JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN THEATREORGAN SOCIETY

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.. • J .... ,:"" -:·: ; • ' ~ ~ .. .. ~.t. THE COVER PHOTO Tony Fenelon's visit to the U.S.A. was a series of personal and musical triumphs for the young Australian organist, seen here examining the wonders on the stoprail of the Robert Morton organ in the Carl Greer Inn in Sacramento, Calif . His first person account of his tours starts on page 5. Journal of the American Theatre Organ Society -Stufoto

Volume 12, Number 1 In This Issue February, 1970 FEATURES 5 My Great Adventure 'UP OVER' ...... Tony Fenelon A.T.O.S. National Membership is $8 .00 per cal­ 8 A Rose Is a Rose ...... Lloyd E. Klos endar year, which includes a subscription to 16 Don Thompson Concertizing in West ...... Elmer Fubb THEATRE ORGAN, the official publication of 17 The Young Radical Comes of Age ...... Billy Nalle the American Theatre Organ Society. Single 18 'Pipe 'n Pizza' Makes Southwest Scene ...... Peg Nielsen copies: $ l .25 . Make check or money or.der 21 Cedar Rapids Has Smash Hit ...... Charles G. Albrecht payable to A.T.0 .S., and mail to P. 0. Box 22 Home Organ Festival Celebrates Tenth Birthday ...... Hal Steiner 2329, Livonia, Michigan 48150 . 25 Letter from New York .... Claude Beckham OVERSEAS Membership: $8.00. 29 Recipe for Fabulous Fifteenth ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION 38 CATOE Members Restore Pickwick Wurlitzer ...... Karol and Ken Shirey 39 Barton Finds Home in California EXCEPT ADVERTISING SHOULD BE SENT TO A.T.O.S . PUBLICATIONS 41 Millie Nearly Fried ...... Peg Nielsen P.O . BOX 2329, LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48150 41 Live Organ on Sacramento FM 41 Unusual Store Opens ADVERTISING ADDRESS: Dewey Cagle, 3291 42 A Tribute to Dan Papp Guido Street, Oakland, California 94602 . 46 Keith's Wurlitzer Removed * * TECHNICAL A.T.O.S. National Officers 12 "UNIFICATION" -What Is It? ...... Stu Green Albert T. Mason, President Allen W. Rossiter, Vice President CONCERT REVIEWS Dcirothy Whitcomb, Secretary-Treasurer 32 Lyn Larsen's Fall Concert Tour ..The Green 'Machine' Betty Mason, Executive Secretary 33 Don Baker Excites Rochester TOS .Lloyd E. Klos 36 Jerry Mendelson at Rahway ...... Anonymous A.T.O.S. National Board of Directors 42 California Miss Debuts on Covina 'Wurlimorton' ...... Stu Green Lee Erwin Ben M. Hall DEPARTMENTS Fred Kruse 3 President's Message 27 Closing Chord 40 Golden Nuggets Dorothy Whitcomb 4 Acre of Seats 28 The Pipe Piper 44 Chapter News Gaylord Carter 20 Hollywood Cavalcade 30 Letters to the Editor 47 Classified Ads W. "Tiny" James 26 Vox Pops 34 For The Records Allen W. Rossiter Richard Simonton Richard H. Schrum, Past President PERSPECTIVES A.T.O.S. Honorary Members 1959 - Jesse Crawford May 11th, 1959, 1094 copies of THEATRE ORGAN were mailed - 439 1960 - Famy Wurlitzer members and 655 prospective members. We can no longer send copies to prospects 1961 - Mel Doner but we will be mailing over 4,000 copies in 1970 to members as soon as all their 1962 - Leonard MacClain dues are received. The main statement made in the original editorial is just as 1963 - Eddie Dunstedter timely now as it was then. WHAT WE DO DEPENDS ON YOU! 1964 - Reginald Foort Our growth means better service to you. More news comes in and can be 1965 - Dan Barton printed as the costs do not rise in direct proportion to size. The fixed costs of 1966 - W. "Tiny" James 1967 - Erwin A. Young, Jr. acquiring information can be spread over more pages. Except for long planned 1968 - Richard C. Simonton conventions , the magazine is not designed to announce coming events. That is one 1969 - Judd Walton of the functions of a chapter newsletter. But we can let the country know what has EDITORIAL STAFF happened when we get. the reports. Editor - George Thompson Currently, our Society is busier than ever with various chapters engaged in Associate Editors - Ray Brubacher restoring organs in theatres, installing them in educational institutions and audi­ Lloyd Klos toriums as well as members rescuing the instruments for their own purposes. The Peg Nielsen present use in various types of restaurants gives the public a chance to hear "the Editor-Emeritus - W. "Stu" Green sound". Theatres are repairing them as you will note in the body of the magazine. Publications Director - Don Lockwood Advertising Manager - Dewey Cagle There are more organ clubs with owned or controlled instruments than ever before. Circulation Manager - Vi Thompson Read Billy Nalle's article carefully in this issue. I think it sounds the note THEATRE ORGAN (title registered U.S. Patent for us today. Make the theatre organ a permanent part of culture for the people. Office) is published bi-monthly by the American Our Fabulous Fifteenth convention is celebrating our fifteenth year of con­ Theatre Organ Society, Inc., a non-profit or­ tinued growth. Actually we have only had eleven conventions but ATOS is fifteen ganization, Albert T. Mason, President. All rights reserved. Entire contents copyrighted years old in 1970. l 970 by A.T.0.S., Inc., Office of publication is P.O. Box 2329 , Livonia, MichigaR 48150. Printed by Detro·it Master -Craft, Livonia, Mich­ igan 48150 .

POSTMASTER: Second Class postage paid at Livonia, Michigan. IF UNDELIVERABLE, send form 3579 to A.T.O.S. Circulation Department, Box 1314, Salinas, CaH·fornia 93901. __{if 1vt{U)(?}.s~sident I ATOS 3 ARCHIVES/LIBRARY theatre organ By Bill Peterson - Number 19 in a series ORIENTAL THEATRE - PORTLAND, OREGON This "East Indian" playhouse was designed by the Portland The organ is being completely releathered, with plans to firm of Thomas & Mercier and seats 2,038. The magni­ install it in another theatre building in Portland in the ficent plaster work was designed by Adrian Voisin. The future. theatre opened on December 31, 1927. This writer, and Dennis Hedberg were the last managers Outstanding features of this structure include the huge of the Oriental , before its recent sale. The theatre will be dome in the auditorium, the intricate plaster detai I every­ razed to provide parking for the adjoining office building. where in the building, the children's nursery in the base­ The Oriental was recently photographed for inclusion in ment under the lobby, and the Wurlitzer Special 235 the Library of Congress list of America's most interesting organ which is now removed by owner Dennis Hedberg. buildings. february 1970 4 My Great Adventure 'Up Over'

by Tony Fenelon

For 31 day s in September - October concerts on Saturday , Oct. 11th. But SURE I CAN SMILE - Tony was reminded of 1969, Austr alian organi st Tony Fen­ that seemed a long way ahead at the his somber demeanor while our cover photo was elon made his first tour of the U.S.A. , time. taken, so he here exhibits some of the charm playing concerts wherever there was which won him friends wherever he visited. The an available organ and generally hav­ On Sunday night , Sept. 14th , we instrument is the 4/15 Robert Morton in the ing a whale of a time. Here's how he dropped in at the Captain's Galley res­ Carl Greer Inn, Sacramento, Calif . remembers it. taurant at .Santa Clara to enjoy a meal -Stufoto and have a short play on the 3/ 12 "By the time I get to Phoenix - she'll Wurly installed there. This is Tom gun. With him was Dewey and Lor­ be hectic!" Perhaps an understatement, Hazleton-Jack Gustafson territory, and raine Cagle , Peg Nielsen and a lot of but how can one describe the most boy, is that instrument in good hands! familiar Festival faces . Guess it turned memorable 31 days in one's life? I guess I still don't really know which was best into a "Hoberg clan request program " I knew the time would fly as this whirl­ - the organ or the pizza! after midnight. wind tour took me from West to East The following day we drove to Lake and back again. What I didn't know Tuesday found us up at Hobergs' Tahoe in Nevada and stayed at the was that during that time , I would Resort in the pines! Dewey Cagle had told me so much about the Home famous Sahara Tahoe Hotel where amass such a wealth of friends and Dean and I had the pleasure of hearing memories. Organ Festivals of past years but had assured me that the only way to really and meeting Johnny Mathis. Johnny As I walked onto good ol' San Fran­ appreciate the Festival atmosphere was told us that night about the trouble he cisco soil for the first time, I tried to to go there. I now know exactly what had singing at an altitude of 7000 feet. convince myself that this was America. he meant. I never thought it possible After re-acclimatizing ourselves at Boy, that was hard! Why by inter­ to have so much fun and make so many San Jose , we got down to the business national time , I wasn't due to leave friends in such a short time. In spite of of a pjan·o and organ concert at Steven's Sydney in Australia for another 15 concerts, jam sessions, classes, a cos­ Music Company. Here we found a real­ minutes! That's sure a good way of tume ball and parties ( what parties!) ly appreciative audience, and now I'm remembering anything you've left be­ we still found time to sleep-for about glad I "know the way to San Jose! " hind. three hours nightly. Although it was a It was off to Walnut Creek on Wed­ nesday, September 24th, for a rapidly My first evening in America (Sept. holiday atmosphere and that happy organized concert for the Thomas organ 11) was spent with Lorraine and Dewey "10th birthday spirit" prevailed above representative, City Music. Mr. Will Cagle at the home of my manager, all, every concert was presented with Richmond, the president of City Music, Dean Mitchell, in San Mateo. Dean, an air of professionalism second to and also the fastest organizer I have working under the watchful eye of none. Stage lighting and sound, in fact met, arranged this concert ( and the Dewey Cagle, had obviously spent a lot the entire production of all auditorium audience) in less than three days. of late nights organizing this tour as functions was a credit to the P.C.O.C. Thanks, Will! the amount of work done before I committee who worked like beavers the The pace was on! We left Dean's arrived was nothing short of astronom­ entire time. I could write pages about red Volkswagen locked up, minus dis­ ical. But on this night we relaxed and the Festival and those •fabulous artists tributor at San Francisco Airport and looked ahead to what was in store. I heard , about the strange "accent" you all have over there, and most of all flew to Seattle. No one could steal that The first few days were spent in San about my adopted 12 "mothers" and car. Beautiful Seattle-one place I could Francisco and were mainly occupied new grandparents. really settle down in. Why, with people with short promotional appearances at like Genny Whiting, the Millers, Tom Bay area organ centres for Yamaha, It was sure hard to say goodbye on Kaasa, Dick Schrum, the gang at Bob's Baldwin, Thomas and Hammond. My the Sunday to all those special people Restaurant and all the folks at the first look at a U.S. Wurli was at the I met, including one "very special" per­ "Yankee Picnic" at Haller Lake, who A venue Theatre, home of a very lively son; ~he can really show us guys how to wouldn't want to stay? I had a ball at 3 - manual, Posthorn - equipped instru­ play. Then it was on to Sacramento for Queen Ann High School when I played ment. There it was my pleasure to meet an evening at the Carl Greer Inn. a student assembly concert on their Clare Elgin the new theatre owner who I couldn't help feeling some Festival Kimball Theatre Pipe Organ. is probably the best person in the world atmosphere as I played -that magnificent Two nights at Bob's Restaurant with to give the A venue Theatre the recog­ Robert Morton from 7:30 p.m. to 1 :00 the "gang" provided a highlight in my nition it deserves. It was truly a theatre a.m. on Sunday evening. I knew it! Sit­ tour memories, especially as that beau­ full of enthusiasm-one big happy fam­ ting, listening and eating was my ol' tiful little 2-manual Robert Morton had ily! Even at this stage, I was really Festival buddy, Stu Green, brandishing a juicy bass drum right over the front looking forward to the two Avenue the world's largest and brightest flash- entrance-good for scaring the female

