Jnea1reOrgan Bombarde

JOURNAL of the AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN ENTHUSIASTS

THE LINK ROBERSON CENTER

REGIONAL CONVENTION PREVIEW Wurlitzer Theatre Organ

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The modern Theatre Console Organ that combines the grandeur of yesterday with the electronic wizardry of today. Command performance! Wurlitzer combines the classic Horseshoe Design of the immortal Mighty Wurlitzer with the exclusive Total Tone electronic circuitry of today. Knowledge and craftsmanship from the Mighty Wurlitzer Era have produced authentic console dimensions in this magnificent new theatre organ. It stands a part, in an instru­ ment of its size, from all imitative theatre organ • Dual system of tone generation • Authentic Mighty Wurlitzer Horseshoe Design designs. To achieve its big, rich and electrifying • Authentic voicing of theatrical Tibia and tone, Wurlitzer harmonically "photographed" Kinura originating on the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ voices of the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ to • Four families of organ tone serve as a standard. The resultant voices are au­ • Two 61-note keyboards • 25-note pedal keyboard with two 16' and thentic individually, and when combined they two 8' pedal voices augmented by Sustain blend into a rich ensemble of magnificent dimen­ • Multi-Matic Percussion ® with Ssh-Boom ®, Sustain, Repeat, Attack , Pizzicato, and sion. Then, to crown the accomplishment, we Bongo Percussion incorporated the famous Wurlitzer Multi-Matic • Silicon transistors for minimum maintenance Percussion ® section with exclusive Ssh-Boom ® • Reverb , Slide, Chimes, and Solo controls • Electronic Vibrato (4 settings) that requires no special playing techniques, • Exclusive 2 speed Spectra -Tone @ Sound Pizzi ca to Touch that was found only on larger pipe in Motion • Two-channel solid state amplifiers , 70 watts organs, Chimes and Slide Control ... and dozens total distributed output of other features that no other organ can offer. • 8 speakers (two rotating) • Theatre furniture styling in walnut or See ... hear ... play this magnificent organ today. antique white and gold URLI ZER means Music to millions ® pianos • organs • electronic pianos • band instruments

DeKalb, Illinois 60115 THE COVER PHOTO TheatreOrgan The crowded double stoprail (triple in places) indicates a well­ unified instrument. It is called a "C Sharp Minor" model for 'golden era' organist Charley Minor who worked out the design. Bombarde Story on Page 8 Volume 11, Number 6 In This Issue December, 1969 FEATURES 5 A Salute to Bombarde ...... G. F. Thompsnagel A.T.O.E . National Membership is $8.00 per cal­ 6 Another Landmark Going .. ...Erwin "Cap" Young endar year, which includes a subscription to 8 The Link Roberson Center Organ ...... Lloyd Klos THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE, the official pub­ 10 Where? lication of the American Theatre Organ Enthu­ 13 American Theatre Organ Etiquette ...... Ray Brubacher siasts. Single copies: $1.25. Make check or 14 Real Pipes for the Price of a Plug-In .... Stu Green & Judd Walton money order payable to A.T.O.E., and mail to 17 Did You Bring Your Music With You? ...... John M.uri P.O. Box 2329, Livonia, Michigan 48150. 20 Sooner Sonic Sights and Sounds 22 The Real Crawford Special ...... Douglas Marion OVERSEAS Membership: $8.00. 31 Letter from New York...... Claude Beckham ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION 33 Wonder Morton to be Restored for New York Convention EXCEPT ADVERTISING SHOULD BE 34 Theatre Organ in a Festival of Arts ...... W. Robert Morrison SENT TO A.T.O.E. PUBLICATIONS 36 The Tower Lights Are Bright in Upper Darby . .. .. Bert Brouillon P. 0. BOX 2329, LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48150 40 Fenelon Blows In From Down Under 42 ADVERTISING ADDRESS: Dewey Cagle, 3291 Myrtle Revisited 42 Loew's Ohio Theatre Is Saved ...... Frank Babbitt Guido Street, Oakland, California 94602. 47 Snuffy * * * A.T.O.E. National Officers TECHNICAL Albert T. Mason, President 18 Building a Back Beat Relay ...... Allen Miller Allen W. Rossiter, Vice President CONCERT REVIEWS Dorothy Whitcomb, Secretary-Treasurer 31 Eddie Weaver Returns to New Haven Paramount ...... Al Miller Betty Mason, Executive Secretary 34 Billy Nalle Plays for AGO/ATOS ...... C. Jaynes and R. Prentice A.T.O.E. National Board of Directors 35 Lee Erwin Plays Ten Shows at Alexandria ...... Ted Creech Lee Erwin 39 Carter Plays 'Spook' Show at San Diego Fox ...... Elmer Fubb Ben M. Hall 41 Real Pipes Sound During Plug-In Concert ...... Elmer Fubb Fred Kruse DEPARTMENTS Dorothy Whitcomb 3 President's Message 28 Hollywood Cavalcade Gaylord Carter 4 An Acre of Seats 29 For the Records W. "Tiny" James 12 Letters to the Editor 32 Nuggets from the Golden Days Allen W. Rossiter 25 Closing Chord 43 Chapter News Richard Simonton 26 Vox Pops 46 Classified Ads Richard H. Schrum, Past President A.T.O.E. Honorary Members PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 1959 - Jesse Crawford The Holidays are at hand. Looking back on an eventful year, we have much 1960 - Famy Wurlitzer to celebrate. The name of the organization and our by-laws have been changed to 1961 - Mel Done~ 1962 - Leonard MacClaiA allow for growth in new dimensions. Formed to save some of the magnificent 1963 - Eddie Dunstedter pipes of the great days of the silents, we are now vigorously restoring many of 1964 - Reginald Foort them to more or less regular use. New theatre installations, auditoriums, and 1965 - Dan Barton various civic centers such as the Roberson Center of Performing Arts and the 1966 - W. "Tiny" James former Loew's Ohio in Columbus, show the life in our movement. While these 1967 - Erwin A. Young, Jr. are not all ATOS installations, the people concerned are, in great part, members 1968 - Richard C. Simonton of the National. 1969 - Judd Walton This is the true reason for the National to exist. United, we can have much EDITORIAL STAFF more influence than any single group or individual. Where we are more numerous, Editor - George Thompson we can do much as chapters, but the most isolated individuals may feel that they Associate Editors - Ray Brubacher are helping to preserve the theatre organ by their personal involvement in ATOS Lloyd Klos Peg Nielsen and its official journal, Theatre Organ. Editor-Emeritus - W. "Stu" Green We reached our highest membership in 1969 - 3,925. This is an increase Publications Director - Don Lockwood of 325 over last year. Members will be listed alphabetically by States in the new Advertising Manager - Dewey Cagle roster. Circulation Manager - Vi Thompson Let all of us that can get there have a fiesta of fun and music in Tulsa at the THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE (title registered Regional Convention in Feb. to start the new year. Then on to New York in July U. S. Patent Office) is published bi-monthly by to give our own regards to Broadway in celebration of the Fabulous Fifteenth the American Theatre Organ Enthusiasts, Inc., a non-profit organization, Albert T. Mason, anniversary. President. All rights reserved. Entire contents A Happy Holiday Greeting to all of you from National Headquarters. copyrighted 1969 by A.T.O .E., Inc., Office of publication is P.O. Box 2329, Livonia, Michigan 48150. Printed by Detroit Master-Craft, Livonia, Michigan 48150.

POSTMASTER: Second Class postage paid at Livonia, Michigan. IF UNDELIVERABLE, send form 3579 to A.T.O.E. Circulation Department, Box 1314, Salinas, California 93901. Al Mason, President 3 theatre organ bombarde By Bill Peterson - Number 18 in a series ORPHEUM THEATRE, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE A typical example of the smaller but still classical style from the offices of C. W. and George L. Rapp of Chicago. Many Orpheum houses were built with much the same appearance as this one. The Wurlitzer 3 man­ ual organ can be seen· in a lowered position in the pit.

december 1969 4 A SALUTE TO BOMBARDE

by G. F. Thompsnagel

In saluting Bombarde, we are ac­ This is the last issue of THEATRE tually doffing our hats to the BOM­ theatre managers and organists of the ORGAN-BOMBARDE BARDE editor and his fabulous staff area as being the last shift organist and of writers , including his top assistant, the one who could clear the late eve­ ning crowd with his playing alone. One Beginning with the February 1970 Peg Nielsen, not to mention Hal manager stated that Green could empty issue, the official ATOS magazine will Steiner, Bert Broullion, Effie Klotz and the house with three chords, which was be called THEATRE ORGAN. Drop­ a host of others. faster than shouting "fire". It is felt ping off the name BOMBARDE from that perhaps this manager had a tin ear the masthead is being done with mixed and didn't particularly care for organ feelings as we are a sentimental group music. and resist change. However, the Board of Directors decided to revert to the Mr. Green gained some local fame title of THEATRE ORGAN for reasons in Africa during World War II with his of simplification. work on the Red Network of the We believe, in closing off the name Armed Services Radio. Some military BOMBARDE , a short history and a experts still claim that his broadcasts salute is in order. The first issue of discouraged Rommel to the point that BOMBARDE made its appearance in he couldn't concentrate on battle tac­ February of 1964 as a separate maga­ tics, thereby giving the Allies an op­ zine to complement THEATRE portunity to drive the Germans out of ORGAN. At that time THEATRE the African deserts. ORGAN was published quarterly and "Stu" Green without blonde helper attempting In all honesty, it must be reported it was felt that a supplementary maga­ to deliver an address to disinterested listeners. that a black mark on Stu's career came zine , also published quarterly but re­ when he introduced the electric organ leased on alternate months would give BOMBARDE'S editor has been, since to Austria. He brought the first plug-in our members eight issues per year and its inception, W. "STU" GREEN. Be­ into that country and since then an provide a greater volume of news con­ fore the birth of BOMBARDE, Mr. underground movement has existed cerning theatre organ activities. This Green was putting out a newsy little which is dedicated to "getting" him. schedule was used until the summer of publication called POSTHORN on an This explains why he has an unlisted 1966, at which time the Board felt that independent basis and he was a natural phone number and his residence ad­ due to rising printing and mailing costs choice for the newly created position dress is known only to the very few it would be more economical to com­ of editor. He was reluctant to take over who can pass a tight security examina­ bine the two magazines. The magazine a new project on a nationally scheduled tion. would be published six times per year, program, but the president of ATOE using the best features of each. From and the editor of THEATRE ORGAN this decision , THEATRE ORGAN­ were very persuasive. Using these BOMBARDE was born. powers, a little arm twisting, plus a good supply of beverage lubrication convinced Stu that he was needed. The POSTHORN project was put aside and he jumped into the BOMBARDE wholeheartedly. The results have been more than gratifying , not only because he is an excellent writer, but has a large fund of knowledge concerning theatre organs , and has experience in theatre playing. Stu Green originally hailed from Mr. Green seen here with blonde, Dottie Whit­ upper New York, acquiring his organ comb, obtaining items for "Vox Pops" in his playing experience around the Syra­ W. "Stu" Green, World Traveler, Bon Vivant, usual businesslike manner. cuse area. He is well remembered by and Technical Writer.

5 theatre organ bombarde W. "Stu" Green pidured with blonde, Rosa Rio, doing research for an important news story.

In our attempts to get some back­ Noah Webster: "That fellow, Green, ground material for a biography on Stu has a way with words, unfortunately." Green, we interviewed many of his An unnamed executive of Skinner friends and acquaintances. Comments Organ: "Mr. Green prefers a Unit or­ from some of these people follow: . . . gan, thank goodness!" ... Part time organ Architect W. S. Green, dis­ Eddie Dunstedter: "If we must dis­ Several other testimonials to Mr. agreeing with the usual concept of a unit organ. cuss him I'll have another bourbon, a Green have been received, but these are It was a 10/2, having more manuals than ranks, double, please!" ... being turned over to Mad magazine for a Green theory which has not been accepted by the more conservative authorities. The instru­ Elmer Fubb: "No comment" ... proper treatment. Actually the dropping of "BOM­ ment was built by the Cutrate Organ Co. under Laurel Haggart: "I think he's kind of BARD E" from our magazine masthead Mr. Green's supervision. Present location of cute, in a pudgy sort of way" ... will have no effect on the contents of organ and Mr. Green not known. John Gallagher: "He's a big spender "THEATRE ORGAN". As "Editor - I know because he took me and four Emeritus" we have been assured by Stu Everyone involved in the production other fellows to dinner in Chicago" ... that he will continue to contribute the of our official journal is thankful that Tiny James: "I agree with Gallagher. "Vox Pops" feature, as well as record Stu Green has been, and has consented As I remember the Chicago dinner, Stu and concert reviews and the many spe­ to continue as one of our mainstays in picked up the check - $2.09, including cial gems of reporting that have been documenting the history and current tip" ... his forte in the past. events in ·the theatre organ field. D AnotherLandmark Going The Ambassador Theatre, Washing­ ton, D. C., has been given a death sen­ Jlerrp ~bristmas tence according to the WASHINGTON POST in an article dated September 27, J!,apppJ!etu !}ear 1969. WE WISH TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY The theatre was first known as the Knickerbocker and gained national TO EXTEND fame in 1922 when the roof collapsed under the strain of a 30 inch snowfall. ~easons @reettng5 Ninety-eight persons were killed in the roof crash. TO EACH AND EVERY ONE In recent years the house had de­ INTERESTED IN THEATRE PIPE ORGAN clined to the point that neighborhood FROM merchants are looking forward to the THE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF ATOS arrival of the wreckers. At one time an organ, a Kimball, was AND in the theatre. It was removed in 1965 THE PUBLICATIONS STAFF OF THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE and is now part of the Gil White resi­ dence installation. -Erwin "Cap" Young

december 1969 6 ...... A touch...... of yesterday...... recreated...... in a triumph of today ... The Conn ...... :::··· ...... :::... :::·:::...... m::: ...... ::::::......

SPECIFICATIONS

PEDAL Diapason 16' Bourdon 16' Dulciana 16' String Bass Sustain Pedal Tibia 81 Accomp. to Pedal 81 ACCOMPANIMENT Diapason 81 Accomp. String 81 Cello 81 Echo Horn 81 Tuba 8' Octave 4' Violina 4' Tibia 81 Tibia 41 Nazard 2213, Piccolo 2' Chime Harmonic TREMOLO General Tremolo L General Tremolo F Tibia Leslie Tremolo Tibia Leslie Celeste SOLO Diapason 16' Bass Viol 161 Bass Clarinet 161 Bass Sax 16' Diapason 81 Viole De Orch. 8' Vox Humana 8' Oboe Horn 8' Trumpet 81 Solo to Solo 41 Tibia 161 Tibia 81 Tibia 41 Nazard 22131 Tibia 2' Tierce 13/5' GENERAL Sustain Tibia Reverb Sustain Tibia Long Tibia Bass F Tibia Treble F Chorus Accomp. F Solo F 161 Solo F 81 Phantom Bass Console Speakers Off External Speakers On RHYTHM SECTION Bass Drum Crash Cymbal Conga Drum Tick-Tock Cl aves Tambourine Castanet Snare Roll Snare Drum Brush Cymbal Short Brush Brush Cymbal Bongo Drum Manual Divide Rhythm F FUN-MASTER Fun-Master Off/ On Percuss. Solo/ Tibia Percuss. Short/Long Percuss. Pizz./ Repeat Repeat Speed STEREOEXPRESSION ~ONTROL CONN ORGAN CORPORATION / ELKHART, INDIANA 46514 Stereo Express. Off/On Max./Mrn. Made by C. G. Conn Ltd., world's largest manufacturer of band and orchestral instruments ... since 1875 With rich vel~et curtains surrounding the pipe cases, sequined swell shades, Edwin A. Link and the jeweled console, and vaudeville acts, the show was quite a sensation. When the organ was played, colored lights RobersonCenter Organ were thrown onto the console. On September 23, 1927, the 2600- Story by Lloyd E. Klos Photos: John J. Young, Jr. Collection seat Capitol Theatre opened in Bing­ hamton, containing the latest and finest NE OF THE most remarkable cabinets containing four ranks of pipes of the Link-C. Sharpe Minor organs, a O stories to come "full circle" in and a 4-roll automatic player, was af­ 3/ 11 instrument, built especially for the these days of the Renaissance of the fectionately known as a "Peter Flunk". theatre. Five thousand patrons attended Theatre Organ, was realized on Sep­ The device could be played manually the two shows on opening night to see tember 21, 1968. For, on that date, or by remote control from the projec­ the new "playhouse worthy of a city the 3/11 Link organ, formerly in the tion booth. of a half million." Herbert Vogis, a Capitol Theatre in Binghamton, N. Y., As larger theatres were built, larger, Cleveland organist, received acclaim was dedicated in its new home, the more complex organs were demanded. from the Binghamton Press "for his Roberson Center for the Arts and Sciences in that city. To understand how this installation came into being, the first to be erected in a cultural center anywhere, it is necessary to acquaint the reader with the background of the organ's donor, Mr. Edwin A. Link, Jr. In the early 1900's, the Shaff Brothers Piano Company of Huntington, In­ diana, headed by George T. Link, sold pianos to the Automatic Musical Co. of Binghamton, N. Y. In 1910, the latter company went into receivership, and Mr. Link's son, Edwin A., Sr. was designated by the creditors to operate the faltering firm. So with their two sons, George T. and Edwin A. Jr., the family moved to the Southern Tier City. The organization was operated success­ fully for several years, and later was purchased by Mr. Link Sr. from the creditors. The company became known as the Link Piano Company, and the business consisted mainly of building automatic pianos, known as nickelodeons. The Star Theatre in Binghamton was the Edwin A. Link adjusts the marimba-harp stroke in Roberson Center organ. Switch and relay first to install a Link automatic piano stacks at right. to accompany the silent movies. Only one roll at a time could be used. Clas­ George T. Link became general man­ work at the console of the huge pipe sical music was employed, since the ager of the expanding firm when his organ", the next day. The remainder music couldn't be changed fast enough father retired. In 1925, the company of the program consisted of orchestral to match the mood called for on the engaged the services of the most music, a newsreel, a local picture, and screen. famous theatre organist of his day as the feature film "Soft Cushions", star­ adviser, C. Sharpe Minor, who was ring Douglas MacLean. The Link Co. then developed a mo­ then featured at Grauman's Million tion picture model which consisted of Dollar Theatre in Los Angeles. Under Meanwhile, Edwin Link, Jr. was a piano attached to a music roll cabinet his guidance, the firm designed and growing with the firm. Spending much in which were four perforated rolls, built a new line of organs, incorporat­ of his free time in the factory, he started working his way to the top by each with 8 to 15 selections. There were ing new stops and tone qualities - the Link-C. .Sharpe Minor organ, which assuming small responsibilities. Becom­ various mood pieces to match that of ing proficient in pipe organ knowledge, the screen. This was a big improve­ became well known throughout the country through concerts played by he first assisted in the installation of an ment over the earlier model, since the Minor on the newly-installed instru­ organ in the Colonial Theatre in Nor­ mood could be changed speedily by the ments. wich, N. Y., and soon took charge of press of a button. installations in the Symphony and Sun Minor also headed his own road theatres in Binghamton, as well as In 1914, Link built its first automatic show, centered around a portable Link others in New York State. Other as­ theatre pipe organ. This model, con­ 3/ 8 organ, housed in six cases, which signments took him to California; Chi­ sisting of a piano connected to two could be moved and erected quickly. cago; Atlanta; and Elkhart, Indiana. december 1969 8 His first of 35 patents was for an former "Boy Organist", (now organist the auditorium floor when not in use. organ tracker bar. He developed more and choir director at Columbia Uni­ Blower and motor are housed back of efficient metal keyboard and stop ac­ versity) Searle Wright, that the organ the stage in a separate insulated room. tions, and made improvements in player be saved, awakened Ed Link's latent The organ by the end of 1968, had 17 mechanism. He also designed unit interest in the organ. Mr. Wright sug­ ranks, with addition to the original stop chests for C. Sharpe Minor models, gested that it be re-installed in the new list of a gedeckt, salicional, post horn, and electric actions for pizzicato and Roberson Center, an idea which won gemshorn, oboe horn, and quintadena. sostenuto touch. prompt approval from the center's The post horn and tibia are on 15 Several years after the Capitol in­ board of directors. The organ was re­ inches of wind, the quintadena on 6, stallation, Ed received a call from the moved from the theatre and brought to and the remainder of the instrument manager to tune some of its pipes. Ar­ Mr. Link's garage workshop for re­ on 10 inches. riving at the theatre, he was intro­ furbishing and enlarging. A complete Arrangement of pipes and effects in duced to a chubby-cheeked 12-year old miniature organ factory was set up for the three chambers is of interest. The boy, who never had an organ lesson the work. left chamber contains the open diapa­ prior to this meeting. The performer Almost two years were spent by Mr. son, concert flute, vox humana, viole was Searle Wright, and because of his Link and his two associates, John Ce­ d'orchestre, viol celeste, clarinet, ge­ sensitive playing, was engaged to play bula and Albert Emola. Other volun­ deckt and salicional. the theatre for an entire week. teers giving unselfishly of their time and The right chamber has the tibia effort were Chester Rataski, Ernest clausa, tuba trumpet, orchestral oboe, Bier, Connie Bult, Les Corcoran, W·il­ kinura, solo string, post horn, oboe liam Cowen, Robert Gurdin and Hugh horn, gemshorn and quintadena. Holland. The middle chamber has the per­ The planning for the organ's installa­ cussions - martial drums, piano, traps, tion in the center began before it was harp, marimba , carillon, melotone, or­ removed from the theatre. An organ chestra bells, roll xylophone, and ca­ loft, divided into three chambers , was thedral chimes. The switch stacks are designed above the stage on the third also located here. Link, by the way, floor of the Roberson building. Chutes was the only organ builder to put toy were built at either side of the stage, counters and percussions on vacuum their openings concealed by grilles to action. carry the sound to the auditorium. A The organ was dedicated on Septem­ third opening above the proscenium, ber 21, 1968, by Searle Wright, the carries the sound from the percussion organist who said that his initial meet­ chamber. ing with the organ over 40 years pre­ The gumwood console was origin­ viously was the turning point of his life. ally painted an antique white with gold Then , on September 28, Billy Nalle trim. This was removed, and the case gave a public recital on the instrument refinished in natural wood to match to a full house of enthusiastic listeners. the decor of Roberson Hall. Damaged A silent movie presentation with organ pipes were repaired, missing ones re­ accompaniment has been a monthly Albert Emo/a, employee of the Roberson Center, placed, and all revoiced and tuned. feature since. adjusts Tibia pipe. The console is on a hydraulic lift In January 1969, Billy Nalle returned which lowers it to a chamber beneath to do a repeat concert which was When sound, added to motion pic­ tures in the late Twenties, and the de­ pression of the Thirties both sounded the death knell for theatre organs, the Link Piano and Organ Co. began to diversify. It developed record changers for phonographs , for which Ed Link obtained several patents. He also built his first Link Trainer, a simulated cock­ pit for teaching fundamentals of flying. This led to a flying school which be­ came Link Aviation Inc. Hundreds of the Link Trainers were produced for America 's pilot-training program in World War II. In 1954, Mr. Link affiliated his com­ pany with General Precision Engineer­ ing, a business which grosses upwards of $200 million annually. The firm builds simulators for NASA, driving simulators, electronic components, and devices for deep sea research, the last of great interest to Mr. Link. In 1966, it was announced that the Capitol Theatre in Binghamton would Albert Emo/a installing wmng on flute chest pipes (front to back): Vox Humana, Clarinet, Open be razed, and a suggestion from the Diapason, Violin, Violin Celeste, 8' Diapason (offset against wall).

