TheatreOrgan Bombarde

OURNALof the AMERICAN THEATREORGAN ENTHUSIASTS

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THREEHOME REPORTS... Bauscher Wurlitzer - Martin Moller - Lechowicz Barton Pages 5, 8 and l 0 .• #: . ·, 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 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 AMERICANTHEATRE ORGAN soetm ARCHIVESltBR"ARY THE COVER PHOTO

LEE BAUSCHER'S 3-11 Wurlitzer was a virtual " basket case " when it was delivered to him by TheatreOrgan van in the summer of 1965. Three years of hard work and loving care have made it once again a th ing of beauty to both see and hear. Worth all the effort , money and time? Check lee's happy smile in the article which begins Bombarde on page 5. Volume 10, No. 6 The Marion Martin family (page 8) are still going strong after the ir second year, and Stan and Vi Lechowicz 's resounding YES (p. 10) A . T. 0 . E. National Membership is $7.00 per year, after five years of work tell us forcibly that which includes a subscription to THEATRE ORGAN good home installations are the heart of ATOE. BOMBARDE,the official publication of the American -Photo: Eddie Zollman, Jr. Theatre Organ Enthusiasts. Single copies: $1.25. Make check or money order payable to A . T. 0. E., and mail to P. 0. Box 2329 , Livonia, Mich. 48150 .

ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION FELLOW ENTHUSIASTS... EXCEPT ADVERTISING SHOULD BE SENT TO A. T. 0 . E. PUBLICATIONS NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS - P. 0 . BOX 2329 The happiest of holidays to you in most of the world. I say it LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48150. that way because I have never heard of a theatre organ in the ADVERTISING ADDRESS : Dewey Cagle, 3291 Guido St., Oakland, California 94602. Communist countries . Has anyone? • • •

The last year has had lots of victories and several sad events such as A. T. 0. E. National Officers the Paramount organ fire in Wichita but I think, as a whole, the Albert T. Mason, President Richard F. Kline, Jr., Vice President cause of theatre organ has advanced a great deal. Even the Betty Mason, Secretary Dorothy MacClain, Secretary-Treasurer October New York Times has now reviewed a theatre organ A. T. 0. E. National Board of Directors performance and will review theatre organ records. The Land O Lakes Lee Erwin W. "Tiny" James chapter will now maintain the Civic Auditorium organ. There will Richard F. Kline, Jr. Frederick J. Kruse be several new installations which will be reviewed in our magazine Ben M. Hall as the news is made official. Be sure to send your progress Dorothy J. MacClain Allen W. Rossiter reports also. Do give some thought to the growth of the A.T.O.E. Erwin A. Young, Jr. Richard H. Schrum, Honorary and how you are to share in this musical interest. Meet your friends in A. T. 0. E, Honorary Members Chicago at the convention in '69 and enjoy both the music and the 1959 - Jesse Crawford 1960-Farny Wurlitzer "shop talk." Keep happy and let the tibias do the sobbing. 1961 - Mel Doner 1962 - Leonard MacClain 1963 -Eddie Dunstedter 1964 - Reginald Foort 1965 - Dan Barton 1966 - W. "Tiny" James 1967-Erwin A. Young Jr. 1968-Richard C. Simonton

EDITORIAL STAFF Al Mason, President Advertising Manager-Dewey Cagle Circulation Manager-Vi Thompson THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE Editor - George Thompson Associate Editors-Ray Brubacher REGULAR FEATURES: Lloyd Klos IN THIS ISSUE: Editorial: Fellow Enthusiasts ______3 Peg Nielsen Acres of Seats-by Bill Peterson, #13 ______4 Editor-Emeritus-W. "Stu" Green Uptown Theatre, Chicago, lfl. ______10 COVER: lee Bauscher 3-11, Style 235 Special * * * Disc Squeals-Green ------····•-··-·---12 Wurlitzer THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE( title registered Nuggets from the Golden Days-Klos ______14 u. s. Patent Office) is published bi-monthly by the .Amer­ FEATURE ARTICLES: Concert Circuit-Wright, Na lie, Miller ______16 ican Theatre Organ Enthusiasts, Inc. , a non - profit organization , Albert T. Mason, President . All rights Index for 1968 ------···- 19 From Pit to Epitome-Val Bauscher ______5 reserved. Entire contents copyrighted 1968 by Hollywood Cavalcade-Nash ______21 A. T. 0 . E., Inc. Office of publication is P. 0. Box Vox Pops-Green ______22 7404, Bitter Lake Station , Seattle, Washington Stan and Vi love Their Barton- 9813 3. Printed by University Printing Co., Seattle. Vi Lechowicz ______8 For the Record-Green ------·-··-···--···-··--··------· ·· 25 Chapter News ______27 POSTMASTER:Second Cla11 postage paid at Seattle, Washington. IF UNDELIVERABLE,Hnd form 3579 to Taming of a Monster- letters ------·-· · ------····------·------·-- --·-- 34 A.T.O.E, Circulation Dept,, lox 1314, Salinas, Calif. Beulah McNeill Martin ______10 Classified Ads ______35 93901.

3 theatre organ bombarde By Bill Peterson-Number 13 in a series THE UPTOWN THEATRE-CHICAGO, ILLINOIS The Uptown is the largest movie palace designed by the prolific architectual firm of Rapp and Rapp. This truly gorgeous house opened in 1925, and seats nearly 4,000 persons amid palatial Spanish surroundings . Although not in the downtown "loop" district, the Uptown was designed with all of the opulence that the Rapp Brothers could muster, truly one of the most beautiful theatres ever built. The stage opening originally had beautiful golden gates that closed at the end of each performance, but wide screen has made the gates impractical. The organ which is no longer in the house, was a Wurlitzer 4-27. The Uptown lobby and inner foyer are worth a trip to Chicago to see.

december 1968 4 A First Report. .. From PIT to EPITOME . or 'YouWILL Play Again, Opus 1709'~ STORY:Val Bauscher • PHOTOS:Eddie Zollman, Jr., Lee Bauscher

When the Lee Bauschers, of ATOE's Puget I can't really say how he found out There it was piled with no rhyme or rea­ Sound Chapter, first purchased their Wur­ about this one . ... I came home from a son, dirty, decaying in varying stages of litzer, wife Val was neutral in her reac­ meeting one night and was informed dilapidated deterioration. I overheard tion, went along simply because hubby that he could secure this priceless object, one of the fellows remarking that this Lee wanted to do this "crazy" thing. Now if he acted fast. This was late April, was surely a /(basket case" and I privately after three years of supplying gallons of coffee and everything from dawn-to-mid­ 1965. In May he received some pix in wondered why we didn't just bury the night chamber snacks to full dinners and the mail showing it in the theatre­ whole thing in the rrpit" along with the crash duty work-parties, she is one of the boarded up, covered with plaster, aban­ dead rat they found in the console. instrument's most active supporters, thinks doned and unloved. In June IT was de­ nothing of inviting 50 non-ATOE friends to livered by Allied Van Lines and it took Q. Have you since changed your meet the organ. Here she answers some of six men five ( 5) hours to unload and mind? the "typical" questions encountered. stack in the basement, on the covered A. Oh, sure. I knew from past expe­ rience that this was going to be another Q. Do you really have a pipe patio, the neighbor's garage and any other empty spot around the house. case of /(love me - love my dog." My organ in your basement? · husband was sold on the idea and already A. Yes, we do. Q. And what did you think of in his mind's eye had it playing the Q. Where in the world did you your prize package? /(sweetest music this side of Guy Lom­ find it and how did you happen to A. Not much and mostly negative, al­ bardo." Later on so many friends became buy it in the first place? though I tried not to show it too much so interested in the project that I was A. Lee has always had this rrthing ... but when I took a long, hard look at caught up in the excitement and made about pipe organs" since he helped some­ all that jumble of rrjunk"-assorted a 180° and now, 3½ years later, it's rrour one work on them in his home town, pipes, chests and other unknown, to me, beautiful baby" and featured in THEA­ Reading, Pa., while he was still in school. parts - I was thoroughly disheartened. TRE ORGAN B0MBARDE.

COLOR ORGAN, behind translucent panel between Main and Solo chambers, converts organist's audio into visual. Two ceiling-mounted mikes, lined up in front of each chamber, pick up the sound and convey it to 42 colored bulbs, mounted in pattern, 21 to each side of a crinkled foil reflector. Brilliance is controlled by force of the impulse and frequency of notes determines the color-base notes control blue bulbs; mid-range, red; and high frequency notes, green. Q. You mentioned friends help­ ing; is there any one person or per­ From PIT .. . sons who contributed more than "Poor old '1709 ' ! She'll never play again!" "Cheez! Did you see all the plaster in those pipes? And that relay .. . !" These and other remarks, less printable, were among others? those heard coming from the sturdy group of ATOE Puget Sound Chapter members and A. Not really. The whole restoration friends as they filed out of Val and Lee Bausch er's basement, where they had iust respect­ team was made up of avid ATOE mem­ fully deposited the battered remains of a Wurlitzer Style 235 Special, that gloomy summer bers who took this on as their own proj­ day in 1965 . ... ect. They ranged from the business Soon after, however, Lee Bauscher's "Pennsylvania Dutch " determination took over, and the well -known long, hard haul began. And NOW-25 gallons of shellac, 7 gallons friend who was installing an organ in his of Elmer's, 5 gallons of contact cement , 500 new magnets, some 60 sheets of zeph yr skin , own home when time permitted, to the 1600 gallons of coffee and innumerable round-the-clock meals and snacks, and x-number busy housewives who recovered some of work-hours and moolah-skins later - Opus 1709 IS playing again. 2,000 pneumatics at home, to our young The following word-and-picture story gives some of the highlights. friend, Scott, who removed the old mem­ brane from the pneumatics in the first A one-piece mahogany air trunk, 18" square place. The busy businessman spent most and 24' long, and with regulators mounted of his vacation with us, boring thousands directly on top-serves both chambers: the of holes in the new relay. He also did Main with 8"-the Solo with 12"-pressure. The six ranks of the Main chest are run on two the final finish on the chamber fioor, fin­ 4" polyethylene plastic "sewer pipe" lines di­ ishing at 3 a.m. Thanksgiving morning. rectly from the regulator. They poured the cement over Vis queen. Q. What would you say it has cost you to secure, ship, repair and install this instrument? A. I wouldn't try to guess-timate. Firstly, neither one of us would believe it, and secondly, there is no price you can place on the work of friends, without whom this could never have happened. I can say that a local reputable firm ad­ vised our banker that it would take in ex­ cess of $20,000 to replace it as it stands. THE CONSOLE-shown here in the theatre be­ Q. What would you say the high fore removal, yielded the usual crop of pop­ spots have been in the installation corn and chewing-gum balls-as well as the remains of a rat which had lunched his way process? through the stop-rail, wiping out all leather en A. We mark the milestones by par­ route. Five layers of paint were removed: the ties. Christmas, 1965, Lee had one (1) final creme-with-gold-flecks; a late 30's bile­ rank (hay)wired and played 11Silent green; dark brown; white; silver and the orig­ THE RELAY- Note extensive water damage, inal Wurlitzer mahogany. Wurlitzer apparently necessitating completely new relay. Bauscher's Night." The following December we had used 1/32" veneer in 1927, for it too came off boyhood training in the family woodworking (3) parties. The sneak prevue and 11thank with the paint remover, requiring a complete business paid cff here: he built from scratch an you party" for 25 couples who had re-veneering of the entire console . In the exact duplicate, but in Philippine mahogany, helped in various ways. My office party, process Lee discovered a possible way to ob­ of the damaged Wurlitzer relay-boring some tain precise construction data: under the veneer 20,000 holes in the process. (Friend and fellow where, we had no organist but everyone 9n upper left-hand recessed veneer panel he ATOEer Ray Whelpley, who helped build the was in a gay mood and a piano-playing found the construction date to be 1924, where­ relay, also re~uired a new relay, so the daunt­ secretary did a swinging job. The third ~s Wurlitzer records show theatre installation less pair dashed off another duplicate for Ray's in 1927. Because of the stoplist and apparent organ!) Lee also built or rebuilt the 2nd-touch party was a 25th wedding anniversary add-ons in the relay, Lee suspects his organ relay; 50% of the Bourdon che.st; one Tibia and for two faithful workers. The organ was was first installed in a church, then repossessed two Flute pipes; three bottom-boards on the 11Great!" Well, it was making sounds, and transferred to the World Theatre . Main side and four top-boards with plenums. wasn't it? By ,1967 all 11 ranks were pl-aying, and the same friends were back to help us appreciate the improvement that had been made in refining the instrument. This. is the year we started work on the color organ. Lee had wired up the cir­ cuit and I poured the plastic panel, nei­ ther one of us knowing what the other was striving for. It was a happy balance when finished ... well, not really finished ... but enjoyable. Our biggest thrill came when Eddie Dunstedter dropped by to try it after one of his concerts here. This year . . . Who knows . .. Things are brewing and there are still a few more days. THE MAIN CHEST in the theatre, showing THE "FUN" BEGINS-Simultaneously with the Q. Do you intend to get down water and plaster damage. A note on the back digging and construction of the chambers, there and help physically on this? of the picture reads: " ... this looks like hell! work on console reconditioning was begun. In A. NO! But I have installed a com­ We'll leave the plaster in Omaha ." But they addition to the new veneer job, console was didn't! Generous deposits were dug from in­ completely releathered and rewired - indica­ mercial coffeemaker and have a supply of terior of chests and pipework in early stages tions of the meticulous work and loving care moose-burgers in the freezer. of rehabilitation effort. which went into the project.

december 1968 6 To EPITOME.

TERMINAL BOARDS of the new punch-in va­ riety, by Graybar Electric, were used to pick up the wires from the chests; they require no soldering, peeling or twisting-simply punch in and they're connected. At the relay-room end, the wires terminate in scrapped telephone company cable and 50-pin Blue Ribbon Am­ phenol connectors, used throughout for connec­ tion between main terminal boards and switch­ board. Thanks to this innovation, a rank can BAUSCHER SOLO CHAMBER, minus deposits of plaster and water damage accumulated in the be unplugged and another connected in about theatre, stands glistening and ready to wail. Seen, front to back, are portions of the Vox Tibia, 20 seconds! Tuba, Kinura and Tuba Profunda ranks. Mounted on the ceiling to the rear of the chamber are the Chimes and the Toy Counter. STOPLISTOF LEEBAUSCHER 3-11 WURLITZER Style 235 Special-Opus 1709 Installed August 27, 1927, World Theatre, Omaha , Nebraska

SOLO PEDAL GREAT 16' Tuba Profunda 16' Tuba Profunda 16' Tuba Profunda Bourdon Diaphone Contra Viol ( T.C.) Diaphone Bourdon 8' Harmonic Tuba 8' Harmonic Tuba Diaphon ic Diapason 8' Harmon ic Tuba Diaphonic Diapason Diaphonic Diapason Tibia Clausa Clar inet Tibia Clausa Tibia Clausa Kinura Clarinet Orchestral Oboe Kinura Cello Viol d'Orchestre Orchestral Oboe Flute Viol Celeste 4' Harmonic Clarion 4' Octave Concert Flute Vox Humana Octave 16' Piano 4' Harmonic Clarion Bass Drum Octave Cathedral Chimes RELAY REBUILD-Friend and fellow ATOEer Ray Kettle Drum Viol Xylophone Whelpley helped Bauscher with the formidable Octave Celeste Crash Cymbal Glockensp iel task of building a new relay to replace one Flute Cymbal 2-2/3 ' Twelfth Orchest ral Bells damaged by water in the theatre. Some 20,000 2' Fifteenth holes were drilled in this process . Undaunted, ACCOMPANIMENT Piccolo the pair proceeded to dash off a duplicate 1-3/5 ' Tierce ACCOMP. 2ND TOUCH 16' Contra Viol (T .C.) 16' Piano relay for Ray's organ-also now nearing com­ Vox Humana (T.C.) 8' Piano 8' Harmonic Tuba pletion. 8' Harmonic Tuba 4 ' Piano Diaphonic Diapason Cathedral Chimes Diaphonic Diapason Sleigh Bells Clarinet Tibia Clausa Xylophone 8'-4' Piano Clarinet Glockensp iel Orchestral Bells Xylophone Kinura Chrysoglott Slt:igh Bells Orchestral Oboe Viol d'Orchestre GREAT 2ND TOUCH Viol Celeste Concert Flute 16' Tuba Profunda Vox Humana 8' Clarinet 4' Viol Tibia Clausa Octave Celeste Flute ACCESSORIES Vox Humana Mandol in 2-2/3' Twelfth 2' Piccolo 16' Piano TREMULANTS 8' Piano Main 4 ' Piano Solo COMPLETED?-This hulking shape on a rack in Chrysoglott Tibia Photo by the Seattle Times Snare Drum a dark corner of the basement, plus arriving Tuba LEE BAUSCHER, usually found in shop or cham• Tambourine shipments from electrical product and organ manufacturers, lead wife Val Bauscher to sus­ Vox ber, here relaxes at the console of his now Castanets pect that the show is not yet over. Toy Counter completed 3-11 Wurlitzer. Chinese Block

7 theatre organ bombarde A 2nd Anniversary Report ... The SLOW TAMING of a MONSTER! STORYand PHOTOS: BeulahMcN. Martin

Exactly one year has gone by since the 32-rank Monster came to live with us note) suspended beneath them over the - a fun year, but one beset with problems. Like proud parents awaiting the bring­ main chest. ing home of a new baby from the hospital, we thought that everything was in I had promised Marion chat he could readiness for our "baby Moller." But what a surprise we were in for. Having gone take three feet of the carport to enlarge by the original factory installation blue prints, we still cannot understand how pipes the space of this chamber. This 20' high could possibly have grown three feet longer while they rested, undisturbed for 40 wall was more than Marion cared to at­ years, high up in the chambers at Loew's 83rd St. Theatre. It must have something tempt by himself, so professional carpen­ to do with all that New York dust. ters were called in. Marion gave them Since our baby had outgrown its crib, it became necessary to take out the pre­ their instructions and left for work. Sev­ viously prepared chamber floors and lower them by four feet. Have you ever tried eral hours later, going out to the carport, to remove a floor with several tons of organ parts sitting on top of it? This was I saw with horror that they had com­ the first problem that faced Marion. How could you possibly pour a concrete floor pletely misunderstood and had left only when you could not get a truck nearer than thirty feet to the house, and then still three feet of the carport for me to park have to carry it through two rooms of the house and pour it under an existing my car in. A hurried call to the college floor filled with organ? Marion solved this by spending most of the next four brought Marion on the run and down months in the two feet of space under the existing floor, digging out dirt and laying came the offending new wall. The per­ four-inch solid concrete block. Our little seven-year-old nephew even began to call plexed carpenters still do not understand him "Uncle Mole." these organ nuts who tear down walls When several feet of the new floor this interloper. Time alone will tell. faster than they can build them. was ready, the organ parts on the old In April, Marion began working on The new wall was finally completed. floor above were moved out, the old the Main chamber. This time he was Then came the real fun of getting two floor taken up, and the organ lowered able to cake everything out into the car­ 16' Oboe Horns into the room . For to its final resting place at the new level. port and put in the new floor more awhile it looked as if the wall would While doing this Marion decided to take easily. This is a two-story chamber with have to come down again. All the chests out 12' of the 22' outside chamber wall, the toys and Xylophone on the second and large pipework had been put in and extend it by 4'. This gave us enough floor, and the large concert harp ( 61- place before building the wall. These two width to this portion of the chamber so that we could run the main chests ver­ VIEW OF THE SOLO ORGAN CHAMBER-Pipes not visible in the foreground are Diapason and tically to the shutters, rather than hori­ Orchestral Violin Celeste. Pipes from bottom of the picture to the top are: French Horn, Kinura, zontally as we had originally planned . Tibia Clausa, Orchestral Violin, Tibia Plena, English Horn, French Trumet, Major Violin, Major Vox My mother, looking askance at this vast_ Humana, Tuba. space (22'xl2'), wondered what we would ever fill it with. March found this Solo chamber fin­ ished, full and overflowing with 12 ranks of pipes, 6 offset chests, 3 tuned percus­ sions, a thunder sheet, 3 bird whistles, 2 tremulants and a hoc water heater. Yes, I am sure that we have the only organ in the world with a hoc water heater. The cost of removing this, changing the plumbing in this big old house, and re­ locating it somewhere else, was just too prohibitive. So there it sits, behind the Marimba, between the French Horns and the Diapasons. It never fails to bring the usual comment from visitors: "Oh! I didn't know that pipe organs used hoc water!" But by now we are used to this, and the heater has become a dear part of our Moller. The trouble is, we have not yet decided if we will have gurgling French Horns or mumbling Marimbas as a result of the mating of our Moller and

december 1968 pipes were broken in half at the center seam in shipping from N. Y. and had to be soldered. The roof of the chamber slopes to an inverted "V" peak, and the offset chest had been most carefully placed, so there was exactly one inch of clearance at the top of these pipes. It took Marion three hours to get these pipes in place. July finds the Main Chamber ready, with all pipe work except the bottom four 16' Strings ( which have to be mi­ tered) in place. Relays are in this room also. The 7½-hp. blower is in place in the blower room and the main wind pipe run. Next comes running wind pipe and

miles and miles of wiring. Marion had MAIN CHAMBER OF MARTIN TAMED-MONSTER MOLLER, showing at the left the 16' Contra to cut all cables in order to get the organ Fagetta (Oboe Horn), with tops of the 16' Bourdons to the right. (RIGHT) The Concert Harp and out of the theatre in the time allotted. "friends." He figures that he will have to solder ' 5,700 wires in the relay alone. ·Gree ·tings of the Season to All ••• And a Special Welcome to 1968's two new ATOE Chapters: • SOONER STATE, Tulsa, Okla. - Ron Willfong, Chairman • NORTH TEXAS, Dallas, Texas - John Beck, Chairman ... from the Officers and Staff of ATOE National and Theatre Organ Bombarde