5 theatre organ ranks hiding behind stage. The present pipe chambers will then become the "echo organ." Some echo! Back to Mishawaka, or should I say "Back home in Indiana"? A pleasant surprise at Elkhart during our tour of the Conn Organ factory was an unex­ pected meeting with Don Kingston. Don and I had met previously at Ho­ berg's during the Festival and of course reminisced about those 3 a.m. parties in the Conn showroom. Many folks will remember that part of Hoberg's (main­ ly those trying to get some sleep!) It didn't take long to fly to Detroit from ·South Bend, but I guess the lug­ "IT'S A DOLLY!" grinned Tony when asked what CHRISTENING THE BABY - Tony's visit to gage must have traveled by mule train. he thought of Seattle Paramount's mellow Pub­ Seattle provided the spur which cut projected lix Wurlitzer. The organist's sensitive registration installation time of proud chapter's new organ After waiting one hour for our belong­ further mellowed the mellow, completely capti­ in ifs new home by half. Memb~rs worked ings, we eventually arrived at the Sen·ate vated attending Puget Sound Chapter members around the clock to complete the job in time Theatre in Detroit in the care of Ben and friends at Sunday morning's concert. for informal opening of organ by Tony at Levy and Russ Johnson. Words cannot - Tom Koo so Photo Sunday afternoon joint bash with Haller Lake describe adequately my impressions of Improvement Club members. both the Senate Wurlitzer and DTOC customers as they came pizza-hunting! -Tom Kooso Photo itself. The instrument and auditorium with its facilities are a credit to every On Sunday morning I gave a concert and it was a pleasure to play there. The at the Seattle Paramount on the Publix member of the DTOC, and to perform Hoosier Auditorium is an intimate Wurlitzer and couldn't help thinking on such a magnificent instrument for just how much it sounded like my old house with the organ chambers behind such a wonderful audience was to me Regent Melbourne 4/ 19 Wurlitzer. This the audience at the rear of the audi­ an experience I shall never forget. The was the lush, velvety sound that became torium. Very friendly Wurlitzer this Senate Theatre Wurlitzer is nothing synonymous with the great cinema pal­ one. I even slept in one of the chambers short of 100% and is an example of aces, a sound which is rapidly becoming for one night before the concert to get what a club can do when the members scarce as "progress" destroys an era the "feel" of the instrument. really set their minds to it. Sincere that was never meant to die. thanks to you all, DTOC. Thanks also Big things are in store for the A pleasant surprise on that Sunday to all the gang who gave us that won­ Hoosier Auditorium! I'm sure I saw a afternoon was in store for me. The derful guided tour of the Detroit Fox Puget Sound chapter of ATOS had just 4-manual Wurlitzer console and pipe Theatre. Imagine how that Wurlitzer completed the installation of their own 3-manual theatre pipe organ in the Haller Lake Improvement Club Hall. Both clubs are now joining activities, and this was the first public appearance of the organ. I was indeed privileged to have the opportunity of playing this magnificent instrument on this mem­ orable afternoon. Highlight of the after­ noon was the silent film presentation with organ accompaniment (second only to the food) . Another sad departure from Seattle airport the following morning found us on our way to Chicago and South Bend with definite intentions to return as soon as possible. On arrival at South Bend we were greeted by Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Mitchell, Dean's parents who at once made me feel like one of the family. It was great to be in Mishawaka, Indiana, a few days "at home" with the folks. When the South Shore railroad car finally did rumble into the Chicago area, we were met by Bob Montgomery of the Hoosier Auditorium Theatre in Whiting. TONY IN MID-AMERICA - The youthful Australian captures his audience at the Hoosier Theatre in This concert was a real ball! Bob Whiting, Indiana, as easily as elsewhere. Here he plays the current 3/11, soon to be replaced by a giant flexing behind the curtains - the mighty 4/28 Wurlitzer from the Chicago Uptown Theatre. and the boys really live for that theatre -Photo courtesy of Bob Montgomery february 1970 6 must have thrilled thousands in its However, the concerts actually took brighter past. The next three days were place on time and, as usual, the Avenue spent in New York. To a mere "Aussie" gang was hard at work behind the from "Down Under," there was too scenes. much to take in in such a short time. We did make it to Los Angeles the We saw all the favorites - Broadway, next morning in spite of the smog over Times Square, Rad~o City, Empire State the airport. I met a lot of Hoberg Building and Statue of Liberty. Yes, I friends again at the Wiltern Theatre and was allowed to play your most famous was able to dedicate my song to "Carol" Wurlitzer, thanks to arrangements made in person this time! Later the same day, by Dean with John H. Jackson, Direc­ we all flew back to San Francisco for tor of Stage Operations at Radio City the final concert at Walnut Creek for Music Hall. Thomas, only this time I had a very special guest artist with me. The title of Before realizing just how much could Carol's new LP was "Have You Met be built on one small island, we were Miss Jones" and I wanted to make sure flying clean across good ol' U.S.A. to that the Walnut Creek audience did! Los Angeles. I was looking forward to Our duo spot was "Quando Quando" seeing that wonderful West Coast again SERENDIPITY - Tony threw in a gratis concert with piano and organ . Carol looks just for the student body of Seattle's Queen Ann and in any case, I still hadn't seen Dis­ as pretty at the Thomas as she does at neyland! We were met by Dr. Larry High School when he heard of reviving student interest in the school's 3/13 Kimball and Chap­ the Rodgers! This concert was given to White at LA airport and whisked off members of the Rossmoor Retirement to that playground for a day of fun. ter plans to help maintain the instrument and develop promising young players at the school. Community at Walnut Creek and they Back to reality the following morning -Tom Kaasa Photo were typical of the friendly responsive for a first look at the Wiltern Kimball. audiences I had met throughout the In spite of all the mixed comments and As I said earlier, I was looking for­ U.S.A. It was very hard to say good­ rumors I had heard about that instru­ ward to the two A venue Theatre con­ night --to them as they were my last ment, I must say that I loved it. I found certs in San Francisco and I guess the American audience and hundreds of it very orchestral and it sure has some time soon came around. I really felt memories of the last few weeks flashed sweet sound ( nobody wants to sit and like "coming home" to the A venue as through my mind. Still, I guess it was listen to an organ played flat out all the it was my "first U.S. Wurli." I saw quite "Au revoir'' and not really 'goodbye." time). The Wiltern Kimball was in a few familiar faces in the audience and Now that the tour is over and I'm excellent condition, a credit to the LA was overjoyed to see Genny and Connie back in "Down Under," it almost seems Chapter of ATOS, and with the piston Whiting all the way from Seattle!! I unreal that so much happened in such action in 100% working order, who think there was a plot afoot to make me a short time. I will remember you all, would really worry which way the stops homesick, because at both concerts, the and hope that in the not so distant were arranged. Sorry, you critics of program opened with a travel film on future, the shores of San Francisco Bay the Wiltern Kimball, I think it's a great Australia entitled "Going Places." We will Io9m' up out of the blue, and I may instrument and would consider it a nearly didn't make that first A venue have the pleasure of being one of you privilege to play for such a great aud­ Concert, because of that little red Volks­ once again. D wagen which had been patiently waiting ience again. Because of his enthusiasm for playing at San Francisco Airport. We had Of course, at this stage of the tour concerts in the U.S.A., and his whole­ thought of everything to make that little hearted acceptance by U.S. audiences, there was quite a deal of hopping about. car thief-proof, but we had left the car There was a memorable evening at Tony plans a two-week return engage­ radio on for three weeks! Poor battery! ment in June 1970. Larry White's Chapel-in-the-Canyon in Canoga Park. Then, after the first prac­ tice on the Kimball, there was a rapid dash to Phoenix, Arizona, for a concert on that beautiful 5-manual Wurlitzer OFF-DUTY HOURS installed in the magnificent residence of were spent not in Mr. Bill Brown. Our stay there was all flaking out, but at too short; imagine having to say farewell the nearest available to an instrument like that! I can truly keyboard. Tony claims say that I never heard a home installa­ this is his most effec­ tion with a sound even approaching that tive form of relaxa­ of Bill's. I could have spent weeks at tion from hedic work that console just playing around and and concert schedules, living it up. With something like that whether at home or in your front room, Bill, how do you on tour. Here he tear yourself away to eat and sleep? plays Lee Bauscher's 3/11 basement Wur­ During this hectic period, we were litzer, later batted very fortunate to have a conducted tour eledronic breeze with electronic specialist through the Thomas Organ Factory at Bausch er. Sepulveda with Mr. Byron Melcher. It -Tom Kaasa Photo was really an eye opener to see the work involved in constructing a "plug­ in." I think I'll stick to medical elec­ tronics.

