ATOS ABCIIIVES/ LIB RARY WINTER. 1960-'61 ealre organ JOURNALOF THEAMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF THEATREORGAN ENTHUSIASTS

Charles F. Smith and one of last F. W. Smith & Son organs bui It. See page 5.

Also in this Issue: ~~aM,lfll®~/" WURLITZER LIST • CHAPTER NEWS • Letters from Readers .., .·~"""".

the Hiser theatre in Bethesda until CHAPTER last fall. It has been completely re­ conditioned and ins _talled by Bob White; ACTIVITIES with the assistance of Darrell Stuckey. l)arrell was the featured organist at NEW PUGET SOUND the January 22 meeting. CHAPTER ORGANIZED. On the evening of December 10, the Potomac Valley Chapter held its first On Tuesday evening, December 27, Baltimore meeting in the State Theatre, a number of A.T.O.E. members as­ with an excellent turnout of members sembled at the Mt. Baker Theatre in and friends. The Jrogram was opened Bellingham, Wash., and voted to form by guest organist Warren Glock, of the Puget Sound Chapt~r. Baltimore. He was followed by mem­ Then Andy Crow at the console of pers Jimmy Boyce and Darrell Stuckey. the Wurlitzer iresented a program in- Volunteers then provided the music fer the re st of the night. Chairman McAuliffe expresses the Chapter's thanks to White, Stuckey, J,oyce, and (;harles McClelland fer the many hows put int_o the j.ob of recon­ ditioning and , tuning th.e State Theatre Wurlitzer, and to Manager Timmy Ro­ sen~erger and his assistants, who wrre on hand "until the last note was played, to take care of the lighting, etc., and to see that everything was done to make the meeting a success." Manager Rosenberger, says McAul­ iffe, will irovide time on any evening ~ ~~-~ fer an organ interlude. POTOMAC VALLeY CONNECTICUT A meeting was held on Sunday afternoon, January 21, in the home of On November 25, at 11:30 p.m., a Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Hill,Silver SJring, group of about 100 specially invited Md. The Hills' OI:gan, according to organ enthusiasts gathered at the Al­ lyn Theatre in Hartford f oc a concert Andy Crow at console. John J. McAuliffe, Chapter chairman, is the 2,n Marr & Colton that was in ( Turn to page 13) eluding, among others, these numbers: CHAPTER CHAIRMEN AND SECRETARIES "Veradero," "Edelma," "Autumn Leaves", "Yours", "I've Got the Delaware Valley World on- a String", "My Happiness", Chairman - Richard Loderhose, 84-25 Radnor, J amica, Long Island, N .Y. "Love Is Here to Stay", "Granada", Secretary - Don Reichert, 27 Alice Lane, Clark, New Jersey "Jingle Bells", and "White Christ­ Northern California mas .u Chairman - Francis Aebi, 537 Brookside Dr., Richmond 10, Calif. The Chapter members especially Secretary - Frank E. Bronson, 2545 Alameda St., Vallejo, Calif. thank Fox-Evergreen and Leroy Kasher Potomac Valley for the use d the theatre. Chairman - J. J. McAuliffe, Rt. l, Box 331, Oakton, Va. Sec.-Treas. - Mrs. Louise Bartlett, P. O. Box 67, Oakton, Va. Niagara l=rontier Chairman - Myron Limburg, 76 Dexter Terrace, Tonawanda, N.Y. Secretary - Laura Thomas, 3534 Bowen Road, Lancester, N.Y. Mid-West Chairman - Kay McAbee, High Road R-3, Lockport, Ill. Secretary - John Seng, c/o Jack Gibbs, 7333 N. Bell Ave., Chicago 45, Ill. Land O'Lakes Chairman - Byron Carlson, 4132 Oakland Ave., Minneapolis 7, Minn. Secretary - Donald R. Taft, 5309 Bernard Ave., N., Minneapolis 22, Minn. Ohio Valley Chairman - Herbert C. Wottle, 2846 Madison Road, Cincinnati 9, Ohio Secretary - Joan A. Wottle ( same address) Dallas Chairman 8ruce Jacobson and Chairman - Walter Kuehne, 4106 South Better, Dallas, Texas Secretary M. H. Strickland Jr., of Secretary - E.W. Johnson Jr., 5436 Glenwick Lane, Dallas, Texas Puget Sound Chapter. Connecticut LAND O'LAKES Chairman - Allen R. Miller, 383 Forbes St., East Hartford 8, Conn. Secretary - Joseph M. Tobin, 1565 Blvd., West Hartford, Conn. A business session of the Land O'Lakes Chapter was held early in Puget Sound January in the home of He):bert Dunk­ Chairman - Bruce R. Jacobson, 930 Indian St., Bellingham, Wash. ley, in Minneapolis. Howeve 'r, because Secretary - M. H. Strickland Jr., P. O. Box 457, Bellingham, Wash. Herb has a fine collection of organ Eastern Massachusetts records and an unusual Artisan elec­ Chairman - Al Winslow, 1 Fairbanks Rd., Foxboro, Mass. tronic theatre organ, the ~eeting was Secretary - Bob Thompson, 9 Gardner Rd., Norwood, Mass. not all business! ' 2 theatre organ P@~..... ATO_ S AIIIOB•vES/ LIBRARY WINTER, 1960-'61. VOL. 2, NO. 4 theatre organ

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF THEATRE ORGAN ENTHUSIASTS

l THEEDITOR NOTES ... we drift back in time to a moment 1 A.T.O.E. when we were joyfully happy. We -4 REMEMBER? may do this in an easy manner, an President's Column effortless trip into an enchanted Chapter Activities 2 Many a bold slogan, many a fa­ land. Unless it at one time lived Wurlitzer List 12 mous line, and many a tender love in the heart of a man, no memory Letters 1-4 song begin with something to re­ is possible. member. Battles have been fought, Each of us is today the sum to­ ARTICLES wars started, and much violence tal of all his yesterdays. We can has persisted because of unwill­ omit none, we may acquire no Smith & Son Organs 5 ingness to forget. To most of us, others. If these yesterdays once Richmond ( Va.) Organs 10 to remember is not to recall alone. were happy todays, then their It includes recalling with a pur­ memories are recreated joy. If one pose, with feeling. The feeling cannot recall the past without the that accompanies the memory es­ intrusion . of unhappy thoughts A.T.O.E. Membership - $-4.00 per tablishes its outcome. then he knows again a sad tcday. year includes subscription to Occasionally something dramat­ With the passing of time go friends THEATRE ORGAN. ic appears that catches the imagin­ and moments that one would have ation of multitudes. This event can live on focever. If one can say to A.T.O.E. HONORARY MEMSERS be a · solo flight across the Atlan­ himself, in whole truth, that he 1959 • Jesse Crawford tic. A hero overnight is taken into did what he could on that occasion 1960 - Farny Wurlitzer the hearts of much of the world and to make a life happier, lighter, or easier; then he is rewarded again. forever remains, dimmed only To stand in this position, one slightly by the solo flight of Time. Editor ...... Ralph M. Bell, M.D. An archduke may be murdered and must live today. He must take the hand that friendship extends to Associate Editor .. Robert Jacobus start a war that embroils the en­ him now. He must say the com - Production Manager •. Phi I Lockwood tire world. Yet most of the world's Advertising Manager . . Dewey Cog le happenings, even those that cap­ forting word while the ear still can ture for a moment, i:nss into his­ hear it; he must bestow the kiss 4438 Camden St. Oakland, California tory or into oblivion. while the lips are sweetly warm. Seldom, indeed, do we, as a Memories of lost opportunities STAFF FOR A.T.O.E. people, see events clearly enough will be with us always. Always -we President ...... Judd Wa Iton to permit our recognizing their val­ shall be able to look back and see a path taken in error. For someone Vice President .... W. Tiny James ue at once. We are inclined more Secretary-Treasurer .. Mrs. Ida James to watch and wait until the sands who is now beyond our reach we of time have sifted and we shall shall review moments we could have brightened. We look focward see what history has destined. THEATRE ORGAN is a quarterly Moods are recalled with greater to great things. We shall make res­ titutions for our thoughtless acts publication devoted to the interests fidelity than events. One remem­ of theatre organ enthusiasts, and to bers that a scene was breath tak­ then. We may reflect images of the publishing of official notes and pro• ing, or that music was magnificent, past in which we failed, when we ceedings of the American Associa­ or that a performance was inspired. withheld the effort needed to make tion of Theatre Organ Enthusiasts , Or one recollects that he was the image pleasant. No matter how Al I communications and material angered, hurt, or disappointed. one counts his time, he lives only should be sent to THEATRE ORGAN, Time will fade brilliant colors, today. He may relive parts of yes­ P.O. Box 167, Vallejo ·, California. terdays, adding their ingredients Inquires and all materials intenc:Jed erode sharp peaks, and smooth out for A.T.O.E should be directed to a landscape. It does the same to again into the events of today. But the ab.oy.e a.ddress and wi 11 be cor• our memories. A mountain is still the kind word is spoken now or rectly ro·uted to the proper office. a mountain, even though some of not at all. The hand not clasped it becomes the valley beneath. A now is rejected. In memory only THEATRE ORGAN (title registered forest is still a forest while many can one reach back into the inst. U.S. Patent Office) is published by of its trees rot at the feet of others. In action today one stores memories the American Association of Theatre Flowers wither irtt o dust. Other for tomorrow with happiness. This Organ Enthusiasts, P!es ident George flowers bloom with the next ~1-ring, he can share forever without dim­ D.Walton,227TexasStreet, Vallejo, inishing its pleasure to give er to (:a I ifornia. Al I rights reserved. En• ~1r<.; again the air is a perfumed tire contents copyright 1960 by zephyr. receive. A. T .O.E ., Incorporated. Memories are the stuff of which Of Myself, Abraham Cowley said: dreams and poetry are made. For I would not fear nor wish my POSTMASTER: If undeliverable send the benefit of our present needs fate, But boldly say each night, Form 3547 to THEATRE ORGAN, we recall the moods of the past. P. 0. Box 16 7, Va 11e j o, Ca I i for n i a • As an excuse for venting our anger, Tomorrow let my sun his we recall unrevenged sufferings. beams display, Or in clouds Second Class Permit paid at Vallejo, With enough misery for the present, hide them,· I have lived today. Ca I ifornia. 3 Winter 1 1960-61 THE COLUMN

