JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY Orbil ID™e eclronic 1ynrhe1izer P,UJ ~ -~oh_xe01pinel orgon equoJ...

rhenewe;I woy lo mo <.emu1ic fromWur irzec Now with the Orbit III electronic synthesizer from slowly, just as the theatre organist did by opening and you can create new synthesized sounds in­ closing the chamber louvers. stantly ... in performance. And with the built-in Orbit III synthesizer, this This new Wurlitzer instrument is also a theatre organ, instrument can play exciting combinations of synthe­ with a sectionalized vibrato/tremolo, toy counter, in­ sized, new sounds, along with traditional organ music. A dependent tibias on each keyboard and the penetrating built-in cassette player/recorder lets you play along with kinura voice that all combine to recreate the sounds of pre-recorded tapes for even more dimensions in sound. the twenty-ton Mighty of silent screen days. But you've got to play the Orbit III to believe it. And it's a cathedral/classical organ, too, with its own in­ Stop in at your Wurlitzer dealer and see the Wurlitzer dividually voiced diapason, reed, string and flute voices. 4037 and 4373. Play the eerie, switched-on sounds New linear accent controls permit you to increase or of synthesized music. Ask for your free Orbit III decrease the volume of selected sections suddenly, or demonstration record. Or write: Dep t: 1072 WURLilzER ® The Wurlitzer Company, DeKalb, Illinois 60115. ha.4'1he ,vay cover- photo ... Genii's console, the 3/13 235 Special Wurlitzer with Brass Trumpet, was installed in the Canal Street Theatre in New York in 1927, and was moved to the Triboro The­ atre in Queens, New York in 1931. Marvin Lautenheiser discovered it in 1962 and now houses it in a huge studio adjacent to his home in Springfield, Virginia. See story on Journal of the American Theatre Organ Society page 5. (Photo by Richard Neidich.) Volume 14, No. 5 • October, 1972

ATOS National Membership is $8.00 per in this issue ... calendar year, which includes a subscription to THEATRE ORGAN, the official pub­ lication of the American Theatre Organ FEATURES Society. Single copies $1.25. Make check or 5 "Genii" ...... Marvin Lautzenheiser money order payable to ATOS, and mail 8 John DeMello . . . . . • . . • . Alice Blue and Stu Green to P.O. Box 1314, Salinas, California 93901. 12 - An Appreciation . . . . . John Muri Editorial Address: 13 El Bombarde...... Douglas M. Powers THEATRE ORGAN 21 1973 Convention P.O. Box 1314, Salinas, California 93901 22 Introducing ... . . . . Judd Walton 24 Restoring the Barton . . . . Henry B. Aldridge Advertising Address 27 Organ at Midnight .....• . ... Bob Ort ATOS Advertising 2231 North Burling Street 29 Theatre Organ in Cathedral Ray Brubacher Chicago, Illinois 60614 32 Nostalgic Memories ..... Charles Wright ATOS National Headquarters 35 How to Entertain 500 Friends ATOS P.O. Box 1002 DEPARTMENTS Middleburg, Virginia 22117 4 Acre of Seats 36 Hollywood Cavalcade 42 Letters to the Editor Phone (703) 554~321 16 Vox Pops 37 For the Records 43 Chapter Notes ATOS National Officers 26 Nuggets from the Golden Days 40 Closing Chord 47 Classified Ads Erwin Young, President 30 Snippets from 41 Dinny's Colyum Duane Searle, Vice President Mary Bowles, Secretary -Treasurer Nina Young, Executive Secretary ATOS National Board of Directors Mary Bowles Allen W. Rossiter Dick Schrum Al Mason As we begin a new administration in the Allen Miller Judd Walton history of ATOS certainly the first order of Stillman Rice, Past President business is a sincere expression of gratitude ATOS Past Presidents to the former officers who have carried the Richard Simonton Feb. 1955 - Oct. 1958 torch for the society for the past year. I can Judd Walton Oct. 1958 - July 1961 Tiny James July 1961 - July 1964 assure them that the flame is bright and the Carl Norvell July 1964 - July 1966 future of ATOS is brighter because of their Richard Schrum July 1966 - July 1968 Al Mason July 1968 - July 1970 efforts. Stillman Rice July 1970 - July 1972 The first change from your new admin­ ATOS Honorary Members istration is an attempt to establish a permanent 1959-Jesse Crawford 1966-W. "Tiny" James address for the membership files, which up to 1960-Farny Wurlitzer 1967- Erwin A. Young, Jr. now have been moved with each president. 1961-Mel Doner 1968-Richard C. Simonton 1962-Leonard MacClain 1969-Judd Walton The Circulation-Editorial office for THEATRE 1963-Eddie Dunstedter 1970-Bill Lamb ORGAN and the membership office for ATOS 1964- 1971-George and Vi Thompson will be under the same roof at P.O. Box 1314, 1965-Dan Barton 1972- Stu Green Salinas, California 93901 with Vi Thompson directing circulation and memberships EDITORIAL STAFF and George Thompson remaining editor. All material for the magazine, ( except Editor-George Thompson Associate Editors - Ray Brubacher advertising) new memberships and renewals should be sent to this address - thus Lloyd E. Klos eliminating one step which had previously resulted in delays in activating member­ Peg Nielsen ships and mailing of THEATRE ORGAN . Advertising copy should be mailed to Editor-Emeritus - W. "Stu" Green Publisher-Al Mason Len Clark, 2231 N. Burling St., Chicago, Illinois 60614. Editorial Assistant - Don Lockwood All other correspondence should be sent to ATOS National Headquarters, P.O. Advertising Manager-Len Clarke Box 1002, Middleburg, Virginia 22117. A separate ATOS telephone has been in­ Circulation Manager-Vi Thompson stalled at the Middleburg address and will be answered only when I am there to THEATRE ORGAN (title registered U.S. Patent Office) is published bi-monthly by talk with you. This removes the need of a person to person call and direct dialing the American Theatre Organ Society, Inc., will assure the rnme result. The number is Area code 703, 554-8321. a non-profit organization, Erwin A. Young, While my name may not be a household word in ATOS, I hope that the corning Jr., President. All rights reserved. Entire contents copyrighted 1972 by ATOS, Inc., year will change that and find me renewing old friendships while meeting many Office of publication is P.O. Box 2329. members who are new to me. We have some of the finest people in the world in this Livonia, Michigan 48150. organization and I look ahead with enthusiasm to the opportunity to work with POSTMASTER: Second Class postage paid at Livonia, Michigan. IF UNDELIVERABLE, send form 3579 to ATOS Circulation De­ partment, Box 1314, Salinas, California 93901. ~t:~y ~(2~3.~3( OCTOBER, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN V

(Photo courtesy the Helgeson collection) Number2 7 in a series- By BillPeterson

THE ST. LOUIS THEATRE - St. Louis,Missouri This 4000 seat house was designed by C.W. and George L. Rapp , and opened in 1925 . The organ was a 4-manual Kimball. The theatre has been completely refurbished and is now named Powell Symphony Hall, the home of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

4 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER , 1972 by Marvin Lautzenheiser

Introduction from the score itself without copying, simultaneously, giving, in effect, an Today computers are used to do all mechanically or electronically, an organist with more than eight hands. kinds of things from controlling flights actual performance by a musician. Its It is with more than passing interest to the moon to keeping records of our capabilities include the playing of any that we note that the computers in­ charge accounts. It is only natural, notes on three keyboards and pedal­ volved in the GENII System are digital. then, to try to develop a computer board, changing stop tabs, controlling In this system the meaning of the system to play a theatre pipe organ. the swell shades, and operating the term "unit orchestra" on the Wur­ The GENII System does just that. The untuned percussion and traps. Up to litzer can come close to realization. music played by GENII is generated 40 of these things may be operated Inasmuch as GENII is already playing music of an advanced level, the question now is "How well can a computer be taught to play the organ?" The re­ mainder of this article will describe the GENII System.

Development The design of GENII began in 1966 with actual construction started in 1968. A multitude of concepts were analyzed and discarded before the

The most unusual feature of this summer's convention was GENII, the theatre-organ-playing com­ puter built by Marvin Lautzen­ heiser. The precision clearing and setting up of the stop tabs in­ variably triggered an appreciative ripple while the flashing red lights on the keyboard display kept all eyes occupied. Marvin and his GENII received a stand­ ing ovation. So many ATOS'ers requested copies of the technical GENII Seminar that it was with­ held from the initial convention coverage in order to present the paper in its entirety. Editor

current design was adopted. Much of the electronics could be described as "Early American" with many of the parts salvaged from scrapped electronic gear. The MUSICTRAN language has been through three major overall de­ signs leading to a rather generalized, flexible language which com bin es reasonable ease of use with a thorough control of the resulting music. The MARVEL computer program which

5 translates the data from punched cards 3. Notes times and durations are specified in computer counts; thus a quarter note's to data on a digital tape has under­ 4. Percussion, toys, and traps gone continual modification for over length could be coded in the range two years. 5. Volume of 56 to 72 with the expected value With all the above work in the 6. Registration (stop tablets) of 64; its starting time could be any value from one to an upper bound past, the task of generating good 7. Orchestration ( the combinations. music via a computer-organist is ap­ which permits the note to be com­ of all the above items). parently just beginning. An un­ pleted within the measure. Octaves are believably large amount of experi­ Data translated via MUSICTRAN numbered from one to five (six in the mentation has already been mapped is punched into standard computer case of top C) and specify the relative out to determine, if possible, some of cards for processing by the MARVEL octave on the keyboard to be used. The the mathematical aspects of "good" program. The translation from music names of the notes are their normal music. score to punched card data involves letter designations with 'x' used to Items yet to be done include a the following decisions and operations: denote sharps. Flats are not used as systematic study of the effects of note such; the corresponding sharps are substituted. timing, overlap, and separation. A 1. Parts special processor is under construction A part is defined by its function to capture in computer-usable format such as melody, bass, etc., and is 4. Percussion, Toys, and Traps digital data representing the perform­ identified by a digit in the range one The special effects as bass drum, ance of artists. From this, perhaps to nine. During orchestration the part triangle, etc., are translated in the a few of the secrets of music may be number is used to specify the method same manner as notes with a 3-character deduced. Other explorations include of playing the part; that is, the key­ name substitued for the note, octave the application of orchestra score to boards, octaves, and styles to be used and name. These are thought of as the organ via GENII to try to exploit for the part. having their own keyboard and are some of the extensive electronic/me­ given a special part designation. Thus chanical skills now available. Of 2. Measures the specification of a percussion in­ particular interest is the use of GENII cludes the measure identifier, the part to capture, edit, and replay music for A measure generally carries its normal music definition. However, identifier, the starting count, duration, making albums. With this capability, and the effect's name. an artist may play into GENII, use the natural measures are often broken GENII computer programs to edit into two sections to allow for orches­ the playing, and replay the music for tration changes at more convenient 5. Volume making the master audio tapes. points, such as at the ends of phrases. The volumes of the two chambers Measures are identified by a 3-digit are independently controlled and may GENil Description number and their sizes are given in be changed at any instant. The range The GENII System is made up of computer counts. A normal music of volumes from completely closed to six major components: beat is defined as 64 computer counts. fully open is designated by a number 1. a language (MUSICTRAN) for Thus, a measure in 4/4 time may have from zero to nine. The larger the translating score to data; a length of 256 counts. Of course, a number, the more open the given 2. a computer program (MARVEL) measure may be of any length re­ chamber will be. Only changes in which along with quired to accommodate the notes and volume need be specified, the GENII styling to be played in that measure. System maintains a given swell shade 3. an IBM 370/145 reformats the Each measure carries with it two setting until a change occurs. Again, data; metronome settings: the speed as of the volume controls are thought of as 4. a digital tape reader for reading the beginning of the measure and the having their own keyboard and are reformatted data; speed as of the end of the measure. given a special part designation. To 5. a controller (GENII) for inter­ These are used during data translation specify a volume setting the user preting reformatted data; to give a smooth decrease or increase specifies the volume identifier along in speed throughout the measure. If with the measure number, count with­ 6. a 3/13 Wurlitzer pipe organ for beginning and ending speeds are the in measure at which the change is to making the music. same, of course, no speed changes are occur, the chamber abbreviation and A brief description of each of these recorded within the measure. Occa­ the new setting number in the range components follows. sionally a normal measure will be zero to nine. subdivided into two or more computer I Musictran measures to allow for several changes 6. Stops MUSICTRAN is a language de­ of pace within it. The stops are con trolled by GENII veloped for the translation of music by trapping the tablet on the console score into mathematical data for 3. Notes into the "on" or "off' position. To processing by a computer. It deals Notes are translated to data by do this, a very short duration pulse is with seven categories of informa­ spelling out for each: the measure sent to the appropriate setter action tion: number to which it belongs, its starting magnet. The specification of the change 1. Musical parts (melody, bass, time in the measure, the duration, the of a stop includes a special part name; rhythm, etc.) relative octave in which it is written, the measure identifier; the count with­ 2. Measures and the name of the note. Starting in the measure when the change is to

6 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 occur; whether the stop is to turn on or 5. applies parameters for touch ( de­ 5. organ circuit switches (512, off; the keyboard designation (Pedals, gree of legato, staccato, etc.) electronic) Accompaniment, Great, or Solo) and 6. calculates start and stop times 6. display panel the stop name abbreviation. Unlike a for all operations setter action, only stop tabs that are 7. test control circuits to move need be energized; thus, very 7. sorts data in order of increasing few are actuated for normal changes. time Switching functions are controlled to such a timing accuracy as to become The trapping of the stop tablets allows 8. writes switch numbers and con­ transparent to the music being created. an easy, visual identification of those trol data on tape in time sequence Any operation may be started at the stops in use at any moment and also (A large amount of redundancy precise moment desired and may be permits GENII to ignore the stops is introduced at this point to held for any duration. The timing of when no changes are being made. help insure accurate reproduction any one note or operation is com­ Manual couplers are not actuated by of the music.) GENII, and they are never used in pletely independent of the timings of 9. prints cards for reference conjunction with GENII since GENII the operations of other notes. Up to can provide any and all coupling 10. prints computed data ( optional) 40 notes and/or functions may occur desired. simultaneously. III IBM 370 VI WurlitzerPipe Organ 7. Orchestration The MUSICTRAN data is processed The pipe organ controlJed by GENII The orchestration is the most sen­ at a commercial computer center via is a 3 manual 13 rank Wurlitzer which sitive area of translation in that it the MARVEL program on an IBM is installed in the Lautzenheiser studio really is the point at which the union 370 using approximately 100,000 bytes in Springfield, Virginia. This organ of music parts and instrument is made. of core. The digital tapes are written was originally installed in the Canal A great flexibility with respect to at a density of 800 bytes (numbers) Street Theatre in New York City in couplers, attack, speed, etc. is available per inch. Processing time is approx­ 1927. In 1931 it was moved to the here to bring out musical variation imately 20 cards per second. A typical Loew's Triborough Theatre in Queens, without modifying the basic data. composition may include 500 - 1000 New York City. So far as is known it The orchestration may be changed cards taking 25 - 50 seconds to process. was last played there in the early between any two measures. It does the 1940's. The Lautzenheisers purchased following: the organ in 1962 and have been IV Digital Tape Reader playing it regularly since 1964. a. assigns parts to keyboards The tapes are read at the Lautzen­ GENII controls the following organ heiser studio via a PEC digital tape circuits: b. assigns parts to octaves reader. The read rate is 12½ inches 1. 215 keys (3 - 61-note keyboards c. assigns transpositions of parts per second transferring up to 10,000 plus the 3 2-note pedal board) pieces of data per second to the GENII d. assigns attacks to individual parts 2. 30 swell shades (2 sets, each processor. A typical composition may having 9 steps) e. assigns overall metronome run three minutes, use about 200 feet adjustments of tape and contain up to two million 3. 16 untuned percussions and f. defines number of computer pieces of data. sound effects counts per beat 4. 90 stop tabs (using 180 circuits g. specifies coupling (a given part V Genii to trap the stop tablets into may be played on each of several The GENII processor is a hand "on" or "off' positions keyboards at several octave levels built electronic processor which accepts This is a total of 429 functions; if so desired) data from a digital tape transport, GENII has room to allow for nearly unlimited expansion in the number of h. specifies pizzicato touch where processes that data, and controls the circuits controlled. desired pipe organ operation. The processor is made up of 152 printed circuit boards containing over 50 integrated circuits, Summary II Marvel 3000 diodes, 2000 transistors, 5000 The feasibility .of a computer play­ The MARVEL computer program resistors, 600 capacitors and a mile of ing an organ has now been dem­ is a set of over 1300 instructions wire. In addition, the cables con­ onstrated. Unlike player of the which tells an IBM 370 how to translate necting GENII to the pipe organ con­ past, GENII has not less, but more, the MUSICTRAN data cards into in­ tain four miles of wire. The display mechanical skill than a human artist. formation on a digital tape. It does panel contains over 250 light-emitting At this point, we have not endowed the following: diodes. GENII has the following major the computer with any true musical elements: creativity. We have given the musician 1. reads cards a new tool that permits him to release 2. computes switch numbers for 1. tape read buffers his creativity from the slavery of his each operation 2. data checking circuits physical capabilities. Perhaps GENII can be thought of as a new musical 3. applies couplers as specified in 3. data decoders instrument, one that responds to digital the orchestration cards 4. organ function memory circuits data instead of digital manipulation of 4. transposes parts as specified (512) its keyboards. □

OCTOBER, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN 7 J olhumDeMello

By Alice Blue and Stu Green

For fifty years John DeMello has been playing in Island theatres - come 'talkies', television, typhoons and wrecking balls.

From time to time one hears of an stalwarts, led by Dick Leibert, have in West Covina, Calif. And Joe Bright organist who refused to give up the played at the Radio City Music Hall in has been playing at the Rialto in theatre console come "talkies" and has New York since its 1932 opening; and Alamosa, Colorado, since 193 7 on a managed to play more or less con­ that Stan Kann presides at the St. 2/7 Wurlitzer. There may be a few tinuously in a theatre down to the Louis Fox, where organ music has similar anachronisms, but not many. present. Usually it's a somewhat nebu­ been an intermission feature of the Usually the best way to continue a lous and humorous reference to some programs over the years. theatre playing career after "talkies" small town where the natives are so But how about small towns? was to take over a remaining job, one backward they haven't heard about There's Ed Pegram up in Bozeman, not yet made obsolete by automation. talking pictures. It's good for a smile Montana, doing a regular stint on the Anything to be in the theatre. but there is truth in the legend; there Ellen Theatre's 2/7 Wurlitzer and Billy An organist aspiring to such ambi­ are such men. Wright still going strong on a theatre tions could try ushering, taking Of course we know that a trio of Conn at the pipeless Eastland Theatre tickets, running projectors or tackling management. Many a truncated organ career was transformed to an assistant managership. But the modulation from John dressed up the New Palace console for his 1932 Christmas Show. music to daily account sheets was an abrupt one, and only a few such re­ cruits survived. The career changer had to be strongly motivated, deeply in love with his instrument, to survive very long. To keep it up for 40 years is some measure of the devotion involved. Such a man is John DeMello; he is rounding out 50 years of playing organ in Island theatres. It started in 1922 when Honolulu's brand new Princess and Hawaii theatres opened. Both were equipped with medium-size Robert Mortons. Mainland organist Ed Sawtelle was a sensation at the Prin­ cess 4/ 17 Morton, and the life agreed

Uncredited photos are from John DeMello's scrapbook.