7 theatre organ A ROSE IS A ROSE . . .

Story by Lloyd E. Klos Photos from Rio Collection The love of music has been the driv­ organist do it? How did he know what The glamorous and talented Rosa Rio poses at ing force in Rosa Rio's life - not only music to play? I spent the entire day the console of one of her three electronics in her Shelton, Conn. studio. Her home and teach­ a personal love, but also a love of there, and when I came out, I made ing facilities offer her a "Shangri-La" from the sharing it with others. Anyone who has my decision. I knew then what I wanted pressures of big-city living. heard her in concert, can see that love to do. I will always remember those manifested in her playing and in her beautiful theatres and their organs in was employed at Loew's Burnside, a commentary throughout the program. Cleveland - the Alhambra (Wurlitzer), 31 00~seat house having a 3-manual At the age of four, her tiny fingers A!len (Kimball), Ohio (Moller) and Moller. This theatre was a big improve­ could pick out a melody on the piano, Stillman (Skinner), all on Euclid Ave­ ment , but the one she really enjoyed and by six, she could "chord" any tune nue, the main stem. was Loew's Willard in Richmond Hill, she heard once. Unfortunately, the cus­ Rosa learned that Rochester's East­ Long Island. It was a 2300-seat vaude­ tom was to wait and begin music lessons man School of Music was the only ville and movie theatre, and Rosa was at the age of eight, something Rosa school having a course in organ ac­ again the only organist. "It was a long deplores. "If a person has talent, let companiment of motion pictures, so grind," she says. When desiring to visit it be encouraged early. I have taught she began study under John Hammond, the ladies' lounge, she would signal the the color system to children of 5 ½ an excellent instructor. Later, Ham­ manager, he would come down to the years." mond was to be featured at the Pic­ console and hold a chord until she returned. Male organist after male When Rosa reached eight, she had cadilly and Warner's theatres in New York. organist turned down the job because developed a rather cocky attitude, bejng they didn't like the 3-manual Austin. "above the baby stuff." She would ask Upon finishing the course at the After playing the Loew's houses the teacher to play a song; she mem~r­ Eastman, her first theatre job was in around New York, she went south. In ized it, but got into difficu!ty when she Syracuse , but she does not recall the New Orleans, she studied piano with added embellishments. theatre's name. She was the only or­ another excellent teacher, Vit Lubow­ "I was bitten by the theatre bug at ganist , played all day and evening, ski. "I then had a stint in the south's nine, having been asked to play piano seven days a week , at $40 a week. most beautiful theatre , the 3400-seat for a siler,t movie. My instructions Next , she went to New York , and Saenger in New Orleans . What a were to 'play loud and don't stop.' Ad­ mission to the theatre was 10c and I was to be paid 5c an hour. Great was my excitement and anticipation. "Before my first hour had ended, the news of my venture had unfortunately reached my father. Suddenly, a strong, cold hand at the back of my neck lifted me off the piano stool. The humiliation of this I'll never forget! There was no music, just the clank-clank of the pro­ jector, and my father's ominous voice: 'The theatre is no place for a girl.' The bitter tears flowed, but my appetite for theatre work was whetted. Inside, I knew the bug had bitten me." On her mother's side were vaudeville people, and the second time she was bitten by the theatre bug occured in Cleveland. Her parents had decided she would be a music teacher, so off she went to college at Oberlin, Ohio. While visiting an aunt in Cleveland, she at­ tended the newest and most beautiful theatre. "When I saw the organ console rise from the pit, and heard that magnifi­ Rosa Rio at the Brooklyn Fox console about 1934. This is the largest Crawford Special, the organ cent sound, this was it! How did the having one extra rank to make it the biggest of the famous line. Organ is still in the theatre.

february 1970 8 place! And what an organ - a beauti­ After closing that organ , she went commentator, Walter Kiernan , who ful Robert Morton ." Persons in New back to New York in 1933 and an en­ saved my day." Orleans with good memories probably gagement at the beautiful Fox in The Crown Theatre organ in New remember the vivacious young lady Brooklyn. The organ was the largest London, Conn. was another she closed. presiding at the Saenger 's Morton con­ Crawford Special , a dulciana rank By now , she must have been running a sole under the name of Betty Ham­ added to make it the biggest. "It was close race with Guy Lombardo in play­ mond. a joy to practice on this organ from ing 'Auld Lang Syne'. "I couldn 't be­ "I recall vividly the flood there in midnight until 4 or 5 a.m. What a lieve it was happening , but here it was. 1927. In the knick of time , someone thrill!" The talkies had ended the theatre or­ had the foresight to raise the console Rosa closed this organ by playing gan 's original purpose , and now the to its top position to escape the water "Auld Lang .Syne", and later did the depression was knocking it out of the which inundated the first 50 rows of same with the RKO Albee and Brook­ solo and sing-a-long business. the orchestra ." lyn Paramount organs . "Fortunately for me in these dark The Saenger was the flagship theatre A brief second or two which seemed days of the theatre organ , I was a of a circuit which included theatres in like an eternity to her, occurred at the pianist , too. I had served as coach and Alabama , Florida , Louisiana and Mis­ RKO Patio Theatre in Brooklyn. accompanist for many prominent sing­ sissippi. Rosa made the grand tour of "I was playing song slides and mak­ ers in opera and popular music. One them. "While at the New Orleans ing small talk to the audience, and as of these is still one of the most wonder- Strand , a positivel y frightening experi­ ence occured to me, but was a delect­ able tre at for the audience. "I had just taken a bow in the spot­ light after singing a song. (Yes , I was a singing organist , too). The sing-a­ long began , and I started to hear laughs from the audience. The cause for the merriment , as I was to find out seconds later , was a huge rat which crossed the stage , stopped , glared at the screen , then looked at the audience . It then scampered from the stage onto the organ console, stopped at the music rack , and looked down at me! "I spotted him then , gave out a scream FFF , and in one leap , I sprang over the orchestra rail into the audi­ ence vivac e tempo. Needless to say, it broke up the house." About this time, the talkies began to erode the field of the theatre organ, and when the Strand ended the use of its organ , Rosa and associate organist, Ray McNamara, were featured as a duo in closing it. Although Rosa Rio is originally from the west, she has lived mainly in the south and northeast. But, she has the Rosa was the first network organist to play an electronic and a piano simultaneously. This shows her in New York's Blue Network studio in 1943, playing on her Friday program at 1:45 P.M., EWT. fondest memories of New Orleans, "a most charming and romantic city." I turned around to play the next song, ful persons to have ever graced the Back she went to earn her bread and I went completely blank! Just like an musical comedy stage - Mary Martin. butter in the north. She got an engage­ inexperienced speaker 'who cannot re­ "Many were th~ auditions I played ment in the Paramount Theatre in member what to say next, I was floun­ for Mary, who nick-named herself "Au­ Scranton , Pa. as featured organist. In dering in a sea of darkness. dition Mary', but said that each audi­ this theatre, Rosa learned a thing or "As I always played from memory, tion gave her the experience of a per­ two about music selection. I was lost completely. I wanted to ex­ formance. One night, however, was "I had purposely broken off with my pire right there! But, suddenly, a the most exciting of all. boy friend, but a few days later, he squeaky fem ale voice started to sing the "After a week of auditioning for all stopped at the theatre to see the show. words on the screen a cappella, and I the top brass of Broadway musicals, the I was playing the current hit song 'I was .saved. The tune was 'Sittin' On a 'go' sign was still forthcoming. At Don 't Know Why I Love You Like I Log', whose starting notes resemble 11 :45 p.m., after I had just retired, Do', which he felt I was singing to him! 'Throw Another Log On the Fire', Mary called me, and excitedly asked "When I returned to my dressing both current at that time. me to get up because 'we have to be room, I found one dozen red roses "Recently, I was performing 'Misty' at the Waldorf Towers in 15 minutes to with a note reading, 'You do care. So with so much care that I drew a blank audition for Cole Porter.' do I. How about a dinner date after when getting to the bridge. Being more "It sure was exciting; Mary sang like the show?' I was hungry, so ... After experienced this time, I told the audi­ a lark, Cole Porter was impressed, and that, I was more careful in my choice ence my predicament. Sitting there and his · final word was 'go'. The song she of songs." singing right on key was the well-known auditioned was the springboard of a