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theatre or an bombarde Mr. Link at console of the Orchestral organ. Albert Emo/a tunes pipes in the right chamber. recorded by Concert Recordings for when the orchestral organ in the theatre Thus, we have come "full circle" in early release. introduced music to millions and re­ the story of the organ and its builder According to Keith Martin, Director inforced the passions of the silent films who contributed to the Golden Age of of the Center, "The Link Orchestral with its music and magic. This era will the Theatre Organ, and now are taking Organ, installed in the Roberson Cen­ be recreated at the Roberson Center an active part in that instrument's ter, exemplifies much of the purpose with a series of the great silent films renaissance. Much will be heard of and philosophy of the institution . . . of the Twenties . . . this organ in the future if plans of its Alive with music, it is capable of an "If the 'gift without the giver is sponsors are hopefully realized. D extraordinary range of sound. Among bare,' then Roberson Center's Link Or­ its uses will be recitals, concerts in con­ chestral Organ is richly and warmly Ranks are as follows: junction with instrumental and vocal clothed. Many thousands of hours of Post Horn Solo String productions, accompaniment for pro­ Mr. Link's own labors of hand and grams of the dance and for the devel­ mind pervade the splendid gift in every Tuba Trumpet Viole d'Orchestre opment of youthful talent. part. Open Diapason Viole Celeste "One of .its most appropriate func­ "It is a challenge and a fascinating Tibia Clausa Salicional tions lies in the revelation and com­ opportunity for the Roberson Center Gedeckt Quintadena memoration of the brief but engaging for the Arts and Sciences and the com­ Kinura Concert Flute period in the development of our cul­ munity to make the most of the organ's ture - the golden era of the silent capabilities for illuminating the past Orchestral Oboe Vox Humana cinema and the day of the movie and lighting new ways of music in Oboe Horn Gemshorn palaces, great and small. It was a time the future." Clarinet

Palace homes, ready once more to ring IN NEW YORK CITY. out wild chrysoglotts? Where did a Baghdad-on-Broadway WHERE? IN NEW YORK CITY. "Junior Roxy" theatre feature its gleam­ ing white-and-gold 4-manual Wurlitzer Where do 20,000 paying customers Where is the Richard Loderhose Ren­ in a ballet presentation, an Orson Wells every day see and hear the mightiest, wick Studio, the new home of the re­ legitimate theatre production, a Lee most sophisticated, most unusual Wur­ markable 4-manual Paramount Theatre Erwin special showing of a Rudolph litzer ever built? Radio and Recording Studio Wurlitzer, Valentino silent classic, a Mary Pick­ the instrument that Jesse Crawford IN NEW YORK CITY. ford-Buddy Rogers festival, and three made his famous Victor records on, Where can you find a 4-manual Wur­ A.T.O.S. concerts? that Ann Leaf and all the other greats litzer and a separate 3-manual Wurlit­ featured in coast-to-coast broadcasts IN NEW YORK CITY. zer under the same roof? from the Paramount? Where is the Peter Schaeble Studio, the IN NEW YORK CITY. unbelievably gorgeous setting for the IN NEW YORK CITY. Where does the best remaining little­ former Loew's Valencia 4-manual but-lively 5-rank Wurlitzer sing irresist­ Where is the university basketball court, Wonder Morton? ibly happy theatre-organ melodies to more sumptious than the dreams of a IN NEW YORK CITY. passing ocean liners? Pharaoh, where one of the biggest, ... And there's more! So much more IN NEW YORK CITY. most beautiful 4-manual Paramount that we couldn't cover it all if we ran Where do magnificent 4-manual Won­ Wurlitzers (complete with the raggediest the Fabulous Fifteenth A.T.0.S. Con­ der Mortons sit patiently in the gran­ rag-time piano and the snarlingest post vention for a full month! But, in one deur of splendidly unaltered Movie horn) plays better than ever? glorious week, July 11-17, you will have

december 1969 10 a choice of theatre-organ goodies like of them all - Mister Movie Palace, to 1970 A.T.0.S. CONVENTION, BOX you wouldn't believe - climaxing with himself, BEN M. HALL! 1331, PASSAIC, NEW JERSEY, 07055 a fantastic first for A.T.O.S., Richard Plus special low, low Convention (Deposit amount, payable to 1970 Leibert's Midnight Concert on the Hotel rates at the New Commodore A.T.O.S. CONVENTION, is $10 per Radio City Music Hall Grand Dual­ ( $15 .Single Adult, $20 Double Adult, adult). Include your name, address, Console 4/ 58 Wurlitzer! $24 Triple Adult, $28 Quadruple Adult; how many adults, and how many chil­ Plus a Seminar and Workshop Pro­ Children, 14 and under, FREE) for dren. Don't worry about exact arrival gram with refreshing new ideas about the best available rooms in the house! and departure dates - we will get those the melodies, the magic, and the me­ Same rates for your extended New details from you later. Right now, we chanics of theatre organs for beginners York vacation immediately before or just want to know that you plan to and old hands alike! after the Convention. come to the best Convention ever - Plus unadvertised surprises that you If you want to be high on the first the 1970 A.T.O.S. FABULOUS FIF­ won't know about until you're here! reserved-first served room assignment TEENTH - JULY 11-17 -IN NEW Plus the greatest Convention M.C. priority list, send a deposit check now YORK CITY! 0

TONYFENELON is the Nameto Remember ********************************************************************************* LISTEN TO WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT HIS RECENTU. S. TOUR! "The world's greatest orchestral organist." - Dick Schrum, Puget Sound ATOS "One of the greatest programs we have ever had ... and I mean that most sincerely" - Ben Levy, Detroit Theater Organ Club "The Maurice Chevalier of the theatre organ." - Home Organ Festival Newsletter 11I never hated to see anything come to a close, in my life, more than Tony's music." - R. E. Turman, Metro Media Television, Los Angeles Now!Tony Fenelon on Records and* Available inthe United States "ACADEMY AWARD SONGS" - Lush, quiet, and conventional. The marvelous 4/ 19 Regent Wurlitzer, Melbourne "WITH A SONG IN MY HEART" - Everything from "Chicago" to "Embraceable You" and even "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." 4/19 Regent Wurlitzer, Melbourne. "MORE" - The final Regent album. A sad farewell to a mighty organ. A real collectors item. "TONY" - The big up-front Dendy 3/ 16 sound. One of the finest theatre organ albums ever released. Songs like "Mrs. Robinson," "Sabre Dance," "Flapper­ ette," "Yesterday," etc. "HYMNS OF ALL CHURCHES" - An excellent example of how the Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ can work well with the old church songs - "Old Rugged Cross," "The Church's One Foundation," etc., with Australian Vocalist - Bill McCormack. "TONY FENELON IN AMERICA" - Available in early 1970. Recorded live at the Detroit Theater Organ Club. A memorable performance. Includes "South," "I'm Confessin' That I Love You," "George M.," "Carol," etc. Order now!

All Albums (Mono or Stereo) $5.85 INCLUDING MAILING Make checks payable to Tony Fenelon and allow four weeks for delivery. ORDER FROM TONYFENELON IN AMERICA - 860 NorthFifth Ave., Covina, California 91722

NOW BOOKING: JUNE 1970 AND JULY-AUGUST 1971 U.S. CONCERT TOURS TONY FENELON IS UNDER THE PERSONAL MANAGEMENT (WORLD WIDE) OF MR. DEAN MITCHELL.

11 theatre organ bombarde • the movie accompaniment sometimes. I Editor might never have known how "wooden" . ~. and dull his picture music was if it THEATRE ORGAN Magazine hadn't been for a little fat guy with a Dear Sir: mop of white hair, one of Henderson's ~ Gee, Dad, it's a Wurlitzer! ~ ...... ~ assistants, named Pat Foster. Foster made a film come alive so it seemed The instrument in the photo of like an entirely different movie when he Loew's United Artists Theatre in Louis­ ~ I played. He was a real specialist and I ville which appeared in the last issue as don't think he lasted very long at the Number 17 in Bill Peterson's fascinat­ TTT-a;rTTT Piccadilly, giving the star all that com­ ing series, "An Acre of Seats in a petition. Letters to the Editor concerning all Palace of Splendor," is tabbed in the I had a similar experience on the aspects of the theatre organ hobby Wurlitzer Installation List as Number West Coast. Henry Murtagh was a fine are encouraged. Send them to tf.,e soloist organist who probably belonged 1689, a Style 235 Special, shipped from editor concerned. Unless it's stated in a concert hall rather than a theatre. North Tonawanda on April 13, 1928. clearly on the letter rrnot for pub­ But when his solo was over, picture It was restored in 1965 by Jim Wingate, music specialist Ernie Hunt took over who played it regularly until he moved lication," the editors feel free to to New York to become a valued mem­ reproduce it, in whole or part. the console. Ernie was largely self taught, a terrific improviser (or "faker"). ber of our chapter. The organ is still Address: P. 0. Box 2329 He had a great musical imagination and in the theatre and is highly prized by the management. Livonia, Michigan 4815 0 had memorized hundreds of themes, perhaps thousands. Yet, it was said that Seated at the console in the photo­ Mr. Editor, he could barely read music. Yet his graph is an itinerant calliopist named I found the article by Mr. John Muri exceptional film accompaniments even Jay Quinby who had jumped ship in in the October TOB ("The American drew the plaudits of Murtagh, who was Louisville and temporarily forsaken the Theatre Organ as a Part of American rather poor at cueing. stentorian charms of the Delta Queen's Culture") very interesting and I appre­ My point is that we shouldn't neces­ steam piano for the more refined tones ciate many of his observations and sarily worship at the shrine of the spot­ of the United Artists Unit Orchestra. opinions. Yet, there was a glaring omis­ light soloist who would probably have sion which damages Mr. Muri's per­ been more comfortable in a concert How do I know? Gee, Dad, I took spective, and ours. The author showed hall, playing a traditional organ. Not the picture. great enthusiasm for console artists of at the expense of scores of unsung but Sincerely, the "learned" school, those capable of tremendously effective picture players Ben M. Hall correctly playing big overtures and or­ who possessed skills and talents the ,,. ,,. ,,. chestral transcriptions ( often along with soloists could only wonder at. Let's Gentlemen: the pit orchestra) as specialties. He hear something about them, Mr. Muri. exhibits considerable reverence for such Lionel R. Johnson On page 17 of the August issue about remembered names as Firmen Swinnen, Riverhead, New York Chicago Radio Pipe Organs, you had Dr. Mauro-Cottone, Arthur Dunham (We'll wager a guess, too-that the one line on a 4 manual Page installed and Albert Hay Malotte - all me~ with Pat Foster referred to was really at W HT. ties to the "straight," or concert organ. Paul H. Forster who played at the Don't get me wrong. I'm not against When W H T ceased operation, the Piccadilly before going to the Syra­ organ was moved and installed in the the "uplift" one might experience on cuse, N. Y. Empire (see "Nuggets hearing a slice of von Suppe well Michigan Theatre, Flint, Michigan, from the Golden Days"). All of which was about an 1800 seat house. played as a spotlight solo. But, in con­ which should give ATOSer Forster nection with his chosen few, Mr. Muri The organ was opened on April 25, a chuckle or two when he reads it. 1929 by Banks Kennedy. Bob Howland didn't even mention the main purpose -Ed.) of the theatre organ - of Romeo, Michigan removed the organ to supply musical * * * accompaniments for silent films. . in 19 59 and after a re-leathering job, Mr. Editor, due to water damage, installed it in his I heard two of the organists on Mr. home. Again in 1966 the organ was Muri's preferred list many years ago. I enjoyed John Muri's article on the moved, this time to my home in Birm­ They were playing huge, thunderous American Theatre Organ until the very ingham, where it is now being installed. concert organs in Broadway theatres end, when he described a concert dur­ (I'll wager they personally designed the ing which a United States flag was The original specifications were for big straight Esteys, Austins and Mol­ lowered from the loft (like scenery) to a 4 manual 15 rank organ. We have lers which were installed in too many climax the performance. Doesn't Mr. now added a string, an orchestral oboe top houses.) These organists were very Muri know that this device was com­ which replaces a synthetic oboe, and a impressive soloists but I was always monly used to bolster weak acts in piano - bringing it to 17 ranks. This amused when another organist appeared vaudeville days, a gimmick which in­ organ is a twin to the 4/ 15 Page in­ to accompany the picture. Even then I sured applause no matter how bad the stalled in the Embassy Theatre, Fort suspected that the soloist might not act? Performers looked down on col­ Wayne, Indiana and played by Buddy leagues who resorted to what they know much about film accompani­ Nolan. The Embassy organ was fea­ called "hokum." Perhaps even the dull­ ments, or didn't want to soil his hands tured in the Fall 1964 issue of Theatre est clod couldn't escape the power of with them. Organ about one of Buddy's concerts. I used to attend the New York Pic­ hokum but I disagree with Mr. Muri cadilly where a much-advertised British when he says our culture needs that Sincerely, organist named Herbert Henderson was kind of "inspiration" today. James N. Widdis being spotlighted. He was impressive Randall Whitman 6873 Post Oak Drive enough during solos, but he also played Philadelphia, Pa. Birmingham, Mich. 48010

december 1969 12 struments and their time are still en­ they refuse and rightfully so to join the titled to live their lives as private indi­ crowd. -4-merican :J/iealre viduals. Constant intrusion is rude from Members on vacation or antici­ outside sources who feel that because pating a trip into an area populated they have a membership card in with theatre organs should if possible Organ E:tiiuelle A.T.O.E. they hold the key to the drop a brief letter or card to the owner front door of any member owning a asking if it will be convenient for them by Ray Brubacher theatre pipe organ. to accommodate those who would like In the area which I represent there to see the instrument in question. En­ A.T.O.E. has grown and how it has are a great number of home installa­ close a self stamped addressed enve­ grown. From its inception in 195 5 to tions, many of them being outstanding. lope for a reply, especially if you do the present it has spread in all direc­ Many of these people have obliga­ not know the person you are corre­ tions. I have witnessed its growth from tions to their businesses and work sponding with. Upon arrival in the city almost the very beginning until now schedules that will simply not permit or town where you wish to visit, con­ when we are almost overwhelmed with their being as generous with their time firm things with a phone call. In this the increase in membership. We have as they would like to be. There have way you are not taking advantage of progressed from an "enthusiast" classi­ come to my attention reports from someone who perhaps has made other fication to the more dignified standing many of these people that they are plans but feels that someone has come of society. The organization is to be periodically subject to intrusion often a long way and then decides to alter congratulated for making this change at late hours of the evening by callers theirs to be accommodating at a per­ which no longer places us in the "gee who have not had the courtesy to write sonal inconvenience. dad I'm an enthusiast" rating. a note or to make a phone call before It is my observation that if people With the increase in membership presenting themselves at the front door would be more considerate in their there has been an increase in the num­ for an impromptu organ recital. Every­ pursuit of the hobby, there would be ber of people who have purchased and one likes to be accommodating, but better relations within the entire struc­ installed theatre organs in their homes, there is a limit. Many organ owners ture of A.T.O.E. This would encourage studios, old theatres and even garages. who are like myself fans of the first many of our number to lift the ignore That they have undertaken at consider­ order have chosen to follow a tighter and get tough policy that members are able expense and sacrifice the job of policy than would ordinarily be neces­ running into. installation and maintenance of the in­ sary. This is one reason why so many struments is highly commendable. How­ of our more well known professional In anything there must be modera­ ever, I am afraid that many of our theatre organists are not members of tion. Let us begin to apply it to our number have in some way or another A.T.O.E., because in trying to be "the common interest so that everyone may forgotten that these people however nice guy" they have been taken ad­ share in a portion of our theatre organ generous they may be with their in- vantage of on so many occasions that heritage. D

FortyCandles for Loew's JerseyTheatre

Allen Rossiter (right) ATOS Vice President and Sec'y.-Treas. of the New York Chapter, joins in a three-handed cake-cutting ceremony with Joseph Sesta, Deputy Mayor of Jersey City (left) and Nat Bernstock, genial man­ ager of Loew's Jersey Theatre in public ceremony celebrating the palatial theatre's fortieth anniversary. Ben M. Hall, ATOS Board Member and author of THE BEST REMAINING SEATS, presents a copy of the book in behalf of the New York Chapter to William Roehrenbeck, Director of Libraries for Jersey City as Nat Bernstock, well-loved theatre manager, looks on.

13 theatre organ bombarde parts. Gone are the days when a con­ tact was needed on each relay for each Real Pipes For The stop on a manual or pedal division. In the transistorized relay all of these con­ tacts are tied together and separated electrically by "blocking" diodes to Price of A Plug-In? prevent "feedback" (which, without the diodes, would have everything playing at once) when a key is depressed. These It Can Be Done many factors result in an efficient di­ rect electric action which provides for by Stu Green and Judd Wal ton a valve under each pipe. This action can be adapted easily to the theatre organ. The date on which the last theatre Over the past several years many of An ATOE member recently organ was built for installation in a our members have wondered whether wrote a letter to the Bombarde theatre in the United States is unknown. or not any of the pipe organ companies Considering only the major builders editor: now in business could still build such such as Wurlitzer, Robert Morton, an organ. They are surprised to learn "Electronic organs (theatre Kimball, Barton, Marr and Colton, this that not only can it be donf!, but it is style) have now reached a price event occurred about 1938 or 1939. being done by the Wicks Organ Com­ level of $8,000 to $10,000 for Wurlitzer built organs for export to pany of Highland, Illinois. Such organs, anything reasonably good. Could England, South Africa , Australia and now known as "orchestral organs," you use your good offices to find other countries during the 1930's but have been built quite recently and range out what pipe organ builders produced their last organ (opus 2231- for four to 15 ranks. could offer for the same money? November 27, 1939) prior to World I don't recall ever seeing an ad­ War II. The American builders either One of the most advanced engineer­ vertisement for home - type pipe went out of business shortly after the ing departments in the industry plays organs. Hoping someone can advent of the talking picture or changed an important role in the Wicks enter­ throw a little light on this sub­ over to the exclusive production of prise. Chests of all types, tracker, elec­ ject. church organs. A few weathered the tro-pneumatic as well as direct electric, (signed) Russ Johnson, depression years and became involved are tested for speed of response, valve Dearborn, Michigan" in the production of parts, supplies and opening and closing characteristics, re­ materials for the war. The market for sulting pipe speech, etc., all recorded by theatre organs by this time had practic­ oscillograph. The superiority of the di­ ally ceased to exist and the production rect electric action can be seen as well The letter constituted a challenge. As of these instruments had, for all intents as heard. electronic instrument prices edge up­ and purposes, ended. ward there must come a point at which One such test gives irrefutable evi­ one of the major arguments favoring dence by providing a variable speed the "pipeless organ" - price - will no keying impulse to any of the chest longer apply:• With three-deck, horse­ types. The key controlling the valve is shoe console electronics of the more operated at first slowly, and then. at a versatile and expansive types now sell­ continually increasing speed until a ing from $10,000 to over $20,000. rate of speed is attained at which the Just what could be bought new in the valve can no longer follow the keying. pipe field for circa 10 grand? The pipe then speaks continuously in­ stead of in the short staccato notes pro­ To get our answer we approached a duced at the slower speeds. The direct bonafide theatre organ expert who has electric chest mechanism continues to been an enthusiast ever since he was a follow the keying to the point of pro­ boy. His California home boasts an ducing audibly discernible individual exquisite 2/ 8 Wurlitzer which he in­ notes at rates far faster than a human stalled. Judd Walton is the Bay Area Judd Walton finger can possibly key them! It is virtu­ sales rep for a major pipe organ builder, ally trouble-free and long-lived-no re­ and a past president of ATOE. He is Most of the organs built during these leathering necessary-ever! well qualified. years were constructed on the electro­ pneumatic action principle, with only We made it clear that we wanted a one major builder in the United States genuine orchestral instrument, not a producing the more recently-developed watered-down church instrument-and direct electric action. This type of ac­ the total cost-including installation­ tion, having always been reliable, long should not be much over $10,000. lived, and extremely fast, was a natural for the application of the newest devel­ Judds reply was in the form of the opments in the electronic field - solid article which follows. He starts out state circuitry with its tiny transistors with some history and discussion of and diodes. By applying these "jet age" latter-day technical developments which circuits to the task of switching, abso­ help make newly-constructed pipe or­ lute control of the speed of opening and gans more compact and trouble free closing direct electric action valves has ( and therefore more practical for home been attained. Solid state relays have Mike Prideaux-Brune at the console of his 2/4 use) than ever before. been introduced which have no moving Wicks orchestral organ. Photo by Judd Walton december 1969 14 The specification which follows for installation, so the only other major a two-manual, 5-rank organ is available expenditure connected with the pur­ in two versions. Without the 16' Solo chase would be freight charges from manual unification of Trompette, Tibia, Highland, Illinois. Bourdon (Flute) and Vox, the price is The instrument comes without a $10,535. With them it is $10,995. The swell box (although one is available), number of pipes remains the same in but assuming some preplanning has either case, and it should be pointed been done by the buyer and a room in out that the Solo manual 16' coupler the house selected for use as a cham­ makes the 16' sound available without ber, Wicks takes it from there. the added cost of the individual unifica­ The room selected as a chamber tions. Note that the pipe complement is should have sufficient wall space in somewhat different than the 4-rank common with the console/ listening Living room in the Menlo Park, Calif. home of Menlo Park installation. It is complete room to permit the installation of Prideaux-Brunes. The console is about 20 feet except for the tonal percussions, which enough swell shutters to permit proper from the plate glass swell shutters. have been prepared for on the console volume control. If this much "home­ Photo by Judd Walton with stop keys and switching facilities. work" has been done, then Wicks in­ stallers cut a hole in the wall and install Such an instrument has been installed STOPLISTOF2/5 WICKS the swell shutter frame-usually 6'x9', recently in the residence of Michael 6'x 12' or 8 'x 12'. Whatever the size called Prideaux-Brune in Menlo Park, Cali­ fornia. Mike, having played theatre ORCHESTRALORGAN organ in his native England, was in­ PEDAL SOLO 16' Tibia Clause (See 16' Trompette (Tenor () terested in securing a small instrument NOTE 1) (See NOTE 2) for his home with orchestral voicing. 16' Bourdon (See 16' Tibia Clause (Tenor NOTE 2) C) (See NOTE 2) The ranks include an Open Diapason 8' Trompette 16' Bourdon (See NOTE 2) 8' to 2', a Tibia Clausa 16' to 2', a 8' Open Diapason 16' Vox Humana (Tenor 8' Tibia Clause () (See NOTE 2) Salicional 8' to 2', and a Fagot (a close 8' Flute 8' Trompette 4' Octave 8' Open Diapason relative of the English Post Horn) 8' to Bass Drum 8' Tibia Clause 4'. The chamber is approximately 5'xl 2' Cymbal 8' Flute Solo 8' Coupler 8' Vox Humana with an 8' ceiling. The entire organ is Ace 8' Coupler 4' Octave 4' Tibia Piccolo located within the chamber , including ACCOMPANIMENT 4 ' Flute the blower and rectifier and the pipes 8' Trompette 2 2/ 3' Tibia Twelfth 8' Open Diapason 2' Tibia Piccolo are visible through plate glass swell 8' Tibia Clause 1 3/ 5' Tibia Tierce shades. The direct electric action makes 8' Flute l ' Fife (flute) 8' Vax Humana Chime (pf) the organ readily adaptable for the 4' Octave Glockenspiel (pf) THROUGH THE 'LOOK-IN' GLASS-View through 4' Tibia Piccolo Xylophone (pf ) the swell shutters of the Prideaux-Brune organ addition of several more ranks in the 4 ' Flute Harp (pf ) future. The Tibia Clausa pipes are an 4' Vox Humana (Instruments not shows (front to rear) Fagot, Open Diapason, 2 2/ 3' Flute Twelfth included but "pre­ Salicional and Tibia Clausa, with the 16' Tibia exact reproduction of a standard Wur­ 2' Flute Piccola pared for" with litzer Tibia except that they are voiced Tambourine stop key and pipe in the rear. The white object at the right Castanets wiring) is a muffler over the tremulant, the entire unit on 6" wind (instead of the usual 10") Cymbal Solo 16' Coupler Acc. Octave Coupler Solo Unison Off being mounted on top of the sound-dampening and have rather wide angular nicking. Solo 4' Coupler blower housing which is within the chamber. TREMULANTS These pipes are constructed of Sitka Main Photo by Judd Walton spruce up through the 8' compass, and Tibia Clause Vox Humana (See are made of Hoyt metal in the 4' and NOTE 2) for, the shutter frame is built to fit. Of 2' octaves, with the first six pipes in COMBINATIONACTION course if you insist on glass swell shut­ the 4' octave being stopped, as in the a. The Wicks Capture Combination Action with ters, there's a slight additional charge­ movable stops adjustable at the console, with something like $11.00 a square foot. Wurlitzer example. The Post Horn/ key and lock to prevent unauthorized use. Fagot is fiery but not overbearing, with b. Four pistons affecting the Pedal Organ and a The very quiet blower may be placed Cancel Piston . the other three ranks providing good c. Four pistons affecting the Accompaniment Orgon in the chamber, if desired, in 3'x3'x3' and a Cancel Piston. enclosure. support to this bright reed . The console d. Four pistons affecting the Solo Organ and a is located across the room on a slight Cancel Piston . The console supplied is not a horse­ e. Faur Master pistons and a General Cancel elevation about 20' from the chamber. Piston. shoe but is equipped with stoptablets . ACCESSORIESINCLUDED PIPE COMPLEMENT So far, Wicks "orchestral organ" cus­ Balanced Swell Pedal Tibia (16' thru 2') 97 pipes tomers have not insisted on horse­ Balanced Crescendo Pedal Flute (8' thru 2') 85 pipes Trompette (8' ) 61 pipes shoes, so patterns haven't yet been pre­ Crescendo Indicator Light Vox Humana (8' ) 61 pipes pared. But it has the standard "AGO" Stop Tablet Console Open Diapason (8' thru 4') 73 pipes 32-note pedalboard, and balanced Swell

Total 377 pipes and Crescendo pedals. Note the stops marked "pf" meaning NOTE 1 - A choice of either Tibia or Bourdon at 16' on the pedals is made possible by a double "prepared for." These are for the ad­ valve under each 16' Tibia pipe. The Bourdon sound is softer than the Tibia. It's just a matter of dition of tonal percussions, as desired. switching . They are blank but the switches are NOTE 2 - Not included with the $10,535 custom wired. Engraved stop tablets are sent organ. With all of the NOTE 2 features the price is $10,995 (F.O.B. factory). along to replace the blanks when per­ cussions are added. Such items as Harp, There's Judd Walton's rundown on Chrysoglott, Chimes, Xylophone and Mike holds a leather-lipped Tibia pipe and a Fagot pipe, which (to those unfamiliar with the the unique new instrument, unique be­ Glockenspiel are available new from 'traditional' terminology) is a member of the cause there is no model number to Deagan-or used from the "classified" 'bright reed' family. He is very much satisfied identify it; each instrument is a custom columns of any organ publication, and with his brand new organ. Photo by Judd Walton installation. And the price does include usually at a more attractive price.