MARTIN SOLO CHAMBER - Orchestra chimes, Build this magnificent thunder sheet, and marimba, with tibia plena offset in rear . Schober Theatre Construction problems on the cham­ -•·"'o::~·.-•»~--=-=-·::~".~.,<'·•=-~·~,.,.._< .~, Or bers, causing less space, have necessitated 0 rg an f many changes in our original plans. In­ stead of 21 ranks as we had planned, only $1550! * we have cut to 18 but we think we will ...... •· .. ··. • := have a nicely balanced organ. However, You couldn't touch an organ like this in a when we see all the beautiful pipe work store for less than $3500-and there hasn't we have and can't use, we think how been a musical instrument with this nice so-and-so would be if we could only vast variety of genuineTheatre Organ find space for it. Having originally set voices since the days of the silent three years for completion of our proj­ movies!Haunting tibias, biting strings, ect, one year later we feel that we are blaring reeds-the wholeA to Z gamut well on schedule. of realpipe soundsthat makethe sim­ We know that theatre organ lovers plest playinga thrilling experienceand give the professionalorganist every­ are the most wonderful people in the thing he needs.If you've dreamedof world, as evidenced by many helpful let­ the grandeurof authenticbig-organ sound in ters received containing valuable sugges­ • Includes finished walnut console . Amplifier, your own home,you won't find a more satis­ speaker system, optional accessories extra . tions. Then there have been gifts of miles Only $1150 ,50 if you build your own console . fying instrumentanywhere-kit or no kit. of new cable, reservoirs, Howard seat, ------. and too many other things to mention. The[/J~Organ Corp., Dept. T0-6 Youcan learnto play it. Andyou can build it, However, we would like to know if any­ 43 West 61st Street, New York, N.Y. 10023 from SchoberKits, world famousfor easeof one knows of the whereabouts of any O Please send me Schober Organ Catalog and assemblywithout the slightest knowledgeof colored Moller theatre organ stop keys? free 7-inch "sample" record. electronicsor music,for designand parts qual­ All of this gives us great comfort as O Enclosed please find $1.00 for 12-inch L.P. ity from the ground up, and-above all-for record of Schober Organ music. the highestpraise from musicianseverywhere. we look forward to retirement in the years to come, for now we know that NAMc.______Sendright nowfor your copyof the full-color when the time comes for Marion to re­ Schobercatalog, containing specifications of tire as a chemistry professor, because of ADDRESS~------­ the five SchoberOrgan models, beginning at our dear Mighty Mo, he can always get CITY----~TATE---ZIP __ $599.50.No charge,no obligation-but lots of a job laying cement blocks. L----- ·------food for a healthymusical appetite! 9 theatre organ bombarde A 5th Anniversary Report ... STAN AND VI LOVE THEIR BARTON STORY:.Mrs. Vi Lechowicz • PHOTOS:John McCarthy Five years ago, "bringing home the The site for all this organ activity is to the left of the console. These bowed Barton" was triumphantly accomplished! the home of Stanley Lechowicz, Deerfield windows seem to do much toward Outside the picture window ( removed (Riverwoods), Illinois. All organ buffs "rounding our" the sound. All shutters for the occasion) the lase truckload con­ have a good idea as to what goes on at are positioned horizontally, and open top tained the time-dulled "golden" 4-man­ home, once the owner decides he must t0 bottom. ual console. The ramp was set, the huge have his own theatre organ, and ours was Within a year and eight months, con­ console glided down, through the win­ certainly no exception. Originally, the struction was finally over and work on dow and into place; there to sit, in none intention was to have a contractor do the the organ could begin. Relays were set of its onetime splendor, while prepara­ addition to the house. Bue after many in place and rewiring began. Contacts tions were made to provide a proper hours of explaining requirements and were cleaned, pipes were cleaned and home. ideas ( and adding the miles of figures some releathering was required. An Add­ Today, the 4-10 LaGrange, Illinois, estimated for the specialty-type construc­ a-Phase was installed to provide 3-phase Theatre Barton has "arrived" and, tion), it all boiled down to chis: Scan current for the 7½-hp. Spencer blower through long work-ridden weeks, months became a "do-it-yourselfer." to operate the organ at 7, 10 and 15 and years, stands restored at last, speak­ inches wind pressure. Stan had heard a ing in beautiful voices for all to hear. lot about organs being slow so, remem­ The decision was to build, not a sunk­ bering a lesson from puttering with cars en garden in the living-room but rather, in the old days- that if the ground con­ a "two-step down" horseshoe-shaped area nection on the battery wasn't just right to accommodate a theatre pipe organ the horn was slow in sounding - he de­ console! A great decision indeed! In­ cided that all the ground connections stead of overpowering the room ( with should be cleaned and soldered. It seems, its 32x20-foot dimensions) the Barton from comments regarding the quick re­ console today nestles in her custom quar­ sponse, that it was the right thing to do. ters looking every bit as though she be­ The console has extra stops to accom­ longs and has every right to be there. modate Trumpet, Saxophone, Quintade­ The tarnished gold coat has been shed, na, Solo String and Piano. Some day we and instead she wears a cherry-wood and hope t0 add these to the organ. Australian lace-wood finish, provided This is a good opportunity t0 acknow­ through three painstaking months of ve­ ledge and express our appreciation of the neering. A volume of "Veneering Made vast amount of help, both physical and Easy," a constant companion, of course technical, we received from many, many contained no chapter on how to veneer organ friends. They, too, are enjoying VI LECHOWICZ relaxes at the console ,:,f the a theatre pipe organ console - easy or 4-deck Barton. It's a lot of manuals for ten the end result! otherwise. But, through long patience ranks, but the presence of additional stop keys At long last, some calm is returning and endurance, the Barton now wears a indicates that additions were planned for the to the household, following the five-year softly lustrous new coat, in keeping with original theatre installation. storm. Is it worth it? Ask anyone who the decor of a modern-day living room. has done it! The resounding "YES" is At this point a wife with a house almost as vibrant as the Barton pipes. Stan and Vi have received many bulging with stored organ parts might At home with a theatre organ? Ahhh! compliments about their instrument derive some comfort at the thought of The ultimate! and the installation but John McCar­ having a nice, enlarged living-room - thy (who shot the pictures for this but to the avid organ enthusiast with a When the console was refinished, article) tells of one kudo which left 4-10 Barton awaiting installation, house the original Barton trademarks on the Stan speechless. It happened when a construction isn't the most thrilling pros­ front could not be saved. Then one local club devoted to plug - ins, the pect in the world - after all, there is an day, Stan met Dan Barton and rold "Electric Organ Lovers Association," organ restoration job to get on with! the venerable organ builder about his held a surprise party for Chicago or­ Some end-results follow. The rarely treasure. Dan thought for a moment, ganist Pearl White at the Lechowicz used dining-room became the Main then said he knew where there might home. After an afternoon and eve­ chamber, 8'xl2' and 12½' in height, be a couple of decals stashed. Sure ning of exposure to music on pipes, with a shutter area of 5'x7½'. The enough, Dan Barton produced the the club members decided to honor added Solo chamber is 18'xl2', 17' in decals. They now provide just the height, with its shutter area of 5'x7½' the Barton by declaring it an "Hon­ right finishing touch t0 the veneered orary Electric Organ"! feet. The shutters are to the right of the console. console, and face two 9' picture windows december 1968 10 Aroundthe ATOE Beat

DICK SIMONTON, current "man of the year" and one of the founders of A TOE, has been released from the hos­ pital and is recovering from a nearly­ fatal attack of peritonitus suffered in late October. He is home and doing nicely, but will be out of action for a long time. "Get well" cards may be sent to him, care of this magazine. BOB KOONS of Puget Sound Chapter is readying Seattle's first pipe-organ-plus-pizza house for an early 1969 opening. The organ-a 2-5, large-scale Morton-is now in and making those terrible-but­ beautiful, pre-tuning sounds. CONNECTICUT VALLEY CHAP­ THE REFINISHED CONSOLE looks like new in its "step-down" corner. And that's real snow outside! TER has contracted to install its chapter­ owned 3-10 ( ex-Danbury Palace) Marr STOPLIST OF THE LECHOWICZ 4-10 BARTON & Colton in the Thomaston, Conn., IN LECHOWICZ HOME, DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS Opera House-Civic Auditorium. Full story in Februarv issue of TOB. PEDAL Diapl,one 16 Note that stopkeys for all unifications THE A.G.O. had Gaylord Carter Bourdon 16 of a voice (with the exception of the play Theatre Organ at their Denver Tibia Clausa 16 16' unifications) are grouped together. Cello 8 meeting and now will have John Violin ·a Tuba 8 Muri at their Indianapolis session. Tibia Clausa 8 GREAT SOLO This seems a trend toward regu­ Flute 8 Diaphonic Diapason 8 Diaphone 16 Tibia Clausa 16 larity, and a welcome change from Snare Drum Bourdon 16 Tuba (TC) 16 Bass Drum Tibia Clausa 16 Tuba 8 earlier days. Many A TOE functions, Cymbal Vox Humana (TC) 16 Coronet 4 too, have featured AGO artists in Kettle Drum Tuba (TC) 16 Diaphonic Diapason 8 Thunder Viol d'Orchest. (TC) 16 Flute 8 classical concerts. Viol d'Orchest. 8 Flute 4 Viole Celeste 8 Tibia Clausa 8 ACCOMPANIMENT Violin 4 Tibia Clausa 4 Contra Viole (TC) 16 Viole Ce !este 4 Oboe Horn 8 Viol d'orchest. 8 Diaphon ic Diapason 8 Vox Humana 8 Viole Celeste 8 Principal 4 Clarinet 8 Violin 4 Concert Flute 8 Kinura 8 Viole Ce!este 4 Flute 4 Violin 8 Nazard 2-2/ 3 Xylophone 8 Tibia Clausa 8 Cathedral Chimes 8 Tibia C!ausa 4 Piccolo 2 Tierce 1-3/ 5 Glockenspiel 4 Oboe Horn 8 Orchest. Bells 4 Vox Humana 8 Tibia c :ausa 8 C'.arinet 8 Tibia Clausa 4 Kinura 8 Tibia Twe lfth 2-2 / 3 Tuba 8 Tibia Mutation Claribel Flute 8 Oboe Horn 8 ORCHESTRAL Orchest'I Flute 4 Vox Humana 8 Vox Humana 4 Tibia Clausa 16 Twe :fth 2-2/ 3 Tibia Clausa 8 Flautino 2 Clarinet 8 Kinura 8 Oboe Horn 8 Diaphonic Diapason 8 Vox Humana 8 Chrysoglott Harp 8 Tuba 8 Clarion 4 Kinura 8 Marimba Harp 8 Violin 8 Tamborine Orchest . Bells 4 Glockenspiel 4 Tibia Clausa 4 Castanets Glockenspiel 4 Chinese Block Cathedral Chimes 8 Tom Tom Xylophone 8 Snare Drum Marimba Harp 8 Solo to Accomp. 8 Chrysoglott Harp 8 TOE STUDS ACC. 2nd TOUCH Klaxon Horn Tuba 8 Siren Tibia Clausa 8 TREMULANTS Gong Cathedral Chimes 8 General Steamboat Whistle Glockensp iel 4 Tibia Bird Song Triangle Vox Sforzando

ATOEers' New Year's Resolutions: • Pay ATOE Dues Promptly! • Think 'CIVIC CENTER'! VOX AND STRINGS-An unusual view of pipe­ • Be Kind to Theatre Organs! work in the left chamber of the Lechowicz 4-10 Barton.

11 theatre organ bombarde and a few advance copies distributed tape as an LP. That's the story be­ before it was decided that the tech­ hind our review in the FOR THE nical side of the platter left some­ RECORD department ... SIGN OF thing to be desired and it was with­ THE TIME: Allen Hughes, music drawn. However, a new session with reviewer for the New York Times, improved techniques will soon bring is writing reviews for that sheet of us Pearl playing the 3 -17 Barton in theatre organ concerts and record­ Chicago's Patio Theatre. We've heard ings. His favorable "Sound of the the one withdrawn and Pearl is great Silent" review of Lee Erwin's score on it ... Remember Frank Olsen, whose for Valentino's "The Eagle" made Concert Recording release played on a interesting reading ... Concert Re­ theatre organ in Scotland ( entitled "Pais­ cording is branching out with a line of The Readers Digest magazine which ley), made such pleasant listening? Frank classical organ recordings which will put out such a delectable package of has since moved to Canada and plays in supplement the TO line. First release is organ records at a reasonable price a a church at Port Colborne, Ontario . In played by Italian organist Sergio de Peri couple of years back, is going to try it September he came across the border to at the Sharp organ in the War Memorial again. For this stanza (presumably a set play a concert on the 3-11 Wurlitzer in Building in Sydney, Australia. The pro­ of 4 platters), Dick Leibert will play the the Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda, gram consists of five Bach-Vivaldi con­ Radio City Music Hall 4-58 Wurlitzer for the Niagara Frontier Chapter ... certos, three of them recorded for the and the 4-21 R TOS Wurlitzer in Twenty years ago a 15-year-old lad first time ... Malar label's Helen Dell Rochester, N. Y., and Billy Nalle will named Chuck Davis was helping recording is "in the can" but hadn't play the Detroit Theatre Organ Club's manage a skating rink near San been titled as we went to press. Plans 4-34 Senate Theatre Wurlitzer and Dick Diego, Calif. One of his jobs was are to release it early in 1969. It is Weber's 3-25 Wurli in the Strand The­ locating suitable recorded organ played on both Hammond and the atre, Plattsburg. Also to be heard are the music for use at the rink. One day 3-27 Bob Carson studio Wurlitzer in big Concert organs in Grace Cathedral he bought a 78 rpm biscuit played Hollywood. Helen uses the Hammond (San Francisco), and in Wanamaker's by Ken Wright on the WKY studio for such tunes as "Little White Lies" store (Philadelphia). Early 1969 release Kilgen, "St. Louis Blues." Chuck fell and "How High the Moon" but is planned ... Busy Billy is also set for immediately under the musical spell moves over to the Wurlitzer for a recording session at the Roberson of the Oklahoma City organist. He tunes of the type she charmed 19 6 8 Center in Binghamton, N. Y., about never tired of that record, but by ATOE conventioneers with, for the time this issue reaches the mem­ last year it was worn out. Chuck example: "One Morning in May," bership. He'll do an album on the contacted Ken, still at station WKY "Dainty Miss," "Love Locked Out" 3 -deck Link for Concert Recording in Oklahoma City, and asked where and "I'm Through With Love." release ... Sadly we note that the pop he could get a replacement. There Helen had some expert help; organ­ album played by Jim Orcutt on the were none-but Ken recalled a tape ist Paul Beaver was recording con­ Cathedral of the Christian Crusade 3 -10 he had made on the WK Y Kil gen sultant {he used the Dolby system Robert Morton in Tulsa was being organ back in 1947. It had that ver­ of noise suppression on the master mailed to members of the Organ of the sion of "St. Louis Blues" on it but tape) and organist Lyn Larsen Month Club on the very day of his death, had never been released as an LP. directed the session. Nora Peters, October 28th. It will make a .fitting me­ Chuck located the original tape in Malar's sonsy secretary, provided a morial to an exceptional talent which was the dusty vault of defunct Tempo steady stream of beer and sand­ just starting to be recognized ... Look Records, the company which had re­ wiches. With all that talent, it ought for an album played by Chicago's leased Chuck's favorite 78 long ago. to be good. Pearl White to be released soon. Ac­ Then Chuck arranged with Ken Yes, sonsy! tually, such an album was completed Wright to release the 21-year - old -Bert Brouillon

"Collectors Item" An exciting New Album of Favorites including Malaguena ... Autumn Leaves ... Cumana ... and others, as played by the master of the X-66 .. and available for that special Christmas Gift . 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 IN THE LOS ANGELES COCOANUT GROVE

de c e m b e·r 1 9 6 8 12 Becausetheatre organs areyour business, be sure to hearthe Conn DeluxeTheatre Organ.

The modern, complete theatre organ for the nos­ • 32-note AGO concave radiating pedalboard • 64 vari-colored illuminated coupler and talgic-and those who demand the finest. • Four families of tone control tabs • Solid state keyers • 60 watts total distributed power • Chorus Control • Walnut or antique white and gold finish THE CONN DELUXETHEATRE ORGAN FEATURES: • Tibia to Flute control • Independent tone generation • Sustain on manuals and pedalboard • Two separate built-in speaker systems including • Pistons-six general presets, six reversible and CONN ORGANS/CONN PIANOS 2-speed Leslie two general cancel Conn Organ Corporation • Elkhart, Indiana • Deluxe Rhythm Section • Piston indicator lights Made by C. G. Conn, Ltd., world's largest manufacturer • Two 61-note independent manuals • 37 theatrical speaking voices (including chimes) of band and orchestral instruments .. . since 1875