9 theatre organ meteoric career, 'My Heart Belongs to Daddy'. She sang that song in the musical 'Leave It To Me' which hit Broadway in 1938. And, I was there to help the little girl from Weatherford, Texas on her way. We are still the best of friends." At a private party, Mr. McCann, a WOR radio executive in New York, heard Rosa Rio play, and engaged her to perform on the station. She then became staff organist on NBC under the musical director, Leopold Spitalny. Next, came a staff assignment on WJZ under ABC's musical director, Frank Y agoni. She played as many as 13 shows a week, five days a week. Following is a listing of the radio shows with which Rosa Rio was asso­ ciated during her illustrious career: 1. "Between the Bookends" with Ted Malone 2. "Calvacade of America" 3. "Chaplain Jim" 4. "Court of Missing Heirs" 5. "Deadline Drama" 6. "Dunninger Show" It was not uncommon to see Rosa run from studio to studio with less than a minute between programs, 7. "Ethel and Albert" as she is shown here in 1942 at NBC in New York. The time on the wall clock is 11: 14, and the alert 8. "Front Page Farrell" usher is holding back the tourists so our gal Friday can make her next program in time. 9. "Gospel Singer" with Edward MacHugh only seconds to spare before taking her an excellent organist, he brought so 10. "Hannibal Cobb" place at the Hammond. much fun and hilarious laughter to the · 11. "Lorenzo Jones" "Clock-watching was just as impor­ shows that handkerchiefs became stand­ 12. "My True Story" tant in radio as it is in television today", ard equipment in his presence. "George 13. "Myrt and Marge" says Rosa. "My experience as organist and I palled around so much that Wal­ 14. "Mystery Chef" in mood music for silent movies gave ter Winchell wrote that we two were 15. "The Shadow" me the instant background needed for altar-bound. George loved Broadway 16. "Town Hall Tonight" the radio dramas. Since my rehearsal musicals, and we'd see a show together, 17. "When a Girl Marries" time was always limited, the director but George would go back alone and might allow eight seconds for a certain see the shows two and three times These radio programs were a part musical bridge, only to frantically sig­ again. of that medium's Golden Days. Recog­ nal me from the control room during nized by the older generation are some "George was doing 'The Jack Berch air time to cut it to four. This made it Show' for Prudential Insurance, which of the "soap operas" which were given impossible to use printed music, be­ this monicker because of their sponsors included Charles Magnante, accordion­ cause I had to keep my eyes on the ist and Tony Motola, guitarist. The -Lever Brothers Co.; Colgate, Pal­ script, director, clock and the actors all molive Peet; or Proctor and Gamble. studio was on the third floor of NBC, at one time." next door to the studio in which 'My Frank Hummert, a Chicago news­ Her longest running show was "My True Story' was aired. paperman, began the daytime serial True Story", and it featured many "Our announcer, Texas-born Eddie when he introduced "Ma Perkins" and actors who later starred in the movies Dunn, with his great sense of humor sold it to Proctor and Gamble, thereby and on television, including Bob Hast­ and big smile, was the announcer on giving birth to the soap opera. The pro­ ings, Ross Martin, Kevin McCarthy, George's show, also. Needless to say, grams were inexpensive by today's John McIntire, Jeannette Nolan and we had a ball." Rosa subbed for George standards, could be aired in 15 min­ Tony Randall. "Lorenzo Jones" was a when he over-slept, and according to utes a day, five days a week, for a long favorite of the feminine audience, Eddie Dunn, Rosa would stride briskly cost of $4,000, including organ music. and featured Karl Swensen in the lead. into the studio saying, "OK, boys, no James Thurber once wrote "a soap Whenever the story included a birthday, more risque stories; there's a lady pres­ opera is a kind of sandwich . . . Be­ the studio would overflow with gifts ent," which never failed to break up tween thick slices of advertising, spread from the listeners. her colleagues. Eddie's favorite expres­ 12 minutes of dialogue, add predica­ Most everyone remembers "The Sha­ sion was "Gee, I'd give $18 for a ham ment, villainy, and female suffering in dow", and that show had Robert An­ sandwich right now." equal measure; throw in a dash of no­ drews, Orson Well es, Bill Johnston and bility, sprinkle with tears, season with Bret Morrison in the lead during its Probably, Rosa Rio's most exciting organ music, cover with a rich an­ life. Santos Ortega and Ed Begley experience in radio occurred at 2 a.m. nouncer sauce, and serve five times a starred in "Myrt and Marge". And, the on September 1, 1939. week." list goes on and on. "My phone rang, and a voice said, All this was in the late Thirties, and By this time, a young organist from 'Miss Rio, this is NBC. You are wanted ­ Rosa Rio was a big part of it, some­ the west coast, answering to the name here at the studios at once! Poland has times racing from studio to studio with of George Wright, came east. Not only been invaded. What music do you want

february 1970 10 from the library?' I answered, 'None 'cave' and I now busily teach piano conduct, to inspire young people. - I'll be right there.' and organ, both at home, and in a Recording techniques are better. Today, "I was half asleep; I couldn't think; studio in Westport. At home, we have the musician must be tops if the mone­ the big war had started. However, I three electronic instruments, and two tary rewards are to be realized." was out of my apartment in ten min­ pianos, one a 9-foot grand which was "There is no juvenile delinquent who utes, finished make-up in a cab, and once owned by Jose Iturbi. We also plays piano or organ. No one has said was the first musician to arrive at NBC. have electronic percussion and hi-fi that he hates music." recording facilities. "I was the stand-by organist to fill Of the ATOS and its members, Rosa "To paraphrase an old soaper, 'Life in for the newscasters. It was dark, says, "If it weren't for the ATOS, the Can Be Beautiful', life is beautiful for theatre pipe organ could become as eerie, hectic , tense , frantic. Confusion me - happily married, both of us inter­ extinct as the dodo, and it is so emin­ reigned, people were coming and going. ested in music, lovely home, most in­ ently worth saving. There is nothing All this was exciting as the war news teresting students from 6 to 76. Retire? like the theatre pipe organ for an rolled in. Gallons of coffee were Never!" experience in vibrant, whole-hearted brought in to keep us awake, as we fed Rosa calls her home "A Cave by a music." the news to the west coast where it Waterfall" , and exercises her hobby , "One thing so important to all organ was not midnight yet. gardening. That is, when she isn't buffs, especially the fast-growing ATOS: "About 4:30 a.m., the Ruby Foo practicing 13 hours a day, making an There are many levels of musicianship. Restaurant brought in tables of superb Chinese food - hardly breakfast food, but welcome, I assure you! "There was utter confusion as pro­ grams either were cancelled or inter­ rupted with news bulletins. We all worked until next afternoon . Like The Yeoman's "Cave others , I staggered home , exhausted. By a Waterfall" in What a time! The public got its news , Shelton, Conn. The but it never knew how it got it. But, home provides excel­ that was another facet of show biz. " lent facilities for organ During World War II, Rosa kept a and piano instruction besides providing an busy schedule , and also had her own ideal retreat from big­ program , "Rosa Rio Rhythms" , which city pressures was on a coast-to-coast hookup , and 1960. beamed to the troops overseas. "The war ended , things were slowly changing. I became Mrs. Bill Yeoman , having first met him at a cocktail party in honor of Margaret E. Sangster , writer of 'My True Story '. Bill, native­ born Rochesterian, was an announcer occasional record for Vox , doing a Since it is said 'no two leaves are the by profession. benefit show now and then , presenting same on any branch', so it is with our "George Wright left for California . an occasional concert or workshop for breed of organists. Many talented or­ I often wonder whatever became of the ATOS , and of course , instructing ganists can play some of the following him. her many students. She and hubby, who categories: "When 'My True Story' folded, again acts as her business agent have done "Classical, semi-classical, popular, I played 'Auld Lang Syne'. Television shows over WADS in Ansonia and ballads, jazz, blues, modern jazz , rock n' became the big medium, and the pro­ over WELI in New Haven. She has roll , the beat, novelties, adaptations of grams I had done on radio either went done command performances at the the classics from piano and orchestra the way of the dinosaur, or switched United Nations for U. Thant and the for organ, old style theatre organ , new to TV. I did a few shows for TV, late Dag Hammarskjold. style, mood music , improvisation, pedal among them 'Appointment With Ad­ Here are a few petals of wisdom, technique. venture' , 'Bert and Harry', 'Brighter passed on to the readers of "Theatre "Name me one organist who pos­ Day', 'Family Happiness', 'Mr. Jelly Organ" by Rosa Rio: • sesses the talent to play all the above Beans' and the 'Today Show'. "My life, spent in a career of music, without peer, and then you can label "No longer was I near the actors or has had low points as well as high this organist as THE GREATEST. props; not even in the same room. In­ points. I wish I had known some things "Remember, when you put someone stead, I was alone with the Hammond , earlier in life, than what I know now. so high on a pedestal, you are the same a TV monitor, a clock and earphones. One is 'As the door closes , another one who eventually tears that idol down Somehow, it was more fun and peace- · opens'. I am aware today of this Di­ when he might not measure up to your ful in the old radio days. I loved those vine Guidance." standards. And how that hurts! days, and I'm proud to have been a "Joseph Schillinger, a Russian teacher "Please, fellow enthusiasts, have your part of the radio era. of 'mathematical music', instructed own opinions; you are entitled to them. "For some time, Bill and I had George Gershwin, Glen Miller, Jesse But, in our family of great artists, for­ searched for a New England retreat, Crawford and Paul Lavalle. To me, he get the label 'The Greatest'. We are in free of big-city pressures. In 1960, we was the best teacher in this mathema­ the wonderful family of the great found it in a one-story cave house on tical approach to composition." theatre, living its glorious past today. the bank of the Far Mill River in Shel­ "Today, there are many opportunities Personalities, especially the artists who ton, Connecticut. I left daily ·television for those who wish to make music perform for us, must not be hurt or for this new life. their career. The new schools will the hobby itself will suffer in the "Bill built a music room to our afford many the chance to teach, to process." D