OCTOBER, 1972 with him; he remained for many years. ads programming included music by That same year another organist such composers as Victor Herbert, launched his career, but without fan­ Stephen Foster, Ethelbert Nevin, fare. In a small house equipped with a Sousa's Marches and Irving Berlin tiny Fotoplayer, a personable Island pops. lad interspersed his developing musical In 1931-32 the Theatre was adver­ efforts with music played from rolls. tising that the organist would play Soft spoken John De Mello was audience requests received by mail. anxious to learn all he could about Johnny's mail was tremendous, with playing for silent movies so he began requests such as, "Love Letters in the studying. In a few years he was ready Sand", ''Moonlight Becomes You", "It for the big time - then came sound. Happened in Monterey", "Hello Beau­ John made his decision; he would not tiful", "You Darling", "Guilty", and permit this automation to drive him others. Many a young man impressed from his beloved music. He became his girl by arranging with Johnny to involved in theatre management. play "our song" during the perform­ To dig into the DeMello biography, ance they attended. we recruited organist Alice Blue whose In May, 1932, Johnny was trans­ career paralleled John's while both ferred to the New Palace Theatre in played Hawaiian pipes in the mid-30's. Alice Blue's Island career ran parallel to Hilo, replacing Alice Blue who was Alice returned to the Islands a few John's in the '30s. It was through her life­ shifted to the Hawaii Theatre in long friendship with him that we are able to years ago to play a Hammond X66 in present his story. This 1968 photo shows Honolulu. the lounge of a posh suburban restau­ Aliceticklingthe88'sfor mainland ATOSers. Johnny remained at the console of rant near Honolulu, the Pearl City (Friensehner Photo) the 7-rank Robert Morton at the New Tavern, and found John DeMello still Palace for 8 years, producing solos and playing theatre pipes, and with a spare electric swell shutters. " It had 3 swell sizable stage shows, sing-alongs and organ in storage which we'll get to shoes. Saturday morning ''Mickey Mouse later. Here's Alice Blue's story. What became of this Wicks? We shows", which grew to tremendous believe it was sold to an Oakland popularity. Ice cream was served to John DeMello must be one of the Mortuary. hundreds of kids in the lobby! very few remaining theatre organists In 1929 Johnny was transferred to In 1940 the Morton was removed who has played organs in theatres the Kaimuki Playhouse, Honolulu, from the Palace and installed in the during show time when the house was where he was featured on the 10-rank beautiful new Hilo Theatre which open from silent days to the present "Dukes Mixture" recently sold to and opened with Johnny at the console. time non-stop. installed in the Methodist Church in He added a real vibraharp and people Relatively unknown elsewhere, Kailua. At the Playhouse (now the are still talking of the beautiful sounds Johnny has been known and loved in Kaimuki Theatre) Johnny produced of pipes and vibes. Hawaii since his first job in 1922 when novelty organ numbers, often adding On April Fool's Day of 1960 the he was 18 at the Empire Theatre in vocalists. Among these was Gerald "tatsumi" that roared through Hilo 's Honolulu where, of course, he played Blackshear. According to old theatre business section, taking lives and for the silents. A small self contained Fotoplayer was his instrument at first. Later, the house "went for broke" and Alice Blue describes this 3/10 in the Kaimuki Playhouse as a 'Dukes Mixture.' John, shown installed a big Fotoplayer with huge here in 1930, won great popularity with his personalized requests. sound cabinets on either side of the console. In 1928 Johnny opened the $15,000 Wicks 2-manual pipe organ at the Star Theatre in Kalihi, Honolulu, installed by Ware and McCreary. He had been studying pipes with Edwin Sawtelle who had opened the Princess Theatre Robert Morton in 1922. According to a 1928 Honolulu newspaper the Wick's Pipe Organ Company of Highland, Ill., "represents the very latest ideas in theatre organ construction. It operates on direct electric action principle, making it one of the fastest-speaking organs made. The instrument is placed in two specially constructed swell chambers that are sound proof except for the tone openings, which are controlled by

OCTOBER, 1972 causing great destruction, washed the Morton's console out of the theatre, adding it to the rubbish and muck in the street. The pipes remained intact and were later bought by Roger Angell and installed in his Manoa, Honolulu, home with a new console from the mainland. Thereby hangs another story. Johnny was transferred to the Liberty Theatre in Honolulu as house manager and organist where he carried on at an old model Hammond, with the vibraharp which had been removed from the Hilo theatre before the tidal wave. "It sounded like a funeral parlor," recalls John. Then Johnny was moved to the beautiful Waikiki Theatre as assistant manager and organist where he re­ mains as featured organist at the con­ sole of the 4/ 17 Robert Morton which had been moved from the Hawaii Theatre in 1938. Johnny is semi­ retired now but on Fridays and Saturdays he gi,ves out with special solos arranged to suit the mood of the feature picture. The audience, much of it tourists, is definitely and agreeably surprised to hear the big sound of pipes again in a movie house. Johnny's predeliction for draping the gold and white console in bright satin and glittering colored lights often bugs the buffs but they love him any­ how and as Johnny says, "How would the audience know the console is there if they can't see it? They'd think they

I • t were hearing the usual canned music. " Incidentally, he's not related to or­ This 1946 photo shows Johnny with his Vibraharp, playing the 3/7 Morton in the Hilo theatre. It was moved to the new theatre from the Palace for the Hilo's opening in 1940. chestra leader Jack DeMello. John DeMello's name should be in The New Palace theatre in Hilo as it appeared in March, 1933. John played the 3/7 Robert lights on the marquee but despite his Morton for 8 years. rarity as a real theatre organist - not just an organist who plays theatre organs - he goes more or less unsung and being of a gentle, modest nature he doesn't seem to mind. He is quite content with a rather dim spotlight and a momentary screen credit along with a small display card in the theatre entrance area. Johnny never was a "show off," else you would have heard of him through the years. He is an islander, born a long time ago on Kauai and happy to live the rest of his life in Hawaii with Olga, the pretty gi,rl he married during his Hilo years. They own a lovely home in Honolulu where Johnny's gardening hobby has created a fragrant jungle of tropical plants on a hillside overlooking the blue Pacific. With the cooperation of Consolidated

OCTOBER, 1972 Amusement Company, John DeMello has kept alive Honolulu's unusual saga of the theatre organ. That's where Alice Blue's account ends. It was written some time before her departure from Hawaii for resi­ dence in Tonga. Meanwhile John DeMello became involved in events which led to the installation and restoration of a second Robert Morton in a Hawaiian theatre. Recall that in 1922 both the Princess and Hawaii theatres opened with Mortons. The Waikiki Theatre opened in 1936 with John DeMello playing a Hammond. To improve the music, the Morton organ was moved in 1938 from the Hawaii Theatre to the Wai­ kiki. The near twin Morton remained in the Princess Theatre until the steel Interior of Theatre in Honolulu. Organs in Hawaii are forever moving. ball arrived to bludgeon it to a parking Morton was originally in the Hawaii Theatre. It's John's favorite. lot in the mid '60s. Fortunately, the Morton was saved. It was stashed on summer of 1971, a credit to the Aloha intermissions at one of the organ­ the stage of the Hawaii Theatre, and chapter members, Alice Blue, and Bill e quipped theatres and sometimes there the parts remained. The Hawaii and Ken Blunk. during "big draw" films the organ still had chambers intact from the Naturally, the man to put the interlude must be cut so there will be previous installation but no effort was newly installed Morton through its an audience turnover during the break. made to set up the Princess organ in paces had to be the man who had Too many prefer to stay for the organ the Hawaii. Years passed; there were never deserted the concept of an organ music. rumors of a contract to get the project playing in a theatre - John DeMello. Fifty years is a long time to devote moving, but nothing happened. The honorary membership bestowed to a profession which became an avo­ Early in 1970, Alice Blue decided on him by the Aloha chapter is well cation, but John DeMello wouldn't on some independent action. She deserved. change a thing if he could do it again. approached Consolidated Theatres John DeMello has no intention of "Well, perhaps I'd change one thing management and suggested that quitting the console although his if I could do it again," corrects John, perhaps mainland help was in order. management activities have been "semi "I might hope talkies wouldn't be in­ She found Consolidate d's John Traut retired". He is always available for vented the next time around." □ and Bob Weeks sympathetic. She was John DeMello today. He still caresses the Waikiki Morton manuals regularly, and he is de­ authorized to seek an organ expert lighted in the wave of enthusiasm which culminated in the establishment of the Aloha from the mainland who would get the Chapter of ATOS. - (Aloha Chapter Photo) installation started in exchange for a roundtrip ticket to Honolulu. In Portland, long time organ tech­ nician Bill Blunk was approached just as he was about to go on vacation. Instead he went with his son, Ken, to Hawaii and in 10 days of March 1970, with some local help, they had wres­ tled much of the heavy parts into the chambers and generally made a solid start toward getting the Morton in the Hawaii playing, a story which hasn't been chronicled previously. John DeMello's help during this time was invaluable. Bill and Ken would have remained longer to continue the work they started but Bill strained his back from the heavy work, so he and Ken returned to Portland and a week in traction for Bill. That was his vacation. The start made by the Blunks and John broke the period of neglect and soon ATOS help was forthcoming. The instrument has been playing since the

OCTOBER, 1972 Chicago), and the practice was spread­ ing to all the theatres that could feature an organist - except the by John Muri Chicago. When Crawford returned for The influence of Jesse Crawford their new songs, for they knew the a week's run after he had opened has diminished but little in the decade value of getting ten thousand people the New York Paramount, he played since his death on April 28, 196 2. a day to hear their new tunes. The . a straight solo, made for listening. I Pronounce his name Jessie as many Lyon and Healy music store often had was sitting in the balcony at a matinee, people did and still do, or Jess, as a window display of the new song when a number of people tried to sing people who knew him and worked Crawford was currently featuring, and along with the organ. Crawford stopped with him did - that name, if nothing they sold lots of copies during the run. playing, turned around on his Howard else, has remained a somewhat awe­ To get your song featured at the seat and said, "I will not finish the inspiring symbol of something not com­ Chicago Theatre was a big step toward solo unless the hoodlums in the balcony pletely understood by those who never success in the Chicago music market. stop the singing." He got a good hand saw him or heard him play. Two There were plenty of new tunes from of applause for that, and he was able contemporary organists have tried to which to select - more than enough to finish the solo. He could get away reproduce his playing by copying the good ones - so Crawford didn't have with it, but not the rest of us. We registrations, tempos, and trouble finding material. played for community singing - and of some of his recordings, but none how I hated the low standard of work has been able to assume the smoothness Once in a while he went classical, it demanded - till we all got chased of style, the deceptive simplicity that but it wasn't often. Most of his clas­ out of the theatres. I'm sure Crawford covers a real complexity and apply sical work was adequate, but not would have agreed that song-leading them in new, original work. Next to particularly well done. He schmaltzed is expendable but that showmanship Crawford's, most of the playing of his up the "Meditation" from Tha,is on involving art and serious preparation imitators thumps along like a square occasion, and he put together an easy is always rare and a better com­ wheel, even though the imitations are version of the then-new "Rhapsody modity. good. in Blue." Audiences would sit still for I met him but once. It was in 1925 How could such relatively tame­ Tachaikowsky's "March Slav" because at his office backstage on the third sounding music ever become so pop­ the organ sound was big and the floor of the Chicago Theatre. It was ular? At the Chicago Theatre, Craw­ electricians would change the colors large enough to contain a large roll­ ford was consistently a big box-office of the house-lighting to match the top desk with telephone, a long settee, draw. Organists flocked to listen. The music: blue for peaceful, red for chairs, a , and dressing facilities. first afternoon show (with Crawford violent, and full-up golden-white for a He was very business-like and reserved soloing at about 1: 30) was notable big sunburst finish. It was a light­ with me, but not aloof. I had gotten for its daily row of organists sitting show in the early twenties, demon­ to know Arthur Gutow (second organ­ before the console. Many a time did I strating again that the modern ist at the Chicago) fairly well and sit there myself, although I usually psychedelics and strobes are nothing often visited the theatre mornings be­ preferred the third row in the balcony new. They weren't even new in 1924. fore it opened to sit in on Gutow's for better sight and sound. It was fun The whole theatre was equipped with practice sessions, after which we went to see the organists bending over and multi-colored cove dome lights wired out for breakfast. Crawford was oblig­ craning their necks to see Crawford in multi-circuits, so that one could ing, but he did not encourage famil­ work. I did my own share of it, and it always use the lights or the revolving iarity or further contact. He was too became a real problem to decide where or sliding pillars when things got a bit busy a man for small talk. He would to sit when the second console was dull. Crawford always put some clas­ help you if he could (as he did me added for Mrs. Crawford. Jesse had a sical material in his Sunday noon one­ when I was trying to locate E.R. way of switching back and forth be­ hour organ concerts, but he didn't Howard, inventor of the organ seat), tween consoles when playing for pic­ have to play those very often, since but that would be the end of it. At the tures, and you never knew whether other organists from the B and K console he rarely and sparingly smiled you would be lucky enough to be Theatre circuit were engaged to per­ at his audiences, but that was ac­ close to him. Since the theatre is form. Many jealous organists often ceptable in the "carraige trade" house extremely wide, you might as well accused him of not being able to read that the Chicago was. Unprepossessing have been a city block away if you music and of being a musical faker, in appearance (I never saw him in had picked the wrong console to watch. but their carping was never documented anything other than a dark suit) and When he played for a feature pic­ and their sniping didn't hurt him a unpretentious at the console, he was ture, you generally heard ravishing bit. a model of dignity and poise. He never solo stops putting out catchy melody He must have hated the community­ played the clown. I wonder if show - never too loud, and usually quite sing movement. There is no use trying business today would have a place for subdued. I never heard him make the to play with style when accompanying such a performer with such a manner. organ distract attention from the film. four thousand untrained voices sing­ That it seems not to have one is but It was all the more effective later ing songs like "Sweet Adeline" or one more sounding of the depth of our when he cut loose on his solo. "Singing in the Rain." In 1926, Henri cultural degradation. As Mark Antony The nature of the music business A. Keates did little other than ac­ said of Caesar, we have to say of made Crawford's job a natural success. company singing at the Oriental The­ Jesse Crawford: "When comes such Music publishers courted him to feature atre (around the corner from the another?" □

12 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 THE MIGHTY WURLITZER OF PANAMA

in Panama City. By Douglas M. Powers

The story of Wurlitzer opus 2043 is tions. Another unusual item is that wood and most recently, John Fisher. a long one. Not in terms of words, but this organ has two marimbas and two The Oboe Horn was re-voiced to in miles. While this instrument may xylophones, which play as if they were simulate a trumpet in order to provide not have traveled as many kilometers one marimba and one xylophone. The a better balance between the two as the famous BBC Moller with Regi­ additional pair came out of a Wurlitzer chambers. There are ten tremulants, nald Foort, it is one of the two Wur­ in New Rochelle, New York. five in each chamber and a total of litzers to have been sent to the Repub­ There are many assorted facets of 1,826 pipes. The console, as previously lic of Panama. interest about the Panama Wurlitzer. mentioned, has 251 stop tablets and The installation is, in a word, Between 1962 and the present, there also boasts three highly unusual trick classic. The organ started out in 1928 have been nine steady organists. They couplers: Great to Solo fourth, fifth, as a 3/27 in the Stanley-Warner Thea­ are in order of appearance: Leroy and sixth! These were installed for tre at Atlantic City, New Jersey, where Lewis, Lyn Larsen, Bill Kaufmann, Leroy Lewis' own of it enjoyed the place of honor as one of Pepe (Bolivia) Bustamente, Leroy "Ebb Tide" and even though still the two largest three manual theatre Lewis (again), Tom Wayne, Ismael De operable, they are seldom used. The pipe organs (both are twenty-seven La Rose, Emilia Arrevelo, Bernie Kirk- relay room is in the basement. The ranks) made in North Tonawanda. Its twin is still believed to be in its origi­ nal place of residency, the Stanley­ Warner Theatre in Elizabeth, New General view of the Panama installation. The overhead grille is the tone chute. Pipework can Jersey. be seen through windows. The console is a custom design by Wurlitzer. The three manual key-desk is mounted in a four manual shell, therefore the back board is higher than normal allowing for two rows of stopkeys to be mounted on it. The console is very impressive with an array of 251 stop tablets, and recently had new keyboards and a pedal clavier installed. The second touch is in­ operative. Moving to the percussions, one interesting, noticeable fact is the absence of tuned sleigh bells. It is doubtful if it ever had any since the gang switches do not reflect any trace of them. It is uncertain if these were eliminated from the original specifica-

OCTOBER, 1972 organ has three pizzicato relays and the combination action was com­ pletely overhauled recently and boasts such goodies as an all-electric relay mechanism and an eight stage electric relay crescendo action which is much more reliably dealt with at the con­ sole. The blower is a 20 horsepower Spencer with a static wind pressure rated at 25 inches. One thing is for certain - this organ will never be starved for air! The man in charge of the organ's upkeep, Bernie Kirkwood, has had this duty for five years and has done an outstanding job. Going back to around 1960, John Doyle, Leroy Lewis, Ted Campbell and Jack Weiss took part in removing the organ from the 3,000 seat theatre Leroy Lewis at the 3/27 Wurlitzer he helped place in Panama. and John personally flew most of the (Photo : Courtesy Rev. George D. Mac Neal) instrument down to Panama in his own DC-4. While transporting the funny, yet nearly disastrous thing Panama Hotel, a major undertaking organ into the Republic of Panama, a happened. The customs inspectors was ahead of them - rebuilding and were more than just stumped when installing. they got a look at the pipes. Since Some two years later, the organ was EL PANAMA WURLITZER there is no custom law governing the ready for its debut. In July, 1962, the Ranks - 27 entry of pipe organs, per se, the in­ El Panama Wurlitzer spoke for the first spectors somehow had to fit the organ time to an awed and delighted crowd, Solo Chamber - 14 Ranks in to their list of acceptables and non­ and to this day, continues to allure acceptables. Panamanians are notori­ thousands of persons from all over the Listed from rear to front ous for doing things the hard way - at world, reigning as one of Panama's of chamber least this writer thinks so - and in tourist highlights. It also continues to Brass Trumpet classifying the organ, one of these provide a welcome atmosphere for Tibia Clausa shrewd officials decided it was not a more frequent visitors. Solo String Celeste pipe organ at all, for this was far too As one enters the El Bombarde, the Solo String simple! It was, of all things, a collec­ bar area, he is immediately attracted English Post Horn tion of rockets and rocket launchers by red spotlights focused on the beau­ Kinura and these pseudo-spies were attempt­ tiful three manual console done in Brass Saxophone ing to smuggle them into the country! ivory and gold with walnut finishing Krumet After things cooled down and the around and inside the horseshoe, the Vox Humana instrument was parked in its various craftsmanship clearly evident. Then Clarinet hiding places throughout the El the onlooker is struck by another Quintadena Celeste (missing) Open Diapason Quintadena Orchestral Oboe

Main Chamber - 13 Ranks Listed from rear to front of chamber Tuba Horn Diaphonic Diapason Tibia Clausa Muted Viol Celeste Flute Celeste Muted Viol Flute VoxHumana Oboe Horn Viol Celeste Violin d'Orchestra Voix Celeste Salicional

14 magnificent view . . . twenty seven ranks of choice Wurlitzer pipework and ornamented percussions of all NEW RELEASEFROM types. To the left is the sol0 chamber 'c:::=:J'DORIC with its bright brasswork and domi­ RECORDING DO(S) 1211-1212 n nating diaphones, to the right is the main chamber, and the center reveals a room full of percussions. Each cham­ BY SPECIALARRANGEMENT WITH EMI ber is separated from the viewer by DORIC RECORDINGPROUDLY PRESENTS large glass windows. Some of the pipes THE GENIUS OF are finished with metallic paint, and the hammers of the xylophone, glock­ enspiel, marimba and piano, are painted fluorescent colors which, under SIDNEY TORCH 1932-1939

24 ORIGINAL RECORDINGS INCLUDING SIDNEY TORCH'S GREATESTHITS A DELUXETWO RECORDALBUM SET REMASTEREDIN EMITRONIC STEREO ALBUM INCLUDES A RECENT INTERVIEW WITH SIDNEY TORCH AND RARE PHOTOGRAPHSOF TORCH AND THE VARIOUS ORGANS USED

DESCRIPTIONOFEACH SELECTION BY JUDD WAL TON

Selections include: Jeepers Creepers • Remember Me • A Tisket - a Tasket • Butterflies in the Rain • The Merry -go-round Broke Down • Love and Learn • The Flying Scotsman • You're a Sweetheart • Where Are You • Bugle Call Rag • What Goes Up Must Come Down • I Hadn 't Anyone 'till You • When East Meets West (Part The author seated at the Powers' home 1) • When East Meets West (Part 2) • Bei Mir Bis Du Schon • I Have Eyes For You • installation, a 4/14 Wurlitzer/Moller. When Day Is Done • Twelfth Street Rag • Song of India • Teddy Bear's Picnic • There's Something About a Soldier• Dance of the Blue Marionettes • They All Start black light, produce quite a dazzling Whistling Mary• Hot Dog• effect. The magical sounds from this work The cinema organs used were: Wurlitzer Organ, Gaumont State Theatre, Kilburn • of art sweep down from the shutters Christie Organ, Regal Theatre, Marble Arch • Wurlitzer Organ, Regal Theatre , into a small area in the ceiling and Kingston• Compton Organ, EMI Studio No. 1, Abbey Road, London• Christie Organ, then flow into the bar area. The 16' Regal Theatre , Edmonton • Bourdon and 8' Flute offsets are hidden, lying on their backs in the ceiling area, and produce quite a start­ PRICE $9.95 POSTPAID ling effect when played - standing SALES RESTRICTEDTO USA ONLY waves and all! Indeed, hearing this instrument is an even more exciting experience than seeing it. And here is where I must ------end, for no one can relate the true DORIC RECORDSSALES COMPANY sounds of a theatre organ in words. P.O. Box 605, Alamo, California 94507 Why not go down to Panama and take Enclosed is check or money order for $ ______in this marvelous installation and find Please send me ___ copies of the Sidney Torch out how it really sounds for yourself. deluxe package set at $9 .95 each. The address is: El Panama Hotel, Via Espanoa l11, phone: 23-1660. By the NAME ------way, there is more in Panama than a Wurlitzer but that's not the point of ADDRESS ______this story. The point is that there is a Wurlitzer very much alive and well in CITY ______STATE ___ ZIP ------Panama! D ------OCTOBER, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN 15 name over the years of 'Mr. Pipe There was Jackie Coogan as a stand­ ¥8)( P8PI Organ' " there follows a page of high­ up comic, Cass Daley and Beatrice lights covering Eddie's music-rich ca­ Kay as song belters, the Ink Spots reer, and closes with, "RESOLVED (still "honeychiling", Virginia O'Brien by the Senate Rules Committee, that with her straight-on deadpan vocalizing, the Members commend Edward J. unclad Sally Rand and her famous Dunstedter for the enjoyment he has fans, Allan Jones as MC and vocalist brought to millions over the years." (yes, the "Donkey Serenade") and The very official document bears the durable Vince Barnett in a plastered Great Seal of California and is signed airline pilot skit. by Committee Chairman James R. The Chronicle's show biz reporter, Mills and two legislators from Eddie's Paine Knickerbocker, described it as home area, Lou Cusanovich and Frank "spirited and good humored" but Lanterman. lacking in comedy. The same sheet's Interviewed in his Reseda, Calif. colummist Herb Caen was less kind, trailer park home Eddie observed that stating whimsically that " . . . the he had been promoted to "Official show wasn't very good, because it wasn't half bad," whatever that means. Conducted by Stu Green Minnesotan" long ago, and "now I'm an official Californian too, recognized But he was appreciative of the "Mighty by the state's highest body of law­ Morton theatre organ" as played by Readers are encouraged to submit in­ makers. It's a most pleasant experience:' Tiny James despite sometimes sug­ teresting sidelights on the organ hob­ gestive terms: by (exclusive of chapter news items) Another pleasant experience for material they believe will be of general Eddie during August was the cel­ "Tiny James took his place at the interest about local organ activities ebration of 55 years of matrimony mighty Morton organ, with its key­ and installations and the people who to wife Viva, whose project these days boards like the controls of a 74 7, and work at the hobby. We know "there's is maintaining Eddie's health, follow­ every freak and queen in the place VOX POPS in them there chapters" screamed in ecstasy. What an organ! and it only requires a 6i postcard to ing his recovery from a heart attack get it to VOX POPS Editor, Box two years ago. Asked how he felt His hands caressed it, drawing one old 3564, Granada Hills, California 91344. about living with one woman for so song after another from its murky If the contributor can afford an Bi long, Eddie grumbled, in characteristic depths, a true master, his left foot stamp, why not include a black and snaking back and forth on the bass white photo which need not be Dunstedter style, "I think I'll keep returned. her. pedals. Mr. James is called 'Tiny' because he's so huge. Got the picture?" ~ Yes, NorCalChap A TO Sers were Eddie D unsted ter was deeply In Erie, Pennsylvania, the pub­ deeply involved in readying the 4- touched early in August by his un­ lication of Gannon College, the Gannon manual Morton for the show. expected 75th birthday present from Knight, took cognizance of a gift to the Senate of the California Legislature. the college by a member of its staff, No one could deny he had earned the a maintenance man with the descriptive An item from the Delaware Valley accolade represented by the Resolution name of Joe Luckey. A theatre organ Chapter's newsletter, "The Lift," il­ prepared by the Rules Committee of buff since childhood, Joe kept a care­ lustrates another milestone in the con­ that August body: "WHEREAS, Mr. ful eye on the 3-manual organ in the tinuing relaxation between advocates Edward J. Dunstedter has earned the local Shea's The,atre. Biding his time of straight and theatre organs. The he waited until the theatre wanted to "Lift" announces on October 29 con­ sell the well-preserved instrument, then cert sponsored jointly by the ATOS put in his bid - $300.00. It was chapter and the Southeastern Chapter accepted. Joe couldn't conceal his intended gift as a surprise; he needed a lot of space to store it, so he presented it to Gannon College. It was gratefully accepted. After 3½ years of rebuilding Joe has been installing the organ in a college building over the summer. It's set to be "preemed" just about now. The Gannon Knight describes ATOS er Joe Luckey as "Gan­ non's most popular maintenance man." We think we know why.

~ "The Big Show of 1936" which played the San Francisco Orpheum

for two weeks in August got mixed Shirley Hannum. Mediator in a no longer EDDIE DUNSTEDTER - (Stufoto) reviews concerning the vaudeville. fashionable war.

16 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 of the American Guild of Organists (AGO}, champions of the orthodox organ. It will be a theatre organ con­ One of the pleasant aspects of an cert held at the Lansdowne theatre ATOS convention is the resulting com­ in Lansdowne, near Philly, and played munication among members who are on the 3/9 Kimball by youthful Shirley normally geographically separated. For Hannum, house organist at the Lans­ example, we have learned of the downe for six years and a student of hospitality of our secretary, Mary the late, great Leonard MacClain. Her Bowles. She met Joe Brite and Jimmy program will be purely theatre organ Cantu, respectively organist and man­ music with no emphasis on the un­ ager of the Rialto theatre in Alamosa, tremulated Diapason becal!,se of the Colorado, and after the convention untrem 'd guests. Shirley will also ac­ invited them to the Bowles home in company a silent comedy, "Teddy at Lost Lake, New Jersey for a listen to the Throttle. " her rapidly expanding library of his­ Such difference-burying events are torical interview of tapes with T.O. increasing in frequency and its good prominenti. Joe, who has been play­ to see the hatchet going underground ing the 2/7 Wurlitzer at the Rialto since everywhere. It wasn't always thus; in 1937, was especially impressed with a the '20s, theatre and straight organ biographical interview Mary made with addicts were continually at one Milton Charles, who now lives in another's throats, fanned by national Southern, Calif. Such incidents, organ publications. The rancor gen­ multiplied many times over, add much erated died slowly. sparkle to our annual meeting; the So thanks, Shirley, the AGO chapter theme being "Getting to Know You". and the Delaware Valleyites, for your ~ forward step for organphiles. . Rochester bound. - (Stufoto) In California there's a Wurlitzer in ~ a motorcycle shop. Clear across the country in Eatonville, New Jersey, Our favorite circus organist, Colonel burned out the solo chamber of the there's a two-manual Robert Morton Harry Jenkins, recovering from an Pasadena Rialto theatre's now gone gracing Ed Mahn's bicycle shop. That's intestinal ailment in an Anchorage, 2/10 Wurlitzer a few days before the variety with a continental spread! Alaska, USAF Base Hospital, hated series was scheduled to start. The Associated Press in June put to relinquish his place at the plug-in But there's always the 1973 ATOS on its nationwide wire a lengthy piece which accompanies the DeWayne Bros. Convention in Portland for the rest of on the 3/22 Wurlitzer in Joe Koons' circus for even one show but he us. George is tentatively set for a Motorcycle Shop in Long Beach, Cal­ developed "a bellyache decidedly un­ convention concert. like the green apples kind" and it ifornia. Joe can expect an increase of ~ took surgery to unscramble his knotted interested folks to drop in on Saturday tummy. He'll be back on the job by The tuning tool that organ builder evenings (no admission) to hear the mid-September, cueing dog acts, high Dan Papp used for over 30 years on monster. Also distributed to member wire, trampolinists, elephants, horse the famous New York Paramount the­ newspapers was a picture showing a acts, clowns and monkeys. Son Harry atre and studio Wurlitzers will be happy Joe at the console, surrounded Jr. (a former "gorilla" in the DeWayne duplicated and made available to organ by motor bikes. one-ringer) will join dad to help with buffs if there is enough interest, ac­ ~ the heavy chores of wrestling speakers cording to ATOSer Jack Bethards. The School of the Ozarks at Pt. The knife-like tool was given to Ben and console during set-up and striking Lookout, Mo. incorporated the feature Hall by Dan Papp during the in­ operations. Colonel Harry's big top about its theatre pipe organ, which ran stallation of Ben's "Little Mother" adventures were chronicled in "The in the February 1972 THEATRE OR­ Wurlitzer and, in turn, given to Circus is Coming," June 1971 issue of GAN, in its brochure advertising its Bethards who found it ideal for tuning this mag. "Music For a Sunday Afternoon" jobs with just the right length and programs during July. Organist Bert ~ shape for every hard-to-reach reed or Buhrman was featured at the Wur­ Central New Yorkers will have an flue. Bethards requests that anyone litzer in all five programs which often opportunity to sample the enduring interested in having the 18-inch steel crammed 1200 in the 100-seat hall. charisma of George Wright's individual tool for $8.00 postpaid should drop He says that the staff virtually wore stylings on Nov. 4, when George plays him a card at 4 72 Tehama Street, itself out doing publicity work for one of his infrequent concerts on the San Francisco, Calif. 94103. Send no spots on nine radio stations, com­ Rochester Auditorium theatre's 4/22 money now because Jack must first mercial-type spots on two TV stations, Wurlitzer. The booking was announced determine whether interest is wide­ and interviews on a third. Bert and by the Rochester Theatre Organ Soci­ spread enough to warrant production. his colleagues benefited from effective ety's talent director, Gary Haines. If the interest is there, Jack intends promotion and publicity which are so George hasn't been heard much on to donate all profits from sales to the essential to the theatre organ cause. pipes since his '71/'72 winter concert ATOS projects fund in memory of series was cancelled by the fire which Dan Papp.

OCTOBER, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN 17 In New York, solid Wurlitzer ex­ ponent Dick Loderhose, with circa 42 ranks of Wurlitzer in his Jamaican Estates home (21 of them Crawford­ nurtured), wondered what could be good about a Robert Morton organ. For years he had heard much favorable comment about the brand, but after all - Wurlitzer! Was there any other make?! Yet, so many knowledgable organ veterans praised Mortons. After hearing a particularly lush Morton during the 1970 convention in New York, he began to have second thoughts and when Dick Loderhose has second thoughts they build and build. The curiosity culminated in the purchase in August of the 3 / 19 Morton originally installed in 1929 in Lowe's Fairmont theatre. Curiously, Dick had removed and sold the organ five years ago to several customers, mostly to fellow enthusiast Henry Holzberger. But, with Dick's new determination, Debbie Lynn launches her musical career with a smile and confidence. like magic, all the parts were re­ assembled and the adhesive magnate Speaking of George's Rialto the­ and difficult works as "Fanfare" by bought himself a Morton. atre concerts, one was memorable for Richard Purvis. Her encore was ded­ Evaluating the qualities of the Mor­ one of his capers. He always maintained icated to her inspiration, George Wright. ton and comparing it with a Wurlitzer two-way communication with his au­ "Alley Cat" , naturally. are still in the future, however. Dick diences. He'd ask someone he knew has no room in his studio and plans to be in the audience how long it had to move West are still gathering. So been since he'd heard the tune being the new acquisition was moved "tem­ played. The answer would usually Bad news from Toronto. Corre­ porarily" to Dick's glue warehouse, come back in embarrassed tones. But spondents Dave Vuckson and beside six other stored organs. occasionally George would pick a win­ John Holywell report that the 2000 "I'm in a sticky business" says ner from the audience purely by seat Odeon-Carlton theatre there will Mr. Loderhose. chance. At one concert he saw a be torn down next summer to make pretty little girl a few rows back and way for a high rise building. The 3/ 19 invited her to come to the console Hillgreen-Lane theatre organ is for During her well-attended ]­ and play a solo. What results he ex­ sale (it is in the most recently built evening August garden concerts at a pected aren't known, but the child category - 1948). Organist Colin Cor­ home in Pasadena, Calif. organist marched to the console, seated her­ bett, who has played it regularly for Mildred Alexander confessed she had self and with much self assurance years, is shocked by the development. taken drastic action to squelch any played as good a rendition of "Alley Dave reports that the 4/28 Warren remaining supplies of a record which Cat" as the basic material allowed. organ in the Imperial theatre is to be has returned to haunt her many times. Not one clinker sounded forth; she given by Famous Players to the Her "Thoroughly Fabulous Millie" plat­ played with remarkable authority. It Canadian National Exhibition in ter, she insists, should never have been all came off so well that many in the Toronto to be installed in the Coliseum released, mainly because the left side of audience thought it was a prepared building, when the Imperial becomes the pipe organ used was not in tune act, but it wasn't. No one was more six small houses soon. That leaves with the right side. She was horrified at surprised than George Wright. Toronto without an organ in a the­ the clash of dissonance during the play­ Now, less than two years later, atre. Of course theres Shea's Wurlitzer back but was assured that one side of Debbie Lynn, now pushing 13, has safe in the Casa Loma. the stereo track could be de-emphasized launched her own playing career with Enthusiasts must now go forth from to decrease the fault. So, the record a concert played on a theatrical plug­ Toronto to forage for organs to repair. got into release but the flaw was still in at the home of her grandparents Two have been located, long neglected quite audible. It resulted in some in Riverside, Calif. Before an audience in Hamilton, Ontario, theatres, the quite negative reviews and has con­ of 75 invited guests, Debbie played a Capitol and Palace. A group headed tinued to haunt her wherever she variety concert with the confidence of by Paul Locke is working on one of meets discriminating organ fans. an old pro, ranging from standards them, reports Dave. Tiring of "the Albatross around ("Old Black Magic") to current pops my neck," Millie decided on drastic ("Love Story" theme) to such esoteric action. She rounded up all possible

18 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 remaining pressings of the off ending that the Wurlitzer had been moved master sounds like. Dr. & Mrs. disc. Then she took one out of its from the Hollywood "Pig'n Whistle" Parmentier recently moved to Jackson jacket and dropped it in a neighbors restaurant directly to the church by Heights, N. Y. swimming pool; it sank. Armed with organ man Pat Sullivan years ago. It ~ this knowledge she accepted an in­ will be some time before Ken and Organist Esther Higgins, one of our vitation for a cruise in the Pacific off Jenice hear their Wurlitzer voice but faithful New Jersey reporters , advises San Diego. Her friends aboard the the pride of owning a pipe organ that the October 1972 issue of "Good /,aunch saw her lugging several heavy showed clearly when they posed for a Old Days" magazine is scheduled to boxes. When the boat was well out to console photo. run an article about theatre organs in sea, Millie was seen scaling black discs the "golden era" compiled by journalist over the waves. "Got six bounces Harry Wilkenson of Marblehead, Mass. out of some," reported Millie. It deals with such greats as Ann Leaf, Thus ends the sad saga of the Lew White, Jesse Crawford and Roy "Thoroughly Fabulous Millie" platter Frazier who played at Boston's Keith - except for one thing; her disposal of Memorial theatre way back when, with her stock now makes the platter a photos of each. If interested parties collector's item. Wonder if bootleg can't locate a copy on their news pressings will appear? stands, drop a line to Tower Press, ~ Box 248 Sealbrook, New Hampshire In Los Angeles, Ken and Jenice 02874. Unfortunately, usually reliable Rosen proved that patience and reporter Higgins omitted a bit of im­ thorough canvassing of one's home portant information - the price. area can still pay off. Ken, a solid ~ pipe enthusiast, has attended con­ One of the busiest young organists certs since he was in kneepants, al­ in the San Francisco area is Warren ways longing to own his own in­ Lubich. This talented lad ranges the strument. Now married and on his West Coast playing concerts, staff jobs own, Ken Rosen determined to leave and stints at pizza parlors. He has a no stone in his home area unturned in recent 2-night concert at the Seattle his search for an organ within his Granada Organ Loft to his credit and price range and geographical area. just finished a 10-month engagement Luckily Ken married a girl who shares playing the 3/ 13 Robert Morton in his enthusiasm. It took a long time the Marin ''Pizza Pub". At present Norm Bolton plays a few chords for Times­ but finally the Rosens struck pay Union reporter Barbara O'Reilley before he 's playing only one pipe job, a dirt only a few miles from their turning off the blower and fleeing before Friday night concert preceding the Northridge home. A North Hollywood the rising Genesee River. silent movie presentation at the Avenue ( Rochester Times-Union Photo) church would part with its style D theatre 3 / 14 Wurlitzer in San Francisco. ( divided) special (7 rank) Wurlitzer. Sandwiched in are numerous high­ Minus clackers, traps and sound effects , The floods which followed Hur­ level offices in the Bay Area organ it was otherwise intact and well pre­ ricane "Agnes" through the eastern clubs, not to mention scattered plug­ served although the original Orchestral seaboard during June, posed quite in demo concerts. Oboe is now a Dulciana. Ken learned a threat for theatre organ owners Wonder what he does in his S[XJre when the water rose ominously close. time ? In Chili, N.Y. near Rochester , N.Y. Norm Bolton had to evacuate his residence near the raging Genesee River. Inside remained a 2/6 Kohl organ which once played in Rochester's Em­ press Theatre. The water affected the blower, but the remainder of the instrument escaped unscathed. Norm employed fans to dry out the blower mechanism. It was reported in the daily press that AT&T used hair driers to dry wet cables, so if any ATOS owner of a pipe organ experiences similar difficulty in the future, this is a system which works for the pros. ~ ATOS conventioneers are still talk- ing about the remarkable artistry dis­ played by Dr. C.A.J. Parmentier. Equally at home on pipes or electronics, Ken, Jenice and their Wurli. he showed his audiences what an old WARREN LUBICH

OCTOBER, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN 19 In Hollywood, Lloyd Del Castillo is still walking around Seventh Heaven Don Robinson, ATOS stalwart in after being informed of his being Utica, N.Y., and mentor of "The named to the Theatre Organists' Hall Organ Loft" radio program, regrets of Fame. "I'm very grateful and having missed the July convention, appreciative of this honor," he says. but he enlisted the aid of Lloyd Del informs us that a new recording Klos, via tape recorder, to get a of his, done on the Joe Koons' Long resume of the big show, which was Beach cycleshop Wurlitzer, for Con­ aired for the program's listeners. This cert Recording, is scheduled for fall. is the second year Don has enlisted ~ Lloyd's help. It might cause a double take but ~ there among the classical music events This year, Rochester's radio station advertised in the Fine Arts Concert "SCORPIO"SCENES FILMED WHAM is observing 50 years on the Series brochure was the unmistakable AT air. As part of that observance, a photo of a theatre organ horseshoe, ALEXANDRIA ARENA 2½-hour chronological program was and seated before it was South Eastern Alexandria (Virginia) arena, home of Jimmy aired on July 24. A segment was College faculty member J. Marion Mar­ Boyce's Mighty 4/34 Wurlitzer, was recently devoted to Rochester's best-remember­ tin, presenting "A return to the Palace," the location for filming of scenes for the ed theatre organist, Tom Grierson, movie "Scorpio" starring Burt Lancaster and complete with a vocal group, a sing­ directed by Michael Winner. Jimmy put the­ who was heard announcing and play­ along, and two silent comedies. Read atre organ front and center as he played two ing a classical number at the Wur­ special numbers entitled "The Spectators" on and discover that Mr. Martin was litzer in the RKO Palace in the early and "Roller Rink" written by Jerry Fielding once house organist at Duke Uni­ for the Wurlitzer pipe organ. Several skating Thirties. The organ in the twenties versity's Quadrangle theatre, and that scenes were filmed with many extras and featuring Jimmy at his fantastic Wurlitzer and thirties possessed a sound unlike this is a return engagement "by special any Wurlitzer - soft and ballady. providing the music. The entire Wurlitzer demand" for the past president of the pipe work was floodlighted permitting ex ­ Since its ownership by RTOS and North Carolina Chapter of ATOS. Nice cellent shots to thrill all theatre organ buffs. installation in the Auditorium The­ At one of the breaks in the work Jimmy had to learn that the phrase "liberal arts" the pleasure of meeting Mr. Lancaster and atre, its voices were juiced up until has finally taken on real meaning, showing him the huge instrument. Jimmy it sounds a true Wurlitzer. Boyce has been staff organist at the Arena another step toward cultural accep­ since 1950 and he installed this pipe organ ~ tance of the theatre organ. □ during 1961 and 1962. JOYTO THE WORLD CHRISTMAS MUSIC with Lyn Larsen at the - - WURLITZER PIPE ORGAN

SLEIGH RIDE • CHRISTMAS SONG • WINTER WONDERLAND CHRISTMAS MEDLEY • ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH SILENT NIGHT • SCOTTISH CAROL • WE THREE KINGS "·· CRADLE CAROL o..·. * Stereo - ERS 1009 $5.50 pp (Plus $1.00 - Canada) P.O. BOX 3544, GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA 91201

20 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 PLAN AHEAD.•· FOR THE ,1111973 CONVIIIIENTIIIIION

Factory photo of the 4/20 "Pub- ► lix" Wurlitzer in the Paramount.

Photo courtesy of the Oregon Historical Society.