15 theatre organ bombarde supply some of the "body," or founda­ tion tone, if the Diapason were to be traded for a String. But it's a most dif­ ficult choice. It is reassuring to know that an or­ chestral organ can still be purchased new. Which is our affirmative reply to Russ Johnson's inquiry: a brand new pipe organ can be purchased and in­ stalled at a price competitive with those of many of the electronic keyboard devices now on the market. And such a pipe organ can be unbelievably com­ pact, compared with those built 30 or 40 years ago. So much so, in fact, that they are even being installed in apart­ ment living rooms! Demands for modern versions of the theatre pipe organ, all new, continue to rise, and if the well-guarded informa­ tion as to how many are already in Wides built this seven-ranker for an Exhibition in 1959, and it is shown as it appeared at the "Home existence were to be released, the news Show". Although it was equipped with Xylophone, Bells and Traps (plus a bird whistle), the arrange­ would be most encouraging to organ ment was that of a straight organ, with mainly 8' and 4' stops plus couplers on both the "Great" buffs. (bottom) and "Swell" (upper) manuals. The ranks: Diapason (Great manual only), Gemshorn, Flute, Salicional, Oboe, Trumpet and Vox. Two ranks, Flute and Trumpet, were extended down to 16'. The As a parting shot, Judd Walton urges instrument is now installed in Marlinetti's restaurant at Crystal Lake, Illinois, and has been augmented. those ordering new orchestral organs to be specific in describing exactly Another plus feature is the range of We'd like to see a little more made of what they want, or they may be sur­ tonal colors possible in custom design. the Flute with a 5-1/ 3' Quint , 2-2/ 3' prised when the crates arrive. For example, the bright solo reed, listed Nazard, 2' Piccolo and a 1-3/ 5' Tierce "I'm still looking forward to that in­ as "Trompette" in the stoplist. Because on the Solo manual. Also, perhaps a evitable orchestral organ with a draw­ the pipes are built to order, the buyer Pedal Quint. This would be only a knob console," says Judd. D may specify a "style D" sound, a Tuba matter of switching and no more pipe­ sound, a sharp trumpet sound (like work. "brass"), or perhaps Posthorn "fire." For further information about Even a Brass Trumpet is possible-at The most striking tonal omission is the absence of String sound. That's a the instruments described in the not too great an additional cost for the article above, direct inquiries to brass bells. matter of choice. The String is avail­ able-in place of one of the other stops. the Editor, the BOMBARDE, The wide,range of tone available in But which one? The most likely candi­ Box 5013 Bendix Station, North the solo reed applies also to the other date is the Flute, with the Diapason Hollywood, Calif. 91605. stops. The Diapason may be Open, or second choice. True, the Flute would Horn. The Vox may be a "croaker," a "whiner" or a "chortler." Note the Flute in the stoplist. The too usual reaction is "who needs a flute if you have a Tibia?" For the answer a number of Jesse Crawford's "Chicago" recordings can be brought to witness, arrangements which depend­ A home-size Wicks built ed on the contrast between Tibia and for an exhibition. Note Flute for their subtle effectiveness. An how shallow the swell open flute may be less colorful than a boxes may be if the large Tibia, but it doesn't mind the lesser bass pipes are left out­ chore of accompanying or counter­ side. At the left can be pointing the Tibia in the least. seen six of the 8' Open Diapason pipes and part Last, there are the "clackers" - Tom­ of the 16' Bourdon. Be­ Tom, Tamborine, Bongos, Drums, Tri­ hind the right swell box angle, Cymbals, Castanets. Select four. are the 16' Trombone And we suspect that extra actions for pipes. These would be either clackers or tonal percussions the mitered for a normal low­ purchaser may have on hand are avail­ ceiling home installation. able. The conical pipes in the We have examined the attractive fea­ right swell box belong to tures of the custom Wicks orchestral the Gemshorn, a member of the Diapason family. organ; how about the other side of the coin? What's missing? Actually, not much. While the instru­ ment isn't completely unified, the com­ pany has provided adequate unification. december 1969 16 subordination to the written instructions of a composer whose credentials were Did You Bring Your genuine. Many of the organists did not read music sufficiently well to be able to play in an orchestra. They played. "by ear", which meant that they could Music With You? memorize a melody and harmonize it as they went along. I can't remember by John Muri ever seeing an organist's picture on the Theatre organists of the twenties Last month I heard a organ recital by cover of the musicians' union news­ paper. A pianist might get on occasion­ demonstrated all kinds of talent rang­ a top-name American organist, in which ally, but not an organist. ing from highly-trained technical genius he used sheet-music for every piece on to insensitive clumsiness. When they the program. He even had a page­ It probably doesn't matter much were good they could be very, very turner. I suppose that he, like others, whether a fellow puts some new and good, and when they were bad they wanted to be sure that everything on wild harmony into "Limehouse Blues" were awful. Between the extremes there the printed page was observed; he or "Tea for Two". Pieces like these are was a wide range of performance. Like wanted to forget nothing. Special dy­ little more than brief and pleasant most people in a hurry, organists tended namic markings and registration changes melody, harmony does not have much to classify each other by what seman­ or set-ups were all cued in, and he to do with their appeal. Actually a good ticists today call a "two-valued orien­ gave a beautifully correct if not spec­ new harmonized arrangement of a tation", which simply means that a tacular performance. popular tune can be delightful, as fellow believes there are only two sides George Shearing has proved, but it The desire to see the performer play to a question, in which everything is had better be good. It is a rarely without a score comes from our tele­ either this or that, good or bad. In the talented organist who should try that vision and concert-hall habits. TV sing­ twenties you were either a good solo sort of thing in public trusting only to ers have off-camera cue-cards (idiot­ or a good picture man. Few organists the inspiration of the moment. Bad cards, they call. them) to help their were considered as both. harmony is not good entertainment. memories. On the concert stage, a full­ Walking directly into the two-valued time professional has been able and I know I am dealing here with some­ trap, one may describe current theatre under the compulsion to rehearse his thing disputable. Consider the strength organists as precisionists or inspira­ music for years. Very few theatre or­ of the jazz aficionados who make a vir­ tionists. The precisionists are those who ganists make a living playing popular tue of improvisation in which all the play the music note for note, who put concerts today. Most organists have to players go their own ways and "ride". into practice what they have studied devote their time to enterprises not As exhibitionists, those fellows can be in harmony and orchestration, and who connected with concert-playing and do good, and they don't play from sheet­ take pride in technical ease and skill. not practice to the extent required by music. Their playing is careless, and The inspirationists include those who the most rigorous concert performance. there is usually a cold heartlessness in make relatively little preparation for a Still, it is nice to see a good player their music as they ride toward their concert, believing that the inspiration work without having brought along his goals of cleverness, variety, elaborate­ of the moment will bring enough of roll of sheet-music. I start to complain ness, and noisiness. goodness to make a memorable event. when players trust too much to luck So back to our question then; is the Never playing a piece the same way and find themselves using registrations twice, they are the despair of recording fellow who plays from the sheet music they hadn't planned for ( with unhappy inferior to the one who prefers to work engineers who often need to make re­ results) and harmonies that don't work takes. Inspirationist programs come off before an empty music-rack? Although out. It is awful to hear someone set up I favor the precisionists, I must admit badly a little more often than do those a harmonic progression that falls apart of the precisionists, but every organist respect for anyone whose performance because the organist either doesn't know shows either careful preparation or ex­ knows that there are times when things what to play as his next chord or be­ don't go as planned. This was particu­ tempore skill. As audiences, we are cause he has gotten himself into a bind complimented when a performer takes larly true for those of us who had to of wrong chords out of which he has undergo a change of program every pains to be good; we are insulted when to batter his way with musical violence. he plays for us casually without prepa­ other day. For years I worked in houses It was this sort of thing that set the that changed films five times weekly ration. Let those who play from organ fraternity apart from other mu­ memory be sure that they are giving us and required me to perform two slide­ sicians in the old theatre days. Our solos a week. something that they have thoroughly general lack of musicianship made most assimilated and prepared. Wild impro­ I find most of the people who engage orchestra players ( who had to read and visations in which the player isn't sure theatre-organ concert players today as­ play any kind of music at sight) express how things are going to work out are sume that both precisionists and inspira­ contempt for organists. That they were submitting both the player and the tionists should be able to perform also concerned that the organist might listener to risks that should not be without sheet-music before them. I replace the orchestra had something to taken in the concert-theatre. D know people who think that some kind do with their dislike, but it was well of deficiency exists in a player who known that many organists were fakers doesn't play from memory. They think - fakers of harmony, fakers of inter­ that he doesn't know his music as well pretation, and distorters of melody. The FOR THE A.T.O.S. FANTASTIC, as the fellow who has no use for the undisciplined maverick at the console music-rack. Here is the either-or prob­ whose performance was one thing one FABULOUS FIFTEENTH, lem in operation again. I knew a fine moment and another the next could not teacher of organists who gave recitals be expected to be welcomed into a NEW YORK IS WHERE IT'S AT! at which he always used sheet music. fraternity whose requirements were

17 theatre organ bombarde TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT line, if desired, which will kill reiterat­ ing traps. To do this, you need a "momentary traps" relay in the regu­ lar pedal traps line as shown in figure 2. The circuit shown in figure 2 will Buildinga Back Beat Relay operate the same traps on regular as well as back-beat touches. by Allen Miller

11 sion as a manual Accompaniment stop "Traps line + Allen Miller, the youngest mem­ was rare. Often, the enthusiast will in­ 100 mfd 25 volts ber of ATOE in 1955, was in­ stall a Cymbal with the Accompani­ 220 ohms strumental in founding the Conn. ment manual pereussions and traps for 1/2 watt 750 ma Valley chapter, serving as chair­ a back beat effect. diode man for 2 years. He is Ass't. With the device described here you Vice-President of Austin Organs. can add a back beat to the Pedal, leav­ ing the Accompaniment manual free for an off-beat cymbal, if desired. If It has often been said that if com­ you have several different cymbals, you If you are fortunate to have a piano petition between theatre organ manu­ may wish to play them separately for connected to your organ, you have facturers had continued as it did during an authentic jazz effect. Coupled with probably wished you had an extra foot the Golden Age of the theatre organ, a unique piano sustain circuit which we so you could work the sostenuto pedal. any number of gadgets and conveniences will describe later, this back beat re­ Using the back-beat relay just described, for the organist might have developed. lay will provide an automatic piano you can add an automatic piano sus­ Indeed, such devices as second touch, sustain which will imitate closely the tain. Your piano probably has a sustain melody touch, melody octave couplers, pedalling of a pianist as he plays. pneumatic which lifts the dampers off second touch stopkeys which cancel all To build the back beat relay, you the strings when operated. By adding other stops on the same manual, auto­ will need two single-pole double-throw a "piano sustain" stop to the fall board, matic glissando, pizzacato, and many relays with fairly high resistance wind­ and adding another single-pole double others might have been developed fur­ ings. A Potter & Brumfield type RS5D throw relay, you can make a device ther. But "talkies" cut off research. 6 volt DC type with a 335 ohm coil which will release the sostenuto damper will work well. Don't be afraid of the each time you remove your foot from Now theatre organ is enjoying a 6-volt rating, as this is "pull-in" volt­ a pedal key. This will release the renaissance, not only as a reincarnation age, and the relay will not overheat or damper between each bass note, just of the instrument it was, but as a legiti­ burn out on higher voltages encountered as you would if you were playing the mate musical instrument perfectly in pipe organ supplies. You will also piano. During legato passages, when suited for playing the music of today. need a 100 mfd electrolytic capacitor you do not release any pedals, the If you don't believe it, then you haven't with a 25 volt DC rating. Wired as damper will remain on. It may be de­ heard George Wright or Billy Nalle! shown in figure 1, the capacitor will sirable to wire the sustain unit so that Now research and development of im­ charge when the pedal is depressed. it operates only when a piano stop is provements have been taken up by the When the pedal is released, the capaci­ on. Additional circuitry for this is pipe enthusiast. tor is discharged through the second shown in figure 3, and consists of a Part of the enjoyment one gets from relay, which operates momentarily. This relay plus a three-Quarter ampere diode installing 01 owning a theatre organ, closes a contact every time a pedal key for each piano stop key. D is adding that extra little "gadget", is released, thus keying the "back beat". whether it's a Sizzle Cymbal, Toy Traps are wired into the circuit shown The following was omitted from Counter Positive, Reiterator, or Martha in figure 1 as if it were another pedal "Releathering a Regulator" (Oc­ Lake's "Abyssinian Stringed Oboe". The or manual traps buss. tober, 1969 TOB, Pg. 14): device described here is easy to build There is a drawback to this circuit. "A knife made expressly for and add to any organ (it might even It will not operate the same trap on skiving leather is available from be used to play Sanctus bells in church) . both down-beat and back-beat. Do not GRAPIDC ARTS, INC., 529 It will cost less than ten dollars. It is connect any reiterating traps, such as Main Street, Hartford, Conn. a "back beat" relay. It will play a trap Kettle Drum to this new line, as they 06013. It is Catalog #6L SKIV­ on the "up-beat", when the pedal is would only operate when you first ING KNIFE SET which sells for released. pressed the key. $2.00, with replaceable blades at Theatre organs usually had a Cym­ There is a circuit which may be $.35 each." bal in the pedal division, but its inclu- added to the Accompaniment Traps

''Traps" line

100 mfd 25 volts

december 1969 18 CONVENTION HEADQUARTERS 11 CAMELOT INN 11 Single Rooms ...... (total 1 person) ...... $12.50 Double Rooms ...... (total 2 persons) ...... $17.50 The Central High School 4/ 45 Kil­ REGIONAL PREVIEW gen is a four manual instrument of Electro-Pneumatic Action, with all of its divisions under expression, except Sooner Sonic Sights and Sounds: the First Open Diapason in the Great Organ. A ten-horsepower motor sup­ plies the wind for the main organ with The Artists and Instruments necessary generators for the action. The Echo Organ is located in a chamber at CHRISTIAN CRUSADE Sooner State Chapter ATOS and is the back of the auditorium, 220' from AUDITORIUM never allowed to be in anything but the console. perfect playing condition, as many of 3 Manual 10 Rank Robert Morton you know, a rather difficult assignment Besides the various couplers, there This Morton is a transplant from for a 41 year old theatre organ. are on the console, 16 stops controlling Steubenville, Ohio, where it was in­ the great organ; 20 for the swell organ; stalled new, in a movie theatre (name 14 for the choir organ; 11 for · the solo unknown to us) in late 1928. Dr. Har­ CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL organ; 10 for the echo organ; 15 for gis, founder and director of the Chris­ KILGEN MEMORIAL ORGAN the pedal organ and 2 for the echo tian Crusade, has long appreciated pedal organ, a total of 88 stops, af­ 4 Manual 45 Rank Theatre Pipe Organ Music and engaged fecting 3,087 speaking pipes. Thirty­ Mr. Loren Whitney of Glendale, Cali­ The Central High School Memorial six combination pistons are provided fornia, to locate an appropriate in­ Kilgen Organ was an idea conceived by to make the work of the organ more strument for the new headquarters the Senior Class of 1924. Money to flexible. Auditorium-Convention Center, under purchase the organ was advanced by the School Board and was to be repaid construction here in Tulsa. Mr. Whit­ PHILBROOK ART CENTER ney located this organ and found it to by the students. Payment for the organ be in a rather neglected condition, hav­ was concluded with the Class of 1934. 2 Manual 7 Rank Aeolian ing been unplayable for many years due And so, the organ was actually paid for Unit Organ to water damage to the console. Mr. by the graduating classes of Central Philip Wellington of Los Angeles was High School, 1924-1934 inclusive. The organ is located in the former engaged to remove, rebuild and re­ home of pioneer oilman and philanthro­ install the instrument in the Christian pist Waite Phillips and was installed in Crusade Auditorium. It was removed 1927 when the palatial home was built. from the theatre in the latter months of The beautiful home and grounds were 1965, the console being taken to Mr. donated to the city of Tulsa upon Mr. Wellington's California Shop, where it Phillips' retirement and is now known was completely reconstructed. The con­ as Philbrook Art Center. It is main­ sole was so deteriorated due to water, tained · by an adequate endowment and that in addition to the usual manual voluntary memberships, and is fully recovering _,, and releathering, many of staffed, showing a year-round art and the parts had to be built from scratch. cultural program for the Southwest. The organ is featured in concert each The rest of the organ was shipped Sunday afternoon and this service is direct to Tulsa, where it was rebuilt in performed gladly by local artists on a a warehouse preparatory to re-installing reservation basis. in the new Christian Crusade Audi­ torium. Installation took about three months during the late spring and early summer of 1966 and was completed in September of 1966 in conjunction with the opening of the new Christian Cru­ sade headquarters. The organ was played regularly for radio and television broadcasts , and Bob Foley at the console of the 4/45 Central many other concerts by Staff Organist, High School Ki/gen. Photo by Tom Cusick Mr. Jim Orcutt, until his untimely death at the age of 36 in November of The organ was dedicated to the pub­ 1968. Mr. Orcutt and the organ were lic on Friday, March 4, 1927, by Merle an immediate success with the public C. Prunty, Principal. World renowned in Tulsa and it has done much to revive Virtuoso, Palmer Christian performed the interest in Theatre Organ in this the Dedicatory Program, featuring se­ area. lections ranging from hymns to Spanish The organ has 10 ranks and is on 10 Rhapsody. and 15 inches of air. The acoustical Upon completion of payment for the qualities plus the high pressure of the organ by the Class of 1934, the organ organ tend to give one the impression was re-dedicated. Mr. Reed Jerome, that it is somewhat larger than it ac­ School Organist at this time, provided tually is. It was installed with all per­ a varied program, with prominent Or­ cussions and traps. It is maintained by ganist George Oscar Bowen closing the Ray Elmore at the console of the 2/4 Masonic Phil Judkins, Vice-Chairman of the program. Temple Morton. Photo by Tom Cusick

december 1969 20 MASONIC TEMPLE 2 Manual 4 Rank Robert Morton This organ was originally installed in the "Circle Theater" in Tulsa, in two chambers, during 1926. In April of 1931, the organ was moved to the Masonic Temple, where it was installed in one chamber. The console is in a room fourteen feet above the Commandery Room into which it speaks. The pipe loft is adjacent to the console room. Very little had been done to this organ in the way of maintenance until Phil Judkins, Vice-Chairman, Joe Crutchfield, Treasurer, Ray Elmore, staff organist at Christian 1969. At this time, the chapter crew, Crusade Auditorium, Dick Schrum, past President, National ATOS, Ron Wiltfong, Chairman, gathered ably supervised by Vice-Chairman, Phil around the Christian Crusade 3/10 Robert Morton on the occasion of receiving the chapter charter Judkins, was authorized by the Masonic in May of 1968. Temple to repair and tune this organ on a continuing basis and in particular, the Deluxe Conn Theatre Organ. Ken clubs, civic and social engagements pl_us for the upcoming Regional Convention will play dinner music for the banquet a six year stint at the Petroleum Club of ATOS. at the Camelot. are a few of his accomplishments. He The organ has the following Ranks: ROSE TEIS maintains a daily teaching schedule and Tibia Clausa 16', 8', 4', 2', Violin 8', is featured organist with the Harry Rose Teis, a Sooner State member, 4' , Diapason 8', Vox Humana 8' , Pedal Arnold Orchestra - our stars on open­ is another of those lovely ladies who Stops: Bourdon 16', Tibia 8'. ing night. Due to lack of space, stoplists could has given so much beautiful organ mu­ not be published. sic to the world. She has been teaching DENNIS MINEAR and arranging music at the Hammond Dennis' formal training plus a phe­ Studios in Tulsa for the past five years. nomenal "by ear" talent and a love for BOB FOLEY You will get a chance to meet her and all that's good in theatre organ music Bob Foley of Mid-America Chapte r hear her during the get-acquainted make him a most enjoyable artist to in Wichita is one of the outstanding cocktail-party on the opening night of hear. He will close the Convention play­ organ teachers in this area and is cur­ the Regional. ing the Philbrook Art Center Aeolian rently in the process of installing the ED LOVE Organ. His second love is art and will Raymond Shelley organ in his home . be represented by his design of our Ed Love belongs to Heart of America He has scored and will accompany the convention program. "Drunkard" presented by the Tulsa Chapter and is one of the lucky ones - Spotliters. Bob's labors are typical of a 2/ 5 Marr and Colton in his home. JOE CRUTCHFIELD the generous efforts all of the South­ Born in that betwixt and between era, Joe Crutchfield is a charter member western Region Chapters have given to young enough to have heard theatre of Sooner State and the only treasurer this project-The Regional Convention. organs but by the time he was old this chapter has ever known. He is a enough to do anything about it, they first rate carpenter, recording engineer , MARK KENNING had disappeared from use. This just licensed pilot, musician and best of all, Mark Kenning of North Texas Chap­ hooked him on the theatre pipes. You theatre organ enthusiast. "Portly Joe ter is continually in demand as a music will hear Ed in concert in Tulsa in Crutchfield," as nicknamed by Lyn critic for newspapers, organist and February. Larsen, will open the Convention. choir director and for playing engage­ RAY ELMORE TULSA SPOTLITERS INC. ments. He has the 4/ 17 Morton from Ray Elmore was the first secretary of The Tulsa Spotliters have been in the Ritz Theatre in Tulsa installed in Sooner State and is now chairman of existence for 17 years and was formed an addition to their home which he and Events and Program Schedules Com­ by a group of actors who needed addi­ his wife built and decorated in a Span­ mittee for the upcoming convention. tional outlets for their theatrical enjoy­ ish motif. Staff organist at the Christian Crusade ment. Inspiration for their efforts was MARY JEAN MILLER Auditorium , concerts for local organ a play called "The Drunkard", a con­ Someone asked: "Whatever became of densed version of "Ten Nights In A Mary Jean Miller?" Well, to quote the Barroom" written by Bob Feagin. The lovely lady herself, "I'm alive and well re-writing for the Spotliters was done and living in Kansas City , Missouri." by Mr. Richard Mansfield Dickensen And so, the story appeared in the April in honor of whom, they have named issue of Theatre Organ Bombarde. Be their theatre. sure to come and hear this fabulous The money received from attend­ lady at Regional in Tulsa. ance, after deduction of expenses, is given to various charities. This amount KEN WRIGHT will average about $3,000 per year. The Ken Wright hails from Oklahoma group also gives three scholarships per City where he is Music Director for year, for approximately $300 each, in WKY Radio and TV. His record made the furtherance of theatrical training. of the WKY Kilgen in 1947 was just 2/4 Wurlitzer now being installed by chapter Bob Foley will accompany this pres­ released in 1968 and the success of this members in the home of the Hayden Weavers. entation on the 4/ 45 Kilgen on Satur­ record led to his most recent disc at Organ originally came from Perry, Oklahoma. day evening of the Regional. D