OURRESPONSIBILITIES

In the early days of A.T.O.E., when many Theatre Organ Enthusiasts were discovering the organization for the first time, we received many, many letters which all contained a phrase identical in meaning, if not in exact wording: "I thought I was the only one in the whole world who still loved the theatre organ . " Practically all of the writers went on to express their de­ light at discovery of A.T.O.E. and fellow hobbiests with whom to share their interests. As a matter of fact, we still receive many such letters from long­ lost enthusiasts just now finding their way out of solitary confinement! The point is that it is in the sharing th at one finds the realization of true enjoyment. Sharing, however, can appear in many forms. Chapter Meetings, unexpected · calls from visiting enthusiasts "just traveling through and I won­ dered if I might stop by'', correspondence, playing and listening to an organ, collecting old records or purchasing pew releases, installing a pipe organ in your home - "it won't take up much room, honey, and I can get it for practical­ ly nothing" -- these are all forms of sharing our mutually enjoyable hobby. The visits, the music, the work and the grime are all part and parcel of good times -- but without sharing,it becomes less appealing and sometimes point­ less. Another form of sharing that is of vital importance to all of us who enjoy the activities of A.T.O.E. and its Chapters - or any other similar organiza­ tion, for that matter -- is SERVING! A recent study made in the Pacific North­ west revealed that less than 1% of the members of all organizations surveyed were willing to SERVE their organizations. The members simply did not want to share the responsibility of carrying on the very activities which they as members enjoyed. A.T.O.E. is not exempt from this law of human behavior. ( Would that it could be repealed!). We have learned that some of our Chapters have had We are pleased to report that as difficulty in electing new officers to direct their activities. This is indeed a result of our last column state­ regrettable, and we may consider ourselves very fortunate to have had the ment, and help from ads in The volunteer services of so many fine people, past and iresent! American Organist and The Dia­ pason, our membership has now As my second and final term draws to a close, these matters have come passed the 900 mark. This in­ into focus more clearly. On the one hand I will be glad to be relieved of my sures the continued success of duties and perhaps then spend more time on my own organ project. ( Who A.T.O.E. and Theatre Organ. knows, I may some day even get it completed, al though perhaps secretly A.T.O.E. Membership is Four hoping I won't!'!) On the other hand, however, I mu st be concerned that my Dollars per year, and includes a successor will carry on the duties and responsibilities of the office. I am re-assured as (assess the possible candidates, knowing that among them are subscription to Theatre Organ, none who would assume the duties and shirk the resp:msibilities. for the four issues produced for that fiscal year. 1960 members So even in our hobby -- in our fellows hip and our fun, we must look to wi II receive ·the four issues of the future and OUR part in making the theatre organ a lasting hobby. For Volume II, and 1961 members; after all, there is only one person who can really guarantee that the theatre wi II receive the four issues of organ will never die; who .!lli!fil.give it the time and the attention and love it Volume 111, etc. Membership must have to nourish it -- and that person is the one now sitting in your subscriptions do not start with chair! the "current issue", but are re­ troactive to the first issue of the SEE PAGE 10 FOR ANNUAL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT year in which membership is paid,. 4 theatre organ THE SMITH UNIT 0/?GANS