13 theatre organ bombarde Oct. 1924 (AO) PAUL H. FORST­ Nov. 1926 (]) OLIVER WALLACE ER was recently named associate organ­ was trans/ erred from the Liberty Theatre ist at the Piccadilly Theatre in New in Seattle to the new Broadway Theatre York, playing a 4-28 Marr & Colton. He in Portland. Ollie is featured on a 4-man­ had been playing the Liberty Theatre in ual Wurlitzer , elevator and all. Carnegie, Pa. Dec. 1924 (AO) LEONARD MAC Oct. 1928 (AO) C. SHARP MINOR, CLAIN acted as Chairman of the No­ noted picture organist, is back in his vember meeting of the Philadelphia old home town where he became famous, Fraternity of Theatre Organists, both playing the Los Angeles Shrine Audi­ Messrs ROLLO F. MAITLAND, Presi­ rorium 4-manual Moller. dent and CARL BONAWITZ , vice pres­ L. ident, being absent. GOLD DUST: Apr. 1915: ROY N""U'GGETB MEDCALFE at the Empress Theatre, July 1925 (J) DICK LEIBERT, Missoula, Montana . . . Dec. 1919: ED­ from the Washington, D. C., orchestra pianist and WARD BENEDICT at Tacoma's Rialto GOI ,D'EN" D.A"Y"B leader, took his Sangamo Band to the Theatre at $225 a week ... June 1922: Powhatan Roof on June 1. Dick 's tunes C. SHARP MINOR opened the 3-15 are sure to keep the feet moving. Wurlitzer in Buffalo's Lafayette Thea­ Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos Dec. 1925 (]) LLOYD G. Del tre . .. Aug. 1922: DEZSO D'ANTALL­ CASTILLO is organist at Boston's FY and JOHN HAMMOND are named This being the Christmas season, State Theatre, writes for sever a 1 to play the 8-division Austin in Roches­ Jason and I have been fortunate in publications, and teaches theatre or­ ter's new Eastman Theatre, also teach finding some IOOo/o pure gold nug­ gan playing. A busy fellow, indeed! organ at the Eastman School .. . Dec. gets in the form of items concerning 1922: HARRY QUINN MILLS at the Dec. 1925 (M) HENRI KEATES re­ Blue Mouse Phoroplay Theatre, Port­ the big-name organists-a gift to signed his position at Portland's Liberty our readers. Sources are American land, Ore . ... Jan . 1923: HENRY Theatre to retire from theatre playing. FRANCIS PARKS at the Rialto, Ta­ Organist (AO), Diapason (D), Ja­ He 'll go East to make organ records. cobs (J) and Melody (M). coma .. . Jan . 1923: Dr. C. A. J. PAR­ Dec. 1925 (AO) HERBERT HEN­ MENTIER at the Capitol, N.Y . . . . A pr. 1921 (J ) A feature of the pro­ DERSON is chief organist in Warner's Apr. 1923 ARTHUR MARTEL at the gram of the newly opened Tivoli Thea­ Theatre ( formerly the Piccadilly) on Lafayette Theatre, Buffalo . . . June tre in Chicago, are the musical numbers Broadway. His assistant is JOHN HAM­ 1923: MILTON CHARLES at the by organist JESSE CRAWFORD. He MOND. Tivoli , Chicago . .. July 1923: HELEN hails from the Pacific Coast. April 1926 (M) HENRI C. LE SEARLES at the Portage Park, Chicago. BEL is at the new 3,000-seat Pan­ No v. 1922 (AO) ALBERT HAY tages in San Francisco on a Robert Mar. 1924: D. KENNETH WIDE­ MALOTTE , organist at Shea's Hipp o­ 'Morton, the make being installed in NOR at the 69th Street, Philadelphia, drome , Buffalo , N. Y. , recently made this all Pantages houses after the first in playing a 3-manual Kimball with Am­ statement to the Buffalo press: rrwhen Seattle. Console is on an elevator pico piano . . . Dec. 1924: WILLIAM people go to the theatre, it is for amuse­ which rises to 3 feet above stage, KLAISS, ROLLO F. MAITLAND and ment. They don't want 'Parsifal ', and and can revolve at the will of the LEW WHITE at the 3-manual Kimball they don't want jazz. What they do want organist. Pipe chambers are under in the Stanley Theatre, Philadelphia, do­ is light music - syncopated or classic, the stage. ing broadcasts on WDAR daily ... Nov. pleasingly played." 1925: LOUIS WEIR broadcasting over Sep. 1926 ( M) There seems to be WEEI , Boston, for the Chamber of many opinions as to the success of broad­ Feb. 1923 (AO) ALEXANDER Commerce, using a 2-manual Hope­ RICHARDSON has been named associ­ casting pipe organ music over the radio. Jones Wurlitzer . .. Nov . 1925 : MIL­ ate organist of the Rialto on Broadway, There are many stations in Chicago TON SLOSSER at the Missouri Theatre, a post recently vacated by SIGMUND which feature organ recitals daily, but Sc. Louis ... Feb. 1926 : AR THUR KRUMGOLD. in some cases, they do neither organ nor GUTOW at the 3-manual Kimball, radio any good. However, some excellent North Center Theatre, Chicago . .. May Apr . 1923 (D) Dr. MELCHIORRE organ solos are broadcast from the Up­ 1926: HAROLD RAMSAY at the 4-28 MAURO-COTTONE, organist at Ne w rown Theatre where ARSENE SIEGEL Wurlitzer in Shea's Buffffalo . . . May York's Capitol Theatre , played a special plays request programs on a 4-manual 1926: EDDIE DUNSTEDTER is pre­ recital there April 5. It showed an organ, Wurlitzer. His offerings are always mier organist in the State Theatre, worked with an orchestra, can be a worthwhile and interesting. feature in a picture house where popu ­ Minneapolis . .. Aug. 1926: ALBERT Oct. 1926 (]) AMBROSE LAR­ lar music and novelties have their place, HAY MALOTTE at the Plaza Theatre, SEN is solo organist in Chicago's which will still retain the full dignity London, England . . . Aug. 1926: Terminal Theatre,. staff organist of and character of the organ. CHAUNCY HAINES at the 4-manual WGN and WLIB, and also official Wurlitzer in the Norshore, Chicago. March 1924 (D) HENRY B. demonstrator for Wurlitzer's Chi­ MURTAGH, organist at Grauman's cago office. Another busy fellow! Jason and I wish all our readers a Metropolitan Theatre in Los An­ Oct. 1926 (J ) RALPH WALDO very Merr y Christmas and a Happy , geles, recently suffered injury play­ EMERSON is official organist at Chi­ prosperous New Year! We will be back ing handball, striking his hea~ on cago's WLS, and was formerly affiliated in February with a surprise column for the cement floor. A success£ ul op­ with the Barton Organ Co. He is well all the ATOE ladies. So long, sour­ eration prevented what was feared known as instrucror in classes in motion doughs! might be a loss of hearing. picture organ playing. Lloyd & Jason

december 1968 14 bi 11 thomson's the impossible dream

For THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM recording, Bill plays the Rodgers 36-E organ in a "new accoustical setting" which especially en­ hances the music from the Broadway Production MAN OF LA MANCHA. Side two features current hit tunes which include "Up, Up and Away," "Live for Life," "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" and others.

Bill's new release THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM was featured in his concert for the 1968 A.T.O.E. National Convention held in Los Angeles. His concert at the Rialto Theatre in South Pasadena on July 15, 1968 was one of the highlights of the annual "organ­ buff" conclave ... Bill's performance on the Rialto Theatre's style 216 Wurlitzer crossed from his usual "excellent" to "great." (Theatre Organ-Bombarde) ... The Bill Thomson program was of such high calibre it is impossible to describe it with words ... Bill's tasteful treatment of current hits along with his exceptional handling of the complex rhythms of music from "Man of La­ Mancha" brought the audience to their feet for a spontaneous standing ovation ... (VOX-C AT O E, Chicago's Chapter News­ letter-August 1968).

This is surely an album you will want to include in your library of organ records.

FANTABU LOSO!, with its sparkling Latin rhyth,ms, is played in the vivacious Bill Thomson Style. It has been such a popular album a second pressing has just been released. Bill uses his Studio (Rodgers 36-E) Organ to the fullest. His interpretation of the composer's moods are exciting to hear each time you play this popular disc. FANTABU LOSO! includes: Tijuana Taxi, Girl From lpanema, Meditation and others.

Recordings may be ordered from: LIFTMUSIC COMPANY P.O. Box 663 West Covina, California 91790

THE IMPOSSIBLE (BT-1005) Stereo Disc $5.25 Stereo Tape $7.25

Prices include DREAM tax, postage and handling charges . FANTABULOSO ! (BT-1004) Stereo Disc $5.25 Stereo Tape $7.25

15 theatre organ bombarde George in Portland How does THIS grab you Mighty Wurlitzer lovers: a sunny, balmy October Indian Summer after­ noon; a 4-manuol, 49-rank Wurlitzer in mint condition and installed in ideal acoustical and esthetic setting; and-appearing in his third Portland concert in the past year and a half-Mr. George Wright himself playing a two-hour "at home" concert to wrap up the whole package! It grabbed the lucky 150 persons who just comfortably filled the Howard Vollums' studio on the outskirts of Portland and quite well, thank you! BILLY NALLE at the 3-12 Link organ in the George's lively opener, Cosi cosa, was a virtual trip through the organ and a fitting introduction Roberson Memorial Center for the Arts in Bing­ to what followed. Informal and relaxed in what he termed his "second home," George Wright hampton, N.Y. topped even his own previous performances in this city by (nearly) vaulting over the balcony rail, singing a brief vocal (the " ... to your razzle-dazzle" line from Old Devil Moon); and ploying three (count 'em!) encores, including a final, swinging "Portland version" of Stars and Stripes (Below) ASHLEY MILLER, pictured at his Radio Forever. City M4sic Hall console, played a concert for RTOS at their Auditorium Theatre. Billy at Roberson Ashley at RTOS The renaissance of the theatre organ If ever there is a "Battle of Organises" is growing by leaps and bounds. What at some future ATOE Convention, be­ could have been described ten or fifteen tween the West and East Coasts, the two years ago as a "toy for the wealthy," be­ artists to represent the East might very cause of so many instruments being well be Billy Nalle and Ashley Miller. rescued from doomed theatres and in­ That in the latter's case, became most stalled in homes, the theatre organ has literally come of age once more in the convincing when 1.£iller gave an audience sixties because of some elaborate instal­ of about 1500 at Rochester's Auditorium lations now open to the public. Theatre on October 25, a concert of great This was dramatically proved on Sep­ magnitude, depth and artistry. This was tember 28 in Binghamton, N.Y. when the Rochester Theatre Organ Society's a packed house of 400 in the new second concert of the season, and open Roberson Memorial Center for the Arts to the public. and Sciences heard the sterling artistry of a true master of the instrument, Billy Nalle. The organ, a 3-12 Link, will have Kay McAbee Opens five more ranks added by the end of the Rochester Season year. One of the scars of die 1967 ATOE National Convention in Detroit was SPACE LIMITATIONS ... selected to kick off the 1968-69 recital ... made it impossible to include the season of the Rochester Theatre Organ complete text of Lloyd E. Klos' detailed concert reviews of the Billy Nolle, Ash­ Society on September 18. Kay McAbee, ley Miller and Kay McAbee concerts in veteran of theatre consoles in Illinois, this issue. In addition, Howard Vollum and Dennis Herberg have consented to was the artist for a members-only pro­ release the revised stoplist of the ex-SF gram at the Auditorium Theatre 4-21 Paramount organ for publication in our Wurlitzer. And, a most creditable job next issue. 1t was.

december 1968 16 Billy back. The first was a John Philip A ~~LINK'' WITH THE PAST Sousa arrangement of his opener, "Great Day." The second was a soft version of "Sleepy Time Down South. " The Roberson Center is looking for­ ward to the day when Billy will return ro record the organ. Distribution of a N alle recording of the Link, this re­ viewer feels, will really put Binghamton on the map of leading theatre organ in­ stallations in this country.

Ashley lY.tiller In Rochester by Lloyd E. Klos Heralded by the strident rones of the Brass Trumper, Ashley brought up the 4-22 Wurlitzer console in the true tradi­ tion of the spotlight solo, playing Gersh­ win 's "Strike Up the Band." "Put On a Happy Face" used Glock and Post Horn passages, and the Tuba, Kinura, and reeds climaxed "On a Wonderful Day Like Today."

Billy plays the beautifully restored 11-ranker. Note the simple beauty of the Link console, the cut Every good theatre organist from of the side jambs and the graceful lines of the supporting bolsters. time to time will switch off the -Photos courtesy of Harvey N. Roehl tremulants and give his audience a situated along the sides of the cham­ change of pace. This was done in a by Lloyd E. Klos group of three classics "Allegro" Thus, for the first time anywhere, bers. Among the percussions are piano, carillon, glockenspiel, xylo­ (Trumpet Voluntary) by Boyce; an honest-to-goodness theatre organ the famous "Jesu, Joy of Man's De­ with all its appurtenances has been phone, marimba (harp), chimes and traps. With Mr. Link's exacting siring" by Bach; and ''Toccata'' installed in a cultural center. The from the Suite Gothique. organ was given to the center by hand guiding the restoration and He stated after this group that "people Mr. Edwin A. Link, whose firm built adding ranks, this instrument prom­ many of the instruments in the ises to be a real showpiece, indeed a enjoy a little bit of good music. So, now, should we go from the sublime to the golden days. Originally built in magnet for organists to exhibit their ridiculous?" 1927 and installed in the Capitol artistry. Much will - be written Theatre in Binghamton, the organ about this installation in the future, The "ridiculous" turned out tO be a has been completely rebuilt by Mr. make no mistake. smooth arrangement of "I Wish You Link to mint condition. According Bringing up the console for the sec­ Love", which started with a Vox solo, to Mr. Keith Martin, Director of the ond half, Billy did a rousing version of and used the sobbing Tibias and the Center, is is hoped to recapture the "There's No Business Like Show Busi­ Harp. One could detect combinations golden era of the silent cinema and ness", followed by a classical arrange­ similar to those Ashley used on his its movie palaces by the use of the ment of "On Wings Of Song." earlier Radio City Music Hall discs. organ in concerts and as accompani­ A Nalle arrangement of "Hello Dolly" The second half of the program ment to silent films. or "How Dolly Tangled With That opened with a medley of some lively Beginning his memorable program, Newfangled Music Box," was dedicated ones-"Step ro the Rear" in jazz tempo; Billy Nalle brought up the console, play­ tO Mr. Link and ro Dolly Kelly, a mem­ "Tijuana Taxi," which featured the xylo­ ing the lively "Great Day", which served ber of the International Music Box So­ phone, auro horn, cymbals, etc, thereby ro show off the newly added Stein­ ciety which sponsored the concert as part gaining the inevitable snickers from the kampf-voiced Post Horn. The airy "Tip­ of its convention. Billy asked the aud­ audience; and "It's Delovely" with glock toe Trough The Tulips" was a real ience ro picture a music box enthusiast's tinkles. swingy number, followed by "Do Re showing one of his collection ro a guest, A sing-along came next, and in true Mi" and "More". Gershwin's "Fascinat­ then forgetting to wind the machine. tradition, Ashley asked that "ladies sing", ing Rhythm" showed the artist's arang­ The portrayal was most realistic. The then "men sing", then "alrogether" on ing prowess. An ascending syncopated simulated box slowed down and went third chorus. Either the audience forgot triplet figure in the chorus, featuring flat. Then came "sharping", caused by a the words or they wanted only tO hear rhe xylophone, really got the audience sudden burst of speed, due tO "overwind­ the artist play, as the decibel level was buzzing. ing." This number was indeed one of the nor raised materially. Numbers were The entire organ is located on the comedy high points of the program, as "For Me and My Gal", "Ramblin' Rose", third floor of the center. Chambers the guffaws from the audience proved. "Daisy Bell", "Chiapanecas", "Put On are arranged from left to right­ The final three numbers were "Falling Your Old Grey Bonnet", and "I Want a Main, Percussion and Solo. Console In Love With Love," "As Long As He Girl." is situated on a lift in front of the Needs Me," and a real brassy "That's The enthusiastic audience de­ percussion, but the swell shades are Entertainment." Two encores brought manded and got three encores.

17 theatre organ bombarde "Autumn in New York" showed this one, which was one of the highlights an encore. Kay told his loyal subjects "I the tibias, strings and vox. "Au­ of the whole program. don't often get to play such a fine instru­ tumn Leaves" used the harp, trum­ Chatting with the artist backstage, ment. You should hear some of the pet and tibias. Finally, a number we facetiously asked him if he "felt things I have to play around Joliet and which was popular back around better tonight than he did that Sun­ Chicago. You wouldn't believe it!" The 1945, "I'm beginning to See the day morning in the Fox in Detroit in encore was Leucona 's "Malaguena, " and Light." This had a beat reminiscent 1967? " He told why he was feeling Kay again proved his artistry with two­ of the big bands of the Thirties, and lowly that morning. The previous foot pedaling, and clever use of reeds this reviewer had all to do to stay evening, after the concert in the Sen­ and rhythm. tied to his seat. A standing ovation ate, a group asked him to go along to ended the evening's festivities. Roger Mumbrue 's home to play his It was a pleasure to spend several 3-19 Marr & Colton. "It isn't far," hours with Ashley Miller the following they said. "But, we rode and rode and [j-etting 'TheJacts day, reminiscing and collecting informa­ rode! " Royal Oak is a bit farther than tion for a forthcoming biography which anticipated. By the time the session As time passes and theatre organs and will appear in Theatre Organ-Bombarde. at Roger 's was over, it was in the wee organ-players become legends, there is This should be completed early next year, hours of the morning . So, with little something that everyone who writes for as soon as a history of the RTOS Wur­ sleep, Kay made it to the Fox. And, publications in our field needs to be­ litzer is completed, a project for the to make matters worse, he couldn 't come ever more careful about-truthful society. remember what combinations to use, reporting. It is hoped that Ashley Miller will be even though John Muri had briefed We are now in the stage where a back to Rochester soon. In fact, he is al­ him. number of the organ "greats" are no ready looking forward to it, and in his Following the intermission, Kay longer around and able to speak the fertile mind, believes he will feature the brought up the console, playing the most truth as they saw it. Much of our infor­ best number of his recordings. What a jazzy version of "Tea For Two" we ever mation is now second-hand. Original program that will be! Hurry back, soon, heard-in cha-cha beat . Then, playing sources are increasingly hard to contact Ashley! Your fans are waiting! it straight, he used the Xylophone, Bells and mistakes creep easily into historical and just about everything to effect a writing. For example, one of the im­ stirring climax with shutters open. Two portant 8- and 16-mm movie distribu­ Kay ~CA bee ballads followed-"Ebb Tide" with tors is advertising chapter 63 of the old Kalem serial "The Hazards of Helen" Opens RTOS Tibias and Tuba Horn solo, and "Over the Rainbow" with Harp and Oboe. ( titled "The Open Track") as featuring by Lloyd E. Klos Helen Holmes, when in fact the actress A very stirring "Second Hungarian is Helen Gibson, who took over the role The next three paragraphs were writ­ Rhapsody" by Liszt was in answer to a of "Helen " when Miss Holmes left Kalem ten by George Murphy, a colleague, who request for a classical number. Big, son­ to go to work for Universal Films in covered the event for the Rochester orous chords and two-foot pedaling were 1915. In our own field of the theatre or­ Demo&rat & Chronicle. featured in this excellent rendition. "Last night's concert was a spirit­ gan, there is some question today as to The 'Theme From Prince Igor, " ual retreat-in atmosphere as well who specified the console-layout of the which is the derivation of the famous as in music. The velvet curtain Detroit Fisher-Orbits organ: Arsene "Stranger in Paradise " from "Kismet," across the stage glowed with the Siegel or Arthur Gutow. Both men have was in answer to a request by Fred dismal light of a bruised radish. A their advocates. Hermes for the latter version. The kin­ small bulb perched on the music Rumors and half-truths of the ura and oboe were used to great effect. rack of the console as if it were past have a way of cropping up directing attention to an historical A medley from "Sound of Music" was many years later. A story made the relic from the national archives. next, and the strident· number of this rounds during the Twenties in Chi­ "The house lights dimmed, as they group was "Do-Re-Mi" with shutters cago that a top-rank organist could say, and a bold spotlight focused on open and Bells and Xylophone most read music only with difficulty and the orchestra pit. Then, chords as prominent. The organ maintenance crew that he had a hard time playing solid as pyramids, pushed against the has effected a few changes on the instru­ overtures with the orchestra. That walls, the melody was splashed with ment this sumer. Both the Xylophone story was the fabrication of a jeal­ · arpeggios, and the foot pedals, in the and Marimba have been placed on a ous rival-player, but it gained con­ commanding voice of a Grenadier platform between the swell shades and siderable currency among the Chi­ Guard, kept the tempo inexorable. grills, thereby making them really sound cago organ fraternity. A check with "The tune, 'Who', was as immedi­ off. A plexiglass window has been in­ musicians who were most closely ately recognizable as a movie star. stalled on the pit piano, so when that associated with the organist elicited Then, slowly, like foam rising in a stop is flicked, a small light will show nothing but contempt for the tale. glass of beer, artist and console rose the hammers at work. Very effective! The necessity for honest and judicious from the pit until both were above One of the writer's longtime favorites, reviewing becomes clear in this con­ the audience's eye level." Zez Confrey 's "Dizzy Fingers" wound up nection. Obviously, the readers of the Thus described in dramatic fashion, the program. This is a real finger dex­ future (and for that matter, most of Kay McAbee opened his program. The terity exercise, and old timers will re­ those of the current day) will want to opener was a real rouser, and the artist call its constant use on accordions in the be sure that they are reading reports that literally "poured the coal" to the Wur­ Thirties. Kay really set the organ on its have some basis in fact. Our histories litzer. ear with this one, and the Xylophone will mean very little if they consist If anyone had desired proof of sob­ and Post Horn were used to great ad­ merely of uniform songs of praise to the bing tibias, Kay's rendition of "Indian vantage. great, the mediocre, and the downright Love Call" would have been the clincher. The standing ovation by the approxi­ lousy. On the other hand, we will be The harp was used to dramatic effect in mate crowd of 500 was rewarded with (Continued on Page 20)

december I 968 18 INDEX FOR VOLUME 10" 1968 (See page 3 for this issue's Index )