21 theatre organ bombarde The Real CrawfordSpecial by Douglas Marion

Theatre Organ buffs have long recog­ as the others in the group. It established nized that the basic theatre organ has which of the Wurlitzer organs was the at least one rank representing each of real "Crawford Special", as he stated, the six tone colors required to provide "Yes, I designed the Publix #1 organ at good combination possibilities. These the request of the theatre chain." He are the diapason, flute, tibia, string, continued, "They wanted an organ de­ brass reed and color reed. The Wur­ signed that would be suitable for their litzer Style D is just such an organ. deluxe houses soon to be built. It was Most organs larger than this provide several years before they became known more ranks still falling within the six as the Publix #1 organs, the first being Opus No. 1848, shipped to the Minnesota tonal divisions. A Style E adds a second simply noted a 4 manual 20 rank Theatre in Minneapolis 2/14/28. This is one of string rank, a Celeste; a Style F adds to special model. They specified that it two Roman style consoles built, the other going this a second reed, the Clarinet. A Style must be a four manual organ for pres­ to the Toledo, Ohio, Paramount Theatre. The 235 of 11 ranks has yet another string, tige, and that the cost must be kept piano was installed in the Solo Chamber - and two more color reeds, the Orches­ down. The result was the organ as we whereas most were installed outside the shutters. tral Oboe and the Kinura. know it today; 20 ranks which included This organ has the single row of stop tablets on two Tibia Clausa, two Vox Humana, the front rail and is now installed in the Reiny Delzer residence in Bismarck, North Dakota. Thus on the six basic tone colors, and a Brass Saxophone and Brass Wurlitzer as well as other makers built Trumpet as well as the other more or their tonal structure. Even the renowned less standard ranks found on the 3 definite musical place in theatre organ 4 manual 36 rank Wurlitzers, of which manual 15 rank organs which were the playing, but it is grossly abused by most 5 were built, were designed on this largest standard models built in volume organists who do not know when not principal. For many years these remark­ up to that time." to use it." able instruments, the first of which, Opus #1458, was installed in the New ( Ed. note: Crawford was ref erring Research and studies indicate this York Times Square Paramount Theatre, to the Wurlitzer Style 260). superbly designed organ was installed in some of the finest theatres ever built. have been popularly referred to as the The next question was obvious. The first of the series was designated "Crawford Special". This is undoubted­ "Jesse, why did you not include the as a special 4 manual, some were listed ly due to the fact that this outstanding English Post Horn which seems to be as "260 - 4 manual" and fourteen were and famous theatre organist reached the the only important rank missing from shown as Publix #1 or Style 270. One apex of his theatre playing career on the design of an organ this size?" His was shipped as a Publix #1 Special. this instrument. answer is a classic. "To protect the One of the really great opportunities patrons from the organist. " He con­ The factory shipping list includes to establish facts regarding the Craw­ tinued, "The English Post Horn has a them as follows: ford Special were the conversations with Crawford during the final years of his life. His answer to the question, "Jesse, did you design the Paramount Theatre Organ?", was "No, I did not. I specified only that the organ was to include certain ranks; the three Tibia Clausa, certain of the string and diapa­ son ranks , and the four Vox Humana." To the next question, "Well, do you know who did design it?", he replied, "No, someone at the Wurlitzer factory made up the specifications. Contrary to common belief, I did not specify that the organ was to have such ranks as the musette, the French horn, the Dul­ ciana and some of the other ranks that were included. These ranks, the entire stoplist as a matter of fact, would have been hard to improve upon. The final result was very satisfying to me. I en­ joyed playing the organ as it included the ranks I did specify as well as the many others that the factory put on the organ." "Well, Jesse," I asked, "did you ac­ Opus No. 2170, a French design console, was shipped to the Odeon (Paramount) Theatre in Man­ chester, England, on 7 /14/30. Clearly visible are the six stops added as a second row of tablets. tually design any of the Wurlitzer or­ The four black couplers were moved up from the bottom row, and the Vibraharp and Vibraharp gans?". His reply surprised me as well Dampers stops were an added feature on the later issues of the Style 270. december 1969 22 Opus# Style Theatre City Shipping Date (Ed. Note: The Publix #1 models 1123 SP-4M Capitol Detroit,'Mich. 8/4/25 are also known as the Style 270. Opus 1148 260-SP Palms State Detroit, Mich. 9/2/25 1262 260-4M Masonic Temple (Oriental) Chicago, Ill. 1/29/26 2120 shipped to Manchester, was 1267 2&0-4M Tower Chicago, Ill. 2/6/26 shipped as a standard .Style 270. Ac­ 1275 260-4M Belmont Chicago, Ill. 2/20/26 cording to Frank Hare of the English 1295 260-SP Congress Chicago, Ill. 3/18/26 publication, Theatre Organ Review, the 1305 260-4M Howard (renamed Norshore) Chicago, Ill. 3/29/26 specifications of this instrument were 1315 SP-4M Granada Chicago, Ill. 4/12/26 1538 260-4M Hippodrome New York, N. Y. 12/16/26 changed at the request of the organist (not installed - shipped elsewhere) Charles Saxby about 1947 or '48. At 1783 SP-4M Alabama Birmingham, Alo. 11/11/27 that time, the Solo Vox Humana was 1819 270 Paramount Seattle, Wash. 12/23/27 replaced by an English horn built by 1831 270 Publix Portlond,Ore. 1/25/28 1848 270 Minnesota Minneapolis, Minn. 2/24/28 the English pipemaker, F. J. Rogers, 1930 270 Publix Knoxville, Tenn. 8/11/28 Ltd. The necessary change in the stop 1931 270 Empire Cinema London, England 8/11/28 tablet thus desired resulted in the re­ 1987 270 State Melbourne, Australia 10/31/28 moval of all of the stop tablets which 1988 270 Czestochowa No. Tonowonda, N. Y. 10/31/28 2005 270--SP State Sydney, Australia 12/17/28 were ground down and re-engraved. 2006 270 Publix Toledo, Ohio 12/18/28 Thus the very non-standard appearance 2009 270 Regent Melbourne, Australia 12/22/28 of the console.) 2120 270 Paramount Manchester, England 7/14/30 2122 270 Paramovnt Denver, Colo. 7/23/30 The Oriental Theatre organ #1262, 2125 270 Palace Dallas, Texas 8/16/30 Chicago, Illinois, which was shipped on 2139 270 Elephant & Castle London, England 10/11/30 2164 270 Paramount Oakland, Calif. 7/28/31 1/ 29 / 26 and built to this specification, was probably one of the first ornate consoles built by the Wurlitzer Com­ pany. It appears to be a scroll console, but has the dashboard type illumina­ tion. As so often seems to be the case with Wurlitzer specifications, not all of these organs followed the original 20 ranks design. Some had 21 ranks, and others had various changes in speci­ fication. Many of the elaborate French, Roman, Modernistic and other specially designed consoles were supplied with these organs. .A.lthough there are no records available to substantiate the in­ formation, it is reliably reported that these "$100,000 Mighty Wurlitzers" sold on a special contractual arrange­ ment for far less than the reported $50,000 retail price for a Style 270 in 1927. Abrogation was attempted by several of the theatres on the contracts for the last few organs delivered in the United States, due to the introduction of the "talkies", but all contracted for were delivered. The specifications were strangely different on the various Opus numbers , some having Tibia Twelfths and Tibia Piccolos (2'), others without this uni­ fication. So far as is known, all of them omitted the Oboe Horn and Quintadena from tl1.e Great manual, but included it on the Solo. Some of the last built included the Chrysoglott Vibraharp and Dampers attachments, with six short stops added on a second row above the usual straight single bol­ ster front board that prevailed on the others. Most included 10 pistons for each manual with ten for the pedal stops located under the Accompaniment keys to the left of the manual pistons. Second touch was included to provide Master Pistons and Pedal Masters. An early Crawford Special is Opus No. 1783, shipped from the factory 11/11/27, to the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham. It's a French console design with a Moroccan motif. The organist is There were usually two chambers, Stan MalloHe. with some percussions located in un-

23 theatre organ bombarde SPECIFICATIONS O F PUBLIX #1 WURLITZER SH O W I NG ULTIMATE STAN0ARD STOPS

CHAMBER MANUALS & PITCH :)F STOPS DRAWN SOLO-25 No. of PEDAL - 23 - lP ACCOMP-39-13S-l P GREAT-54 - 4S-1P BOMBARDE-26-3S COMPASS PRES. 10 MAIN PIPES 10 Pistons 10 P i stons 10 P i stons 10 Pistons Pistons

Tuba H orn 16 1 - 4' 85 15 11 16, 8, 16 P 8 8s 16,8 16s 16,8,4 16s,8s 8 Di aphoni c D iapason 16 ' - 4' 85 15 11 16,8 8 8s 16,8 16,8 8 Tibia Clausa 8 1 -4' 73 15 11 8,4 8s,4s* 16,8,4 8s 16,8,4 8 Solo String 8' 61 10 11 8 16,8 8s* 8 8 8 Viol D 1 Orchestre 8 1 -4' 73 10 11 one stop (8) 8,4 8,4,2 8 Viol Celeste 8 1 -4 1 73 10 11 (8) 8,4 8,4 8 Clarinet 8' 61 l 0" 8 8 16,8 8 Bourdon-Flute 16 1 -2 I 97 10 " 16,8,4 8,4,2-2/3,2 8, 4, 2-2/3, 2, 1-3 /5 8 Dulciana 8 ' 61 10 " 8 8 Vox Hum a n a 8' 61 6" 8,4 16,8,4 8

Chrysoglott-Vibraharp 49 X X X

SOLO

Tuba Mi rabilis 8 1 - 4 ' 73 15 11 8 8s 8 16,8,4 8 Brass Trumpet 8' 61 10 " 8 8 8 1 11 Tibia Clausa 16 -2 I 97 15 16,8 8, 4 8s,4 s * 16,8 , 4,2-2/3,2 8s 16,8,4 8s 8,4 Oboe Horn 8 ' 61 10 11 8 8 Solo String 8 ' 61 10 11 8 8 s 1~ 16,8 8 8 Orchestral Oboe 8' 61 10 " 8 8 Klnura 8' 61 10 " 8 8 Brass Saxophone 8' 61 10 " 8 8 8 s 16,8 8 Quintadena 8 ' 61 10 " 8 16,8,4 8 Vox Humana 8' 61 611 8,4 8 Xylophone 37 XS X X Glockenspiel 37 XS X X X Bells-riet Glock X X Chimes 25 XS X X Marimba 49 X X X HARP X X Master Xylophone 37 X X Piano 85 16 8 16,8,4 8 Sleigh Bells 25 X

COUPLERS AS, GS, S8 A4,S8 S8s,S8p G 16, G4, S8 S8s,S8p Gl6,G8,S8

Bass Drum X Kettle Drum X Crash Cymbal X Cymbal X Triangle X S Mandolin X Snare Drum X X X Tambourine X Castenets X Chinese Block X Tom Tom X Sand B lock X

TREMIJLO-9 Main Vibraharp Right levers for: Thunder Solo Chrysoglott Damper Grand Pere. Crash Tibia Clausa(S) Grand Reed Sforzando Vox Humana 3 swell pedals Gr a nd C ymbal Crash Tuba Sound Ef~cts Buttons s - Second Touch Di.aphone & String 1 Crescendo Pedal Bird Whistle p - Pizzacato Touch Tuba Mirabilis Boat Whistle Tibia Clausa 3 Swell Coupler Switches Fi.re Gong Trian g le 3 Swell Indicators Surf

Total Pipes-1388, Notes 344 *Ensemble (2 Strin g s or Piccol o on 1 stop) enclosed positions in front of the cham­ bers, although this feature varied greatly in the various installations; some had all percussions enclosed. The Main Chamber contained -

16' - 4' Diaphonic Diapason (Wooden Diaphones 16' Octave) ...... 15" 16' - 4' Tuba Horn (Ophicleide) ...... 15" 8' - 4' Tibia Clausa (large scale) ...... 15" 8' Clarinet ...... 10" 8' Vox Humana ...... 6" 8' - 4' Vio I D'Ochestre ...... l O" 8' - 4' Viol Celeste ...... 10" 8' Solo String ...... 10" 8' Dulciana ...... 10" 16' - 2' Bourdon - Flute ...... l 0" In the Solo Chamber were planted - 8' - 4' Tuba Mirabilis ...... 15" 16' - 2' Tibia Clausa (large scale) ...... 15" 8' Vox Humana (2" Diameter Low C) ...... 10" 8' Kinura ...... 10" 8' Solo String ...... 10" 8' Orchestral Oboe ...... l O" 8' Oboe Horn ...... l O" 8' Quintadena ...... 10" 8' Brass Saxophone ...... 1O" 8' Brass Trumpet ...... 1O" The percussions almost always in­ cluded a Piano, Marimba , Master · Xylophone, standard Xylophone , Glock­ enspiel, Chrysoglott , Cathedral Chimes ( 24 note), and the usual toy shelf and traps. It is to be regretted that these "Craw­ (Above) Opus No. 2170, Manchester, England, ford Specials" had such limited use, due showing stop tablet layout. Note non-standard engraving on the stop tablets. to their relatively late arrival on the scene. They were produced over a short 6 year span, but happily some are still playing in theatres today. A few are (Right) Opus No. 2164, shipped to the Para­ installed in residences, one of the best mount Theatre in Oakland, California, on known being that in Reiny Delzer's 7 /28/31. The last Publix #7 built for a theatre in tire United States. A Modernistic console in Bismarck, North Dakota. Ornate , design, one of six known to have been built for tonally complete (English Horn ?) , three- and four-manual Wurlitzers. Pushbuttons large and prestigious , they were a credit on the left front plate control the elevator; those to the Wurlitzer name, proof of the on the right the turntable which rotated about Crawford artistry , and worthy of the 180°. theatre marquee 's largesse, "The $100,- 000 Mighty Wurlitzer" ! ! ! ! ! D

WESLEY B. TOURTELLOTTE from England in the first decade of the Tourtellotte was also born in Holyoke, century with her husband who was asso­ Mass., and played in both churches and ciated with Robert Hope-Jones. When the ({(o!)ing

25 theatre organ .bombarde nous Imperial where the 4/28 Warren ranks, so she should be a pushover for organ is still undergoing rehabilitation, an outstanding concert. Loew's (at Yonge & Queen) and the old Loew's Wintergarden above it, dusty, * * * intact and dormant since the late '20s With very little promotion, the Ken when the advent of "talkies" closed it. theatre in San Diego started a late sum­ Progress!!!! mer series of silent movies-with-organ * * * shows, with veteran silent film organist Journalist Lyle Nash, author of our Chauncey Haines at the console. Haines HOLLYWOOD CAVALCADE feature, has had considerable success presenting reminds us that the column in this issue silent film shows on college campuses, is the twenty-fifth in the popular series. notably UCLA. The roster of films con­ Lyle, who is a working journalist in­ sisted of rarely viewed treasures such volved in both the daily printed word as Buster Keaton's "Steamboat Bill", and radio, reports a rising influx of Harold Lloyd in "Never Weaken", mail concerning the silent film stars he Douglas Fairbanks in "Wild and writes about for us. It comes from all Wooley" and Harry Langdon in "The over. For example, Wisconsin, New Strong Man." A mpst promising series, Readers ore encouraged to submit inter­ York, Nevada, Washington, Ohio, Mas­ yet it folded after a few programs. esting sidelights on the organ hobby (ex­ sachusetts, Maine and Canada. Why? Several factors probably con­ clusive of chapter news items), material tributed: wrong time of year, incwiequate they believe will be of general interest * * * promotion, lack of the drawing power about local organ adivities and installa­ Like most pipe enthusiasts he had of a pipe organ (they used a 2-1 plug­ tions and the people who work at the always wanted his own windjammer. in). Whatever the reason, it wasn't hobby. We know "there's VOX POPS in them there chapters" and it only requires He spent many years of his youth Haines' fault. He's remembered as one a 5c postcard to get it to The BOMBARDE, taking good care of other people's of the best of film cuers. Box 5013 Bendix Station, North Holly­ pipes, but that was no substitute for * * * wood, Calif. 91605. owning one's own. The longing just wouldn't go away; he kept track of In Santa Fe, New Mexico, organ every possible "candidate" and he knew buff Ollie Betancourt thought it worth Dave Vuckson reports from Toronto of some which no one else seemed a try - just for the gag. He went to his that the Loew's theatres there (2 walk­ aware of in the Los Angeles area. Being favorite 31-flavor ice cream store and ins and a drive-in) were sold last sum­ a sharp pipe sleuth finally paid off for made a proposal: why not merchandise mer to 20th Century theatres for $2,- Mike Cahill. Several years ago he got a five-flavor cone named "Quintadena?" 300,000. Both walk-ins are long organ­ wind of a 7-rank Wurlitzer in a Temple The word has a nice ring and besides less and one has undergone an identity­ City (Calif.) Mormon church and ar­ "quint" means five. He wasn't prepared erasing facelift. Loew's 2,200-seat Up­ ranged a stakeout with a member of for the favorable response. The man­ town, long regarded as one of Canada's the congregation to warn him of any ager liked it immediately, and he knew cinema palaces, closed on Labor Day. developments concerning the organ. It why; his name is "Quintana." Ollie left When it reopfnS around Christmas time happened in October. Mike was in­ the manager figuring out which five it will be four theatres - 900, 600, 400 formed that there were plans to replace flavors would make the best blend. He and 180 seaters, respectively. The pres­ the pipes with an Allen plug-in. So didn't have the heart to tell him that a ent balcony now comprises the 900 seat Mike scooped up his life savings and Quintadena is an organ stop, and not auditorium and the 400 and 600 seat made for Temple City. The tariff wasn't an ice cream store manager. art houses occupy the main floor. The as stiff as he had expected and by now backstage area is the 180-seater. the instrument has been removed and * * * * * * put in storage. Next Mike had to face Organists visiting the USA are usually up to the problems which confront all quite adept at plugging their record­ buffs who choose to wrestle with such ings. Vic Hammett's appeal to an an unwieldly monster. "Now that I've American audience attending one of his got it, where the dickens am I going to "enroute to Australia" concerts was install it?" wailed a happy Mike Cahill. "Buy my record on the way out or I go to Australia as freight!" Homegrown * * * talent is no less adept. Years ago John In Plattsburg, New York, Dick Weber Seng with tears in his eyes, begged a was already planning for the April 25th West Coast audience, "Please - please 1970 concert, the first full concert to buy my record - so my mother can be scheduled in his Strand theatre since quit her paper route!" John basked in the organ was finished ( although the the resulting publicity for several years organ has been included in many shows - until his mother spilled the beans. given in the house). He wants the spring Mrs. Seng turned out to be anything Colin Corbett takes a bow. He plays one ol the concert to climax his 1969-70 series of but the "paper route" type but she most recently-built theatre organs. Hilgreen-Lane special stage and screen shows and his stated, with a twinkle in her eye, that built it lor the Toronto Odeon-Carlton Theatre silent films with organ, so he is starting "John never mentioned that I have a opening in 1949. Photo by Dave Vuckson early. One of the earliest things he did helper. His grandmother holds the bag was to hire Billy N alle to play the con­ while I toss 'em." Recent visitor Tony Toronto has some theatres left - the cert. So, the "Casa Cielo Kid" will once Fenelon took another approach to hawk Odeon-Carlton with its 3/ 19 Hilgreen­ again fondle "Winifred the Wurlitzer." his platters: "The extra 86 cents is for Lane organ played (on a reduced sched­ On two occasions Billy has extracted import t.ax. Be patriotic. Support your ule of late) by Colin Corbett, the caver- fine record albums from her now 25 country! Buy my record!"

december 1969 26 Probably the most elevation enjoyed the top manual is a Solo manual of 56 South Florida Chapter, after much by a console on a lift was until recently keys! This keyboard has a set of 10 needling by Old Prospector, Lloyd E. in the Auckland (New Zealand) Civic one-at-a-time solo percussions and the Klos. theatre. The 3/ 17 Wurlitzer console middle manual may be coupled up to * * * rode an elevator which shot it upward it. However, the thing which hits the The ex-Keith's 3/ 11 Wurlitzer from from the pit 37.5 feet, according to seasoned organ buff immediately is the Syracuse, was a big feature at the New ship's officer Matt Matthews who helped resemblance of that newly styled con­ York State Fair during August. Ac­ maintain it until the owner sold the sole to a three-manual Robert Morton cording to Paul Fleming, there were Wurli to a hobbyist who has since re­ keydesk with its deep horseshoe. The capacity shows, twice a night to see moved it. Matt, whose ship sometimes plug-in boys are catching on - slowly. silent movies with organ accompani­ touches West Coast ports on days when But they are getting there! ment by Carleton James and John there are pipe concerts ashore, was Harris. Sing-alongs wound up each deeply and favorably impressed by Don * * * program, and audiences were most en­ Baker's performance at the Los Angeles However it wasn't the new spinet thusiastic. The organ was also featured Wiltern recently. But we forgot to ask which made the pipe organ fans do an in September when Commissioner of him whether the hobbyist also took the aural double take. During the program Agriculture and Markets from the 50 37.5-foot organ lift when he cleaned an entirely different sound was heard states were guests. out the Civic's chambers. from offstage. The tune was Eddie According to Paul Fleming, a slave Dunstedter's theme "Open Your Eyes," console, formerly a part of Link organ A correspondent recalls organ solos played the way only he can play it. No. 646, is now being installed. Charlie and sing-alongs played by an Orville Eddie was playing an experimental Schubert and Tom Anderson are assist­ Jones at the Granada theatre in South model, a prototype with switches where ing Paul in this task, and though no ad­ Bend, Indiana, and wants to know where there should be stop keys, wires twisted ditional pipe ranks are being planned, he is today. Perhaps a South Bender together and generally rough looking an upright converted player piano, can supply some info on Mr. Jones to the eye. But to the ear it was a thing donated by Dr. Warren Heller of Og­ and the Granada. of beauty. Never before, said many densburg, will be added shortly. present, had they heard a more pipelike Tibia sound. The effect has been de­ * * * veloped by Thomas engineer Lee Sund­ Dick Kline, Jr., former ATOE di­ strom and you can bet the now thor­ rector, reports from his Frederick, oughly pipe-oriented Thomas crew will Maryland home that he has 24 of 28 incorporate it in coming models at the ranks of his big Wurlitzer playing. Says first opportunity, even though that may "it's a pretty good sound". Dick is for­ be a couple of years away. Meanwhile, tunate in that the power line of the the "Robert Morton" - style Trianon former Hagerstown & Frederick inter­ could fill the gap. urban railway runs through the back lot, and he merely had to tap it for * * * his electric power. In a recent column in one of the Boston papers, columnist Jim Morse * * * had a kind word for ex-Boston theatre Remember a few issues back when organist John Kiley. He said, "Of all we left organist Dick Schrumm "speech­ the organists I've heard at sporting less" in the Posthorn department when events around the country ( either in the owners came to remove the loaned person or on TV), John Kiley does the pipes from the Seattle Paramount, while best job of all with the national Dick was involved with a record? The anthem." big W urli remains without a Post horn * * * and with such a solid exponent of the Posthorn as John Seng signed for a Clea/an Blakely, Canada's No. 1 Chapter concert, things looked des­ theatre organ enthusiast, recently visited perate. Luckily, member Jim Coons The Thomas "Trianon" - "a Robert Morton the John Hays Hammond Museum in came to the rescue with the loan of spinet with transistors!" Gloucester, Mass., and while he didn't an exact replacement set of pipes which hear the famous organ because of the On October 3rd, the Thomas Organ came from the old Seattle Coliseum castle's being used for Otto Preminger's Company unveiled its new 3-manual theatre. The rank added some addi­ filming of "Tell Me That You Love spinet in an "open house" at their tional bite to the first midnight concert Me, Junie Moon," Clealan did pick up Sepulveda, Calif., factory. The program a schedule of events for the remainder at the Paramount in years. featured a wide range of organists of the year. For three days in Septem­ (Eddie Dunstedter, Byron Melcher, * * * ber, Lee Erwin was scheduled for Ralph Wolf and Bill McCoy). The new Dick Schrumm may be subjected to "Movies of the Silent Era" with model plug-in is definitely a step in the some "before and after" treatment with Rudolph Valentino. Another straight right direction - toward theatre organ regard to coming record releases. Con­ organ stronghold success! ully assaulted styling, that is, to some extent in tonal­ cert Recording is interested in releasing by a theatre organis1! ity but especially in the design of the the recording of Dick's long ago concert console. One of the weaknesses of the * * * on the 5th Avenue (Seattle) 4/15 Mor- current batch of horseshoe electronics And yet another former theatre or­ . ton before it was moved south to be­ is the shallow horseshoe featured on ganist has joined the ranks of the come the main attraction at Sacra­ most brands. Not so the new "Trianon ATOS. Eddie May, well-known con­ mento's Carl Greer Inn. Now Carl 606"; it's a very deep horseshoe, well­ sole artist in Rochester during the Greer has told Dick that he can record filled with stop keys. There are the golden days, and now "Mr. Music of at the Inn for an "after removal" re­ usual staggered 44-note manuals but Miami Beach", recently joined the lease as a followup.