11 theatre organ TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT "Unification"What is it? by Stu Green PART I The "unified organ" concept was created by Robert Hope-Jones before the dawn of the 20th century. It marked a great change in organ design and gave rise to a raft of terminology which still tends to confuse enthusiasts today. We hear the terms "unification", "unit orchestra", "unit organ", "augmentation", "straight organ", "orthodox organ" and "extension" bandied about wherever organ enthusiasts meet, but how many of us know exactly what the 'Yords mean? - and what they don't mean? Of course most "old timers" know, but we are thinking of latter day initiates to this most rewarding of hobbies, comparative newcomers to the lore of the theatre organ who might find a non-technical discussion interesting. In an effort to gain a broad insight for the detailed article which follows, we did some exploratory backtracking - and unearthed a fascinating story. In fact, the more deeply we became involved in our efforts to compare "straight" and "unified" organs, the more obvious it became that they are two entirely different concepts. In order to fully understand the great differences between the "traditional" organ and the instrument developed by Robert Hope-Jones, it is necessary to first become familiar with the makeup of the traditional organ and how its pipework may be "extended", which is the subject of the first installment. The "unified" organ will be discussed mainly in the concluding installment. We are indebted to Britain's "Cinema Organ Society Journal" and its editor, Charles E. J. Hayles, and to Mr. E. A. Houlden for permission for THEATRE ORGAN to reprint portions of Mr. Houlden's study entitled "The Wurlitzer Organ" which first appeared in the C.O.S. Journal.

How does the theatre organ differ from the church, or To fully unde .rstand this radical departure from the "s traight" organ? Here's a succinct comparison by Britain's "traditional" concept, we must first become familiar with noted hobbiest and authority on the organ, A. E. Houlden. the theories and practices adhered to in the construction The church organ and the theatre organ are two entirely and voicing of an orthodox, or traditional, organ. different instruments. The chief function of a church organ We turn once more to the words of Mr. Houlden. Keep is to accompany a body of singers whilst that of a theatre in mind that he refers to unification here as "unit extension." organ is primarily to produc e purely melodic music. The basis The design of an orthodox organ (as mentioned previ­ of a church organ is a Diapason Chorus and a Reed Chorus ously) is in no way related to the design of a theatre organ, with appropriate pedal basses although it might be stated, but to simplify matters, a hypothetical specification of an without malice, that relatively few church instruments do orthodox organ is set out in the following paragraphs which possess complete and balanced Diapason and Reed Choruses. will later be adapted to an equally · hypothetical unit organ. On the other hand, the theatre organ was originally designed It is hoped that by following this procedure the reader will to be orchestrally imitative for the dispensation of lighter be able to grasp the differences between each. forms of music, and is built to a system that extracts the Here is a hypothetical specification for a small two maximum effect from comparatively little pipework, with the manual and pedal orthodox organ: addition of a complete range of tonal and non-tonal percus­ sion effects, but it can be placed on record, likewise without PEDAL GREAT SWELL malice, that the orchestral imitation is somewhat restricted Compass 32 notes Compass 61 notes Compass 61 notes in practice. Double Open Double Open Oboe 8' 61 The most significant phrase in that paragraph is, ". . . Diapason 16' 32 Diapason 16' 61 Trumpet 8' 61 Bourdon 16' 32 Open Diapason 8' 61 Celestes 8' 61 the theatre organ . . . extracts the maximum effect from Bass Flute 8' 32 Flute 8' 61 Salicional 8' 61 comparatively little pipework." Dulciana 8' 61 Principal 4' 61 How does it accomplish this? Through what we in the Fifteenth 2' 61 USA call "unification." Number of pipes: 96 366 244 When we say an organ is "unified," the word relates to a number of mechanical and tonal developments which are, Couplers: Swell to Great 8', Swell to Pedal 8', Great to Pedal 8', Swell as Mr. Houlden puts it, "the logical conclusion of the ideas Octave (4'), Swell Sub-Octave (16') of Robert Hope-Jones." All true theatre organs are built on Total number of pipes: 706 the unification system developed by Robert Hope-Jones be­ Total ranks: 13 (if the independent pedal stops are counted) fore the turn of the century in England, but never fully It will be seen from the foregoing specification that every applied to a whole instrument until Hope-Jones opened his stop has a separate rank of pipes and that the instrument is Elmira factory in 1907. really made up of three organs (or departments): 1) a Pedal But what is unification, and how does it differ from the organ of 3 stops. 2) a Great organ of 6 stops. 3) a Swell system used to build straight organs? organ of 4 stops.

February 1970 12 All organs built to the so-called "classical" tradition have pipe No. 61 of the Principal 4' is an octave higher than pipe a rank of pipes for each stop, so that each manual and the No. 61 of the Diapason 8' and so forth . It should now be pedalboard control individual "departments." If any of these clear that pipes 37-61 of the Diapason 16' are identical in departments are enclosed, either totally or partially, a swell pitch to pipes 25-49 of the Diapason 8', pipes 13-37 of the pedal is provided at the console for each department so Principal 4', and pipes 1-25 of the Fifteenth 2'. treated e.g. if the whole of the Swell organ and part of the Great organ are enclosed there will be two swell pedals at One detail we notice when examining figure 1 is that, the console. although no rank has more than 61 notes ( 5 octaves), they are spread out in such a way that they cover 97 notes (8 It should be safe to assume that readers who have the octaves). Actually the range of many organs is greater, but interest and background to have read this far will know the we are dealing here only with four tonally related stops of difference between a 16' stop and an 8' stop, and between a 13-rank straight organ. an 8' stop and a 4' stop et cetera. But for the newcomer, We shall now apply the "unification" concept (in the we'll sum up: American sense) and the "extension" idea (in the British a. An 8' stop sounds at the same pitch (unison) as the sense), to the four Diapason stops of the hypothetical ortho­ key pressed. dox organ we have already conjured and examined. When b. A 16' stop sounds one octave lower than the 8' stop. Mr. Houlden writes about the "unit organ" he is using the term in its current meaning - unified organ - rather than the c. A 4' stop sounds one octave higher than the 8' stop. Hope-Jones definition of a unit organ spelled out elsewhere d. A 2' stop sounds two octaves higher than the 8' stop. m this installment.

There are many more pitches involved in the total con­ With a unit organ these four Diapason ranks are merged cept of an organ but these four are sufficient for our purpose. into one "extended" rank of 97 pipes in place of the four ranks of 61 pipes each, as would be used in an orthodox Referring back to the orthodox organ specification, note organ. The Double Open Drapason 16' uses pipes 1-61, the that there are four diapasons available on the Great manual, Open Diapason 8' pipes 13-73, the Principal 4' pipes 25-85 a Double Open Diapason 16', an Open Diapason 8', a Prin­ and the Fifteenth 2' pipes 37-97. cipal 4' and a Fifteenth 2'. Each is a separate 61 note rank In other words, we start with a stop marked 8', say, of pipes. Keep these four separate diapasons and the total Diapason: this has 61 pipes: of 244 pipes in mind, because they figure later in our under­ standing of unification. In fact, they are the antithesis of the unit concept, the complete opposite. ::..~------DIAPASON, 61 PIPES ------1~~.: If we were to lay these four sets of pipes out to compare compasses, a chart of our findings might look like Mr. Houlden 's diagram.

1 DOUBLE OPEN 1 ll3 125 p7 149 161 I DIAPASON 16' .------,i,,...- I I I I I I I I I I I ,.~------MANUAL , 61 NOTES OPEN 113 f25 I 37 l49 161 (KEYS)------~►--: DIAPASON 8' I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I '13 125 J37 149 161 PRINCIPAL 4' I I I I I I I I I FIGURE 2. I I I I 125 j37 FIFTEENTH 2' I Ii 113 149 61 I I I I I I I If it is desired to make this "unit" playable in true 16' I I I I I I I I pitch (an octave below 8') then 12 pipes to complete the I I I I I I I I I compass are added to the lower end of the pipes we have I I I I I I I I I I I already: I I I I I I 1 I 1 113 125 137 149 161 173 as I I 197 ~pan of manual (5 octaves)...._..., :...◄ ------16 1 ------~~1 FIGURE 1. : I 12 PIPES ADDED l Let's compare pitches and compasses. I .....1 ◄------s•------•.-I1 I I I I Since the Diapason 8' is an octave higher than the Diapa­ L 113 01 I son 16', pipe No. 1 of the Diapason 8' rank is of the same ~...re .... ~-----1-I ------...111::::----- ...... 113 pitch as pipe No. 13 of the Diapason 16' rank (13 notes to ~---..;.a,,.<:,-,----lt-----73 PIPES ------'..:....,,,...-----1~-.., the octave counting the upper C). Similarly, pipe No. 1 of , I ', I the Principal 4' is of the same pitch as pipe No. 13 of the 'J ______,...;>:a.el Diapason 8' and pipe No. 1 of the Fifteenth 2' is of the I I 1"'4-----MANUAL, 61 NOTES----••---1 same pitch as pipe No. 13 of the Principal 4'.