FEBRUARY 1968 Acre of Seats: Peterson, #9, Vox Pops {Green), Convention Coverage ______15 Loewe's Ohio, Columbus, Ohio ----·-·----· 4 For the Records, Green ·---·----·------·-·--··----·------20 COVER: Los Angeles Elks Morton Concert Circuit: Nolle, Roseveare ----···-----····--- 14 Nuggets from the Golden Days, Klos ···--····-·· 22 FEATURE ARTICLES: Hollywood Cavalcade, Nash ...... _--·-··-----·--·-· 21 Hollywood Cavalcade, Nash -----··------25 The Guys Who Fixed the Organ ------····· 5 Nu3gets from the Golden Days, Klos ------···24 Chapter News -----··-····----· ··------···-··---· 26 L. A. Elks Morton and Purvis Concert Vox Pops, Green ·---·-·--··················-----·----······· 25 Closing Chord : Allen Arthur Strauss ·······-····-·· 29 These Bones Shall, by Thomas Ford ------··10 For the Records, Green -·--···------·-·-·····---·------28 letters -·------··-·············· 30 Jackson State Prison Wurlitzer Disc Squeals, Green ···-----·---········· ·----··-·------··· 31 Classified Ads ---·--·------···----···---·-······--·--··---···-··· 31 Quitting, Qussing & Quing, Chapter Officer Directory ·-··--·····-·-··--···-·····--·- 32 OCTOBER 1968 by Lloyd G. Del Castillo -·-- ·········-·-··· 11 Chapter News, Thompson ·············-··----··----····· 33 Pilot of the Mighty Mo, by Ray Brubacher ... __13 Closing Chord ···--·-·-····-·------·-·---······--·-····-···-·- 40 COVER: Edith Steele and San Diego Fox Bob Van Camp and Atlanta Fox Moller Marvin C. Korinke, John R. Thomas, 4.31 Morton Days of Wine & Roses, by Charles Balogh Truman Welch, Mrs. Famy Wurlitzer FEATURE ARTICLES: and Harry Schroeder .·-····-·--·-·····--·-····--- 14 Letters ··-······-·------··············-··------·--41 Devoted Buffs Restore San Diego Fox Bolton Holmes and Trenton, New Jersey, Classified Ads ---·····--·-----··-·······-··-·------·--·-···43 Morton, by Bert Brouillon ----·····---·······- 5 Lincoln Moller JUNE 1968 Stop list-Page 29 Theatre Organ Returns to Columbus, Reginald Watson: An Appreciation, COVER: Don Miller at the by Roman Walek ------· 15 by Reginald Foort ···------7 Detroit State Theatre Wurlitzer Roger Garett and Loewe's Ohio Morton The Saga of Dean Herrick, by Dean Herrick .. 11 FEATURE ARTICLES: Edwin link Goes A Whole Cycle, Roberson Center link Theatre Organ Don Miller: Theatre Organist! ···----·-·-·------····---- 5 by Bert Brouillon -·--····------········----····---- 16 Dedicated --···-·-···-···--··-·-·--··········-·------12 Roberson Memorial Center Part 1, taped by Claude Sheridan Art Mosca Plays 3 .1. Day Flickers, Dave Quinlan and Former '615 Club' Pipes and Pedals ------··---······------·····--·- 17 by Edward Chapman -----·-·--········--·---···-12 2•6 Wurlitzer, by Dewey Cagle -·------· 7 Marshall Oven and l. A. Restaurant Brook Theatre, Bound Brook, New Jersey, Where the Bartons Were, by Dan Barton -·-··· 18 The Hershey's Community Theatre, 2.4 Wurlitzer Part 1, Barton Organ Installation list by Lloyd E. Klos ·-·-·-·-···-···-----··------·-·- 9 Teen.Ager Featured as Theatre Organist . ______13 Where To Hear Them Played, 4.90 Aeolian Skinner Shirley Hannum Alexandria, Virginia, to Install 3.10 Barton ___9 by Ray Brubacher ········------· -·------·------22 Richmond, Virginia, Names June 2 as Some Notes on Releathering, "Midnight Slapstick," by Walter Beaupre --·-· 10 "T. 0. Day," by Brubacher ______. 13 by Chris Feiereisen ------·-··---- 23 Bill McCoy and Leatrice Joy at Cap'n's Galley Pizza.Pub Omaha, Nebraska, Orpheum Wehmeier Organ Now Sports Piano.Organ 3. 12 Model 20 Wurlitzer _·-····-···---·---······ 14 Player, by Ronald Wehmeier ·····------24 "My Australian Adventure," by Lyn Larsen __17 The Renaissance of the Theatre Organ, Merri ken's Organ Bash ··-·--·-···-··--·-··------15 REGULAR FEATURES: June Concert with Dick Smith Editorial: The Future: let's Take A Good look 3 by Billy Na lie ----···---·-·----·----·-·-····-·-•··----26 Virginia Theatre Barton Work in Progress, Eddie Dunstedter Gets Around, Acre of Seats: Peterson, #8, by Brubacher --·····-·--··--····-·-·--·-·-·-···--···-·- 16 Paramount Theatre, Toledo, Ohio ··-·--- 4 by Peg Nielsen ·--··-···----·-·------··-27 OrgaNews from Cheshire, The Jekyll / Hyde Existence of Concert Circuit : by John Potter, England _······---·····-··----·· 16 Dolton McAlpin, by Peg Nielsen -·····--· 28 Foort, Larsen, Hazleton, Foster -----·····--20 A New England Organist Reminisces, Convention Vignettes -· 6, 12, 18, 24, 27, 28, 39 For the Records, Green ·····------··-···-·--·--······-·---- 25 by Roland Pomerat -----·-----·--· 17 Disc Squeals, Green _____-·······-··----·-······------·--·· 26 REGULAR FEATURES: Brooklyn Fox Theatre Stop Analysis ··---·-····-·-·- 18 Hollywood Cavalcade, Nash _____ ·-·-·- 27 Editorial: View from the Mixing q,amber_ ___.. 3 4-37 Crawford Special Vox Pops, Green ····--·····-········------·-··-··-·----·----··· 28 Acre of Seats: Peterson, #10, landmark Concert for Oregon Chapter, Nuggets from the Golden Days, Klos -··-···---· 33 Portland, Oregon, Paramount ··-·---·······- 4 by Bill Peterson ···-·--·------19 Chapter News, Thompson ·········-·· ·------34 Concert Circuit ·-····--··--·-·-·-···--·-··-·------·------·13 Jonas Nordwall at Howard Vollum's letters --···-· ·--···-----·--·-·····-·-·-·-··---·······- 38 George Wright, Dwight Beacham, ex.San Francisco Paramount Classified Ads ----·--···-·········------·--··· 38 Rosa Rio, Dick Smith, Richard Elsasser Jesse Crawford at the Chicago Theatre, APRIL 1968 1968 Convention Calendar ------·-····-·--·-·-···-·--··-·19 by D: Kenneth Widenor ··----·-···-·---····-·· 20 Vox Pops, Green ···-·---·····--·-······-···-········-··-----··· 23 let's Get Things Straight, COVER: Jesse Crawford at the Hollywood Cavalcade, Nash ·--·--·-·----- 28 by Arthur W. Estgate ··------··· 22 New York Paramount Wurlitzer For the Records, Green ·------·---··········-····-····-·· 29 Names, ranks and numbers on FEATURE ARTICLES: Disc Sc;ueals, Green ····-·-····----···········-······--······· 31 Aussie Organs Famed N.Y. Paramount Wurlitzer Damaged .._. 5 Nuggets from the Golden Days, Klos -----····· 32 Hurry! "Dirty Work" at the Crossroads! Wichita Civic Center Fire Chapter News, Thompson ····-················-··--···-·-· 33 by Jenkins and Green ·····----···-··---··----·· 24 George Wright Interview ·-·-······---- 6 1967 Financial Report ----·------·------38 Silent Movie Accompaniment, Part 1 Showman of the Year ______7 Classified Ads ··------··------···-----·-·------39 Where the Bartons Were, by Dan Barton ···--·- 37 Harold Wright Feature Back Issues Available --······---·-----·---··------·------39 Part 3, Barton Organ Installation List Photo Nostaligia ----··-·····-···-·------7 AUGUST 1968 REGULAR FEATURES: George Wright and Carroll Deignan, COVER: George Wright at the Editorial : What Do You Want Oakland 1938 So. Pasadena, California, Rialto Seattle Civic Center Wurlitzer --··----- 7 Wurlitzer From the National? .. ·-·---·····-·····----··-···-·- 3 Acre of Seats: Peterson, # 12, Star Studded Month for Greer Inn ____ 8 FEATURE ARTICLES: 1968 ATOE National Convention Preview . _____9 Convention Diary 1968 ! Staff ______5 Olympia Theatre, Miami, Florida .... ·-···- 4 Hollywood Cavalcade, Nash .... ______25 Reiteration Made Easy, by Ernie ManlY -·-·-····· 10 · ! Martha! Lake Rides Again, by Effie Klotz ___10 Solid State Reiteration Dick Ertel at RTOS, by Lloyd E. Klos -············· 12 Vox Pops, Green ------·-···--··-··--··------26 What's New on the Avenue? Larry Farrari at DTOC, by Esther Higgins ...... _ 12 Chapter News, Thompson ··------·-·----- 30 Closing Chord: Ron Freeman, Bob Mueller, by Dewey Cagle ------···--···· 11 Your Project-What Are the Odds? Georgia Templeton ······---····---···---···----··· 33 Avenue Theatre, San Francisco by Fred Hermes ------·----···· 13 Nuggets from the Golden Days, Klos ·····----·····34 The Fabulous Pearls, by Bill Benedict ____...... 15 9th Home Organ Festival...... ·-····--·· ·-····-·-···- 14 Pearl White and Hal Pearl "World's Most.Used Organ" Disc Squeo Is, Green ···············--··----·-···········-····-·- 36 The Small Organ, by Ray Brubacher ____ l7 Classified Ads ···-··-····· ····-·-·-···-·······--···-···---·------39 by Paul Fleming ·-·············-···---···-·····---···· 14 A Challenge for Space New York State Fair Where the Bartons Were, by Dan Barton ______. 19 lee Bauscher Cleans Switch•stack Points Part 2, Barton Organ Installation List by Blinker, by Tom Kaasa ----·----·-·---···--14 An index will be printed in every Quitting, Qussing & Quing, Convention 1968 Photo Coverage, December issue covering all issues by Lloyd G. del Castillo _____ 20 by Bill Lamb ______····------···· 16 Dkk Leibert, by Lloyd E. Klos ______30 Don Miller Theatre Organist ··--·······- 23 printed in that year. A compre­ Radio City Music Hall Part 2, taped by Claude Sheridan hensive index of all issues preced­ Land O'Lakes Chapter Installations, REGULAR FEATURES: by Don Peterson ______35 ing Volume X ( 1968) is being Editorial: Swan Song ______3 considered. REGULAR FEATURES Acre of Seats: Peterson, # 11, Editorial: Convention-Board-Youth!.. _.. _____··· 3 Rialto Theatre, Joliet, Illinois ... _... _ .. ·--·· 4

19 theatre organ bombarde [jetting The Jacts (Continued from Page 18) A Report on the Indiana Theatre equally suspect, now and forevermore, if our reviewing consists of unjustifiable And It's Organ ... nit-picking and belittling. There is no place for jealousy in a reviewer, just as This report is written to inform the membership of the progress being there is no room in any intelligent per­ made on the restoration project at the Indiana Theatre in East Chicago, Indiana. son co indulge the vanity of wisecracks As most of you are familiar with the project up to the point of the John Muri at the expense of a performer. It is the show (TOB, December 1967, pp 10-11), I will continue from that point. obligation of the reviewer to report Immediately after the Muri show last fall, we began thinking about what things as they were. He will not conceal must be done to put the Indiana Wurlitzer in top shape. General plans were the faces of disintegrated and slipshod set down, derails to be worked out as we went along. The crew consists of Fred playing, no matter who the artists may Kruse, Paul Lewis, Sam Holte, Terry Kleven, and myself; the latter doing the be. If organises play no end of wrong work on the theatre, more so than the organ . notes, if they mush up difficult passages The first order of business was to refurbish the solo chamber. It because of lack of technique or of prac­ was literally taken out, cleaned, checked, and replaced. A 16' Tuba tice, or if they fake or improvise with­ was added to the solo chamber. The offset chests for the 16' Tuba, out skill, lee it all go on the record. 8' Tibia, and 8' Trumpet were rewinded off tremulant; the 8' Let us do it, however, combining Trumpet chests were added to accomplish this. The chamber was justice with generosity. John Henry washed and painted ({sunshine yellow." Everything which would need Newman said that a gentleman is, rebuilding in the near future was repaired to insure long life. All pipes among other things, one who never were washed and polished. willingly or uselessly gives pain to Meanwhile, the 6-rank chest on the Main side was dissembled and checked another. When the truth about a out, with many of the pouches needing replacement. Work progressed. It performance can not result in seemed rather ·slow, I'm afraid, but when you consider the amount of work whole-hearted endorsement, the bad required, the venture really sped right along. J use then our faltering generator news can at least be spoken with failed and had to be replaced. The new one cured many of our organ's undiag­ gentility and without rancor. I re­ nosable problems. The 'Arcada' show interrupted our work-a five-week delay call reading two reviews in the past was incurred at this time. J use a month ago, we decided to repair the console summer that included needlessly for the upcoming fall activities. All combination pouches were removed, during caustic and irrelevant remarks which operation Terry and I proved that a 30-pouch-per-hour pace is easy to about a theatre-organ concert per­ maintain, using teamwork. The combination action was done for the August 8 formance. Since we need to write social, except for the tab ties which will prevent its working. bad reviews once in a while, let us All leather will be replaced. Meanwhile, I've been fighting an accumulation make sure that they are as good as of dire and other problems in the theatre. Some of the more or less apparent we can make them, that they carry improvements to the theatre, noticeable to patrons and club members, include as little sting as possible, that they the following: Complete, correct, three color (as original) relamping of the do not discourage a player who may ceiling dome, organ grills and wall pockets; extensive lighting panel repair, improve with the years, and that relamping, cleaning first and second border lights and foot lights; relamping of they tell the whole truth without a balcony and main floor aisle lights; refurbishing underside of marquee canopy; veneer of emotionalism or unwar­ Lobby relamping; removal of celorex on the house-side of foyer windows; repair ranted subjectivity. Two hundred of organ spotlight; repair of heating and cooling equipment, etc., repainting of years ago Alexander Pope said that the outer lobby plus repair of last winter's damage in the lobby were contracted for every struggling per£ ormance by the owner, Mr. Stevens. there were ten fools who pretended Tentative plans for the immediate future, also to be undertaken by to be critics. He was calling to our the organ repair crew, include: new lighting fixtures for the lobby; a attention the fact that critical re­ new coat of paint for the ceiling and walls in the lobby; reglazing the viewing is an art; so all of us who separating windows between foyer and house (now painted); reglazing write about other performers are of house doors (now covered); hanging of more stage drapes; complete meeting a challenge that determines refurbishing of the marquee; decorating of the women's restroom and the measure of the men and women decorating the area under the organ chambers. we are ourselves. For those who have not heard the Indiana organ recently, or not at all, I We ask for chis for the sake of truth. would like to say a word in its behalf. This 3-10 Wurlitzer has as one great Is it worth the extra effort? Workers in asset: a 'balanced house'; that is, the organ sounds equally well in nearly every library research have to be on guard seat. The organ 'gets out' of the chamber very well, the audience feels an 'in the constantly against references to literary chamber 'nearness to the organ's pipework. The organ itself is not the overly frauds and to "ghost books", books that blasty type, bur does have the mighty sound when desired. It is certainly worth never existed but which have been listed going a little out of the way to hear an instrument as magnificent as this, and to down the years because one generation see it in its revitalized original setting. after another has put faith in the mis­ -Gary Rickert takes or lies of a writer long dead. We have listings of books that so far as we know have never been seen by a human A special program celebrating A TOE's birthday has peen planned by the being, living or dead. It is still relatively New York Chapter for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 8 and 9. The famed early in the field of theatre-organ his­ Radio City Music Hall Wurlitzer will be featured on Sunday morning, Feb. tory-writing. Let us make sure that no 9. A National Board of Directors' meeting has also been planned for that errors creep into the records. weekend. ATOE was born on the birthday of Robert Hope Jones, Feb. 5.

december 1968 20 was reported dead of some exotic malady to your area, don't miss her fasci­ contracted during the filming of "Trader nating film memories. Horn" in Africa about the time the film NEARLY 2,000 people attended was released in the early '30s. The movie Ramon Novarro's last rites. Film nota­ mags had a field day-ED.] bles Neil Hamilton, Gilbert Roland and CHOICE reading is Kevin Brown­ Ida Lupino mingled with the faithful­ low's "The Parade's Gone By (Al­ through - the -years fans. Novarro, very fred A. Knopf). It is a vivid 600 wealthy from land investments, shared pages of photographs and interviews his worldly goods with his brothers and of the atmosphere and achievements sisters, the church and many worthy char­ of the silent film era. Such film ities. Future generations of film lovers ,~ greats as Zukor, Selznick, Vidor, will enjoy his work through the preserved Chaplin, Swanson, Keaton and Lloyd prints of his cinema appearances. recall how early films were made. QUESTION: "Name three brothers Most comprehensive book ever writ­ who were leading men in silent films 15'ten about the whole range of film other than Matt, Owen and Tom Moore." production. I can't at the moment. Two Hollywood 11THE Lost World," 1925 monster film, historians cannot recall any such other ~ DIRECTED BY still playing collector theatres, was the trio. The Watson family of Hollywood __,;""'~YLE W. NASH first movie ever shown on an airplane. once had about six sons in films at vari­ The English tried movies in planes in ous times. Most of them are in the pho­ 1925 but films - in -fiight was declared a tographic business today. poor idea. THE American Film Institute re­ SPEC O'Donnell had a face that was CLIP & SA VE : Lillian Gish, all­ ports that 188 out of the 250 lost freckled and framed with red hair. Who time film great, is making personal prints of great American films have can forget his haunting appearance in appearances at special motion pic­ been found and are being preserved. "Little Annie Rooney," the Mary Pick­ ture events. Miss Gish appeared re­ MARY Pickford's wisdom and evalu­ ford hit of 1925? Since 1948 Spec has cently in Los Angeles and San Fran­ ation of sound pictures was once summed devoted himself to the real estate busi­ cisco in an informal film lecture up like this: "It would have been more ness in Los Angeles. Last year he decided which included the showing of a 90- logical if silent pictures had grown out to take time out to read, fish and relax minute film clip of her memorable of the .~alkie instead of the other way without those 20th Century tyrants ( cal­ screen performances. If she comes around. endar and clock) hounding him. He loved film making-especially the silent era productions. Bill Beaudine was his favorite director. AN IDEAL FRONT AND CENTER "YES, I'd take a good character ALLEN MILLS part," Spec wrote in a recent letter, "as I always liked movie making. I SPECIAL GIFT think such stars as Brandon, Burton and Newman of today would have Reviewers' Comments: been big hits in the silent days. TV is not too much of a pleasure. There BOMBARDE-"There's Variety Galore." is too much sameness and bad story influences." CONSOLE-"Wonderful Imagination," "Recom­ SPEC (his real first name was Walter) mended to all listeners without a single would be happy to hear from TOB read­ reservation." ers. Write Spec O'Donnell, c/o River Bend Lodge, Box 2400, Parker Star THE DIAPASON-"Will serve very well under Christmas trees equipped with horseshoe Route, Blythe, California 92225. consoles." WHO'S WHERE ... Joseph Hena­ bery, 81, lives in Tarzana, Calif. He's the man who played Lincoln in 11Birth of a FRONT AND CENTER Nation" and then went on to become a great director . ... Child star Tommy ALLENMILLS Kelly (now 43) of the '20s lives in the AT THE CONSOLEOF THE AUDITORIUMTHEATRE PIPE ORGAN Santa Ana, Calif., area. ... Carol Demp­ flocheste, New York ster was last reported living in La Jolla, Ptogtam Calif . ... Director Frank Capra says that SIDE ONE Dolores Costello lives in the same area as his ranch at Fallbrook, Calif. EDWIN A BOOTH is not dead. The ill-fated "Trader Ji:orn" actress, reported deceased by responsible writers, lives in Southern California. Three people have talked to her in recent months. To one reporter she said she prefers to ". . . re­ STEREO main dead and forgotten." She's married and interested in church work. [Edwina

