the Mart. was one of he could do, and so she accepted. Very PIPE DREAMS the last to move. He did not like the few words were exchanged in the coffee new organ. The higher frequencies of shop. He did. manage to say finally, , USA certain pipes did not meet with his "You love that organ very much, don't approval, and it was necessary to install you?" With this, she actually, for the by L. R. Clarke acoustical absorption panels in the first time, looked at him very carefully areas of the pipes involved. The room and was surprised to find him excep­ The last of two installments on was actually too small to do justice to tionally well groomed and with a very Chicago's Radio Pipe Organs. the instrument. The pressure was most kind face. His next few words, "I evident, and the sound deafening to would like for you to come to my (TOB June, 1969) a studio listener. The final installation, office; I have something to show you," however, was considered to be one of got a very unfavorable reaction which With the completion of the Civic the finest examples of unification by" he sensed. But he assured Miss Harvey Opera Building , station WENR moved the Wurlitzer Company. that his secretary would be there. When they finally approached his office, she (from the Straus Building) to new Even before WENR moved from the was most embarrassed to see the name studios on the 42nd floor. The unusually Civic Opera Bldg., the studios were "Samuel Insull" on the door. What he large studio was equipped with a 3/ 13 busy most of the day. All programs wished to show her was a contract all Wurlitzer. When NBC purchased both were live at that time. When Dean ready for her signature to remain as WENR and WMAQ, the theme for Fossler was required to play "The Per­ for his new station which fect Song" for the West Coast, the "Amos & Andy" (heard over WMAQ) would occupy the very studio she was studio was busy up to midnight. Some leaving. The terms of the contract were was transferred to the WENR organ. who wished to practice at the organ too good to pass by, and her fellow found it necessary to practice after workers advised her to sign the con­ midnight or very early in the morning. tract. Of the many organ programs feat­ ured at that time, Irma Glen had one of Jane Harvey was one of these. As Irma Glen, Larry Larson, Lew Webb, the most popular on the air. She had a often as required, she would arrive at Helen Westbrook, Dean Fossler, Jane tremendous following and is remem­ the studio in the early morning hours Harvey, and others helped to make the bered by so many today as if it were to prepare for the day or to practice. organ studio a busy place, regardless It wasn't too long before she was aware only yesterday. if it were the Civic Opera or Merchan­ of a white-haired little old man sitting dise Mart Studio. The Chicago-orig­ One loyal listener to her program in the control booth. Although a little inated children's show, "Little Orphan discovered Irma Glen missing from disturbing, her co-workers convinced Annie ," was broadcast locally by WGN her favorite listening time. After con­ her that it was probably a janitor and with Len Salvo at the organ; then the siderable contact with the station offi­ the best thing was to try and overlook cast would move to NBC where Irma cials by letter , phone , and a personal the whole thing. They all knew that Glen took over on the studio Wurlitzer visit, the fan found the only way to soon they would be moving and, since for the network show. The "Amos & correct a personal grievance was to the little old man was behind glass and Andy" theme followed, with Dean sponsor a program and at a time most at a safe distance , it would be best to Fossler at the console. Jesse Crawford suited to her. For almost two years , igr followed on the same organ after the this anonymous sponso r paid the "card acoustical changes were made to his rate without discount ," and Irma Glen satisfaction. Between the opening and was heard one night a week for 15 closing theme for "Amos & Andy," minutes. Irma Glen knew who her you usually found Jesse Crawford either benefactor was, but part of the arrange­ changing combination settings or pre­ ment was that at no time would her paring for his program. name be made public. At one time, the "Quiz Kids" orig­ Almost immediately after NBC pur­ inated from the Mart studios . The chased WMAQ , the station was moved sponsor was willing to pay the extra to the Merchandise M-art. However , $35 fee for the on the now tha t NBC had the use of a pipe opening number. The organist, Howard organ , they transferred some of the Peterson, found it necessary to run music to the organ , especially theme from the organ studio to the "Quiz songs. Kids" studio where he continued on the Hammond. Studio rent , cross-town switching, The Smith Family, first family on radio, seen plus rehearsal problems behooved NBC here at the WENR 3/13 Wurlitzer in the Civic Howard Peterson was also staff or­ to obtain a pipe organ at once for their Opera Building. Irma Glen was Betty, the daugh­ ganist for WLS; but, since the station 19th floor Mart studios. Several offices ter, and doubled at the organ for music bridges. was not full time, it was possible for were vacated, and a new studio was him to accept other engagements and built which eventually housed a 3/ 13 The day arrived when it was required he took full advantage of the situation. Wurlitzer. Evidence seems to indicate to turn in all keys. On entering the This was almost necessary, as one week that Wurlitzer put the organ together elevator, she was surprised to find the you were staff and the next week you on a rush basis using many parts from little old man behind her. When they were hired for only specific programs. cancellations, etc. Several chests were reached the first floor, he finally spoke rebored and restamped with ranks not and asked her to join him for a cup Back in 1927, the Barton Organ originally on the chests. As soon as of coffee. She mumbled to herself that Company installed a new organ in the possible, all programs were moved to after all the annoyance it was the least WLS Washington Blvd. studio. The

15 bombarde original organist again was Al Melgard. famous Barton organ installation in the Eventually WJJD was purchased and However, Ralph Emerson took over Chicago Stadium.) The old theatre-type moved to 201 N. Wells St., Chicago. and remained until about 1937 when he console was removed but the pedal The new owners brought . a 3-manual left for radio station KOY, Phoenix. board was left behind. It was still there Wurlitzer from the Drake Theatre, and Howard Peterson took over for what in a dark corner many years later when by 1935 the installation was completed. was to be a temporary stay, as Ralph they vacated the studio. One section of the 21st floor was re­ Emerson said he planned to return as moved, and this area became Studio soon as his wife's health improved. His WCFl., - Chicago Federation of "A". The final installation was ideal. wife, Elsie May Look, also served as Labor - was started in 1926. The orig­ Two chambers were built at one end of organist on WLS from time to time. inal studio was at 826 S. Wabash the studio, and the console was placed Things did not work out too well at Avenue in the Brunswick-Balk Bldg. at the opposite end. KOY, and considerable friction de­ Here we find a studio complete with a During the interim from Mooseheart veloped in the studio. Ralph announced 2-manual semi-unit Barton, consisting of one 6-rank chest plus 4 unified ranks. to 201 N. Wells, WJJD continued to his own programs as usual, and one find a way to offer organ programs. In day at the end of the program told his This studio was used for only p.m. pro­ the beginning, daily broadcasts came listening audience that he enjoyed play­ grams. All day broadcasting came from the Arcada Theatre in St. ing for them and also how nice they from a Navy Pier studio, the space Charles. Some of these were one hour had been. He then added, "but for my being leased from the City of Chicago long, both in the morning and in the associates here in the studio," and pro­ for one dollar per year. in exchange, afternoon. In addition, the Uptown duced a tremendous crescendo on the they extended free mike facilities to Theatre organ was also heard with Ar­ organ, mouthed an equally hearty City Hall. Al Carney was the organist sene Siegal at the console. After a time, Bronx cheer and closed the show. from the start and continued with WCFL when they moved to the entire the line charge from St. Charles was 20th floor of the Furniture Mart, 666 excessive, and other facilities were Lake Shore Drive. eventually secured in Chicago. The Barton Organ Co. moved the One enterprising organist, Fred Beck, organ to the new studio where it con­ rented a studio, complete with a pipe tinued to be heard until WCFL's recent organ, in the Wurlitzer Bldg. He used move to new studios in Marina City. it not only for teaching but also sup­ Eddy Hanson took over after the death plied the complete package to WJJD of Al Carney and is probably better whenever required. Actually, Fred Beck remembered as the WCFL organist be­ rented three different locations from cause of the many years Eddy was asso­ time to time to supply WJJD with pro­ ciated with the station. grams they desired until their new studios were ready. Fr-ed did not like to It seems like WJJD was always wear earphones and so, as often as pos­ around serving the Chicago area. Years sible, his close friend, Hannah Jacobs, ago, the studio was in Mooseheart, Ill. wore the earphones to receive instruc­ It had a small Geneva organ which tions from the control room across was used for broadcasts occasionally. town and gave Fred the signal - a tap However, most of the radio programs on the shoulder - to continue with the actually came from the Fargo Theatre in next number. Geneva. Here also a Geneva organ was Howard Peterson at the Barton organ in the