York City. Producer Joe Habig's shoulder at notations made stylus-worthy. It's the console of the DTOC 4-34 His native State's drawl creeping during a "take." Wurlitzer.

21 theatre organ bombarde CHICAGOAREA CHAPTER HOSTS THE ELEVENTHANNUAL MEETING ANDCONVENTION

Convenlion Arlidld . . . ''SHOW TIME IN CHICAGO'' LEON BERRY JOHN GRUNE JOHN MURI JACK HATFIELD KAY McABEE AL MELGARD JOHN SENG TOM SHEEN Convention headquarters wi 11 be the new 500 room multi-million dollar Chicago CONVENTIONSCHEDULE TONY TAHLMAN HAL PEARL Marriott Motor Hotel near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The annual banquet THURSDAY, Evening - NATIONAL BOARD MEETING ...... MARRIOTT HOTEL PEARL WHITE will be held in the Grand Ballroom. Char­ JULY 3 REGISTRATION ...... MARRIOTT HOTEL tered bus transportation will originate from HOME INSTALLATIONS BUDDY NOLAN AND DIAN PFEFFENBERGER the Marriott for a 11 convention events. FRIDAY, Morning -REGISTRATION-All Day ...... MARRIOTT HOTEL JULY 4 NATIONAL BOARD MEETING (If Necessary) ...... MARRIOTT HOTEL HOME INSTALLATIONS Afternoon -ALL SKATE PARTY 3-12 Wurlitzer ...... HUB SKATING RINK CATOE SEMINAR "Producing Shows" ...... MARRIOTT HOTEL Evening - GET ACQUAINTED DANCE AND COCKTAIL PARTY FRANKIE MASTERS ORCHESTRA 3-10 Wurli.tzer ...... ARAGON BALLROOM SATURDAY Morning - 3-10 Barton ...... MONT CLARE THEATRE JULY 5 Afternoon - 6-62 Barton ...... CHICAGO STADIUM Evening - 3-10 Wurlitzer ...... IN DIANA THEATRE Frankie Masters and His Orchestra -­ famous from coast to coast - will SUNDAY, Morning -4-20 Wurlitzer ...... ORIENTAL THEATRE provide dance music for the Gigantic JULY 6 Afternoon - BEN HALL: ALL NEW SLIDE SHOW Aragon Ballroom Party on July 4th. OF FAMOUS THEATRES ...... MARRIOTT HOTEL Evening -COCKTAIL PARTY AND REGISTRATION FEE ...... $17.00 Each Person ANNUAL BANQUET ...... MARRIOTT HOTEL (Includes Bus Transportation and Program Booklet) BANQUET ...... $8.00 Each Person MONDAY, Morning - 3-11 Wurlitzer ...... PICKWICK THEATRE MARRIOTT MOTOR HOTEL ...... All Rooms-$25.00 (Two to a Room) JULY 7 Afternoon -3-17 Barton ...... PATIO THEATRE MAIL CONVENTION REGISTRATIONCARD EARLY Evening -4-23 Wurlitzer ...... MUNDELEIN * TheatreShows * Chartered Buses * * ProducingShowsSeminar * Annual Banquet * CONVENTION PREVIEW THE CHICAGO STADIUM'S BARTON by Lloyd E. Klos to excellent solos by Herman Felber, with the one installed in the Chicago Jr., violinist; Theodore DeMoulin, cell­ Stadium." (The author realized much valuable ist; William O'Connor, a splendid tenor; The Chicago Stadium, occupying an information for this feature from 1929 as well as a male trio and an ensemble entire block, is situated on West Madi­ issues of "The Diapason.") selection. Mrs. Emerson, assisting her son Street between Wood and Lincoln For many months prior to its dedi­ husband, also gave a pleasing interpre- _ Streets , a mile and a half west of the cation, the Chicago Stadium's 6-51 Bar­ tation of Kreisler's 'Caprice Viennois.' Loop. It seats 20,000, and when ton organ was under construction in "Toward the close, came the imita­ opened , was the largest amphitheatre the factory of the Barto la Musical In­ tions of 300 calliopes, 500 bagpipes, devoted to sports in the United States. strument Co. in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. 150 German bands, 200 fifes, 300 Paddy Harmon , well-known Chicago The instrument was designed by Dan trumpets, 100 drums and 25 100-piece sports promoter, was president of the Barton, and its building was under the bands - which was, it was needless to company , and originator of the organ supervision of Alfred Stoll, superin­ say, a sufficiency. idea. He had been in the amusement tendent at the plant. "The announcer had told us at least business, operating dance halls , theatres , At the time of its installation, it was 40 times in the course of the evening bicycle races and other sporting events the largest unit ever constructed, and through the amplifier, that this was the for years, and owing to inadequate the voicing and range were on par with 'world's greatest organ ,' and we never music at these affairs , conceived the demands of a building of this size. argue with an amplifier - certainly not idea of an organ for the new stadium. The organ's big hour came on August 1, 1929, when Ralph Waldo Emerson, organist titulaire, assisted by his wife Elsie May Look Emerson, played the dedicatory program. The audience ranged from 6-month-old babies to 85-year-old men. Twenty-five thousand program invitations had been sent out, and there was no admission fee. The program opened with "The Pil­ grims ' Chorus" from "Tannhauser", and according to one reviewer , "The Industrial Workers of the World had staged a disturbance a few blocks from the stadium the same evening, and hundreds of police were kept busy dis­ persing the crowd and beating up stub­ Al Melgard at the 1½-ton Chicago Stadium Console. It is situated on a platform high above born heads with banana stalks, to the the floor and painted a bright red. Notice NBC carbon micropohone at left. L. Klos Collection accompaniment of patrol wagon gongs, etc., but those of us who got through STOPLIST OF CHICAGO STADIUM 6-51 BARTON ORGAN: the noisy crowd to hear the pilgrims , Tuba Profunda Viole Celeste IV Harp (Metal); were impressed with the fact that these Tuba Mirabilis Viole Celeste V Tibia Pizzicato must have been much more numerous Solo Tuba Viola Celeste VI Chimes (Tower Bells) than the Chicago I.W.W. The tremolo, English Post Horn I Solo String I Bass Drum I or rather the batch of 16 tremolos of English Post Horn 11 Solo String 11 Bass Drum II English Horn Gamba Bass Drum 111 \.\'hicb. the announcer boasted through Tuba Celeste I Gamba Celeste I Bass Drum IV the amplifier , was at work throughout Tuba Celeste II Gamba Celeste 11 Bass Drum V the number, somewhat to our regret, as Tuba Celeste 111 Vox Humana I Bass Drum VI it made the crusaders sound as if their Oboe Horn I Vox Humana II Cymbal I Oboe Horn II Vox Humana Ill Cymbal II teeth chattered as they sang. Perhaps Trumpet Major Flute Cymbal Ill they had been out in a cold rain. The French Horn Gross Flote Cymbal IV Bach-Gounod 'Ave Maria', played by Saxophone Double Flute Cymbal V Mr. Emerson , and the 'Adeste Fideles' Diaphone I Tibia Plena Cymbal VI Diaphone II Tibia Molis Snare Drum I sounding out over the fight ring , seemed Stentorphone I Clarinet I Snare Drum 11 somewhat incongruous - about the same Stentophone 11 Clarinet II Snare Drum 111 as Dvorak's 'Humoresque' at a recital Solo Diapason I Kinura I Snare Drum IV in church, and no more so. Solo Diapason 11 Kinura 11 Snare Drum V Tibia Clause I Kinura Ill Snare Drum VI "Mr. Emerson distinguished himself Tibia Clause 11 Xylophone I Snare Drum VI I with his clever imitations of a news­ Tibia Clause 111 Xylophone 11 Snare Drum VI 11 paperman 's dream, beginning with the Tibia Clause IV Xylophone 111 Snare Drum IX snoring; of the old-fashioned reed or­ Viole d'Orchestre I Xylophone IV Snare Drum X Viole d'Orchestre 11 Orchestra Bells I Snare Drum XI gan, etc., and by a splendid storm imi­ Viole d'Orchestre 111 Orchestra Bells 11 Snare Drum XII tation. It was the best thunder we ever Viole Celeste I Orchestra Bells 111 Crash I heard on any organ and was worth go­ Viole Celeste 11 Orchestra Bells IV Crash II ing a distance to hear. The organ was Viole Celeste 111 Crash Ill used effectively also in accompaniments Ed. Note: Complete specificat-ions will be published in a future issue. april 1969 24 An original thought of Mr. Harmon's As Chicago Stadium organist Al That is one of the reasons why Al was the possibility of playing for the Melgard will be featured at the 1969 has opened many a Barton organ in action of sporting events in the same A TOE Convention, the following article new theatres throughout the country; manner in which action was accom­ by organist Henry Francis Parks in the why he broadcasts from WLS, the panied in motion pictures, and this was February 1927 issue of Jacobs Orches­ Sears Roebuck Company station oper­ the intended purpose of the organ. tral Magazine, found by Lloyd E. Klos, ated from the Sherman Hotel; why the Cost of the instrument was $250,000. is of interest: aces of the profession come in from all It is of the unit type and has 51 sets parts of the country to learn his tricks of pipes, 17 percussions and a drum There are mighty few organists in on the Barton instrument; why he really section which consists of 6 bass drums, Chicago who enjoy quite the popularity needs an 8-day week to teach all those 6 cymbals and 12 snare drums. The which Al Melgard of the Barton Organ who apply for instruction. There are wind pressures vary from 15 to 50 School in the Mailers Building, does. other reasons. For instance, he has inches, there being 6 ranks of pipes on There isn't a better liked organist in studied theory, harmony, counterpoint, 50 inches pressure. The cathedral the city of Chicago than Al, and it is composition and what have you? He chimes have been adapted from Deagan not only because he lends a helping has been a legitimate church organist. church tower bells and are struck with hand to every deserving organist who He has held some of the best movie 9-pound hammers, operating on 50 comes along, but because Al has yet positions in this section of the country. inches of wind pressure. to be heard passing an unkind remark What more, I ask you, would you ask? about any other organist or criticizing Above all, I have yet to see Al ruf­ The console, painted a bright crim­ even his own pupils. He is no "Yes" fled or rattled. Despite the many re­ son, has 828 stopkeys, and weighs 7½ man either! Just one of those rare sponsibilities he has, he keeps an evener tons. All the combination pistons are specimens of the genus homo who keel than anyone I know of. Al Mel­ duplicated by stopkeys. The blower is thinks of the other fellow's feelings gard is a mighty high-class fellow, a a 100 HP Orgoblo, and was the largest before he opens his mouth. gentleman, and a real organist! blower in the world at the time of in­ stallation, according to the Spencer Turbine Company. DICK SCHRUM ENTERTA/NS RTOS The installation was made in the roof of the building in five specially built Dick "M. L." Schrum, ATOE past from the radio shows "Take It or Leave concrete organ lofts, the sound being president, wound up his mid-winter It," "Burns and Allen" and the "Bob distributed throughout the building by concert tour by presiding at the Roches­ Hope Show." A rendition of "Hard­ special deflectors. ter Theatre Organ Society's Wurlitzer Hearted Hannah" turned out to be a on February 15. He had already done Xerox copy of the way a George When asked what organists have a most creditable job at the Radio City Wright would perform it. played it, Al Melgard, the house organ­ Music Hall on February 9, both as Having visited the local Strassen­ ist, says, "I had the contract in advance, soloist and in duet with Ashley Miller. but had to finish my WBBM contract, burgh Planetarium, the artist played an The big New York snowstorm caused appropriate number, the beautiful so Ralph Waldo Emerson opened at Mr. and Mrs. Schrum to journey via the Stadium until I took over. Both of "Stars Are the Windows of Heaven," Washington in order to appear in the remembered as a best-selling disc of us were with Barton Co. at the time. I Flower City. have had several organ assistants and the Mills Brothers and, much earlier, of guests, but now, Ron Bogda is my The 2-hour program had several Jesse Crawford. Following "Keep Your regular assistant and is very fine. I highlights. It is common knowledge that Sunny Side Up," there was a pause as have been there for almost 40 years. It the baseball magnates are trying to Dick left the Howard Seat (first per­ could turn out to be steady, eh?" change the structure of the national former to use it) and the announce­ pastime. Dick changed the structure of ment of forthcoming artists (Lee Er­ The organ has been heard throughout "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" by win, George Wright and Ann Leaf) the country via radio and television doing several versions: by imitating a was made. when National Presidential Nominating calliope; by cha-cha beat; a la church And~ here she came, Martha Lake in Conventions were held in the building. organ; and finally as a marching jazz all her glory (?) With flying high-heeled The instrument can easily be heard band with snarling posthorn. He per­ shoes, crazy hat, bright green dress, love above the bedlam of 20,000 or more formed, as he put it, "a deathless de­ beads, and a vase of flowers on the voices of those present. arrangement" of a popular tune, "The console, "she" did her thing. "The If this writer's efforts to describe this One I Love Belongs to Somebody Else Sabre Dance," "Spring Song" and behemoth of an instrument have been Cha-Cha Rock," with the xylophone "Paramount on Parade" were picked inadequate, we can only say that this carrying the melody in solo throughout. out of the wild montage. organ cannot be described - it must be Though Dick loved playing the 4-22, heard. It simply staggers the imagina­ Dick performed several medleys, but time was fleeting, and it was necessary tion! ATOE Conventioners will have the one which had nostalgia written all to cut some numbers in the second half. the opportunity to say "Amen" to that over it, was entitled "Those Were the A salute to the great British organist, statement after they've heard the organ Days - Memory Tweakers." It included Sidney Torch, was included, as were in July. "Destiny Waltz" which was the sig­ nature tune of the radio show "One "Melancholy Serenade," "Satin Doll," Man's Family" and performed by or­ and a dedication to wife Marilyn, to SHOW TIME IN ganist Paul Carson for so many years; whom he became engaged nine years previously, "My Funny Valentine." An CHICAGO "Little Orphan Annie" which was done nightly by organist Larry Larson in the encore was "Lazy River," and the pro­ 1969 National Convention early Thirties; "The Perfect Song," gram ended with the console's lowering July 3-7 which Gaylord Carter made famous on to "I'll Be Seeing You." the "Amos n' Andy" show; and themes -Lloyd E. Klos