Portland, Oregon will be the host city for the 1973 National Convention of the American Theatre Organ Society. Dates for the conclave to be head­ quartered at the Sheraton Motor Inn, are July 25th. through July 28th. On Sunday July 29th, a special "wind­ down" trip will be offered to one of the Pacific Northwest's great scenic attractions. The Oregon Chapter is already busy on plans to make this a bigger event than the 1966 Con­ vention which they also hosted. Convention organs will include the 4/ 18 Wurlitzer at the Oaks Park, the 4/49 Wurlitzer at the Howard Vollum home (formerly S.F. Paramount), the 3/13 Wurlitzer in the Scottish Rite Temple, the 3/24 Kimball in Benson High School, the former Oriental The­ atre Wurlitzer now enlarged to 34 ranks, and currently being installed in a Pizza restaurant, and the 4/20 Wurlitzer in the Portland Paramount Theatre. The accompaning photos show the exterior of the Paramount, plus a factory photo of the console. The Paramount was designed by Rapp and Rapp and seats 3036. The organ is a "Publix" model, but a Post Horn will be added for the convention. Two concerts will be scheduled for the Paramount. Arrangements for artists has begun, with George Wright, Lyn Larsen, Jonas Nordwall, and Don Sim­ mons already in the lineup. As plans are firmed up, further information will appear in THEATRE ORGAN Mag­ azine. □

21 [/nhoducin9 ...

Sidney Torch

Our December issue will contain an records and tape has been acquired. At interview with Sidney Torch, English small gatherings of theatre organ en­ organist. To many, his name may not thusiasts these were played and re­ have any significance. However, to the played many times ( this was before dyed-in-the-wool buff of long stand­ ATOS). All of them were great, but ing, the name "Sidney Torch" brings one artist stood out from all the others memories of some of the finest 78 rpm - Sidney Torch. Through the years I recordings ever produced in Britain. It was able to acquire nearly all Torch is understandable that only a relatively releases, but the source of supply had few .in America will know Mr. Torch dried up and no more were available. since his records were imported in It was obvious that somehow these Sidney Torch - musician, arranger, a rt i st. limited supply during the 1930's and fine English Columbia (EMI label) ( Co. Ltd.) - (Courtesy - Frank Killinger, Sidney Torch collection.) he has not been involved with the Torch records should be re-released. theatre organ for nearly 35 years. Thus, about twenty years ago I Torch's greatness has not been com­ contacted EMI in London, to see if it pletely forgotten, as the forthcoming would be possible to find the original and I met with him and completed the interview will show. masters. Sadly I learned that almost all business arrangements for the release ATOS member Judd Walton relates of them had been melted down for the of the Torch originals to Doric how this all came about: war effort. But - they did have brand Records. I explained to Derek on his It was on one of those Saturday new unplayed 78's in their library files next trip that I planned to come to afternoons when I should have been which could be made available for England, accompanied by my wife, home doing chores an event occurred reproducing. Negotiations were begun Verle, and my oldest daughter Jan. that introduced me to a new horizon but my correspondent in England Shortly after arriving in London he of theatre organ music. The scene was became unavailable and the plan ended invited the three of us to dinner. Little a large Salvation Army store in Minne­ in failure. did I realize that I was to acquire a apolis, Minnesota, where I had for A few years later it was my good new son-in-law as a result of that invi­ hours been searching through thou­ fortune to meet Mr. Frank Killinger, a tation! Derek and Jan were married in sands of used 78 rpm records for organ record and RECORDING enthusiast. London on July 17th, 1972, where selections. I met a young man, Joseph Naturally I introduced him to Sidney they now reside. Dietz, who told me of several wonder­ Torch with session after session of One of the main objectives in going fully different English records he had listening, copying, and playing back to England was to meet Torch. Over recently acquired. Little did I realize these exquisite records. the years reports had been received that this was to be my introduction to At about this time, Frank decided that this would be difficult, if not the wonderful world of Sidney Torch, to issue an organ recording under his impossible. Several contacts were Dudley Beavan, Horace Finch, new label, Doric (Tiny James record­ made without success, and as my visit , and other now ing of the Fox Oakland Wurlitzer, neared an end, it began to appear that famous Britishers who have a theatre entitled, "Intermission Time" - just the meeting would not be possible. On organ style all their own. The first recently re-released in stereo). I urged arriving at my Hotel in London from a selection we played I will never forget Frank to re-issue the Torch records in trip to Scotland, however, a note was - Torch's 12 inch 78 rpm Columbia synthesized stereo, and he finally waiting for me with the message, recording of "Gypsy Princess" selec­ agreed that it would be a great project "Please call Mr. Torch". The following tions. It was fantastically unbelievable - that these records should again be Tuesday we met for lunch at Verrey's - so different - so precise - so satis­ made available to the now over 4,000 in for two hours of fying - it was everything I had theatre organ enthusiasts. Thus, nego­ delightful conversation. I was accom­ dreamed of in rhythmic style organ tiations started once again with EMI, panied by Frank Killinger who was in music! this time through their Marketing London for the summer. My introduction to English theatre Manager, Mr. Derek Allen. Mr. Torch was very gracious, hos­ organ records began a search for any During one of his regularly sched­ pitable and kind and proved to be as I and all British releases. Through the uled business trips to the States, he had expected, a very warm, generous years a large library of these, on came to San Francisco where Frank and considerate person. Above all he

22 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 was forthright in his opinions and is Tiny James, Alameda, California, ATOS FLOWER truly an individual musically. The noted, "His orchestral background is meeting was the highlight of the entire so beautifully evident in his excellent trip - without exception. renditions. Many of today's organists Farny Wurlitzer Rose He gave us his approval of the find themselves emulating his style reissue on Doric label, and offered his almost without realizing it as it was so At the annual Board of Directors help in any way possible. At a later very modern. His present orchestral meeting in July , the motion was passed meeting with Mr. and Mrs. Killinger, work is further evidence of his great to declare the Famy Wurlitzer Rose as he provided many pictures from his musicianship. It must be remembered the official flower of ATOS. personal collection for our use. that when his Columbia records were The motion was brought to the The Sidney Torch Columbia record made, there was no stopping and attention of the meeting by Dick re-issue on Doric label will soon be splicing of tape - they were done Simonton who advised that this plant available (see ad on page 15). It was straight through - amazing!" had been developed by TY-TEX Nur­ given the final degree of perfection by Billy Nalle, New York City, New series of Texas. the meeting with Mr. Torch and his York, observed, "He is one of only Upon contacting Mr. Charles Cadey warm reception to the project. two players of major rank of that first of the nursery firm , we were told how There is no question as to the theatre organ era, the other being this flower came into being . genius of his music. The following Buddy Cole, who seemed aware that Mr. Cadey stated: "The rose was comments from some of our finest musical language in every way was named for Mr. Famy Wurlitzer in artists here in the States is testimony turning the corner into a new day. He recognition of his outstanding con­ worthy of review! had vision to see that pop music was tributions to the field of Music during Larry Vannucci, San Anselmo, changing and reflected that in his own the past sixty-three years." California , stated , "Sidney Torch is an thinking which was imaginative and Because of his high regard for Mr. artist of unsurpassed precision and fresh - he did not retrogress to the use Wurlitzer , Mr. John Bilotta , a rep­ accuracy. Most organists cannot per­ of other organists' style as a crutch. resentative of Wurlitzer Organization form with both hands nearly as well as His playing is forward looking, has in Neward , N.Y., asked us to name a Torch can with his left hand alone! It great anticipation, with no looking rose for Mr. Wurlitzer. After meeting is all done in such good taste - he was backward ... original and fresh!" Mr. Wurlitzer and learning of his love years ahead of his time!" The entire interview with Mr. Torch for roses, this came about. Jim Roseveare, San Francisco, was recorded. It has been transcribed It took seven years to bring this California, comments, "Torch im­ and will appear in the December issue seedling to its present status , and presses me with his superb technique of THEATRE ORGAN. His back­ is a cross between Poinsetta and combined with good imagination. ground, recording experiences, views Charlotte Armstrong. Rhythmically he seems so very much a and opinions are thoroughly explored. A haunting old rose fragrance is part of the instrument. His arrange­ After nearly 35 years of silence, Mr. just one of the charming attributes ments, while typically English, are as Torch tells his observations of the con­ of this new hybrid tea which has inspiring today as they were in the temporary theatre organ scene. proved to be just as happy in the North 30's - even more so, having stood so Watch for this exclusive highlight in as in the South. well the test of time!" December. □ The rose is ideal for a cut flower. The bud is a rosey red which opens slowly and gracefu!Jy into a magnificent 4" flower that shades from a rich red into a lighter color of Charlotte Arm­ strong when fully opened. This is a The f ull spectrum of his tone palette - an d the ex­ very prolific variety, its continuous citing sound of the Wheeler Studio Organ have been bloom is in classic hybrid tea form. thrillingly reproduced - on this full stereo alburn. While plants may be expected to average 3 to 4 feet in the North , warmer climates may look for growth of 5 to 6 feet. Each bush is covered l\~oung Man's Fant~··· with luxuriant glossy foliage which has a strong inbred resistance to diseases. Other numbers include : Price - one bush is $3.75 , plus Carioca - In My O~n Little $1.00 packing and handling charge; Corner - On the S . S . Ber-nard three bushes for $9.90 , plus $1.00 Cohn - Poinciana - Dans e packing and handling. These are two years old , field fresh plants , ready Macabre - e.Iean - This Nearly to plant in your garden. Was Mine - I Come From the For further information or order , Town of Mira - Anda luc ia . contact: Charles R. Cadey TY-Tex Rose Nurseries , P.O. Box 532, Tyler, Tom Gnaster, 347 Hickory, Chicago Heights, IL 60411 Texas 75701. Mr. Cadey will be happy CUSTOM FIDELITY STEREO RECORDING-2954 $5.50 pp. to furnish a color picture of this beautiful rose upon request. □

OCTOBER, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN 23 nn Arbor, Michigan is one of the most movie-conscious cities in I America. The University of Michi­ gan, in Ann Arbor, offers a variety of courses in film history and cinema­ tography, ranging from mass lectures attracting hundreds of undergraduates, to small seminars for the professional. Although the Speech Department is the official home for courses in motion pictures; the English, Art, Advertising, and Education departments offer them also. In addition, enterprising students have formed half a dozen cinema groups which off er full schedules of classic films at low prices throughout the year, and each year young film­ makers from around the world show their latest productions at the Ann Arbor Film Festival held every spring. Indeed, Ann Arbor is "where it's aC' as far as film is concerned, unless you happen to be lucky enough to live in New York City. 3/13 Barton in the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor, refurbished by the Motor City Chapter. 111111111111111111 AT ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN

by Henry B. Aldridge*

Michigan Theatre, Ann Arbor, Michigan in August 1972. The University's enthusiasm for the motion picture is matched by that of the community's. There are four down­ town movie theatres and several others in the suburbs. During a typical week, it is possible to see a Chaplin revival, sit in on an Orson Welles festival, hear a lecture on the British documentary, or see the latest Hollywood release. Dominating the Ann Arbor movie scene is the stately old Michigan The­ atre on Liberty Street, just one block from the University campus. Amidst all the current uproar over modern films, the Michigan stands as a lovely reminder of another age of movie madness - the l 920's. Although partly remodelled a few years ago, the Mich­ igan still bears evidence of stage shows, big bands, sing-alongs, and theatre organs. Kept in top condition as a first run house by manager Gerald

• Assistant Professor of Speech and Dramatic Arts, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Michigan.

24 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 Hoag, the Michigan boasts a two story began work by removing all pipes and the orchestra pit recarpeted. lobby, complete with double curving installing false ceilings in both cham­ In scheduling the organ's use, mem­ staircase, a balcony, incandescent and bers. At the same time, the chambers bers of the Motor City Chapter have arc spotlights, full atmospheric pro­ were painted white, chests and wooden been cognisant of Ann Arbor residents jection facilities for starlit ceilings and supports cleaned and varnished, and interest in film. They plan to work moving clouds, song slide printers and pipes which had been cast aside over closely with student film groups and projectors, an orchestra pit, a re­ ten years ago as water damaged be­ University professors in promoting hearsal hall, dressing rooms, elaborate yond repair were completely rebuilt. events at the theatre and in choosing stage machinery, and three grand While the organ was shut down during films to be shown. Already Jay Cassidy pianos. November, December, and January, of the Cinema Guild has expressed an The main attraction at the Michigan console pneumatics were releathered interest in the Chapter's work and in however, is the recently restored three and relay connections resoldered. the use of the organ to accompany manual, thirteen rank Barton pipe In February, most of the pipe­ silent films, since many Ann Arbor organ. Located in the left corner of work was back in place, and the crew film enthusiasts are currently watch­ the orchestra pit, the dazzling gold began the tedious search for air leaks. ing these films without any musical andredconsolestillrises on a separate A large one was discovered in the accompaniment. lift to six feet above the orchestra wind line just below the blower which The Michigan Theatre's Barton or­ floor just as it did on opening night is seventy feet up over the proscenium gan will never be without an in­ in January, 1928. arch. When this was repaired, the nine terested and aware audience. For film Although the Barton was never ranks which had been playing prior historians, the ATOS concerts will be used to accompany silent films, it did to the beginning of the restoration a rare opportunity to see silent films command a separate billing for many project sounded better than ever. in their proper setting, and for the years and was featured in solo perfor­ In March and April, the crew re­ younger generation, they will be a mance as well as providing a rich stored the Diapasons, Tubas, and Clar­ first encounter with an unusual and accompaniment for sing-alongs, Mr. inets to working condition and re­ exciting musical instrument. For ATOS, Hoag, who came to the Michigan placed console pneumatics. In the the restored Barton organ will become as its first manager and has remained meantime, the console exterior was an important link between the old-time there ever since, remembers that the cleaned and new paint applied. A theatre organ music lovers, young film­ sing-alongs were popular with the col­ sneak preview concert for chapter makers, and cinema teachers who will lege students. On many occasions, he members and the public was held appreciate the organ for its major led the audience in performances of June 11, 1972, the Barton premiering historical purpose as a necessary adjunct popular songs with updated lyrics. with Richard Shin dell of Toledo, Ohio to the presentation of great film The students seemed to take special at the console, Over two hundred cl~~~- □ delight in hearing Mr. Haag's satirical people attended and gave Rick and the organ a warm reception. comments on current happenings at Ben Levy, Motor City member, adjusts the University. One of Mr. Haag's During the weeks following the second touch springs on the 3/13 Barton. instantaneous hits was his tribute to preview, the crew returned the re­ the tearing down of West Hall which built flute chest to the main chamber stood next to Ann Arbor's First Con­ and completed its rewiring. Second gregational Church. To the tune of touch springs were replaced in the "Thundering Big Men from the North," console and plans were made for the Mr. Haag's lyrics wound up with organs official public debut in Septem­ "Betsy Barbour needed a new lawn ... ber. In August, the Barton was dem­ The next day West Hall was gone." onstrated for Dr. Frank Beaver's film Although the regular staff organ­ history class and was the subject of a ists were dismissed in the 1930's, the thirty minute documentary prepared Barton was used on special occasions by WUOM, the University of Mich­ until the 1960's when it made its last igans' FM station in Ann Arbor. It public appearance during intermissions was also heard on National Public for the film Gone With the Wind. Even Radio's 90 minute daily newscast though the organ had suffered ex­ during the annual ATOS convention in tensive water damage which had ren­ July. dered most of its main chamber (in­ When students returned to Ann cluding Flutes, Diapasons, and Tubas) Arbor at the beginning of September, virtually useless, the instrument still finishing touches were being placed on sounded remarkably good when the the Barton in preparation for the the Motor City Chapter of ATOS inaugural concert on Wednesday eve­ began its restoration project in October ning September 20 at which Lyn of 1971. Larsen will present a concert and The first task that the team faced accompany the Rudolph Valentino was complete renovation of the two film Son of the Sheik. In addition to organ chambers. They had to be clean­ readying the organ for this concert, ed and made safe from future water the Motor City crew also restored the damage and falling plaster. The crew understage musicians' room and had

OCTOBER, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN Blue spotlight of ghastly and unbe­ Opera House ... 7/26 AURELE coming hue. FOREST, Providence Strand ... 8/26 NUGGETS Apr. 1927 (D) The Forest Theatre LLOYD G. DEL CASTILLO, Boston's from the Organ School, conducted by A URELE Metropolitan ... 12/26 HARRY J. GOLDEN J. FOREST in Providence, R.I., has JENKINS at 4-manual Estey in ordered a new organ from the Frazee Holyoke, Mass. Victory Theatre ... Organ Co. of Everett, Mass. 1/27 EVA LANGLEY, assoc, organist May 1927 (Met.) HAROLD RAM­ at Boston's Metropolitan . . . 2/27 SAY has been guest organist recently JOHN PROSSEE, Loew's New London at Boston's Metropolitan Thecltre, fea­ (Conn.)Theatre ... 5/28 URQUHART turing his arrangement of Gershwin's CHINN, State in Nashua, N.H.; J.E. "Rhapsody In Blue." NAYLOR, Bijou in Woonsocket, R.I.; June 1927 (Met.) At Boston's Met­ J.S. SHERWIN, Upton in Providence; ropolitan Theatre, the screen feature Massachusetts organists playing in May was "Running Wild" with W.C. Fields 1928 included A.E. ELLIS, Franklin and Mary Brian. An entirely different Park in Dorchester; ERNEST H. JOHN­ organ novelty was offered in "Orchestra SON at the Capitol's 3-manual Special vs Organ" in which ARTHUR MAR­ Wurlitzer in Worcester; A.T. KING in Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos TEL at the console, vied with Joseph the Quincy; GLADSTONE KING­ Klein, director of the Metropolitan KADE at Quincy's Strand; CHRIST­ This time, Jason and I have found Grand Orchestra. OPHER LAWLER, Marbelhead's War­ some nuggets from the New England Dec. 1928 (D) Fifteen Boston The­ wick; E.J. LORD, Milford's State; area. References were Diapason (D), atres no longer employ organists. Since C.L. MARTIN at the 2/5 Wurlitzer Jacobs (J), Melody (M), and Metronome the "talking movie" arrived, people in Belmont's Strand; ROLAND (Met.) magazines. are wondering whether the noble pipe POMERAT in Holyoke's Strand; May 1925 (M) LEWIS E. BRAY instrument will be supplanted by a ARTHUR RICHARDS, Springfield's is organist at Boston's Shawmut The­ mechanical contrivance. Who knows? Bijou; H.E. RUSHTON at the 2/6 atre, playing a 3-manual Estey. Aug. 1929 (D) LLOYD G. DEL Wurlitzer in Attleboro's Bates; FRED Nov. 1925 (D) ALEXANDER D. CASTILLO has severed his connections SHAW at the 2/5 Wurlitzer in Green­ RICHARDSON is playing the 3/ 15 with WNAC in Boston, to become field's Lawler; CARL L. SMITH Wurlitzer in the Keith-Albee Theatre staff organist of WEE/. He will do Taunton's Casino; JOHN SPINELLI, in Boston. daily broadcasts with a combination Revere's Crescent Gardens; CHARLES Nov. 1925 (Met.) The new eight­ of orchestra and soloists, using a 2- H. TRIPP, New Bedford's new theatre, million-dollar Metropolitan Theatre in manual Frazee unit orchestra in the playing a 2/4 Wurlitzer, and HARRY Boston was recently opened and pre­ Houghton & Dutton Studio. His school A. VAN STEENBURG, Lynn's sented a spectacle of magnificence will continue, in spite of the dampening Olympia ... 12/28 EARL WEIDENOR seldom equalled in a theatre. It seats effect of sound movies. In a year or at the 3/ 15 Wurlitzer in the new $5 5,000, its Grand Lounge accommodates two, he feels, theatre competition will million Keith Memorial, Boston ... 2,000, and it was packed to the doors bring back the theatre organist to a 1/29 FRANCIS J. CRONIN at the 4- for the premiere, turning away more more secure position. manual Skinner in the Alliston, Mass. thousands. The Wurlitzer organ, built Nov. 1929 (D) The new million­ Capitol; ROY L. FRAZEE, Granada and installed at a cost of $100,000, has dollar Egyptian Theatre in Brighton, in Malvern, Mass.; Boston's SALLIE 3,100 pipes and is said to be the first Mass. opened with LLOYD G. DEL FRISE, Lancaster; CHESTER BRIG­ organ ever constructed in which the CASTILLO opening the 2/9 Wurlitzer. HAM, Metropolitan and MAC B. SEA­ voices of the French horn and tuba VER, Beacon. appear. GOLD DUST: Theatre organists When returning from New England, Sep. 1926 (Met.) C. SHARPE were very numerous throughout New we stopped in New York City and MINOR, playing the novelty, "The England, especially in small cities and found a little Gold Dust there: 2/25 Musical Bombshell", is the outstand­ towns, as the following indicates: 7/25 JOHN PRIEST, Colony; JOHN HAM­ ing headliner at the Roger Sherman EARL WEIDENOR, Boston's Strand MOND,Piccadilly ... 3/25 C. SHARPE Theatre's Wurlitzer in New Haven, ... 12/25 JAMES F. THOMAS at MINOR at the Rivoli and a month Conn. He has a well-earned reputation Providence, R.I. Albee's 2/10 Wurlitzer later at the Rialto ... 6/25 HAROLD as "King of the Entertainers", fully special . . . 1/26 LEWIS E. BRAY, RAMSBOTTOM & FRANK STEW­ living up to everything said to him Boston's Shawmut ... 2/26 ARTHUR ART ADAMS, Rivoli ... 2/26 in advance notices. EDGAR FORD MARTEL & EV A LANGLEY at ARTHUR "HIGH C" GEIS, ALEX­ is house organist. Boston's Metropolitan ... 3/26 CON­ ANDER D. RICHARDSON,OLIVER Oct.1926(D)DONALDMURRAY, VERSE E. NICKERSON at the Wur­ STRUNK & C. HERBERT MAC 17, organist in a Taunton, Mass. theatre, litzer in the Olympic, Portsmouth, AHAN, Rialto . . . 4/26 GEORGE is supposed to be the youngest motion N.H. ... 4/26 MYRON C. BALLOU CROOK & WALTER LITT at picture organist in New England. From at the 3-manual Moller in Providence's Brooklyn's Mark Strand all accounts, he is very gifted. Strand; ALLEN SCHOFIELD at the Nov. 1926 (J) LLOYD G. DEL 2-manual Robert Morton in Norwalk, This should do it until our Christmas CASTILLO is organist at Boston's Conn. Regent;ROLANDC. WHEELER special. So long, sourdoughs! Metropolitan Theatre, playing in a at the 2/4 Wurlitzer in Bangor (Me.) LLOYD & JASON

26 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 OlffiGAN A 1rMilDNilGHil

by Bob Ort At midnight Saturday, June 3rd, Fort Wayne, Indiana, with its 4/15 ditioning plant decided to stop Buddy Nolan treated theatre organ Page pipe organ. Nolan once more en­ functioning that day and the tempe­ fans to the tenth organ program in his listed the assistance of pianist Dyne rature both outside and inside the series known as THEATRE ORGAN Pfeffenberger to make this concert one building soared quite high with the AT MIDNIGHT.Again the setting was of the best yet. humidity producing a most uncomfort­ the Embassy Theatre in downtown Unfortunately, the theatre's air con- able atmosphere in the auditorium. The Embassy Page and grand piano however, never sounded better, so the audience didn't seem to mind. A few hours earlier the Page stopped running and simply refused to start, but with technicians Bob Nickerson, Bill Zabel and Ellsworth Smith ad­ ministering first-aid, the Page started breathing again. The fact that the Indiana Hotel, in which the Embassy Theatre is housed, is now vacant and up for sale, gave Nolan an opportunity to let the Page sing forth without fear of complaints from hotel guests having their sleep disturbed by Tubas and Posthorns. Nolan's programs often have surprises of some kind for the audience in the form of vocalists, characters, strolling on and off stage and vaudeville types doing their thing.