27 theatre organ bombarde Lyn Larsen's long-anticipated return . . . "No one in our cinema class could to Melbourne and the Dendy theatre name two unknowns who became stars Wurlitzer has materialized and he leaves in their first film. Can you?" The catch January 1 for 11 weeks of "down word is "stars." Well, there was KOKO, under" hospitality. the inkwell clown - Strongheart, and his successor, Rin-tin-tin - Donald * * * Duck - KING KONG. Hester Thorburn, former organist at Guess we'll have to ask readers for the Stanley Warner Ohio theatre in names of humans who rose to stardom Lima, Ohio, informs us that she's avail­ in one try. able for concerts, especially in the Illi­ nois area. Hester is a veteran of many • years experience in theatre, radio and IF YOU write to personalities care television. Contact her at 730 West of the Screen Actor's Guild, 7750 Sun­ High Street, Lima, Ohio 45801. set Blvd., Hollywood, Calif., 90046 , be sure to list your return address on your Directed by * * * Lyle W. Nash first class letter. Many letters (they get Late summer and fall were so loaded thousands each week) must be returned. with fine concerts that we can just • mention those which came to our at­ WHO IS WHERE - Mrs. Thomas tention briefly. August 9, Westcoaster CLOSEUP - Although his half cen­ H. Ince, widow of the famed silent era Ralph Wolf at the Detroit TOC 4/ 34 tury film career began in 1916, Edward producer, lives in Southern California Senate Wurlitzer; Sept. 23, Larry Fer­ (Jack) Earle is pleased that fans still . . . Kenneth Green, 61, one-time fat rari for DTOC Sept. 27, Eddie Weaver remember his work. Earle, 85 on July boy with film series "Rascals", died for the Rochester Theatre Organ So­ 16 last, lives at 261 East 18th St., Costa recently . . . People still ask where­ ciety (4/22 Wurli); Also Sept. 27, Mesa, Calif., 92626. He began his abouts of Greta Nissen ... Remember Lowell Ayars playing the 3/ 11 Wurlit­ screen work at Edison with Marc Butterfly McQueen as "Prissy" in zer of the Empire State Theatre and MacDermott. In 1924 he scored with a "Gone With the Wind?" She lives at Musical Instrument Museum, Syracuse, big role in Universal's "Jack and the 241 Central Park North, New York , N. Y.; October 4, Tony Fenelon plays Beanstalk." When he made 25 of the N . Y. for DTOC. He played concert pipes 0. Henry stories into films he was a • also for the Seattle and Los Angeles great favorite. Agnes Ayres played with SILENT era film critics were less chapters and for the Hoosier theatre, him in that series. Then for nearly 40 caustic than today but they did blast Whiting, Indiana; October 9, Larry years he appeared with every great the 1927 films like this: "The mystery Vannucci at the Pizza Joynt 3/ 12 Wurli cinema personality and worked for all is why the picture was produced . . . in Hayward, Calif.; October 12, Dennis the studios. You'll be bored to death ... It will James at the New York Beacon theatre • excite only the very naive ... An un- 4/ 19 Wurlitzer (ATOS); October 14, "SPENCER TRACY" by Larry interesting dish . . . A weepy story for Billy Nalle plays an AGO-sponsored Swindell (World) is best biography on soft-minded adults . . . If you can concert at the Canton Palace theatre a film character in years. Superb re­ believe this, you can swallow anything (3/9 Ki/gen); October 14, Gaylord Car­ search, good index of 74 films covering ... Not as bad as most ... One of the ter plays the 3/ 10 Barton in Detroit's 37 years and keen perception of the dullest pictures of the year ... Just as Redford theatre (ATOS); October 17, man make it choice reading. bad as it sounds ... Forget that such Eddie Weaver at the New Haven, a thing as this was ever produced . . . Conn., Paramount 3/ 10 Wurlitzer; • REELING AROUND - Lillian Gish Not so much ... Stay away .. . Blah." October 21, Gaylord Carter plays the told us last month that she is pleased • Tower theatre 4/ 17 Wurlitzer , Phila­ and surprised to see so many young AMATEUR researchers are some- delphia; October 22, Lyn Larsen at the people ( 18-34) turn out for her silent times better than the pro people. A 3/ 11 Wurlitzer in the Riviera theatre , film lecture series ... The Otto Krugers labor of love can outshine the lure of No. Tonawanda, N. Y. (ATOS); Oc­ celebrated 50 years of togetherness last the fast buck. In Los Angeles the Rev. H. K. Rasbach has spent nearly 20 tober 25, Lyn Larsen plays the Detroit month proving that Hollywood mar­ years researching and interviewing Senate Wurlitzer for DTOC; October riages can and do endure . . . Singer every living person connected with 26, "Oktoberfest" for the ESTMIM Mel Torme is reported as owning group in Syracuse (3/ 11 Wurli); Nov. prints of "Wings" and "Hell's Angels. " Cecil B. DeMille's 1927 "King of 5, Dick Smith at the Hoosier theatre Kings." His findings total 20,000 words . 3/ 11 Wurli in Whiting, Ind.; Nov . 9, • Plans for a book are unknown. Lyn Larsen at the Old Town Theatre A READER wants to know if any- • (Coffman & Field 4/ 24 Wurli) for LA one out there remembers actor Malcolm SAUL Kula of the American Film Chapter ATOS; Also Nov. 9, Jerry Sabiston? Please advise us if you do. Institute reports that the 1926 Para­ Mendelson at the Rahway theatre Wur­ • mount epic, "The Vanishing Ameri­ litzer (Rahway, New Jersey); Nov. 22, QUESTIONS & ANSWERS-"Jackie can," has been given a new lease on Ashley Miller for DTOC; Nov. 22, Coogan told newswriters his footprints life because a perfectly preserved print John Seng at the Seattle Paramount at Grauman's Chinese have vanished. has been found. Expect to see the (ATOS); Dec. 9, Ashley Miller at the Is this true?" Coogan is not listed Richard Dix film in the years to come. 4/ 20 Wurli in the Oriental theatre, among 159 names in the official sou­ • Chicago (ATOS). During this entire venir book. Historians report much QUESTIONS, comments, contribu- period, Shirley Hannum played almost trouble with the concrete slabs over the tions and corrections are welcomed to daily intermissions on the 3 I 8 Kimball years and some prints might have been P. 0. Box 113, Pasadena, California, in the Lansdowne theatre, Lansdowne, lost. I've looked over the prints many 91102. And SEASONS' GREETINGS Penna. times and never found any for Coogan to all.

december 1969 28 His first side is played on Dick here he's given the task of playing Weber's 4/22 mostly Wurlitzer in the many tunes suited to theatre organ on Plattsburgh (N. Y.) Strand theatre. Billy instruments designed for classical organ can either "play it straight" (as written) literature e.g. "Serenade" by Romberg, or arrange it "Nalle style." His initial and "Love Sends a Little Gift of selection is an almost pedantic "Kam­ Roses." Luckily such mismatches are menoi Ostrow" (as written) which, few and Purvis sticks to opera choruses nevertheless, echoes the beauties of na­ and marches which come through with ture as composer Rubenstein intended. the magnificence a big concert organ Next comes "Only· a Rose" and it has can supply. Thus Victor Herbert's more of the Nalle touch. But it's the "March of the Toys" and "Grand third tune which gives Billy's puckish March" from "Aida" are thrillers, while musical impudence an opportunity to "Musetta's Waltz" (Puccini) and "My assert itself - "Parade of the Wooden Heart at Thy Sweet Voice" cry for Soldiers." Partly due to good registra­ theatre organ registration. tion, partly because of the pixie varia­ tions, it's the best "Parade" since Eddie On side 2 much the same condition Dunstedter's thundered out of Minne­ exists. Wagner is a composer who revels sota 40 years ago. With "Che Gelida in the big brass sound. He is repre­ Manina" Billy illustrates how well­ sented by the "Bridal Chorus" and Manufacturers, distributors or individ­ adapted opera music is for theatre or­ "Overture to Act III" (both from uals sponsoring or merchandising theatre gan presentation. He takes no liberties "Lohengrin") and "Prize Song" from pipe organ records are encouraged to with Puccini; just lets the original music "Meistersinger," all played with good send pressings to the Record Reviewer, sound out with satisfying results. But effect. The "Prize Song" introduces in­ Box 5013, Bendix Station, No. Hollywood, he seems much more at home embel­ teresting solo reeds. This side is played Calif. 91605. Be sure to include pur­ on the 101-rank Aeolian-Skinner in chasing information, if applicable. lishing Irving Berlin's "Always" with what are perhaps best described as Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, and "Nallisms." He's at home in Vienna, has some almost theatrical stops which too.· His "Emperor's Waltz" has that Purvis puts to good use for "Clair de THE ORGAN PLAYS GOLDEN flair of Austrian emotion in tempo and Lune" and "Goin Home" (Dvorak), FAVORITES, released as a 4-record changes of tempo which distinguish especially solo reeds. "Monastery Gar­ set by Reader's Digest, Pleasantville, the Vienna Philharmonic or Seppl's den" also comes off well with straight New York. $7.88 monaural, $8.88 Biergarten trio versions from the often organ registration. stereo, by mail only. monochrome "boom trap-trap" applied Richard Purvis turns in a flawless In the October column we discussed to Strauss elsewhere. performance on both instruments and two of the records of this set, the ones While we flip to side 2, Billy ske­ if there is any preference, ours perhaps played by Dick Leibert and Paul Mick­ daddles from Plattsburgh to Detroit and leans toward the Grace Cathedral side. elson. Now its on to Billy Nalle and the DTOC 4/ 34 Wurlitzer, playing Purvis seems more at ease on his home­ Richard Purvis. The entire set was "Jalousie" for a starter, easily the most ground organ (with its new horseshoe recorded expertly by RCA Victor and imaginative since George Wright's 13 console). We only wish he had some of the only serious technical flaws were a years ago. It's back to Vienna for a the voices necessary to register the sen­ couple of slightly off-center pressings go at Fritz Kreisler's "The Old Re­ timental tunes. But this amounts to in our review copies. RD assures us frain," a love song embellished with a minor carping about a magnificent set that pressings which "wow" are return­ few Nallisms. There is much embellish­ of records. The price is right, too. able. ment heard during "Blue Tango." Billy * * * was having great musical fun and he TONY! Tony Fenelon at the Dendy shares it with his listeners. He brings theatre (Melbourne, Australia) 3/ 15 out what might be termed "inspira­ Wurlitzer. Festival label. Available in tional" qualities in the Youmans ballad, stereo (SFL-933-500) (mono on special "Through the Years" which he makes order, FL-33-500) at $5.85 postpaid soar. Billy adds an Irish touch to "Lon­ from Tony Fenelon in America, 3633 donderry Air," for his own well-regis­ Colegrove, suite 25, San Mateo, Calif. tered arrangement, and closes with a very Crawford-like "My Hero" which Tony Fenelon, the young Australian eventually resolves into pure Nalle. who swept across the USA in a flurry of concerts which caused US orgophiles Both instruments used have a capti­ to love Australia as never before, is vating sound and Billy Nalle manages presented here with all the personality to get great variety from each. Pedal and exhuberance which marked his con­ work is especially interesting. The centrated month-long October US tour. selections offer a wide variety of music types anc;! Billy masters them all with Tony starts his recording with an apparent ease. A-plus for Billy! unfortunate "Mrs. Robinson" during Billy which he uses the same bugle calls for Now to Richard Purvis and the punctuation over and over. Boredom. We aren't going into a biography of Aeolian-Skinner organ in Symphony Once that is over, the recording is sheer Billy Nalle. As one of the most per­ Hall, Boston. George Wright calls him delight. The Dendy Wurlitzer sounds sistent and successful battlers for recog­ "a swingin' cat," and indeed he did amazingly like the Bob Carson studio nition of the theatre organ, he needs start his playing career broadcasting on organ and many of Tony's combina­ no introduction. a theatre organ as "Don Irving." But tions have the crisp quality of those

29 theatre orgon bombarde used by Lyn Larsen on the studio as the fadeout comes. "I Feel Pretty" it follows bell and pipe arpeggios, work­ organ, especially the reed mixes . gets about the same treatment and ing its way up to a final, crunching Tony's second tune is a soporific registration. We'll skip any comment on chord. "Spanish Eyes" followed by an ener­ "Lara's Theme" (only because it's been "Zo Vot's Gnu?" is done up in "rick­ getic "Sabre Dance." There are over­ done to death). "I'll Wait For You" ety-tick" style on piano and Stringed tones of Widor's 5th Symphony "Toc­ features the bells, then full organ. He Oboe , while a mercifully obscure horn cata" in the intro to his treatment of gives "Impossible Dream" the full provides second touch counteroffensive. the "Big Country" theme and "Quando treatment, too. Martha's rocky piano-thumping tech­ Quando" is indicative of the elfish im­ nique is reminiscent of a willingly for­ pudence which often characterizes gotten bad dream. Portions of "Nola" Tony's approach to fast pops. The Vox _A.£0o/ YnlereJf are thrown into the verse to counteract gets a sentimental workout during "Un­ The following review was sub­ the melody and, after some more bird chained Melody" with a mellow Tibia mitted furtively - and we think and klaxon accents during the bridge, taking over later. we know why. she romps through the second chorus in Side 2 includes a cleanly played "MARTHA!" Martha Lake playing a thwarted attempt at dazzling digital "Cumbanchero" with lots of combo her favorites at the console of a thea­ dexterity. The cymbal, introduced near changes, a non-Beatly approach to tre organ which had better remain the end , adds the final blow to this "Yesterday " (on Tibia-Vox mainly) , unidentified . RS 102, 45 rpm , stereo amazingly executed piece of "Roaring and "Flapperette" straight from the only. $1.50 postpaid from Relay Re­ 20's" legerdemain. corn-laden '20s , one of the best per­ cords , 8606 35th N.E. Seattle, Wash. "Climbin' Out of My Bed" is intro­ formances on the record. For the 98115. duced by untremmed heavy reeds in the "mods" Tony offers a lively "When Here, at last, is the inimitable Mar­ top and bottom registers, which slowly I'm 64" which manages also to sound tha Lake on record with her own ar­ give out to become Xylophone and an­ very "twentyish." Then a fast waltz rangements of two old standards and a aemically untremmed pipes pushing the entitled "Boom Bang a Bang," pre­ pair of more recent songs . This disc melody along over a triangle and chin­ sumably an Australian pop and , if so, deserves a place of honor somewhere ese block accompaniment. As she the only "down under" tune on the on the bottom shelf of every theatre stumbles into the chorus Martha first platter. Tony closes with a question - organ buff's record library. Although cancels and then reapplies the trems , "What Kind of Fool Am I?" Beauti­ it was cut at 45 rpm this reviewer finds as ranks pile up in a vain attempt to fully phrased and registered . that playing the record at 78 rpm gets overcome the "toys" in the background. Those who missed Tony in person it over with a lot faster. The smashing of glass is heard as Mar­ tha 's bifocals shatter on the floor after will enjoy hearing him on this record. The opener , "Martha's Theme ", also They might even like "Mrs . Robinson." sliding off the end of her nose. Unable known, I believe , as "Ah Superb!" , is to stop now , Martha blindly throws For insatiable Fenelon fans , three other launched upward with a lurching-out­ pipe organ records played by him are on the piano with pipes again untrem­ of-the-pit intro that would make any med , and then on goes the throb-motor available at the same source and price: veteran theatre organist's heart stop ; "Academy Award Songs" (reviewed in for the riffs. The last chorus ends with the auto horns, klaxons, and bird calls a straight organ "rollantando" punctu­ the December 1968 TOB), "With a interrupting the howling of the un­ Song in My Heart" and "Hymns of all ated by a punch of the "flush" piston , tremmed heavy reeds add a touch of whence the plumbing in the Solo loft Churches " on which he accompanies that playfulness for which Miss Lake a singer. washroom takes over for a bar. This is so infamous. The first chorus smacks authentic sound is augmented by a * * * of an old Wurlitzer Band Organ, with LARRY FERRARI AT THE MIGHTY clever device called simply "soap dish ," the addition of an obnoxious solo reed which crashes onto a tiled surface for WURLITZER (Detroit DTOC Senate to aggravate the subtle dissonances of 4/ 34 Wurli). Sure label, No. 706 a "crockery-smash" effect. A final the accompaniment. There is an inter­ chord with cymbal crashes and chop­ (stereo). Available by mail from Sure esting misuse of piano and tambourine Record and Music Co. Box 94, Broo­ ping trems finishes off the disc. Com­ in the second chorus, which finishes pletely. mall, Penn. 19008. Price not furnished. with cymbal accents and a final arpeg­ We had heard much about Larry gio on hardware over untremmed reeds A great deal of relaxation is obvious Ferrari (especially from his fan club) to stagger the imagination. in this record. Miss Lake's loose, almost and this recording does much to explain The faltering gaiety of the first piece disjointed playing style, points to years his Eastern boosters' enthusiasm. Larry is followed by a thing called "Satisfac­ of organ lessons she didn't waste time starts with a peppy "Those Were the tion," which is fascinating. With bell taking , and of the hours of practice Days" and follows with a blockbusting and chime accents only too audible, the before taping which she deemed un­ march, the "Repasz Band" with full famed "Abyssinian Stringed Oboe" necessary. Listening to the characteris­ brass, bells and traps. A toe-tapper. drags the melody unwillingly through tic sound and recorded quality of the This is followed by a slow-starting the first chorus. The dissonant quality organ leads one to think wistfully of "Climb Every Mountain" which builds of this rare and beautiful instrument the hours that could have been spent in tempo and volume as it progresses. comes across so effectively that at times, tuning and voicing the pipes. The cum­ Continuing his up-beat trend Larry it would seem to the untrained ear that bersome pulse of the untamed tremu­ gives out with a fast moving "Dear the melody and accompaniment are lants is a tribute to the unerring lack World" then to a rhythmic "On a Clear actually being played in entirely differ­ of diligence on the part of technicians Day," a study in correct Posthorn punc­ ent keys! A quiet bridge into the second who refused to tamper with the organ's tuation. Even Larry's ballad treatment chorus is enhanced by a jab at the "natural" sounds. of "Who Can I Turn To?" develops a "cough" piston, an interesting effect not Summary: A must for every theatre beat in spots. found on many organs. In the last few organ buff who thinks he has heard "If I Were A Rich Man" features a bars full organ is detonated and the everything. conversation between Posthorn and bellowing of the pipes almost succeeds - J. Geoffrey F. Paterson Bells, then the Posthorn talks to itself in drowning out the Stringed Oboe as (Guest Reviewer)

december 1969 30 post-Convention afterglow at Radio $24 Triple Adult, $28 Quadruple Adult; Letterfrom New York City Music Hall with more opportuni­ kids under 1ft. free) and those rates are ties to hear the twin-console 4/ 58 in effect for your entire New York Dear A.T.O.S. Member: Music Hall Wurlitzer and the Music visit, either immediately before or im­ Many of you have kindly and con­ Hall's famous studio recording instru­ mediately after Convention week. siderately made known to us, through ment, the Plaza Sound 3-Manual Wur­ Second, we are adopting, wherever we the A.T.O.S. National Office or through litzer. The Convention program will can, a plan for single-event registration the Officers and Directors of the New offer you a very full but, we hope, a so that you can, if you choose, attend York Chapter, your suggestions for very relaxed week of unparalleled en­ part of the Convention without having and your concerns about the plans for joyment for you and your family. to pay for the whole package. Third, the Fabulous Fifteenth A.T.O.S. Con­ Several A.T.O.S. members have asked wherever possible, we expect to have vention in New York, July 11-17, 1970. for a shorter convention, mainly be­ "family plans" for Convention events. We deeply appreciate these communi­ cause of the widespread impression Fourth, our Hospitality and Courtesy cations because all our Convention that "everything is so expensive" in Committee, assisted by those of us who planners and workers want this very New York. We have spent considerable live in Manhattan, is preparing special special occasion to be a most enjoyable time looking into this question thor­ information for you on New York's and memorable experience for you. We oughly and we have concluded that the inexpensive restaurants, stores, and urge you to share your thoughts about wide variety of instruments, the severe services. Fifth, our Transportation Com­ the Convention with us by writing a limitations and restrictions on times mittee is working very hard to see that note to the address below. (If we get when the instruments can be available, you get the most inexpensive deal com­ an avalanche of letters, we may have and the very real need for "breathing ing here and returning home and getting to resort to form letters of acknowledge­ space" between events make it virtually around while you're here. ment, but we promise to give every impossible to operate on a shorter We want you to enjoy the Conven­ suggestion full consideration.) schedule. tion. We want you to enjoy New York This Convention will be one of the However, we are sincerely concerned as much as we who live here do. We longest in A.T.O.S. history. As plans for those who must attend the Conven­ pledge to you our most careful efforts now stand ( and they're always subject tion on limited budgets and we recog­ to make sure that your visit is carefree. to last-minute change) we will start nize our responsibility to make Con­ We'll see you in July - with glocken­ with big 4-manual Wurlitzer and Robert vention participation as inexpensive as spiels on! Morton concert programs on Saturday, possible. We have already taken some July 11; and we will end the formal - Claud Beckham Convention program with an unprece­ tangible steps toward meeting that re­ dented climax, Richard Leibert's Gala sponsibility. First, we have arranged 1970 A.T.O.S. Convention Midnight Concert at Radio City Music for unusually attractive rates at the Chairman Hall on Friday, July 17. On Sunday Convention Hotel, the Commodore 370 First Avenue, 6F morning, July 19, there will be a great ( $15 Single Adult, $20 Double Adult, New York, N. Y. 10010

Particularly outstanding in the pro­ "Sunny", and other recent popular EddieWeaver Returns gram were Eddie's musical comment, tunes; and a march sequence which "So, What's New?" which also included brought a full parade right across the "Aquarius", with a good pizzicato Paramount stage, including a bagpipe ToNew Haven Paramount Posthorn effect fingered on second band and a most realistic Ferko String touch, "Love Theme" from Romeo and Band complete with strumming banjos. by Al Miller Juliet played with the Glockenspeil and A French Medley ended with Eddie Chrysoglott against the Vox Humana, dancing the "Can-Can" on the pedals. Just mention theatre organ in New Haven, and someone will remember Eddie's cueing of the Laurel and Eddie Weaver. It is not surprising that Hardy silent, "Big Business" was most clever. This is the movie where the duo the name Eddie Weaver is synonymous attempt to sell Christmas Trees and with theatre organ and the New Haven wind up destroying a man's house while Paramount since Eddie rose to fame he demolishes their truck. Perhaps this between 1927 and 1937, always de­ movie is a bit too violent for today's lighting his audiences with his musical audiences, but we all laughed so hard showmanship. So it was in 1967, and it didn't really matter. The myriad so it was again on October 17, 1969. scenes of ringing doorbells were exactly cued, but even more realistic was a Eddie found that nothing had really perfectly executed "explosion" when changed except that the 2/10 Wurlit­ the truck finally blew up. zer, which had just been completely re­ As a finale, Eddie brought down the built prior to his last concert here (see house with his most patriotic produc­ Theatre Organ Bombarde, October tion of "America, The Beautiful". There 1967), had been augmented with an was no doubt that Eddie had recaptured English Post Horn. Eddie's artistry plus Eddie Weaver at the New Haven Paramount the hearts of his New Haven following 2/10 Wurlitzer. the catalysts of a responsive instrument and added many fans from a generation and a receptive audience simply added which had heard Eddie Weaver for the up to an outstanding show. first time. D