25 theatre organ bombarde fan "Strangler" is a rare treat in ad­ vanced screen technology . • TOB reader Harry Jenkins, one of the illustrious silent screen organists, reports: "Regarding your question about the three Moore brothers in films, I recall another famous brothers trio. They were Dustin, William and Frank­ lyn Farnum. I recall Franklyn's 1926 vaudeville presentation as I played on the same bill. He died in 1961 at the age of 85. Enjoy Hollywood Cavalcade Directed by very much." Thank you, Harry. Lyle W. Nash • EXCELLENT reading is Bob Thomas' new "Thalberg" (Doubleday). "TALL ( 6'2"), handsome and debon­ The life and legend of an authentic air" described New York stage actor The Bombarde reviews recordings for of­ genius is a fascinating biography illus­ Earle Fox when he made his film ficial ATOE publications. Manufacturers, debut at the New York Kai em studios trated with choice pictures. Must read­ distributors or individuals sponsoring or in 1912. For the next 10 years he com­ ing for the devout fan and historian. merchandising theatre pipe organ records bined stage roles with a growing screen • are encouraged to send pressings to the MADGE Kennedy, who made her Bombarde, Box 5013, Bendix Station, career. He came to Hollywood in 1922 No. Hollywood, Calif. 91605. Be sure to and by 1947 he had appeared in 150 first movie appearance more than 50 years ago, may accept a role in a forth­ include purchasing information, if applic­ film features, comedies and serials for able. Selznick, Lasky, Goldwyn, Fox, First coming Jane Fonda film. National, RKO and Paramount. Foxe's • favorite films include: "Lady of Qual­ WHO IS WHERE ... Edna May EXTASONIC VOL. I, Concert Re­ ity," "Vanity Fair," "Mary of Scot­ Cooper lives at 10241 Camarillo St., cording CR-SO33 (stereo), a 12-inch land" and "My Darling Clementine." North Hollywood and is still interested 45 rpm disc, available by mail from John Ford is his favorite director. in good motion picture performances. Concert Recording, Box 531, Lynwood, • She thinks that Elizabeth Taylor and Calif. 90262. $5.98 . IN 1929 Foxe added educational Marlon Brando are outstanding picture Bill Johnson, prexy of Concert Re­ achievement to his accomplishments in players . . . Fans may write Joe E. cording, is deeply interested in pre­ the founding of Hollywood's famed Brown at Las Encinas Hospital, Pasa­ senting quality sound on discs, which Black Foxe Military Academy. He's as dena 91107 ... Director Frank Capra accounts for this more or less experi­ trim and tall and ready for action to­ is writing his Hollywood experiences mental release in 45 rpm instead of the day as when he was playing with Mae for publication ... Alice Terry may be usual 33½ rpm. Why 45 rpm? Put Murray, Norma Talmadge, Grace Cu­ reached at 11566 Kelsey St., North simply the ·"stretched out" grooves per­ nard or Eleanor Boardman. Fans may Hollywood, Calif. mits greater faithfulness in sound qual­ write Foxe at 408 Norwich Drive, Los • ity and a greater level of modulation Angeles 90048. He's always happy to QUESTION: "Who was Daphne (enough to kill surface noise com­ visit and recall the golden age of films. Wayne? No reference book shows any­ pletely). The result is the next best • thing about her," asks a reader. Blame thing to tape, so far as organ record­ ALTHOUGH she has not made a the British. They gave Blanche Sweet ings are concerned. film in 36 years, Mary Pickford's name that name for no great reason but it The program is made up of cuts is still popular. The famed Sheraton was not long-lived. from previously issued "Organ of the Hotel chain on Monday, Feb. 17, 1969 • Month" releases, most of which are top listed on its luncheon menu "Hot CLIP & SAVE: The address of some rate e.g. "A Stitch in Time" (George creamed chicken sandwich, Mary Pick­ former screen personalities is The Mo­ Blackmore), "Dance of the Hours" ford." And it sold very well. tion Picture Country House, 23388 (Eddie Weaver), "Spanish Flea" (Bob • Mulholland Drive, Woodland Hills, Van Camp), "Winchester Cathedral" D. W. Griffith, legendary director- Calif. 91364. (Jimmy Boyce), "Life is a Beautiful producer of such spectacles as "Birth Screen Actors Guild, 7750 Sunset Thing" (Dick Schrum), "Horse Box" of a Nation" and "Judith of Bethulia," Blvd., Hollywood, Calif. 90046 is (Vic Hammett), "Hallelujah" (Don was far ahead of his time. One of where current acting talent may be French), "Jalousie" (Roger Garrett), DWG's 50-year-old ideas comes to life registered and sometimes contacted. and others. in "The Boston Strangler." Many times • It is worth the effort to dig out the Griffith wanted to use the multiple­ INTEREST in motion picture films 33½ rpm cuts for comparison. One image system of presenting several and the people in them continues quickly becomes a "45 rpm" convert; scenes in panels on the screen simul­ greater than ever. Some 42 publishing the improvement is vast - even in taneously. It's an exciting way to tell houses will offer 210 books about films stereo. a complex story. Camera technicians in 1969 and some 15 will pertain to the One might think that the faster speed said that the masking idea was imprac­ cinema productions of long, long ago. would automatically shorten the total tical and the lab men were not versed • amount of music. Apparently not; in the magic they have learned since CONTRIBUTIONS, comments or there are 6 selections on each side 1919. Perhaps DWG was waiting for criticisms about this department may which is about the same as for the 33½ the ideal subject to use the intricate be sent to Box 113, Pasadena, Calif. rpm content. At 45 rpm it's permissible technique on. For the technical minded 91102. to "groove" closer to the center. april 1969 26 Even if you already have all the Engineering is adequate, although the of Picardy" features sugar - coated selections listed, you haven't heard occasional introduction of a louder Tibias. Pearl recreates the "I Want to them with the fidelity provided by 45 combination catches the engineer (or Be Happy" which earned her a stand­ rpm - unless you have them on tape. compressor) with his anticipation inert. ing ovation at an ATOE convention, * * The jacket has a good color shot of then throws in "Five Foot Two" and VIC HAMMETT at the BALDWIN Chic and the console and the back has a fast "Moonlight on the Ganges" in THEATRE ORGAN, CR-E037 (stereo), some chamber pictures. Jacket notes the same rhythmic group. She kids available by mail at $4.50 postpaid provide information about Chic and the over-soupy '20s organist who spe­ (7½ ips 4-track tape, $5.95) from Con­ the instrument. cialized in bathos during the first cert Recording, Box 531, Lynwood, * chorus of "The One I Love", does a Calif. 90262. PRESENTING PEARL WHITE in high kick routine with the ladies of Vic Hammett is an artist of unques­ Nostalgia and Flame, PW-8691, stereo, the chorus during "Love Me or Leave tioned excellence, as his "Buckingham available from Pearl White Recording Me," then goes unashamedly senti­ Special" Concert Recording proves. His Co., 3924 No. Francisco Ave., Chicago, mental for "Wonderful One", and playing here is on the same high plane. Illinois 60618, $5.00 including tax. "There Goes My Heart." Whether his efforts come through on (West Coast fans please include an But she comes back to her specialty, the Baldwin plug-in with as much in­ extra 25c for postage.) organ jazz, for "Ain't Misbehavin'," terest value as they did on the TOPS "Stumbling" and "Varsity Drag" (really 3-10 Wurlitzer pipe organ is a matter the "bees knees"-vo-do-de-o-do!). of personal taste. Vic's playing is Yet there is none of the hoked-up imaginative. Tunes are mainly stand­ "honky tonk" razamatazz in Pearl's ards. performance. She plays the tunes hon­ * * * estly, as they were heard "back when" THE BIGGEST SOUND AROUND­ and she succeeds in capturing the spirit Chic Herr at the Mighty Theatre Pipe of those long-gone days with such nos­ Organ, Drake No. 1001, (stereo), avail­ talgia as "Memory Lane." able from Drake Records, 26939 Eliza­ If we have any reservations about beth Lane, Olmsted Falls, Ohio, $5.25 this record it isn't with regard to Pearl's Postpaid. performance, but rather with technical For many years we have been hear­ aspects. As good as the overall result ing and reading enthusiastic reports Pearl White is, the Barton's more subtle voices and about Chic Herr and his Kimball (3-10 effects could have been brought out Pearl White, a solid smash at two last we heard) in the Lamplighter Inn with greater clarity, perhaps with closer ATOE conventions, is at last available at Olmsted Falls, Ohio where diners miking. The heavy combinations come on records. The instrument is the 3-17 can hear the sound of theatre pipes as through well but there's some loss of Barton in Chicago's Patio theatre, an they down their steaks. It must indeed detail in the quieter voices. For all that be a pleasure if this is a sample. Chic instrument brought back to life by the it's one helluva platter. Geannie Nacht­ Herr, former dance band leader and Chicago ATOE chapter's know-how wey's jacket design and Dick Bereth's network broadcast music arranger, has and elbow grease. This recording program notes add to the record's demonstrates how beautifully CATOE been at the Lamplighter console since unique charm. it was installed in 1958. His selections has restored the Barton. The record­ ~; * * here are played just as the diners might ing is in "big auditorium" perspective SEA SIDE WALK, George Blackmore hear them; Chic avoids the hypoed, and it brings out some of the magni­ at the Dendy 3-15 Wurlitzer, CR-Q331, spectacular arrangement in favor of ficence we have come to expect from stereo, available by mail only from ma'inly ballad stylings of the type which a Barton organ. But this is Pearl's Concert Recording, Box 531, Lynwood, show all the way. She is a strong per­ promote a spirit of well being during Calif. 90262. $4.50 postpaid. Also sonality and a master (we didn't dare gastronomic exercises. It's very much available on 7½ ips 4-track stereo tape like listening to one of the after-movie say "mistress") of the type of music at $5.95 postpaid. radiocasts which once sparked US air­ presented here - tunes of the '20s In April 1967, George Blackmore ways, very listenable. The organ sounds played as they were heard then (Pearl was invited to Melbourne to play the good and some added reverb gives it a has played theatre organ professionally opening concert on the Theatre Organ since she was 13). She is right at home big hall perspective. The tunes heard Society of Australia's 3-15 Wurlitzer, among the schmaltz and jazz of that are apparently Chicks most oft-request­ just installed in the Dendy theatre in ed ones, all old favorites such as Mem­ fabulous age, tossing it off with seem­ Brighton, a suburb of Melbourne. It ingly little effort. She covers no less ories of You, Body and Soul, All Alone, was moved by TOSA's Victorian Divi­ than 19 gems (mostly in medleys), with Remember, Moritat, Lady of Spain, sion members from the Melbourne much variety in style and tempo. She Song from 'Moulin Rouge', a Strauss Capitol Theatre where it had been for Waltz medley, Sentimental Journey, makes good use of the electronic sup­ 40 years. plements, especially the "piano" which Little White Lies, and eight more, in­ This assignment was a signal honor is heard in the accompaniment of cluding (the Disc Squeals "index ex­ for the British organist. This souvenir "Cuddle Up a Little Closer," and car­ purgatorius musica" notwithstanding) album provides a sampling of what the ries the melody during part of "Mem­ Tenderly and Laura. Aussies heard with George at the Because there is small emphasis on ories of You." console. arrangements, there is no need to dis­ We can make no generalities regard­ "Dendy March" is an original cuss the selections individually. As a ing the Pearl White style; it changes George composed for the occasion. It's whole they create a nostalgic mood and with the titles. "At Sundown," "Louise" a fast one played on full registration. a fervent wish from this reviewer that and "Should I" fairly bounce along on except when a Clarion solos briefly. A the Lamplighter Inn wasn't 2000 miles full combinations, punctuated by the novel treatment of "Waltzing Matilda'' distant. tinkling of the electronic piano. "Roses first "whistles," then floats on some