27 In every Nolan program, production with other appropriate selections used large, revolving, multi-mirrored sphere effects enhance the musical perfor­ for the various slides. The final slide which picked up the spotlight beam mance with lighting, staging and props. was a recent one of Nolan at the and sprinkled it throughout the Em­ Large flowers brightened the console at the Page console, and signalled the bassy auditorium. and a white picket fence with gigantic first sounds from the 4/ 15 Page. As The entire program was carefully colorful flowers was set inside the or­ the lift brought organ and organist up planned to include all forms of music chestra lift creating a garden-like effect. from the pit, Nolan played a rousing - classic, popular, gospel, and musical The program opened with a carica­ chorus of "Cabaret" while two song comedy. Showmanship was an ever ture of Nolan at the console of an slides introduced the lyrics for the present consideration. The finale organ projected on the Embassy screen audience. produced more of the showman's while an unseen announcer made some Nolan then welcomed the audience imagination when Buddy announced opening remarks with a statement that and talked about organ music in the that his final organ number would be before the concert could get under­ 30's commenting that the late Banks "Battle Hymn of the Republic". Again way, the audience would first get a Kennedy had presided at the 3/ 11 the stage curtains opened, displaying glimpse into A DAY IN THE LIFE OF Wurlitzer in the now razed Paramount a large American flag at center stage FORT WAYNE'SOLDEST THEATRE Theatre a few blocks away. This gave with a white spot overhead and al­ ORGANIST. Thus began a series of him an opportunity to play an original ternating red and blue spots spilling color slides showing candid views of tune written by Kennedy entitled "I from the gray curtain backdrop. As Nolan asleep, yawning, sipping his Can't Help Being Jealous", an ideal the Page swelled to full voice for the morning coffee, showering, getting in­ ballad for a theatre organ. (The Para­ final words, "His truth is marching to his sports roadster, experiencing mount's Wurlitzer left town for Texas on", three flash powder charges ( one mechanical difficulties, driving in the in the early 60's and now is being re­ on either side and one behind the rain with his convertable top down installed at The Twenties Restaurant flag) were set off making for a highly and ·his umbrella up, entering the and Lounge in Denver, Colorado.) patriotic closing for a very well-paced stage door and getting ready in his Nolan delivered an outstanding pro­ musical program. dressing room downstairs in the the­ gram musically as well as visually. For Buddy Nolan's fans hope that this atre. All these slides had accompani­ numbers that featured Dyne Pfeffen­ will not be the last concert for the ment in the silent movie tradition berger at the grand piano, the orchestra Embassy Page. She sings much too provided by Dyne Pfeffenberger seated lift was raised to the same elevation as well to be forced into retirement, but at a vintage upright piano on stage, with the console. During one piano-organ her fate is uncertain at present, as is "Silver Threads Among the Gold" duet, the curtains parted, revealing a the fate of the Embassy itself. □

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28 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 ANOTHER "FIRST" FOR BILLY NALLE!

by Ray Brubacher

Another "first" in theatre organ cathedral men and boys choir and It is the opinion of the writer that history was established on Sunday immediately at the end of the service, Billy made one of the most serious afternoon 23 July 1972. The setting the dean of the cathedral introduced efforts that has ever been made by was most unusual and impressive ... the featured artist. anyone in the profession to give the the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, To this writer the most singularly theatre organ its more than rightful seat of the Episcopal diocese of the interesting problem at hand was how place as a serious musical instrument city of New York and also the largest well Billy Nalle and the Rodgers would capable of sustaining itself without gothic cathedral in the western world. cope with the spectacular problem the benefit of a silver screen, Laurel The dimensions of this edifice are of reverberation present. When empty and Hardy or D.W. Griffith. It is mind teasing to say the least, the the echo time is almost nine seconds evident in his playing that this feeling ceiling of which is over fourteen stories and even with the crowd that had of independence for the theatre organ from the stone floor and the main assembled, reverb time counted out is one which must be promoted by our aisle of which is over six hundred and to over five. We had just heard how organization just as the classic organ twenty five feet in length. this echo period had not hindered is promoted by the American Guild but had enhanced the pipe organ and of Organists. That the administration Many readers know of the massive now it would be placed under a at the cathedral officially recognized AEolian-Skinner pipe organ with its severe test with theatre organ. the instrument we love so dearly state trumpet rank on fifty inches The artist in the spotlight had should be an incentive for us to pressure under the great rose window. chosen his program most carefully, promote it more and more in this However, on this afternoon he would giving serious attention to tempo respect. I sincerely hope that if such be hearing Billy Nalle performing on a regulation and phrasing to permit the an event occurs again at this great Rodgers 340 theatre three manual accoustical conditions present to sup­ house of worship, more careful con­ instrument which had been placed in port rather than destroy the musical sideration can be given to the in­ the great crossing of the cathedral. content. Due to questionable speaker stallation of the instrument so that Some twenty two speaker systems had placement however, much of this its capabilities may be more fully been placed in the vicinity. preparation and attention to fine de­ realized with a superb and dedicated Feelings of curiosity and speculation tails was simply in vain. It is a great talent such as is found in Billy Nalle were running high among the fifteen pity that some of the speaker systems at the console. Although, I must con­ hundred or so persons who had gather­ did not directly project into the seat­ fess that "Clang, clang, clang, goes the ed at the crossing by 3:30 to hear first ting area of the audience instead of Trolley" with five seconds of re­ a short concert played on the Skinner. being placed facing the ceiling causing verberation behind it is a most im­ At 4 P.M. the movingly beautiful the expression pedals to be constantly pressive get up and go sound in any­ service of evensong was sung by the full open. one's book. □

Billy Nalle at the Rodgers 340 in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. (Photo by Thom Laughman.) ~nippttsfrom ~nglanb / roNv BERNARD sMJTH

Bad News - Good News jokes Harry Klompe quit the residency Also in that beautiful burg I was (and Good News - Bad News ones) of the famous City Theatre, Amster­ glad to note the Dutch Organ Fed­ have been all the rage in Britain lately. dam, early this year. His successor at eration is thriving. The group embraces So let's start off with some bad news, both theatre and church instruments which is certainly no joke so far as and players and has been arranging in­ local organ buffs are concerned. formal concerts. I caught one at the The ABC cinema circuit, owned by Tuschinski Theatre, where a big at­ the EMI conglomerate, announced a traction was the first grapple with vast rebuilding and re-organisation pro­ pipes for many years of Guus Jansen. gramme early this year. As a result, After an impressive display on the almost all their remaining organs are lovely Wurlitzer/Strunk 4/ 11, he told being removed from the theatres. me: "I was resident at the nearby Even the famous Wurlitzer 3/ 12 of Rembrandt Theatre for eight years - the ABC (formerly Regal). Kingston­ that was destroyed in the war - and upon-Thames, which was broadcast now I mostly teach." He might have and recorded by Regi,nald Foort in the added that he is also a respected com­ early years and by Joseph Seal right up poser. One of his works had been to now, is to go. It will move to a well­ featured in a British theatre organ known musical museum at Brentford, broadcast only a few days previously. near London. Also playing that day was Rene de Some of the standard 3/6 Comptons Rooy, one of the two residents at the which that company installed in large Tuschinski (the other is Jan Mekkes, numbers for sing-alongs during the now active again after a bout of 30s have been bought by organ builder illness). The North Holland organist Gerald Ca"ington. In fact, he now has Back to pipes after many years - Guus Taco Tiemersma contributed a set and quite a stock of this make of music Jansen at the Tuschinski, Amsterdam. we also heard the Federation chairman, machines in all sizes and is currently Dr. L. H. van Oijen. advertising them in the musical press the 4/ 17 Strunk will be one Mijnheer During an intermission, Dr. van Oijen for sale as complete installations. van Hoorthuysen, pupil of the late, told me that the little Vlier 3/5 of Fate of all the organs is not yet great Pierre Palla. Harry, by the way, the Capitol, Amsterdam (which I had known, but it is sad to see the end of is still teaching plug-ins in the Dutch written off a couple of years ago) is to an era. ABC were the most organ­ capital. be restored and will be available to the minded of the circuits in later years and kept a few players on their staff until a year or so ago. Now many of their theatres will be twinned or tripled - or leased for other uses. Now for the good news. One of the few ABC organs not in danger for the moment is the Compton 3/8 plus Melotone at Plymouth, from which Dudley Savage airs the grandaddy of all radio's console capers.As Prescribed, a request show for the sick, begins its 25th year of broadcasting this summer. Since we are counting our blessings, let me just mention in passing a verit­ able cornucopea of pipes platters en­ livening the British recording scene. And the preservation bit goes from strength to strength.

There's been a fair bit of organ activity in Holland these past few months. Checking it out on an all­ too brief trip the other day, I gleaned the following items:

30 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 Federation. The theatre has been Their last unit organ , however , was STACCATO SNIPPETS - Fears bought by the municipality and it's put into a night club in Leeuwarden that the famous Granada , Tooting, probably no coincidence at all that in Friesland - which is to Holland might be steel-ballad were temporarily one influential alderman h:1ppens to what Scotland is to England, a fiercely dispelled early spring when a provisional be an organist. independent province with its own preservation order was placed on it. Down in bustling Rotterdam, I was language and traditions. This was as So the picture palace and its Mighty able to fulfil a small ambition and recently as the 50s. Wurlitzer are well on the way to being visit the Standaart 2/4 in the Colosseum Anyway, a few years ago there was listed as being of historical interest Theatre. a change of ownership at the club and ... Currently stored in the Playhouse, Alas, it was not in the best of it was decided to repalce the Standaart is the Christie 2/9 from voices. But in its day, this mighty with an electronic. the ABC (ex-Lonsdale), Carlisle. It will marvel has charmed many patrons and Hotfoot to the rescue came ATOS be the 's Scottish it has been played by most of the member Taco Tiemersma, who reg­ organ and probably go into a hospital Lowlands' top names in its time. Let gularly broadcasts another Standaart recreation hall . . . Lancastrian The­ me be honest and admit that, on this in the city's Pneil Hall. That one had atre Organ Trust , whose aims include occasion, my host, Jan Slingerland, been saved out of the Odeon, Schiedam preservation of the Wurlitzers in Man­ was able to get better noises out of the by his father before him. chester's Odeon and Gaumont theatres , little box of whistles than I could. When I paid him a visit earlier this have found a new "best-seller". They Jan's own project right now ( apart year, he showed me the plans for re­ have arranged guided tours through from moving house and taking his building his home so that the last of the organ chambers for members , with own three-manual five ranker with the Standaarts might be housed and a spell at the console for players. This him) is the restoration of the Standaart playable again. is "once only" but regular Saturday 3/10 in the Passage, Schiedam. This Summer saw the building of the morning sessions are being arranged house , also became municipally owned, pipe chambers - and a nice new for promising young talent .. . Last is to be an arts centre but funds have kitchen for Mevrouw Tiemersma, so new organ to be installed in a British been set aside for a virtual rebuild of that everybody was happy. And now theatre before the renaissance, the the organ. that they have dried out properly, the Marshall Sykes 3/ 15 in the Cecil, Hull Also due for restoration, they tell Amsterdam firm of Fonteyn and Gaal (opened in 1955) has now got its own me , is the Standaart 3 / 13 in the VARA (who took over the Standaart business) local preservation group . . . The radio studios, in Hilversum. This will are moving in to get things singing again. North Lincolnshire preservation boys give Holland's Radio City three working The Dutch, as you may know, have have now bought a Compton 2/5 to theatre organs ( others are the Moller a heart-warming habit of not drawing restore, and transplant. It was in a 5/27 formerly toured by Reginald the blinds on their living rooms at Grimsby theatre . . . Two "golden Foort in England and now owned by night. For some months those who age" performers died recently - Henry the NRU, and the AVRO studio passed the Tiemersma house at number Croudson and Joseph Flitcroft . . . Compton 4/22 which is about to re­ 9, Raadhuisstraat, Leeuwarden have First theatre organ recital to be of­ open after an overhaul). One good got used to the sight of an immaculate ficially sponsored as part of an Arts thing about the VARA news is that three-decker console all waiting to be Festival in England - Andrew Fenner's it is possible an approved roster of wired up to its pipes. It won't be at Clayhall , Ilford, as part of the performers may be allowed regular long now. Festivals of London. □ practice facilities. Anyway, that's the Dutch organ scene. Quite an optimistic one - and Taco Tiemersma at the console of the last of the Standaarts. here's a point to ponder. The afore­ mentioned Tuschinski movie palace was 50 years old last year. In Dutch law, that makes it an historic build­ ing which must be preserved. If any­ body wanted to knock it down, they would have to replace it with an identical one. To me, that sounds like a good law.

Any day now, the last of the Standaarts will be moving into its new home. The firm of Standaart were to Holland what Comptons were to Eng­ land (and Wurlitzer Stateside). Be­ tween the wars they put many fine instruments into Dutch theatres and even exported a few to Britain .

OCTOBER, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN 31 Nostalgic Hemories

by Charles Wright

I have been a member of ATOS for several years and also an enthusiastic reader of "Theatre Organ" and the pre­ decessor magazines for a somewhat longer period. Some of the most inter­ esting articles which I have read are those covering the restoration and in­ stallation of theatre organs in members' homes. These ambitious projects natur­ ally require a vast amount of time, effort and money, not to mention the knowledge and necessary know-how. The thought occurred to me, how does one first acquire the ambition and CHARLES WRIGHT perseverance so necessary to develop this extensive and complicated pastime few months ago I had just finished the pleasure of listening to a theatre and hobby. No one can possibly give reading an article in "Theatre Organ pipe organ, previous to that time I the answer but I am going to attempt Bombarde," and my thoughts went back believed pipe organs to be large instru­ to put down on paper the story of how to those early days when I first became ments installed in churches and other I first became interested in the theatre interested in the theatre organ. I de­ large auditoriums, and used only for organ about 45 years ago. From that cided then to put into words a few sacred and serious types of music. early date I have maintained a constant nostalgic memories. The organist playing at the Capitol interest in the organ. For a time I "The year is 1926-1927, and radio Theatre that evening was the late Mr. acted as the Montreal service man for receiving sets are still in the experi­ Norton H. Payne, affectionately known a Canadian builder of church organs, mental stage, and I had spent quite a as "Buddy Payne" to the theatre pat­ an activity I will admit to following , busy night 'hooking-up' a simple and rons of this city. more for the opportunity it gave me to somewhat primitive 'One Tube Set.' I The late evening mid-week broad­ play the various organs than for the had a pair of Brandes earphones at­ casts continued to be aired from the remuneration derived therefrom. Dur­ tached to the output end of the contrap­ Capitol for a few weeks and then like ing the late 1930's I took a trip to Eng­ tion. The time is about 11 :30 p.m. and many other good things, they came to land principally to visit the cinemas I have my set tuned to the old CHYC an end. However I had received an and to examine their Christies, Comp­ radio station in Montreal. But instead inspiration and my favorite instrument tons, Conachers, etc. As a tribute to of hearing one of the local dance bands, was to be the theatre organ. That was the Wurlitzer organs I found time while usually on the air at this time of night, over 44 years ago, today I am still of over there to cross the Mersey from I hear music that is different, and to the same mind. Liverpool to visit Birkenhead, where me, far more satisfying. I am receiving My next ambition was to visit the Robert Hope-Jones carried out his a program of organ music broadcast Capitol Theatre and to see and hear original development work on the unit­ direct from the Capitol Theatre located Mr. Payne playing this wonderful organ principle. in downtown Montreal." organ. Despite the passing of time I However, to get back to my story, a This was the first time that I had had can still recall my impressions of the