Hannah Jacobs, hired as WIND or­ WLS Studio. used which by comparison was more ganist using WJJD's organ, received desirable since it was a larger organ word on rather short notice that the or­ with a modern electric action. The studio did not take this lightly, gan was ready and she was scheduled to and he was given notice. Whether he broadcast early the next morning. Hav­ had actually planned to return to Chi­ ing never seen the organ before, she cago is not known, but POY and WLS turned to Dean Fossler for expert ad­ were owned by the same group and he vice and assistance. She was delighted found his old job was no longer avail­ that Dean helped her even though he able. So, instead of a temporary job, had finished the closing theme for Howard Peterson stayed on for 20 "Amos & Andy" the previous midnight. years ~ntil the organ was discontinued. Of the several former theatre organ­ Around 1944, WLS decided to invest ists heard over WJJD, one was the most considerable money to revamp the capable Harry Zimmerman, who is still studio. They also invested in a new very busy in the musical field. You and four additional sets still see his name as musical director of pipes. During the next four months, on some of our bigger TV programs. programs came from the Eighth Street WJJD eventually moved from 201 Theatre using a Hammond. For the N. Wells to Michigan Avenue. The pipe next four months, the new console was organ was left behind and acquired by used without any workable pistons. a church. In its place, we find another Once completed, it was no longer a electronic organ. theatre-type but a regulation church­ Prior to the electronic, only a pipe type console. Walter Golnick, formerly organ was available and it was even with the Barton Organ Company, did Fred Beclc supplied WJJD with pipe organ music then considered strictly a matter of the work. ( He was also in charge of the from a rented studio in the Wurlitzer Building. economics. As one owner put it, "It

august 1969 16 was just a matter of good business; for organ in the Royal Palm Room at his about the excellent condition in which the price of 0ne organist, I got the Liggett's Holiday Inn, replacing a small he found the parts he purchased. Even­ equivalent of a 10-piece band." Wurlitzer. After he finally acquired the tually, he plans to install the organ in organ, conditions had changed and he a new home, one built especially for Those of us who love good organ deferred installation of the Insull organ the organ. music recall the pleasure it affords. and, meanwhile, had it stored in a Here in Chicago even the electronic However, one dear lady somewhere trailer. Fortunately, it was resold and had a different opinion. This lady, and organ has practically disappeared from given a new home in St. Louis where it the radio picture, as live shows have no doubt many others, had lived quietly is presently installed in mint condition. and probably very peacefully in the almost been abandoned. Granada Hotel on the North Side. The second "Amos & Andy" organ Radio station WLS was sold and the Little did she realize that directly -Merchandise Mart studios of NBC­ studios on West Washington Blvd. were below was a pipe organ in working did not fare as well. NBC donated the closed. The organ was acquired by a condition just waiting for someone instrument to the Air well-to-do farmer in . As far to find and use. Leave it to an organ­ Force Academy, Colorado, for the as is known, it is still stored in an old ist - this one being Bob Rhodes - to chapel. A committee from the Academy railroad station along with a few others discover the excellent little Wurlitzer. inspected the organ before it was ac­ he has acquired. Although he has a He promptly moved into the hotel with cepted. However, they obtained the pipe organ in his living room now, he the definite understanding that he could opinion of an expert, Walter Holtkamp. must have some plans for the other use the organ if he paid for any neces­ He inspected the Wurlitzer which by organs he has acquired. sary repairs, etc. The dear lady may then was in a , Colorado ware­ In the basement of the Wrigley Build­ have liked organ music, but having it house. Since the organ had been used ing, we no longer find a pipe organ. directly below her bedroom was not daily and was always properly main­ Originally, a was installed there appreciated. Also, the hours a profes­ tained it is difficult to understand an for radio station WHT. WHT replaced sional musician found convenient to estimate of $42,818 for the rehabili­ this organ with a 4-manual Page which practice and record were not exactly tation of the organ. The word "rehabili­ was removed when WHT ceased oper­ the same. tation" may be the clue. The organ was ations. Then WBBM moved into the Problems arose. To leave the organ in excellent condition. True, it was not same basement studio and had its Bar­ in place would mean an empty hotel - a church organ. Mr. Holtkamp also ton organ moved