27 theatre organ bombarde a few reservations to begin with. To "something like the 'Doll Dance' played get a reasonable impression of Miss sideways." And that just about des­ Dell's appearance, don't look at the cribes it. front of the jacket; turn the record "Little White Lies," well-played - jacket over quickly and examine the on the plug-in! Ditto "Sunny," although photo on the back. Much of Miss this tune is better adapted to the in­ Dell's charm comes through in mono­ strument. chrome there, while the color photo on "Try Latin," played in beguine the front does the lady a grave injustice . rhythm, is a composition of the organist George Blackmore She's really a doll. And the fawning and one of the best tunes on the record. jacket notes add up to an unnecessary It has an appealing melody (with the rather subdued Tibias, rides the Clar­ commercial. However, the big beef is "Latin" element being only the tam­ inet briefly, and even goes ''baroque.'' the 4 tracks played on a Hammond. borine in the accompaniment) and a Much variety. Next , "Malaguena" with $5.00 is enough to pay for an all-pipe brightness hard to beat. its changing rhythms and tempos in a record. In the case of the Allen organ very orchestral treatment. "Rampart "Angel Eyes" has Helen again giving on the Nalle recording (in the follow­ Street Parade" provides a vehicle in a out with a "low down" mood, and ing review) that instrument is at least style at which George excells - Dixie­ "Personality" is good organ jazz, prov­ an attempt to simulate pipes. Not so land jazz. That grumbling Clarinet solo ing Miss Dell can cut swingy paths on with the model B Hammond, and ex­ is really something midst the perambu­ pipes as well as on plug-ins. cept for "How High the Moon" the lating instrumentation. "One Morning in May" exhudes a plug-in tunes, as played, couldn't help "Piccolino" doesn't quite come . off beautiful atmosphere. While the half­ sounding better on the wide range of as a quickstep march but it's saved by remembered lyric wails of a lost love, facilities of the Wurlitzer. Perhaps if well - executed non - march portions. Miss Dell's approach is more like a Miss Dell hadn't made the wind­ ''Kangarooga Samba" is a lively piece walk in green meadows in the cool of originated music sound so lush, the of fluff and "Southern Star" is prettily a striking dawn. There's a note of plug-in tunes wouldn't stick out so reminiscent of "A Summer Place" and triumph in it, as though she knows the noticeably. Those are the points with "Charade," with lots of bells in the music presented here will succeed in which we take issue. Now to the music. accompaniment. "Sleepy Grasshopper" touching many a heart. The selection is a fast-moving novelty tune, a type of tunes avoids overworked pops and of thing George Blackmore has a spe­ tired standards. If she'll just fire her cial talent for. It has a fast moving jacket note author and leave the plug-in reed-and-bells beginning and end, with at an appropriate saloo - er - "posh a slow, pretty melody in the middle. supper club," her next disc should con­ George plays "Sabre Dance" like a firm the effective bid she has made silent movie hurry - fast and furious. here for recognition as a skilled and "Sea.shore" (Robert Farnon) has a beau­ appealing instrumentalist. For the tunes tiful melody and George's reading of played on pipes , "A" minus for a it is one of the highlights of this record. first bid. "Around the World" is a tune that * * wears well. George does it slow ¾ and THE WIZARD OF ORGAN, Billy beautifully on mainly Tibias. Tunes Nalle playing on three organs, CR-0043 that wear less well are "Exodus" ~nd (stereo), available by mail only from "Somewhere My Love" and our only 'Dainty Miss' (Helen Dell) Concert Recording, Box 5 31, Lyn wood, comment on them is "What - again?!" "Hard Hearted Hannah" gets a dirty , Calif. 90262, at $4.50. Also available The organ sounds very good although lowdown rhythmic rendition in even on 7Y2 ips 4-track stereo tape at $5.95 too-fast tremulants (especially on the drag tempo, plus plenty of registration (all postpaid). Tibia) put a little "bleat" into some changes. It has been a long time between Billy combinations. George Blackmore dem­ "Love Locked Out" is given lush Nalle recordings, but this one makes onstrates his flawless technique and registration and sensitive shading in the it worth the wait. Here are choice talent for orchestral playing in fine style which distinguished the lady's tunes cut during three concerts, all style. If he seems to be playing too playing at the 1968 Home Organ Fes­ different in mood, registration and fast too often it's probably because he tival. It is an exercise in musical ex­ tempo. Billy is one of that small band chose many fast tunes for these sides. pertise , right to the Chrysoglott color­ of organists who rarely state anything Informative jacket notes tell about ing against full, and often sexy, Tibia­ twice in the same musical terms. The artist, theatre and instrument. There reed combinations. music is played on the Rochester are photos of George and the console. "Gitanerias," a fast-paced Lecuona Theatre Organ Society's 4-22 Wurlitzer, * * * tune played on the plug-in. The Detroit Theatre Organ Club's 4-34 MEET HELEN DELL - Helen Dell "How High the Moon," is a bouncy Wurlitzer and on a prototype plug-in at the Carson Studio 3-26 Wurlitzer bit of froth with interesting variations built by Allen. The selection of tunes and the Hammond. Malar MAS-1005 , also played on the tone generators. provides much variety and no over­ stereo, available by mail only from Good jazz style. done "chestnuts." Malar Productions , Box 3304 , Glen­ "I'm Through With Love" gets ten­ CHICAGO dale , Calif. 91201. $5.00 postpaid. der , loving care with moving counter Malar has a sparse output (only 5 melodies, mordants, Tibia rolls, and a recordings in three years) but it pre­ coda. One of Helen's best arrange­ sents only the work of top artists (e.i. ments. "GET ME TO THE George Wright, Lyn Larsen). In Helen "Dainty Miss" is a tune . Helen BUS ON TIME" Dell it very likely has another winner charmed A TOErs with during their July 3rd thru July 7th to join that distinguished duo. We have 1968 convention. She thinks of it as april 1969 28 The first six tunes are played on the Billy's own "Tom, Tom the Piper's deons from the Roaring '20s" (CR­ RTOS Auditorium theatre Wurlitzer. Son'.' and "Shenandoah." M051 ). These are recommended to all "Of Thee I Sing" (Gershwin) is an Back to pipes and its the wonderful who are interested in mechanically re­ appropriate curtain raiser, played first DTOC Senate theatre 4-34 Wurli; first produced music. They hold a lot of in chorus line kick tempo then with in­ Youman's "(March for a) Great ·nay," nostalgia for all who recall, with fond­ tricate noodling. A verse, a Glock as it might be played by a brass band ness, fairground midway sounds, aunt chorus and a rousing finale , set the on the march, an original and spirited Mehitabel's player piano and the roll scene for goodies to come. conception of a fine oldie. It has all playing piano-organ in the long gone A couple of half-forgotten oldies the fanfares, drums and ornamentation corner Bijou. Ordering procedure is the comprise an "intermission" medley in of a majestic coronation march - a same as for the preceding Concert "easy-does-it tempo." Played rather thriller. Recording discs reviewed. simply, with a few glock pecks and When Billy played the concert from * * * rhythmic excursions, "You're the Cream which these tunes were excerpted, THE LOOK OF LOVE, John Duffy in My Coffee" and "If I Had a Talking DTOC's concert reviewer, Ben Levy, playing the Allen Theatre Organ, Sun­ Picture of You" hark back to the dawn reported that "On Wings of Song" set label No. SUS-5223 (stereo), avail­ of talkies to please those who remem­ didn't seem to get off the ground, too able from record dealers or by mail ber when they were new . slow. It's all in the viewpoint. The ($3.00 postpaid) from Musicgift, Box Another one in "curtain raiser" style composer, Felix Mendelssohn, would 35, Tarzana, Calif. 91356. is "Put on a Happy Face." It's marked probably agree with Ben; a close ex­ John Duffy here presents material by interesting variations in melody and amination of the tune reveals it to be very similar in origin to that recorded registration, all taken at a fast clip, as much Nalle as Mendelssohn with by Jeff Barker (a few reviews back). followed by a burst of applause , as are a touch of Crawford. Played in a slow, John, playing an Allen organ with all the wind-generated tunes. The organ sensuous ballad style, with some at­ guitar, string bass and drums, gives sounds magnificent throughout the side tractive tampering with Mendelssohn's an old pro's smooth approach to such and meets Billy's considerable demands ha;mony, it is in pleasant contrast with youthful pop tunes as "It Must Be with ease. the spirited tunes which surround it. Him," "The Look of Love," "Love Is "Love and Marriage '' gets intricate "Wonderful Copenhagen," remem­ Blue," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," noodling treatment in the melody region bered as a tune from a Danny Kaye "The Eyes of Love," "Valley of the to give it a lighthearted cast , even when movie, gets a big lavish treatment , Dolls ," "There's a Kind of Hush," the Posthorn snarls briefly. loaded with epic moments thanks to the "Love in Every Room," "This Is My enthusiasm which Billy Nalle is able to Song" and "A Man and a Woman." "More" is the only recent tune on translate into musical values. Starting Recording is good and jacket notes - the record, although the unique orches­ in ¾ tempo, it next gets a "hurry-up" well, they're by a staffer of this mag trations make all of the selections seem treatment and ends in a big symphonic fresh. This one is played semi-ballad who shall remain nameless. Duffy is burst of musical splendor. style, with rhythmic sequences and aided and abetted by his sidemen but subtle registration. The use of "sus­ Some years ago RCA Victor released his organ and piano dominate through­ pense " (delayed resolution) harmony a record ·of Billy playing classic big out. The Allen presents a different elec­ lends excitement. Otherwise, a bit bandera favorites on the N.Y. Para­ tronic organ sound, as recorded here. subdued. mount Wurlitzer. Although it was a technically poor recording, Billy's feel­ "A Bushel and a Peck" exhibits ing for organ jazz came through loud plenty of good jazz effects (including ~ CH•CAGO ~ ,.-._ and clear. With "I'm Beginning to pedal cymbal punctuation) and a driv­ See the Light" he does it again - and ing beat which arouses the audience to it's well recorded. Building slowly to a pr~mature applause through part of the Chi -ca - g o , powerful, _driving beat that is nothing final bouncing chorus. less than sensational, Billy simulates The first 3 tunes on side 2 are played classic dance b9nd instrumentation , on a long-gone plug-in, a prototype tempo and the rocking swingboard way Allen which the company used as an with solo improvisations. This one experimental model until it was dis­ should raise a crop of goose pimples mantled , shortly after this recording on the most musically jaded epidermis . was made. We don't usually approve It's a tune that can be played over and of mixing electronics and wind , but over , with the variations sounding dif­ this is a fantastic instrument for an ferent each time. Groovy! electronic. It produces an electronic glockenspiel , a good reed chorus , chiffy * * * flues and , typical of Allen , a vestigial ALSO OF INTEREST Tibia. The only bad feature is the Concert Recording has been in ca­ GET THE GUYS dearth of trems ; just one shakes the hoots with Hathaway & Bowers again entire organ and it limits Billy's ver­ (H&B being two gentlemen who are TO VOCALIZE satility of registration. But that bright making a career of mechanical instru­ WITH NATIONAL'S DANDY Trumpet (also typical of Allen) , pedal ments at Santa Fe Springs, Calif.) This "SING-ALONG SONG SLIDES"! cymbal , and celested strings , and time the result is three records played Send for free catalog of all-time hit songs· · Marimba effect, make for interesting on a variety of Orchestrions, Mills available in slide form for as low as 50c listening and the comparisons bound to "Violano Virtuosos," Band Organs · and a tune! Need a projector? Let us know ... we'll save you real dough! occur (from being sandwiched among Calliopes. Titles are "Fairground Fa­ brilliant pipe selections) shouldn 't be vorites" (CR-M052), ''Wurlitzer-Weber NATIONALSONG SLIDE SERVICE INC. even partly negative. The plug-in tunes Orchestrions" (CR-M050), and "Road­ 42W. 48th St. NewYork, N. Y. 10036 are "I've Got the World on a String," house Rhythms-Wonderful Nickelo-

29 theatre organ bombarde often runs over the scheduled time. Sitting in for Milton at his posh bean­ ery job at the Toluca Lake (Calif.) "Kings Arms" is his regular "night off" relief organist, Harry Jenkins. Harry opens and plays the Hammond spinet, conducts sing-alongs, and acknowledges re uests until Milton shows up.