32 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 first visit to the Capitol and of seeing his all too brief interlude between the tionally well finished organ inside. I the organist seated high at the elevated pictures. The console was located on was told that Mr. Hope-Jones was console accompanying the silent pic­ the stage at the left corner, with the present in the theatre during the final tures on the screen. I made many organist facing the audience. From what installation. Being a very conscientious similar visits to this theatre, as often as I can remember, it was not a horseshoe man, every pipe and other component my limited finances would allow, not console, and the only effects I ever had to be adjusted to his particular perhaps to see the organ but rather to heard were the chimes. It was possibly satisfaction, regardless of the time re­ have an opportunity of hearing the a modified church organ, as I believe quired to do so, and the fact that a organ. the Warren Co. were principally en­ deadline had to be met for the grand The organ installed in the Capitol gaged in building church organs while opening of the new Montreal showplace Theatre was regarded by many Mont­ they were in existence. back in 1913. The Imperial contained realers to be the most beautiful toned I have always considered it to be about 10 or 12 ranks and was installed theatre organ in the city. It was built regrettable that when I was legally old in two chambers above the arch on in Canada by the Warren Organ Com­ enough (at the time one had to be 16 either side. The catalog photo men­ pany, equipped with a four-manual years old to attend the movies in Mont­ tioned shows the console on the stage, horseshoe console, mounted on a hyd­ real) and financially able to visit the at a later date it must have been moved raulic lift in the center of the orchestra theatres, it was also about the time to the left side of the orchestra pit, as pit. An interesting feature of this in­ that the organ was no longer consid­ it was in the latter location when I had stallation was the group of colorful ered to be a box-office attraction by the experience with it in 1931. display pipes, about 20 in number managers, and in most of our theatres A few blocks further east in Mont­ mounted high on the south wall of the so equipped, ceased to be heard. How­ real we have the St. Denis Theatre theatre to the left of the proscenium ever, I had already discovered my fav­ which had the largest Wurlitzer theatre arch. orite type of musical instrument and installation in the city. It was a larger Alas, came 1929 and talking pictures so, with our "available resources" version of that in the Imperial, also a were being installed in our principal rapidly diminishing, I did endeavor to "Special," it contained additional ranks movie houses, the Capitol being one of find the location of all other Montreal and one feature that I well remember, the downtown "big-four" was quick to theatres equipped with pipe organs and it included a "thunder stop." The St. take advantage of the new invention, to arrange visits to the theatres before Denis is a large theatre with a wide though not the first in Montreal to in­ the early morning shows, started to at stage and well suited for the large organ. stall talking pictures. After the arrival least see their organs. Some of the The two remaining Wurlitzers, at of the sound pictures the Capitol organ theatre managers were cooperative, the Papineau, also the Midway, were continued to be used for a short time, some were not. However, I was suc­ equipped with piano style consoles, 88 principally for short interludes, also a cessful at a few theatres. I was also keys on the Accompaniment and 61 on few bars would be played on the organ lucky, as they were still connected, in­ the Solo manual, similar in appearance to "finish-off" the Paramount News tact and playable. to those used with the smaller Photo­ Reel, and sometimes to join the pic­ Following my initial acquaintance players except that they included a 32 tures. It was always a thrill to hear with the two Warrens mentioned earlier note pedal board and also a back rest Mr. Payne blend the organ into the I was soon to learn that the "Mighty on the bench. No doubt these consoles end of the news-reels, perfectly in Wurlitzer" was regarded as being the may have been practical for motion pic­ registration, pitch and tempo to play most popular theatre organ throughout ture work, even though in appearance the last line of the signature tune used the world. From the results of my local they lacked glamor. The Papineau in­ by Paramount at the time to end the survey I was fortunate to learn that at stallation contained 6 ranks: 2 flutes, 2 news-reels. that time we had four (4) Wurlitzer strings and 2 reeds. It was a Model Around the year 1930 the Capitol installations in Montreal theatres, the 160, installed in 1920. The pipes and organ became silent, and on subsequent locations being as follows: effects were contained in a chamber to visits to the theatre we failed to hear St. Denis Theatre ...... 3-manual the left of the proscenium arch, and the the once familiar sounds of the throb­ Imperial Theatre ...... 3-manual console contained a piano action from bing Tibias, or the distant whisper of Papineau Theatre ...... 2-manual which was also derived a "mandolin the soft Vox Humana. For several Midway Theatre ...... 2-manual effect." months afterwards I believe the Capitol All the above installations carried the The Midway organ was about similar organ received regular servicing, per­ famous Hope-Jones Unit Orchestra in size pipewise, but it was a "pit" in­ haps in the event that "talkies" were nameplate. The larger two at the St. stallation, almost the entire orchestra only a passing fad, in which case the Denis and at the Imperial Theatres, pit formed a panelled chamber. The showing of silent movies along with were equipped with two 3 manual sloping top surface being fitted with the organ accompaniment could have consoles, the top keyboard being of 37 large swell shutters which continually been quickly resumed. Unfortunately, notes only. It will be interesting to opened and closed following the move­ this was not to be. mention here that the Imperial organ ment of the swell pedal. I remember With the closing of the Capitol or­ was perhaps a unique installation as the light beam from the projection box gan, Mr. Payne became the feature a very good photograph of the console reflecting on the moving shutters pro­ soloist at the Palace Theatre on St. appears in the Hope-Jones Unit Or­ duced an unusual effect to one seated Catherine, a block east of the Capitol. chestra catalog, reprinted by the Vestal halfway down the theatre. After visit­ The Palace was operated by the same Press together with a letter of recom­ ing many other theatres I have failed to chain as the Capitol, and was equipped mendation on the merits of the organ. find any other with the organ installed with a two-manual Warren organ. Due to a friendship which I developed quite like that of the old Midway. This Though a smaller organ than that of with one of the organists who played was a long and narrow theatre build­ the Capitol it was also a beautifully at the Imperial I was fortunate to have ing with a balcony shaped something toned instrument, and we greatly appre­ assisted with some repair work on this like a hairpin, the balcony being only ciated listening to Mr. Payne playing organ. I recall that it was an excep- two seats wide at the ends near the

OCTOBER, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN 33 screen. The organ, though far from the H was a concert organ of about 20 entrance foyer, a beautiful winding largest in Montreal, did however appear ranks. The console being similar to a staircase at the end of the grille led to to be the loudest to an enthusiast sit­ church organ style, it was equipped the upper floor of this elaborate resi­ ting in the front row of the balcony, with tilting tablets located on 45 degree dence. The organ was specially built almost directly above the pipes. For­ jambs, it included harp and chimes for the residence and was a modern tunately, it was usually possible to find and also an automatic player mechan­ installation throughout. these seats vacant, for while it was ism. Situated directly below the Tudor A series of evening broadcasts was almost impossible to see the picture Hall, was the "Adam Dining Room." A made from this location during the mid comfortably from this location, it was grille in the dining room ceiling allowed thirties, the series known as "The Win­ on the other hand, a most excellent the organ to be heard by the dining chester Organ of Romance" and spon­ vantage point to look down on the room patrons. The organ was installed sored by the makers of Winchester organist and to hear the pipes in all about the year 1929 and plenty of pub­ Cigarettes, a male vocalist was featured their glory. I would assume this organ licity was given to the "opening." For on the broadcast. I am sure that many contained the usual percussions but all a year or so regular recitals were local radio listeners enjoyed these I ever remember hearing was the offered every afternoon, sometimes with nightly programs, as did the writer. Glockenspiel and the Drums. piano accompaniment. Also radio The presentations consisted mainly of So far I have given a brief descrip­ broadcasts of a classical and semi­ request numbers sent in by the listen­ tion of the two Warrens and the four classical nature were a regular part of ers. The exact location of the organ Wurlitzers that we had in Montreal. the store's activities. The organist who was never given during the broadcasts, The seventh and final theatre installa­ opened the Tudor Hall organ and con­ this was kept a secret. Being a con­ tion in the city was a three-manual lo­ tinued to play for several years was the firmed organ fan and fortunate in hav­ cated in Loew's Theatre. This was a late Doctor Herbert Saunders, F.R.C.O. ing many organist friends at the time, Moller instrument. Unfortunately, I did Eventually the organ broadcasts and it was no problem for me to learn of not visit this movie and vaudeville the recitals in the store were heard less the "secret location." I then wrote to house -during the time that the organ frequently and then a change of policy the owner explaining my sincere inter­ was used and I have not been very suc­ took place in the Hall. Sponsored est in the Wurlitzer organ and previous cessful in gathering much information broadcasts were made from the Tudor experiences. By return mail I was fav­ concerning the installation. Apparently Hall organ once or twice a week. ored with a kind invitation to visit his it was mainly a straight organ with a The presentations consisting of light home and to play the organ, and to be few unified ranks and having a very romantic music and popular music of sure and bring some friends. I will say conservative style of console. It may the day, and played by organists who that the evening turned out to be a most have been a modified church organ, formerly had been our regular Montreal enjoyable and entertaining event. My the only effects anyone ever remembers theatre organists. I naturally enjoyed friends played mostly church music, hearing being the Cathedral Chimes. and appreciated these broadcasts, and while I tried to do my best with the The seven installation described while the Aeolian-Skinner was a straight popular numbers of the day, making above were the only theatre organs to organ and of course lacked a "toy­ generous use of the glockenspiel, xylo­ be used in Montreal theatres, though it counter," under the skillful hands of phone, drums and all the other percus­ is possible that a few other theatres in our popular organists it sounded very sion effects. Being a brand new installa­ Montreal and vicinity did at one time or good, and quite a contrast to the rather tion, it was truly a joy to play. It re­ another have photoplayer installations. more serious music played by Doctor sponded perfectly to all types of music, Friends have told me that they remem­ Saunders. Being acquainted with most with superb tonal quality, and every­ ber hearing organ music in the smaller of the performers, I attended many thing worked which is more than I can theatres that certainly did not have any broadcasts, often sitting on the end of say for some of the theatre organs I "permanent" organ installation, there­ the bench at the console, which I can have tried. I seem to have a faint recol­ for a photoplayer could well have pro­ add was a most enviable privilege to lection that an earlier series was broad­ vided the organ music that was heard. have in those days. The organ was re­ cast from this organ, and that it was I regret to say that none of the Mont­ moved from the store and re-installed called "The Phantom Organ." I am real theatre organs have been preserved, in a local church during the 1950's. sorry to say that the organ was removed on the contrary, all have been removed Before I conclude this article I would from the residence many years ago, and from the theatres, some were sold for like to refer briefly to still another in­ I have no knowledge of its present scrap during the war period, some were teresting organ installation. This was a location. dismantled for possible re-use of parts, three-manual Wurlitzer. However, it In conclusion I am sure it is fair to and I believe a couple have been re­ was not installed in a local theatre, this say that perhaps the greatest thrill and installed in other locations outside of one was installed in a large private satisfaction which an organ fan and the city. This completes the highlights residence located on the summit of the enthusiast can experience is that which of my memories of the seven local mountain in the Montreal suburb of is received when he has the opportunity theatre organs, which until the arrival Westmount, which I might add is really to play a Wurlitzer or other theatre of sound pictures provided thousands the Beverly Hills section of Montreal. style organ for the first time. I had that of Montreal theatre patrons with satis­ In this fairyland setting, around the experience many years ago and can still fying accompaniment music for the year 1933 was installed a beautiful appreciate the enjoyment received. I screen presentations. modern Wurlitzer of about 12 ranks had previously tried out many church Perhaps I may depart from the unit complete with all the customary theatre organs, but to play a favorite number organ for a moment to tell of another organ percussions. The console, located on a theatre style organ for the first organ well known to many through the in the large living room, was of light time using the many varied tonal effects medium of radio. This was the three­ wood finish and was designed on mod­ and percussions is a thrill. Yes, thrills manual Aeolian-Skinner located in ern lines. The chambers were located and satisfaction that this pastime and "Tudor Hall," a concert hall in the behind a large grilled section of the hobby can alone offer to an enthusiast. Ogilvy Department Store in Montreal. wall forming one entire side of the □

34 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 How to Entertain 500 Friends! An elaborate system of Bus scheduling enabled over 500 conventioneers to enjoy the home tour wanderings through the beautiful Virginia and Maryland countryside.

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Those who visited Walter "Stump" Miller's beautiful 2/1 0 Wurlitzer had a surprise performance by Hector Olivera who had An operating scale model railroad and a received an ovation for his thrilling con­ Wurlitzer Style B Special pipe organ share cert at the Tivoli. Ray Brubacher did the space in George Johnson's basement in honors for the two afternoon tours. This Alexandria, Virginia. A program of good, is one of Ray's favorite instruments as was solid theatre organ music was presented by evidenced by the manner in which he made Charlie Affelder of the Potomac Valley it sound like a much larger organ. Stump's At Lem Keller's residence the artist was Chapter. Another group was treated to collection of antique clocks was something Frank Lybolt, well-known former New York music played by Minneapolis organist Clyde to behold. An ice water dispenser set up by theatre organist, and now Dean of the Olson. The railroad gave an unplanned but the Millers and son Doug, really hit the Norfolk chapter of the AGO. Frank played very popular co-star performance a Ion g spot on that hot day. an excellent program of old standards ef­ with the neat and compact organ installation. fectively blending the piano with the lush, well-balanced sounds of the 4/17 "Keller Special". The adaptation of the large organ's sound in this studio is a credit to master craftsman, Lem Keller.

Rockville, Maryland residents on Castaway Two buses visited the Warren Thomas 3/8 Drive were surprised to see bus-loads of Robert Morton in Washington Grove, Mary­ happy people entering Bob and Marge Lane's land. It was an open console for both home. At the console of the white 2/5 buses and several of the conventioneers Robert Morton was Potomac Valley Chapter made the Wonder Morton speak up. George member Earl Sharits , one-time Colorado Thompson, billed as the world's worst organ­ theatre organist and "Mr. Congeniality" ist, made one of his rare performances himself. How in the world Bob and his much to the delight of all. This was the Most popular of home installations was the lovely wife found time to prepare their first public showing for Warren's installation home and organ along with the huge task 3/14 Wurlitzer in the Lautzenheiser studio and it was a real treat. in Springfield, Virginia. Featured at the of handling Convention Registration is be­ console was Jean, the "Sweetheart of the yond comprehension. Marjorie is also the Virginia Theatre", in an enthusiastically devoted Secretary of the Potomac Valley received program. Jean's "Goodnight, My Chapter and this was the premiere for the Someone" was followed immediately by a installation. rousing "76 Trombones" performed by GENII, the computer developed by Marvin Lautzenheiser for the sole purpose of per­ forming on a theatre pipe organ. (See story on page 5). GEN 11 was also the subject of a seminar presented by Marvin on Tuesday and which was repeated by popular re ­ The Doug Bailey studio, in Rockville has quest. Potomac Valley Chairman Jean, Con ­ been used as both a fi Im sound stage and vention Co - Chairman Marvin, and the radio studio for several area stations, and Lautzenheiser studio, which served as con­ houses Doug's 2/11 Moller (console from vention planning headquarters, have con­ the Shoreham Hotel and pipe work from cluded a busy year. the Loew's Palace, Washington, D.C.). Due (Photo by Richard Neidich) George Merriken featured Dick Smith at to limited space, a closed circuit video the console of his 3/22 Wurlitzer at his system was used, with montiors set up in The tour found a four manual Wurlitzer in picturesque Wurlitzer Music Hall. George various offices and visitors were able to a temporary installation in the Alexandria, operated his spectacular multi -color stage alternate between the "live" performance Virginia apartment of Ed Welsh. The in ­ and house lights display. Due to limited and the TV viewing rooms. This installation strument incorporates a new electronic de ­ space each bus-load split into two groups has an entrance through the pipe chamber, vice replacing the usual relays and switch taking turns listening to Dick or viewing giving visitors a unique opportunity to stack and requires only two wires to con­ an oldtime movie and a film on the theatre view the "inside" of a pipe organ from nect the console to the chambers. Questions organ with Joe Evalt as projectionist. George close range. Doug Bailey played several about the new relay system abounded as outdid himself to see that each visitor had selections then turned the instrument over visions of simplified installations were i n­ a good time. for open console. stilled in the visitors. (No photo available)

OCTOBER, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN 35 JOHN WAYNE, America's favorite he-man film hero, will be Grand Marshal of the 1973 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. Parade theme will be "Movie Memories." Surveys in­ dicate 100 million people watch the Parade on TV all round the world. Directed by Lyle W. Nash ~ COMMENTS, contributions, ques­ tions and your views are welcomed to MAIN TITLE - Greta Nissen may WATCH for a rare showing of a P.O. Box 113, Pasadena, California, be living very quietly in the Newport, sparkling new Technicolor print of 91102. □ R.I. says a tracer of lost film folk the 1926 "Black Pirate" starring Doug­ . . . Lionel Sander is living in Rome las Fairbanks. . . . Hillary Brooke was recently re­ ported as living at 40 Via Casitas, San Luis Rey Downs, Calif. . . . A reader AN ENCHANTINGliterary experi­ verifies that Lili Damita lives at 714 ence is the best way to describe the 15th Ave. North, Fort Dodge, Iowa, new book on Hollywood by Francis 50501 ... Lois Moran used to get fan Marion. "Off With Their Heads," mail at Box 1088, Seonna, Arizona, (Macmillan, $8 .95, 356 pages) is what 86336 ... Former child actor Russell FM remembers about movie making Francis Griffin may live at 4855 - 66th between 1914 and 1972. Included in St., Defense Heights, Maryland. her writing credits for screenplays are those of Camille, Riffraff, Dinner at ~ Eight, Emma, The Champ, Min & Bill MILLIONS of Americans are hear­ Big House, Anna Christie and Stella ing the magnificent 4/42 Moeller in Dallas. the Fox Theatre in Atlanta thanks to nationwide advertising of Eastern Air­ lines. BY THE time this appears in print ~ Neil and Elsa Hamilton will have celebrated 50 years of treasured mar­ YOUTHFUL , who ried life. Without permission of any­ was a student with Leonard MacClain, one, I'd like to speak for the millions held the Los Angeles ATOS chapter of fans who enjoyed Hamilton's work members spellbound with his artistry over the years: "Continued happiness at the 3/16 Wurlitzer in the San to you both." HEASTON Gabriel Civic Auditorium. The event PRODUCTIONS was the August in-door picnic. James expects to locate in Arizona where READER asks: "Have you located BOX 11052 he'll be the master of a pipe organ for Ralph Graves yet?" No. Can any TO INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA a pizza parlor operation. reader give a hand? 46201

~ ~ BUSTER KEATON'S long lost MEMO TO HELEN HA YES: "Not (1923) "Three Ages" has been found long ago you asked on a national TV in Japan. A preservation print for the show whatever happened to actor John U.S. is being made. Wengraf? Well, John is alive, well and ~ happy but lonesome for you and his old Broadway friends. Write John at QUESTION: "In 1929 Photoplay 122 West Arrellaga St., Santa Barbara, magazine had a contest for a new California, 93101. " name for the talkies. What name was picked?" A. Such questions you dig up. Well, the name selected was 'Phono­ play' and it never caught on for a second. But among the other 16,000 for your sake .. . weirdos suggested were: speakeasy, for our sake .. . sayshow, smotion picture, squealies, for their sake .. . chatties, gabbies and toneappeal. and for Pete's sake . . .

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36 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 cellent copyist and while listening to the record the listener may do some double takes - "now where have I heard that device or fill before?" It's obvious that Ed has listened well to Far Crawford, Wright and the records of many other organists with distinctive The styles. However, the borrowed devices are not overdone; they are just there ReEards to tickle or bug the seasoned listener. "What Are You Waiting for Mary?" is an admitted recreation of the Craw­ ford classic with good sensitivity to the maestro's phrasing, tempo and style , but with some surprising melody inaccuracies. Attractive registration is more Welch than J.C. "It Happened in Monterey" features an engrossing celested string chorus ED WELCH and some well-performed "ooh-hoo's" Manufacturers, distributors or indi­ viduals sponsoring or merchandising on a fast-trem'd Tibia. generate enough "wow" to annoy theatre pipe organ records are en­ "Toot-Toot-Tootsie" is played in well-tuned ears. We assume it was just couraged to send pressings to the upbeat "vo-do-deo-doh" '20s style with the one pressing (our usual luck). Be it Record Reviewer, Box 3564, Granada lots of percussion to brighten the known that a flawed pressing is re­ Hills, California 91344. Be sure to borrowed styling. turnable for a replacement. This is a include purchasing information, if We've had many versions of "Battle "four track" stereo record , but play­ applicable, and if possible a black Hymn of the Republic" since organists able also with two track equipment and white photo which need not discovered it. The Welch version pre­ and monaural. There are no jacket be returned. sents a number of interesting musical notes about Ed Welch so we don't tricks with it but suffers from being know much about him other than WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR overlong (9 min. 30 sec.). About after he was heard during the 1972 ATOS MARY? Ed Welch playing the five minutes of stating the well-known Convention. Lautzenheiser residence 3/11 Wurlitzer theme the variations start and interest In summary, its a good first try in Springfield, Va., MarkCustom Rec­ picks up. Your playback had better for Mr. Welch, who shows much ords No. MC 1802, (stereo) $5.50 have a good bass response because its promise, but we'd like to hear him postpaid from Jean's Organ Studio, within that compass that most of Ed's under less pressing conditions. 7216 Neuman St., Springfield, Va. embellishments lie. 22150. The opener for side II is a brief but pleasant 3/4 time "Cruising Down the A YOUNG MAN'S FANCY, Tom This is an interesting disc from a River" with strong Wright overtones. Gnaster playing the 3/16 Wicks organ number of viewpoints . The organist Ed Welch has an engaging ballad style in the Wheeler studio. Custom Fidelity informs us tt was recorded in a hurry and he's at his best during Romberg's (stereo) No. CFS-2954. $5.50 post­ during a single miking session as a "Serenade". It is played with great paid from Tom Gnaster, 347 West substitute for another disc which sensitivity, mainly on String and Tibia Hickory Heights, Illinois 60411. wouldn't be released in time for the combinations (later on a full com­ 1972 ATOS Convention. As a hurry bination) which amplify its good The instrument is the famous "Oral job it has many faults but also enough phrasing. Roberts" studio organ, built by flashes of good solid playing to make Wicks in the late '50s under conditions one wonder what Ed Welch would "Carioca" is lively and rife with the of great secrecy (Wicks feared straight produce under ideal conditions. organ's clackers and pitched percussers , organ prospects might be negatively The instrument sounds big and full paying due homage to the spirit of the influenced by the news that they were for a residence installation and we Rogers-Astaire era. building one of those awful unified assume some artificial liveness has "When I Fall in Love" is afforded theatrical organs again). This second been added during dubbing. However, tender registration for a most appealing release played on the instrument , now according to Mr. Welch, a number of ballad treatment. relocated in the Lockport , Illinois ranks were substituted just for re­ "Begin the Beguine", a big, bold studio of Robert Wheeler, indicates cording, so we are not certain the brass-flecked dance tune is done in that Wicks, after a lapse of perhaps resulting sound fairly represents the solid theatre organ style, a satisfying 30 years, still has the skills to produce Lautzenheiser organ. Even so, the re­ closer. Sensitive ears note some out-of­ an attractive theatre instrument with a sult is a good and satisfying sound, tune ranks. personality all its own. It has an although a few ranks are out of tune The recording technique is top­ especially bright high register, a mellow during some numbers, apparently the notch throughout, and the bass may Tibia, a snarly Posthorn, and effective result of the aforementioned hurry. rattle your woofers. Our review pressing tonal percussions. The organist is obviously an ex- was a little "off center" which may Tom Gnaster is well known in the