By Douglas Marion F. W. Smith, designer and inventor, playing a Can you imagine how a Model T buff of today, perhaps born several three manual Smith Unit Organ. years after the last such car was built, would feel if he could meet the late Henry Ford? Or even be able to be in quite complex and interesting, taking gans for theatres were built with relay the shop where the first Model T was on many names in combination with and chest primaries, and those for built? Such was my feeling when I met Smith. churches were built without primaries. Charles F. Smith, son of Frederick W. In 1917, Smith combined forces The price differential was about 10%. Smith, founder of the SMITH ORGAN with the J. P. Seeburg Company,, and Pipes were never made by this firm, COMP ANY. Such an opportunity is the plant was moved to 419 West Erie, but were purchased fromGottfied ( reeds) rare indeed, and perhaps I can extend Chicago, Ill. Thus the famed Seeburg­ and from Samuel Pierce, Reading, to you through the medium of the print­ Smith got its name. Then in 1922, See­ Mass., ( flues) , now known as Denni­ ed page some of the thrill that I ex­ burg's interest was p.irchased by s on. Percussions were from ,Lyon & perienced on this occasion! Mr. Harry Hogan, and the operation was Healy of Chicago and Deagan and Keh­ But first, Charlie's story. His dad, moved to Geneva, Ill. It was then that ler. Actually constructed, therefore, F .W. Smith, who p:issedaway in 1948, was the organs were called Geneva-Smith were the ccnsoles, relays, chests, re­ an Englishman who was an ct' gan build­ Unit Organs. servoirs, actions and other appurten­ er in 1892 when he met Robert Hope­ Smith separated himself from this ances. J ones in England. They combined partnership after a few years, and Charl ie Smith estimates that about forces at the Birkenhead shop, and moved to Alameda, California, in No­ 1000 instruments were made and sold later, in 1903, Smith came to America. vember of 1923. He established the during the companies' career, mostly He associated himse If with Erne st M. Smith Organ Company, assuming the theatre organs. They were designed Skinner as designer, and it was Smith original company name for the operation. for 8 and 10 inch pressure. A complete who, in 1905, first conceived the horse­ Some ci the organs produced in Alame­ list of installations does not exi ·st, shoe-shaped console arrangement of da by Smith were sold by the Leather­ although a p:irt ial list is included here. the stop tabs. by Company of San Francisco, and these Char lie has continued in the organ It was during this association that were called Leatherby-Smith Organs. game ever since the close of the busi­ Hope-Jones said of his friend and col­ Finally, in 1924, Smith sent for his ness in Alameda, except during the laborator, "The man at the head of son Charles, who joined his father in last World War. He has rebuilt many our building department is Mr. F. W. a partnership called F. W. Smith and cxgans in the Bay Area, and continues Smith, than whom there is not a more Son at the Alameda location. There his regular service work today. He has skilled or scientific organ builder in the operation continued until the com­ all of the factory drawings, ratent pa­ America. Mr. Smith has been closely• pany ceased activity entirely in early pers, tools, catalogues, and corresp:>n­ associated with me for many years." 1928. This, then, accounts for the dence in his possession and this is In 1912, Smith established his own many names found on the Smith Organs. fantastically interesting reading! He organ business at Ncxth Tonawanda, Basically, the Smith crgan construc­ still makes switches, valves, pneuma­ N. Y., -which he called The Smith Or­ tion did not change even though busi­ tics, and relay parts for Smith ocgans. gan Co., Inc. His µoduct was called ness relationships did. The chests * Small chests holding one rank were ''THE SMITH ORCHESTRAL ORGAN." were built with a side-mounted pieu­ commonly used; three ranks was the From that date on, the chronological matic which opens the pipe valve on maximum size bui It. They are very development of the Smith Organ is the old Roosevelt Chest pattern.* Or- compact. Winter, 1960-61 5 It was he who finally convinced his Smith THEATRE ORGAN still lives father to give up making the Smith Mag­ today through the eff octs and devotion net ( which ~ave trouble due to its of Cha,die Smith. Persons interested slow operation) and to adort the Reis­ can contact Charlie by writing to him -ner Magnet, used in all of the com­ at 1295-78th Ave., Oakland California. panies, later work. He still makes I g'ive you Charles Frederic Smith , t'hests foe Smith organs on order. an organ factcry worker at 12, drafts­ In other wocds, in a real sense, the man at 17, general organ building su­ perintendent, installer, builder and all­ around fine fellow! PARTIAL LIST OF SMITH ORGANS Pennsylvania California Shiloh Orpheum Oakland Mt. Washington Metropolitan Garden Burlingame Pittsburg Frederick Golden Gate Theatre Oakland East Pittsburg Bison Lincoln San Francisco Brownsville Wick Orpheum San Rafael Kittaning Bellevue l;t Cong. Church Oakland X Bellevue California Iris 1he largest Smith bui It was this tour Pittsburg V and er gr if t manual installed in Forest Hill Theatre, Turlock Sedler Turlock East Pittsburg Long Island City, New York ( see next Verdi Charles Johns Republic San Francisco Venango page). Smith Organs had the stops ar­ Piedmont Piedmont Oil City ranged by family, i.e., Sourdon 16', Orpheum Franklin Flute 8', Flute 4, Twelfth 2-2;2', Pic­ ( Oakland) Main Art Gallery Coronado Sharpsburg colo 2' fol lowed by perhaps String 8', Grant String 4', rather than the usual group­ Pasadena Pasadena Millville Braddock ings of a II 8' stops together in order of Liberty Fort Bragg Braddock Hotel Leamington Reg~nr" Beaver Falls their loudness, followed by the 4' Oakland stops, etc. Hippodrome Wm. Penn New Castle Napa Majestic Glendora Glendora Rochester Virg .inia A. S. Maple Point Marion Christian Sci. Church Oakland X Olympic Portsmouth Beedle and Sons Cannons burg Egyptian Long Beach America Norfolk Stahl Homestead United Eagle Rock Wells Norfolk Grand Butler New Fruitvale Oakland Granby Norfolk Lyric Butler Home Long Beach Polk Bijou Richmond Hayward Hayward Mt. Washington Smith United Anaheim Greenfield Indiana 15th St. M. E. Church Oakland Grand Greensburg Brown Brooklyn Washington Richmond New York Elliott Elliott Rialto Indianapolis Sourwine West Chester Mt. Vernon Strand Greensburg Brazil Riviera 34th Street New York City Eagle Jeanette Anderson La Salle R. Catholic Church Buffalo Liberty McKeesport South Bend Superior New York City Castle South Bend Illinois Orpheum Belmont New York City Elkhart Lincoln Goshen Strand New York City New President Chicago Alhambra Indianapolis Cosmo New York City Swedish Church Chicago Luna Lafayette Plaza New York City Biltmore Chicago Mars Lafayette De Laney New York City Brookline Chicago R. Catholic Buffalo Blaine Chicago Capitol New York City Bell Chicago Miscellaneous Belmont New York City Fischer Danville Palace Rivoli New York City M. E. Church Chicago Muscatine, Iowa Fulton Columbia Far Rockaway Peerless Kewanee Jersey City, N.J. Mason Lodge Buffalo Wicker Park Chicago Strand Wichita Falls, Tex. Beverly Brooklyn Fox Aurora Fcrest Hill Long Island City Rialto Elgin ( Turn to next page)

A Smith pit organ with flute, string, clarinet, trumpet, vox, percussions and traps, double tracker bar player on piano console. Lower manual did not have 88 keys as found on Wurlitzer, but 61 keys.

6 theatre ogran Forest Hill Theatre Smith Orchestral Organ, Long Island, N. Y. MAIN Chamber Compass Pipes Pres, Peda I Acco'11p, Acc. 2nd T. Great Great 2nd T. Solo Echo Tuba 8'-4' 73 10" 8-4 8 8 8 8-4 8 8 Trumoet 8' 61 1 0" 8 8 8 8 Open Diapason 16'-4' 85 1 0" 16-8-4 8 16-8-4 8 Oboe Horn 8' 61 10" 8 8 8 8 8 8 Kinura 8' 61 10" 8 8 Amplex 8 SOLO CHAMBER Tibia Clausa 8'-4' 73 10" 32r-8-4 32r 8-4 8 8-4 Gamba 16'-4' 85 1 0" 16-8 8 16-8- 8 16- 8-4 816-8 Amolex 8 Violin 8'-2' 85 10" 8 8-4-2 8 Amplex 8 Viol Celeste 8'-4' 73 10" 8 8-4 8 8' 10" 8 Clarinet 61 ' 8 0 a 16-8 8 8 Amp~ex 8 Flute-Bourdon 16'-2' 97 1 0' ' 32t -16-8 32r 16-8-4-2 2/.3-2 16-8-4-2 2/3-2 8-4 Vox Humana 8' 61 6" 16-8-4 8 ECHO CHAMBER Flute 8'-2' 85 6 8-4-2 Violin 8'-4' 73 6 8-4 Cor Analais 8' 61 6 8 Vox Humana 8' 61 6 16-8-4 Chimes 20 X PERCUSSION CHAMBER X

Marimba 49 X x v ib. stroke X 8-4-2 2/3 Sing _l_!' Xvlophone 37 X XX Stroke Glockenspiel - re-it. 37 X X X Orchestra Bells* 37 X X X C:hrysoglott 49 X Chimes 20 X X X Sass Drum* X Kettle Drum - re-it. X Cymbal* X Roi I Cvmbal - re-it, X Chinese Crash Cvmbal Toe Pistor X Snare Drum X Tambourine X Castenets X Chinese Block X Tom Tom X Triangle X Surf ToePiston Couplers S8-G8-A8 S8 S8 G4-G16-S8-E8 S8 Amplex - S8 Pistons 3 10 10 10

NOTES ON CHART

* means single stroke Tubas to be very bright and penetrating PARTIAL LIST OF SMITH ORGANS Vox Humana Large Scale Miscellaneous ( Con't). Clarinet larger scale Echo Cor Anglais made with Brass Bells Marimba - vibrato double touch ( we presume re-it) Rex Wierton, W. Va. Genera I Crescendo Rialto Stanfcxd, Conn. General Swell Lincoln Union Hill, N.J. One Swe II for Flutes, Strings, Vox Humana, etc. Casino Greenville, S.C. One Swe II Peda I for Percussions Castonian C'astonia, N.C. One Swell Pedal for Heavy reeds and remainder of organ. Imperial Charlotte, N.C. Three stop keys for connecting all 3 swell pedals to the General Swell Pedal Rialto Boone, Iowa One stop key for controlling Swells frorn Manual on all Swells from Great Organ Strand Waterloo, Iowa Orgoble 1700 rpm. Riviera Niles, Mich. Generator Liberty Beaumont, Tex. Tenuto Arrangement - organist can hold chord on one or two manuals by holding Lyceum Winnipeg, Man. down toe piston after chord is played. Strand Bandon, Man. Console a_nd stool old Ivory finish Paramount Lake Charles, La. Console I ight Garrick Madisonville, Ky. Toe Pistons - Chinese Crash Cymbal Stoughton Stoughton, Wis. Surf Manual Tenuto Hold AND MANY OTHERS (X-Rebuilt) Winter, 1960-61 7 By Mac Murrill