Diclc Lewis - a "digger'' accompaniment could be played on the bottom manual (it was originally an orchestral manual with solo stops) and the console was moved from the left side to the center of the pit. The "mag­ nificent seven" organ restorers were dig­ Readers are encouraged to submit inter­ ging a pit furiously as we went to press esting sidelights on the organ hobby (ex­ in a valiant attempt to get the console clusive of chapter news items), material elevator (moved from another theatre) 808 GARRETSON, PIZZA SALESMAN-He they believe will be of general interest lound installed in time to hoist Gaylord and about local organ adivities and installa­ the 2-7 quite ' different from the Gulbransen plug­ ins he has been playing. Note percussions mount- console up into the spotlight. Accord­ tions and the people who work at the ing to C. R. Lewis, spokesman for the hobby. We know "there's VOX POPS in ed high on the wall beyond the console. them there chapters" and it only requires group, the theatre handled all promo­ a Sc postcard to get it to The BOMBARDE, Speaking of relief organists ( the tion for the concert. The Carter. per­ Box 5013 Bendix Station, North Holly­ name given the guy who played the formance is the first in a series of con­ wood, Calif. 91605. 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. "supper show" to certs by top artists which the Fox plans give the guy who had been playing to spotlight during the year. The pos­ Theatre organ buffs in the Rochester, since noon a chance to recover for the sibility of concerts by George Wright N. Y., area were treated to a rare film long night shift), the recently opened and Eddie Dunstedter loomed brightly sequence on a recent Jack Douglas 1V "Monk's Musical Pizza" in Covina, as we neared our April issue deadline. travelogue. As part of a "pot luck" Calif. is currently enjoying the music * * * tour of the United States, a sequence of Bob Garretson at the 2-7 Wurlitzer. The working crew charged with the filmed in the Leon Berry residence in Bob is sitting in for regular organist task of installing the LA chapter's 3-14 Chicago concentrated on what was ap­ Bud Taylor, while Bud is recovering Wurlitzer in the San Gabriel civic audi­ propriately described as "The Beast from a siege of illness. Bob pointed out torium, enjoyed a rare treat just before in the Basement." The film showed that we goofed slightly in listing the the existing Aeolian classic organ was Berry as he demonstrated the various stops of the Wurlitzer "style 170." In turned off prior to removal. The group's effects of his Wurlitzer, some original, the theatre, it was equipped with a technical advisor dropped by to see others of his own ingenuity. The three­ Trumpet, Diapason, Vox, Flute and how restoration work is going on the manual console, toy counter and pipe Dulciana. It still has all of those plus Wurli, and Irving Cosgrove invited him chambers were adequately shown as an added Tibia Clausa. When we de­ to try out the Aeolian before they organ music played in the background. scribed it we slipped in a non-existent turned off the power. Later, foreman * * * string and omitted the Diapason. Actu­ Neal Kissel said that it was quite some­ An ATOE member who thinks young ally it needs such a string because the thing to hear George Wright going to is Dan Barton. Dan is currently recov­ Dulciana, while "stringy," is very soft town on about 20 ranks of straight or­ ering from a combination of ills. The and easily lost under more powerful gan. Although it had to go to make famed organ builder will be 85 years stops. Incidentally, the Brass Trumpet room for the Wurli, the future doesn't young on May 30th (also Memorial has replaced the original Trumpet and look dark for the 2-deck Aeolian; it Day). No one in the trade has devoted gives a bright reed sound for solos and has been purchased by the originator more loving care to the theatre organ riffs. A Clarinet is still to be added. of weird audio effects ("Mood Synthe­ than Dan. It has been his life. So, let's It was a Saturday night and Bob was sizer,") for films, organist Paul Beaver. all send him birthday cards timed to playing such requests as "William Tell * * * reach him on May 30th. His address is Overture" and selections from "Car­ There is quite a difference in space 736 Scott Avenue, Oshkosh, Wisconsin men" for a delighted, mostly juvenile requirements between a low pressure 54901. * * * audience which finds the windblown instrument and a theatre organ; al­ Remember Milton Charles who once box "groovy." though the Aeolian has about 25 per­ played the big Wurlitzer in the Philly * * * cent more pipework than the Wurlitzer, Mastbaum theatre, and also taught at The San Diego Fox theatre was it required far less space. Therefore a school for theatre organists and scheduled to hold its first public con­ the chambers are small and getting the broadcast from Chicago? (We still have cert on the restored 4-31 Robert Mor­ Wurli in may be a tight squeeze. Irving a Columbia "78" of Milton playing on ton on March 25 with a concert, sing­ Cosgrove has already volunteered to a practice organ in the Gunn School of along and silent feature ("The Mark of serve as "shoehorn dispenser." Our Organ, Chicago). In Hollywood he's Zorro" starring Douglas Fairbanks) Irving Cosgrove (we last saw him doz­ now playing a Rodgers plug-in on a with veteran console entertainer-star ing beneath the console at the Elks syndicated 1V game show called "Beat Gaylord Carter doing the initial hon­ Temple Morton on page 6 of the Feb. the Odds." The show is taped on Fri­ ors. In preparation for the event, ihe '68 issue) - the "Gunga Din" of the days ( several stanzas at a time) and Morton's manuQls were rearranged so shoe horn! april 1969 30 From Britain we learn that the ex­ named Gee Robinson who, stated the a 4-28 Wurli on the west coast and a Trocadero theatre organ, owned by the floater, is a former chief organist at 3-17 Wurli in the midwest. Then there's Cinema Organ Society and being in­ radio station WMCA, New York, and Kay McAbee's studio organ which he stalled in a town hall for safe keeping, a former staffer at the New York works on in his "spare time" (it's about had a close call when the building caught "Roxie" (sic), San Franciscans · are 80 percent complete) and he hopes to fire in the area where the chambers had indeed fortunate to have this facility assemble a church organ for himself. been built to house the Wurlitzer's in their midst. There's nothing quite As Dan Barton once described the pipework. Luckily, no organ parts had like it West of the New York Beacon heavy demands of several simultaneous been moved into the new chambers theatre. organ contracts, "I was desperate with but the damage to the building has set * * * success!" Hi, Dave! the installation project back months, The Beacon was doing fine in the * * * while the structure damage is repaired. nostalgia department, too. They made A prominent Syracuse, N.Y. archi­ contact with former film star Buddy tectural firm has been asked to investi­ * * * Rogers and a raft of Mary Pickford gate the possibility of developing a Also from England ( via Ian Suther­ films (she's Mrs. Rogers). Their 2- year-round museum at the nearby N. Y. land, Editor of the Cinema Organ So­ night stand was on Feb. 24 and 25. State Fair grounds. ciety Newsletter) comes the news that It included Buddy's commentaries on The study is directed toward the British organ fans are hopping sore the Pickford films shown, some musical future of the Empire State Theatre and about the dearth of T.O. music and reminiscences (Buddy was a top dance Musical Instruments Museum organiz­ BBC airwaves. Ian writes, "We are band leader at one point in his career), ation, the group formed around the going through the worst period we have Lee Erwin at the 3-19 Wurlitzer, a ex-Keith's 3-11 Wurlitzer now instal­ ever had for organ broadcasts on the Pickford documentary film and a re­ led in a building on the fair grounds. BBC. Therefore, one of our members membered Pickford - Rogers feature, Fair Director Bernard W. Potter be­ has decided to organize a massive na­ "My Best Girl" with a musical score lieves expanded museum facilities tionwide petition to the BBC for the composed and played by Lee Erwin. would bring more people to the Fair reinstatement of organ broadcasts - It was a production of the New York and help make it a true showcase of whole programmes devoted to theatre Theatre Organ Society which is like New York State. organ. He aims to collect at least saying "New York Chapter, ATOE." * * * 100,000 signatures." This was the re­ The Syracuse ESTMJM group enjoy­ sult of the BBC cutting down to two * * * Bill Wright, organist-manager at the ed a rare treat on March 8th when organ selections in each broadcast day. New Eastland theatre in West Covina, Don Baker sat his tall frame down at They still have it better than USAers Calif., must hold some kind of a re­ the 3-11 Wurlitzer-on-the-Fairgrounds with few exceptions, US radio station cord for "stick-at-it-iveness." Except and gave one of those performances policy is "no theatre pipe organ" - for vacations and a month in a sling he's been thrilling generations of organ although they allow plug-ins when used with a broken hip, Bill has been playing fans with since silent movie days. A in combos. Wonder what effect a pe­ organ in theatres without pause since Baker program is a series of moods tition with 100,000 signatures would 1921! When silent movies went down quite unlike anything else in the annals have on, say, one of the "top 40" the drain, Bill went into the manage­ of organ music. Don wasn't disappoint­ type of "rock" stations? Even two ment end of the theatre business, be­ ed that he didn't receive any birthday theatre organ tunes a day would be a ing care/ ul to be assigned to houses cards this year. He isn't expecting a luxury on this side of the pond. with organs. After a fruitful career birthday until Feb. 29, 1972. * * * with the Midland and Loew's circuits * * * We note that at last the music of in Missouri and Kansas, Bill came to Nov. 21, 1968, was a "red letter" Chic Herr at the Lamplighter Inn Kim­ California and spent the next 20 years day for New South Wales division of ball, Olmsted Falls, Ohio, has been ( 1943 to 1963) managing the Raymond the theatre Organ Society of Australia. grooved and is available by mail. We (now Crown) theatre in Pasadena and The club held its opening concert on its would like to make one small correction playing its 3-11 Wurlitzer. Now he's very own 3-10 Wurlitzer, which was in our reviewers observations: it's a playing a Conn theatre plug-in during relocated from Sydney's Prince ·Edward 3-11, not a 3-10. It was originally in­ intermissions at the Eastland. In fact, theatre ( the steel ball was hovering) to stalled in the Variety theatre in nearby Bill just released his first recording. a more secure berth in the nearby Cleveland and has been entertaining It is played on the Conn theatre model. Marrickville Town Hall. It was a gala Lamplighter guests since 1958. * * * occasion and a number of Australia's * * * Bay area organists Bud Iverson & fine organists played during the first A "floater" g1vmg the "coming Pliny Allen almost opened up their set of concerts. Among them were Ian events" scheduled for San Francisco's new Conn store in Oakland-right next Davies and Charles Tuckwell. But it Avenue theatre for March was loaded door to the Allen Organ Co. showroom. was a time of deep emotion and good with goodies, including Gaylord Carter What a chance they missed! They spirits for Noreen Hennessy when she doing his thing ( March 16) at the 3-14 coulda put up a sign "Allen Organ Co. stepped to that very familiar console Wurlitzer while his venerable prop, -Main Entrance." after the official opening by the mayor "The Gold Rush," cavorted about the * * * of Marrickville. It was quite fitting that screen, all for ATOE's NorCalChaps. Dave Junchen's pipe organ service in Noreen should be chosen to play the Later, the house showed some rarely Sherrard, Illinois, is a going concern, first selections on the rescued organ; seen silent films, some dating from thanks partly to many theatre organ she had played it daily for 20 years 1903. Among full - length features installations which the young organ ex­ ( 1944 to 1964) at the Prince Edward. shown were "The Cat and the Canary" pert has undertaken. Besides the 4-25 Now the beloved instrument was safe (mystery melodrama) and D. W. Grif­ Wurlitzer he's set up in Stan Todd's and Noreen opened with a triumphant fith's "Orphans of the Storm" (histor­ Shady Nook restaurant (near Cincin­ "El Relicario." ical drama) . Console chores were nati), he has agreed to install a Wur­ * * * divided among proprietor Vern Greg­ litzer church organ (opus 2100) in TOSA's opener at Marrickville had ory, Bob Vaughn and a newcomer the Caneva home at Lockport, Illinois, a purpose beyond saving theatre or-

31 theatre organ bombarde gans. The proceeds went to the Child­ Calif., a short distance from Los An­ ball might be around the corner. But ren's Medical Research Foundation geles. They've taken a 10-year lease on the house was saved by becoming a which investigates unsolved medical the dark theatre and work is well commercial movie house. In the film, problems of childhood. We haven't said underway. the camera wanders about the bizarre it for some time, but we repeat a long­ * * * interior of the super-gaudy house while standing observation: one meets the In Yan Nuys, Calif., organist Randy a voice on the soundtrack interviews, most wonderful people in the theatre Sauls was dourly celebrating his second among others, Glenn Shelley, the organ­ organ hobby! year with a broken neck. Actually, it ist who opened the theatre in the '20s. had to be "rebroken" when the first knit * * * They even restaged the "opening" of While visiting England Dick Simon- didn't take properly. It all started when the theatre and the only giveaway is ton was able to tape record an inter­ Randy was involved in an auto mishap the different types of glasses people view with some of the knowledgeable back in 1966. He says, "Some part of wear now. Seen are the strange "orien­ residents who live at Birkenhead where me - mostly my neck - has been in tal" statues, the many-hued curtain de­ Robert Hope-Jones constructed the some sort of sling ever since." But that sign, and the console of the 3-13 Wur­ organ which has since became known doesn't stop the stream of "Golden litzer which was restored by ATOEer as "H-J No. I," the initial electro­ Era" remembrances of Randy's vast Dennis Hedberg. pneumatic organ with some of the then repertoire. This time he recalled his * * * new Hope Jones developments in or­ 1930 sojourn at the Capitol Theatre in Up in Yakima~ Wash., ATOEr Bob gan voices. Dick loaned it for play­ Miami, Florida. The style D Wurlitzer Wilson did some travelling during his back at the LA chapter's recent "ATOE console was so beat and bruised that vacation. In Salt Lake City, he visited 14th Anniversary" celebration. the manager hired some decorators to Larry Bray 's Organ Loft. Bob reports * * * make it presentable µnder the spotlight. that the console has been repainted in There's a wonderful spirit abroad When Randy saw the results, he purple, lined with gold and "is quite among Detroit Theater Organ Clubbers. couldn't believe his eyes. The workmen a sight." Larry was most co-operative The Senate Theater , which houses their had built a fiberboard cover around the in demonstrating the various traps and 4-34 Wurlitzer , recently suffered some console and given it a wild green, blue percussions and he played a piece for water damage. The only way we knew and gold treatment. To top it off, they his guest. In Bozeman, Montana, Bob about it was because of the brief letters had added a novel trim, green neon dropped in at the Ellen Theatre where accompanying voluntary "repair" con­ tubing framing the entire visible side there is a 2-7 Wurlitzer. The manager tributions of $25 and $40 published in of the little console. Randy marched up was out of town, so didn't get to hear the DTOC Newsletter. The damage to the manager's office to sound off, but the instrument, but did see the console didn't silence the Wurli and during late the obvious enthusiasm of the boss during intermission. In Eugene, Oregon , February the members enjoyed concerts silenced his planned outburst. "Just Bob visited ATOE member, Ed Maas, by youthful Maureen Lyon , wonderful think on the marquee - 'RANDY a true theatre organ enthusiast as well Don Miller and handsom e Lee Erwin, SAULS AT THE NEON ORGAN'!" as a steam railroad lover. In Ed's base­ with Ray Bohr set for April 26 and Ann And now they use that same neon to ment , the 3-9 Wurlitzer is the center of Leaf for May 24. A livewire organiza- key plug-ins. Prophetic? No - just co­ attraction. The entire end of the cham­ tion. * * * incidence. ber is hinged and swings open, allowing George Wright was set to return to * * * easy access to the pipework and percus­ the 4-22 Wurlitzer in the Auditorium Pearl White reports that her Decem­ sions. A new addition to the organ is a Theatre for the Rochester Theatre Or­ ber concert in Chicago's Patio Theatre roll player , mounted in a recess in the gan Society on April 19 and in May "went smoothly - no upside-down slides wall near the console. It uses regular Ann Leaf would play for R TOS. They and nary a cipher from the 3-17 Bar­ piano rolls or the rolls now made by had a good session with Lee Erwin in ton." Pearl ran the gamut for her Kimball for their player organs, writes March . Something of a concert circuit enthusiastic audience with silent movies, Bob . * * * seems to be developing among man y a sing-along and a wealth of musical In Riv erside, Calif., organ fan Ron in-demand organists . memories. One other thing; Pearl wants Mitchell was moving his 6-rank theatre * * * it known that she never starred in that organ (mostly Wurlitzer) from his par­ Bill Field and Bill Coffman, the Los classic serial cliff hang er, "The Perils ents' home in Arlington to his own pad Angeles lads who maintained a mighty of Pauline." Must hav e been another in Ri verside, after setting up two cham­ Wurlitzer in an ex-woodcarving shop Pearl. * * * bers to receive more of the ranks he has for many years, have found a home for Former ATOE national "Prez," Dick accumulated , with a probable top of their slumbering giant in a ·dormant Schrum is set to play a stanza on the 12 sets. Ron is remembered as the lad El Segundo theatre. When the racial 4-22 Wurli for that lively bunch of who did so much to get the 2-8 Wicks unrest of 1965 threatened their 4-20- Rochesterians on February 15th. Be­ in the Orange Theatre , Orange, Calif., plus mostly Wurlitzer in the woodcarv­ sides his R TOS concert in the East, going after the years and vandals had ing shop, they regretfully removed it there 's a Hammond X-66 disc for Con­ tak en their toll . and put it in storage. Thus their con­ cert Recording in the mill and also * * * tinuing program of making pipe addicts plans being made for a platter played We have learned that the "H-B -G of those whose exposure to organ had on the big Seattle Paramount Wurlitzer. Enterprises" which staged the highly been through loudspeakers came to a Between times there's that "gin mill" successful John Mur i and earlier Bill temporary halt. They had conducte d X-66. Looks as though the ex-Pres is Dalton concerts at Loew's Ohio Theatre regular Sunday afternoon demo-concert moving right along. in Columbus ( 4-22 Morton) consists of sessions, aimed espec ially at members * * * A TOErs Tom Hamilton , Frank Babbitt of plug-in dealers' clubs, ever since A group of amateur filmmakers shot and Neil Grover . The shows were held they completed the woodcarver installa­ a movie of the interior of the Oriental under the H-B-G banner and were not tion in the early '60s . Theatre in Portland , Oregon , when Central Ohio Chapter-sponsored, as a Now they'll be able to do it again. there was some doubt as to the future number of correspondents assumed. when the organ is installed in the of the house . They named it "Before Hope that clears up the sponsorship former Star Theatre in El Segundo, the Dark ," anticipating that the stee l question . april 1969 32 Need a brand new bass drum action, his output immune to the fickle fingers surf or wind machine, shuffl,e effect - of temporary popularity, distribution or even a complete toy counter, ready problems and retail sales. to wire in? Then ATOEr Bruce · E. He contracts with the manufacturers LeBarron is your man. His shop is in of hi-fi equipment to provide records to Lakeville P. 0. (Lim e Rock RFD), Con­ demonstrate and help sell phonos and necticut (06039 ), and he has a goodly components. He has developed a talent supply of used organ parts to browse for picking tunes and musical arrange­ through in his little shop behind the ments which tend to cause a potential Rectory. Yes, Rev. Bruce is an organ buyer to reach for his checkbook when enthusiast in his spare time, his first Chuck's records are heard on the floor duty being to the Boss. But being a model. Much to our chagrin, Chuck working pastor only seems to whet his informs us that some tunes on our interest in pipes - no, not THAT kind "index expurgatorius musica" ( over­ - theatre pipes. His specialty is build­ recorded, over-exploited tunes) such ing exact replicas of theatre organ WOW, WHAT A SOUND/ Eddie Dunsfedter and as "Somewhere My Love," "Winchester effects and percussion actions. He even T08 Associate Editor Peg Nielsen react to a Cathedral," "Alley Cat," "Exodus," has a brochure which a business en­ particularly bright passage heard during the "Laura," and "Born Free," for example, velope, stamped (6c) and addressed, will mastering of Eddie's forthcoming "your request" tunes no organist depending on popular fetch. platter. Location is the Sunset Recording Studio sales could wisely risk now, are top­ in Hollywood. * * * pers for clinching sales among pros­ While we're on the subject of pects giving a phono a listening test. stamped ( 6c), self-addressed envelopes, Eddie Dunstedter's forthcoming re­ here's another goody which such an cording for an independent label will Not organ hobbyists, we assume ... object will secure. Send a standard present the "Fast Freight" Eddie, the "Mastering" is the word used to de­ business-size envelope to Carsten Hen­ organist whose radio programs gave the scribe the various processes ( e.g. equal­ ningsen, Ye Olde Pizza Joynt, 19510 theatre organ a nation-wide status over izing, dubbing, transferring sound to Hesperian Blvd., San Lorenzo, Calif. coast-to-coast radio links in the '20s stamper disc) performed to process a 94541. Henningsen, masterminder of and '30s. It's solo organ, with no assists recorded tape to a pressing ready to the famous "dough and Wurlitzer" es­ from additional instrumentalists or seal into its jacket. Bill L. Robinson has tablishment , is handing out beautiful rhythm sections. About two years ago been doing just that for Hollywood color brochures to customers covering we published an invitation to readers branches of major record companies the story of the 3-12 theatre organ, to send in requests for the numbers (e.g. Capitol) for 20 years and likes to from movie house to Joynt. He's willing they would most like to hear Eddie tackle the special problems of organ to mail one to anyone who sends him play. This recording - "Eddie Dunsted­ records ( he mastered the aforemen­ an . envelope with "I read about the ter Plays Requests" - is the result. It tioned Dunstedter disc). Bill explains brochure in the BOMBARDE" written is played on the 4-'15 Robert Morton in that the "rasp," which distorts the on the back. the Carl Greer Inn, Sacramento, Calif., sound of far too many current record­ * * * an instrument on which Eddie is able ings, is caused by a combination of In Cinnaminson, New Jersey, Jim to recreate the characteristic "Dunsted­ too-heavy modulation (volume) and Carter reveals that he has completed ter sound" of his broadcasts on Wur­ too many grooves to the inch. High installation of seven of a proposed 17- litzers and Kilgens. Fans selected some modulation is desirable within reason rank T.O. installation in his home. He old favorites associated with Eddie's ( the limit being the point at which the says that the organ has no "home illustrious musical past, some more re­ grooves overlap) to reduce surface ground." It's built from Wurlitzer parts cent ones and some show tunes. In­ noise and electronic "hiss" ( white from all over the U. S. A. cluded also are medleys from "Porgy noise), but too many grooves to the and Bess" and "Kismet" and such inch is the result of trying to get too * * * Each year Christmas cards continue singles as "Girl from Ipanema," "Holi­ much music on a side. The cutting to pour in "from the four corners" all day for Strings" and "Bali Hai." Of needle excursion caused by the ample through January. We can't possibly special interest is Eddie's first recorded bass of the organ makes fewer grooves acknowledge them all but we TO-B grand opera selection, Wagner's "Pil­ and carefully controlled volume maxi­ staffers are most grateful for the re­ grim's Chorus." For the old timers mums both "musts." . .. Do people membrances. Easily the most novel Eddie has included his radio theme, read jacket notes which accompany "Open Your Eyes" and for the "now card this year came from Britisher records? Some apparently do not, judg­ generation," a rocking "Can't Take My Michael Candy. On his card was ing from the comments of a few Con­ mounted a 3x4" set of 8 postage Eyes Off You." Watch for the release date in this column ... cert Recording customers who com­ stamp-size photos showing prog,ress plained about the "canned applause" made in his Opus 1199 2-8 Wurlitzer Record pro­ following most selections on Billy home installation. There 's Mike pouring ducer Chuck Nalle's "Wizard of Organ" release (see foundation, Mike laying bricks, and Davis, who re­ FOR THE RECORDS). Had they but Mike hoisting roofing timber. A man leased the cur­ consulted the jacket notes they would of many talents. And the specially de­ rent 21-year­ know those selections w.ere recorded signed building is well along. old Ken Wright during live concerts. There's no delay­ * * * 4-14 Kilgen Remember who played B. F. Keith's record, oper­ ing applause from a theatrefull of live­ theatre Wurlitzer in Grand Rapids, ates in an area wire organ enthusiasts when they're hearing music that turns them on. Read in the old days? One of the most prom­ Chuclc Davis - his or­ of the organ inent was Russell Thrall. We have gan records are some­ recording field the notes, folks! located him and a story is in the mill. thing else. which makes - Elmer Fubb