21 theatre organ bombarde moment," writes Walt, "the Theatre Or­ prise and amazement of an audience gan Club of Fall River was formed!" which half expected co hear hymns on A full rehabilitation program is planned Sunday morning pipes. Dolton admits and we can expect periodic reports. he was a little shook, too: "I received my 'baptism of fire' in front of that audi­ After the big opening of the Roberson ence-but it was lots of fun." Afterwards Culture Center in Binghamton, NY, some club members admitted that Ham­ silent films were scheduled with Link mondry would never again be the same organ accompaniment- one program tt after hearing pop pipes. month for the remainder of the year, including such classics as "Birth of a The same Morton got a workout Nation," 11Intolerance" and 11 Way Down by none other than Don Baker while East." Organ accompanist scheduled was he was in Baton Rouge for a Conn­ Paul Loomis. Forty years ago, Paul was cert. A little group of fans listened one of the finest theatre organists in the intently and one was heard to ex­ Triple Cities area, his fame extending as claim, "Who would ever have far north as Utica and Rome. According thought that, of all people, the great SHORT SHOTS FROM to ATOE member , Chet Rataski, Mr. Don Baker would one day play at EVERYWHERE Loomis retains his touch. our Paramount!" Why not? Don played for 13 years at another Para­ Minneapolitans with long memo­ mount, and even the gap between 3 6 and 6 ranks made little difference to New Yorker Dick Loderhose, ries who recall Eddie Dunstedter's Don, who expressed admiration for owner of both Jesse Crawford's "salad days" in the twin cities may the fine tone and good condition of Paramount studio 4-21 Wurlitzer also remember another name which the Morton. and the NY Roxy 5-deck Kimball, appeared concurrently on theatre hasn't been prominent in the organ marquees - Bob ("Bobo") Ryan. hobby area of late. A recent New Eddie was Bob's idol when the lat­ Theatre Organ Enthusiasts visiting the York to Los Angeles phone call ex­ ter played at the St. Paul Orpheum New York area should make the Radio plained why; Dick reports that for and Palace. Those who remember­ City Music Hall a must in their itiner­ the past three years he has been re­ Bob will be glad to learn that he's ary,, if the words of ex-RCMH organist doing his entire Jamaica Estates in­ well and living in Calistoga, Calif., Doc Bebko are any criterion. Visiting stallation. For most of that time the were he operates a swank motel and this great stronghold of the theatre organ organ has been silent. The chambers restaurant. The latter, no surprise, recently, Eddie reported: "I sat in the now boast 42 ranks of pipes and the is equipped with a Conn theatre orchestra in mid-house and the organ console stop rails have been re­ model plug-in which Bob sometimes was absolutely at its finest. Henry Pope's worked to accommodate the addi­ plays for diners. restoration work was superbly evident; tional stop keys at the expected not only is the organ in perfect tune, but places on the horse shoe ( instead of Ifs nice to have friends, including th e the highs, harmonics and overtones were on the front board). Dick played a kind who perf arm unexpected kind­ evident where previously they were chorus of "The Lady Is a Tramp" nesses. In Lancaster, New York, Joe and either absent or muffled. And the PED­ over the phone and even within "Ma Laura Thomas were tickled when they ALS-oh, those gorgeous subcones are Bell's" narrow transcontinental fre­ received a priceless gift in the mail, a absolutely awe-inspiring! Jack Ward's quency range, it sounded great. pair of Wurlitzer nameplates to replace playing was really excellent, no doubt Now he's looking forward to a re­ those missing from their home installa­ enhanced by the ease of playing a well­ sumption of recording, as soon as tion console. The plates were a gift from maintained instrument. It made me wish some topflight artists can be signed. Dave Voydanoff who, during a visit, no­ I could be at that console again." His ticed the original plates were missing. friend, Paul Lavalle, the Music Hall con­ The new job in Fall River Massachu­ Some time before that, Bill Hatzenbuhler ductor, got a great ovation, reports Doc. setts, looked good but it was with con­ had presented the Thomases with a "He is an electrifying personality." siderable reluctance that Walt Hanlon unique 25th wedding anniversary gift , (one of the group which revitalized the an addition to the little W urli' s to y After 35 years, the former 3-manual El Paso Plaza 3-15 Wurlitzer) moved counter in the form of a raspy 11Bronx Kohl organ which was in Rochester, the his family across the land, East from El cheer" which Bill installed in time for organ was apparently installed in a Mas­ Paso, Texas. He left many. memories­ use during the anniversary party. Hm/ __ sachusetts church where it has -remained among them Jim Connor and John R. until a Mr. Sudre of Miami, Florida, pur­ Thomas, two who gave large chunks of Dolton McAlpin, the young law stu­ chased it recentl y. Mr. Sudre already has their final years on Earth co bringing dent who turned out such a creditable a 12-rank, 2-chamber Robert Morton in theatre organ back co the Texas border Concert Recording album (Thoroughly his home, and will install the Kohl, mak­ town. But there was treasure at Walt's Modern Morton," played on the Bacon ing it into a 4-manual organ in the destination. He attended a United Fund Rouge, Louisiana, Paramount 6-ranker), process. show in a Fall River theatre and lo, be­ now admits that he "turned on" mem­ tween the acts, the sound of a threatre bers of the New Orleans Hammond The organ was used by several players organ was heard and a console came up Organ Society, who motorcaded co Baton in its heyday. Among them were]. Gor­ out of the pit (played by a local school Rouge at the behest of the Paramount's don Baldwin , George Bacon, Westfield teacher, it was determined later). The manager, Tom Mitchell, to hear the S. Brown, Gladys Clark, Margaret Culp, organ (a 3 -12 Marr & Colton) was obvi­ sound of real pipes on a Sunday morn­ Rose Harloff, Chester E. Klee and Lou ously in need of help so Walt made an ing . A witness stated that Dolcon had Perricola. Theatre is still open, adapted offer to management and found "the the "joint jumpin" during his one and for Cinerama and other wide-screen pro­ powers" downright cooperative. "At that one-half hour concert, much co the sur- ductions.

december 1 968 22 The Theatre Organ Society of Austra­ the Surf City Hotel some years ago. The and helpful to us all were those lia's Honorable Secretary, John Clancy, 3-14 is still a strong attraction. DTOC folks. What a wonderful takes us to task for stating that Sydney spirit they have!" The DTOCers has 18 theatre organs in theatres (De­ Leroy Lewis? After the big blast must have "taken" to Billy in re­ cember 1967 TO-B). While that state­ of national publicity he experienced turn. At least they signed him for a ment would have been correct 40 years when he masterminded the installa­ return concert at the Senate on Jan­ ago, at present, John advises, Sydney has tion of the former Atlantic City uary 18th. only two left, both Wurlitzers, a 4-21 in Warner's theatre 3-27 Wurlitzer in the State Theatre and a 3 -15 in the the Panama Hilton's "Bombarde" Our now-and-then overseas corre­ Capitol. He adds that Melbourne theatres Room, plus his playing rtint and spondent, Michael Candy, reports from have three Wurlitzers, a 4-19 in the recording ression there, we lost Germany that he managed t0 get in to Regent, a 3-15 in the Dendy and a 2-12 track of him. But not for long. One inspect and play the 4-16 Wurlitzer in in the Plaza. In addition, there's a 2-12 of the most inventive and imagi­ the Siemens mansion in Berlin. He re­ Wurlitzer in the Metro Theatre in Perth native musicians in the entertain­ ports that it is still there, intact, unused and a Christie in the Victory Theatre at ment business, Leroy has been busy and apparently unmaintained since U.S. Kogerah. So much for theatres, but it designing "pipes plus electronics" GI Marvin Merchant returned to the doesn't end there. There are Wurlitzers combinations. Lately he's been play­ USA sometime after 1964. Merchant did in the Moorabin Town Hall (4-21), the ing club dates in the Pittsurgh, Pa., a lot of work on the neglected giant Marrickville Town Hall (2-10), St. Peters area :ind those ho heard his Ham­ while he was stationed in Berlin and, College at Adelaide (3-15), a 2-10 await­ mond X66 plus pipes (Vox and says Mr. Candy, the organ needs another ing installation in the Willoughby Civic Tibia), describe it as a tonal marvel. interested GI with organ-fixing skills; Centre, not to mention John Clancy's it's loaded with ciphers. This 4-16 may residence (2-15). Many of these organs A note all the way from Middlesex, be one of the last two Wurliczers left on have been the objects of TOSA's affec­ England, from Don Knights, British re­ the European mainland, the other being tion and preservation efforts. Are we for­ cording organist for the Concert Record­ a 2 -7 in the Paris Paramount. Michael given now, John? ing label, says he tried to get in touch said the 4 -16 console still bears a pair with the BOMBARDEduring his recent of "ATOE" automobile-type windshield transfers, relics of its Merchantising days. Be£ ore we leave Australia, it Los Angeles visit, but learned that the would be proper to note that Vic entire staff (two) had gone North to Hammett there continued his string the Ninth Annual Home Organ Festival. Recently we noted that Reginald of concert successes across the face That's the second time we missed him; Foort~ who believes "I 5 years in the of the planet, starting in his native last time (two years ago) he was right on same place is enough," was about to England, through the USA and end­ the grounds of the Festival and we let leave Chicago. Since then we re­ ing at Melbourne's Dendy theatre. him gee away. Here's hoping next time ceived a very formal card asking us In addition to his six weeks of he's around that Don and the editor will to "please note change of address." nightly "down under" spotlight have a chance to go over that book of Betty and Reginald Foort are now concerts he also found time to cut Viennese tunes Don carries with him; residents of Pompano Beach, Florida. three LP recordings, two on the we have a mutual interest in Viennese music. Of his trip across the USA, Don Dendy 3-15 Wurlitzer and one on In Minot, North Dakota, Eric Reeve 1 the Clancy 2- 1 5 home installation. states that it was "the best vacation Belle a very meticulous researcher in matters Vic got around to the Town Hall and I have ever had. We enjoyed every theatre organ, is still trying to unravel installations, too. He told a news­ minute we were there." the radio studio organs of Chicago. The paper interviewer, " ... the theatre list of Barton installations we've been organ is booming back into fashion In Detroit to record an RCA album running has proved helpful. Eric esti­ again." for Readers Digest release, Billy Nalle mates, for example, that station WBBM noted that westcoaster Tom Hazelton must have had three organs over the was set for a concert that mid-October years. In later years the station is said to In Youngstown, Ohio, it was the fa­ weekend for the Detroit Theatre Organ have had a 3 -7 Wurlitzer. Before that, it miliar story. This time it was the 38- Club. Billy decided to stick around for had a 2-7 Barton and after that a 3-10 year-old Warner Theatre which would the Senate Theatre bash and admits he's Barton, and Eric wonders which one be sacrificed t0 the wrecking ball. Cali­ glad he did" ... I found both the man Milton Charles played on the memorable fornian Elbert Dawson, living temporar­ and his playing delightful . .. His best rThree Consoles" program. WLS studios ily in Warren, Ohio, panicked when he rhythm number was 11San Jose" and his were eqitipped with a 3-manual Barton recalled that the now dark theatre orig­ best ballad was one whose title I can't which is probably the one Ralph Waldo inally had an organ and he wondered recall except it had the word rheart' in it. Emerson recorded for the Silvertone whether it, too, would be pulverized by Afterward, we had a grand visit and I label. The NBC organ situation was a the wrecking ball. A fast exchange of let­ enjoyed getting to know him. I'm very greater puzzler, but Eric thinks he has it ters assured Mr. Dawson that the organ glad I stayed for his concert." If Tom unraveled. First there was Al Carney's had already been sold and removed be­ Hazleton so completely captivated the (now Johnny Seng's) studio organ (a fore the furnishings were auctioned in seasoned pro with his style and music, custom 4 -15) 1 then the Wurlitzer in the late September, although we couldn't what must he have done to the rank and WENR Opera House studio, and later name the rescuers. file DTOCers when he fondled that 4-34 the 3-13 Wurlitzer in the WMAQ Mer­ Wurli? chandise Mart studio, on which Irma In the same somber mood, Eric Glen used to play the rrQuiz Kids" radio Zeliff reports that the Fabian Theatre in Billy Nalle becomes ecstatic when theme. 11 Chicago organ lore is kinda Hoboken also kept a date with the steel he talks about the fine cooperation mixed up," states Eric. ball. The 2,000-seat Fabian was where he had from the DTOCers while Leroy Lewis obtained the Wurlitzer recording: " ... You just can't imag­ The "Quiz Kids?" Wonder if anyone which he and Ted Cambell installed in ine how interested and hospitable recalls the title of their radio theme? We

23 theatre organ bombarde are certain Dave J unchen remembers tracted fans from far and wide. Martin electronics engineer Bill Johnson also that it was "School Days"- because he Thal and Rick Shindell came from designs, builds and markets logic was one of radio's Quiz Kids. Which Toledo, Jess Littlefield from Rochester , con t ·rol systems. And girls, he's leads us into a brief commercial for Laura Thomas from Buffalo, and even handsome and single! Why still Dave. After years of helping others with the Syracuse University organ whiz, Will single? «The elecronics work plus their organ projects, Dave has put out Headley. They came to marvel at the the record business keep me a bach­ his own shingle and now runs the Jun­ tasteful decor of the little auditorium , elor," admits Bill, a little wistfully. chen Pipe Organ Service, 401 First St., the solid glass walls from ceiling to fioor, A profile on Bill J ohm on and his Sherrard, Illinois. The reason we include the handsome console which rises out of burgeoning Concert Recording Co. his address is because we have just re­ the fioor as smooth as silk, and the young is coming in a future issue of TOB. ceived a list of pipe organ goodies which man who rode it up, Billy Nalle , who Dave has for sale - Pipework galore­ later declared in broad flsuthin" accents, "To coin a saying, the report of my Wur.Iitzer, Barton, Kimball, Mar & Col- tr • •• they had to add 150 extra seats . ton, Robert Morton. Also parts for all which cut the reverb but sure didn't cut passing has been greatly exaggerated," those brands-chests, percussions, blow­ the enthusiasm. That audience was a cried BOMBARDEeditor Stu Green when ers, swell shutters, reservoirs, consoles, sizzler." questioned about a rumor that he was stop keys, pedalboards, toy counter quitting the staff of THEATRE ORGAN effects and actions - the works ( even a BOMBARDE. After years of sitting at his rare 4-poster Barton console lift with Lost somewhere in the shuffle of in­ typewriter, sometimes to 11: 00 p.m. or turntable!) Send for his list if any of ternational theatre organ matters was a later on weeknights, while writing edit­ these items are needed . shocking tale of piracy on the low seas­ ing or answering reams of correspond­ perpetrated by A TOErs ! It involved a ence, Stu decided that his social life was "shanghaiing " in reverse, carried out by in a somewhat soggy condition. What A few V ox Pops back, we mentioned added fuel to the conflagration was the the Wurlitzer in the Surf City hotel. It a band of ATOE-led hearties. The plot evolved when a ship carrying a famed fact that Stu has acquired a personal in­ did well by members of the New York terest in one of the magazine's associate Chapter during a September meeting Australian organist, Nore en Hennessy, hove to and dropped anchor in- Pqrt editors-one who is a girl, we hasten to held there. Among those players who add. With little spare time in which to were especially pleased were Lowell Everglades (Florida) waters. Little did the ship's officers know there was a band press his suit "it got kinda wrinkled," Ayars, Violet Egger and Esther Higgins, of organ-thirsty natives with a dastardly adds Stu. So he hollered for help and reports Eric Zeliff. scheme hiding among the palms ashore. Pres. Al Mason is providing it with two In the dead of night the "natives" (led welcome additions to the TOB staff, Remember that full-page cigarette ad by ATOE's South Florida Chapsec, both excellent and experienced writers . which showed the interior of an attrac­ George Gearhart) boarded the ship and Al will release the names. So what it tive theatre pictured from the balcony? ''kidnapped" Miss Hennessy. They took amounts to is that the work of producing A cleaning lady, broom in hand (in the her ashore, hustled her 30 miles to the magazine has been spread out a little foreground) was presumably asking "If Miami and sat her down at ATOEer to accommodate a middle-aged Romeo. we rented a hall to tell the Lark charcoal Calvin Jureit's 3-11 Wurlikimball. Miss George Thompson remains editor-in­ filter story, would you come?'' Reader Hennessy was at first surprised and over­ chief, as always. Lew Williams advises that it was the in­ whelmed by the confrontation but -Hal Steiner terior of the Brooklyn Paradise Theatre. offered no resistance. With the help of In reply to the question posed, unless Chapter Chairman John Steele, who there was an organ involved, the answer stood by to assist Miss Hennessy with is probably "no." Lew doesn't smoke. registration on an organ strange to her, she played for the assembled multitude. Ben Levy, the Detroi ter who Plot ringleader Gearhart later wrote in wrote our up-coming series about the "down under TOSA "Diaphone" that NOW the care and repair of Wurlitzer the "shanghaied" guest played some AVAILABLE magnets, is at his most color£ ul "lovely compositions . . . perfectly. She when reviewing a concert. He aimed endeared herself to all." After soothing an exact this remonstration at absent Detroit some 80 Floridian conspirators, the lady Theatre Organ Clubbers in the was whisked back to her ship, no worse duplicate 1 < DTOC News" following last sum­ for her encounter with the "natives." But of the mer's Ann Leaf concert at the 4-34 before leaving she remembered her his­ Wurli in the Senate theatre: «Any tory and sold the natives a slew of her club member who missed the Ann records. Fair enough! FAMOUS Leaf program and who didn't have a legitimate excuse, such as a broken HOWARD leg or having to take his mother-in­ In a couple of years, Concert law to the airport, is hereby author­ Recording, through its Organ of the "WONDER" SEAT ized to bang his head against the Month Club, has become the major wall. Better yet, walk into a neigh­ producer of organ recordings and bor's backyard and get his dog to tapes. To those who wonder what $160 00 DES M~j~:S,IOWA bite you!" Oh, the power that Ann makes such an enterprise perk, the Also Howard seat replacement castings and Wurlitzer Black Cap magnet coils . Leaf has over men, especially power behind the platter is a soft­ writers! spoken young man named Bill John­ son. As though the recording, pro­ KEYBOARD ENTERTAINMENT Echoes of that opening pop concert duction, packaging and mailing of PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING CO . on the Link organ in the Roberson Cul­ thousands of organ discs each month 2117 40th SI ., DES MOINES. IOWA 50310 tural Center continue to filter in. It at- wasn't enough to keep him busy,