in from the Stewart except for one guest. The crowning quoted $51,000 to "reproduce the organ Warner Bldg. In due time, additional blow may have been the day Bob in kind." To further justify Mr. Holt­ stops were added along with a new Rhodes and Hal Pearl moved a Ham­ kamp and his report, the following is a console. quote from his letter of February 23, mond into the hotel. With this topnotch Later, the publicity arrangement with duo - Hal and Bob exchanging places 1951, to the Department of Procure­ ment, United States Air Force Academy: WBBM was terminated and Barton re­ at either the Wurlitzer or Hammond - moved the organ which they promptly no one could escape the music. The "The musical worth. or suitability sold. WBBM replaced it with the 3/ 9 obvious solution for the hotel manager of the 'movie organ' for use by .Wurlitzer. was to sell the organ and get his long­ the USAF depends, in my opinion, time residents back. Back in the 30's, CBS purchased upon: WBBM and in recent years closed the THE DECLINE Wrigley Bldg. studios. The 3/ 9 Wur­ ( 1) A USAF entertainment setup litzer was donated to the Glenview 0~ ~ oo~ ilie ~~ o~am d~ like or similar to that unique Community Church where it replaced appeared from the radio picture. The theatre conditions and era for a Hammond. Believe it or not, they convenience of the electronic organ which this type organ was es­ liked the Hammond better. The Wur­ was creating considerable soul search­ pecially designed. litzer was finally traded in on a Moller, ing by management. The portability ·of ( 2) A reasonable assurance of and many were led to believe that parts the electronic and its compact size were of the Wurlitzer pipes were incorpo­ disti nct answers to the overcrowded present - day USAF audience approval. rated in the new organ. The Moller studio facilities. Even if a station was people state that they did not use any fortunate to have a specific organ ( 3) The availability of an organ­ portion of the old Wurlitzer. studio, the new electronic organ solved ist possessing the special mu­ When CBS purchased the Chicago many problems. Soon there were sev­ sical aptitude and showman­ Arena Bldg. for the new TV-radio stu­ eral per station in place of the one ship necessary to exploit the dios, they acquired the existing 3-10 pipe organ. For soap operas, it proved unusual tonal resources of the Wurlitzer. It was auctioned off and to be actually more suitable. instrument. went for $600. When CBS pressed the new owner for quick removal of The original "Amos & Andy" Wur­ As an architect and builder of or­ the organ, he seemed surprised that he litzer was located in the WENR studio gans, I cannot recommend the in­ stallation of the subject organ for had to act immediately and stated that on the 42nd floor of the Civic Opera he would get a truck and a friend and Bldg., 20 N. Wacker Drive. The studio the very limited (and questionable) use for which it is suitable." be there the next day to remove it. was directly below the penthouse of This statement made them ask just Samuel Insull. The organ was his pride Thus, the organ was put up for sale. what he meant, and they soon realized ar.d joy. that he actually thought the complete Various people purchased parts of organ was the 3-manual white console. For many years after his death, the the organ. The console, Englist horn, He was bewildered to see what was in­ organ was not for sale. Finally, it was oboe, krumet, glockenspiel, and xylo­ volved, having no idea it was so much. sold to Mr. Liggett of Burlington, Wis­ phone were purchased by Robert Castle This is the organ that the "one and consin. He fully intended to install the of Denver. Bob has often remarked only" Mildred Fitzpatrick played for

17 theatre organ bombarde years with unmatched precision. Herb ing what happened to it. After all these If you were to look into the chamber Shriner came to the rescue and pur­ years, these "gone" organs are of no containing the chimes, you might notice chased the organ, whereupon it was concern to Dan Barton but he is con­ the mike directly in the middle of the promptly moved East and given a new soled by the famous Stadium organ, room. Since the chimes are mounted home. (It is now in a church. Ed.) the $120,000 installation. It is used on the rear wall of the chamber, they The Barton Organ Co. had a rather every day. do not sound out sufficiently. The con­ unique arrangement with the radio sta­ trol room is always advised in advance tion installations. They furnished the when the chimes are to be used. Only organ and also had the option to name ranks in the opposite chamber will then the organist. However, were be used, and as Harold Turner signals always paid by the station. Dan Barton the control room they will open the called it a "publicity arrangement." mike which permits a distinct clear For this, " ... at the Golden Voiced pickup of the chimes. Barton Organ" was continually heard Sunday morning, we hear "Pipe over the air