33 theatre organ bombarde March 1927 (J) Chicago's HENRY Sept. 1931 (D) CARL PARKER, a FRANCIS PARKS is dismayed over a motion picture organist, and his room­ phenomenon which "plagues" Chicago mate, Stanley Wilson, 19, were sen­ theatre organists. "Wfiy is it impossible tenced in Chicago to terms of one year to play in a movie theatre and use both to life, following their conviction for feet? Chicago is famous for that. With armed robbery of 10 drug stores. Park­ possibly two exceptions, none of its er's attorney asked for leniency, be­ organists uses more than the first octave cause his client had been influenced by and a half on the extreme left of the gangland pictures he watched while pedalboard. I started an investigation working in various theatres. awhile back, running a quarter-page ad in the Chicago Musicians' Union paper GOLD DUST. i> Oct. 1915: J. E. for 60 days, announcing a special LORD, concert and church organist, course for 10 weeks for left-footed or­ will preside at the new organ in the ganists to develop their right-foot tech­ Strand Theatre in Meridian, Miss .. nique. How many replies? None! I June 1916, LOUIS DORFMAN at would like to argue the point with any­ the Alhambra in Stamford, Conn .... June 1917, in New York, C. STAR­ Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos one who wants to defend the one-foot method." LING is at the Royal, while DR. AL­ Jason and I have found some unusual FRED G. ROBYN and PROF. FIR­ and some humorous nuggets this time. March 1928 (D) BILLY GANZ, MIN SWINNEN are at the Rialto ... Sources were American Organist (AO), organist of the Isis Theatre in Kansas April 1918, RALPH A. BRIGHAM Diapason (D), Jacobs (J), Melody City, played a hero's role on January and HERBERT SISSON at the Strand ( M) and Metronome (Met.). 24 when, upon seeing flames break out in N. Y., while L. E. MANOLY is at June 1922 (AO) The Howard Organ in the left wing of the stage, continued Keith's in Washington, D. C .... Aug. Seat has been the subject of examina­ playing a lively tune while summoning 1918, J. VAN CLEFT COOPER at the tion by an efficiency expert, and the manager via an usher. The latter Rivoli, New York ... Feb. 1919, F. through more efficient production calmed the audience in its move to the HOBBS at the Chateau Frontenac, methods, the price has been cut almost exits. Meanwhile, the organist, who had Quebec ... March 1919, FRED HER­ in half. It is now within the reach of been accompanying the film "T hat's MANN at the Dixie in Galveston, while modest-salaried players and will be an My Daddy ," struck up a march while L. B. RIGGS is at the Hotel Astor, improvement over the old-style bench. flaming curtains and drapes fell about N. Y. . . June 1919, HERBERT him. No one was hurt. Feb. 1923 (D) The Marr & Colton HOLTZ at the Hotel Bond , Hartford, Conn .... Sept. 1919, WALTER Organ Co. of Warsaw, N. Y. sent to its June 1929 (D) The Philadelphia friends a very tastefully engraved cal­ Fraternity of Theatre Organists had 200 STEELY plays the Cort in Chicago .. . endar for 1923. Its workmanship and at its annual dinner, April 28. OTTO March 1920, EDWARD NAPIER and appearance are taken to indicate the SCHMIDT voiced a warning against F. W. HAMMON at the Strand, N. Y. quality of M&C craftsmanship in their "canned music", stating that "imme­ . . . Aug. 1920, ROY L. FRAZEE at factory. diate and outspoken public sentiment the Olympia , Boston ... Sept. 1920, Sept. 1924 (Met.) The Standard Slide can save the organist from oblivion. JOHN PRIEST and FRANK STEW­ Corp. of New York is the originator of The more cultured type of theatre ART ADAMS at New York's Rialto novelties called "Orgologues" , which a're patron is opposed to ·synchronized . . . Oct. 1920, MAC FAR REN is at proving of exceptional value to theatre scores, but they are served and he must Chicago's Covent Garden ... Nov. organists. A complete set consists of 38 swallow them unprotestingly." Confiict­ 1920, HOWARD Z. LONG at the slides with appropriate music. Most ing opinions were voiced by a few of Lyric in Reading, Pa .... Dec. 1920, recent production is "War Is. Hell.'' the picture industry promoters present. Many leading theatres, including the MAC SEA VER at the Beacon, Boston Metropolitan in Atlanta, are showing Sept. 1930 (D) Los Angeles organ­ ... Jan. 1921, LEON E. IODINE at these slides. Cost is $10 a set; $25 for ist ROLAND DIGGLE says he stopped Loew's Valentine, Toledo . . . Feb. three complete sets. at the United Artists Theatre recently, 1921, G. RAY SMITH at the Lyric in April 1925 (D) The Wurlitzer Co. and found the organist using songslides Redfield, S. Dakota . . . Feb. 1922, has shipped in I 2 freight cars to Los in an effort to get the audience to sing. EARL MORGA at the 3-manual Hil­ Angeles , the organ for the Roosevelt "It was this dismal stuff which helped green-Lane in the Fulton, Cleveland ... Memorial Park. A year went into its put the theatre organist onto the shelf," June 1922, LEO BATH in the Grand says Diggle, "and the first chance he building. Wind pressures are 25, 35 in Faribault, Minn.; TEX FRASIER -at and 50 inches, with a Spencer Orgoblo has to come back, the same thing over again. The audience, of which 80% the Ellensburg (Wash.); CHARLES W. and 55 HP motor used. The 32-foot HAWLEY, Rex in Eugene, Ore.; JAN CCCC diaphone is 42'' square at the were retired people who wanted to pass PHILIP SCHINHAN, Liberty in San top. An automatic player attatchment is a cool. quiet afternoon, were being included. goaded to sing 'Happy Days Are Here Jose, Cal.; T. WILLIAM STREET, Again'!" Rialto in San Antonio ; EMIL TRA­ Apr. 1926 (M) ERNEST KRAUTER, CHEL, Lyric in Duluth; ADELAIDE organist at the Empress Theatre in Cor.dova, Alaska, plays each evening GARDNER, Rockville (N. Y.) theatre from 7: 50 to 9: 30 on a Kimball. Sour­ CHICAGO - CHICAGO . Dec. 1922, EUGENE H. GOR­ doughs demand not a faker , but a musi­ That Toddl'ing Town DON at the Strand, Columbus, Ohio . cian who can play good stuff, plus latest Chicago - Chicago See you sourdoughs in June with a "red hot" jazz . Ernest, who has time We'll SHOW you around salute to Chicago, our convention for teaching, hunting and winter sports, July 3-7 metropolis. 1ikes Alaska and intends to stay there. - Ll~yd and Jason april 1969 34 DELAWARE VALLEY THEATREORGAN MAGAZINE The Delaware Valley Chapter of A.T.O.E., now known as the "Theatre CELEBRATES10th BIRTHDAY Organ Society of the Delaware Valley, Inc.," is just a few months short of Four Chapters Reminisce being as old as A.T.O.E. itself. It holds charter #2. EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS Stoneham, Mass. Town Hall were First organized on July 31, 1955 un­ initiated during the November meeting der the name of the "Eastern Chapter In April 1956, four Boston area at the Phipps home. The meeting was of A.A.T.O.E." (according to our rec­ theatre enthusiasts - Bill Bunch, Don­ closed with a superb concert by Stanley ald Phipps, Dave Garbarino and Bren­ ords), this organization accomplished a Cahoon, of Boston Metropolitan Thea ·­ number of things, and has gone 'through ton Tyler, Jr. met to provide the spark tre fame, on the Wurlitzer in Don's behind the formation of a local group many changes. A few . statistics will home. illustrate the scope of our activities of enthusiasts, as outlined in the The Eastern Massachusetts Chapter, A.T.O.E. by-laws. The first formal over the years. For example, over 85 now with 70 regular members, was in­ meetings have been held to date. In meeting was held on July 20, 1956 at corporated May 10, 1968 in the State Don Phipps' home in Milton, Mass. addition to our meetings , we have spon­ of Massachusetts as the first educational sored numerous Theatre . Organ con­ with Bill Bunch as featured organist on and charitable chapter in the country. Don 's 2-7 Wurlitzer. The new group certs. Theatre Organ music for these Each year, for the last 11 years, the meetings has been played by artists had reached 10 dues-paying A.T.O.E. Chapter has presented a nationally members by the August meeting, so ap­ who are well known both locally and known organist in public concert on the nationally . In the field of artists, the plication was made then for a National 2-13 Wurlitzer in the Stoneham Town Charter. A letter received soon after Delaware Valley chapter has enjoyed Hall in April or May. Reginald Forte , the talents of great organists who have from Judd Walton advised of additional Eddie Weaver, Don Baker, Leonard regulations to be complied with. The performed on many instruments, not­ MacClain, Ann Leaf, Ashley Miller, able among these was the late Leonard membership , now at 23 members , was Lowell Ayers, and John Seng have been advised of all prerequisites , agreed to MacClain, who performed countless among the finest artists presented in concerts on a variety of instruments same at September meeting again at these concerts. Public concerts during Don's home , after which all enjoyed ranging from Spinet plug-ins to the the fall ·of the year have been presented giant Wanamaker organ. featured artist Ralph Woodworth, Jr. on the Stoneham Organ about every (later to become first honorary life other year. The Chapter membership By way of contrast, we have had the member) at the Wurlitzer. Ralph, a list has included nearly all of the pipe pleasure of watching young talents grow former B & K and Warner's organist, home theatre organ installations in the up in our midst. For example: Leroy gave a brilliant performance. The fol­ greater Boston area. Lewis, Dick Smith, Don Kinnier, Shir­ lowing officers were elected at the Chapter membership restoration­ ley Hannum, Barbie Fesmire and Den­ October meeting heJd at Brent Tyler's maintenance in theatre locations peaked nis James, to name a few. home in Waltham (location of 3-7 ~ur­ during the early 60's with restoration At one time, in the early days, this litzer-Kilgen): of the Lynn (Mass.) Paramount 3-19 chapter covered territory which is now President - Donald Phipps, Med­ Wurlitzer. This work was principally under the jurisdiction of many large field, Mass. performed by a former member/ officer and active A.T.O.E. chapters, not the Vice President - Howard Silva, Chuck Whitehead, ably assisted by least of which is the gigantic New York Cambridge, Mass. member Eddie Dupuis. Sale of that Chapter. Harking back to these early organ and demolition of the theatre a days, Delaware Valley has to its credit Treasurer - David Garbarino, Ac­ the first A.T.O.E. metings held at New ton, Mass. few years ago started a serious hunt, originated by the author, for a club York's Radio City Music Hall, New Secretary - Brenton Tyler, Jr. Wal­ owned instrument which was realized York's famous Paramount Theatre tham , Mass. in the purchase this last year of the meetings and its final concert, the for­ (It should be noted that Bill Bunch, 3-13 Wurlitzer, Back Bay Theatre mer Brooklyn Paramount, Loew's Kings perhaps the most active "spark plug" (formerly Loew's State), Boston, Mas­ (Brooklyn, N. Y.), Convention Hall of the group, had to decline any office sachusetts instrument. This organ was (Atlantic City, N. J.), Irvine Auditor­ due to pressure of business. Bill, who removed by Chapter members last sum­ ium (Univ. of Penna.), Community was a Vice President of Aeolian - Skin­ mer just prior to demolition of the Theatre (Hershey, Pa.), and John ner is now President of his own organ theatre. It is now planned that the Wanamaker's Store. company (Balcom & Vaughn) in Chapter Wurlitzer will be refurbished In the area of preserving Theatre Seattle.) by Chapter members under the direc­ Organs, our members have contributed Just after the October meeting, Judd tion of Don Phipps, former chairman / much time and effort to the restoration Walton was advised that all Charter current director, for installation in a and maintenance of major instruments prerequisites were met. A letter from location to be formally announced in that remain, such as: the 3-19 Sedg­ President Richard Simonton dated Oc­ a forthcoming issue of the "Theatre wick Theatre's Moller, the 3-17 Tower tober 31, 1956 was soon received stat­ Organ Bombarde." The organ com­ Theatre's Wurlitzer (made interna­ ing that the National A.T.O.E. had, mittee responsible for purchase, restor­ tionally famous by recordings of Leon­ effective that date, authorized the issu­ ation, and installation of the new Chap­ ard MacClain, who restored it originally ance of Charter Certificate # 1 to the ter instrument is headed by Dr. Jim for this purpose), the 3-15 Moller in Eastern Massachusetts Chapter. Plans Rockett, currently Chapter President, the Lincoln Theatre in Trenton, New for what was to become a regular an­ with Al Winslow, former chairman / Jersey, the 3-8 Kimball in the Lans­ nual series of Spring concerts on the current director, Don Phipps, former downe Theatre (Lansdowne, Pa.), and magnificent 2-13 Special Wurlitzer (Ex chairman/ current director, and the the 19th Street Theatre (Allentown, Radio Station WNAC, Boston) in the author. -Jim Rankin Pa.).