december 1968 24 Side 1 closes with two pop classics, The organist, Denis Palmistra, was a "Lazy River" and "St. Louis Blues." student of fondly remembered Fred Burr "River" uses the Chrysoglott Harp and Scholl, the master organist who played that grumbly Clarinet to good effect opening performances for so many of while "Blues" features a dirty Horn. Sid Grauman's Hollywood theatres. Fred It must be stated that the "Kilgen played the Sydney Capitol 3-15 Wur­ sound" heard here isn't exactly "theatre litzer during the late '20s and did some organ" as generally understood. It lacks teaching on the side. a real Tibia sound and the dominant The sound of the Clancy instrument voices are those of reeds ( very good ones) has a fullness which indicates much more plus lots of foundation. Yet, as played by spaciousness than one expects to hear in Ken Wright it's "entertainment organ" a residence organ. It's a fine - sounding and nor the lease bit "churchie." installation. The performance is pleasing An oldie, "The Moon Is Low," opens but not marked by a display of imagina­ side 2 and then comes an inventive treat­ tion for arranging or registration. How­ ment of "Aint Misbehavin' ," with piano ever, it adds up to easy listening, partly effects played on the Chrysoglott. "Gar­ because the tunes selected are not the den in the Rain" is given a non-rhythmic usual list of repeatedly ·recorded "chest­ The BOMBARDE reviews recordings for of­ first chorus for one of the few spots in nuts." Heard are "Arrividerci, Roma," "I ficial ATOE publications. Manufacturers, which tempo is abandoned. Anderson's Wish You Love," "Serenata" by Ander- distributors or individuals sponsoring or "Jazz Pizzicato," "Basin Street Blues" and son, "La Golondrina," "This Is My Song," merchandising theatre pipe organ records "Ac Last" round out a thoroughly enjoy­ "My Heart Reminds Me," "Blue Hawaii," are encouraged to send pressings to the able sampling of the styles of 1947 which "C' est Magnifique," "Pagan Love Song" BOMBARDE, Box 5013, Bendix Station, No. still sound good today. and 'Tm in Love With a Wonderful Hollywood, Calif. 91605. Be sure to include The jacket has 1947 photos of Ken at Guy." These provide an enjoyable intro­ purchasing information, if applicable. the console. The size isn't stated, but it duction to an instrument previously un­ appears to be (and sounds) somewhere heard in the U.S.A. Recording is good jacket notes and photos informative. KEN WRIGHT AT THE 4-MAN­ between 12 and 15 ranks. The only ad­ UAL KILGEN PIPE ORGAN. CDS- verse comment we can offer is that mod­ 2 3 71, recorded in WKY -TV studios, ulation on the disc is a bit too high, BILL DAL TON AT THE CON­ Oklahoma City in 1947; monaural, causing some distortion on better quality SOLE, Loew's Ohio theatre ( Colum­ rechanneled for stereo effect. Avail­ playback systems. bus), 4-22 Robert Morton organ, able by mail for $ 3 .49 postpaid How does Ken sound today? As good Amherst SLP-1202 (stereo), avail­ from Chuck Davis, 12886 Crowley as ever, as proven by a current perform­ able by mail from Central Ohio Street, Arleta, Calif. 913 3 1. ance recorded on a good plug-in. It in­ Chapter ATOE, 5567 Crawford, cludes "Music to Watch Girls By," "Call Columbus 24, Ohio. $ 5 .00 postpaid. How this record came about is a story Me," "Winchester Cathedral," "Tempta­ in itself (see Disc Squeals). Recorded in tion," "Mine," "Brazil" and eight ocher Sometimes all the elements that can May 1947, a few days before the organ tunes, mostly standards. It may be or­ assure a great organ recording manage was removed from the Oklahoma TV dered from the same dealer and the price to come to a balance and the result is station and "retired" to the civic audi­ is the same as for the pipe disc. It's en­ pure ecstasy. Such is the case with this torium, the tape laid "in the can" for 21 titled "Ken Wright at the Deluxe Conn recording. Instrument, artist and record­ years, almost forgotten. Ken Wright is Theatre Organ." ing all come off with brilliance. That a well-known musician in the Oklahoma doesn't mean it's perfect, but the sheer City area and his performance on a typi­ excellence en.gulfs minor flaws. cal Kilgen organ is exemplary. In 1947, ESPECIALLY FOR YOU - Denis The technical setup is just right to the era of the big bands was coming to Palmistra at the 2-14 residence capture the sound intimate 1y and yet a close and Ken is obviously a devtotee Wurlitzer of John Clancy, Went­ never allow the listener to forget he is of chat style. His adaptations for organ worthville, New South Wales, Aus­ in a theatre. of the Dorsey-Goodman-Shaw-James tralia, CR-0032 (stereo), available And Bill Dalton is the answer to the­ stylings leave little to be desired, and the at $4.50 (check or money order) Kilgen-ics reed-heavy "brass" section atre organ enthusiasts' dreams. A vet­ postpaid from Concert Recording, eran of the lace silent era, Bill was per­ very prominent - provides a proper fa­ Box 531, Lynwood, Calif. 90262. It suaded to return to the console of the cility for the big swingband beat with is also available on 7 ½ ips 4-track its characteristic brassy punctuation. Morton he had played perhaps 30 years stereo tape at $ 5 .9 5 postpaid. ago. The wonder here is that he plays The Poschorn (more likely a French on this recording as though he had never Organ enthusiasts owe quite a debt of Trumpet on a Kilgen) riffs that brighten left pipes, with hardly a trace of the "Done Be That Way," the sullen Clarinet gratitude to Concert Recording, not only electronic organ tricks he must have ac­ featured briefly during "We Just for keeping a constant scream of organ quired in the interim ( we caught one Couldn't Say Goodbye," and the swaying recordings in the mail, but also for well-integrated "smear" in "Oklahoma"). tempo of "Begin the Beguine" provide widening the horizons of many an en­ The record opens with the Dalton an exciting rhythmic introduction to this thusiast through the variety of instru­ theme, "Bill," and modulates ( in true compelling journey back through time. ments heard on the label. This is one of T.O. style) to 'The Song Is Ended." The The first ballad (also with a beat) is a handful of Wurlitzers cared for by the separation between solo ( Tibias) and "September in the Rain." The treatment Theatre Organ Society of Australia, the accompaniment ( (strings) is very dis­ is reminiscent of vintage Dunstedcer, "down under" ATOE. It is installed in tinct, even when the record is played possibly because of the Kilgen sound the specially-built home of TOSA's Hon. monaurally. heard on Eddie's '30s broadcasts. Secretary, Mr. John Clancy. Next a Richard Rodgers set, with

25 theatre organ bombarde "June Is Bustin' Out" in up tempo and Generally, the same kind of attractive­ ACADEMY AWARD SONGS, Tony with good shading. "Climb Every Moun­ ness can be claimed for this welcome Fenelon on the Mighty Wurlitzer · tain" gives an exceptionally lush set of new release. Yet, in the interim, the elec­ Theatre Pipe Organ in Hoyts Regent Tibias an opportunity to shine, and tronic organ has apparently left its mark Theatre, Melbourne, Australia. "Oklahoma" is handled with enthusiasm on "Robbie "; on this recording he has Crest CRT-12-SLP-017. Available and the taste which prevails throughout applied the "palm schmear"- that give­ at $5.95 postpaid from Australia the record. "Love Is Blue" gets a purely away trademark of the bread and butter Theatre Organ Productions, GPO T.O. treatment and it turns out to be an "Hammond honker " - much too liber­ Box 2639X, Melbourne, Victoria, attractive ballad when shorn of ampli­ ally to the manuals of chis fine pipe Australia. An international money fied guitars and "rumpty-tum." organ. All of which is rather disappoint­ order is suggested for payment. "In the Mood" is something of an ing because we know he is quite capable Physicist and electronics engineer enigma. The tr ea cm en t is "big band" of performing a proper fingered roll. Tony Fenelon plays a mean Wurlitzer, co style and Bill's skill with the Poschorn state it briefly. Known better in Mel­ riffs and solo rides is exceptional. It bourne as an exceptionally fine classical seems inconceivable that Bill Dalton and pop pianist, youthful Tony's venture would not have the melody down pat so into the theatre organ world started in we must conclude he's pulling our musi­ 1964. This, his first recording to reach cal "gambi" when he plays only a varia­ these shores, puts fresh pizazz into a col­ tion, never the tune the way Glenn Mil­ lection of over-familiar tunes from hit ler established it. "Scratch My Back" is movies long ago relegated to TV late one of those lilting novelty tunes just shows. All have been recorded many right for showing off the "woodpile" and times over, but they benefit from the Bill uses the percussors throughout. Side straightforward Fenelon approach. Tony 1 closes with the most beautiful "When uses no offbeat harmony, abrupt key Day Is Done" since the lace "poet of the changes, overdubbing, weird registration organ" set the style. It's often reminisc­ or similar surefire shock effects to hold ent of the Crawford original but there's his listeners. His preference in registra­ plenty of Dalton there, too. tion is toward full combiantions with Side 2 presents four fine old warhorses only occasional use· of a solo voice. Yet, from the "standards" category. The side the 4-19 Wurlitzer seems co thrive on starts with Liszt's "Hungarian Rhapsody" this treatment and the over-all presenta­ done to a turn in sparkling "spotlight tion comes off well. solo" style. "Clair de Lune" provides a The sound is "big theatre" as Tony musical impression of Tibia'd moonlight projects his brand of music which is full, ( missing only the liquid voice of David ROBBIE lusp., peppy and rhythmic, in the tradi­ Ross reading poems) , and "Bartle Hymn tion of the theatre organ as heard during of the Republic" has all the drive ( and Disregarding this seeming flaw, Mr . intermissions in the '30s and '40s in the much of the arrangement) of the Mor­ Cleaver's performance is bright, spectac­ USA. The instrument sounds exception­ mon Tabernacle choir's rendition. For a ular and captivating throughout a pro­ ally good, with lush Tibias, crems set for topper Bill superimposes a Sousa-style gram of 15 well-chosen selections. Out­ a langorous slow, deep beat-in contrast Piccolo counter - melody over a goodly side of "Exodus," Mr. Cleaver avoids the to the fast "chop" sometimes encountered number of "Glory Hallelujahs." too-often recorded tune syndrome (his in overseas recordings. The closer is an excerpt from Offen­ "Exodus" still remains one of the best Tony's phrasing is good, and he knows bach's "Orpheus Overture" which has we've heard on pipes ). One of the most how to get the most from percussions . those imaginary Can-Can dancers step­ exciting tunes is the glowering "March" Yet it would seem that there must be ping really high. from that long-ago H. G. Wells science­ lots of subtle registration possibilities fiction fantasy, "Things to Come," an among those 19 unified ranks, color It's a fine performance on an instru­ epic film which described the post-1984 which the almost continual use of heavy ment restored by a group headed by world. It's a thriller. Other unusual selec­ registration covers up . That 's something ATOE'rs Carlos Parker and Tom Hamil­ tions are "Manhattan Spiritual," "Alli­ to consider for next time. Meanwhile, ton. All who participated in the produc­ gator Crawl" (good use of piano ), the chis is a good starter for a young artist tion of chis recording are to be congrat­ dramatic "Legend of the Glass Moun­ with much promise . In passing we might ulated. tain," a wild Gypsy "Black Canary Hora," add that music is something of a second GRANADA, Robinson Cleaver at and the march, "Blaze Away." Also heard career for Tony. His calling is in the the 4-14 Wurlitzer in the Granada are "Granada, " "Moonlight Serenade" field of science. Theatre, Tooting, London. Concert (the Glenn Miller theme), a Spanish Miking of the organ is good. Our re­ Recording CR-003 6. Same purchas­ "Gypsy Dance, " "A Walk in the Black view pressing had some pops and clicks ing information as for the previous Forest," "Canadian Capers" and the but not in numbers great enough to be­ record. Cleaver broadcast theme, "An Earful of come irksome. The cover photo is a good Music." color shot"of the Regent Theatre interior It has been a long time since Mr. The well-maintained Wurlitzer sounds and there are photos of the pipework Cleaver's music was available on chose marvelous. It's great to hear chis fine and Tony. Jacket notes are aimed at the 10-inch Deccas near the dawn of the organise once more on records ( the uninitiated. Among the selections are: long-playing record era. They were rec­ "Things to Come" march alone is worth "Love Is a Many - Splendored Thing," ords of impeccable musicianship and the price of the platter). William Walk­ "Gigi, " "Mona Lisa," "Moon River," caste. Listening co chem, one can under­ er's recording is tops, as are Ralph Bart­ "Secret Love," "Over the Rainbow," stand how chis veteran organist became lett's jacket notes and D. J. Sharp's color "Never on Sunday," "When You Wish the inspiration which started one of photos of the auditorium , artist and Upon a Star," "Days of Wine and Roses" Britain's prominent theatre organ clubs. console. plus four more movie themes.

december 1968 26 projectionist for the film presentation. Hardy's "Bacon Grabbers," and "Stage Leland concluded his concert with patri­ Struck Suzy"- were expertly guided by otic music and the beautiful "God Bless Hal Pearl at the console of the golden America." voiced Barton. The ATOE Chapter held its meet­ Probably the most "fun" part of the ing the next evening at the Organ Loft. evening's entertainment was Mr. Pearl's They were surprised by the presentation inimitable sing-a-long, during which the of the silent movies-Mr. Lay again at audience sang lustily. Hal's knack of con­ the console, Mr. Russell at the projector. ducting a sing-a-long is unique. After the business meeting and movies, The exciting sound of the Mont Clare members were invited and encouraged Barton gave evidence of the thorough ••••••• ••••••• to pl~ for a few minutes on the giant work done by CA TOE Board members Wurlitzer through the generosity of the in preparing the organ for the event. J&'\.. owner, Mr. L. C. Bray. The Board was assisted by members Tad !ii!Ill VIll -Maxine V. Russell Doose, Frank Pokorny, Jack Hatfield and •CHAPTERNEWS• Jim Rieger. CENTRAL OHIO Guests at the Mont Clare show in­ Be sure you mail all Chapter News cluded Al Melgard (Chicago Stadium), to: A.T.O.E.-P.O. Box 2329, Liv­ For those of you who were fortunate Robert Seipp of WTTW, Will Leonard onia, Mich. 48150. enough to be in Loew's Ohio Theatre of The Chicago Tribune, and Norman Saturday night, September 28, the inter­ Mack of The Chicago Daily News. mission music was supplied by our own Mr. Irving Davis, Mont Clare owner, chapter "guest artist" Jack Dommer. The was very pleased with the CATOE Show BEEHIVE response from the audience was quite and showed interest in having the Leland Lay, active member and Board favorable and perhaps we will be able to CATOE produce another show in the Director of the Beehive Chapter, pre­ notify the chapter ahead of time so they near future. sented a wonderful treat for the organ can catch his exciting act on the Morton -Bill Benedict patrons of Salt Lake City, Utah. He organ. played a concert on the L. C. Bray Organ For the first time since the Easter Sun­ Loft Wurlitzer pipe organ on Sunday rise Services earlier this year, the organ evening, September 22. in the RKO Palace Theatre was heard Leland began his concert by playing by the public this past Saturday. The songs from the "Sound of Music," then Mighty Style 260 Wurlitzer was played he went back to the early 1930's for fa­ by chapter member Mike Williams for miliar beautiful tunes. From there he the State Republican Convention held covered the musical scene with numbers there September 28. Although the organ of the 1940's and 1950's. isn't totally restored, it proved to be a After the intermission the audience drawing factor in the convention and was delighted with the presentation of was even shown on national television silent movies. Leland thrilled and tickled on NBC on its coverage on Saturday the audience with sound effects and emo­ night. Bill Hunt and his able helpers tional music, making the old movies could be somewhat proud of their efforts MONT CLARE THEATRE 3-10 Barton console seemingly come back to life. Especially in restoring this organ so that it could close-up. did the older fans enjoy the movies; they be heard again. no doubt relived earlier days. Many seg­ -Robert E. Ridgeway ments of old films from the silent era CONNECTICUT VALLEY were shown. Member Wayne Russell was CHICAGO AREA On Saturday, August 10, 1968, the A capacity audience greeted Hal Pearl Connecticut Valley Chapter was the at the Mont Clare Theatre on Thursday guest of Mr. and Mrs. Garo Ray at their evening, September 26, for a CATOE­ home in Orange. The console opened to sponsored pipe organ-silent film show. the membership at 2 p.m. and everyone CA TOE Chairman Bill Benedict greeted tried his hand at the unusual instrument the audience and explained details of the built by Garo Ray. 3 -10 Barton's restoration. Garo' s interest in the organ (classic) Hal's recent stint at the 1968 Demo­ began at age 16 at the American Uni­ cratic Convention provided the basis for versity of Istanbul. It was there that he the opening selections. These included heard his first pipe organ ( the only one the most popular runes played by Hal in Turkey) and decided that he would during the convenrion-"Happy Days some day have one in his own home. Are Here Again," "Minnesota" and "Step Eventually Garo came to this country to the Rear"- all featuring a liberal use and met with Harry Hall of the Hall of the percussions. The organ quieted Organ Company in 1939. Through this down to the soft strings and tibia as Hal acquaintance, Garo and Mr. Hall began proceeded directly into a Jesse Crawford designing an organ for Garo's home, and medley. Other selections included a Garo began building bits and pieces in Vienna waltz group and Shades of the the Hall factory. His first real break was Great Marches. Three silent films-W il­ when he was able to swap a record play­ LELAND LAY, pictured at the console of the Larry Bray Organ Loft Wurli. liam S. Hart's "The Ruse," Laurel and er for some pipes. Garo designed and

27 theatre organ bombarde built the organ as he progressed, consult­ worth Peterson, of Texas. Dr. Peterson We would certainly recommend a pro­ ing with Harry Hall and the organist at (Pete) holds a Master of Music degree gram of this type to other A TOE chap­ the American University of Istanbul, from Union Theological Seminary, ters. -Modine Gunch until the organ filled his home. where he majored in organ, studying October Meeting It was evident that if the organ with Dr. Robert Baker. was to grow any more, a new house Pete began with the Karg-Elert "Now On Saturday, Oct. 12, 1968, the Con­ was necessary, so he designed the Thank We All Our God," which has necticut Valley Chapter gathered at the present home around 8' C of the some difficult Pedal passages and could Hotel Weldon in Greenfield, Mass., for Great Spitzflute which stands double for storm and chase music. Next a social hour and dinner. Most of the prominently ( in the organ facade. was "Prelude," by Vierne. A Bach tran­ 40 members present had spent the after­ The organ, now three manuals with scription of the Vivaldi "Concerto in A noon enjoying the New England foliage 42 ranks, is built on the classic Minor" made the organ sound like a which was at its height that weekend. organ which makes it possible to chamber orchestra at times and made After dinner, Chairman Stillman Rice play popular music. Such ranks as use of the top octave of pedals. Another c o n d u c t e d the business meeting, an­ the Tibia, two Vox Humanas, many Bach piece was the "Symphonia Toccata nouncing the signing of the contract ranks of strings and colorful reeds, No. 156," followed by the "E-flat Major with the Thomaston Opera House Com­ a Xylophone and Cloches (Glocken­ Fugue," sometimes called the "St. Anne's mission for installing the chapter's 3-10 spiel) built entirely by Mr. Ray, Fugue" because the theme sounds a bit Marr & Colton. were most interesting, and we had like "O God Our Help in Ages Past," Following the business meeting, Gene the tune of which is called "St. Anne." Bowers presented an original film of Any question as to whether an three great organists ... Jesse Crawford, ATOE group would enjoy Bach Ann Leaf, and Don Baker. Jesse Craw­ were dispelled when the 7 0 members ford's arrangements of "Nocturne," present gave Pete an immediate "Rustle of Spring" and "Moonlight Re­ standing ovation with calls of minds Me of You" were enhanced by "Bravo" and "More." The Virgil appropriate views of nature, as were Ann Thomspon "Variations on a Sunday Leaf's "Liebestraum" and Don Baker's School Theme" which followed, "Largo" and "Londonderry Air." Good pokes fun at children trying to sing closeups of Don Baker's hands and feet the well-known song, and the Sun­ were shown during Mendelssohn's "Spin­ d a y-S cho o l pianist playing the ning Song" and "Tiger Rag." wrong harmony-on the Kinura, no Gene also show e d a movie he had less. One off-key section was on the made for a television program on the two V oxes, and another section was Garden Theatre 3-8 Marr & Colton OVERALL VIEW of Swell chest, showing Tuba, played entirely on the pedals. Dr. showing all the parts in action from Rohr Flute, Gedeckt and strings. Peterson concluded his recital with blower to percussions and shades. The the "Finale" of the Reubke "Sonata movie was very well done, with excellent fun with a nasty Kinura which was on the 94th Psalm." chamber photography and a few touches unenclosed and pla ya hie on the There was no doubt that everyone en­ of humor. pedal. Other unusual innovations by joyed the event and that we had heard The members then went to the Garo are a Hammond which plays a great organist playing great music on Garden Theatre where they found remotely from the console, and a an excellent classic instrument, and that Joe Nickerson, staff organist of unique tuning device which holds the group listened to Bach as intently as WWLP-TV warming up the 3-8 keys by remote control. they would have listened to Gershwin. Marr & Colton. Joe had been to the After a short business meeting, the group adjourned to local restaurants, then returned for the evening concert. Following a short description of the organ and Moller player attachment, Garo demonstrated his remote tuning de­ vice. Then Al Miller was called to the console and played a short medley of "Ain't She Sweet" and "When I Take My Sugar to Tea" which utilized the Kinura and Cloches. Joy Zublena followed with her ar­ rangement of "Fantasie Impromptu," which included both the finger-busting section and the well-known 'Tm Always Chasing Rainbows" theme. Al Miller then presented an automated slide show which featured pictures and recordings of organs and events of the 1968 National Convention, with running commentary. It was well done, and it made us all wish we had gone. Program Chairman Harold Weaver then introduced the guest artist, Dr. Ells- RAY LIVING ROOM shows musical interests of its owners. Organ is 3-m, 42-r, built by Mr. Ray.