31 theatre organ bombarde division is utilized to fine advantage in WHITE broadcasts from the theatre's picturing the soldiers at sea and their studio on a 2-manual Kimball. thoughts of home. Aug. 1928 (D) A recent Wurlitzer July 1918 ( D) The diaphone in the shipment to a Calcutta, India theatre huge Wurlitzer in the St. Louis Exhibit is of interest. The 2-manual unit or­ Building, under proper atmospheric gan's wood pipes are of teak and ma­ conditions, is said to carry 50 miles. hogany to resist attacks of vermin. All Dec. 1922 (Met.) ALBERT HAY metal parts had to be plated to prevent MALOTTE, one of the masters of the rusting, and the leather of the pneu­ theatre organ, has returned to New matics and reservoirs had to be treated York from the Pacific Coast where he to resist insects. Spotted metal pipes played 7 years in theatres of Jensen & are used throughout. Von Horberg of Seattle. He will play the world's largest Wurlitzer in Shea's GOLD DUST: 4/18, Prof. FIRMEN Hippodrome in Buffalo. Two of Al's SWINNEN, GEORGE CROOK and recent compositions have been accepted ARTHUR DEPEW at the Rialto in by publisher Jack Mills: "Some Day New York .. . 6/18, HUMPHREY J. I'll Forget", a waltz; and "Jasmin STEWART gave 267 outdoor recitals Flower", an Oriental Fox Trot. last season at San Diego's Balboa Park . . . 7 / 18, Hilgreen Lane & Co. com­ Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos May 1923 (D) ·rnssE CRAWFORD pleted three large theatre organs re­ of the Chicago Theatre has released cently ... 11/18, EMILE IVRY at This being the holiday season again, two of his compositions for publication: the Rivoli, New York ... 5/19 RALPH Jason and I greet our readers with some "Birdie" and "In The Corner of the H. BRIGHAM at the Strand , New choice material from American Or­ World." MIL TON CHARLES of the York ... 8/22, L. BEAUMONT CON­ Tivoli has finished a new "cry" song. ganist (AO), Diapason (D), Jacobs (J) KEY at the Liberty in San Jose, Cal., and Metronome (Met.). May 1925 (D) PAUL H. FORSTER playing a new $50,000 Robert Morton Jan. 1915 (J) The Park Theatre in has been engaged for a year as organist . . . 11 / 22, STEPHEN C. BOISCLAIR Boston, a duplicate of New York's of the Empire Theatre in Syracuse. at the Morton in the Leland, Albany, Strand, has been completely remodeled. The organ is a new 3/ 10 Marr & Col­ N. Y. ... 1/23, LOUIS R. FLINT The management, which controls both ton, and the console is on an elevator. at the Warfield, San Francisco . . . houses, is responsible for the magnifi­ Solos and specialties will be featured by 4/ 23, HERBERT FOSTER SPRAGUE cent furnishings, beautiful decorations, Mr. Forster. at the 3-manual 36-stop Hilgreen Lane artistic ,lighting, a new $50,000 organ, May 1926 (J) DICK LEIBERT, with 15 traps and 20 couplers in the and a splendid orchestra, which make Palace Theatre organist in Washington, Place, San Antonio . . . 6/23, E. the house the most beautiful moving and director of the Sangamo Band , was CHOUTEAU LEGGE at the 3-manual picture in New England. WALTER E. recently operated on for acute appendi­ Kimball in Tulsa's Alhambra; FRAN­ YOUNG and ERNEST HARRISON citis and is on the road to recovery. CIS CRONIN at the Boston Capitol's are house organists. Many frat dances and proms are on Skinner; WILLIAM H. MEEDER at July 1915 (J) S. L. Rothapfel, man­ his list for spring, and his band of the Elizabeth, N. J. Regent; ROLLO F. aging director of the new Rialto Theatre lively young fellows is much in demand. MAITLAND at Philadelphia's Aldine; at 42nd Street and Broadway in New Oct. 1926 (J) JOHNNY DEVINE is GEORGE ALBERT BOUCHARD at York, announces he has placed under playing a 2-manual Wurlitzer at the Buffalo's Statler Hotel Wurlitzer; G. W. contract organist ALFRED G. ROBYN, Biograph Theatre, a neighborhood NEEDHAM at Ridgewood, N. J. Play­ who says the Rialto organ is the most house in Chicago. Formerly at the house; HERMAN F. SIEWART at the wonderful orchestral organ ever built Shakespeare, the diminutive organist is Beacham in Orlando, Fla .... 11/23, in this country. Both men have worked no midget in intellectual attainments. L. CARLOS MEIER at Des Moines' on the specifications. Jazz is no mystery to him; in fact, Capitol ... 1/ 32, MALCOLM THOM­ Sep. 1915 (D) Two organs in motion when playing a red hot tune, it is so SON in Philadelphia's Fox; EMIL VE­ picture theatres at East Orange, N. J. realistic, one almost expects to see the LAZCO was soloist December 14 with were ruined in a heavy storm recently. keys smoking under his nimble fingers. the Manhattan Symphony, playing his The instruments were housed in pits (It was outside the Biograph where jazz piano concerto ... 4/ 36, WWJ, and when the water rose, it covered Federal agents killed John Dillinger in Detroit installing a 3-manual Aeolian­ them. July 1934 after he had seen "Manhat­ Skinner with two consoles in its broad­ tan Melodrama" inside). cast studio ... 2/ 41, EDDIE BAKER, Oct. 1915 (D) H. P. Moller will in­ WHOM Staff Organist in New York, stall a 2-manual, 47-stop organ in the Dec. 1926 (AO) HENRY B. MUR­ TAGH has been transferred from New played the N ovachord at the annual new Strand Theatre in Providence, banquet of the Overseas Press Club. Rhode Island. (Note: Moller lists the York to Chicago by Publix. His family number of stop keys, not the sets of had joined him in New York only a This will do it until Jason and I re­ pipes. Therefore, the "47" means that few months ago. Such is the life of a turn in February with our annual many controls ( draw knobs or stop theatre organist. column, dedicated to the A TOE ladies. keys) on the console - Ed.) April 1927 (D) The Roxy Theatre in So long, sourdoughs! April 1918 (D) The enormous Wur­ New York opened on March 11, with - Lloyd & Jason litzer in the Denver City Auditorium 6,214 paying from $5.50 to $11 for was dedicated before 12,000 in two re­ tickets. The 3-console Kimball organ citals by CLARENCE REYNOLDS. was played by EMIL VELAZCO, C. A. ·1 FORTHE A.T.O.S. FANTASTIC, i His final military fantasy used bugle J. PARMENTIER and DEZSO VON FABULOUSFIFTEENTH, i calls, fife and drums, marching soldiers, D'ANTALFFY; the 3-manual rotunda and thunder and lightning. The echo Kimball by FRANK WHITE. LEW t,\,WWWWW,NEWW,Www,YOWW,RKWW,l~S W~H~ER~E l'"""T'S'"""A'"""T'~i

december 1969 32 sift.cation, being a monument to eclec­ tic orientalia. A notable feature is the WonderMorton tobe Restored filigree treatment of the walls and ceiling, illuminated from behind by changeable colored lights. The organ console is finished in tones of poly­ ForNew York Convention! chrome gold. First organist at Loew's 175th Street The four-manual, 23 rank "Wonder rect the restoration .is a happy one. was Lloyd "Wild Oscar" Hill who Morton" in the former Loew's 175th Schaeble owns a Wonder Morton him­ opened the house with "Radio Antics Street Theatre in New York is coming self, the instrument from Loew's Valen­ - An Organ and Song-Fest Novelty." back to life after a long snooze under cia, and knows the innards of the beast Present house organist for the United a concrete blanket. The good news was with the certainty of a surgeon. (The Christian Evangelistic Association is a announced at press time by Claud Schaeble Morton will be another Con­ New York Chapter Member Jimmy Beckham, New York Chapter's inde­ vention attraction, as will the instru­ Paulin. Jimmy is currently making-do fatigable Fabulous Fifteenth A.T.O.S. ment in Loew's Jersey, providing Con­ with a Hammond. "But," says he, Convention Chairman. ventioneers with a unique opportunity "just you wait until that Robert Morton to hear and compare the sounds of is going. Then you're really going to "The New York Theatre Organ So­ three of these great organs). Lee Er- see some action around here!" ciety has signed a contract to under­ take complete restoration of the organ," said Beckham, "with Peter Schaeble spearheading the technical end of the job and Lee Erwin as tonal and artistic consultant. The results have every rea­ son to be superb." The contract was signed with the United Christian Evangelistic Associa­ tion , Inc ., new owners of the theatre. Under the leadership of the Rev. Fred­ erick J. Eiderenkoetter, II , better known to nation-wide radio audiences as "Reverend Ike ," the magnificent theatre is being refurbished to serve not only as a place of worship but as a cultural center. Already the job of re-lamping the thousands of cove lights that make this one of the most spec­ tacular theatre auditoriums in the coun­ try is under way, and the concrete slab, which has covered the orchestra pit and console elevators for more than twenty years , has been removed. The theatre, which opened on Feb­ ruary 13, 1930, was the final link in the Loew 's chain of ·"Wonder Theatres" - the super-deluxe houses strategically placed around the New York metro­ politan are~ that included Loew 's Para­ dise in the Bronx, Loew 's Kings in Brooklyn, and Loew's Valencia in Queens, and Loew's Jersey in Jersey City. All had almost identical 23-rank Robert Morton organs with splendidly rococo consoles. The familiar appel­ lation, "Wonder Morton," was not dreamed up at the Robert Morton fac­ tory, but rather originated with the Home of the Robert Morton. "Wonder Theatre" designation of these five theatres. "The Kilgen Company win, whose recent Concert Recording, To which all Convention-bound or- had first dibs on the title," points out "Sounds of the Silents," is one of the gan buffs add a fervent "amen!" D Ben M. Hall, archivist of such trivia, great organ records in recent years, is "and had been turning out 'Kilgen a tonal perfectionist who also knows Wonder Organs' for some time. But how organs work - a rare quality in ToPEG NIELSEN andSTU GREEN these five Robert Mortons certainly de­ a performing professional. Happiest of Holidays served the name; they really were won­ In Greatest of Appreciation derful." The Theatre was designed by Thomas Lamb in one of his most flamboyant ROSE DIAMOND The choice of Peter Schaeble to di- moods. Architecturally it defies clas-

33 theatre organ bombarde TheatreOrgan In BILLYNALLE ENTERTAINS ENTHUSIASTICAGO/ATOE A Festivalof Arts CROWDATCANTON PALACE W. Robert Morrison, FAGO, ChM Immediate Past Dean by Craig Jaynes and Rufus Prentice Canton, Ohio A.G.O. The city of Canton, Ohio-indeed, the "The 19th Century development of entire northeast section of the state - the organ has been topped by the cin­ was pleasurably entertained by the first ema organ, a description of which will theatre organ concert in many years as certainly not be expected in a book Billy Nalle, aptly titled "The Wizard of dealing with music." - Harvard Dic­ Organ" brought the Palace Theatre's tionary of Music. 3/9 Kilgen out of the pit to the tune The venerable Apel notwithstanding, "Great Day." Canton , Ohio AGO embarked recently upon a course of action which caused And a great day it was for the spon­ considerable discussion in the Chapter, soring organizations, the Canton Chap­ much of which would have pleased the ters of both the AGO and the ATOS Harvard Dictionary's author. for their joint effort. Ever since the founding of the Can­ The calibre of "Miz Nalle's son's" ton Festival of Arts in 1958, a Fall playing and a near capacity crowd of event involving the Players Guild, Art over 1500 enthusiastic fans combined Institute, Symphony, Ballet, Civic Op­ to make the evening a towering success. era, Garden Center, and like organiza­ The concert undoubtedly did much to tions, the AGO has had a part with its It is a fact that interest in the pipe add to the credence of the theatre AGO Festival Choir, a select group organ has been stimulated through organ's artistic worth. Aside from the which has performed difficult or unusual electronic instruments. Persons who obvious progress that has been made sacred works such as Zimmermann have bought small organs for their and is yet to come with theatre organ "Psalmkonzert," Poulenc "Gloria," Du­ homes have wondered just what the in this country thru artistry such as was rufle "Requiem," Copland "In the Be­ pipe organ might have to offer. Just so displayed here, the Canton Palace is ginning," Milhaud "Two Cities" - in­ has interest in cast bells when stimulated a superbly maintained "Eberson-atmo­ deed, having given the Ohio premiere by electronic carillons. And so with the spheric" theatre, with scattered stars and of many of these. theatre organ, might it not just be that the warm glow of amber lanterns atop interest in the historic pipe organ be In later years, noted concert organ­ the garden walls. There has to be some­ stimulated by its cinema counterpart? ists have, under AGO sponsorship, thing extra special about one of "our" A young lady pupil of mine who appeared in the Arts Festival as a instruments being preserved in its origi­ heard the Palace Organ on a weekend second contribution by the AGO to nal elegant surroundings. A repeat is played by its restorer Steve Brown this cooperative event. being planned for next year. asked me how many speakers it had. It was my task last year as Dean to These youngsters have never heard of From the initial notes to the end of line up the artist for the new season a pipe organ in the theatre! the concert , Billy had the audience en­ when Jack Vogelgesang would be Dean. Apart from any musical question , thralled. The listener found himself sur­ Prof. Arthur Lindstrom of Mt. Union the very fact of the golden age of the rounded in true stereo, inherent in College and an Executive Committee cinema should be a part of one's his­ theatre organ. member suggested the name of Billy torical heritage, and this we Cantonians Probably of greatest interest to the Nalle, his Julliard roommate, as our proposed with Billy Nalle and the sponsoring Canton chapters of AGO artist. The newly formed Canton Chap­ Palace Theatre. ter of the American Theatre Organ The choice of the artist was propi­ Society under Craig Jaynes' chairman­ Billy Na/le at the 3/9 Kilgen in the Palace tious, combining the talents of a player Theatre in Canton, Ohio. ship volunteered assistance to the AGO already noted for his Atlanta AGO in this venture. concerts as well as numerous record But, it was argued, was not the and concert dates, and an excellent Guild devoted to the advancement of taste in programming with a flair for church music? How could the presenta­ improvisation upon whatever instru­ tion of a theatre organ concert under ment came to his fingers and feet. AGO sponsorship in a city-wide Arts It is just possible that the cause of Festival possibly advance church music? church music may be advanced too. Proponents of the theatre concert With the advent of jazz forms into declared that for too long the same worship and the perennial need for faithful people had given generous sums good improvisation upon the organ, as patrons to hear music which drew classical organists can learn from a fine little support from the public at large. example. Indeed, some of our AGO officers were With the N alle Theatre Organ .Con­ conspicuous by their lack of support. cert on Tuesday, October 14th, and the Something was needed to shake up the AGO Festival Choir on November 2nd, disinterested and promote general sup­ our Canton AGO contribution to the port of a worthy cause. Festival of Arts is complete for 1969.

december 1969 34 and ATOS were the Nalle arrangements Russia unfolds on the silver screen, and of "All the Things You Are" ala Bach in utter clarity and brilliance; the print and "Love and Marriage" in the Mozart is a good one. idiom. "Turn About Is Fair Play" was his comment about the way Martin The generation gap seems to close as Luther and the other early churchmen the entire audience falls under the spell had taken popular songs and turned of Valentino's magic, and Lee Erwin's them into great religious classics. He superb musicianship. The music en­ then played his transcription of the well­ hances the movie, and vice-versa. If you known hymn, "Now Thank We All Our think mixed media and stereophonic God" turning it into "The Grateful sound are something new, go to the Rock ." Virginia Theatre this week and see the original sound-light show. You won't Musically speaking, his counterpoint believe the picture was made 40 years was truly amazing. Repeatedly, just as ago. Those who have never seen "Mr. one thought he knew where the voice Sideburns" himself, Rudolph Valentino, was leading, the Nalle technique would in a full length movie, now have their go into an entirely different area. Equal­ chance. ly outstanding was his ability to impro­ President and First Lady, on tour of duty(?), vise and not the sterile type of musi­ pay surprise visit to lee Erwin's Silent Screen Those who saw him years ago can cality often heard at organ recitals. This show in Alexandria, Virginia. measure their memories against the concert was alive - musically, tonally The show opened Wednesday night well-preserved celluloid reality. The key and in an ever imaginable way. The for a one-week engagement and judging word among the buzzing audience as it Nalle charm was also much in evidence by the enthusiasm of the audience, they filed out of the theatre was 'fun." in his descriptive commentary between really liked it. The Film? A great classic This reviewer, with ears ever-alert to selections. from the silent era "The Eagle," star­ audience reaction, heard one lady say: Stylistically, Nalle is a master of ring Rudolph Valentino. The musical "It's something different, it's fun! I "jazz cantus firmus". His program accompaniment is a brand new score want my husband to see it and I want proved that no matter what style music composed especially for this film by my children to see it." is played, the uniting of so-called classic organist-composer Lee Erwin. He plays and jazz idioms can turn an evening his own score on the Virginia's giant There's a two-reel comedy and a into an artistic musical experience. Barton theatre pipe organ while the sing-along before the feature. All in all, story of love, jealousy and revenge dur­ it's a pleasant evening and a real treat. The management of the theatre and ing the reign of Catherine the Great of Don't miss it. D its owner also deserve a word of com­ mendation for their interest in main­ taining an organ such as this in the Canton area. The organ is a tremen­ Build this magnificent dous asset and, hopefully, should be used soon again by Billy Nalle and Schober Theatre others in the field of theatre organ. D 0 rg an for · ~.... = .;;;.:~::::,. _;:::;~~ LeeErwin Plays Ten '.", •~ ...... ---. only $1730 !* You couldn't touch an organ like this in a store for less than $3500-and there hasn't been a musical instrumentwith this ShowsAtAlexandria vast variety of genuineTheatre Organ voices since the days of the silent One evening during the Chicago con­ movies!Haunting tibias, biting strings, vention last summer Woody Wise and blaring reeds-the wholeA to Z gamut Lee Erwin discussed the idea of doing of realpipe soundsthat makethe sim­ a silent screen presentation on the plest playinga thrilling experienceand Grande Barton in the Virginia Theatre. give the professionalorganist every­ They decided that there was a potential thing he needs.If you've dreamedof audience for a show that could easily the grandeurof authenticbig-organ sound in run for seven days. "Includes finished walnut console . Amplifier, your own home,you won't find a moresatis­ speaker system, optional accessories extra. fying instrumentanywhere-kit or no kit. Only $1256 if you build your own console. The following review appeared in Yaucan learnto play it. Andyou can build it, the Alexandria Gazette on October 31: -.------~ from SchoberKits, world famousfor easeof The[jl~Organ Corp., Dept. T0-9 VALENTINO ENTRANCES LOCAL 43 West 61st Street, New York, N.Y. 10023 assemblywithout the slightest knowledgeDf MOVIE FANS IN SILENT MOVIE electronicsor music,for designand parts qual­ O Please send me Schober Organ Catalog and ity from the ground up, and-above all-for free 7-inch "sample" record. by Ted Creech the highestpraise from musicianseverywhere. O Enclosed please find $1.00 fo; 12-inch L.P. The Virginia Theatre has a hit show. record of Schober Organ music. Sendright nowfor your copyof the full-color Would you believe thunderous applause Schobercatalog, containing specifications of at the end of a movie? Would you be­ NAM.~------the five SchoberOrgan models, beginning at lieve a program of silent films and ADDRESS ______$499.50. Nocharge, no obligation-but lots of organ music in this day and age? Well, food for a healthymusical appetite! that's what is happening at the Virginia CITY-----uTATE ZIP __ Theatre right now. L------J 35 theatre organ ·bombarde N THE late months of 1927 going ing once more. In the middle fifties I into the new year of 1928, the resi­ the late Leonard MacLain had the great dents of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Wurlitzer put in shape for his now then a suburb of Philadelphia, wondered famous series of recordings. After these about the massive foundations and what recordings were completed, the organ the tons of bricks being delivered were once again fell into a state of semi dis­ for. After months of construction, the repair; dead magnets, leaking leather people no longer wondered. The great and the usual things that go wrong with 3200 seat Tower theatre loomed before an organ not in constant use. them. The completed Tower was one of In 1966 the Tower closed under the Philadelphia area 's few atmospher­ Paramount A-B-C Corporation manage­ ic" theatres, a "dream factory" designed ment and was taken over completely by to make the patrons feel as though they Ellis Theatres of Philadelphia. The were in an immense Roman coliseum house was given a complete interior with its pure imported marble columns facelifting: new seats, new carpets, and vaulted ceilings. chandeliers, and fixtures. In place of Opening night at the Tower was one the huge chandelier that once graced to be remembered in the now city of the imported tile-floor lobby now hangs Upper Darby. Film star Francis X. a "modern" lamp-shade monstrosity. Bushman * was the master of cere­ The great marble columns lining the monies with a twenty piece orchestra grand staircase are now covered with playing on the rising orchestra platform. cream-colored wallpaper! But the eye Then as the house lights dimmed within of an experienced theatre goer is not the many coves and niches, the pure deceived by these new "decorations" that white spotlight shone on the left side conceal the grandeur the theatre once of the pit to reveal the rising tan con­ possessed. Articulate plasterwork, vaults sole, with many-colored dragons painted and pillars still remain as a reminder on it, and Mr. William Andrews pre­ that the Tower was, and still is, one of siding at the 17-rank 260 special Wur­ the great theatres. litzer . In the opening night audience When a patron enters the theatre, he was Mr. J. Earle Clarke, installer for is at once aware of the soft, colored the Wurlitzer company , who stayed for TheTower Lights lights that shine from the coves to give the first week to adjust tremulants and the 3200-seat palace a feeling of chase ciphers for Mr. Andrews. warmth and security. Time · and economics played the usual A moment after that patron has been tricks on the Tower and in a few years comfortably seated , a scintillating bil­ all its shows came in a can. The well­ AreBright low of pipe organ music bursts forth appointed stage, the orchestra pit, the into the immense auditorium, although dressing rooms and the organ languished no console is visible. But the listener in disuse. does not wait long before an immacu­ Years after vaudeville had left the InUpper Darby late tan and flowered console rises slow­ great stage , a well-known Philadelphia ly at the left side of the arch . For ap­ musical celebrity signed with Epic Rec­ Story by Bert Brouillon pro ximately twenty minutes , the patrons ords and the Tower Wurlitzer was sing- are entertained by the mightiest Wur­ Photos by George F. Druck litzer in Philadelphia. The house lights *As the villain , "Messa/a," Bushman menaced dim and the console descend s into the the silent screen's "Ben Hur," Ramon Novarro. darknes s of the orchestra pit to signal the start of the evening film show . The smoothness with which these operations blend together are deceptive.

december 1969 36 To those unaware of the technical oper­ ation of a large theatre the many oper­ ations which must be dealt with prior to a performance are worthy of examin­ ation. In this case it is the responsibility of just a handful of dedicated people. Robert ("Bob") Lent, house organist, is responsible for the upkeep and main­ tenance of the instrument. Six days a week, Bob drives from his home in Southern New Jersey (almost forty miles) to the theatre. For nearly three years the Wurlitzer has been cared for by this dedicated young man. Lent, who is only 19, plays solely by ear, but that is no handicap; his performance is certainly not that of an amateur. Bob has been a "purist" ever since he heard his first Dick Leibert record taped at the Byrd Theatre in Richmond, Vir­ ginia, when Bob was eight. Bob's father was also an organist at a small theatre in Collingswood, N. J. but left to be­ come an engineer at RCA after "talkies" took over. Although Bob was not around during the "golden age," he still has the "feel" to accompany and "cue" the ":flickers" during the silent film festival presented at the Tower each Christmas. These shows are well received and many patrons re­ "Coming Up". Bob Lent at the Console. quest that the "silents" be run more often. sealing an air ventilation duct which was During the course of redecorating the When Bob first entered the Tower, no longer in use, although before it was interior of the Tower, the organ cham­ he learned that another New Jersey bricked up it conducted "weather" to ber openings were covered with a heavy resident had been working on the organ the ' organ. drapery _to conceal the much-deterior­ but not regularly. He applied for and Next project to be tackled by Lent ated grills. These thick draperies ham­ got the job as house organist ( which in­ was repairing the elevator that once pered the sound of the organ so much cluded organ maintenance) - his first brought the three-deck console into au­ that a change in the positioning of some "mighty Wurlitzer." Although the or­ dience view. The old motor had been pipework was indicated because the gan was in fairly good shape, much had submerged in two feet of water for draperies were there to stay. Bob and to be done to bring the 17-rank "spe­ years and would have cost many hun­ his crew decided that the Posthorn lo­ cial" into A-1 condition. Pizzicato dreds of dollars to repair or replace. cated in the left chamber had to be action had to be adjusted, dead mag­ After much searching, Bob heard Sam moved to the right chamber where it nets replaced, air lines resealed, along Riley of Delaware Valley ATOE men­ could be unified much more than it had with solving other problems common to tion that he had a motor with the same been on the left. This move balanced a neglected theatre organ. Keeping the rpm and horsepower as the old one. the overall sound coming from both organ in tune was a problem due to the After some bargaining with Sam, Bob chambers and made the Wurlitzer sound great temperature differences between soon had the new motor bringing the much larger in size but not louder. The summer and winter. This was solved by console into view again. Posthorn now occupies the old Tuba

Frosted glass lampshade monstrosity where original 20-tier crystal chan- Modernized lobby showing original oil painted murals in the center. defier once was suspended deep within an arched, vaulted ceiling dome.

37 theatre organ - bombarde Shot from first of three balconies - total seating, 3200. Solo Chamber: Front to baclc: Tibia, Tuba Mirabilis, Brass Sax. Bass drum in lower right corner. Horn chest which could be unified and formerly of the Lansdowne theatre, be­ gans prior to coming to the Tower. coupled to 32', 16', 8', 4' and 2'. The came Bob's righthand man. Between They now have a working knowledge of added unification gives the organ an ex­ the two, the tuning was done and many all the Wurlitzer's parts and operations. cellent chorus reed usually lacking in odd jobs completed. Jan, only 17, now The organ is not the only thing that Wurlitzers of this size. Even with the controls the lighting effects in the thea­ has been renovated by Bob and Jan draperies covering the chamber open­ tre. He also fills in as substitute organ­ and their crew. The simulated "stars" ings, the sound comes through sharp ist if Bob fails to appear. Neither thinks of this atmospheric house once again and clear. In addition to moving the it strange to devote sixteen to eighteen twinkle and shine, projected "clouds" Posthorn, the Flutes were "opened" hours a day to their hobby. Another roll across the deep blue ceiling and the ever so slightly to increase their speak­ devotee of the organ has also been on marquee once again flashes and "candy­ ing volume but not enough to impair hand to assist in many ways - Dan stripes" as it did back in 1928. their tone. The Flute and Tibia offset Bernstein. The hearty reception of two Carter extensions were also opened to increase shows has encouraged the chapter to the high-pitched "bite" of notes that At a recent concert at the Tower, plan a regular series for the future. were muffled before. two more faces appeared. Fired with Even the theft of the Brass Saxaphone The Tuba Horn now is waiting for a interest by the sound of organ music, hasn't dulled the devotion to pipes so chest so that it may once again be Peter Broselow and Earl Wesner volun­ ardently displayed. The Tower now has heard but it is not really missed due to teered their services and are now a happy future with a talented crew, the many other subtle stops in the organ "leather scrapers" and "replacers." Nei­ fine management, a working chapter, to enhance the Wurlitzer sound. ther had much "know how" about or- and an appreciative public. Late in the fall of 1967, another vol­ unteer came to the Tower. Jan Carroll, STOPLIST for Wurlitzer 260-Special, opus No. 1901, installed 6/29/1928 in the Tower Theatre, Upper Darby, Penna.