Since each rank has 61 pipes, pipe No. 61 of the Diapason FIGURE 3. 8' is an octave higher than pipe No. 61 of the Diapason 16';

13 theatre organ DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED Because we are venturing into an area where semantics could cloud understanding, we offer two definitions of some of the terms which appea r in this article.

EXTENSION (US) - adding pipework to accommo­ STRAIGHT ORGAN - used here interchangeably date couplers (or unifications) which extend wjth orthodox organ and church organ. the range of a rank of pipes beyond the range SCALE (pipe scaling) - literally, pipe size (and of the manual, either above or below the power). The lengths of pipes are limited by standard 61-note compass. For example, an their pitches, but not their girths, which affect extension of 12 treble pipes mus t be added to tonal characteristics . greatly as well as their the treble end of an 8' manual rank of pipes volume (when pip~ rips are cut higher and if there is a 4' coupler (or 4' unification), so wind pressure increased to take full advantage there will be sound in the top octave when the of an increase in- scale.) To illustrate the 4' stopkey is used. The same would apply to marked effect of ptpe diameter, consider that an independent 32-note pedal rank. the very different-sounding middle C's on an EXTENSION (BRITAIN) (1) - adding pipework to the Open Diapason and on a String are produced basic 61 pipes (for manual 8' stops) or 32 pipes by open metal pipes of nearly the same length (for peda I l 6' stops) so that stops of other but of far different sealing. pitches e.g. 16' (manual only), 8' (pedal only) The Open Diapason is a relatively "fat" or 4' and above are derived from the basic pipe while the String is quite "skinny," which sets of 61 pipes (manual) or 32 pipes (pedal). accounts for some of the difference in sound (2) - adding pipework to accommodate coup­ quality, but not all. lers (as in the US definition of "extension"). MIXTURE - Two or more ranks of pipes wired to It will be noted that the definitions of "ex­ act as a single stop and designed to reinforce tension" as understood in Britain and the US and accentuate the tonal spectrum of orthodox may be worded differently but they add up to organ stops and combinations . They may con­ the same thing. Now let's define "unification." sist of from 2 to 7 ranks of usually treble pipes (although there are pedal mixtures) starting at UNIFICATION (US) - is a three-pronged word. It middle C and including such nonoctave pitches includes (1) extension, (2) the availability of all as 2 2/ 3' (12th), l 3/ 5' (17th), 5 1/ 3' (5th) (or most) ranks on all manuals and pedals, and and _1 l / 3' (19th) mixed with 4', 2', 1' and l /2' (3) the availability of all (or most) ranks at octaves. several pitches. It also eliminates the orthodox organ concept of a rank (or swell chamber) MUTATION STOP - Single rank of pipes which being tied to any one manual. speaks at other than octave intervals (5th, 12th, 17th, 19th, etc.) UNIFICATION (BRITAIN) - a "unit" is (usually) an extended rank of pipes (see definition (1) under RANK or STOP - a set of pipes always 61 manual "EXTENSION (BRITAIN)" above). All stops de­ (or 32 pedal) pipes on the orthodox organ with­ rived from all "units" may be made available out couplers; ranges from 61 to 97 (or more) so as to be playable from all manuals and the pipes on the unit organ, depending on the pedal board. compass of the set.

Although the British don't seem to apply UNIT ORGAN/UNIT ORCHESTRA - Today the term the term "unification," what they call a "unit" "unit organ" is often used to describe a unified generally agrees with what the US is referred organ, and it is apparently interchangeable to as a "unified rank." Thus, we appear to be with "unit orchestra." It wasn't always thus . in general agreement concerning the "unifica­ While "unit orchestra" correctly describes the tion concept" although terminology may vary. intended use of the theatre organ, the term "unit organ" had a far different meaning to ORTHODOX ORGAN - straight organ, ununified, its originator, Robert Hope-Jones. His defini­ with a full set of 61 pipes for every drawknob tion, which has little to do with whether an (or stopkey) and 32 pipes for every pedal organ is unified or not, is given in the text drawknob (or stopkey). which fol lows.

february 1970 14 In the same way, to make a unit playable in true 4' pitch Such a stop will be marked "TC 16' " meaning that the extent (an octave above 8') 12 pipes to complete the compass are of its compass stops short at Tenor C (one octave higher added to the upper end of the original 8' rank: than the lowest manual C). A TC 16' stop ceases to function below Tenor C. It has only 49 playing notes. 1...4.,______16' ------.-1 This is the "extension" aspect of unification. We have I I seen four diapason ranks (244 pipes) replaced by a single rank of 97 pipes, yet the compass of eight octaves has been f ...,~------8' --➔l---1...... I I I I I maintained. I I I I I Another characteristic of the unified organ is that, in I ...4t-----4' I I I 1 -I most cases, pipework is totally enclosed in chambers. The I I 412PIPES I I I I I ADDED sound level is controlled by "swell shutters" operated by 11 I 13 j 25 I 61 73 85 "swell pedals" at the console. i', I / ' I ...,4...... ,,.... ,- ....,--,<----85 PIPES----'...,., ___ ,1-----,ti<-<..~.il ' 'r/I / ', '~/ /, ,,..4----MANUAL, 61 NOTES-----~~,

FIGURE 4.

Figure 4 accounts for only 85 notes. To re_ach our full CHEST WITH compass of 97 notes we must add the 2' extension to com­ PIPEWORK plete the span of 8 octaves, as shown in Figure 4A.

8 OCTAVES , 97 NOTES CHAMBER 7 OCTAVES , 85 NOTES

6 OCTAVES , 73 NOTES ., FIGURE 6. ,. 5 OCTAVES, 61 NOTES :1

12 PIPE 12 PIPE 12 PIPE The shutters are usually wired to open one at a time as 16' 8' RANK OF 61 PIPES 4' 2' the swell pedal is depressed, allowing more or less volume EXT EXT EXT into the listening area, as the organist desires. Thus, an organ with many stops playing can be made to "whisper," provided MANUAL , 61 NOTES (KEYS) the chambers and swell shutters are well constructed.

FIGURE 4A HISTORICAL NOTE: THE ORIGINAL "UNIT ORGAN" CONCEPT It should be kept in mind that "extension" does not Robert Hope-I ones original conception of a "unit necessarily mean adding pipes to an existing organ (although organ" was patterned after the orchestra, with the this is possible). Rather, extension is accomplished in the reeds ( woodwinds and brass) and flues treated as planning stage of an instrument. "sections" of the ensemble by separating the ranks of Extension/ unification leans heavily on electric switching, each tonal family in its own expression chamber. It which involves multi-contact switches and relays. Their pro­ could be applied to the orthodox organ as well as to totypes were developed and patented in England by Hope­ the unified organ. Thus, one swell pedal would control Jones between 1886 and 1891. string volume, another "brass" reeds et cetera. H-J's A point that may be appropriately mentioned here is that chambers were thickwalled and his wooden swell shut­ some units are made playable in 16' pitch but an octave of ters (often covered with sheet lead) made possible a pipes is not added to the lower end of those of the 8' unit: great range of expression. He was able to realize a number of these "unit organ" installations during the brief life of his Elmira factory, including the famous Ocean Grove Auditorium organ in New Jersey . ..., .. ------TC 16'------1 I However, when Wurlitzer took over, the impracti­ cality of all those swell pedals and extra chambers for ....!.a------a·-----1:1------t•~I theatre organs became apparent. While they exploited I I I the promotional value of the term "unit orchestra," all I 149 161 I ' I but the largest instruments played from usually two I...... ------6 1 PIP Es ----- ...... ,..-- ...... --~-~, chambers of mixed pipework and the idea of separate ' ► expression for each tonal family was abandoned. I ', I Current usage finds the theatre organ being re­ ferred to as a "unit organ" or "unit orchestra." I... ------MANUAL, 61NOTES (KEYS)------~-~1

In some cases, chambers have been fitted with double FIGURE 5. sets of shutters, to seal off the chambers more effectively for more range in the low volume area.