december 1968 28 movie as a regular customer, and gorgeous instrument evenings during the diplomatically was no easy task. While had stayed on when he rnw the con­ summer season, bur once a year he is Eddie Buck assisted with registration sole being uncovered at the end of joined by a group that has come to par­ where needed, our leather-lunged Pro­ the movie. ticipate as well as listen. For several years gram Chairman Marshall Ladd scheduled Eleanor Weaver and Stillman Rice past, this two-chapter cooperative bash and announced the artists without benefit started the program with a reading has been growing in terms of available of a PA system. A vote of thanks is due of the verse of "Song of Peace" and talent, and this year-the tenth anniver­ both of these gentlemen for their un­ the playing of this piece as a tribute sary of the installation of this organ­ stinting efforts in controlling both the to the late Allen Strauss' efforts in brought forth nearly forty organists to situation and the instrument. restoring this excellent instrument supplant Mr. Buck's efforts. Although Tower Theatre Meeting which is somewhat unusual for its one resident of the hotel informed this size in that it contains a Post Horn. reporter that the organ was playing as Bob Lent and his loyal crew worked Chapter members Frank Manion, early as 8:00 a.m., the console was offi­ all night to get the Tower Theatre's Roger Whitehead, Stanley Wonsek, Bert cially opened at noon and remained so Wurlitzer in top condition for the con­ Clough ( who once installed for Wurlit­ for the next ten hours! Although this cert, but perhaps they should have been zer in the New England area) and Al may have taxed the blower and over­ laying the keel for the Ark instead! Miller. Joe Nickerson was called back worked the bartenders, it was to ATOE­ Saturday, October 19th, will be remem­ to the console to play a few more of his ers and their guests a tour-de-force of bered by residents of greater Philadel­ arrangements. talent ranging from the finest profes­ phia as the day we had over an inch As a grand finale, Everett Bassett ac­ sionals to talented kids whose parents of rain in the morning. In spite of this companied that Laurel and Hardy classic, were children when this organ was first heavy dew, we had a good representative "Two Tars," in which several automo­ built. turnout which included no less than nine organists in addition to house organist biles are reduced to piles of rubble, piece Time and space will certainly not per­ by piece. -Al Miller Bob Lent who brought up the console. mit mentioning all those who played, The organ was in beautiful condition but names known to enthusiasts every­ with the combination action once again where should be included. Principal in operation. In addition to the many among these was internationally famous people who had played this organ since Leroy Lewis and his long-time associate its recent restoration, some new names Ted Campbell, who had originally in­ were added to our talent list. Jan Carroll, stalled this very instrument which con­ Woody Flowers and Bill Schaber took tinues as a monument to their labors their turns at the console followed by some ten years prior to this day..___Leroy, Jim Brenemen who was taking time out who plays regularly in a nearby resort from his new military duties to try out area, took time out from his fabulous the Tower Wurlitzer. Shirley Hannum Hammondry to treat us to a few samples and Larry Roman enjoyed their first op­ of his showmanship. portunity to play a console which he had Jeff Barker, a young organist who ar­ not played for several years. The audi­ rived from England just a few years ago, ence was most appreciative as evidenced by their applause. BERT CLOUGH, ConnVal Chapter member who has become a summertime performer in once installed theatre organs for Wurlitzer, this resort area and gave us some out­ The Tower Theatre manager, Mr. Fred here holds down the console at the Garden standing examples of his highly rhythm­ Jones, arrived only in time for the final Theatre, Greenfield, Mass. ical and fantastically accurate style chords, but has already proved himself a typical of his talented countrymen. Larry loyal enthusiast by his gracious hospital­ DELAWARE VALLEY Ferrari, television and concert artist from ity to our club. Many thanks to him and the Phialdelphia area, exhibited his key­ to all those who prepared the organ and On September 15, 1968, a joint meet­ board artistry which has charmed organ attended this session to create a most ing sponsored by the Delaware Valley fans from his homebase all the way to enjoyable Saturday morning. We may Chapter (TOSDV, Inc.) and the New the Detroit Theatre Organ Club. consult the Farmer's Almanac before York Chapter of ATOE was held at the scheduling our next theatre meeting to hospitable Surf City Hotel in Surf City, Among others who have been heard try and avoid such uncooperative New Jersey. This famed hotel holds a at conventions and special concerts were weather. Three cheers for those who unique position in this seashore resort many names familiar to all of us. Lowell braved the storm! area in one respect that makes it particu­ Ayers once again demonstrated the im­ larly attractive to Theatre Organ Enthu­ peccable phrasing and registration which siasts. In the center of the hotel's attrac­ have made him a welcome addition to so KAW VALLEY tive oblong bar all eyes focus on a many conventions. To show that they The September meeting of Kaw Val­ beautiful three-manual Wurlitzer console have practiced what they teach, Al Her­ ley Chapter, Lawrence, Kansas, was a with Howard seat, while along the entire manns and Esther Higgins gave ample pleasant reunion of the members, as the wall on one side of this large room are evidence of the talents which back up group had not met since June. chambers containing 15 ranks of gleam­ their organ publications. Ed W eimers Chairman Luther Cortelyou's home ing polished pipes and complete percus­ and Garrett Paul displayed the benefits was the meeting place with 17 members sions. The entire contents of these to be derived from having organs ti.t and eight guests present. chambers featuring day-glo lighting can home, while Vi Egger, Barbara Fesmire After the minutes were read, the host be observed in operation by bar patrons, and Dottie MacClain gave solid evidence introduced the guests. since the entire "works" are enclosed in that there was an abundance of talent as glass with swell shutters across the tops well as charm among the ladies present. Mary Jane Miller, a professional or­ of the chambers. ganist from Kansas City, was guest artist. House organist Eddie Buck is the for­ Scheduling all these talents and man­ She presented a delightful and varied tunate fellow who gets to exercise this aging occupancy of the Howard seat concert of organ music which began

29 theatre organ bombarde with a medley of Gershwin tunes, con­ ladies only-men were not invited. both beautitul and h1lanous organ - at tinued with Spanish numbers, marches, The mysteries of the pipes unfolded one point describing a new stop-an religious compositions, classical and pop­ as unbelieveable talent commanded 8' paper bag. lovable, laughable Don, ular tunes. Some renditions were her the Console/ For democratic organi­ after giving a comedy routine: "It's own lovely, published arrangements. She zation we took 10 - minute stints at lonesome in the saddle since my horse displayed superb skill as she took advan­ the Console-an action which re­ died" or "I sat tall in the saddle till I tage of all the various voices and sounds quired a studied atempt to conquer broke my blister" etc., turned back to which can come from Luther's three­ the frivolous nature of the Haward the Console for some serious playing. manual Rodgers electronic organ. The Seat/ MARTHA LAKE, we need tips Unknown to him, as he began to play, concert was most entertaining and in­ on how to grace/ ully mount that seat Reiny activated the mechanized curtain, spirational. in a skirt/ closing Don and the Console from view. A lively open forum discussion period At 11 a.m. Saturday, October 26 Ever ready for an emergency, when he followed this hour of music. The whole the 2-m, 5-r Special B Wurlitzer at realized what the laughter was all about, afternoon was thoroughly enjoyed by all the Peterson residence was turned Don stretched as no one has ever who attended. off, and we boarded our chartered stretched before, we were treated to -Ida R. Jones bus for Bismarck, N.D. With Don one head ( the top at that) in the middle Secretary-Treasurer Taft and his accordion aboard there of a curtain and Don becomes the first was never a dull moment. After a headless organist. banquet in Bismarck we went to Elaine Franklin earned our admira­ LAND O'LAKES Ruby and Reiny Delzer's to turn on tion and special praise from Reiny Del­ the 4-21 Publix #1 Wurlitzer. zer. Byron Carlson was excellent. Others Imagine being poised over the organ Since an advance ta,sk force consist­ playing and deserving of complimentary keyboard, ready to play, when the pipes ing of George Hardenbergh, Harry adjectives were Don Peterson, Ed sing out-only you aren't causing it! Jorgenson and Clyde Olson had pre­ Borowiec, Claude Newman, John Zetter­ This was Don Taft's experience on Sun­ cede us, the organ purred through­ strom, Dr. Roland Matson, Al Schmitz day, September 29th when our meeting out our stay. The same was true of and Burton Frank. was held in the newly remodeled Minne­ Fran and Chuck Welch's 2-9 Marr apolis Auditorium. With Don at the Sunday morning we were at Fran and Colton across the street. Console of the 4-m, 21-or-23-r Theatre and Chuck Welch's Marr and Col­ Kimball, Clyde Olson beat him to the Reiny Delzer told us he had received ton. Don Peterson and Dr. Matson first notes at the Console of the 5-m a telegram from EDDIE DUNSTED­ competed for title of the Chapter's 136-r Classic, on the ocher side of the TER wishing us a good time! With that, Worst Organist but having the last large stage. Part of the afternoon the what could it be bur perfection? Our word, by virtue of this office, the organ was turned off for some repair list of performing organises is lengthy­ distinction is claimed by Yours work, but several members had a chance eliminating the opportunity of describ­ Truly. Taking turns at the organ to play. ing each talent appropriately with a in order of seating, and by elimi­ few exceptions . To enhance the fame of nating men, we heard Audrey Chairman Don Peterson held a short our Chapter we would like it to be Hoyme, Harriet Bateman and Alice business meeting. Auditorium Manager known that Bob Arndt of Keyboard En­ Tubbesing who, although she played Atwood Olson would like our Chapter to tertainment Products Co., is a member the organ later, at this point vocal­ assume the repair and maintenance of of our Chapter. His concerts on both ized, singing "Climb Every Moun­ the organ in exchange for the use of it. organs were outstanding. Clyde Olson tain" accompanied by Audrey Subjects such as cost of repairs and the more than did justice to these two won­ Hoyme. What a beautiful voice! need for insurance were discussed. The derful instruments. Don Taft _gave us Then the men took over. Chapter agreed we would like to assume the project if details can be worked out to mutual agreement. The subject will again be brought before the City Council for approval. Eng Hoyme agreed to be our official photographer. An Interim Meeting-Ladies' Night at the Pipe Organ From Chairman Peterson (a man): During the evening of October 15th the ladies of the Chapter held their first Ladies Nite meeting at the home of Lucy Peterson. The purpose of the meeting was to allow the ladies to play a pipe organ (2-5 Wurlitzer) without the help or comments usually experienced with the men present. About a dozen ladies took part-for some reason they did quite well with­ out us. Do you suppose there is a message here somewhere? From Sec­ retary Blegan (a lady): T hunderoits applause, bravos and standing ova­ LAND O' LAKES Chapter members smile happily on their return from trip to Bismarck, N.D., tions were the rule of order at our October 26-27, 1968. Reiny Delzer's 4-21 Publix and Chuck Welch's 2-9 Marr and Colton Ladies Nite at the Pipe Organ/ It was were features of the two-day bash.

december 1968 30 During the afternoon we kept both sions is expected to increase as famili­ Barton clarinet pipes and chests, please the Wurlitzer and Marr & Colton busy arity with the monster increases. contact Jim Brown or David Voydanoff. with members wandering back and forth Promotional activity for the Nov. 19 Our Friday night Organ Inter­ between the Delzer & Welch residences Richard Leibert evening concert at the ludes are going on at the Redford ( across the s tree t from each other) . Wiltern is now under way. Theatre, and they have been started Lance Johnson and Ernie Larson of the An agreement has been reached be­ at the Punch and Judy Theatre also, Red River Valley Chapter were with us. tween L.A. ATOE and the City of San with a very ~arm response. We had hoped more of their members Gabriel, California, whereby the city will Restoration at the Martha Mary Chap­ could join us. Lance played a most en­ accept the donation of the Style 260 el at Greenfield Village will be started joyable concert for us on the Wurlitzer. Wurlitzer from the RKO Albee Theatre rnmecime this winter under the direction Meanwhile, across the street, Alice in Brooklyn, N. Y. The L.A. Chapter will of Dave Brewer. Tubbesing sang several selections accom­ accomplish the removal, transport, reha­ panied by Byron Carlson. Both Alice and bilitation, installation, and maintenance NIAGARA FRONTIER Byron were absolutely magnificent. of the instrument in the Civic Audito­ It was with much reluctance that we rium, adjacent to historic San Gabriel On August 3, 1968, our ATOE club left these organs and the wonderful Mission. This will be the third theatre held its annual picnic at the home of Harold Hontz, Williamsville, N. Y. We warm hospitality of Fran & Chuck pipe organ to be maintained under the had a very good turnout of about sixty Welch and Ruby & Reiny Delzer, but cognizance of the chapter. See details we had one more pipe organ to hear. elsewhere in this issue. people. We enjoyed slides of the con­ On the way home we stopped for din­ -Philip Ray Bonner vention later, also organ music by some of our members, so a very nice time was ner at the Sweden House in Moorhead, had by all. Minnesota where we heard the Johnson Pipe Organ. This organ, built by Lance MOTOR CITY Our chapter has been fortunate Johnson of the Johnson Pipe Organ The September 29th program proved in being able to feature two of the Company, is portable (with much effort) co be an enjoyable eye - opener for the British Isles' "Favorite Sons" organ­ and is a 2-m, 5-r organ with a beautiful members of ATOE and their guests who ists-Frank Olsen and Don Knights console, also built by Lance. It has 5-inch weathered the temptation of mrning off - at the past two concerts, both wind pressure. The traps are solenoid op­ their alarm clocks and rolling over for held at the Riviera Theatre in North erated. Playing for us was Ralph Kratzer, 40 more winks. Tonawanda, N.Y. The exceptionally who is also Lance's Chief Engineer. "Doc" John Grune, 22 years old­ fine 3 -11 Wurlitzer is housed and maintained by Bill Hatzenbuhler Some very tired, but very happy young in age, but certainly not in musi­ cal ability - was the guest artist of the and crew. This instrument in the people arrived back in Minneapolis at near future will be augmented to 13 12:30 a.m. morning. "Doc," as he is called by his friends back home in Maywood, Illinois, ranks, plus piano and other percus­ -Irene Blegen sive instruments. One of the ranks Secretary has studied music since the age of e.1ght and all chose years of pr a cc ice really will be a Post Horn!! ! showed on Sunday morning. He played Many artists are featured on pipe or­ LOS ANGELES a very unique and interesting perform­ gans restored in theatres across the Unit­ ance of both "pop" and semi-classics. His The L.A. Chapter of ATOE was well ed States and ocher countries, but few represented at the 9th annual Home program ranged from the "Stars and are privileged co see their names in lights Organ Festival this past September at Stripes Forever" ( his opening selection), again on the marquee but when they are "The Second Time Around" ( dedicated Hoberg's Resort in Northern California. featured at the Riviera chis happens, be­ to our National Chairman Al Mason), Many friendships were established with cause of the complete cooperation be­ the "Sixth Ballet" from the opera "Faust," members of the Northern California tween Mr. Frank Guzzetta, manager of "Alfie" and many others. electronic organ clubs participating, and the well-kept house, and the N.F. with members of other ATOE chapters. Those of you who were able to reach Chapter. that alarm clock and not ward off the These concerts are open to the public, On Sunday morning, October 20, in temptation, you missed an excellent con­ which increases attendance, giving the Los Angeles members and guests enjoyed cert. "Doc" kept us so absorbed that we artists an extra "life" by playing to a a concert by young Jonas Nordwall of didn't even think to give a yawn. packed house. This wonderful attend­ Portland on the 4-manual, 3 7-rank Kim­ Two of our members of the Motor ance does not just happen; it is due to ball in the W iltern Theatre. This concert City Chapter have recently pur­ the generosi cy of many- the theatre was part of a Sunday double-header of chased pipe organs, Ed Lyon and management in allowing special posters organ club activity. In the afternoon Don Jenks. Welcome to the cluttered in the lobl::,y and outside facilities, ad­ members moved down Wilshire Boule­ basement group, gentlemen. vance ticket sales; advertising concerts in vard to the Elks Building for a jam ses­ Restoration on the Royal Oak The­ the theatre's regular daily advertising in sion on the 4-manual, 61-rank -Robert atre Barton pipe organ has started with the Buffalo Evening News, Buffalo Cour­ Morton. In addition to a number of par­ the help of David Voydanoff, Blen Rank, ier Express and Tonawanda News,- PLUS ticipating chapter members, the jam ses­ Raul and Robin Kline, Merton Harris, the generosity of the above mentioned sion attendees enjoyed hearing Mr. Steve Stephani, Al and Betty Mason, and many ocher suburban newspapers Nordwall again, plus the very young ( 12 along with Chairman Jim Brown and in the special events and music columns, years old) Ben Morris, and the well­ wife. The chambers are a mess and there PLUS the many radio stations too nu­ known English organist, Jeff Barker, vis­ is much cleaning up that has to be done merous to list in the Buffalo area, as well iting locally. before any real work can be started. One as in Ontario, Canada; PLUS the many The practice time arrangements for chamber has considerable water damage concert posters distributed throughout members on the 4-61 Morton have been and most of the pipes are beyond repair. the area in supermarkets, music stores, completed, and the program is in prog­ Replacement pipes and chests are being etc., by Publicity Chairman Randy Pi­ ress. Member participation in jam ses- rounded up. If anyone has a lead on any azza and his helpers; PLUS, last but not

31 theatre organ bombarde least, the handful of dedicated workers along with Editor Mildred Glass, who each month get together to put the Si­ lent Newsreel together. Wednesday, September 11, the day of Frank Olsen's concert, was anything but promising-heavy rains poured f rorn early morning till early evening, with flooding in many areas and many underpasses impassable. But by 7 p.m. a line had already formed at the Riviera The­ atre and became longer and longer as concert time approached. It was unbelievable that so many would brave the elements to hear an.: artist they did not know. Weath~r like this normally kills attendance at anything. The only answer must be that theatre organ mu~ic, silent movies , and the old sing - a - longs must offer what the public wants NIAGARA FRONTIER VISIT to the Wurlitzer Factory in North Tonawanda, N.Y., produced this today, if they will put up with the happy surprise for visiting English organist Don Knights. Left-to-right: Don Knights, Laura Thomas, discomfort and inconvenience of Irene Cole, Farny Wurlitzer, Belle Knights, and N . F. Chapter Chairman Wallace Cole. such weather to attend. little time was allowed for "un­ After a short introduction by Chapter POTOMAC VALLEY necessaries" such as either sleep or Chairman Bob Flierl, the spotlighted The September meeting was held at rest. That evening and the wee console rose from the pit with Frank the residence of Ruth and Wendell Hill hours, were taken up with "Meet Olsen at the controls, swinging a light­ in Silver Spring, Maryland. At the con­ the Knights" at the Thomas Studio, hearted arrangement of "Just a Wee sole of the 2-5 Marr & Colton was our where Don graciously performed on Doch-an-dorris, " and then on into his own Doug Bailey who thrilled the mem­ the gold and white console for the first number - "N eopolican Serenade." bers with tunes from the past when he many chapter members and friends. used to play this organ when it was in­ ( Also the opening number on his recent This is where it was found that Don recording album, "Paisley," on the Con­ stalled in the Hiser Theatre . was also a "swinger on the keys," cert Recording label.) The program con­ although he prefers the more con­ tinued with selections to please every­ servative type of music. PUGET SOUND one - from Bach to ragtime-many of our own favorites, but the s e 1e ct ion Early Wednesday morning ( the 9th) All signals were "Go'' when Chairman which stands out in our memory was the the Knights, Chapter Director Wally Russ Evans introduced Dick Schrum on "shut your eyes and almost see him at Cole, wife Irene and your reporter took Sunday, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m., beginning the console" original arrangement in the off for Ni agar a Falls, taking in both Dick 's wonderfully planned day of fun Crawford style of "Memories of You "­ American and Canadian sides. Previous and musical surprises. beautiful! arrangements had been made for a visit After an hour of concertizing on the to the Wurlitzer plant to meet with Mr. big ivory and gold Wurlitzer Publix Space does not permit listing all selec­ Famy Wurlitzer, a longtime dream of ( with added Post Horn--courtesy of Bill tions played-there were many; the au­ Don's. As always, Mr. Wurlitzer was a Bunch ) , Dick introduced the chorus dience loved him and gave a standing most gracious host, and he and Don rem­ from the Seattle Chapter of "Sweet Ade­ ovation. For the benefit of all the Olsen inisced of the glory days of theatre organ lines, Inc.," a local award-winning sing­ fans in the "Old Country" - he appar­ and organists in England. A complete ing group under the direction of Opal ently is kept quite as busy in the "New surprise to all was Mr. Wurlitzer's ar­ Hicks. Their five numbers proved why World"-continuing with teaching, con­ rangement for the company 's photogra­ they win awards! certs and as Minister of Music at the pher to take photos of the group with Central United Church in Port Colborne, himself - this indeed was a great honor Ontario, Canada. for the visitors, and a day they will long Saturday, September 21, Olsen was remember. heard again - this time at the Thomas Studio, where a large group had gathered That evening Don's program at the Riviera Theatre was a pleasure to all to celebrate four birthdays - Bill Hat­ zenbuhler, Wally Cole, Terry Peronne, musical tastes. They were more than and Fritzie - the 1at t er the Thomas' pleased, they gave him a standing ova­ tion and applauded for more. Again Dachshund, now nine years old. Again space does not permit listing all selec­ the 3 - 7 Wurlitzer - Marr & Colton re­ ceived a real workout. tions played. He finished his program with a most thrilli .ng rendition of "Bless Don and Belle Knights arrived at This House ." During the intermission the Buffalo International Airport and after the concert Don was kept busy Dick Schrum and Paul Killion early the evening of October 8, from autographing his "Viennese Knights " San Francisco, and be c au s e their album ( Concert Recording label ), made Dick was back at the console after the schedule was so very tight, very available in the lobby. gals finished , and we heard more of his