OCTOBER, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN 37 Chicago area where he teaches, plays so effectively in Disney's Fantasia. organ now gone, this recording is the in church and concertizes in theatres The classical challenge brings out much more precious. (e.g. the Avalon, Milwaukee and the of the "churchiness" inherent in the Only the most recent T.O. addicts Rivoli in Indianapolis). While the T.O. Wicks organ and the result may seem a wouldn't know of Leonard MacClain, is his first choice, he was educated as little bombastic to some auditioners. one of the true giants of the theatre a concert pianist. Even so, it is first class playing through­ organ. Listening to his artistry in The piano's loss.is organdom's gain; out and we can fault only the Gnaster retrospect can only inspire listeners; Mr. Gnaster has an intriguing way with rendition of the stylized cock crow everything he did at the console was a theatre organ, an especially clean which heralds the dawn. Composer just so right, a complete master of his playing technique, and natural good Saint Saens made it incisively distinct; instrument. taste in working out his arrangements Tom plays it pretty. Otherwise, ex­ The recording was made early in (all played here are his own). cellent. the '60s decade, just after ATOS "Carioca" is a typical console-upper, "A Young Man's Fancy" revives Potomac Valley Chapter members com­ taken at a snappy clip but never a once universally popular tune from pleted the task of rousing the long­ hurried until the final chorus. It dem­ a long ago musical of WWI vintage, sleeping giant. The 3/31 Kimball pro­ onstrates the Wicks Tibia chorus ef­ a delightful melody which Tom gives vides a fine example of the Kimball fectively during a brief passage which the full treatment with a light touch T.O. sound - most effective in large leaves one wanting more. The xylo­ and plenty of nostalgia for those who ensemble combinations and with a phone and clackers get some exercise remember. pronounced emphasis on Strings. Some also during the swirls and flourishes The sweet and soft ballad voices fine solo stops are heard, notably a of this graceful dance tune. Registration carry the sentimental melody of"Jean :• sharp trumpet in the verse of "The may be a bit on the too bright side with an exceptionally lovely String World is Waiting for the Sunrise" and for some. chorus in evidence as well as those haunting Tibias. The sweeping ballad possibilities inherent in "This Nearly Was Mine" are taken advantage of fully by Tom, who makes good use here of the ex­ pression pedals. "I Come From the Town of Mira" gets similar treatment. The closer is "Andalucia", which is sometimes more of "The Breeze and I" genre. The bolero sequence comes off well on ranks which often sound very "straight" as perhaps they should for this selection. The artist provides interesting but uncomplicated arrangements through­ out. We'll be hearing from him again. The tune list avoids the overplayed. Recording is adequate. Some listeners TOM GNASTER may find the extra bright treble registers of the Wicks a bit too much. Soft Mutations, Tibia, Strings and An adjustment in playback tone con­

Vox are heard during the subtle ballad trols will help. Interesting jacket notes LEONARD MacCLAIN handling of"In My Own Little Corner". about artist and instrument are by This later picks up rhythm and fuller organist Kay McAbee, who recorded an untrem'd Tuba in "I Wonder Who's registration. this instrument for Concert Recording Kissing her Now". Big organ sound in steady rhythm release some time ago. It's an interesting The style used by Mr. MacClain first marks"On the S.S. Bernard Cohn" entry by a newcomer to the pipe here is mainly that associated with and later settles into a chorus of recording field. "intermission music" of the '30s and xylophone plinks sustained by a String. '40s, but far more subtle in its nuances But its back to big sound for a bang-up than most. MacClain was a master of closing. LEONARD MACCLAIN PLAYS "suspense harmony" where he seemed Venerable "Poinciana" starts on BALTIMORE'S FABULOUS STAN­ to hit the wrong chord initially and Strings but for the refrain the reg­ TON THEATREORGAN. Ralbar OLP- then resolved to a more ear-pleasing istration features a full Tibia chorus 6302 (monaural). $5.S0 postpaid from one before the next phrase started. briefly, then some solo reeds. MobileMusic Mart, Box 195,Abington, Other selections are "Maryland, My Side I closes with that ancient Pennsylvania,19001. Maryland", "You're a Grand Old Flag", potboiler many of us once had for a "Mary", "Wait 'til the Sun Shines piano lesson - "Dance Macabre". It's This is not a reissue, rather it's a Nellie", "Just a Little Love, a Little program music (it tells a story) which closeout of remaining stocks of a Kiss", "You Made me Love You", deals with the same ghostly subject mat­ recording never before reviewed in "Marcheta", "Poor Butterfly", "For ter "Night on Bald Mountain" covered these columns. With both artist and Me and My Gal", "Smiles", "Your

38 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 Eyes Have Told Me So" and "All By powering pedal, but the fast parts instrument this time. Bob Power, want­ Myself." are away and over the hill with great ing to take advantage of the wide Although Leonard MacClain is gone, dispatch. range of tonal adjustments Rodgers he has left a legacy of fine recorded Don Thompson's programs always built into the instrument, called in the music and a generous portion of his contain a generous portion of the logical doctor, Lee Haggart. Lee knows fine musicianship lives on in his pupils, unusual, in this case an ambitious both pipe organs and electronics, having such as Shirley Hannum and Dennis undertaking, the "March" from the worked on one or the other for most James. As ATOSers know, the organ utopian film of the late '30s, Things of his life. Lee and Harvey Heck work­ came to an ignoble end; it was sold To Come. It's a job for a full symphony ed on the instrument for one day, and broken up for parts in the mid­ orchestra but doesn't fare badly as voicing and detuning (yes, detuning). '60s by an "organ broker." But on an organ solo. Don gives it some Next, loudspeakers were angled to this record all things are as they were rough treatment in spots(he emphasizes better disperse the sound. Then Bob during a brighter day with artist and one of the inner rhythmic voices to the made a tape of all the C's and G's of instrument in top form. An elaborate extent it upstages the melody) and identically labelled ranks on the Bob "open up" jacket provides much in­ his tempo is at odds with the London Carson 3/26 studio Wurlitzer. Armed formation about artist and instrument. Philharmonic Orchestra's version which with this information he adjusted each Highly recommended. was conducted by the composer, Sir note of each electronic "rank" for Arthur Bliss. For all that, it's a lot quality and volume, using the recorded better than another rehash of "Lara's C's and G's for reference. The result FIREWORKS, Don Thompson playing Theme." is an entirely different sounding organ, the 4/18 Wurlitzer in the Redwood Wagner's music is often difficult much truer to the pipe ideal. City (Calif.) "Cap'n's Galley." CR- to reduce to the capabilities of two The record does much to under- 0120 (stereo). $4.89 from Concert hands and two feet. Andrew Fenner Recording, Box 531, Lynwood, Calif. managed it in a recent recording but 90262. even he didn't attempt the difficult "Ride of the Valkyries." I've heard Reviewing this record was a most Don play it better than he does on this extraordinary undertaking. It is a col­ record but at best one can manage lection of mostly well-known orchestral only the outside voices and skip the concert pieces, which sent us scurrying complex weaving of inner colors in­ to our supply of Sir Thomas Beecham, herent in the orchestration. Don's Leonard Bernstein, Eugene Ormandy, version is flashy but incomplete. And Sir Malcom Sargent, Leopold Stokow­ the Valkyries seem intent on driving ski, Wilheim Furtwangler and Dimitri their horses to win a heat at Hollywood Mitropoulis records for comparisons. Park. If there is one fault that persists His "Finlandia" is much better suited through much of the music presented to the organ and it comes off well. here it's excessive speed. Strauss' The closer is the lackluster Waltz "Thunder and Lighting Polka" (ac­ from Masquerade. Even a bright talent tually a "gallop") was often used by such as Don's can't do much with its organists playing silent newsreel horse one idea. The only poor choice in an 'The Vanooch' - (Stufoto) race footage. The bangtails could never otherwise novel program. keep up with this version. The great The organ has been well recorded, score the improvement; it includes speed precludes sufficient attention and does its part effectively in several three selections recorded before the to detail, yet it comes out quite well. roles better suited to a straight organ. changes, so a comparison may be Wagner doesn't fare as well during Voluminous jacket notes were most made. Don's ambitious "Prelude to Act III probably written by Don, who writes Larry Yannucci is a pipe organist to Lohengrin". The speed is there, very well. of many talents. He can play "fancy" so is a ponderous bass during the soft or "earthy". Well known on the west passages. The melody is partially ob­ coast through concerts, Home Organ scured by the repeated triplet ac­ - THE PLUG-IN CORNER F es ti val appearances and club dates, co m pan im en t during the baritone LARRY V ANNUCCI PLAYS MUSIC Larry played pipes in San Francisco's melody sequence, a registration fault. FOR TEENAGERS OF ALL AGES on Wurlitzer-equipped "Lost Weekend" 7:03 minutes of "Orpheus in the Bob Power's Rodgers "Style 260 bar for 10 years and recorded a Underworld" while Don raises his Special" Angelus WR 5000 (stereo). memorable disc on that city's Golden own Hades with tempos - well the $5.50 postpaid from Vanclaire Records, Gate theatre 3/12 Wurlitzer 12 years familiar waltz tune comes off well, 30 Mountain View Rd. Fairfax, Calif. ago. Strongly inspired by Crawford and registration is mostly good through­ 94930. and Wright, Larry sometimes uses their out. stylings. But he has a style all his Don delves into a Slavic mood for Those who may have been disap­ own. a wack at Monti's "Czardas", a sequence pointed in the sound quality heard on The platter contains a variety of of fast passages followed by slow a previous release of this most elaborate arrangements to carry its mainly 1932- passages ad infinitum. The slow areas of all electronic theatre organs will be 1948 complement of tunes. "Want to are well played except of an over- happy to hear an entirely different Get a Girl" is a tribute to Crawford.

OCTOBER, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN 39 "Tangerine" and "Green Eyes" reflect CHRISTMASRECORDINGS CONCERT RECORDING STARS their World War II vintage with 4-to­ Organ records make fine presents. WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS. the-bar pedal, while ballad treatment The time to order is now. Here are 12 organists playing mostly seasonal of "I Can't Get Started" and "These some possibilities. standards on 6 pipe organs and 7 Foolish Things" sound as though Larry JOHN STEELE PLAYS THE plug-ins. $4.89 postpaid from Concert is playing three-handed; a sharp reed BRIGHT SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS Recording, Box 531, Lynwood, Calif. melody accompanied by the unbroken on a 4/28 Wurlitzer. Fourteen pop and 90262. shimmer of strings while the Harp traditional Yule tunes. $5.50 postpaid JOY TO THE WORLD, Ena Baga marks the accompaniment rhythm. from Kinura Records, Box 236, Miami playing a 3/9 Compton and a Hammond Actually its a very effective use of Springs, Florida 33166. B3; offbeat seasonal standards plus second touch; Larry's left hand holds carols. $4.89 postpaid from Concert down the string-rich chords while a Recording, Box 531, Lynwood, Calif. little more pressure brings in the Harp 90262. □ beat. Note that gorgeous Lyn Larcenous modulation leading into the final chorus of "Things". There is nice ballad work during "Little Darling" and "They

Napoleon's Last Charge • Yellow Bird• Aphrodite• Swinging Shepherd Shows he scored include The Frank Blues• What's New, Pussy Cat?• Never Tease Tigers! • Blue Skirt Waltz, Lovejoy Show, Lassie, Michael Shayne, • Yours • Wheels • Bells of St. Mary's • Sorcerer's Tango • Impossible Richard Diamond and the Buddy Clark Dream • I Dreamt I Dwelt in Marble Halls. Show. Later he did club work, with PRICE $5.50 POSTPAID. MAIL CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO: engagements at such posh spots as the Chicago Blackhawk and the Beverly LEON C. BERRY Wilshire hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. P.O. Box 493, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068 He also played long engagements in the San Fernando Valley (California)

40 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 Chase House, Skytrails and Red Barn, second part where I have to move my on Hammonds and Gulbransen hand up to a noo place. And then "Rialtos" (his favorite plug-in). when I get the toon down it still dont During this period he found time sound rite because the notes they all to make some fine recordings on the run together sort of. So the next then Joe Kearns 3/26 Studio Wurlitzer, thing I find out they is different kinds notably "Excursions in Hi-Fi" and of notes that has different lengths "Love Moods" for Liberty Records. like the ones with the holes in them He also recorded the gone Columbia is to hold on longer, and the ones with Square Wurlitzer ("Autumn Leaves") the line acrost the top is quicker, and and made several plug-in records, among the ones with the dot after them is them "The Look of Love" on an Allen. longer except that if the dot is on the Curiously, a record he thoroughly top then they is quicker. I ask you! disliked, "Giant" on the Sunset label, So by now I have to find out how remains his best seller, perhaps because to use the left hand and then I am of its youth orientation. really in trouble. One book says all After six children, Johnny's mar­ I guess maybe one of the reasons I you have to do is put your index riage went on the rocks, and he hang on to the coat tails of these here finger on the letter it says for the "batched it" until he met Ruth about organ players and organ clubs is that I chord and then the thum and the little eight years ago. Ruth became his wife always wanted to learn to play the pinkie will fall on the right place. in 1966. organ my own self. So I got some of Which is all rite except that I have Four years ago Johnny quit smoking these here organ method books but to keep jumpin my hand up and down after being a "3-pack-a-day" man for they all seem to sort of shoot off in and pretty soon they is a cord that many years. On February 29 of this different directions and they wind up dont sound rite on account it should year, a surgeon removed a malignant be gettin me all mixed up. Like they have had some of the black notes tumor from Johnny's brain successfully, start usin letters for the rite hand and that nobody told me about. So then but continued tests toward locating then they give the fingers to use and I try another book and it has a big the cause of the malignancy. It was when they say put your thum on C chart with about 500 cords on it that traced to a lung and on April 11 a which is to the left of the two black I have to try to memorize and they nicotine-sodden cancerous lung was keys then they give you the fingers to all have the letter for the cord on the removed. That was expected to stop use and you go One, One, Two, Three, bottom note and I aint much better the generation of tumors and Johnny Three, Four, Five, go up one more off than I was before on account my was anxious to get back to work. for Five, come down again for Five, hand is jumpin up and down like one But then he went blind - until a Three. Well, OK, I reckernize the of these here Mexican jumpin beens. second brain tumor was removed on toon, so I think well maybe it'll be So by now I am gettin kind of June 15. easy to learn to play. desparate on account every book seems The three operations took their But then the next time they give to tell me something different and so toll. Johnny's weight was way down me the fingers but dont give me the I go to another book that says I have but he was still full of fight. By letters so I put my fingers where they to learn all the different keys and the telephone he told the writer that he was before with my thum on where skales and then the cord will be 1, 3 and had no intention of "taking off and it says middle C is, but it dont come 5 of the skales for a Majer cord, and leaving Ruthie. These are my happiest out rite on account the book didnt lower the 3rd for a Miner cord, and years." say I should of moved my hand up and raise the 5th for a Oggmented cord, But he put his affairs in order just down. So pretty soon I get on to how and lower the 7th for a 7th cord, and the same. He told his wife that if the I have to find where the letters is on lower the 3rd and the 5th and the worst came he wanted to be cremated the lines and spaces, and I can belt out 7th for a Diminishing Cord, and I and his ashes scattered over the ocean. Home Sweet Home OK except the think what in tunket am I a-gettin The worst came; a third brain tumor developed and the hardy constitution that had survived so much was too Larry's dramatic weak to undergo more surgery. Before style is captured in By Popular Request tunes such as: he lapsed in unconsciousness, he warn­ ed his wife away: "I don't want you "I Can't Get Started" to see me like this." "Third Man Theme" LARRY VANNUCCI Johnny was still stalling death. He "These Foolish Things" plays managed somehow to survive in his and many more hospital bed for three weeks of coma "Music for Teenagers of All Ages" before the end came on August 5th. - SEND TODAY - There was no funeral service. $5.50 Postpaid (check or money order) On the next day a bi-motor plane to Full Stereo winged out over the Pacific and all VANCORD Recorded on the Rodgers Theatre Organ Custom Built for Bob Power that remained of a unique musician­ 30 Mountain View Road of Camarillo, California ship and a truly wonderful person Fairfax, California 94930 wascon~gnedtothesea. □

OCTOBER, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN 41 into. So I throw that away and I try Broadway Theatre to see Phantom. their instruments referred to in this another book and it says to count up I believe that this was the first run fashion. and down on all the keys includin the showing. I am sure that if it were not for the black ones and for a Majer cord all I This was not the present Broadway interest and contributions of the elec­ have to do is count 4 and 3, and for a theatre (also B.S. Moss) which was tronic manufacturers, the interest in 7th cord count up 3 more, and by originally called the Colony - but a the theatre pipe organ would not be now I am a-gettin so punchy I couldnt big old vaude-film theatre I believe what it is, and most of the famous old even count the number of toes on between 40-41 st Streets. I understand instruments would still be rotting in my foot without comin out different this was the theatre which opened with their pits. every time. the first stage version of Ben Hur, - Most Sincerely, But then somebody tells me they is had horses racing on treadmills, etc. Steven A. Malotte books where every piece has little I could never understand why there Littlerock, California pictures that shows you where the were (I believe three) remakes of fingers go for the different cords and Phantom since none surpassed the so I try that and durned if it dont original. work pretty good . So I been tryin Elsewhere, I have read a couple of that and I come to the conclusion times that the Brooklyn Paramount that now I am a organ player. And the was the second largest theatre in N.Y. only trouble is that the only pieces I Huge as it was (4,500 seats), this was OOPS... can play is the ones in the books that never true. Some of our sharp-eyed readers has these little pictures for the cords, The three largest theatres in N.Y., so how enybody ever learns to play the discovered some errors in the August all had the same capacity 6,200 seats, issue. We apologize for not being cor­ organ with three sets of lines for the they were the Hippodrome, Roxy, two hands and the feet and no pictures rect, but hope we can set the record and Music Hall. The Capitol which straight. is beyond me. □ opened in 1919, had 5 ,000. At the bottom right of page 29 our The present second largest theatre photo caption had Eddie Weaver con­ in N.Y. , is the Academy of Music on gratulating the wrong person. The • 14th Street. correct name of the young man in the Another picture with interesting photo is LYN LUNDE. The photo is music was Beau Geste. reprinted here with the proper Regards, caption. -~- Oscar Roed ~~ ...... ~ Highland Park, NJ. ~ I To whom it may concern: For as long as I can remember, you TTT--;rTTT continually refer to electronic or.gans as "plug ins". It seems to me that a Letters to the Editor concerning all pipe organ must have its blower aspects of the theatre organ hobby plugged in to an electrical source or we are encouraged . Send them to the would not know the instrument as we editor concerned. Unless it's stated do today. clearly on the letter "not for pub- I have a very fine Rodgers Organ 1ication," the editors feel free to (33-E) custom installed in a "pipe" reproduce it, in whole or part. chamber above my living room ceiling. Address: P.O. Box 1314 I find it quite as satisfying to play and Salinas, Calif. 93901 listen to as many pipe organs that I have played over the years, and far Eddie Weaver congratulates his student, Lyn superior to most of them, especially in Lunde, after Lyn's cameo appearance at the Mosque. He is currently staff organist at Dear Friends: home installations. Concerning my Loew's Richmond. Noticed in the August issue that Rodgers organ, a minimum of 30 someone was looking for music used in hours were put into it in voicing, etc. We gave credit to the wrong person the original Phantom of the Opera. which is more than plugging a cord as being staff organist at the Virginia The main theme was Victor Herbert's into an outlet. Theatre, Alexandria. The actual organ­ "Karma Overture" - particularly for Could you please find another term ists at the Virginia are JIMMY BOYCE the flight through the sewers of Paris. for "plug in"? I find the term ob­ and JEAN LAUTZENHEISER. The love theme used was "My Heart noxious and hope you will take my In listing Cameo performers we At Thy Sweet Voice':fromSamsonAnd suggestion in good faith as that is the neglected to mention the name of DR. Delilah, - neutral scenes in the opera way it is meant. Also, I am sure that C.A.J. PARMENTIER, who gave a house used the "Faust Waltzes". the Rodgers Company as well as other masterful performance. Since I was too young to ride the electronic organ manufacturers who We are sincerely sorry for these subways alone (honest!) , I induced my advertise in your magazine deserve errors and omissions, and thank those mother to take me to the B.S. Moss better credit for their ads than having who brought them to our attention. □