With three theatre organs still in spectacular novelty solo at intermis• active use, Richmond, Virginia, has sion time, and accompaniment for the laid claim to the title; "Theatre Organ between-re~ l community sings. This Capital of America". In support, Rich­ was the era when Jesse Crawford and mond organ enthusiasts point to the Ann Leaf were national idols. In Rich­ following: Eddie Weaver, who for nearly mond a dozen crgans were p:mring forth three decades was in the live organ throbbing, spine-tingling music at the spot at Richmond's Loew's Theater; old Bluebird, Isis, Bijou, Lyric, the Byrd Theatre Wurlitzer, revived National, Colonial, and Strand, as well three years ago, featured Harold War­ as at the newer Brookland, Capitol, ner nightly at the console until his re­ Mosque, Loew's and Byrd theatres • cent death; and the famous Mosque Even the Tantilla Garden Ballroom had Wurlitzer, like the ixevious two, is its own pipe organ for between-dance kept in first-class condition, and is interludes. played for many of the public functions Then all of this was changed. With held there. the introduction of talking pictures in In addition, a dozen recordings on 1928, the expensive organs and or­ Richmond theatre organs have been ganists were no longer needed, and made in recent years by Reginald F oort, theatre organs throughout the country Dick Leibert, Ann Leaf, and others. gradually fell silent. Today it is diffi­ What are the fortunate circumstances cult to find a city with a theatre ccgan which have led to all of chis theatre or­ playing. Even in New York, only one, Foort at the 3/17 Mosque Wurlitzer, Richmond. gan activity in a world of talking at the Radio City Music Hall, is still Weaver at the 4/17 Byrd Wurlitzer, Richmond. pictures and Cinemascope screens ? regularly featured. Let us go back to the silent movie But in Richmond the glcrious organ days in Richmond. The mighty theatre music was not forgotten. Although many REGINALD FOORT pipe organ, an instrwnent of almost of the organs here vanished during the EDDIE WEAVER unlimited musical resources, was at Dark Ages ( 1928-1952), and others 11 One of the all-time greats" of the in the radio popular icy poll conducted its peak of popularity in this enter­ went into a more sedate e,:istence - Edward J. Weaver, a genial fellow mond, playing luncheon and fashion show music, in nearby Miller and Rhoads organ world, "Reggie" Foort, was the by the London llifu Express. circula­ tainment wcrld of over thirty years ago. such as the fine Brookland Theatre with a ready smile and a quick wit, department store tea room ( 21 years), top European concert and recording or­ tion 4 million, winning out over all Every movie house at that time boasted Wurlitzer now in the Broad Street Meth­ was born in Catasaqua, Pa, in 1908. and on his daily morning radio show ganist for 25 years, bef cre he moved other entertainers, actors and orches­ of its "giant organ", used to provide odist Church - fortunately, due to far­ He learned piano from his mother and over WRNL ( 10 years). His technique to America in 1951. Since coming to tras. And as the most poµilar organist the mood-music and sound-effects fer sighted managers and some talented later studied violin for five years, At this country, this B~itish-botn artist the Eastman School of Music in Ro­ is flaw less, sprightly• and imaginative, of England and Europe, he opened 43 the silent "flickers", as well as a ( Turn to page 10) has not only made outstanding classi­ new theatres, played over 2,000 radio chester, N. Y.. Eddie mastered the whether he is playing Chopin er Cha­ cal recordings of the great organ in the and TV ixograms in twelve different church and concert organ, but when cha. He has a bubbling personality and Boston Symphony Hall, put with his countries, to which he piloted his own someone offered him $100 to learn to a keen sense of humor, and his w.it Delow: Warner at the 4/17 Oyrd Wurlitzer, Richmond. popular organ records rmde at the Acea plane, and somehow also found time to play a theatre organ to accompany si­ and originality have always shown up Temple Mosque Wurlitzer in Richmond, make more records than any a:her or­ lent pictures in a Rochester movie in his steady production of new and in­ Va., he started the current revival of ganist on the Continent - over 200. house, his career was determined. teresting organ novelties - which must theatre organ music in America. Perhaps the most spectacular under­ i\.fter playing in various theatres in have been quite a trick to keep turning A man of remarkable energy, IXe­ taking of Foort's career was his 25-ton New York and in Florida, he went to out after more than 20 years at the cision, and imagination, Foort is one "traveling organ". After several years New llaven in 1926 where he was a same stand. (For these, as well as of those rare organists equally at home at B .B.C., he resigned to tour the star attraction for ten years. Eddie his original parodies of popular songs, with Bach or ccrock". Educated at vaudeville theatres of Great Britain learned some of his organ tricks from Eddie credits his wife and his daughter, Rugby and the Royal College c:i Music with a S-manual 27-rank specially de­ Henry Murtagh in Buffalo and from Jesse Joan, an English teacher, with assis­ in London, he received the coveted de­ signed and constructed Moller Theatre Crawford and his wife in New Haven. tance). gree of Fellow of the Royal College of Organ. To transport the console, the Even today Eddie can give out with a One of Eddie's spectacular organ Organists ( F .R .C.O.) at the age of 17. 2,000 pipes, and the many electrical "Crawfor,ie:se" glissando which is interludes, which run from three to After five years in the · Royal Navy and mechanical units, Foore used five close to Jesse's best. nine minutes in length following the during World War I, and several years 30-foot long 13-foot high trucks, and The author first met Eddie while a song-slide "community sing", features of serious piano study 'under a pupil of carried with him a staff of 14 organ stuJent in New Haven and recalls the Eddie playing three tunes at once: Leschetizky, Foore be$an his meteoric builders, electricians, stage riggers, many pleasant moments spent listening "There's a Long, Long TrailA-Wind­ career as a theatre organist in 1925. His etc., to reassemble the giant instru­ to his organ numbers at the Paramount, ing" with his right hand, "Keep the activities from that moment on were ment in each theatre. and later dancing to his 15-piece band, Home Fires Burning" with the left, characterized by ccfirsts". When the advent of World War II which Eddie directed from the Hammond, and ccJust a Song at Twilight" on the pedals. ( If you think it's easy, just Foore, in 1926, was the first or­ ended this project, the organ was sold at the Hotel Taft. It was a delightful try in on your own Wurlitzer!) For ganist in Europe to broadcast on, as to B .B .C ., and F oort undertook a surprise, then, on returning toRichmond, well as the first to make a recording of, rigorous schedule of giving five re­ to find that Eddie had preceded him another novelty, Eddie plays the a Wurlitzer theatre organ. When the citals a week, each in a different town here by a few months. That was in ccMinute Waltz" in a minute, racing British Broadcasting Company set up or city, in churches and concert halls 1937, and Eddie Weaver, "Weaver of against a clockhand rcojected on the screen. His imitation of various types its organ department in 1937, Foort throughout Great Britain. He main­ Songs", was a main feature at Rich - of organs and organists from church to was chosen over hundreds of appli­ tained this pace for ten years before mond 's Loew"s Theatre from that tiroe steam calliope and from Jesse Craw­ cants as its staff organist. With his coming to America on Christmas Day until very u ·ce ntly. ford to Ethe 1 Smith is most realistic, own theme song, "Keep Smiling", his 1951, to join an organ venture in Suf­ It is not difficult to understand Ed­ die's long popularity in his three jabs: while his famous horn-pipe dance ( dan­ friendly chit-chat, and his superb artis­ folk, Va. cing out the tune on the pedals) and try, Foort so endeared himself to the Shortly after his arrival from Eng- at Loew's Wurlitzer ( three to four shows daily fee 24 years), at the Ham- ( Turn to page 10) British public that he was named first ( Turn to page 10) 8 THE CONSOLESARE UP IN RICHMOND! REGINALDFOORT (Cont.) ( continued) land, F oort was asked by Emory Cook to make a theatre organ recording for and dedicated individuals, Richmond's discoqtinued (a World War II casualty), the high fidelity "Sounds of Our Times" three largest organs at the Loew's, the theatre manager, Robert Coulter, series. The search for a theatre organ Byrd, and Mosque survived the chang­ jealously guarded his fine instrument in good playing condition ended happily ing times, and have been thrilling a against rats, children, and time; so when Reggie was introduced to the new genera t ion of audiences with their that today, thanks to his wise policy, Mosque Wurlitzer by Harold Warner, mighty sounds. the Byrd organ is still in tip-top shape. Jr., who had just completed a two-year At the Loew's Theatre, the live or­ The huge and exotic Acea Temple renovation of the instrument. Foort's gan spot on the three-manual, thirteen Mosque opened on January 9, 1928 four LP releases on the Mosque organ rank Wurlitzer has been a constant featuring spectacular stage shows and started a boom in organ recordings drawing card for audiences ever since movies. Early organists at the console which is still in progress. the theatre first opened on Ap:il 9, of the three-manual, seventeen rank F oort, who has a grown son and 1928. The Loew's astute management Mosque Wurlitzer were Charles J. Pos­ daughter, lives in Chicago, where he has kept the organ playing daily from s a, Waldo Newberry, and Ferdinand is with the Organ Division of the Bal­ that day to the present, setting a rec­ Himrne lreich. The last was a blind or­ win Piano Company. He still finds time ord unmatched in any other American ganist whose wife sat on the organ to make recordings on various organs city. A succession of good organists bench with him to cue his playing to throughout the country, as we 11 as give has played there: Lloyd (Wild) Oscar, the action on the screen. public concerts, such as the one in Tim Crawford ( no relation to Jesse), After the Mosque was closed down 1959 at the Mosque spcnsored by the Waldo Newberry, Bill Dalton, and Fe­ as a movie house during the dep:-ession, Richmond Organ Enthusiasts Club. lix Gotschalk, who played the morning the building was little used for almost Very enthusiastic about America radio broadcasts. But the "Old Master" a decade until it was acquired by the and particularly American automobiles, was Eddie Weaver, who delighted City of Richmond as a civic center. Reggie is the opposite number to the audiences daily at Loew's until very Fortunately, during this time, the cr­ American foreign-car addict. recently-in fact, ove~ a period of 24 years. gan chambers on the fifth floor level "The last four cars I owned in Eng­ When the Byrd Theatre opened on were locked and inaccessible to plun­ land were American," he says. 11 1 Christmas Eve, 1928, Richmonders derers. However, years of dust and never get tired of driving, even in were greeted with the music of the neglect had made the organ unusable, Chicago in the rush hour!" "largest theatre organ in the South". and when renovation bids ran as high Of the Mosque organ, F oort says: And despite the "talkies'', born the as $30,000, the city decided to junk the "I consider this organ, with its same year, the mighty four-manual instrument. At this critical moment, setting in the unique acoustics of the seventeen rank Wurlitzer in the Byrd Harold Warner, a telephone company Mosque, as the finest I have ever played." was featured with each show for