PEDAL Oboe Horn Viol PEDAL2nd Touch 16' Orphicleide Vax Humana Viol Celeste 16' Diaphone Diaphone 4' Octave (Diapason) 2-2/ 3' Twelfth (Tibia) Tibia Clause Viol d' Orchestra Twelfth (Flute) PEDAL PIZZICATO 16' English Posthorn Bourdon Viol Celeste 2' Piccolo (Tibia) 8' English Posthorn Vax Humana Piccolo (Flute) ACCOMP.2nd Touch Tuba Mirabilis Flute Fifteenth (VDO) 8' English Posthorn Tibia Clause 2-2/3' Nazard 1-3/ 5' Tierce (Tibia) Tibia Clause Octave (Diapason) 2' Piccolo Marimba-Harp Chimes Clarinet Marimba-Harp Chrysoglott Xylophone Saxophone Chrysoglott Orchestra Bel Is Triangle String Snare Drum Sleight Bells (Tuned) Solo to Accomp. (8') Cello Tambourine Xylophone Solo to Accomp. Flute Castanets Glockenspiel Pizzicato (8') 4' Flute Chinese Block Chimes Sand Block Sub-Octave Coupler GREAT2nd Touch COUPLERS Tom-Tom (16') 8' English Posthorn Octave Coupler 4' Tibia Clause Solo to Pedal 8' Octave Coupler (4') Solo to Accamp. 8' Solo to Great (8') Great to Pedal 8' Solo to Great Coupler (8') Solo to Great GREAT Pizzicato (8') PERCUSSIONS 16' English Posthorn SOLO Bass Drum Diaphone 16' Solo Trumpet TRIMULANTS Kettle Drum Tibia Clause 8' Brass Trumpet 1. Main Snare Drum Bourdon English Posthorn 2. Solo Crash Cymbal Clarinet (ten C) Tuba Mirabilis 3. Tibia Clause Cymbal Saxophone (ten C) 8' Open Diapason 4. Vox Humana 8' Diaphonic Diapason Diaphonic Diapason 5. Diaphonic Diapason ACCOMPANIMENT Open Diapason Tibia Clause & Tuba 16' Viol (ten C) Tibia Clause Clarinet TOE STUDS Bourdon Clarinet Kinura Vax Humana (ten C) Saxophone Saxophone 1-2-3 Pedal Combinations 8' Tuba Mirabilis Flute Orchestral Oboe 4 Fire Gong English Posthorn String String 5 Boat Horn Diaphonic Diapason Viol d' Orchestra Oboe Horn 6 Horse Hooves Open Diapason Viol Celeste Quintadena 7 Surf Tibia Clause Vax Humana 4' Clarion Right Shoes: Grand Crash Clarinet 8' English Posthorn Octave Sforzando Saxophone Tuba Mirabilis Piccolo (Tibia) Thunder 1, Thunder 2 Jan Carroll - Lighting technician - controls String 4' Clarion Xylophone Manual Effects: 275 different lighting combinations available Viol d' Orchestra Octave (Diapason) Glockenspiel Birds 1 & 2 on Great Viol Celeste Tibia Clause Orchestra Bells Auto Horn, Door Bell on within the theatre. Quintadeno Flute Chimes Accompaniment

december 1969 38 Gaylord's firmness paid off; there the hole in his screen and the debris in was no more rowdyism. During inter­ the pit. "Par for the course" he said, CarterPlays "Spook" mission little groups of young people "Most of them behaved properly. There came to the console to apologize for are bound to be a few bad apples." the rowdies and to get their first look ShowatSan Diego Fox at a theatre organ console. They were "But not bouncing off the organ" entranced by both the console and the chimed Gaylord, who then confided, by Elmer Fubb sounds it produced. This was the first "Y'know I threatened to quit if the big concert ( there were 2,070 paid ad­ rowdyism didn't cease. But the truth is The San Diego Fox theatre staged a you couldn't have pried me away from midnight "Spook" show on Halloween, missions) during which the new Soto Trumpet was heard. It's a big sound; that console, come hell or high water. featuring Gaylord Carter at the 4/ 31 Gaylord used it to sync the Phantom's There were too many fine people having Robert Morton organ. After what scenes at the horseshoe-drawknob con­ a whale of a time in that audience. I seemed like an abnormally long hiatus sole in the movie. It adds the needed was playing for them." ( the rededication concert was in March punch and doubles as an "emphasis" of this year) and on somewhat short Bob Wright, one of "The Seven" who stop for organ jazz. notice, Gaylord was signed to cue the revitalized the long dormant instrument old silent, "Phantom of the Opera." It could be said that Gaylord really over an 18-month period, was enthusi­ Promotion was mainly through a rock "played the devil out of the organ." astic about the good behavior of the and roll radio station, which accounted He seemed inspired at the challenge of Morton. "Not a hint of a cipher - no for the perhaps 90 percent teenage winning over the youthful group which sticking trems. It played perfectly." audience which materialized to provide filled the seats. We have never heard "Just like when it was new - when a gala spirit and a general air of ex­ him do the "Phantom" score with more I played it 40 years ago" echoed spritely pectancy in the house just before mid­ attention to detail nor with a more im­ Edith Steele. 0 night. Looking through the curtains, pressive over-all effect. His scoring Gaylord did some fast shuffling of his really "hit the spot" as veteran Fox introductory selections. There were organist Edith Steele put it. Which The story of the restoration of nearly 200 kids in the house! means Gaylord was able to make the the 4/31 Robert Morton organ After a brief introduction by manager grade with patrons from about 15 to in the San Diego Fox theatre Bill Mauch, Gaylord played his "Per­ over 80 ( Edith admits to 81 ) . appeared in TOB for October fect Song." The kids were stupified; "Get that crazy Hammond!" They had When it was over and the horde had 1968, page 5. never heard anything that sounded like departed. Manager Mauch looked at the Morton. "Fantastic" was heard over and over among the "cools" and "groovies." Then Gaylord pressed his advantage and provided a selection of tunes from "Hair" and a somewhat tamer theme from the Leslie U ggams TV show. The kids were ecstatic, and remarkably well-mannered. They clapped hands in time with the exag­ gerated beat of the rock tunes and Gay­ lord's performance left no doubt that he could make it in the "mod" scene if he so chose. Gaylord cued his long-familiar 1900 newsreel and this, too, was a revelation to the young people. It was the baggy, unrevealing bathing suits seen during a beauty contest that amused them the most, while the early horseless carriages and the Wright Brother's flying machine caused many a young titter to run through the audience. Then it was time for the feature film, and Gaylord got a taste of the rowdyism which unfortunately infects a small per­ centage of today's youth. Punks in the balcony started throwing fruit. Several people in the balcony were spattered. In the October 1968 issue ol this magazine we offered a story about the San Diego (Ca/ii.) Fox 4/31 A lemon punctured the screen and an Robert Morton organ restoration project, replete with photos ol the chambers, pipes and console - apple disintegrated against one of the but nary a peep at even one ol the hard-working restorers who had spent 16 months getting the side jambs of the organ console. Gay­ beast back in operation after two decades of silence. We didn't mean to "shortchange" the working crew; the reason we didn't show them to you at the time is because ol their own modesty. They lord later admitted that the sudden sent no photo of the crew along with their story. To those who wrote to us, deploring our "playing impact shook him but he continued on down the group who did the hard work," - here they are, at last, gathered 'round the rebuilt to intermission. Then he announced console. Seated at the keyboards is C. R. (Bob) Lewis, long-time organ technician and spokesman lor that if there was any more of that be­ the group. Around the console, left to right, Robert G. Wright, Wayne Guthrie, Paul Cawthorne, havior he'd turn off the organ and go Dr. Don Snowden, Irving Pinkerton, and A. 8. (Archie) Ellsworth - the entire "Theatre Organ Society home. of San Diego."

39 theatre organ • bo,:nbarde show biz journalist, Jim Murphy, was to remark: "Time is his greatest enemy." In 1966, young Theatre Arts Grad­ FenelonBlows In FromDown Under uate Dean Mitchell saw Tony Fenelon perform in Melbourne during one of Tony Fenelon commenced his musical him worldwide attention in the highly his numerous world tours_ So im­ studies at the age of 7 years under the specialized Heart Electronics field and pressed was Dean with his talent that tutorage of Constance V. Peters and have been translated into several lan­ he remained in Australia for three years later Mr. Roy Shepherd of the Mel­ guages. until December, 1968 during which bourne University Conservatorium. It was also in 1964 that Tony began time he worked with Tony in develop­ Here was to begin a career in music so playing the Mighty Theatre Pipe Organ. ing all aspects of his musical career. outstanding, that his very name spells He had always been interested in popu­ In January of 1969 Dean returned to "magic" in his own country - AUS­ lar music both on piano and electronic the United States and joined forces with TRALIA. organ, but this was his first experience Dewey Cagle, Advertising Manager of in the sound of the true pipes. His first Theatre Organ! Bombarde, to prepare His parents knew from a very early Theatre Organ performance was on for Tony's first U.S. Concert Tour - age that he had a great gift for music. Christmas Eve in 1964 at Hoyt's Re­ thus climaxing three years of work on It became evident in his early teens that gent Theatre Melbourne to a large and his part. he was to join the ranks of the truly very receptive audience. As soon as Tony Fenelon arrived in gifted concert pianists in the world So successful was this appearance the U.S.A. he was greeted with a huge today. In 1949 it all began, and today that in March, 1965 he was appointed billboard at the Hillsdale Shopping Mall it is history. Written, that at 28 years, Resident Organist at the Regent. in San Mateo, Calif. announcing in foot he is "one of the world's greatest musi­ Today he is recognized as the fore­ high letters that Australia's leading cians ... " most Theatre Organist in the Southern Theatre Organ stylist would be heard It was in 1949 that Tony Fenelon Hemisphere, Australia's Chief Demon­ playing in the mall two days hence. A won his first competition and this suc­ strator for the Thomas Organ Com­ steady schedule of personal appear­ cess was to continue for many years to pany, a frequent guest artist at the now ances in San Francisco area organ come. In the 1950's and early 1960's famous Dendy Theatre ( scene of the dealers paved the way for what was to he was to win such major Australian 1968 Lyn Larsen season and home of come. On Friday night Avenue Theatre awards as the Dandenong Eisteddfod, the TOSA (Victoria) 3/16 Wurlitzer), patrons were asked to "stay in their the much coveted Swallow's Juniors a leading Australian Television person­ seats after the movie for a real treat", Award, Canberra Eisteddfod (in both ality, the most recorded organist in Aus­ and a treat it was to hear this fine artist the Open Solo and the Bach sections), tralia, one of the most solidly booked on the Avenue's 3/14 Wurlitzer. Then, and the Victorian State Finals of the concert pianists, and a top Medical for the following week, Fenelon was ABC Concerto Competitions. He was Electronics Engineer. All in a 24 hour Thomas Organ Company's "star" at the to become official accompanist of the day. No wonder a leading Australian Hoberg Home Organ Festival. He was famed Australian Boys Choir, having already appeared with them as an asso­ ciate artist on concert tours. He was to Tony Fenelon at the Regent Theatre, Melbourne, Australia. The instrument is a Wurlitzer Style 270 travel the length of Australia - to (4/20) Opus #2009. Perth, Hobart, Adelaide, Sydney, as well as -countless other centers toured by the choir. As early as 1954 he made his first solo appearance with the Junior Divi­ sion of the Melbourne Symphony Or­ chestra, playing a Mozart Piano Con­ certo. Since then, he has performed with both the Melbourne and Sydney Symphony Orchestras in major con­ certs. In 1959 he commenced a combined Science and Music Study at Melbourne University. During the years 1959-1963 he obtained the Exhibition for Asso­ ciate Diploma in Piano, the highest marks ever awarded for Licenciate Diploma in Piano, and received his Bachelor of Science. In 1964 he com­ menced working for the Royal Mel­ bourne Hospital as an Electronics En­ gineer in Medical Electronics. This was to be his life's work, outside of music. As an Assistant Medical Electronics Engineer he has written several out­ standing papers on subjects in Medical Electronics. These papers have gained

december 1969 40 type for pipes. Jack thought a moment, and then hit on an idea. If we insisted REAL PIPES SOUND DURING on pipes as a condition, he'd do some­ thing with the old Morton languishing unused in the theatre. We agreed to PLUG-IN CONCERT attend with a sharp pencil. That ancient Morton hadn't been heard since Martha by Elmer Fubb Lake was in rompers! On the night of the concert Jack Jack Loren is perhaps best described With no more than these minor allowed his far out sense of humor to as a "character." He's also a fine musi­ details on his mind, Jack decided it was express itself occasionally with such cian. Jack is a teacher of organ in Santa about time he played a concert. He does unexpected exploits as a parody on the Monica, Calif. He might now have a it every so often. He's been doing it "lush tropical nights with birdcalls" pipe organ in his home if that home since he was a lad when he had a pipe theme, during which he drew a pistol had not started to sink back into the organ in his Oakland home. He'd prefer and shot the interrupting bird, inducing Jurassic muck, as homes in California to do his concert on the gigantic Moller a shower of yellow feathers from above. are sometimes wont to do. When the organ in the LA Shrine Auditorium - The tune was "Yellow Bird." Later, a bathroom listed to starboard, Jack got but it's still undergoing rehabilitation. "Beverly Hills-type bum" appeared with his valuables out of the house right After checking the condition of several a battered Tuba to play the last note of away- the parts of his disassembled available pipe organs in the area and the music when Jack stopped in surprise pipe organ - but left his wife, gaggle finding them mostly out of kilter, Jack at the sight of the bum. Outlandish of dogs and himself to the mercy of the decided he'd use a plug-in. He made events during what was supposed to be shifting not so :firma terra at the edge arrangements with Conn's District a dignified concert. Lots of surprises, of the San Andreas fault. They are still Manager, "Buzz" Olson, for the use but no pipes. So, far, only the Conn. there, and the house has settled down; of one of that firm's new 3-deckers. It was a good sound but we had been that is, the concrete slab it is built on Then he hired the Wilshire-Ebell Thea­ promised pipes. has stopped buckling. It hasn't moved tre, just off famed Wilshire Blvd., for more than a foot since the organ was the evening of Peace Moratorium day! remov ed, and now Jack regrets selling Deciding he'd like some press cover­ the instrument. However, a four inch­ age, he contacted this reporter only to wide crack recently opened in Jack's learn that we don't normally review yard, and a helluv an echo comes back plug-in programs in these pages; we when you holler down it. That's when he equipped his dogs with Alpine climb­ ing boots and roped them together, just in case.

( continued from page 40) in fast company, for many famous or­ ganists were there . . . and they were listening. Fenelon proved to be on a par with the best of them! For the next three weeks he traveled to Sacramento ( Carl Greer Inn), Se­ attle (Paramount Theatre and Bob's GAYLORD Restaurant), Detroit ( Senate Theatre), Chicago (Hoosier Theatre), Phoenix (Bill Brown's), Los Angeles (Wiltern Then it happened. Jack started giving Theatre) and San Francisco (Avenue a spiel about Gaylord Carter and how Theatre) plus a quick visit to New he played "The Perfect Song" for the York for good measure. He visited the "Amos 'n Andy" show twice each night for seven years, when the sound of real, Thomas factory in Sepulveda, and the Jack Loren (right) and helper. Things went from Lake Tahoe region. When he rested, bass to worse with a little effort. honest-to-goodness pipes was heard. we have no idea!. He always seemed And the tune was "The Perfect Song." vigorous and "ready to go". His ex­ It was wheezy and badly out of tune, tremely warm personality was most evi­ but the Morton in the Ebell theatre dent as he good-naturedly kidded us ALLENTOWN THEATRE was heard once more. And at the con­ "foreigners" about our accent. Tony sole, none other than Gaylord Carter - in person. Gaylord hopped over the introduced each number with an infor­ ORGAN SCHOOL mative chat, then proceeded to play footlights for a selection or two on the ALUMNI SOUGHT Conn and then home to bed; he had circles around many of our prominent just lighted from a plane returning him artists. Customers at the A venue The­ Organist Howard Burton, of Marion, from Detroit where he had played a atre compared him only to that other Ohio, wants to contact others who concert at the Redford theatre the night Britisher who really made a name for studied at the Knauss School of the before. himself at the A venue, Vic Hammett. Theatre Organ in Allentown, Pa. He Tony promises to be back in 1971 - has some school literature and memen­ So Jack Loren earned his review, and make emphatic note of that - and don't tos he would like to share. Write him here it is; Jack played all his music real miss him! D care of this mag. pretty and didn't hit any clams. D

41 theatre organ -bombarde involved. It was felt that the 153 Char­ Then, it happened! Her 80-year-old ter members plus the newer members master, Joe Chadbourne, was feeling Myrtle Revisited could be easily accommodated. better. He decided to renew the regu­ The first annual meeting was a lar community programs which he had PROLOGUE triumph for Myrtle. Although only a held regularly until a few years ago. one day affair, this meeting more or But Myrtle wasn't ready, or willing! It was on October 25, 1958 that less set the format for all national So Joe called in the "doctors," Judd "Myrtle" became the star of the first A.T.O.E. metings held since. Following Walton and Bob Jacobus, and in a few official Annual Meeting of A.T.O.E. the afternoon session of music, the weeks Myrtle was again ready to sing. Myrtle began her career as a style D Board of Directors met to take care of The ranch was swamped with cars Wurlitzer (Opus #909) in Petaluma, the routine business, old and new, and parked under the apricot trees and be­ California. She played 'silents" for elect the officers for the new year. side the barn as they came from 100 many years, then, with the advent of After the banquet and business meeting miles around to renew acquaintance sound, she was left in her memories in Vallejo, all returned to the barn for with Myrtle and Joe. And Joe was until found by Joe Chadbourne of Fair­ the evening and more music. For the again the chipper host of years gone by. field, Calif. record, it should be stated that "Myrtle" He introduced all the "acts," greeted old sang on that October day under the friends as they came to the head of the Joe had also known the silent movies capable fingers of "Tiny" James, Ever­ stairs, and was generally busy all after­ as a theatre organist. With the coming ett Nourse, Bill Thomson, Dave Quin­ noon. It was good to see and hear them of "talkies" he turned to the land as an lan, and Gordon Kibbee. again - this devoted pair: the former orchardist at Fairfield. A loft in the Jesse Crawford was selected as the theatre organist and the former theatre barn on his property became the home organ. of "Myrtle" and with the careful atten­ first Honorary Member of the year tion of Chadbourne, Judd Walton, and (1958/ 1959) at this, the first Annual The entertainment was varied, and Bob Jacobus, she became one of the Meeting of A.T.O.E. good. A French Horn player from the Vallejo Symphony, a very talented sweetest sounding organs in the San "MEANWHILE, BACK AT Francisco Bay area. marimbaist, two fine vocalists, a well THE BARN" trained choir of youngsters. But - the Judd Walton stepped from Vice Myrtle had been neglected. Her real treat was to hear Myrtle again as President to President of A.T.O.E. in master had been ill and seldom entered STANLEY KOYAMA, EVERETT 1958 (the group had been functioning the loft at "The Barn." Especially NOURSE, TINY JAMES and DAVE for three years). It was decided to have tough on Myrtle was the extremely QUINLAN presided at the 2 manual a National Meeting and the barn con­ warm weather each summer. Her tibia console of this originally Style D Wur­ taining Myrtle was the logical choice stoppers slipped to the bottom of the litzer. It wa$ a most rewarding after­ since seating was ample (about 200). pipes and her leather dried out and noon for Joe! And for the audience, Also there was very little, if any, cost became brittle. too! D

ton, playing his own inimitable pro­ gram including two Harold Lloyd si­ LOEW'SOHIOTHEATRE ISSAVED ! lents. The evening was a delight with Gaylord at his best plus a good turnout by Frank Babbitt who had been a part of our effort, of happy Columbus people bursting joined with other architects and formed with pride at seeing the beautiful Ohio When it was announced last Jan­ the Columbus Association for the Per­ lighted again and fairly sparkling in all uary that Loew's Ohio Theatre in Co­ forming Arts (CAP A) and in a desper­ of its splendor. lumbus was to be demolished to make ate move, took out full page ads in way for a new office building, local HBG, ATOS and CAPA all com­ both local papers announcing that a ATOS members and other interested bined to make the theatre shine through day of shame was about to fall upon citizens were up in arms. This magni­ many days of preliminary work in Columbus. This ad, which contained ficent theatre had been a Columbus protest coupons to mail to City and cleaning, painting, bulb changing and showplace for 41 years and the thought County officials, seemed to turn the other necessary activity. And there was of its destruction was more than the tide and through the generous cooper­ a real cliff hanger in connection with local gentry could tolerate. (See Page ation of local business organizations, this: The Ohio's screen had been acci­ 9 April, 1969 TOB). financing was arranged and the title dentally damaged and a new one, or­ Realizing the potential of this great was purchased from the real estate theatre and the need for preserving it, dered from New York, was still on its company. While there is still a sizeable a group of Central Ohio Chapter ATOS way the morning before the Carter amount of money to be raised through members and others, headed by Tom concert. Finally, at 2 p.m. it arrived public subscription, it appears that the Hamilton and Paul Noblitt launched a and at 10 p.m. it was laced in place theatre is safe for now. campaign to "Save the Ohio Theatre." just in time for the projectionist's trial After weeks of frustrating effort to raise Several stage shows are now being run and the next day's show. the necessary $1.5 million while at the booked and many more will come this HBG Enterprises, composed of Cen­ same time dickering with the real es­ way as contracts expire with other local tral Ohio ATOS members Tom Hamil­ tate firm that held the title about giving playhouses. us an option, showing them how to ton, Frank Babbitt and Neil Grover, build their office building above the The grand opener since the theatre's completed its fifth presentation with Ohio and pleading to give us more time, rescue was Saturday, October 11 with Gaylord Carter and are now planning it appeared that we were beaten. Then the presentation by HBG Enterprises two more programs this Winter and Robert Karlsberger, a local architect of Gaylord Carter at the Mighty Mor- Spring. D

december 1969 42 Fred Kruse, Paul Lewis and Bill few changes in the organ which en­ Barry have been working on the Baker hance its versatility. A separate Tibia Hotel's Geneva pipe organ Monday Tremolo was added, as well as Octave evenings. They've cleaned reeds, tuned and Sub Octave Couplers on the pipes and with Bette Peterson's re­ Solo manual. The Mason and Ham­ leathering ability, have rebuilt the lin Grand piano is being added, and Glockenspiel. The organ can be heard a second swell shoe will operate the every Sunday afternoon for four hours. piano expression . through the Ampico Our crew says it's a nice place to have mechanism. Sunday dinner and relax to pipe organ music. Work is continuing on the club-owned ••••••• ••••••• Kimball organ, recently removed from 9.b-IA'-. V the Senate Theatre, Chicago. Ill ·-~ Ill CONNECTICUT VALLEY •CHAPTERNEWS• The October 11 meeting was held at the home of Anita and Irv Twomey in Manchester. The Twomeys have an ex­ CHICAGO AREA tensive and exceptionally fine collec­ At the Oriental Theatre on September tion of music boxes and other mechani­ 30th, CA TOE Chairman, Bill Benedict, cal musical instruments including .Stein­ welcomed the estimated crowd of 2500 way Duo-Art and Mason and Hamlin and introduced our organist John Muri, Ampico reproducing pianos which re­ create the exact playing, shading and who is indeed no stranger to CATOE Alan Ross at Twomey's 2/7 Wurlitzer. audiences. John started his concert with expression of the artists who recorded a modern and different approach as a the rolls. But Irv, who is President of tribute to the .Space Age then turned to The Musical Box Society, International, DAIRYLAND some old favorites inspired by the solar is justly proud of what he refers to as The Dairyland Chapter held its spring system. For music designed to appeal "the biggest musical box of them all", meeting at the Capitol Theatre in to Chicagoans - namely pieces Jesse his 2/7 Wurlitzer. Racine, Wisconsin. The organist was a Crawford played in Chicago - John The Twomeys and a few friends re­ young star, Tom Gnaster, from the included "Blue Twilight," "Dance of moved the organ from a theatre which Chicago area. He played several beauti­ the Blue Danube" and the nostalgic had · been closed for some time a year ful arrangements with clarity and bril­ "Forgotten Melody" (Crawford's radio ago Mothers' Day, and officially un­ liance. The organ, maintained by Cen­ theme signature music). He made ex­ veiled the instrument last Christmas. In tury Organ of Villa Park in excellent tremely good use of all four manuals between were about 1,000 man-hours of condition, gave out with brilliant sounds during the "Dance of the Blue Danube". labor done mostly by people who had not thought possible with a five ranker. The hit of the evening was John's ren­ never seen the innards of such an Door prizes were awarded to chapter dition of Zes Confrey's "Kitten on the instrument before. With some guid­ members. The theatre and organ use Keys", which literally brought down ance from ATOS members who were was through the courtesy of Ted With­ the house. The audience couldn't get familiar with the installation of a eril, one of our chapter members. enough of this remarkable man, organ, theatre organ in a home, and the in­ The opening fall meeting was held at and music. genuity of research engineers, the the home of Robert and Millie Ludwig, John's use of the Oriental organ's Twomeys wound up with an excep­ Sand Hill Farms, in Grafton, Wis. The reed section throughout the evening tionally fine home installation. concert was played by David Olson on was tasteful and elaborate. His sing­ All the noisy components, relays, a custom Allen with multiple stereo along selections showed the audience to cabinet speakers. Mr. Olson played be as 'enthusiastic in their singing as in regulators and tremolos, were located in a separate room so that the chamber Broadway show tunes and ballads in a organ appreciation. style all his own which was appreciated CATOE's mirrored ball was featured is quiet. Also, without the tangle of regulators and wind lines under the by those attending. during intermission and John played - Fred J. Hermes with it still revolving after intermission. chests, the chests were kept low, and The ball is a real crowd smoother and both pipes and actions are very acces­ it was so good to see it in use again. sible for maintenance. All pipes were DELAWARE VALLEY John accompanied two short com­ cleaned including reed tongues and Although our joint meeting with the edies featuring Mack Swain in "The shallots, and some tonal regulation was New York Chapter at the Surf City Movie Star" and Laurel and Hardy in done to give a balanced sound in the Hotel was earlier than usual this year "Liberty". He never missed a cue, basement music room. The motion of (September 7th), we had a good crowd. playing to please his audience which is the swell shades was reduced to achieve Nearly 200 people showed up for the a lesson other performers might find a smoother swell and to scale the over­ event with almost equal representation worthwhile learning. all loudness of the instrument to the for each chapter. In addition we had Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday size of the room. In this respect, this several guests from outlying areas. For evenings have been set up as regular Wurlitzer installation is most successful. example, from Niagara Frontier we work times on the Downers Grove Although the Twomeys were used to welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Randy Piazza North High School project. A target music box restorations where the intent - chapter chairman and charming wife, date of Nov. 17th has been set for is to have everything as it was origi­ Joe and Laura Thomas of Lancaster, completion of the installation. nally, they were persuaded to make a N. Y. and the entire Cole family (.Shir-