15 theatre organ DOUBLE SWELL SHUTTERS In our hypothetical orthodox organ specification we had WIRED TO BEGIN OPENING the following stops marked 8': Open Diapason , Flute , Dul­ AT OPPOSITE ENDS (A) ciana, Oboe, Trumpet , Celestes, Salicional. / Of the remaining stops, Double Open Diapason 16' on \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ (A) the Pedal and Great can be derived from the Open Diapason 8'; Bourdon 16' can be derived from the Flute 8'; Bass Flute 8' on the Pedal can be duplicated from the Flute 8'; Principal (A) !I /Ill/II /I I Ill 4' and Fifteenth 2' can be derived from the Open Diapason 8'. The table shows how the original 8' stops can be extended: No. of CHEST WITH 16' 8' 4' 21/3' 2' l3/s' Pipes PIPEWORK Diapason Diapason Octave Fifteenth 97 Bourdon Flute Flute Twelfth Piccolo Tierce 97 Dulciana Dulcet 73 Bassoon Oboe Oboe 85 Trumpet Trumpet Trumpet 85 Salicional Salicional Salicet l'h'.elfth Salicet 97 Celestes Celestes 73

FIGURE 7. Total: 607 pipes But let's get back to the unification of our orthodox organ, and the words of Mr. Houlden. We have seen that an orthodox organ is made up of TO BE CONTINUED individual departments: a Pedal department , a Great depart­ In the concluding installment, we show how the ment and a Swell department, all quite distinct from one 607 pipes of the now "extended" straight organ can be another. The fundamental difference between a unit organ blown up to a 75 stopkey organ through over-unification, and an orthodox organ ( quite apart from the liberal exten­ and then adjusted to a more modest but sensible array sions) is that with a unit organ each rank of pipes is con­ of voices. We will also go into the difference in the sidered to be a "unit" which can be played from any of the functions of straight and unit organ manual arrange­ manuals or the pedalboard. The instrument , instead of com­ ments, discuss some of the unit organ's characteristics prising a number of organs (Pedal organ, Great organ, etc.) which ruffle the straight organ "purist" and even touch is treated as a number of ranks of pipes which are all made lightly on the complex subjects of Mixtures and "Muta­ playable from any of the manuals and the pedalboard in any tion" stops. D reasonable pitch.

A THEATREORGAN Profile Don~ Thom-pson Concertizingin West DON THOMPSON pic­ by Elmer Fubb tured at the console of the Wurlitzer in Don Thompson, an import from the Odeon, Manches­ Great Britain, has settled on the West ter, England, where Coast of the U.S.A. to pursue a career he made his theatre as an organist, with pipes employed as organ debut. often as possible. Don was well known overseas as a performer on electronics and comes to us with a formidable repertoire. Being an unknown in the U.S.A., he pulled fewer than 50 to his initial con­ these, but is careful to avoid a prefer­ lease is devoted entirely to the ballads cert at the San Francisco A venue and cultures. He colors his concerts with and dance tunes of that memorable era. Theatre. But favorable word apparently ence in volatile political situations; after He also can play in the manner of spread because his second concert at playing a set of Arabic tunes, he coun­ other organists, with special attention the same 3/14 Wurlitzer in mid­ ters with "Rava Nagilah" to "even to Reginald Dixon and the late Fats November, 1969, drew more than 300, things up." Waller. The "Tabs & Drawbars" re­ even though it came on the date of an His repertoire is well salted with viewer of Don's November concert was anti-war demonstration which kept organ transcriptions of themes from the enthusiastic about his way with swing­ many a non-demonstrator at home. classics such as Wagner's bristling "Ride band stylings, such as Woody Herman's Even so, a 500% increase in drawing of the Valkyries" and a slew of von "Woodchopper's Ball," stating "all who power was encouraging. Suppe Overtures. One of his specialties heard him must agree that Thompson Don has travelled extensively in is reviewing music of the '20's espe­ is an outstanding technician." Europe and the Middle East and wher­ cially the "jazz age" tunes typified by Don is also an unrepentant A TOSer ever he visited, he collected folk tunes "Doin' the Racoon" and "Black Bot­ and sells plug-ins in his spare time. He and pops indigenous to the countries tom." A current Concert Recording re- lives in Studio City, Calif. D

february 1970 16 Two tenets of this absurd brew are The Kirk of Dunedin auditorium that restoring a theatre organ is akin to ( Dunedin, Florida) unearthing and repairing the antiquities Roberson Center for the Arts and TheYoung Radical of Pompeii and that it is mainly a large Sciences (Binghamton, N. Y.) and mysterious sound effects machine both old and new fashioned. The time Rochester Theatre Organ .Society Comesof Age is ripe for the gentlemen of the Fourth (Rochester, N. Y.) Estate to heed their own admonition to Empire State Theatre Museum reporters: Get the whole story and get (Syracuse, N. Y.) by Billy Nalle it straight. No restoring of any other Detroit Theater Organ Club instrument ever is viewed in print via ( Detroit, Mich.) dustladen adjectives. No other musical As the theatre organ has been mak­ Wichita Civic Center (Wichita, Kan.) ing its return to the international music instrument ever is relegated just to one scene in recent years, much of the particular use. No other musical instru­ San Gabriel Civic Center ( San thinking and articles concerning the ment is adjudged "old fashioned" be­ Gabriel, Calif.) cause instrument have had the smell of King it has been on the scene for some Just in the foregoing alone there is now arbitrary number of years. For all their Tut's mothballs in Aunt Pittypat's attic. or soon will be full season concert series evolving, musical instruments are time­ Of course, this is understandable in the annually, a fact of no small significance. United States where sixty years are less. However, some journalists and Not touched here is a long list of viewed as six hundred in most other others ignorant of the theatre organ commercial situations presenting regu­ countries. Our quaint notions about make it the exception to this, though lar concerts. Involved also are numer­ the reader will search in vain for a music and our ways of dealing with his­ ous chapters now around the country of tory do not square with the sophistica­ sensible, mature reason. In their saying the American Theatre Organ Society, it is old, we reach the choice irony and tion applied to the space and undersea organized in 19 5 5, and like societies in piece de resistance. All the other major programs. In the happy hoop-de-doo of all the British Isles, Australia and else­ instruments are hundreds of years old taking inventory of the theatre organ's where ~ percussion effects and accompanimental via their various stages of development. virtues, professional journalists and pub­ The theatre organ "old?" It is the baby The American Guild of Organists has lic alike largely have ignored the instru­ in the history of musical instruments! given the finest' kind of comprehensive­ ment's fullest capabilities and contem­ By hundreds of years it is the youngest ness in its devotion · to the organ by porary uses. It is one of a very small of them all! Vas iss dass dis "old?" including theatre organ concerts at its and elite group of musical instruments Can't you hear the very question on the national conventions and individual properly called complete. Until this is lips of Sebastian Bach? Facts ober alles! chapters increasingly are including such in their yearly planning of musical understood, neither the instrument's What is the youngest of all major capacity for making music nor its his­ activities. One of these is the Canton, musical instruments "up to" these days? Ohio chapter which presented a theatre tory can be viewed fairly and valued Astonishingly much and most of the fully. organ concert in October as an official story lies outside commercially operated part o_f that city's Festival of the Arts. The English inventor and organ build­ theatres. The Music Hall in New York, er Robert Hope-Jones conceived and the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, the Byrd The young Radical indeed has come fathered a new kind of organ approxi­ Theatre in Richmond and some others of age. No longer is it regarded as the mately sixty years ago. His intention provide entertainment organ fare on a least radical. In fact, conservative afi­ expressed to friends and associates was regular basis. However, it is in several cionados in the theatre organ world are to build an instrument which could hundred homes and the many new more conservative than their straight . encompass areas of music for which a situations ( with more in planning) in organ counterparts. Twelve years ago, straight organ was not suited. The colleges, universities, commercial audi­ about fifty years after the debut of the man's reasons were musical ones, not toria, civic centers and even one per­ theatre organ, the writer recorded an anti-church ones and not pro-one par­ forming arts center where most of the album of contemporary jazz seasoned ticular use of the instrument. In build­ musical activity on new terms can be with some rock rhythms. The ensuing ing an organ appropriate to the char­ found. Even the presentation of the brouhaha in print, assorted conversa­ acter of Popular and Semi-classical instrument in its accompanimental func­ tional flaps and even poison pen letters music categories, he succeeded brilliant­ tion, whether for silent films or soloists (really!) were memorable. Desecration ly several years before his patents and or groups, is in a new context. The had taken place at the High Altar of the firm were bought by the Rudolf Wur­ major field of activity growing apace New York Paramount! litzer Company. The ingenuity of his in all these locations is that of theatre Happily in recent years it has come inventions and the quality of his work­ organ concerts. The instrument's flexi­ to be appreciated that, as there needs to manship were of the highest order as at­ bility and tonal range and quick re­ be more than one type of orchestra, so tested by contemporary organ builders, sponse are the basis for its having been there needs to be more than one type players and amateurs alike who have a great solo instrument from its earliest of organ if the organ is to serve (for done their homework. The theatre organ days. The big difference now is that it want of better terms) both Classical cost approximately four times more to is being heard in all manner of locations and Popular music. That which unceas­ build than the straight organ. Church non-existent until recent years. Just a ingly sits in judgment on both types of organ committees take note! That the few examples are representative of both organ, Music, remains the source of all instrument was ahead of its time as to sides of the Atlantic: we call radical and ever has the final its fullest potential only now is begin­ word because it alone justifies the very ning to be understood. This gives reason existence of these and all other musical to believe that in due course a large instruments. Both types of organ will kettle of highly adulterated hogwash ATOSFANTASTIC, FABULOUS FIFTEENTH! remain alive and young as long as they will be given the ceremonial flushing NEWYORK CITY JULY11-17 can say "Music is bigger than us it so richly deserves. both." 0