more employee, offered to donate his ser­ than a dozen years, beautifully played vices in restoring the organ ( see The by Carl Rond, Art Brown, Bill Dalton, Tibia, Fall 1956). EDDIE WEAVER ( cont.) Slim Mathews, "Paul Nelson" ( Wins­ For two years, with the help of some ton Nevel!), "Bob Mack'' ( Bob Mc­ other enthusiasts, he spent his spare his II haunted organ" act are re al Comb), Waldo Newberry, and others. time renovating the organ, an action classics of showmanship. But he is at And even after the organ sJXlts were which earned him the Sertoma Service his very best when he features one of to Mankind Award from the mayor of his arrangements of a classical number HAROLDWARNER SUFFERS Richmond, and national recognition er a popular ballad "dressed up" in all FATAL HEARTATTACK from the Bell Telephone Company. To­ the subtleties of the Weaver registra­ Harold L. Warner, Jr., died of a day the beautiful Mosque organ is tion and nuance. heart attack suffered in the organ cham­ again in use for public concerts such Someone should record this fellow! ber of the Mosque, Richmond, Va., on as the recent ones by David Ulrich and Reginald Foort, as well as being Monday, February 13, 1961. Many 1928 by the introduction of the "talk­ A.T .O.E. members will remember that featured with visiting symphony or­ chestras and at conventions, gradua­ ies '', had culminated with the shut­ Warner received nation-wide recogni­ down of the North Tonawanda factory tion in an ad featured by the Bell Tele­ tions, and such events as the Kiwanis travelogues, when genial Russell Mac­ in 1943 when the remaining stocksof phone Corrii:any and carried in most leading Tibias and Flutes were burned and the magazines several years ago. Donald presides at the console. It was the revival of the Mosque er• Trumpets, Tubas, etc. were smashed Warner had been in ·telephone con­ gan which catapulted Richmond into into junk. And though a few consoles, tact with A.T .O.E. President Judd international fame in the organ world. such as the Loew's, remained lighted Walton regarding plans for the National Shortly after the instrument was re­ Convention to be he Id in Richmond in stored, Cook Laboratories of Stamford, ( Turn to next page) June, many times in the weeks immedi­ Conn. made some high fidelity re­ ately preceding his death. He was very cordings at the Mosque of Reginald enthusiastic about the coming event, Foort, England's top theatre organist. and although the matter has been de­ ANNUALMEETING 1961 With the records, it issued an illustrat­ bated since his passing, it has been A.T.O.E. wi ,11 go to Richmond, ed folder about the Mosque organ. When decided to car.r::y out plans , for the Virginia fcc its annual meeting. The the F oort Mosque records were exhibit­ meeting in Richmond, as it is an almost arrangements have been made, and the• ed in the Audio Show at the New Yorker sure thing that Warner would have Hotel in October 1952, the "tweeter­ Mosque and Byrd Theatres will be the wanted it that way. and-woofer" set took to them en masse, sites of our concerts. Saturday after­ He had apparently stopped in at the and interest in the theatre organ, with noon and evening, June 24th, were cho­ Mosque to work on the Wurlitzer he its challenge of extreme range inpitch, sen as the best available time when loved so well on his way home from dynamics, and col er, crescendoed into these organs could be had exclusively. work. He was stricken about 4 P. M. a revival of appreciation fer the long­ Further announcement will follow and w11s found in a sitting position neglected Wur litzers, Mortons, et al. in shortly, and details wi 11 be given as the next morning by workmen who saw America. Soon scores of other record­ they become certain. With the death of the lights on and heard the blower run­ 11 ing companies jumped on the one­ Harold Warner, this meeting and its ning. He still held a pair of wires he man-band" wagon. music are projected as a tribute to his had been working on in his hands. The close of the First Golden Era tireless effcrts we know he '11 be of the Theatre Organ, precipitated in listening. 10 theatre organ THE CONSOLESARE UP! Plena, Tibia Clausa, Orchestral Oboe, throughout the instrument. ( continued ) Kinura, Clarinet, Brass Saxophone, While the cxgan is being played, String, Viole d'Orchestre, Viole Celes­ the relay room sounds like the chatter during the benighted decades of canned te, Oboe Horn, Quintadena, Flute, and of a busy telephone exchange, reflect­ theatre music, we may properly mark Vox Humana. ing its heritage from the inventor of the beginning of the Second Golden There is also a Concert Grand theatre organs, the English telephone Era with the Foort recordings in 1952 Piano, ( with Mandolin effect), visible engineer, Robert Hope-Jones. And here at the Richmond Mosque. in the left balcony box, an unenclosed in Richmond, two telephone company In the wake of this revived interest Master Xylophone under the piano, an employees, Warner, until his recent there sprang up a national or ganizationl" unenclosed Marimba-Harp, under a dec­ death, and Tommy Landrum, have spent the Anrrican Theatre Cxgan Enthusiasts, orated Stringed Harp visible in the their spare time keeping the big organs ani two cxgan magazines, Al Miller's right balcony box, an enclosed Xylcr in the Loew's, Byrd, and Mosque in Kinura arrl the A.T.O.E.'s Tibia, i:redeces­ phone, Chrysoglott, Glockenspiel­ top electrical and musical condition. scx to Theatre Cxgan. The stcxy d the Bells, Chimes, and tuned Sleigh Bells, Without the technical skill and the Mosque organ was carried in these and as well as a bass drum-kettle drum, hundreds of hours of labor of these foreign magazines, as well as in nation­ snare drum-tom tom, tambourine, cas­ two, no theatre organ would be playing wide advertisements of the Bell Tele­ tanets, chinese block, sand block , in Richmond today. pltone Company. triangle, cymbal, crash cymbal', aercr In view of all of this activity, then, "The Mosque organ has brought plane effect, surf effect, wind effect, it is not difficult to understand why this city a great deal of publicity and birds, horse hoofs, fire gong, steam­ Richmond has been called the "Theatre good• will," says Marshall Rotella, boat whistle, auto horn, doorbell, and Organ Capital". F ex not only is it the Richmond's Chief of the Bureau of two thunder pedals. The 390 percussions birthplace of the Second Golden Era Recreation, who manages the Mosque. and effects are unified to produce 568 of the Theatre Organ; this city actually "Visitors from as far away as Australia sounds. is still living in the First, which never have stopped to see the organ they The four-manual velvet-draped ma­ ended here. Richmond has always been have heard so much about." hogany console is on a centerstage a "theatre cxgan" town, never without Besides Foort's three recording ses­ elevator which rises from the sub­ "live" Wurlitzer music, from the early sions at the Mosque which have prcr basement. There are 202 stop tablets, day_s of the gifted Car 1 Rond to the duced for LP records, another top com­ double bolstered, and 39 combination Eddie Weaver era. _pany, Westminster Records, has turned ,Iistons. The console with its 1680 key Virginians have a proud tradition of out several recordings here in Rich­ contacts is connected by a cable of preserving what is best from the past; mond. Dick Leibert, Radio City Music 1882 wires to the re lays, where over perhaps this is the real reason that in Hall organist, had tried out the Byrd 10,000 contact-points are controlled Richmond today the Mosque, Byrd, and organ more than 25 years ago. When by magnets and pneumatics. From these Loew's Theatres still resound to the the Westminster people wanted him to another cable of 1359 wires goes to throbbing, spine-tingling music of "The do a theatre organ recording in 1956, the various pipes. Over 2300 magnets Mighty Wurlitzer". he remembered the lush sound of this and several miles of wire are used cxgan and suggested that it be done here. The result was the album "Lei­ NOTE ON WANAMAKER ORGAN SPECIFICATIONS bert Takes Richmond", which besides its stirring music contains several The John Wanamaker Organ Sup­ zer in their Greenwich Village, New pages of photographs and descriptions plement enclosed with this issue of Yer k City, pent-house) and Margaret of the Byrd instrument. The following THE ATRE ORGAN is furnished by and Jay Quinby ( A .T .O.E. members year Leibert returned with Ann Leaf courtesy of Anna and Joseph Oelhaf who have the former State Theatre, and Grri~,flm Jackson for another ses­ ( A.T.O.E. members who have the fcx­ Orange, N.J ., expanded U.S. Pipe Or­ sion at the Byrd to produce several mer Radio City Rainbow Room Wurlit- gan in their Summit, N.J. coach-house ) • more outstanding records. "We have a fine instrument here at the Byrd," says Robert Coulter, mana­ CINEMA ORGAN success i? this monumental project," ger, "and I am happy that it is being SOCIETY OF ENGLAND Walton said on making the announce­ heard both in the theatre and through­ PURCHASES WURLITZER ment. We will follow with interest the out the country on the Westminster re­ Society's undertaking, and A .T .O.E. cordings." The largest Wurlitzer Theatre Or­ me~~ers can ~elpindividually by sub­ The unique sound of the high wind­ gan in Europe, the Trocadero Cinema scr1b1ngtothe J ournaland making what­ pressure orchestrally-voiced theatre 4 manual 21 rank Wurlitzer has re­ ever other donations they might like organ, with its mellow tibias and flutes, cently been acquired by the Cinema to send. For either purpose, write to shimmering strings, distinctive reeds, Organ Society of England to be in­ the Society's overseas treasurer brilliant brass trumpets, and tinkling stalled and used by Club members, it R. Nicholson Elmhirst, 118 King~ and crashing percussions, cannot be was announced recently in the So­ Avenue, Woodford Green, Essex Eng- conveyed in words. However, a close ciety's official journal •. Using funds land." ' look at the Byrd Wurlitzer, the largest saved for the purpose, and relying on in Richmond, will reveal that the term popular subscriptions, the club's of­ VISIT TO A CHRISTIE CINEMA "mighty" applies to more than just its ficers made the decision to purchase ORGAN tooe. Built at a cost of between $30,000 the organ and to put it in stcxage fer the time being. Later on it is hoped a The newly formed THEATRE OR­ and $40,000 ( 1928 value) , the Byrd GAN SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA, in one organ is housed in a row of four adja­ suitable place will be found to in­ stall the instrument where concerts of its sessions last year, saw about cent rooms four stcx ie s up behind the 50 members and friends paying a visit large golden grillwork above the stage. and practice sessions can be held. In response to the call for cash to a Christie Cinema Organ. According Here the blower and relay rooms flank to John Clancy, secretary, the organ is the long shallow Main and Solo Cham­ subscriptions, A .T .O.E. President Judd Walton forwarded an A.T .O.E. now located in the Church of St. Ccr bers with their 1229 pipes, ranging up lumba at West Ryde, N.S.W. to sixteen feet in height, which are check in the amount of $25 .00 to be used far the organ JXOject by the So­ Says Clancy, "Master Organist Ray unified to praiuce the effect of 6,577 Myers used to play this crgan in Gordon pipes. ciety. "This is one way we can ex­ press our friendship and mutual feel­ Theatre at the tender age of 16! Now The Byrd Wurlitzer's seventeenranks 21, he ably demonstrated the eight are: Tuba Horn, Brass Trumpet, Gott­ ings to our fellow enthusiasts in Eng­ units with improvisations, then opened fried French Trumpet ( originally Tuba land," said Walton. "We send with it Mirabilis), Diapionic Diapason, Tibia the best wishes of our members for (Turn to page 13) Winter, 1960-61 11 WURLITZERFACTORY SHIPMENT LIST CONTINUEDFROM LAST ISSUE