43 theatre organ bombarde ley Cole is editor of the Niagara Fron­ Theatre in St. Paul, a theatre like many had been had by everyone. Perhaps the tier's newsletter, Silent Newsreel.) that had played their parts in the idea will catch on here in Land O'Lakes The famed 3/15 Wurlitzer which has drama of the original "Golden Age of territory: The idea that history should made this resort hotel "Organ Head­ Theatre". Way back then many a heart sometimes repeat itself, especially such quarters" along the Jersey coast was in must have skipped a beat when the an entertaining, colorful history! good voice. This instrument is played majestic pipe organ began its accom­ - Alice Tubbesing, Secretary and maintained by Bill Floyd - assisted paniment to slapstick Keystone Kops by Eddie Buck - and has recently been comedy or perhaps the Perils of LOS ANGELES improved by the installation of a new Pauline. But unfortunately, in more re­ The fall season of club activities con­ chrysoglott and a rank of capped oboe cent years, one by one the pipe organs tinued with a fine concert by the young horns. It is now planned that a new have been dismantled and no longer Australian organist, Tony Fenelon, at blower will be installed to "drive" a make their voices heard to audiences the Wiltern on Oct. 12. That after­ total of sixteen ranks. both young and old. The very cham­ noon's jam session, usually held on the bers have lost their identities through Because of obligations elsewhere Bill Elks Building 4/ 58 Morton, was trans­ remodeling and change. An era had Floyd could not be present, but genial ferred to the Pipe n' Pizza restaurant ended! At least until that enjoyable Eddie Buck led off a long list of per­ 2/ 10 Wurlitzer. A number of mem­ Sunday afternoon when the lights formers and then assisted with regis­ bers took advantage of the opportunity dimmed, the audience hushed and tration for the benefit of those un­ to play still another theatre pipe organ. Elaine Franklin, dramatically spot­ familiar with pipe organs. Marshall On October 31 many club members lighted in red, began her pre-show Ladd was also in fine voice - a require­ traveled 100 miles south to hear fellow organ concert. The Rogers 33 E organ, ment for an MC at these affairs who member, Gaylord Carter, play a Hal­ their largest production model, (pro­ must be heard above the general hub­ loween midnight movie show on the vided by the Bodine Company), was bub. Marshall was assisted by Joe San Diego Fox theatre 4/ 31 Morton. not only a respectable stand-in for the Elicker during dinner ( things were a Since much of the advertising was on original pipe organ sound but rather it little more quiet by then). a local rock n' roll music radio station, gave us an exact taste of by-gone days. Space makes it impossible to review the audience consisted principally of any of the performances since over When the audience was in the proper almost 2,000 teenagers who had prob­ thirty organists played. An attempt will mood for the next experience, Don Taft ably never seen a silent movie, nor be made to mention everyone who took his place at the console and slides heard a theatre pipe organ. Both The played, but if we missed your name were shown, all original and still at Phantom of the Opera (Lon Chaney) ( or it's not spelled correctly) please their colorful best both literally and and the Phantom of the organ (Gay­ forgive and mark it up to the general figuratively. We read, among many lord) seemed to hold the kids' attention. confusion. We inquired (loudly) for others, "WOULD LADIES PLEASE Club members are looking forward to the name of one of the artists and the REMOVE THEIR HA TS" both right­ the annual meeting, election of officers, only answer we got was "On the Rocks" side-up and upside down (planned that and special concert on Dec. 7 at Dor­ - now we know there isn't any organist way accidentally on purpose by Chair­ othy Bleick's studio with the 2/ 12 Wur­ with a crazy name like that! The Dela­ man Don Peterson so he could throw limorton in Covina. And to Helen Dell's ware Valley was well represented in in an occasional "ONE MOMENT concert at the Wiltern on Dec. 14. That terms of talent ( not in the order of PLEASE".) Of course an afternoon at afternoon the club is joining the Los appearance) by: Garrett Paul, Ed the moving pictures was never complete Angeles Organists' Breakfast Club in Weimer, Dennis James, Jane Stopyra, without sing-along slides, so we all wel­ a "Toys for Tots" Christmas benefit Rev. George MacNeal, Shirley Han­ comed the chance to join Don Taft in concert on the 2/ 10 Wurlitzer at the num, Biff Claflin, Mary Bowles, Robert a few choruses of "Harvest Moon", Pipe n' Pizza restaurant. Leyshon, Herb Daroff, Ethyl Bleasdale, "The Band Played On" and many more On Nov. 9, the chapter presented a Woody Flowers, Al Hermanns, Bill vintage tunes. Next came an Our Gang­ concert by Lyn Larsen which intro­ Tabor, Dottie (MacClain) Whitcomb, type comedy short entitled, "Pie In duced a new pipe organ locale to mem­ Dick Schmidt, Fred Kelley, Lou Good, Your Eye", the story line of which was bers, the 250-seat "Old Town Theatre" Terry Surratt, Marshall Ladd and Grant self-explanatory and, needless to say, in nearby El Segundo which now houses Whitcomb. Also Lee Bounds from Wil­ hilarious. Then the main feature title the Coffman and Field 4/ 21 Wurlitzer mington and Evelyn Becker. lit up the screen, "Follies of Youth". (formerly installed in the Woodcarver - Grant Whitcomb For "Drama" and "Pathos" (but mostly shop). It was a first, the initial concert for a good deal of unintentional played on the fine instrument. LAND O'LAKES comedy), it was perfect. Of course, - Ray Bonner, Chairman Don's deft accompaniment added just WHATEVER BECAME OF . . . the right touch. R. J. O'Neil is to be that "Golden Age of Theatre" when thanked for the old movie prints, Dick MOTOR CITY theatre organs, and theatres, were in Carter for the projector on which the There is an old vaudeville routine their prime? Those good old days have slides were shown, Bob Lahti and that begins, "Just mention my name in become only a fond memory to the Harold Peterson for the slides and - - - -, the greatest little town in more mature members of American Warren Mytling for the 16mm movie the world." And the name of Gaylord society and almost two generations have projector. Carter mentioned in radio spots, news­ never experienced this page in enter­ papers, and the trailer played in the tainment history. With this thought in When there wasn't a dry eye in the theatre featuring "The Big Chase" mind, our Land O'Lakes chapter de­ house, admittedly from laughter instead music on the organ, together with the cided it was about time to try to remedy of from the originally-intended tears, two Harold Lloyd comedies, "Sailor this situation in some small way. the melodrama came to an end and we Made Man" and "Never Weaken" On September 21st, the days before were treated to a finale of fine organ brought our largest audience to date. the talking picture were re-visited. The music from Elaine Franklin. A packed house. We added a couple place was Norm Tubbesing's Arcade All in all, we felt that a good time hundred admirers to our mailing list.

december 1969 44 One man called the morning after the OHIO VALLEY Jonas Nordwall. First Walter played, show to be added to the list. Said he then he sang accompanied by Jonas. had missed the show but his friends October 19th marked Gaylord Car­ Then Jonas changed to the grand piano ter's fourth appearance at the RKO were so enthusiastic, he didn't want to while Walter played the organ. Finally Albee Theatre, Cincinnati, doing a mi,;s another. Many young people ex­ Walter both played and sang many program under sponsorship of the chap'­ pressed the desire for more when Gay­ numbers such as "Somewhere My Love," ter. As usual, Gaylord drew a good lord played several current ballads as "Spanish Eyes" and other ballads. Truly crowd, with over 1900 cheering fans in a finale after his accompaniment to the a great day. attendance. A Rodgers theatre model films and his usual antics at the organ. I hate to report that the Portland organ was used for the evening, which There is a waiting audience for live Oriental must be torn down. The wreck­ Gaylord put through its paces. His theatre organ in our town, and in yours. er is scheduled to remove it. I hope the program included a complete cueing All you have to do is to give everyone cars that park there are haunted by the for Lon Chaney's "Hunchback of Notre the opportunity to know that an event strains of music. Dennis Hedberg and Dame". is taking place. Display ads cost money, Bill Peterson will remove the organ for but we found that we were eligible for Those who have attended this series reinstallation in some, as yet, unknown a non-profit group display advertising of shows featuring live organ music and place. rate in a major daily (1/ 3 off) and con­ silent movies put · on by the Ohio Val­ With so many movie palaces meeting sequently had statewide circulation for ley Chapter of ATOE have been told this fate, I wonder if the next generation the first time. on several occasions that the purpose will know the spine tingling thrill as Chapter members are again playing of these shows is to obtain money for the opening number ushers the mighty the Friday night organ intermissions at the restoration of the RKO Albee 3 organ from the pit to throb its vibrating both the Punch and Judy, and the Red­ manual 19 rank Wurlitzer theatre pipe sounds. Let us savor them while we ford Theaters. Work is progressing on organ. may. . - G. Duffy the Royal Oak 3 / 10 Barton and a grand Since our last show last October this re-opening concert is planned when it organ has been removed from the RK.O PUGET SOUND is completed. Albee and is in the process of being reinstalled in Emery Auditorium at Final business meeting of the year NIAGARA FRONTIER Central Parkway and Walnut Street. . was held at Brads Restaurant preceding the concert and jam session at the A standing-room-only crowd wel­ This removal and restoration is a chap­ ter project and support of these shows Masonic Lodge. The organ is a 2/ 8 comed Lyn Larsen to the Riviera Wurlitzer from a Bremerton Theatre. Theatre October 22. His performance so the work can be completed is most appreciated. It is hoped restoration and The concert itself _was played by Mahon thrilled the Frontiersmen for the second Tullis, a real old type theatre organist. consecutive year. "From This Moment reinstallation can be completed by next spring. Possibly the youngest one of them left. On" played for the big sound got things He played theatre organ while in junior Emery Auditorium, seating 1510 per­ off to a good start. Movie themes fol­ high, went on to radio work, worked for sons, is part of the Ohio College of Ap­ lowed by a melodic arrangement with Balcom and Vaughn and taught organ plied Science complex. Built in 1908, chrysoglott and chimes for "My Way". there. Currently an abstract clerk in Emery was "home" for the Cincinnati Then a well applauded march for a King County Dept. of assessments, he Symphony through the 1920's. Count­ change of pace. Lyn's pedal work is still plays casual musical engagements less are the artists who have appeared always interesting to observe. It is not and concerts. on Emery's stage, including John Philip fair to the artist to list his numbers but The Tony Fenelon concert really de­ Sousa. Children's Theatre has been each one had a different registration mands a longer review but it's great to which displays the masterful ability of held at Emery so grade children have hear our own organ in the Haller Lake had their chance to see "live" theatre. this young artist. clubhouse. The roughly 350 people He accompanied a silent movie and The auditorium has just been air-con­ from both clubs attending not only en­ sing-a-long closing by playing requests ditioned, thereby promising new com­ joyed themselves very much, they be­ froni the balcony to let folks way up fort for performances there. came Tony Fenelon fans with much there know he hadn't forgotten them. - Robert Ridgeway demand for his return. His fine concert was rewarded by a The movie, Laurel and Hardy's sincere standing ovation. OREGON "Double Whoopee," was provided by On Oct. 25th the Chapter celebrated Chapter activities were varied and Don Myers who also shared the musical its tenth anniversary with a midnight interesting for summer and falL In accompaniment with Eddie Zollmar. party at the Riviera. A silent movie and August we met at the home of Richard and Mary Pitts. The huge picture win­ sing-a-long were followed by Sandy SIERRA Ellis and Shirley Cole with a 1920's dows overlooked the picturesque Ya­ act with costumes. They were accom­ quina Bay at Newport. Dick had re­ A small, but very appreciative crowd panied by Ray Simon at the console. stored the former Oaks Rink organ of thirty-five members and fourteen originally built by Wm. Woods Pipe guests assembled at the Carl Greer Inn Bill Hatzenbuhler played his version Organ Co. He completely refinished it Sunday, September 14th to hear ' Emil of "The Chariot Race" with full organ, to what is now one of the best home Martin at the console of the Robert all percussions and the toy counter all organs in the Northwest. The artist, Morton. _Mr. Martin, an artist .from the at full blast. Everything worked. Patricia Preisz, played a memorable days of silent movies, opened the first Alan Ross gave a mini-concert fol­ program demonstrating the superb half of his program with numbers from lowed by open console. sound of the organ. the golden days of theatre organ. A Chairman Randy Piazza was awarded The October meeting was held in the medley of these got the program off the gavel of office, and the theatre man­ Scottish Rite Masonic Lodge Audi­ to a rousing start, and the first half ager Frank Guzzetta was presented with torium in Portland. This is a 3/ 11 was played with but two interruptions. his honorary member tab. Wurlitzer. Its versatility was demon­ During the intermission, Emil re­ - Shirley Cole strated by a duo of Walter Meisen and quested that the audience write down

45 theatre organ bombarde FOR SALE - ARTISAN ORGAN with pipe-organ ~console, two manuals and 32 note AGO pedal. Appears complete, but CLASSIFIEDADS - presently dismantled. Church style console and stoplist. A bargain for hobbyist with some knowledge of electronics. $200. Of­ FOR SALE- Wurlitzer 14-note 16' Tuba FOR SALE BOOKS - The RECENT fered by THE SALVATION ARMY, Red­ chest $37.50. WILLIAM 0. MORRISON, REVOLUTION IN ORGAN BUILD­ lands Corps ., P. 0. Box 26, Redlands, Calif. 92373. 5312 Sound Avenue, Everett, Washington ING by Miller. Beautiful reprint of the 98201. 1913 edition. 190 pages jammed with WANTED - 2/ 10 or larger Wurlitzer photos and information about Hope-Jones THEATRE PIPE ORGAN RECORDS­ theatre pipe organ complete and in good All Lyn Larsen records available exclu­ and all the great builders. Hard cover. or fair condition. Would prefer 3/10 or sively through Essential Records. Order or Only $5.95 postpaid. We have many other larger. Will remove . Contact Richard write for information: P. 0. Box 3304, books on organ s and automatic instru­ Keiffer, 4700 Fort St., Apt. 13, Waco, Glendale , Calif. 91201. ments-ask for catalog. VESTAL PRESS, Texas 76710 . Phone: 817 - 772-5750 . VESTAL 15, New York 13850. FOR SALE - Custom built RODGERS FOR SALE - San Francisco GOLDEN Organ. $18,000 value. Must sacrifice due GATE 3/ 13 Wurlitzer Style-240 pipe or­ to illness. $7,000 or best offer. Mrs. HAR­ FOR SALE - ROBERT-MORTON 2/7 , gan. Write for details. WELDON G. VEY TAYLOR, 305 South Eunice, Port horseshoe console, with added Deagan DREW, 1305 - 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, Angeles, Wash . 98362. Phone: 457-3844. harps, marimba, chimes, completely wired Calif. 95060. for toy-counter. In good working order. FOR SALE - SMITH (Alameda) unit or­ No bid less than $2500. You move. DR . WANTED-THEATRE PIPE ORGAN, gan . 3 manual, 14 ranks. Originally in­ HAROLD W. WOOD, 195 West Cleve­ stalled in Leamington Hotel, Oakland. Michigan area. Also am interested in pipe­ Last Smith built. Specs include: MAIN - land Park Drive, Spartanburg, So. Carolina work and percussions. Please send list and Tuba Horn 8-4; Leathered Diapason 8-4; 29303. price wanted. PHIL JAGLOWSKI, 367 Harmonic Flute 16-2; Gamba 8-4; Celeste Brandywyne, Comstock Park, Mich. 49321. (TC)8-4; Orchestral Oboe 8; Dulciana 8-4; ORGAN OWNERS, BUILDERS and SOLO - Violin Diapason 8; Leathered TECHNICIANS. We sell new and used FOR SALE BOOKS: Hope Jones Unit Orchestra, $3.95. Wurlitzer Unit Organs, Tibia Clausa 8-4; Stopped Flute 16-2; consoles, electronic kits, manuals, pedals, Salicional 8-4; Viol d'Orchestra 8-4; Clari­ $4.50; Wurlitzer Fact Book, $2.00; Whit­ net 8; Vox Humana 8; metal bar harp 49 speakers, reverbs and percussions. Buy worth: Cinema and Theatre Organs, TC to Top C; Chimes action only; Chests direct and save. Write for catalog. NEW­ $15.00; Williams: European Organ, $20.00; and relay have primary and secondary PORT ORGANS, 1593 Monrovia Ave. , Wurlitzer Church Organs, $2.00; Audsley pneumatics . Available for inspection at the Newport Beach, California 92660. Art of Organ Building, $17.50; Norman: First United Methodist Church, 502 Vir­ Organ Today, $7.50; Sears: Reed Organ, ginia Street, Vallejo, California 94590. For FOR SALE - Rodgers Trio Model 321 $2.00. THE ORGAN LITERATURE appointment to inspect instrument , call or with two (2) tone cabinets, one Leslie. FOUNDATION, 45 Norfolk Road, Brain­ tree, Mass. 02184. write Milton Dawson, 117 La Crescenda, Also, two Rodgers Organs with four (4) Vallejo, (707) 643-7597 . Sold to highest tone cabinets. Model 32C three manual bidder. FOR SALE - 2/9 WURLITZER, all gen­ with setterboard, four (4) tone cabinets ; uine Wurlitzer, all complete with trap WANTED - Bench and music rack for and model 660 with four (4) tone cabinets . work, etc. Price $5000. For full details Wurlitzer console . ED RANEY, 6211 30 percent discount from list price. write or phone ELLSWORTH JOHNSON, Temple Hill Drive, Los Angeles, Calif. LIVELY MUSIC SERVICE, 626 Park­ W. 611 First Ave., Spokane, Wash. 99204. 90028. Tel.: HO 9-9181. view Center, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401. Phones : (509) 747-5432 or 624-7978 eves.

their favorites and the second half of on Sunday morning, September 28. c1t1es and countries, a medley of well­ the program was made up of these much to the enjoyment of 300 people. known show-tunes , and a night at the requests and included a medley from Larry Leverenz, who played theatre opera. When the audience is really en­ "The King and I", the "Desert Song", organs for 10 years throughout Mich­ joying themselves , the time goes by so "Paint Your Wagon" and several more igan for Butterfield Theatres, returned fast, and too soon the two great friends numbers from the good old days. As an to his friend, the Golden Voiced Bar­ must part again. A very appropriate encore, Emil was asked to play his old ton at the Temple Theatre, Saginaw. closing number was "Auld Lang Syne." radio theme "Ruby" , which brought The Temple Theatre is one of the A short meeting of the Wolverine back memories to many Sacramentoans. cleanest and best taken care of theatres Chapter was held at the theatre, then Emil Martin has been broadcasting in Michigan. It still displays its beau­ the membership gathered at Good since the advent of radio. He first tiful rococo and gold leaf. The Temple Shepherd Lutheran Church for an "in­ played a 2/ 14 Robert Morton installed also boasts of the Barton , which is in door picnic." Several members tried in the studios of KCRA which is now excellent condition due to the restor­ out the Schlicker pipe organ there. the property of member Don Zeller. ation project of Ken Wuepper and sev­ Some were amazed at the volume of When the organ was removed from the eral assistants. All of this is a credit sound to be gotten from 16 ranks of studio he started playing a Hammond to Mr. Ellis Merkley, manager , who unenclosed pipework voiced on 2½" and is still broadcasting a half-hour has been with Butterfield Theatres for wind pressure. Incidentally, 8 ranks of program each Sunday evening. Emil is 27 years. Wish there were more like it are mixtures. a very accomplished organist who can him around. Many members were heard to have play both pops and classical with equal A real showman , Mr. Leverenz remarked what a fine concert it was ease. Emil Martin should be heard by played several medleys of tunes too and what a nice turn-out there was. more A.T.O.S. members, for he is truly numerous to mention all of them. Then one of the finest organists playing today. he simulated an orchestra tuning up its - Bob Longfield various instruments, via an organ cham­ ber tour, and played the "orchestra" 1970ATOS CONVENTION WOLVERINE through "Pomp and Circumstance." After 30 years of being parted, two The second half was devoted to a NEWYORK CITY old friends got together for two hours world tour with songs to denote the

december 1969 46 Back in 1961, ATOEr Sylvan Ketterman clipped the above comic strip from the March 19th (Sunday) edition of the Muncie (Indiana) Star and filed · it with his collection of organ lore. The idea of an associate of Snuffy Smith having the courage to go all out for pipes, despite B shrinking "mountain dew" market, might just supply needed courage to some later "bodacious ldj it" who was "tetched" enough to take the pipe route. Years later he came across the now faded strip and decided that if it was ever to inspire a true lover of pipes who had "backslud," it had better be before the eharBcters did a complete fade. We sent it to Bill Lamb for a touch of the magic he has in copying old photos and pictures from yellowed sheet music covers, and this is the result. Now we can all sympathize with "Zeb" in his desire to give his little daughter the benefit of a real organ. Reproduced with permission of King Featu r es Syndicate, Inc.

LARRYFERRARI at the MIGHTYWURLITZER pipe Special This is the album you've been waiting of talented and genial LARRY FERRARI playing the Club "MIGHTY WURLITZER " pipe organ at the famed Detroit Theatre Organ Club ... magnificent or gan music " especially Price for you." Larry never sounded better as he demonstrates his artistry and wizardry at the keyboard of this 4 manual, 34 rank , one -of-a-kind Wurlitzer pipe or gan . This brand new album is truly a musical bouquet of the most popular song and melodies to make your listen ing pleasure a real delight. 14.~.~ Feature such great tunes as . .. album

IN "TRUE STEREOWITH 3-D SOUND" "IF I WERE A RICH MAN" (from ''Fiddler On The Roof") 41!"~ CAN BE PLAYED ON ANY 33 1 3 PHONOGRAPH r?r~I~-...:...· "I FEEL PRETTY" (from "West Side Story") ~ . . ,. ' ,. ,. . .:, "LARA'S THEME" (from "Dr. Zhivago") "I WILL WAIT FOR YOU" NEW 8-TRACK STEREOTAPE l .• flliil (from "Umbrellas Of Cherbourg") "IMPOSSIBLE DREAM" (from "Man Of La Mancha")

"THOSE WERE THE DAYS" ,e Sure Your Check or Money Order Is Attached Macie Payable to: "REPASZ BAND" (March) "CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN" (from "Sound of Music") SURE MUSIC & RECORD CO., INC. "DEAR WORLD" (from "Dear World") "ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER" P.O.Box 94 BROOMALL,PA. 19008 (from "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever") "WHO CAN I TURN TO" (from "Roar Of The Greasepaint") ~,Let Us Mail For You A~A Gift You bet it is. And as you can see, we are already underway on another 'Gee,Dad, custom theatre organ just like it. As a matter of fact, there are a lot of big things happen­ ing at Rodgers. ifs a ... Rodgers?' Write us for details.