35 theatre organ bombarde After Nor Cal Chapter charter was issued in February 1957 we hosted a National Meeting with artists Tiny James, Gordon Kibbee , Dave Quinlan, and Bill Thomson doing the entertain­ ment. Our Chapte r Chairmen have been ( in chronological order) · "Bud" Abel , Bob Jacobus , Bob Vaughn , Fran Aebi , Fred Clapp , Jim Roseveare , Al White, Jack Bethards , Ray Taylor and Bob Schmalz. Organs in our area have slowly dis­ appeared from the theatres , but we have been very lucky to have many in­ stalled in public places in the meantime . Listed below are the organs which were in theatres in 1955. The instru­ Barbara Fesmire at the Sedgwick Moller in 1964. This organ is now owned by the Delaware Valley ments shown in capitals still remain as Chapter and is in storage awaiting a suitable location for chapter installation. of March , 1969. On the negative side, we must hon­ In the area of pioneering, the Dela­ San Francisco: Fox ( 4-36 Wurlitzer estly report that we are no different ware Valley Chapter has to its credit and 3-13 Moller) , Paramount ( 4-3 3 from any other group of enthusiasts in many firsts. We are the first chapter Wurlitzer), California ( 4-28 Wurlit­ being unable to prevent the sale, or to have sponsored a regional conven­ zer) , ORPHEUM (4-19 MORTON) , decline of theatres and theatre organs. tion, the first chapter to acquire our Golden Gate (3-13 Morton) , El Capi­ Notable among these was the loss of own 3-19 Deluxe Unit Moller Theatre tan ( 3-11 Wurlitzer), St. Francis ( 3-11 the Mastbaum 4 manual Wurlitzer, in Organ (currently in storage) that was Morton) , MARINE (2-6 MORTON) . our chapter's restoration project. We one of Philly's real movie palaces. Other Oakland: Paramount ( 4-20 Wurlit­ are also the first chapter to produce instruments are languishing in deserted z~r) , Oakland (3-14 Wurlitzer) , Or­ our own theatre organ recording , made and leaky palaces such as the Carmen pheum ( 3-1 7 Moller) , Grand Lake on our own theatre organ, played by a Theatre (Germantown, Pa.) which has (3-11 Wurlitzer ), Senator (2-10 Wur­ been closed for years , the Stanley member artist (Don Kinnier), and fin­ litzer ). Theatre (center city, Phila., Pa.) with anced by the chapter. The Delaware a vandalized organ, neither time, funds , Valley Chapter also pioneered sing-a­ Fresno: STANLEY WARNER (4-16 nor personnel are available to prevent long slide shows, and were among the MORTON) , WILSON ( 3-11 WUR­ this decline which is more rapid than first to feature silent movies , accom­ LITZER ), White (2-4 Wurlitzer) . the growth of A.T.O.E. Nevertheless, panied by theatre organ. Another first Stockton: State (2- 7 Wurlitzer) . we recently became fortunate enough - our Dottie MacClain was the first Sacramento: Alhambra (3-11 Mor­ to assist in the restoration of the 3-19 woman chairman of a chapter , and first ton) ; Mill Valle y : Sequoia (2-6 Wur­ Kimball Theatre Organ in the Boyd woman elected to national office. litzer) ; Santa Rosa : CALIFORNIA Theatre (Phila.) for a final concert to In c·oncluding this capsule of our 2-7 WURLITZER); Berkley: UNITED be played by our own Larry Ferrari activities , we can appropriately quote ARTISTS (3-15 WURLITZER). All of (T.V. and Radio artist of W.F.I.L.) . our present chairman Don Stott who the remaining organs are playable with This organ, fortunately , is to be pre­ stated in the first issue of our newsletter the exception of the United Artists in served in a high school in Wilmington , "The Lift," that "We are proud of our Berkley . Del. (near Phila.). To illustrate the organization, and proud of our affilia­ Other organs installed and playing tremendous loss of theatres and organs, tion with National A.T.O.E ." in our area in public places now in­ it is only necessary to note that this is -Grant Whitcomb clude: San Francisco: Avenue Theatre the last playable organ in an operating NORTHERN CALIFORNIA (3- 12 Wurlitzer ); Los t Weekend (2-10 theatre in the city of Philadelphia . All Many Northern Californians have Wurlitzer ) ; Hayward : Ye Olde Pizz a others previously mentioned are in the been active in ATOE since its incep­ Joyn t ( 3-13 Wurlitzer ); Santa Clara : suburban areas . tion in 1955. Present at the organiza­ Capn's Galle y (3-12 Wurlitzer ); Wal­ Our chapter members have risen to tional meeting at Dick Simonton 's home nut Grove: The River Mansion (3-1 1 positions of prominence in A.T.O.E. in North Hollywood were Frank Bindt , Morton) ; Sacramento: Carl Greer Inn Dick Loderhose, Captain Erwin Young, Gordon Blanchard, Tiny James , Bob (4-16 Morton ), Gran t Union High Allen Rossiter, Ben Hall and Dorothy Jacobus , and Judd Walton (who was School ( 4-22 Wurlitzer ); Vallejo: MacClain have served as national di­ elected Vice President). Since that time Rudy 's Suppe r Club (2-6 Wurlitzer ) rectors and/ or officers . Leonard Mac­ Northern California people elected to plus severa l auditorium , lodge hall and Clain was the National Honorary Mem­ the National Board of Directors have church installation s. ber in 1962, and Captain Erwin Young , been Dewey Cagle , Vernon Gregory , Our members have been active , of in 1967 . Talents from our area, we Tiny James , Georg e Thompson , and course , in maintaining many of the are proud to say, have played many Judd Walton (J ames served as presi­ instruments . We have concert s about concerts at nationa l and regional con­ dent after Walton , and Id a James as once a month and try to give our mem­ ventions , concerts for theatre organ Secretary-Treasurer ) . Working on Tibia bers the greates t variet y in instruments clubs and societies , or have represented and Theatre Organ Bombarde have and artist s. ATOE members not affil­ us, such as: Lowell Ayars , Larry Fer­ been Tiny James, Dewey Cagle , George ia~ed with our chapte r but in our are a rari , Dennis. James, Shirley Hannum , Thompson, Vi Thompson , Ralph Bell, are invited to join us in the fun . We Dottie MacClain, Don Kinnier , Patti Betty Jo Bell, Phil Lockwood and Bill share Northern California with the Germaine , Vi Egger, and Esther Hig­ Steward. Tiny James is an Honorary Sierra Chapter based in Sacramento. gins. Member ( 1966). - Dewey Cagle april 1969 36 LAND O'LAKES 1962 Sal succumbed to cancer, the several fine installations available to us organ was later sold and moved from for Chapter meetings such as Reiny HOW IT ALL BEGAN: this area. Delzer's 4-21 Publix #1 Wurlitzer and During 1957 and 1958 a group of During the ten years following this Chuck Welch's 2-9 Marr & Colton in organ enthusiasts were working on the meeting we have enjoyed many fine Bismarck, No. Dakota and Dr. Roland 4-21 Publix #1 Wurlitzer in the Radio pipe organs. In the April 1968 issue of Matson's 2-8 Wurlitzer in Spring Val­ City Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota Theatre Organ Bombarde a listing of ley, Minnesota. (formerly the Minnesota Theatre). The organs owned by members was pub­ We ended 1968 with forty-four fam­ lished. We have only one public instal­ organ was originally dedicated March ily memberships and a healthy pros­ lation - the 4-23 Kimball Theatre and 23, 1928 by Eddie Dunstedter who con­ pective member list. While we haven't tinued playing at the theatre to 1933. the 5-13 Concert at the Minneapolis gone beyond the talking stage of a The stops and unification of the organ Auditorium. The management of the were reputedly set up by Jesse Craw­ Auditorium has repeatedly stated their Chapter owned installation, the subject ford. When the theatre was 'doomed to interest in having our Chapter assume is never written off. destruction in 1958, the organ was pur­ maintenance but approval from higher In the meantime . . . Happiness is courts is necessary plus a working chased by Reiny Delzer of Bismarck, ATOE. agreement. No. Dakota, who accomplished an in­ - Irene Blegen stallation of the organ in his home, KSTP-TV retains their 3-18 Wur­ second best to the original. The Min­ litzer· from the Paramount Theatre, St. 1 neapolis paper did a feature article Paul. The Powderhorn Baptist Church about the organ and the group working has the 3-13 Robert Morton from the Mr. Howard Rowe called to on it. A copy of this article reached Riviera Annex Theatre in Detroit. The confirm the ending of the Val­ Judd Walton , then Vice President of Calvary Methodist Church has the 2-6 ley of the Sun Chapter. The ATOE. Judd, who had been present at Wurlitzer originally installed in the last organ in a public theatre the official opening of the Minnesota Homewood Theatre , Minneapolis, and has been sold for removal. Let Theatre, wrote Don Taft, one of the the Norwegian Lutheran Church has a enthusiasts who had worked on the or­ factory installed 3-10 Wurlitzer. The us hope that the ATOE mem­ gan, discussing the organ and also River-Lake Tabernacle, Mpls. has the bers in the Phoenix area con­ suggesting a Minneapolis Chapter of 2-7 Wurlitzer originally installed in the tinue their interest until some ATOE. Biograph Theatre in Chicago in 1924. new approach can be found. Chapter meetings have been held at all of these locations. In addition we have

EXCITING FRONT AND CENTER LISTENING ALLENMILLS Reviewer's Comments: AT THE CONSOLEOF THE AUDITORIUMTHEATRE PIPE ORGAN Rochester. New York THEATREORGAN BOMBARDE - "A fresh approachwhich dis­ Ptogtam playsimagination. Each selec­ SIDE ONE tion is a full-fledgedproduc­ IO'IGII r~ -~y ..OODI~ IIIU.11 Al Schmitz, former chapter chairman at l

37 theatre organ bombarde ATOE Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries

BEEHIVE (31) HEART OF AMERICA (25) NIAGARA FRONTIER (8) POTOMAC VALLEY (7) Chairman Chairman Chairman Chairman Wayne V. Russell J. Randall Charles Randorf Piazza Woodrow Wise 2579 Commonwealth Ave. 10106 Bennington 230 Jewett Ave. 4600 Eaton Place Salt Lake City, Utah 84109 Kansas City, Mo. 64134 Buffalo, N. Y. 14214 Alexandria, Va. 22310 Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Mrs. Lilly Colibert Dr. Robert B. Fray , Jr. Elwyn Guest Marjorie Lane 781 East 17th South 39·17 West 68 St. 19 Center St. 13901 Castaway Drive Salt Lake City, Utah 84105 Prairie Village, Kan. 66208 Angola, N. Y. 14006 Rockville , Md. 20853 CENTRAL INDIANA (26) KAW VALLEY (33) NORTH TEXAS (35) PUGET SOUND (12) Chairman Chairman Chairman Chairman Gene C. Featherston Luther A. Cortelyou Gordon Wright Les Lehne 105 S. Bradley Ave. P.O. Box 503 4515 Gloster Rd. 121 North Milroy Indianapolis , Ind. 46201 Lawrence, Kan. 66044 Dallas, Texas 7 5220 Olympia , Wash. 98501 Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Betty M. Roch Mrs. Lucille Underwood Doxie Jackson Virginia Lawrence R.R. 16 Box 172 2321 Vermont 915 Wisteria Way 3612 - 41st West Indianapolis, Ind. 46278 Lawrence, Kan. 66044 Richardson, Texas 7 5080 Seattle, Wash. 98177 CENTRAL OHIO (30) LAND O' LAKES (9) NO. CALIFORNIA (4) RED RIVER (27) Chairman Chairman Chairman Chairman George Waylonis, M.D. Don Peterson Bob Schmalz Ralph Kratzer 2310 Roxton Ct. 3308 Zarthan Ave. 275 Fairmount Ave. 915 So. 18½ St. Columbus, Ohio 43221 Minneapolis, Minn. 55416 Oakland, Calif. 94611 Moorhead , Minn. 56560 Secretary Secretary Tom K. Hamilton Secretary .Secretary Mrs. Marian Schmidt 1998 Collingswood Rd. Irene M. Blegen Philip E. Felde 275 Fairmount Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43221 16925 Linden Drive 1408 - 14th St. South Minnetonka, Minn. 55343 Oakland, Calif. 94611 Moorhead, Minn. 56560 CHICAGO AREA (13) OHIO VALLEY (10) Chairman LOS ANGELES (3) ROCKY MOUNTAIN (23) Chairman William T. Benedict Chairman Chairman George V. Eaglin 5701 W. Washington, Philip Ray Bonner Richard V. Lewis 16 E. Walnut St. Apt. 1-G 3232 Mountain View Ave. 7990 W. 39th Ave. Southgate, Ky. 41071 Chicago, Ill. 60644 Los Angeles, Calif. 90066 Wheatridge, Colo. 80033 Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Bill Rieger Lois Taylor Glenn E. Merriam Mrs. Edith Maddy 6244 Eddy 17700 S. Western, Apt. , 130 P.O. Box 222 1819 S. Sheridan Chicago, Ill. 60634 Gardena, Calif. 90247 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 Denver, Colo. 80226 CONN. VALLEY (11) MID-AMERICA (28) OREGON (20) SIERRA (29) Chairman Chairman Chairman Chairman Stillman H. Rice Tom Cusick Robert J. Burke John J. Sogorka, Jr. 18 Ridgewood Terrace 2601 Mason Terrace 3215 N.E. U.S. Grant Pl. 1610 Day Drive North Haven, Conn. 06473 Wichita, Kan. 67216 Portland, Ore. 97212 Carmichael, Calif. 9 5 608 Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Mrs. Ruth M. Smith David E. Dillon Gerald Duffy Cathy Zeller Cook Drive RFD #2 1938 Marion Road 532 N.E. 41st 5223 Glancy Dr. Bolton, Conn. 06040 Wichita, Kan. 67216 Portland, Ore. 97232 Carmichael, Calif. 95608 DELAWARE VALLEY (2) MOTOR CITY (24) PIEDMONT (18) SOONER STATE (34) Chairman Chairman Chairman Chairman Don Stott James R. Brown, Jr. Jim Sparks Ron Willfong 258 W. Tulpehocken St. 23473 Haig 111 Davidson Road 1205 So. Indian Germantown, Pa . 19144 Taylor, Mich. 48180 Durham, N. C. 27704 Tulsa , Okla. 74127 Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Mrs. Dorothy Bloom Donald G. Lockwood Geo. W. Anthony Ray Elmore 70 Old Kings Highway 706 Hazelwood Ave. P.O. Box 1676 1205 So. Indian Downingtown, Pa. 19335 Detroit, Mich. 48202 Burlington , N. C. 27215 Tulsa, Okla. 74127 EASTERN MASS. (1) NEW YORK (17) PINETREE (21) SOUTH FLORIDA (32) Chairman Chairman Chairman Chairman James E. Rockett Robert D. Balfour Maurice B. Pope John W. Steele Hugh Cargill Rd. 130 Orchard Terrace 39 Highland Ave. 198 E. 4th Ave. Concord, Mass. 01742 Union, N. J. 07083 Gorham, Maine 04038 Hialeah, Fla. 33010 Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Francois Lembree Allen W. Rossiter Robert C. Melcher George W. Gerhart Lowell Road P.O. Box 1331 16 Monroe Court Box 38-245 Concord, Mass . 01742 Passaic, N . J. 07055 Westbiook, Maine 04092 Miami, Fla. 33138 april 1969 38 February 16, Salt Lake patrons and Star," followed by "The Song Is in A TOE members were delighted by a My Heart." concert on the Bray installation by Ev explained that only one "Hit of Harvey Blanchard. Harvey, ATOE the Week" record ... remember those member from the Bay area, also played 15c paper discs? . . . was an organ for the Saturday night dancing party record. This was Jesse Crawford's February 15. "When the Organ Played at Twilight," Harvey spoke not a word but went which Ev played next. Then just to straight to the console and played up make sure we hadn't fallen asleep, or a storm. His program consisted mostly perhaps to wake us all up, he played a of "oldies" which delighted the rousing "Dixie" with some of the drums audience. His rendition of "Making and utensils from the '11ardware" de­ ••••••• ••••••• Whoopee" and "Tea . for Two" were partment thrown in for "kicks." Ever­ especially popular. Mr. Blanchard has ett's closing was a number which has a remarkable store-house of musical a very catchy rhythm, "One, Two But­ ~ ~A\... V' numbers and transmits a great feeling ton My Shoe." Ill Ill of ease and excitement to his audience. Before we finally closed the theatre •CHAPTERNEWS• -Maxine V. Russell and threw out the cats ( into the piles of sno,w), selections were heard from CONNECTICUT VALLEY Herb Blair, Russell Hubbard, Bert The Connecticut Valley Chapter held Clough, and Al Miller. BEE HIVE its annual Christmas Banquet on De­ cember 14, 1968 at Le Cordon Bleu CONNECTICUTVALLEY C HAPTERA .T.O.E CONNECTICUTVALLEY THEATRE OR GAN SOCIETY.INC. The first meeting in 1969 of the Bee restaurant in Waterbury.' This meeting Hive Chapter was held Friday, January is always an excellent chance to social­ 24 at the Organ Loft. The new -officers ize, and this year was no exception. officiated; they are, Chapter Chairman, Miss Helen Stoddard and her commit­ Wayne V. Russell; Vice Chairman, tee, who handled the arrangements Michael Ohman; and Secretary-Treas­ again, are to be commended. urer , Lilly Colibert. After dinner, we installed our newly elected officers, Chairman, Stillman H. [NJ Members discussed plans for the coming year. Jack Reynolds and Harry Rice; Vice Chairman, Frank Manion; Weirauch have been restoring the pipe Secretary, Ruth Smith; Treasurer, Don Plaque naming Cltapter Cltairmen wltidt was organ at the Salt Lake Elk's Club. Jack Maccormack; and Program Chairman, presented to chapter by Al Miller at Dec. 1968 meeting. No te the authentic nameplates included Reynolds has a beautiful home installa­ Mike Foley. Al Miller, who spear­ on the plaque. tion. Member John Dobson has re­ headed the founding of the chapter, stored the organ at the Capitol Theatre, presented a plaque he had made to The Connecticut Valley Chapter gave it sounds wonderful. JoAnn and Norris Chairman Rice. This plaque gives the up its traditional birthday celebration Harmon informed the group that their date of Chapter Chairmanships, and and joined with the New York Chapter pipe organ, home installation, soon will be kept in the Chairman's posses­ in its 14th Anniversary Organ Festival. would be ready for its audition. sion until we have a permanent home The Conn Val Chaps heralded their for it. Program Chairman Mike Foley founding on February 8, 1961 (ATOE Following the meeting, Mike Ohman, presented his ideas for the 1969 meet­ was six years old), arriving in two char­ young talented student from B.Y.U., ings, and the response was most en­ tered buses just in time for the concert presented a dinner concert on the Larry thusiastic. on the Radio City Music Hall Giant Bray Wurlitzer. Mike's concerts are While Bert Clough provided appro­ 4-56 Grand Wurlitzer. Twelve mem­ always a treat because Mike himself priate music on a Wurlitzer plug-in, our bers, who could affqrd the time and is so full of delightful enthusiasm. His own Santa Claus ( Harry Charette) money, took in the whole weekend, personality is transmitted through his passed out goodies from the grab-bag. which was richly rewarding in musical music .. The program consisted of old Although it was nearly midnight, and enjoyment and experience. and new favorites. the weather had turned to snow, the This biennial event, which also cele­ Mike introduced one of his students, hardier souls turned to the Waterbury brates the birth date of Robert Hope­ Wayne Tucker, from Pleasant Grove, State Theatre, where Ev Bassett was J ones, could be named the Robert Utah. Wayne is only 15 years old, but warming up the 2-10 Wurlitzer. Ev Hope-Jones Biennial Blizzard. Mem­ he played two numbers on the Giant played a short concert of old favorites, bers of the chapter who joined us this Wurlitzer as if he were an "old pro." including "The Touch of Your Hand," trip will long remember the trip home. I'm sure we will hear more about a medley of "And Then My Heart The storm, which left many of us Wayne in years to come. Stood Still" and "I Told Every Little stranded in the big city wondering if

ATOE CHAPTER CHAIRMEN AND SECRETARIES(Cont'd) ST. LOUIS (15) SOUTHEASTERN (14) WESTERN RESERVE (16) WOLVERINE (22) Chairman Chairman Chairman Chairman Donald P. Ullrich Charles Walker Robert Davis Mal McGill 631 Shepley Dr. 312 Fayetteville Rd. Route 4, Grandview Blvd. 525 Somerset St. Louis, Mo. 63137 Fairburn, Ga. 30213 Willoughby, Ohio 44094 Saginaw, Mich. 48603 Secretary Secretary Secretary Secretary Edgar J. Kline May E. Jones Virgil Bartz Christine McGill 12090 Fleetwood Pl. RFD #2, Box 3-T P.O. Box 273 525 Somerset Bridgeton, Mo. 63042 Duluth, Ga. 30136 Gates Mills, Ohio 44040 Saginaw, Mich. 48603

39 theatre organ bombarde we'd ever get out of our hotel rooms, approximately 350 members and fam­ Barton theatre ptpe organ and the one was not so kind to almost 100 members ilies turned out for an ATOE anniver­ and only Ben Hall, Master of Cere­ who were stranded in the two buses on sary and Robert Hope-Jones birthday monies. Colleen Moore, a spirited and the Hutchison River Parkway for over celebration at Tubes, Inc. The history young-looking woman who sparked the 26 hours. and who spent almost 36 of the A TOE and the Hope-Jones con­ flapper rage of the twenties, made a hours getting home . . . a trip which tributions to J e theatre pipe organ personal appearance. Today she pre­ usually takes two hours. were recounted by Judd Walton. Brief sents a warm, friendly personality, very Fortunately, the good spirit of the programs were presented on the 2-10 chic and still a person whom all, young group helped the time pass, as did the Wurlitzer by Lyn Larsen and Dean and old, can adore and hope to emulate. assistance of an excellent bus driver, McNichols. Gaylord Carter presented Tuesday, March 4th was the culmin­ the helpfulness of two policemen (who a singalong, some concert numbers, and ation of the Motor City Chapter's hard were also stranded), and a Howard played accompaniment for a recently work in presenting a fun-evening for Johnson ·s Restaurant which ran out produced silent color movie featuring all its patrons. Almost every seat was of food, but kept the coffee flowing the late Buster Keaton. It is ironic that filled in the Redford Theatre with many as long as possible. Member Ray Carig­ during the evening before this special arriving early so they could have the nan suffered a stroke, and was rushed ATOE event, and unknown to chapter best seating. Many stood outside to to Queens Hospital by helicopter. Ray officials, the National ATOE Board welcome the famous guests as they recovered and is doing fine, thanks to meeting in New York had suspended arrived. The program opened with Jim the alert policemen and a doctor who the LA chapter and had forbidden it Brown, chairman, introducing Lee Er­ was also stranded. to use the term "A TOE." Official notifi­ win who brought the 3-10 Barton from cation of this action, based on alleged This writer did not make it home the pit with familiar melodies. Ben until Wednesday, and many ATOErs violations of the uniform chapter char­ Hall was presented as the MC for the from other visiting chapters must have ter agreement and National By-laws evening and together with Lee gave a was received on Feb. 15. The matter had similar experiences. delightful 'organ talk' depicting how a will not be aired in this column. It is theatre organist might play appropriate While the Festival was most enjoy­ sufficient to say that at a subsequent accompaniment, using the many special able, the Connecticut Valley Chapter general membership meeting on Feb. effects on the organ to fit the many will think a long time before schedul- 28 the chapter members voted to mod­ moods of any picture. Then Ben and ing another bus trip perhaps even ify the club's arrangements with The the audience gave a warm welcome to in July. - Al Miller Console magazine. These re-arrange­ the star of the evening, Miss Colleen LOS ANGELES ments were subsequently found accept­ Moore. Miss Moore appeared twice The new officers for 1969 are: Ray able by The National ATOE Board , during the evening and told stories of Bonner , chairman; Bill Exner, vice­ and the suspension was lifted. The LA Hollywood and her life in that city chairman; Keith Woodward, treasurer; A TOE members also indicated by vote during the twenties. Although she was Lois Taylor, secretary; Andy Rimmer, that they do not consider themselves doing double-duty this particular eve­ program director; and Dick Simonton, guilty of the alleged violations. Now, ning ( Doubleday had her two books on liaison chairman. After seven years as the club is moving forward to new display and she autographed during in­ Wiltern organ maintenance chairman, activities and fun. The San Gabriel termission and at the end of the pro­ Bob Alder has resigned due to lack of Civic Auditorium Wurlitzer project is gram), Miss Moore seemed to be en­ time. The chapter board has appointed proceeding in fine style. The old Aeo­ joying herself as much as we were Ross Farmer to the position. Dick lian organ has been sold and removed. listening to her stories. It was difficult Stoney continues as Elks organ main­ Organist George Wright has become to believe that Miss Moore had just tenance chairman. A large number of tonal consultant on the project. On Feb. returned from a trip around the world members have joined the Elks Organ 15 many LA ATOE members partici­ and was already finalizing plans for a playing plan and are having the time pated with the local American Guild similar trip with one of her five grand­ of their lives tackling the 4-61 monster of Organists in an organ tour featuring children. Morton. The plan coordinators are Bob 4 different organs and organists. Mem­ and Ruth Stratton. bers are looking forward to a Wiltern Refurbishing and installation of the concert on March 30, featuring Lloyd 3-16 Wurlitzer in the San Gabriel Civic del Castillo. Other concerts are planned Auditorium is progressing under the for April and May. Also in April, mem­ direction of project coordinator Neal bers will trek to "Monk's Musical Pizza Kissel. Parlor" in Covina for a special party The 1969 season of chapter activities featuring the 2-7 Wurlitzer, with lots began with a splash, actually and musi­ of Pizza and beer. - Ray Bonner cally. A surprisingly large crowd turned MOTOR CITY out during a heavy rainstorm on J anu­ Take an active ATOE chapter and ary 25 to hear well-known San Fran­ call it MOTOR CITY ... from many cisco area Theatre organist Tom Hazle­ suggestions for an evening's entertain­ lee Erwin, Colleen Moore, Ben Holl ton play a program on the Wiltern ment, choose ONE. Select an energetic Theatre 4-37 Kimball. Those who had committee with lots of enthusiasm and At all times Miss Moore was com­ heard Tom before expected a top rank innumerable talents. Mix slowly, organ­ pletely poised - even when she became performance; they were not disappoint­ izing thoroughly and when the curtain 'all wrapped up in her work' as the ed. The jam session that afternoon on is raised at the Redford Theatre for stage curtain was accidentally closed, the Elks Building 4-61 Morton brought the evening show, you have the un­ opened and closed again at the precise out one of the largest jam session forgettable combination of the silent moment she was accepting her flowers crowds we have ever experienced. Per­ movie IRENE starring Colleen Moore, from Jeanne Brown, daughter of the haps LA A TOE members like the wet the master of the keyboard, Lee Erwin chapter chairman. Without m1ssmg a weather. On Sunday afternoon, Feb. 9, at the console of the Golden Voiced beat, Ben Hall rushed from the wings