1206 285 Buffa lo, N. Y. Shea's 11/30 /25 1258 E Chicago, Ill. Boulevard 1/27/26 1207 B Plainfield, N.J. Liberty 11/23/25 1259 E Cleveland, O. Lyric 1/30/26 1208 215 Los Angeles, Calif. 10th & Western 1260 B Columbus, O. Columbia 1/30/26 11/24/25 1261 D Milwaukee, Wisc. Alhambra 1/30/26 1209 Church Daytona, Beach, Fla. Community Meth. 1262 Spec. Church 11/28 /25 260 Chicago, Ill. Masonic Temple 1/29/26 1210 F Shamokin, Pa. Family 11/28/25 1263 D Mt. Vernon, Wash. Lincoln 2/ 2/26 1211 B Miami, Fla. Dramatic 11/25/25 1264 109 Bend, Oregon Liberty 2/ 2/26 1212 B Los Angeles Schulkin & Conan 12/ 2/25 1265 F Baltimore, Md. Embassy 2/ 5/26 1213 B Chicago, Ill. Elston 12/ 4/25 1266 B Brooklyn, N. Y·. Beachview 2/ 5/26 1214 215 Los Angeles, Calif. Manchester 1267 Spec. 12/ 4/25 260 Chicago, Ill. Tower 2/ 6/26 1215 H Brooklyn, N. Y. Ambassador 12/ 2/25 1268 H Nashville, Tenn. Loew's Vendome 1216 H Berlin, N.H. Albert 12/ 4/25 2/ 8/26 1217 235 Fresno, Calif. New Wilson 12/ 4/25 1269 D Bronx, N. Y. Laconia 2/ 9/26 1218 210 Ocean Park, Calif. Venice 12/ 5/25 1270 100 Swedesboro, N. J. East Coast 2/10/26 1219 H Youngstown, Ohio Albee 12/ 8/25 1271 235 Memphis, Tenn. State 2/12/26 1220 216 San Fernando, Calif. Maclay 12/10/25 1272 H Brooklyn, N.Y. Surf Ave. 2/12/26 1221 D Plymouth, Mich. Penn. Allen 12/12/25 1273 H Elizabeth, N. J. Fabian 2/13/26 1222 D E. St. Louis, Ill. Majestic 12/12/25 1274 105 Springwells, Mich. Ford Grand 2/19/26 1223 Church Tonawanda, N.Y. 1st Pres. Church 1275 Spec. 12/11/25 260 Chicago, Ill. Belmont 2/20/26 1224 H Brooklyn, N. Y. Carlton 12/14/25 1276 216 Taft, Calif. New 2/22/26 1225 H Kenmore, N. Y. Kenmore 12/15/25 1277 B Bronx, N. Y. Crescent 2/23/26 1226 E Newark, N. Y. Capitol 12/16/25 1278 210 Fruitvale, Calif. Roosevelt 2/24/25 1227 D Brooklyn, N. Y. Oxford 12/17 /25 1279 B Brooklyn, N. Y. Knickerbocker2/25/26 1228 Spec. Moorestown, N. J. Community House 1280 105 Palmerton, Pa. Colonial 2/24/26 12/21/25 1281 E White Plains, N. Y. Loew' s State 1229 100 Bradley Beach, N. J. Palace 12/19/25 2/25/26 1230 D Gowanda, N. Y. New 12/31/25 1282 B Syracuse, N. Y. Harvard 2/27 /26 1231 B Dayton, Ohio Conservatory of Music 1283 Lodge sa'.cramento, Calif. Elks Lodge 2/25/26 12/22/25 1284 Church Lackawanna, N . Y . Lady of Victory 1232 D Dunsmuir, Calif. Dunsmuir 12/21/25 Church 3/ 1/26 1233 E Oakland, Calif. State 12/22/25 1285 E Buenos Aires Cario 3/ 2/26 1234 E Charlotte, N. C. Imperial 12/23/25 1286 235. Newark, N. J. Ritz 3/ 2/26 1235 100 Wilberforce, 0. University 12/24/25 1287 Church Quincy, Fla. First Baptist Church 1236 F Berkeley, Calif. Atkins 12/24/25 3/ 6/26 1237 E Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Stratford 12/26/25 1288 Lodge Springfield, 0. Masonic Temple 1238 B Milburn, N. J. New Milburn 12/26/25 3/ 5/26 1239 E Martinez, Calif. New 12/31/25 1289 E Kansas City, Mo. New Madrid 3/ 6/26 1240 Church Ft. Pierce, Fla. 1st. M.E. Church 1290 Spec. H Chicago, Ill. Embassy 3/ 6/26 1/ 7 /26 1291 210 Brooklyn, N. Y. United 3/10/26