every time the organ was Dreams," a half-hour WGN program used. which, however, is far too short since Most major organ companies were many commercials are also aired. The invited to bid on an organ for the new studio is basically a TV studio; a Chicago Stadium. One by one, their very modern and efficient room with bids were received and all were asked the latest type of equipment for flexibil­ where they planned to put the pipes. ity in moving scenery, etc., for the vari­ They suggested lofts in various loca­ ous types of programs originating from tions, mostly the four corners. . They this studio No. 3. When the organ is not were reminded that this meant they The only other pipe organ heard over the air in in use, it is difficult to locate. Very few would be a city block apart and out of Chicago was this Kimball organ at Moody Bible Institute (station WBMI). It was used for dinner would realize a pipe organ is located the question. Super-salesman Dan Bar­ hour programs and featured religious music. in the room unless they happened to ton was one of the last to be ques­ notice and realize they were looking at tioned. When asked, he immediately When the Chicago radio pipe organs pipe organ shutters. The busy schedule said, "I will suspend the entire organ seemed to be at an end, we had a re­ of the studio limits the availability of from the ceiling, and it will be like prieve. Headlines read, "WGN to build the organ. Even if there was a demand music from Heaven." This clinched the new studios on the North Side." This for organ programs, it is doubtful that deal, and they gave him a $90,000 news became a reality in 1961 when the full schedule would permit either deposit. A crew of 36 men were kept they occupied the new building at 2501 a radio or TV organ program. At pres­ busy installing the organ. When the W. Bradley Place. Space was again ent, a •Jive pipe organ program is out first carload arrived, they laid all the designated for the pipe organ. of the question. Only additional taping parts out on the stadium floor, wonder­ would permit more, but this would have ing where it was all going. Little did Once again, after a complete over-· to be accomplished on a very tight they realize that 16 more carloads were haul by the Wichlack Organ Co. - new schedule or at a very late hour. to follow. The Barton Organ Company magnets, new leather, etc. - the organ was paid promptly and in full for the was installed in a new 40 x 70 ft. studio. Yes, except for a very few brief organ, although rumors were that Bar­ The console is now on rollers so it can moments, it has been a "Pipe Dream." ton had trouble collecting and even­ be moved to any part of the new studio. Than ks to WGN and the artistry of tually settled for $60,000. Off-white now replaces the previous Haro ld Turner, we are still able to hear ebony finish. The horseshoe and manual When the talkies arrived, it killed the occasion aily the pipe organ and all its blocks still show the original wood. theatre pipe organ business overnight. beauty. D The Barton Organ Company was no The new installation is now in two exception. They had any number of chambers, whereas previously it was all installations which had been purchased in one. A new chest was required to on a 10% down, 10% on delivery, separate the ranks into the two cham­ NOW AVAILABLE and payments over a 30-month period bers as suggested by the Wichlack Or­ at 6%. Theatre owners just stopped gan Company. The clarinet was moved in sheet music for organ paying for the organs, and one by one to the new chest, and the old clarinet they were repossessed. They were taken rack remained vacant. back to Oshkosh where they were ''NOCTIJIINE'' stored, practically all over town. Barton A casual conversation between Har­ BY stopped repossessing them after tbey old Turner and his 'close friend, John filled five warehouses. Barton tried to Peters, resulted in the recent addition fiA1lOR/JCARTER make a few changes on the .repossessed of the 11th rank. One day Harold Tur­ • Key of D flat organs for use in churches but this was ner received a set of metal open flute • Tranquilly beautiful unsuccessful. The remaining installa­ pipes as a gift. The gift was the result tions were just abandoned, and the of a remark that a soft flute would be • Not Difficult publicity arrangements with radio sta­ helpful for the church music he is also tions was ignored in most cases. Tech- required to play. The new stop - nach­ $1.00 . nically, the stations did not have title thorn 8' - is only available on the Solo Order direct from Publisher: manual and at present controlled by a to the organs, but at that point no one Jack Loren Organ Studios wanted them, least of ail the Barton previously unused English horn 4' tab. P. 0. BOX 1356 Organ Company. The WCFL organ is The empty clarinet rack now holds the BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF. 90213 gone, and they hav~ no record indicat- new nachthorn 8' rank.

a u gust 1969 18