december 1968 32 well - arranged , magnificently presented three minutes over the allotted time­ A TOE stands for - the preservation of organ sound-with an added beat : Paul you were gently asked to "cut it down! " the wonderful organs of the past. Killion, drummer with the Blue Banjo The big night came on a pleasantly -Edith W. Maddy Dixieland Band . One needs only to con­ warm October evening. A tone cabinet sider the distance between musicians, had been set up , there were long lengths SIERRA about 30 feet, and the distance from of electrical cords attached to tape re­ chambers to musicians, to realize what a corders ( one recorded the entire pro­ For its first meeting of the Fall season, difficult accomplishment this was. But gram ). Then the auditorium began to Sierra Chapter "discovered " another the­ atre organ in its area. Forty-four mem­ the result was spectacular, a joy to listen fill up to the strains of good organ to, and masterfully done. All too soon music. Maddy introduced the seven, who bers and guests- the Raymond Taylor it was movietime! presented the program , with more or family drove all the way from San Mateo less truthful statements about each! -met in the main lodge room of the A luncheon meeting was held in Elks Club in Sacramento 's downtown. the Camlin Hotel's Cloud Room Even though the program did run over Though it had been known an organ was where the nominating committee the allotted time-noon-no one left the located there, only a couple of members announced candidates for 1969. auditorium until the last hard fact about had seen it. Chairman Evans led a hashing and theatre organs had been thoroughly pre­ Upon entering the large, ornate club­ rehashing of our current problems sented . room we found a beautiful 218 Wur­ -finding a home for our own 3-7 The following was the well - received litzer-Hope Jones Unit Orchestra . The Wurlitzer. Things are shaping up program: console , finished in mahogany, was nicely. HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PIPE located on a slightly raised dias just to After the business meeting everyone ORGAN-by Mrs. Milt Armstrong, the left as one entered the main door. adjourned to the Food Circus in the Se­ teacher and owner of one reed and A look at the steps revealed the follow­ attle Center. The huge building, closed two electronic organs . ing ranks: for the season, was opened by Dick for Bourdon 16, Diapason 8, Flute, Dul­ our group to hear and play the 3-8 Wur­ DISTINCTION OF CHURCH OR cet,, Salicet, Octave 4, Vox, Oboe and litzer installed there . The pipes, played STRAIGHT ORGAN VERSUS THEATRE Chimes. from a red-and-gold console, are installed ORGAN-prepared by Bob Castle and A large gold filigree - plaster screen high on the top balcony, using the shut­ Howard Hoffman and read by How­ covered the chamber opening located ters for a platform! The combination of ard Hoffman, instructor at the new high in one wall. The organ, installed no expression, the huge auditorium, and United Airlines school for pilots, and in June of 1926, is kept in excellent a jam session by such buffs as Bob Jones, very well illustrated by pictures and condition and the shallow chambers and Eddie Zollman, Sr., Ted Holmes, Bill sketches. large hall into which it speaks are tonally Hale, Bob Burke, Don Meyers, Don WHAT'S A THEATRE PIPE ORGAN? by ideal. French, Dan Adamson, and Dick, the Dick Lewis, owner of a local business October Meeting group was presented with a tremendous, as well as a Thomas organ . He is at big theatre organ sound which brought present installing a Marr-Colton in his It was a beautiful Fall day as Sierra to a close our memorable day of music. new home. Chapter members trekked the hundred miles from Sacramento to Hayward for CHARACTERISTIC UNIQUENESS OF their October meeting, which was called ROCKY MOUNTAIN THEATRE ORGAN-STYLE PLAYING­ to order shortly after noon by chairman by Joel Kremer, who owns his own Larry W eid. There were approximately There was a flurry of preparation business and has played the twin-con­ 50 people present including some Nor­ when our local chapter was requested by sole Wurlitzer for many years. He is Cal members and a few "outsiders ." Our the Denver Public Library to put on a now installing a pipe organ in his regular organist , George Seaver, had program about Theatre Pipe Organs . home in the Black Forest near Denver. been unable to make the trip at the last R. Maddy, chairman, met with the C. OLD ORGANS OF THE DENVER AREA minute so Larry called for volunteers. very helpful librarian to discuss electrical -by Edith Maddy, wife of R . C. Warren White "volunteered " and did connections for tape recorders, micro­ Maddy. Hopefully a writer; loves such a beautiful job at this most unusual phones, etc. Then a program was set up travel; stood around while husband organ that he was asked to return to the and a meeting called at which there was installed Wurlitzer 2-8 in their home. console later in the program. Clyde a discussion about the program and a Derby, master of the big Morton at the call for volunteers who would take the GREAT ORGANSOF OUR NATION-by Kenneth Tillotson, meteorologist at Carl Greer Inn, then showed us that a various assignments. The response was "little " organ in the hands of real talent Stapleton International Airport, who excellent and soon typewriters were can sound just as impressive as a big one. loves organs and has enough technical humming. Persons familiar with the dif­ Randy Warwick, a new member and a knowledge to appreciate them . ferent subjects were called upon for in­ student of organ at Sacramento State formation and were very helpful. Some LOCAL HOME INSTALLATIONS-by College, took third spot, followed by Bill of our professional organists, such as Mrs. Dick Lewis, who is also standing Taylor, Stu Boyer, and Barby Pharmer, Dick Hull and Bob Castle, were either by for an organ installation in her the group's youngest member. Barby on vacation or unable to be at the pro­ beautiful new home. Her paper was played a composition by Earl Pharmer, gram. But they were most cooperative in read by Mrs. Clayton Brinkmeyer. her great uncle . taking time to give material or pictures There were many enthusiastic com- To those who had been Pizza Joynt for those preparing papers. ments after the program with sugges­ guests on ocher occasions, the shadowy Then, several nights before the pro­ tions that the program be repeated else­ figure back in a corner looked very fa­ gram, a "dress rehearsal " was called to where. Our group felt they had given the miliar, and Larry's anouncement that Bill coordinate the showing of slides and of public a good picture of the important Langford would play for us brought a playing explanatory tapes with the features and innovations of the pipe loud round of applause as Bill climbed papers to be given. All this was timed to organ from the very beginning to the aboard "his" gold and white "locomo­ exact minutes-if your paper ran two or present, and an understanding of what tive," sounded the whistle, and was off

33 theatre organ bombarde down the track. I don't believe there's WOLVERINE anything Bill Langford can't do_ on a Our best wishes for a complete speedy pipe organ - ballads, schmaltz, Jazz - recovery go to our chairman, Ed Beck­ you name it and Bill will play it. I neyer man. Ed suffered a mild heart attack • again want to hear anyone say a p1~e recently . We surely hope he's up and organ can't play as [ast as ar:i electromc. around by this writing. Bill's fingers were l1terrally Just a blurr, Deepest sympathy and condolence they moved so fast. For an encoure, _Bi!l -~- goes to Helen Beckman, whose played his famous circus number. Th1_s1s ~ father passed away at the same time something you have to see to appreciate ~ ~ Ed was in the hospital, and at the ...... -percussions pounding, _toy c?un~er same hospital. The Beckmans have banging, calliope wailing, pian? ~mklmg certainly had their share of sorrow ~ I and colored lights flashing. This 1s really this past year. We're all behind you, a masterpiece of showmanship, and left Ed and Helen. TTT-a;rTTT us all breathless . Know of any two-manual consoles Our sincerest thanks to Bill and to looking for a home? Barry Rindhage is Carsten Henningsen, proud owner of this looking for one for his 5-rank-plus:harp Letters to the Editor concerning all unusual Wurlitzer, for a grand afternoon . unit organ. Incidentally, the organ 1s be­ aspects of the theatre organ hobby By the way, I wonder if any ,,theatre ing built by Barry himself . He 's interest­ are encouraged. Send them to the organ anywhere has as many at~a~h­ ed in either horseshoe or non-horseshoe editor concerned. Unless it's stated ments" as this one? The latest addmon style. If you know of any, Barry can be is a beautiful red and gold calliope. contacted at 4194 Janes Road, Saginaw, clearly on the letter rrnot for pub­ -Bob Longfield Michigan 48601. lication," the editors feel free to We have a new member, Mary reproduce it, in whole or part. Ellen Pensien of Bay City. Not only WESTERN RESERVE Address: P. 0. Box 2329 is she a very pert, attractive lass, Livonia, Michigan 4815 0 Member George Downes, Jr., reports but you should hear her do ''Spanish that there is a living, breathing, playing Harlem" on the Big Barton at the theatre organ in the Palace Theatre, 605 Temple Theatre. Glad you're with American Theatre Organ Enthusiasts Market, North Canton, Ohio. It is a Kil­ us, Mary Ellen. National Headquarters Member Barry Rindhage relates to us gen and was installed in 1926 when the Mr. Al Mason, President that before returning home for the sum­ theatre was built. Other details are lack­ Dear Al: ing, but George advises that he will get mer from Kendall School of Design in them shortly and let us know. The organ Grand Rapids, he managed to put a CORRECTION PLEASE! The cap­ was used recently for 10-minute concerts couple days work into a large residence tion under Bill Daulton 's picture in the before the movie Camelot, and George pipe organ there. The organ is a 2-27 current THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE reports that it sounded good from his Aeolian, built in 1913, specifically for (August 1968) credited Western Reserve balcony seat. the home and installed in two basement Chapter with the Bill Daulton Concert . chambers that play into the entrance George further reports that the I sincerely wish that this was the case hall. Then in 1924, four more ranks Stan Hywet Mansion in Akron has because this organ, artist, and concert were added for an echo division in the an organ installed in it that is used was something that any Theatre Organ library in the back of the house. The whenever there are tours through chapter would be honored to claim. the house. George has pictures of the organ has remained at 31 ranks since then . Besides being large for a home Please inform your readers that this console and also of one of the four concert was organized and promoted by pipe chambers. installation , it has a few unusual items in it. Among these are two roll players­ the Central Ohio Chapter of ATOE The Lorain Pallace Theatre manager, one in the console and a Duo-Art player Robert Ridgeway, chairman. Bob Tilton, needs organists in order to in a s~parate cabinet-a free-reed clari­ Carlos Parker and Tom Hamilton of keep the organ playing on we~kends. net, a five-rank string mixture and three Art Miller has moved out of this area the Central Ohio Chapter were respon­ Vox Humanas . .. one Vox in the echo, sible for organizing and heading up the and can no longer play the organ for the and the other two in another chamber. theatre. ANY VOLUNTEERS?Any would­ team that restored the Robert Morton One of these two is in a closed box, in Loew's Ohio (Columbus ), and also in be theatre organists in the groups that within the chamber. would like to give this a whirl please arranging the Roger Garrett and Bill The string mixture is a cornet, 1-8-12- Daulton concerts in this theatre. contact Bob or me, Dick Johnson. Pos­ 15 -17. The organ also has two celeste sibly we could work out a plan where ranks ofJdifferent strength, a full 61-note I would appreciate it if you would three or four people could alternate. In harp, an 2-S notes of chimes. The harp, publish this letter in the next THEATR~ any event, Bob wants to keep the organ chimes and echo division are all playable ORGAN publication so that proper credit playing and he needs help. from either keyboard, but the rest of the be given where it is due-to the CEN­ We would also like to get this installa­ organ is straight with a foll array of TRALOmo CHAPTER,American Theatre tion in playing shape for a concert-silent couplers. . Organ Enthusiasts. movie or what-have-you. This is our only The pipework isn't of the wide-scale Thank you, theatre installation left in this area and as was typical around the time of its Richard E. Johnson, Chairman it would be great to get it in first class building . A variety of types of pipe con­ Western Reserve Chapter ATOE condition for the Chapter 's and the the­ struction exists in this instrument in­ 241 Brandt Avenue atre 's use. We will welcome volunteers cluding stopped and open wood, stopped Amhurst, Ohio 44001 or suggestions for getting a group started and open metal, free reed, capped and on a regular maintenance and restoration half-capped reeds, open reeds, a tapered Editor 's Note: We apologize to the program. -Dick Johnson string, and a conical diapason . Central Ohio Chapter. december 1968 34 Attention: The Editors plans were put aside, as well as the organ Gentlemen: which had been contemplated. As one who has saved all ATOE pub­ To quote Dr . Palmer, "As I recall, the lications from the first issue of Th e Tibi a deposrr on the organ was forfeited. ClassifiedAds onward, I am pleased to note the many More's the pity . Too bad his plans didn't improvements in both quality and quan­ materialize! " I would say that B. J. Palm­ FOR SALE-WURLITZER 3-9 plus harp, tity of published material. er was an organ enthusiast who thought big . He also was a pioneer in broadcast­ walnut horseshoe. Currently used. Available There is one area where we have ing , having the first radio station west February 1969. CENTRAL BAPTIST slipped backwards , however , and that is CHURCH, Box 2024, Decatur, Alabama of the Mississippi, WOC ( "Wonders Of 35601. in the present lack of index or table of Chiropractic ") . WOC remains the sec­ FOR SALE - Two harp stops - Marimba contents. When searching for an article ond-oldest licensed station in the coun­ or subject in back issues, it is frustrating (wood ), Regular (tubes ) , each $100; Tibia try, having been granted its call letters set $1 50; 1 HP blower less motor $60 ; Wur­ and ti m e -cons um i n g to have to go only three months after KDKA, Pitts­ litzer bass drum $50; Unit Bourdon (97 through several dozen magazines page by burgh , received its assignment. Gover­ pipes ) $225. Crating and shipping extra. page . Features such as shipment lists, REC, 3055 - 16th N .W., Apt . 102, Wash­ nor Ronald Reagan got his first job after ington, D .C. 20009. technical articles, and even record re­ graduation in 1932 as a radio sportscast­ views are of lasting interest and are not er for woe. FOR SALE-New REGINALD FOORTThe­ being adequately headlined by the occa­ atre Organ Arrangements: Light Cavalry sional blurbs on the cover. Surely a cou­ Looking back, we can conclude that O\erture (1 5 pages, advanced ) $1.50; Flight they chiro-practically had an organ . ... of the Bumblebee ( 8 pages, advanced) $1.00. ple inches of space could be spared in Also, Trisch-Trasch Polka by Johann Strauss some consistent location for a table of -Dr. Edward J. Mullins ( 10 page concert arrangement by A. Cap­ contents. CATOE, Chicago Chapter pelli , advanced ) $ 1.00. Include 25c for handling and postage. CAPPELLI PRODUC­ Keep up the good work, and here's b b TIONS , P.O. Box 186, River Forest, Illinois for a bigger and better indexed maga- Editor Theatre Organ 60305. zine! Dear George: WANTED-Any make 3-manual horseshoe Very truly yours, console for 10 or 11 rank theatre organ being John C. Scott At last I have located a source that installed in civic auditorium . CONNECTI­ will reproduce the brass Wurlitzer name CUT THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY, INC. plates . These are engraved and have the Old Litchfield Turnpike , Bethany , Connecti­ See page 3 of this issue for the De­ black, red, and green paint in the en­ cut 065 25. cember 1968 Table of Contents (IN graved areas. They so closely match the FOR SALE- ROBERT-MORTON - 2-8 - THIS ISSUE); this will be a regular originals as to be exact duplicates. VERY GOOD CONDITION. Recently dis­ feature in the future. A general mantled for an operatin g home installation INDEX to THEATRE ORGAN BoM­ While in Kansas City, Missouri, lately, ( 220 volt single-phase, 5 HP ) and profes­ BARDE,v ol. 10, 1968 - compiled by I saw a couple of the reproductions and sionally crated for shipment anywhere . Sep­ arate parts NOT for sale. Serious party call Marilyn Schrum-appears on page 19. was amazed . Interested members can se­ cure the brass name plates for $6 apiece 805-96 4-3078, Santa Barbara , Calif . from Dave Weaver and Bob Wilson, FOR SALE-Allen-Detroit has the last avail­ 5111 Tracy, Kansas City, Missouri 64110 . able copies of the famous Edwin Evans Organ These are two of our members who have Transcriptions of Orchestra 1 Overtures . Tschaikowsky's "181 2," "Zampa ," "Poet and a beautiful style F in their living room American Theatre Organ Enthusiasts Peasant ," "Light Cavalry" and many others. which has been remodeled to look like a ~end self-addressed stamped envelope for c/ o The Editor theater lobby. FANTASTIC! complete listing and prices. Very limited sup­ ply. ALLEN ORGANS , 1509 Broadway , De­ An item in "Nuggets from the Gold Sincerely yours troit, Michigan 48226. en Days," August '68 issue of THEATRE JUDD WALTON ORGAN B0MBARDE, regarding a 1924 FOR SALE-WURLITZER 3-14 Style 260 with piano , Pizzicato touch , Sleigh Bells, Diapason article about plans for a six­ - NOTICE- Wood Harp, Brass Trumpet . GOOD CON­ manual organ for the Kindt Theatre in DITION but needs releathering and cut wir­ STATEMENTOf OWNUSHII' , t':~"!i.:,:.= , •_;:,:,.,:;•- __ MANAGEMENT ANO CUtCULATION ,..,. ,.,,, c •• ,. ... ,....,k,,_ --• ...... ,. Davenport, Iowa, prompted me to inves­ IA11,{ _ n 11161. s,,,,,.• ..,69 T od,,. t•,...Jf,.,..,c_,, _ .,., ,1 ing redone . Make offer. BILL KALTRIDER , tigate further. The organ was being pur­ 121 So. Washington, Owosso, Michigan , fil- MQNTiil,y 488 67. • LOC• -0,--0, - ,u,,-(S,,.., ,_, _ , ,, - a,,..,, chased by the son of the founder of 12258 12th AYll. N. W. 1 chiropractic treatment, namely Dr. B. J. J 1 57'+-} EOORWOOO DRIVE LIVONIA MICHinAN 481 ~ FOR SALE Books : Whitworth 's Cinema and I ••••·•••U • NO A- UU Of "lllll5N U . I DIIOI . AHO M,0.NIIOING HllfOII Theatr e Organs $15.00 . Wurl itzer Hope -Jones Palmer. - mRI~nlBATRE ORGANErmrusIAsTS I NC. ( ADDRE:SsSAME As ,s> 1 Unit Orchestra $3.95. Wurl itzer Unit Organs GEORGE THOMPSON 79} FJ:HO VALLEY ROAD SALINAS CAL. 93901 Dr. David D. Palmer , president of the TOH JU.ASA 4-529 N. E. 1 1t h SEAT'IL E WASHINGTON 98105 $4.50. W urlitzer Th eatre Organ Fact Book , Palmer College of Chiropractic in Dav­ $2.00 . Audsley 's Art of Organ Build ing, two volumes , $15. Postpaid. ORGAN LITERA­ enport, Iowa, was kind enough to inform TURE FOUNDATION , Nashua , N . H. me the outcome of these plans. The new 03060. auditorium his father planned to build FOR SALE: 1 ½ hp . Spencer Blower , 3- in 1925 to serve the college and the city phase, 220-volt; pressure: 11 inches static, 9 was to occupy a space 180 feet by 300 • fOII COWl fTIOH I Y ~T a.Gt.MU.nONI t.Uf-ll O TO _._ t. IC6o<' - ll.t.Tt l (Sn- IJl./11. hwJ "'--' ) inches for 7 ranks. $50.00. BILL HAYS, 783 feet and have a seating capacity of 8,000, ,__7 ·' 111·· ·· -- · -, - .. , ... __ (ll::::."- .::4, □,,, .. ~- ~•. , ,.,.,..t,_ ,1, .....,.. Charlesina, Rochester, Michigan 4806 3. at a cost of about $750,000. FOR SALE: 4-20 Publix #1 Wurlitzer , fea­ It was to contain ( at that time) the tured in the 1967 Detroit Convention . Voxes replaced by Post Horns! Write : BILL HOL­ largest pipe organ in the world, which LEMAN, c/o ATOE, Box 2329 Livonia, was the six - manual instrument being ~. 512 ~ 598 Michigan 48150 . built by the Aeolian Co. at a cost of ~ 512 J 598 $200,000. Because of a number of cir­ FOR SALE, Wurlitzer 8' Harmonic Tuba, 15" wind , 73 pipes . Good condition . $150.00. cumstances that occurred following this R. E. DOWNER , 1274 36th Ave., San Fran­ publicity and decision, the auditorium cisco, Calif . 94122.

35 theatre organ bombarde t.

■ Three 61-note keyboards ■ Sweet singing tibias; decorous diapasons; delicate strings; ■ 32-note concave and radiating BEHOLD! sonorous reeds; biting brass pedal board ■ Piano ■ Harpsichord THE EXCITING ALL NEW ■ Double Touch Combinatit,n Action ■ Harp ■ Carillon ■ Organ Mute ■ Sforzando ■ Tambourine ■ Cymbal ■ Reverberation ■ Bass Drum ■ Chinese Block ■ Magnetic Pedal Keying ■ Metal Bar Glockenspiel ~io ■ Home Entertainment Center : Stereo Headphones/ Instant Tape Slide onto the bench and get acquainted Replay with that big beautiful sound that wraps For the name of your nearest Rodgers Trio dealer, write: itself all around you. RODGERS ORGAN COMPANY, 1300 N.E. 25th Ave. 1300 N.E. 25th Ave./ Hfllsboro, Oregon 97123