1241 E Fall River, Mass. Plaza 12/31/25 1292 109 Rochester I N. Y. Lincoln 3/16/26 1242 E Titusville, Fla. Van Croix 1/ 7 /26 1293 B Clinton, Mass. Strand 3/15/26 1243 F Denver, Colo. Rialto 12/31/25 1294 216 Los Angeles, Calif. West Lake 3/13/26 1244 B Sanford, Fla. Milane 1/ 4/26 1295 Spec. 1245 E Dayton, O. Colonial 1/ 9/26 260 Chicago, Ill. Congress 3/18/26 1246 Church N. Tonawanda, N.Y. Grace Lutheran 1296 D Akron, Ohio Orpheum 3/19/26 1/11/26 1297 Church Bellefontaine, 0. St. Patrick's 1247 235 Chicago, Ill. Grove 1/15/26 3/20/26

1248 E Sioux Falls, s. Dak. State 1/15/26 1298 Church New York City I N. Y. The Methodist 1249 B San Francisco, Calif. Wilson 1/15/26 Episcopal 3/20/26 1250 D Hollywood, Calif. La Mirada 1/16/26 1299 E Miami, Fla. Capitol 3/20/26 1251 Military 1300 E Long Island City, N. Y. Boulevard Band Organ Chicago, Ill. White City Roller Rink 3/22/26 1/23/26 1301 235 Irvington, N. J. Sanford 3/22/26 1252 D Ontario, Calif. New 1/18/26 1302 E New London, Conn. Garde 3/24/26 1253 D Los Angeles, Calif. New 1/16/26 1303 E College Point, N. Y. New College 1254 E Stockholm, Sweden Scandia 1/21/26 3/25/26 1255 E Fargo, N. Dak. Fargo l/2V26 1256 235 Norfolk, Va. Loew's 1/25/26 1257 Spec. E. Salem, Oregon Guthrie 1/29/26 ( Continued in Next Issue) 12 theatre organ CHAPTER NEWS VISIT TO A CHRISTE (chimes, chrysoglott, xylophone, toll­ ing be 11) were retained, as were the ( continued) CINEMA ORGAN bass drum, snare drum and cymbals. ( continued) "Foot pistons vacated by effects," and console party using the recently says Clancy, "have been used to pro­ rebuilt Austin. Everett Bassett of Wa­ the program with Dvorak's 'Humore­ vide: full organ reversible, double terbury opened the program with a sque.' action; general concel; soft organ, and Paramount Newsreel pantomime. This Members then followed, as listed: solopedal coupler. Four pedal combina­ was followed by 45 minutes of mood Vice President Norm Stinson ( Fan­ tion action ,ri.stons have been dupli­ music. The crgan performed beautiful­ tasia in G Major); Rod Blackmore cated for left foot as well as originally ly, even to the low 16' D cipher, which ( special arrangements of three hymns); fee right foot. soloed during one of the soft numbers. Secretary Clancy ( Bach's "God's Time ''Solo and main tremulants are pro­ But Allen Miller and Joe Tobin headed is the Best", and "Fugue in C", by vided, plus individual tremulants for for the chamber, and the cipher was Bach); Roy Williamson ( Prelude and Tuba, V ox-Humana and Geigen Diapa­ eliminated in less than a minute! Fugue in D Minor - Bach); Peter El­ son. Ventils are provided on all 61 Miller, who supervised and did most licott ( Coppelia Ballet Music); Ken note chests." of the work on the organ, took over the Jordon ( La Paloma); and Ray Myers, The next scheduled visit of the So­ bench at 12:20 a.m., and put the ocgan who offered a number of selections in­ ciety was to be to the Arcadia Theatre through its paces with quick registra­ cluding "Bird Songs at Eventide", Organ, at Chatswood, N.S.W. tion changes and percussion effects. "Roses of Picardy," and others. Several comments were heard on his The visit ended with an inspection An Open Letter To Mel Doner, For­ arrangement of "Baubles, Bangles, of the pipe chambers, and photos were mer Editor of Our Official Journal. and Beads", with its rhythmical tri­ taken. angle and xylophone glissand os, and Secretary Clancy gives the history Dear Me 1, the 8' tuba solo on ''Mighty Lak a of the ocgan as follows: "In the year It was with considerable alarm that Rose." 1928, the owners of the King's Theatre, we learned that you had suffered a George Fay,a local organist,played Gordon, N.S.W., Australia, installed second heart attack on February 20th. some of the real "oldies", and Fred the Christie Cinema Unit Organ, manu­ Eleanor wrote to us the very next day, Mitchell, of the Austin Organ Company, factured in England by Hill, Norman and we have, of course, since answered then started off with "I'm in the Mood and Beard Ltd. The eight rank crgan her letter. Our thoughts and prayers for Love", and went on into "Whis­ was played by many of the leading were with you constantly and we are pering", ''Laura", and ''Sentimental theatre organists until 1958, when tele­ relieved to know that you are ma king Journey", in which he used every ef­ vision caused many theatres to sell steady progress in your recovery. We fect the organ had. He c_oncluded with their organs. It was then that the Church know that you enjoyed the recent Ed­ a medley of tunes, and ''Tea for Two''. of St. Columba purchased the organ for die Dunstedter broadcast, and that you Barb~ra Williams, a young, charming about $800. are kidding the nurses, and this is organist, who insisted "I never played "A member of the church, Noel good news. a theatre organ before in my life!" of­ Stokes, a telephone technician and Now that you are able to again en­ fered her version of "Dizzy Fingers," amateur organ enthusiast, supervised joy the hobby that has meant so much and sounded as though she had been removal and re-installation of the or­ to you, and which you have shared born at the instrument. And several gan. No attempt was made to turn it in­ with so many through your service as others tried out the organ before the to a church organ, and thus it sounds Editcr of our Official Journal, to say evening was over. The general com­ better in many ways in the church acous­ nothing of the many personal contacts ment was "More!", and it is certain tics than it did in the theatre ••• you have made, we want to wish you this organ will be heard again. Played in a cinema organ style, it the best of everything possible in the sounds very well. Played as a straight days, weeks and years ahead. Take NIAGARA CHAPTER organ, it sounds much better than a lot good care of yourself, and remember of standard church organs around Syd­ that all of us who know you, as well ney.'' as those of us who have shared your Going briefly into some of Clancy's hobby through your efforts, extend our comments on the organ: "The open greetings to you. diapason rank is very full and satis­ Sincerely yours, fying, particularly useful for straight Judd Walton organ playing. The ge igen diapason is a soft stop giving some delightful President sounds with the swell box closed. The Violone is small scaled and has the THE ORGAN PLAYER rather nasal sound of Christie Strings, Edited by PHIL RA!'.3O1N but combines well with other ranks. It is the softest pedal rank. To inform and instruct the "The Bourdon-Tibia is powerful HOME ORGANIST on the pedal 16 foot extension, the Tibia sounds delightful, and the temp­ Published monthly October through May. tation here is to use it too much. The Lesson each month by Raboin. Ques­ Clarinet is a very useful reed, very tion and answer department. Music and smooth and even. The Vox-Humana has Record reviews. Letters to the editor rather a 'bleating' tone and is rather so you too may speak your mind. dis appointing. "The Tuba had to be softened f oc Subscriptions: $3.00 per year. Special the smaller hall. This removed some of to Clubs $2.00 per year if ten (1 0) or the 'honking' sound, and it now forms more copies mailed to one address. a good addition for a climax, or can Standard discounts to Music and Organ Members of the Niagara Frontier Chap­ be used on Solo manual with 2", Dealers. ter having a .,go" at the console of the 2-2Ard' and l-3/5th' to give a good Send your subscription order to: Palace Wurlitzer,Rochester, New York, full swell effect. Bird-whistle, boat­ Char I ie Huff, 322 Maple Park, Olympia, at their meeting there several months whistle, sirens, etc., were removed as ago. Tom Grierson, the featured art­ Washington. Specify the Make and Model ist, is in the foreground talking to an they obviously would not be used in a of your organ, if any. interested group of admirers. church service. Tuned percussions Winter, 1960-61 13 Sir: whether the Ophicleide is a rank of be pcesented in your exceUent style, Just a few lines to tell you how that name or a borrow, 4) the compass with the additional figures mentioned much I enjoyed the last issue of of the Diaphone, 5) which rank serves in my previous sentence. You may be THEATRE ORGAN and especially the as resultant, and the like, and 6) what sure that those submitted by me will article about "The Crown Prince of is Bass 16'? do so. Tonawanda" and Dick Loderhose. The footnote to the specifications Cordially yours, Pleased to say that through the ef­ is meaningless, because no first Post T .F. Burroughs, III forts of Bill Summers who did most of Horn is shown anywhere on the speci­ 600 Fifth Avenue the work on the 8 rank 215 Wurlitzer fications, much less a second one on New York 20, N.Y. here in our local Rivoli Theatre, it is the Bombarde; no Quint Celeste is ( Ed. NOTE: We concur with Member now working again and is on the air visible with or without cutout: and Burroughs. Whenever possible we will over radio WLBC every day from 12: 15 ..,,;hich are the "added traps and ef­ use the more comprehensive chart to 12:30, Monday through Friday. fects" shown on the "above specifi­ specification layout. This was or igi­ Mr. Summers plays it each day, in a cations"? nally devised by President Judd Wal­ program called "Summer Airs." These are all important factors in ton with the aid of Bill Steward.) Yours very truly, tonal design, which your layout would Sylvan K. Ketterman make instantly apparent, but which 322 North Mulberry St. are discoverable from the Loderhose Sir: Muncie, Indiana format only after much study. You T .O. fellows have gone over­ Sir: In addition, stoplists should show board with your superlatives--"mighty After the splendid stoplist layout for each rank-as your own layout does­ Wurlitzer", "big sound", "king of in­ you devised fc,: the Picadilly Kilgen, disposition by chamber, compass, num­ struments." It's about time someone it is disappointing to see the so-called ber of pipes, and wind pressure. It is took you down a peg or two! specifications of the Loder hose Wur­ further desirable that chamber and over­ This was attempted recently when litzer in the current issue. It is im­ all figures be given for number of ranks, I picke ·d as my opp:>nent me Richard possible to tell with certainty, 1) number first touch stops, number sec­ Weber of Mariaville, N.Y. I challenged which are the thirty-seven ranks, 2) ond touch stops, total stops, and pipes. him to an organ power duel. Mr. Weber from which ranks the Clar ion and Har­ Please permit me to urge that all has a 3/17 Wurlitzer in his home. I monic Fife are borrowed, and 3) future stop lists in THEATRE ORGAN have an Estey 1/1 Reed organ that