42 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 organ fund for the purchase of another organ. One of the nicest sounding Wur­ litzers in existence today got a real workout by its master on Sunday , Aug. 20 when John Muri presented a full ninety minute program at CATOE's August social. The scene was East Chicago's "Indiana" theatre eHAPTERNOTE~ where John had spent several years as staff organist. John himself expressed astonishment at finding the 3/ 1O not only still there but also re-finished, re-furbished and in excellent condi­ tion. John tailored his presentation to ALOHA Ridge in his Dodge van and at present his theatre organ enthusiast audience , Because it is a favorite vacation­ Leon is at home and recovering very opening with "The Thunderer March". land, Hawaii is visited by countless quickly. It's no fun bearing this kind John then played selections from The numbers of people each year. Fortu­ of news but we know Leon Berry has Rothschilds, three songs in E-flat and nately for the Aloha Chapter, many of fans all over the country that would be finished the first part of his program these visitors are theatre organists or concerned for his welfare. Leon's with "Sunset on the Trail" from enthusiasts , and somehow establish latest record has just been released and Grofe's Grand Canyon Suite. Next we contact with Aloha Chapter members it sounds terrific. It's called "Leon and were treated to an engrossing slide while in the Islands. While visitors are the Lion" and was recorded on the presentation on theatre organ playing, always welcome, August was a special from film work to organ solos. As month because both Fred Feibel and examples of cue sheets and sheet Don Baker were here. music were projected on the screen Don Baker was in town for a Conn John would illustrate by playing the organ concert, sponsored by the local music. Then came seven songs by dealer. Fred Feibel and his wife arrived Bacharach, the "William Tell Over­ on vacation, and, by prior arrange­ ture" and selections from Applause. ment, played at the Waikiki Theatre This was a special kind of program for an informal chapter gathering. This that any theatre organ fan anywhere was, curiously enough, his first experi­ would consider "priceless". ence at a Robert Morton. As he ex­ In spite of the remote location and plains, there had simply never been hot weather a large group of CATOE any Mortons where he happened to be members and guests showed up. In - before this. But he was nonetheless spite of the lack of air-conditioning pleased with what he heard. the audience was spellbound and the The Feibels were also guests at the organ sounded terrific. Fred Kruse and apartment of Chapter Secretary and the crew have done a first class restora­ Treasurer, Grace and John Jenkins, tion job with the Hope Jones Unit where they met several more members Orchestra. A cameo performance by and chatted about everyone's favorite subject. LEON BERRY Regrettably, Mr. Baker's schedule "Beast In The Basement" Wurlitzer did not permit him enough time for which is now in a much larger setting. any social events or other perform­ A crescendo pedal was added recently ances, but he is welcome back any­ and the unique pizzicato Post Horn time. So are all of you. effect brings back memories of the ROGER G. ANGELL Hub. While many small Wurlitzer's had no couplers, Leon's Beast includes sub, CATOE super and manual to pedal couplers. On Wednesday Aug. 16, Chicago­ The auction of the remains of the land organist Leon Berry was sched­ Senate organ is now history. CATOE uled to present a program at the originally acquired the organ at a cost Riviera Theatre at North Tonawanda, of $2,510.00. Last year the building in N.Y. However Leon suffered a mild which it was being worked on burned stroke on the preceeding Monday to the ground and all that was left was evening. He had spent the afternoon the console, the blower, the piano and practicing at the Riviera and was back some miscellaneous parts which were at the Piazza residence when it hap­ stored elsewhere. On August 19 these pened. Later in the week Randy items were auctioned off for a total of brought Leon back home to Park $3,258.00 which will go into a special JOHN MURI

OCTOBER, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN 43 Chicago organist Hannah Jacobs pre­ of local installations, both in audi­ the highlight of JDHS's new season. ceeded open console time that in­ toriums and homes, and expressed her Plans for November are being cluded many interesting numbers by enthusiasm in getting to know such a firmed up for a fund-raising event by CATOE members and their guests. fine gentleman. Larry Ferrari; a Christmas spectacular The yearly joint open-console bash in mid-December is being worked out with New York Chaps will be held at ( complete with theatre pipes, adult the Surf City Hotel in Surf City, Long choir, and children's handbell choir); Beach Island, N.J., and, as always, will and we're hoping to hold our next be a success. The 3/15 Wurlitzer, in­ membership business meeting in stalled with windows exposing its January at the Lansdowne Theatre. meticulous pipework and black light Since the function of ATOS is "to shining on fluorescently painted per­ preserve the tradition of the theatre cussions, will chirp to the music of all organ and to further the understanding kinds of artists while chapterites enjoy of the instrument and its music," our the excellent restaurant and bar facili­ chapter believes in accomplishing this ties and renew old friendships. by keeping busy through activity in a Later in the month, several mem­ friendly way in a mutual interest. bers will enjoy a diversified benefit SHIRLEY HANNUM program for the Leukemia Research Foundation by Syracuse's Karl Cole LOS ANGELES on September 25. Karl will take the The San Gabriel Summer Organ Conn 650 through its paces and afford Fiesta was the big event of the summer his audience in the Doylestown (Pa.) season for the Los Angeles Chapter. high school the product of his rich More than 280 members and guests background of training and experi­ assembled on Sunday, August 27th at AL MELGARD ence. We hope to hear more from the San Gabriel Civic Auditorium for charismatic Karl in this area soon. an afternoon of organ music. Program On Thursday August 24 CATOE Chapter plans for October have in­ members gathered together for a busi­ Chairman Bob Carson introduced the cluded a visit to the 4-manual, 5 8-rank artists which included Paul Woodard, ness meeting. A lively discussion of Kimball in the ballroom of the conven­ by-laws resulted in some interesting tion hall in Atlantic City, N .J ., where suggestions such as having terms of several organists had the thrill of their office start in summer. A formal mo­ lives with an instrument this size, and tion for CATOE to endorse Stadium a jointly sponsored concert by this Organist Al Melgard as a candidate for reporter on October 29. The concert the ATOS Hall of Fame was passed program includes theatrical music and unanimously. accompaniment to Max Sennett's TONY TAHLMAN comedy, Teddy at the Throttle, held on Lansdowne Theatre's 3/9 Kimball. Usually, when DVATOS sponsors a joint meeting, it's with an electronic DELAWAREVALLEY club or a nearby chapter, like New Although the summer was quiet York. But in this case, the other half is chapter-wise, the heat did not preclude the Southeastern Chapter of the AGO. visits by out-of-towners. National We're looking forward to good times Secretary-Treasurer and DVTOS mem­ with our liturgical friends. ber Mary Bowles, for example, was And, included in Lyn Larsen's east­ delighted to entertain Dr. C.A.J. Par­ ern tour is John Dickinson High mentier for 12 days in August by School (Wilmington, Del.) on October giving him the grand tour of the cream 21 for a program that will probably be DENNIS JAMES - (Stufoto)

' : . REMEMBER -- - ... _ . • • ,~·~-•. \~,~ . :· I IIIJII- ,,,,,, • .• ' COPY DEADLINE ----.. - ' ~ ..: .:::---- ~ ~-.,,- ,,,, ~ .; •IIU •a .,- FOR THEATRE ORGAN MAGAZINE ~- ..., .• ..,,,. C.:, . All material to be published must be received at 'U 1 P. 0. Box 1314, Salinas, Calif. 93901 ..... By the Fl RST of the month PRECEDING publication Copy for DecemberIssue must be in by November1st. \ · Management Ted Creech, 306 East 15th St.. New .York. . . .NY 10003 .

44 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 Frank Woode, Carol Jones, Dennis Dodgers Baseball team, replacing Berry for that evening. His concert was James, Ken Kukuk, Donna Parker, and Donna Parker who has retired after so well received that the SRO crowd Bob Mitchell. A buffet picnic several months as Dodger organist. didn't want to let him go. His youthful luncheon was served on the spacious SAM DICKERSON talent and personality made _him a hit. stage during the afternoon. (By the way, Mr. Cole is not related to NIAGARA FRONTIER this reporter.) Lowell Ayars, back by popular The Niagara Frontier Chapter sends demand, returned to the Riviera its best wishes to Leon for a speedy Theatre in North Tonawanda on July recovery. SHIRLEY COLE 19. His varied renditions of standards, POTOMACVALLEY novelty tunes, and an overture, on the 3/12 Wurlitzer were enthusiastically The officers and members of the received. Mr. Ayars' vocalizing was an Potomac Valley Chapter wish to take unusual and welcome treat. Lowell this opportunity to express our appre­ accompanied a sing-along and silent ciation to all who helped make the flick. 1972 National ATOS Convention a On Sunday, August 6, about 50 to success. To our outgoing President and 60 members enjoyed themselves at the Mrs. Stillman Rice for their loving Chapter's annual picnic, which was guidance, to the advertising and held this year at the country estate of editorial staff of the THEATRE Mr. and Mrs. Elwyn Guest in Angola, ORGAN magazine for their beautiful N.Y. There was food and drink enough and sensitive coverage, the artists for for all, as well as fun and games and their cooperation and great concerts, lots of good music from the Guests' all Chapter chairmen for their interest Allen organ and grand piano. and moral support, and, finally, all Chicagoland's Leon Berry was 725 of you wonderful conventioneers scheduled to perform at the Riviera on who brought your happy selves and August 16. Unfortunately, the famed made our dreams come true, a sincere organist suddenly suffered a stroke in THANKYOU. Buffalo two days before the concert JEAN LAUTZENHEISER SIERRA CAROL JON ES - (Stufoto) and is now reported in good condition in his home in Park Ridge, Illinois. On a pleasant afternoon it's an Los Angeles Chapter ATOS mem­ Karl Cole (remember him from the hour's drive from Sacramento. One ber Helen Dell has recently become convention?) graciously accepted a winds from curve to curve and undu­ the organist for the Los Angeles last-minute offer to fill in for Mr. lates over hills and through valleys,

DICK Concerts- Silent Films SCHRUM

THEATRE PIPE ORGAN - ELECTRONIC ORGAN

TELEPHONES (206) 364-5542 - (206) 322-6000 (312) 627-5541 1280 S. LLOYD, LOMBARD, ILL. 60148 12258 12TH N.W. • SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98177 alhlcy miller, a.a.g.o. jlm lcaffc theatre and classicalorgan concerts theatre and classicalorgan concerts film accompaniments representation and management : representation and management: geoffrey paterson geoffrey paterson p.o. box 2841, station D p.o. box 2841,station D ottawa . ontario , canada k1p 5w8 ottawa . ontarb , canada k1p 5w8 (613)23.5-0779 (613)23.5-0T/9

OCTOBER , 1972 THEATRE ORGAN 45 finally entering Pine Grove, a small with a classical number and a couple members Ray Anderson and Dale town nestled among the pine trees of of pops. Jim is studying classical but Mendenhall for helping to have the the Sierra foothills. A short climb up a can also play pops, "but my teacher organ in top shape. BOB LONGFIELD hill and you are at the beautiful adobe doesn't know it". Two or three of the residence of Jim and Janice Welch and members took over for a few minutes The Sierra Chapter is lucky to have eighteen year old Jim, Jr. Sixty mem­ and then the big event of the day as as a member Mr. Emil Martin who has bers and friends of Sierra Chapter none other than Rex Koury seated been a household musical term in gathered there in mid-August for our himself at the console. Not to be Sacramento and wherever the Sacra­ annual picnic. stymied by a straight organ, Rex took mento-based McClatchy Broadcasting The Welch's have a Harris 2/22 off on two classical numbers and then System had, or has, stations. Some of classical organ which is installed in a went into Bach's "Toccata and Fugue" us who are a little older remember the large studio-workshop building just seemingly undaunted by the fact that days when McClatchy's Sacramento down the path from the house. The he was wearing "sneakers". If there are Station, KFBK had a pipe organ (2/10 two chambers - one being open, the those who doubt that a classical organ Robert-Morton) which had come from other shuttered - are located in the can sound like a T .0. they should have the Capitol Theatre in Sacramento in middle of the large building and you heard the last half of Rex's program. can walk completely around them. Despite low pressure and very little The console stands on a raised plat­ trem, that old Harris really cried form and the 16 foot pedal pipes are "Wurlibarmorton!" as Rex played placed horizontally in the large several pops. second-story portion of the building. Back at the house, Rex seated him­ Everyone brought their own lunch self at the Hammond and brought and about 2:30 the lovely shaded lawn forth more lovely music. Meanwhile, with pool and waterfall looked like some members strolled down to the family day at the old town park. barn to see some of the chests, pipes, Coffee, ice cream, and a beautiful big toy counters (2), percussions, etc. that cake trimmed with a music clef were the Welch's are collecting for a future provided by our hosts. There was T.O. By 8:00 o'clock everyone was on much wandering from table to table as their way home after a very pleasant everyone caught up on the latest T.O. summer's afternoon. Sierra Chapter Mr. Martin is pictured at the console of the gossip and news, while those lucky can't help but be proud of our newest 4/16 (former Carl Greer Inn) ROBERT ­ MORTON during his part in the program enough to have organs of their own, members, Rex , Mary and son Brian which was played as a tribute to late Sierra discussed technical problems. Koury. Chapter organist and Vice Chairman George The picnic remains packed away, Much, much thanks to our hosts Seaver. In the background on the right, is 1 O year old member Beverly Diane Harris everyone strolled down to the studio the Welches for a fun afternoon at who attended her first ATOS convention at where Jim, Jr. opened the "show" their lovely home; and thanks also to the age of five in Detroit. JACKFRAMKE affiliated teacher of sherwood music school

classical church modern music organ piano guitar

6948 w. belmont ave. chicago, illinois telephone (312) 283 -5188

"You heard him at the Convention" PIZZA & PIPES

WURLITZER THEATRE PIPE ORGAN

3581 Homestead Road 821 Winslow Street Karil Colle at ( Lawren c e Expressway) ( Downtown - Off Broadway ) SANTA CLARA , CALIFORNIA REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA PHONE 248 -5680 PHONE 365-6543 Now Booking for 1972 -73 Concert Tours Staff Organists ... 1690 S . Bas c o m at Hamilton TOM HAZLETON ( Ham i lton Pla za Shopp i ng Center ) JACK GUSTAFSON CAMPBELL , CALIFORNIA PHONE 371-5000 RALPH TROUT Ill DON THOMPSON Suite 1410 - 50 PresidentialPlaza - Syracuse, New York 13202

46 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1972 1923. In 1934 it was moved to the KFBK studios. In 19 54 McClatchy built new studios in their new news­ CLASSIFIED ADS paper plant at 21st and Q Streets in Classifiedads are carried at 20 cents per word, per insertion. No chargefor first ten words for members. Sacramento. There was no place pro­ vided for the pipe organ and Emil was heard weekly on a Hammond. The FOR SALE - 2 Sets of 4-manual Moller FOR SALE - Wurlitzer Console 3-manual, program was distributed to other keyboards with slides. Many single rank two stop rails, pedal board, bench, was stations in the chain ( except KMJ, chests, 2-manual & pedal. 5 Rank unit made up from two 2-manual Wurlitzer con­ Fresno which was broadcasting Arthur relay, 16' Strings with chests. Smal I 2- soles. It is in restorabl e condition now. Mantor from the Warner Brothers manual unit relay, 16 Kimball diaphone Price $300. Wurlitzer relay $450. Four ­ Theatre). with chest 12 ft. high. Small unit Theatre rank Wurlitzer chest $300; 6 rank Wurlit zer organ from home. All priced to move. H. chest $350; Barton Tibia $250; Barton Vax Mr. Martin was one of three organ­ Hunsicker, 405 N. Front St., Reading, Pa. $125. Ellsworth 0. Johnson, S. 125 Stevens ists who helped dedicate the 4/21 19601 (215) 929-1422 - 372-6591. Street, Spokane, Wash. 99204 or call (509) WurliKilgen in the auditorium of 747-5432 (office), 624-7978 (residence). Grant Union High School in the Del FOR SALE - 2/8 Wurlitzer organ originally in Iris Theatre, Detroit. Has complete Toy FOR SALE - Rodgers Trio 3-manual The ­ Paso Heights section of what is now Counter. Chrysoglott, Glockenspeil, Xylo ­ the City of Sacramento. (The school is atre organ Comp with 2 Rodgers speaker phone, Drum and Traps. Now playing in a systems and real Glock - current model. part of the Grant Joint Union High home. Write G.G. Chrestensen, 7309 S. $8000.00 new - will sell for $5500.00. School District, not the Sacramento Klein, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73139. Moving out of State. E.L. Wilson, 12 Granger City Unified School District as was Place, Buffalo, N.Y. 14222. Call (716) FOR SALE - Kimball Theatre Pipe Organ 884-2827 or (716) 835-6711. noted by the jacket notes on a recent­ playing and in first class shape, 3/7 All ly released recording of the organ.) Traps. H.A. Henning, 5474 Carew St., On November 12, at 2:00 P.M., Mr. Houston, Texas 77035, (713) 668- 7172. FOR SALE - Anyone interested in pur ­ Martin will return to the Grant console chasing copies of original Wurlit zer "R" or FOR SALE - Theatre Organ 3/12 Welte Philarmonic organ player rolls, con ­ to build the mood for Sierra Chapter's with 16' Diaphone, Chimes, Xylophone, tact Fred Beeks, 1785 Somerset Place, presentation of W.C. Fields in Mack Marimba and Blower, but console was burned Reno, Nevada 89502. Sennett's Tillie's Punctured Romance beyond use. Make offer. St. Joseph's Church, and Will Rogers, with other stars of 6401 Pa:isade Ave., West New York, New FOR SALE- "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR MARY?" Here are the songs that the late l 920's, in a satire of Big Jersey 07093, attn. Fr. Mirandi. (201) 867- 1142. made the "Golden Age of Theatre Organ" Moments from Little Pi,ctures. famous. "Begin the Beguine", "Toot Toot Mr. Martin has played for Sierra FOR SALE - Allen 3-manual custom The­ Tootsie, Goodby ," "Serenade", "Cruising Chapter concerts at the Greer - now atre Organ computor pre-sets and piano. Down the River" and more played to per­ the Sheraton Inn - several times. He Display model - reduced from $16,000 to fection by ED WELSH on the magnificent $11,500. Patchogue Music Center, 77 South Lautzenheiser Wurlitzer. To receive your was the featured artist for Sierra Chap­ Ocean Ave., Patchogue, N.Y. 11772, (516) personally autographed album, writ e: Jean's ter's 1971 outing in Reno where Eva 475-3210. Organ Studio, 7216 Neuman St., Spring ­ and Fred Beeks have a Wurlitzer. He field, Va. 22150. Enclose $5.50 per album. has just celebrated his 35th year with FOR SALE - Wicks 2-manual Unified horseshoe console, $230. Skinner harp and TRADE (OR SELL) - 27' Twin-Engine McClatchy Broadcasting Company celesta combination, $130. Cornopian Cruiser, Radiotelephone for Theatre Pipe where he is Program Director. Mr. Haskell base rank (incomplete), $30. c/ o Organ or House trailer. McCray, 221 Jeffrey, Martin is active in Sacramento's Eaglet John A. Hall, 32 Lancaster Street, Boston, Royal Oak, Michigan 48073. Theatre where he has performed Mass. 02114, (817) 742-9674. numerous times, but not on a pipe WANTED - Vibra-harp or Magniharp and FOR SALE - Two Wurlitzer Relays. One action, to complete 1953 Wicks Organ in organ. He is equally at home on his 2-manual and pedal. $300 each crated, Picton United Church. H.C. Blakely, 24 first love, the theatre pipes, or the $275 uncrated. Beautiful near-new Klann Ontario Street, Picton, Ontario, Canada, electronic substitutes. □ pedalboard $100. 30" bass drum head $15. KOK 2To. Dean McNichols, 8603 Springer St. , Downer, Cal. 90242 , (213) 869-4773 Eves. WANTED TO BUY - Ampico player grand piano. Any of the following mak es with FOR SALE - Wurlitzer 3/11 relay from Ampico mechanism. Mason & Hamlin, style 235. In good operating condition, no Knabe, Marshall & Wendall. Ellsworth John­ water damage $450. Send SASE Ben Lod­ son, S. 125 Stevens St., Spok ane, Wash. wick, 4671 N. 71 Street, MilwaukP.e, Wis. 99204. 53218. WANTED - 7½ HP, 220 Volt 3 Phase, FOR SALE - 3-manual style 260 Special 60 cycle 1800 RPM Motor for Spencer Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ also Wurlitzer Orgoblo, Contact: R.J. Miloche, 288 Ter ­ R.J. Player and Rolls. Installed and playing race Ave., Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. (201) Sendyour changeof on premises known as Echoeing Antique 288-0796. addressto ... Shop. Highest offer. Buyer to remove. Spec. on request. Contact Mr. James Gaines, WANTED - 3-manual Horseshoe console. 8673 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, Cal. 90069, Dean McNichols, 8603 Springer St., Downey, VI THOMPSON (213) 652-0682. Cal. 90242 (213) 869-4773 Eves. THEATRE ORGAN P.O. BOX 1314 FOR SALE - Conn 3-manual 650 organ, WANTED - Tuned Sleigh Bells Wurlit zer SALINAS, CALI FORNI A 93901 $4500.00. Used in concert. Victor Piano (or equivalent) Numbers 12, 15, 19, 24, or & Organ, 300 N.W. 54th St., Miami, Fla., will buy whole set. Ben Lodwick, 4671 No. (305) 751 -7502. 71 Street, Milwaukee, Wis. 53218.

OCTOBER, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN 47