april 1969 40 to lift the curtain enough to allow Miss Parade" of 1930 were played in a Jesse the twenties and in later years fell into Moore's triumphant reappearance still Crawford style. Songs from "The Gold­ a state of disrepair. Charter member bearing her bouquet of roses. diggers of 1929" were jazzed up and Dick Chase worked it over, put it in This was a fun evening for all who sound great. playing condition and had access to its attended and an evening that will long After intermission, he proceeded use. Later, Mrs. Whiteside gave it to be rememberd by all - audience and with several songs recently on the Top Oregon State University to be installed participants. Here is a recipe that can 20, in addition to three pieces from in the new I 0,000-seat Gill Coliseum­ be used again and again, remembering "The Graduate." basketball and athletic building. Dick the important blending of all ingredi­ A 1916 silent movie starring Gloria Chase not only supervised the move ents - the chapter, the Theatre and its Swanson, "Teddy at the Throttle," was but did most of the reinstallation. His management, Ben Hall, Lee Erwin and followed by Mr. Barker's playing of first job was to find a place to install the Barton theatre pipe organ and last "The Golden Wedding." the organ. Dick said that they took but not least, the one and only Colleen Young, handsome Jeff acknowledged organ recordings and played them Moore. -Marion Bunt a standing ovation with an encore that through a high output movable speaker beautifully ended this talented showing system, transferring the speakers from NEW YORK of his love of music. Enough can't be place to place in the building. The best Sunday morning , January 18, 1969 said about him or his performance. Jeff location seemed to be the west end was the inauguration of a new and un­ has to be seen and heard live to be of the stadium, elevated about 20 feet usual series of meetings New York appreciated. above the seats. It should be noted that Chapter has initiated at the Rahway On Wednesday evening, February 12, in the theater the organ was installed Theatre , Rahway, N. J., home of the young Dick Smith presented a pipe in the rear of the stage area in two chapter's "Biggest Little Wurlitzer" organ concert on the Riviera Theatre large swell boxes, so by building plat­ (style E-X). This was a workshop ses­ console to a near full-house crowd. forms out from the wall between the roof girders the organ was reinstalled sion, an idea conceived a year earlier, Highlights of this evening's enter­ in the original chamber boxes as it was and now a reality. tainment were Dick's playing of "Zorba in the theatre. The two charribers were The first session drew over 50 chap­ the Greek" and "Granada," which separated by about 20 feet. The con­ ter members divided into two groups. could very well give him the title "Mr. sole was set on a cantilever platform Forty gathered around the console with Action." His playing of these numbers at seat level between the chambers. The Lee Erwin and were taught various on a full organ with incredible speed renovated organ was recently equipped ways to arrange and register and play roused the audience. A beautiful with great octave and suboctave coup­ music on the theatre organ, properly. "Autumn in New York" was dedicated lers. · Since the organ speaks directly These sessions were not meant to be to Mr. Smith's dear friend, the late music lessons, but a helpful addition to under the curved roof, the sound rolls Buddy Cole. through the large structure making the all who desire to improve their musical Following intermission, Dick accom­ abilities. The sounds at our future jam 8-rank organ sound very large. panied sing-along slides and an old THE ORGANISER: Roland Hall, sessions should be greatly enhanced as silent picture, "The Tennessee Hills," a result of this series. a local high school teacher by profes­ then brought down the console with sion, but a musician and organist by The second group of a dozen rallied "Goodnight Sweetheart." in the theatre lobby with Bon Smith, avocation, played a concert of three There was a reception in a local res­ where the inner workings of a pipe groups of songs. Most were relative to taurant, and then Dick Smith and about organ were revealed and discussed. the twenties and early thirties, so they 25 of his faithful followers returned to Various pipes, magnets, reeds, etc., were familiar to the members. He uti­ the Riviera for a couple more hours of were displayed as well as many draw­ lized the possible combinations of the enjoyable fun at the console. ings on a blackboard. While the play­ small organ to the fullest with excellent ers took a midmorning coffee break, the We members of the Niagara Frontier shading and variation. Having played fixers toured both organ chambers and Chapter ATOE certainly are anticipat­ the organ in the theater before it was observed all the works in actual opera­ ing a quick return by skillful Dick moved, and later at the Coliseum for tion. Smith. special. events, he was very familiar Those in attendance at this first ses­ "Pipe Organ Memories" is a very with the instrument. sion were most enthusiastic and a series popular and worthwhile half-hour pro­ After the concert Dick Chase hosted of similar sessions are i:aw planned. gram on Radio WBEN-FM, 102.5 e.ach a jam session on his 3-14 mostly-Wur­ However, the players and fixers sessions week night from 6: 30 to 7 o'clock. litzer. The informality of the gathering will now be held at different times as Each evening, a different artist is pre­ and the excellent sounding instrument our only complaint was, many wished sented playing many different types of provided a background for a talk fest. to attend both sessions. songs. The music is beautiful, interest­ -Bob Burke - Robert D. Balfour ing, and also relaxing for a dinner hour SIERRA atmosphere. Be sure to listen if you can Thirty-four members and eleven NIAGARA FRONTIER get this Buffalo, New York station on guests were present when Chairman Internationally- known, British- born your radio. - Shirley Cole John Sogorka called the meeting of organist, Jeff Barker, performed a pipe Sierra Chapter to order, Sunday after­ organ concert for a large, enthused OREGON noon, February 9, at Carl Greer Inn. audience at the Riviera - Theatre in Sunday, February 16, the Oregon A special Board Meeting had been North Tonawanda, N. Y. on January Chapter met for a concert at Oregon held a week previous, to work out ideas 22. State University's Gill Coliseum (90 and proced .ures for obtaining and in­ His repertoire for the evening con­ miles south of Portland) on the former stalling an organ for the chapter, and sisted mainly of musical show tunes Corvallis (Oreg.) Whiteside Theatre John gave a short report to the as­ starting with the late '20's and progress­ 2-8 Wurlitzer. sembled members. Bob Longfield fol­ ing to the hit show tunes of today. THE ORGAN: The Wurlitzer was lowed with a report on our new Tape Jeff's selections from "The Love installed in the Whiteside Theatre in Library. The chapter recently pur-

41 theatre organ bombarde chased a dozen rolls of sound tape and asked members to record organ music or other material of int erest to en­ - CLASSIFIEDADS thusiasts. Members may borrow the recorded tapes for a period of one ORGAN and REPRODUCER PIANO FOR SALE - 3 manual 10 rank Barton month . Enthusiasts tapes exchanged and Club with post horn and metal diaphone. Pipes George Seaver opened the musical News. ARNIE THORSON, 1519Y2 Como mitred for basement height. Serious in­ Avenue S.E., Minneapolis , Minnesota quirie s only. Detroit area. 1 - 313 - 548- portion of the program . Seated at the 55414. 4443 or Box 2329, Livonia, Mich . 48150. Robert Morton , George played a spe­ FOR SALE - 2/ 10 Smith console and FOR SALE - Several sets Moller String s cially prepared program sparked with relay complete with wiring, $600 . DALE and Celestes 8" pressure ; Kimball Vox ; humorous introductions to the various MENDENHALL, 4428 Pennsylvania Ave ,, Molle r Vox 5". $50.00 per set not crated. members. His program included both Fair Oaks, Calif. 95628 . Phone 916 - 967- BILL KALTRIDER , 121 S. Washington , 5060 . pops and classical numbers , and ciur Owosso , Michigan 48867. WANTED - Bench and music rack for "staff" organist never sounded better . Wurlitzer 185 console. ED RANEY , 6211 FOR SALE - Rodger s Theatre Organ. Sierra Chapter owes much to George Temple Hill Drive, Los Angeles, Calif. Model 33-E . Two months old . Original 90028. Tel: HO 9-9181. cost $12,900. No reasonable offer will be who not only plays for our meetings refused . MR. L. J. LIPSKI, 2857 Hedley and silent movies , but also frequently FOR SALE - Several electric Player St., Philadelphia, Penna. 19137. Phone PI plays for civic and private groups to Pianos , ideal for connecting to pipe organs. 4-4880 (Area code 215) after 6:00 P.M. Write for free brochure and photographs. weekdays and up to 12:00 Noon weekends . help create an interest in theatre organ ELLSWORTH JOHNSON, W. 611 First, and our chapter. Following George' s Spokane , Wash . 99204. Phone 509 - 747- ORGAN OWNERS , BUILDERS and concert there was .a jam session which 5432 . TECHNICIANS. We sell new and used was suddenly interrupted when a fa­ FOR SALE - Double roll-player "Foto­ consoles, electronic kits, manuals, pedals , speakers , reverb s and percussions . Buy miliar figure strolled into the dining piano. " Write: Dewey Cagle, 3291 Guido St., Oakland, Calif. 94602. direct and save. Write for catalog. NEW­ room - none other than Mr. Pipe FOR SALE-WURLITZER THEATRE PORT ORGANS, 300 West Coast High­ Organ himself , Eddie Dunstedter. PIPE ORGAN ALBUM - Century Long way, Suite D, Newport Beach , California A round of applause brought Eddie Play "Souvenir of Niagara Falls" as adver­ 92660. to the console to play several of his tised in October Theatre Organ Bombarde . REBUILT - ready to go organ piano Original musical description of Falls, plus famous numbers , though he admitted upright. Phone 313-868-3322. Wm. Mur­ 6 popular standard favorites . Jacket is dock, 1735 Boston Blvd. , Detroit , Mich . he was tired, having been up half the full-color aerial view of Niagara, suitable 48206. previous night preparing for his record­ for framing . Mono or Stereo, $5.25 post­ FOR SALE BOOKS : Hope Jones Unit ing session. There was certainly nothing paid. Composer, organist, recitalist CARL­ TON FINCH, 266 Sweeney, North Tona­ Orchestra, $3.95 . Wurlitzer Unit Organs, about his playing to indicate he was wanda , New York 14120. ATOE member. $4.50; Wurlitzer Fact Book , $2.00; Whit­ tired. It was the same Dunstedter ar­ Limited number of records still available. worth: Cinema and Theatre Organs, tistry that organ enthusiasts have en­ $15.00; Williams : European Organ, $20.00; FOR SALE-Kinetic blower , l Y2 HP, Wurlitzer Church Organs , $2.00 ; Audsley joyed for many , many years. He stayed 850 cu. ft./min. at 5 inches , split phase. ART of Organ Building, $15.00; Norman: to meet new members and pose for the Used only three months. $75.00 . DR. Organ Today, $7.50 ; Sears: Reed Organ , shutter bugs. It was a busy weekend HAROLD W. WOOD, 195 W. Cleveland $2.00 . Postpaid. The Organ Literature Park Drive, Spartanburg , South Carolina for Eddie and his charming wife, Vee. Foundation, 45 Norfolk Road , Braintree, 29303 . Mass. 02184 . Not only did he play for the Greer "cash" customers Sunday and Monday During the evening several members evenings , he spent most of the wee found their way to the console at small hours of Monday morning re­ various intervals to provide that which cording the Robert Morton and every­ everyone desires most , live organ! Betty one is eagerly awaiting the results Lee Taylor, not to be outdone, played which will probably be available in late and also sat on the bench reminiscing March or April. - Bob Longfi eld over some of her more humorous ex­ periences with the theatre organ. Reggie SOUTH FLORIDA Foort spoke briefly and promised to December 8, 1968 was the meeting play at a later date. date for the new season in South Flor­ Several new members were received ida. Cal Jureit had recently- added three at this meeting along with many re­ more ranks to hi s home installation plu s newals . It is hoped tha t all members an electronic pedal and was quite eager will renew soon. to present the ensemble to member s -G. W. Gerhart Setty lee Taylor on bench. Gerhart photo and friends of ATOE. The new sound is most enhancing, to say the least , cer­ tainly justifying the endiess hour s re ­ quired to accomplish this task. ENGLAND Over fifty were on hand as Chairman John Steele presented our new resident Keep abreast of the theatre organ hobby in England through the 'Journal of the and member of South Florid a, Mr. Reg­ inald Foort. It is with great warmth and Cinema Organ Society,' four issues (or equivalent ) annually plus monthly news­ admiration that we welcome this worl d letters. Current organ events in the British Isles, history, photos, stoplists , com­ renowned organist and hi s wife into our mentaries, technical articles, organists' biographies , news from overseas, record mids t. Chairman Steele also presided over a brief formal meeting during reviews, and more. $5.00 (£1. 15s. 0d.) yearly. Send money order to Herbert which time a board of directors was Quaddy, 23 Davenport Rd., Catford, S.E. 6, England. nominated and the 1968 officers were reinstated for 1969 .

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43 theatre organ bombarde It already happened to two other guys; research engineers who took that idea and designed a new organ. They called it a "Rodgers" and founded a compa:qy on their success. The company's growth since then has not changed our policy of building the best. That's why we know the kind of instrument you If you wanted would come up with if you really wanted to build yourself an organ to build and build it right. So, instead of taking a chance on hammering your thumb, why not the best electronic organ write for details on the Rodgers? We can save you a lot of time. money could buy ... you would build a

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