MLP-101

SEQUOIARecords proudly presents: San Francisco's GREATEST Duel in Ful I Swing Theatre Organist ain't afraid of nuthin'. The accom­ panying photo shows the contestants warming up for the duel. The outcome? I lost miserably! All proposed duels have been cancelled. Discretion is the better part of valcr. Reedily yours, Ira Freed man 46 Bailey Avenue LARRYYANNUCCI Latham, N.Y. ( Ed. NOTE: We re-it: MIGHTY WUR­ In a progr~m of "Organ Favorites" played on the MIGHTY WUR­ LITZER!) LITZER ORGAN at the Golden Gate Theatre, San Francisco available now at your dealer's, or ERRATA Order from: Studio Records In Fall 1960 Issue; Page 12: 2032 Broadway Correct address for Derrick Marsh is, Oakland, Calif. 52 Hest Bank Lane, Hest Sank, Lancaster, England California orders: Include 4% Sales Tax

14 theatre organ CLASSIFIEDADS FOR SALE WANTED Alden E. Miller, Theatre Organ His­ Subscriptions to THE ORGAN PLAYER, Classified ads are accepted at the torian, Collector of Theatre Organ edited by Phi I Raboin. Features for Memorabi I ia, 3212 - 34th Avenue South, the amateur organist. $3.00 per year rate of ten cents per word per issue. A 1 Minneapolis 6, Minnesota. ( 8 issues). Char I ie Huff, 322 Maple ten percent discount a I lowed if remittance Park, Olytnpia, Washington. accompanies your order. Head your ads: .. WANTED", uswA.PH .. FOR SALE", etc. Send your ad to : Theatre Organ, Adv. Mgr., 4438 Camden St. Oakland 19, Calif.

SPECIAL PFFER to ATOE MEMBERS No charge for your first ten words.

WANTED HEAR Gigi, Block Party in Barcelona. Song of Raintree County, Sometimes I'm Happy. Artisan _kits wired, unwired. Frank B. St. Louis Blues, 76 Trombones Frank, 205 Castle 6 ldg., Tulsa, Okla. and six more distinctive stylings. We need listings. Theatre Pipe Organs. Selling? 6uying? Also wanted theatre organ parts. Alden E. Miller, 3212 - 34th Avenue South, Minneapolis 6, Minn. $3.98 Monaural P.O. Box 979. Sherman Oaks, Calif. FOR SALE .

WurliTzer 2m/4r Style B. Flute, Vox, String and Trumrt• Good condition. Toy counter, Gloe and a poor Xylo­ phone. New sing le-phase motor 220/110 The Cinema volts. Price $750. Also a Marr & Col­ ton 3m!9r, Gottfried Reeds, Post Horn, etc. Real snap. Organ complete, toy counter & percussions. Very good con­ Organ Society dition, price '$1800. Both organs are used nightly and can be seen and played• Founded in 1952 by Hubert Selby anytime. Viking Roller Rink, 236 - For those interested in 12th St., Astoria, Oregon. Subscriptions: One guinea for 12 Organ Music as Entertainment months' membership from date of CUSTOM MADE HI-Fl LP Records. All subscriptions from U.S.A. and enrollment. 10 inch LP at $4.50 post free. Many other "foreign parts' should be sent rare European organs ova i lab le and or­ Members receive: Monthly News­ to: ganists not now playing. Private and letter, dealing with organ activi - commercia I records from 1926 -onwards, Robert Nicholson E lmhirst, many recorded in Theatres, Ballrooms ties, principally in U.K., but cover­ Treasurer 1950-60. Lo-Fi up to 1955 includes ing all parts of world; Journal of the 118 King's Avenue,Woodford Green many rarities. Enquiries, swaps, to: - Cinema Organ Society, with matters Es sex, England Derrick Mar$h, 52 Hest Bank Lane, of more permanent interest. Lists of Certified back numbers of Journa I Hest Bank, Loncaster, England. records for' sale' and "wanted' etc. and News letter available. Not com­ Monthly meetings organized in U.K., plete 9-year series cannot be guaran­ WurliTzer Theatre Organ. 2m/5r. Oboe to which all members are welcome. teed. 61, Salicional 73, Voix Celeste 61, Flute-Bourdon 85, Vox Humana 61. No percussion or traps. Price $500 Mid­ west location. Write: Mr. Martin Wick, Wicks Organ Co., Highland, Illinois. THEATRE ORGAN REVIEW Late model 6-rank WurliTzer chest: Tibia, Trumpet, Diapason, Flute, Vox, brings you illustrated features on famous organs and organists, news Violin, very clean $300. Regulators, items, record reviews, and reports of meetings enjoyed by theatre trunk and beaters $150. Located at Lindsay, California. Crating e',xtra. organ enthusiasts in Great Britain. WurliTzer Concert Flute, 85 pipes from 8' CC $65. Style D Trumpet, some Published quarterly in London missing and bent pipes, make offer. by The Theatre Organ Club Dave Schutt, 2251 Watt Avenue, Apt. 313, Sacramento 25, California. ( President: Robinson Cleaver)

Morton 16' Tuba, 12 pipes with chests; 8' Tuba, Diapason, Clarinet, Violin, Annual Subscription $1, Post Free Celeste. All in good condition. Priced very low as I need more shop space. No crating. Write: Solon Marburger, Subscription Agent lor U.S.A. R. D. No. 1, Birdsboro, Pennsylvania. R. GROVE 2210 INDIANA AVEN .UE • CONNERSVILLE, INDIANA Two 3 manual Welte Consoles. $200 each. Edward Nawyn, 109 No. 12th St., Overseas Distribution from: Patterson 2, New Jersey, 121 CLYFFORD ROAO-, RUISLIP GARDENS, MIDDLESEX

Winter, 1960-61 15 Waldt~ tut IMPORTANT ANNOUNl!EMENT &veJlhtg Theatre, Classical and Electronic Organ Recordings in the next issue of ·THEATRE ORGAN ·HI-Fl STEREO REVIEW -•HI-FIDELITY MAGAZINE ·THE DIAPASON ·THE AMERICAN ORGANIST and other leading musical publications

R,,,u»it.k~A,IM. 42 Renwick Street New York City, New York P.S.

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