17 theatre organ THE "PASTA WITH PIPES" PHENOMENON

MAKES SOUTHWEST SCENE

THEMIGHTY WuRLiTZER PIPEORGAN

Story by Peg Nielsen Photos by G. Bandini

Carsten Henningsen has struck again! in the San Fernando Valley northwest 1969 - while he was in the hospital, This modest-appearing man wields a of Los Angeles. When we asked co­ incidentally. mighty influence wherever dough is owner Ed Waters how he got the idea Ed Waters is an outgoing personality, mixed with meat and onions and pep­ for his "Pipe 'n Pizza" parlor, his be­ the salesman type. His line of work pers and bologna and tomatoes and ginning sounded familiar. (daytime) is the rough and tumble salami and "what's left in the refrig?" "Well, one day four years ago I was wholesale car leasing business. It takes in a calorie-laden pie called "Pizza." driving through Hayward and just hap­ a big guy with lots of energy and an Carsten was the originator of the idea pened to stop at the Pizza Joynt!" ulcer-resistant mucous membrane to sur­ of salting pizza with pipe organ music, Another disciple of the Carsten Hen­ vive for long in that business. Ed has and despite many imitators he is still ningsen cult! They are legion; the Bay been at it for years. But he knew he the most successful combiner of the two Area is sprouting pizzeries with profu­ was going to need help if this mad pasta disparate attractions. sion of late. But our story is about two dream was ever going to get off the In our February 1969 issue we told guys who were so impressed by the ground - so he went to the police. of the opening of a Pizza and pipes Hayward-Henningsen phenomenon that Bill Geimke had been on the police emporium in Covina, Calif. (near LA) they became his disciples in the Cali­ force of a New Jersey city for 30 years by a young man who had been to Hay­ fornia southland. - and that was enough. Although he ward and had come down with a bad The virus hit Ed Waters first, with a had risen through the ranks to captain, case of "Carstenitus." "Monk's Musical gestation period of about two days. It he sought something a little less de­ Pizza" flourished for a few months, took him that long to realize that there manding. Ed and Bill are related then faltered and folded. was nothing to do but spread the gospel through marriage and that's how they But before the Covina dispensary according to Carsten Henningsen. His got together. Ed outlined his path and closed its doors, another had sprung up ambition came to fruition early in July, Bill saw his escape from remaining

TRIUMVIRATE - Proprietors Bill Geimke and Ed Watters surround their organist, Bob Garretson. Bob brought along many Ions who follow him wherever he plays. The cuisine is being expanded to widen the gastronomic aHradiveness of the pasta parlor. A little girl listens in fascination to Glenn Hardman on opening night. february 1970 18 forever a "harness bull." With both men one who writes for a western pulp and their families settled in Southern magazine, but the upshot was that Jack­ California, they went to work to make son sold the instrument to Bill and Ed. the dream come true. Then the frantic search for a suit­ A fact we would like to make clear able location started. It ended with at this point is that neither man had any a building on Reseda Boulevard in experience in the food handling busi­ the Los Angeles outskirt of Reseda. ness, and neither knew one end of a The attraction was a large room with pipe organ from the other. But by the a 16-foot ceiJing, and plenty of room spring of 1966, both knew that their for chambers. fate had been sealed. They had no fear A rental agreement was made and the due to their inexperience; the Henning­ building of chambers was started. Har­ sen doctrine would guide them. They vey Heck was retained to go over the had faith. That was enough. long-stored instrument ( which had been Well, not quite. There was the matter removed by Jackson and his sons from of hunting down and securing a suitable a theatre in Beverly Hills in the early pipe organ. That was a chapter of the 60's). Harvey repaired what needed "Pizza Joynt" doctrine - the organ had repairing and veteran chest-wrestler to have pipes. It may seem incredible, Henry "Buster" Rosser was hired to get considering the plethora of pipe organ the instrument in and going in the activity in Southern California, but Ed shortest possible time. Suddenly time and Bill never heard about A TOE until became a factor; with all their ready The con-sole was at first placed on a stage after the "Pipe 'n Pizza" had opened "around the corner" from the swell openings. and ATOErs flooded the place. They This caused the organist to play too loudly searched all over for a pipe organ and because he couldn't hear himself directly. nothing encouraging turned up. That went on for over two years. Then they happened to meet Harvey Heck of Tar­ zana. Harvey is a member of the LA chapter of ATOE, Acting President of the LA Theatre Organ Club and main­ tains a 4/ 27 Wurlitzer in his Tarzana home. Harvey recalled that his presi­ dential predecessor, Jack Jackson, had a 2-manual, ten-rank Wurlitzer stashed somewhere. But the ex-TOC president was off in the wilds mining mica, work­ ing a claim that had been in the family for generations. Nothing could be done until Jackson returned to pick up his interrupted career as an electronics en­ gineer. One day Jackson was recognized

News-hen Peg Nielsen is allowed inside the Main chamber for a closeup of a rank of kinuras.

The console is now located on a platform out among the tables. Note the youthfulness of the fans in these photos. 'Pipe 'n Pizza' is a place for the whole family. The kids love it.

and had washed up in the norse trough, he got into some civilized duds. Then the Pizza crew decended on him, led by steely-eyed Harvey Heck. "Whataya aim to do with thet Wurlitzer, Jackson?" "Dunno-hadn't thought about it." "You aim to let it sit like it's been doin' these many years?" "I ain't done right by thet beautiful music box, have I, boys?" The cry went out - 'Jackson's back!' "Yo shore ain't-and we come to give you a chance to make things right. ( through a deep matting of whiskers) We're offering it a home!" leading his mule down a trail that ends "Now jist a minute, boys - ah'm in the San Fernando Valley and the cry mighty attached to thet critter." "We went out "Jackson's back." As it turned got money to offer you, Jackson." out, Jackson had worked his vein of "Money?- er, keep talking, Harv." The organ is in two chambers with all percussers mica to the hilt; there wasn't any more. Well, perhaps it didn't come off ex­ unenclosed. Swell shutters are eight feet in As soon as he sold his mule, shaved, actly as recorded by our reporter, the length.

19 theatre organ craze of 1932. It was in 1917 that Sam Goldwyn signed Madge along with Jane Cowl, Mary Garden , Maxine El­ liott, Mae Marsh and Mabel Normand to star in his films. She now lives at 321 South Kenmore Ave ., Los Angeles, California 90005 . • QUESTION & Answ er Dept.: "In the '20's Virginia Fox was a popular rising star ... where is she today?" A. Where she has been for decades - the wife of the greatest (still active) film mogul, Darryl F. Zanuck. She's the Directed by mother of Richard, now 20th Century­ Lyle W. Nash Fox ch[ef. Nearly 50 years ago when Former owner Jack Jackson {left) tells Harvey she was _a "name" she used her influ­ Heck about the time a city fireman mistook the ence to get silent studio producers to Vox pipes for WW II incendiary bombs while AS the ATOS (nee ATOE) publica­ buy Darryl's scripts and thus helped Jack was removing the pipes from the theatre his career greatly. and very nearly called out the reserves. Harvey tions enter their 12th year, it is time reworked some of the chests. to reflect on the renaissance of the pipe • organ and silent films. President Al A WISCONSIN reader asks: "Did funds sunk in the building, the organ Mason reports ATOS membership at any notable filmstar with talent ever and the facelifting, cash was running 3,925. This means that 800,000 peo­ win a movie magazine contest and also low. The organ had to be ready by early ple believe in ATOS objectives. For amount to something in films?" Well, July or financial disaster might sink the every member there are 200 people off-hand I can think of Mary Astor who project before it got off the ground. who never get around to joining. With has a beautiful Oscar to show for her Luckily, everyone connected with the rare exception , the restoration of a Wur­ talent. She told about it in her auto­ project came through and the "Pipe 'n litzer or a Morton or Kimball means biography. And years later Gale Storm Pizza" opened on schedule. The opening silent films are soon to appear. Great enjoyed a film acting career after the artist was the well-known club organist, console artists such as Carter, Wright, gates of Hollywood opened to her when Glenn Hardmann, on leave from his Dunstedter, James, Erwin, Schrum and she won a radio contest. regular club spot for the summer. When Leibert recreate the world of yesterday • Glenn left, Bill and Ed were fortunate via beautiful music. to secure the artistry of Bob Garretson, LOCATING and getting in touch fresh from a long engagement at the • with former entertainment personalities ATOS people, more than any other just closed "Monk's" pizzery-with-pipes is the idea of at least 500 people every group in the world, are responsible for in Covina. day around the world. Recently, a the sustained and growing interest in The boys found immediate support spokesman for the Screen Actor's films of 1918-1928. Tibia time means among organ enthusiasts, many volun­ Guild told me: "Receiving, sorting, for­ haunting memories of the Talmadges, teering to help in any way possible. And warding and returning mail addressed Valentino, Lloyd, Chaplin, Keaton, "Pipe 'n Pizza" has, in its short exist­ to our members, former members and Pickford, Mix, Bow, Gilbert and hun­ ence, become a meeting place for pipe non-members is a monumental problem. dreds of other screen players. fans from all over southern California. It is increasing. There is just too much So far, report Ed and Bill, business • mail to handle. On some Monday has been beyond expectations and they FOR us it has been a rewarding ex- mornings we receive more than 1,000 are operating "in the black." This is in perience to meet such wonderful peo­ letters. To sort, stack, bundle and part due to a promotion program they ple on these pages. screen this mail takes six hours. Then have undertaken which hits all the mass • comes the re-directing. During the next media, including TV. They are deter­ WRITER Adela Rogers St. Johns re- four days we may get 2,000 more let­ mined to profit from the mistakes of calls the Hollywood scene of the '20's, ters." other pizzeries which have fallen by the '30's , '40's and '50's in her new book He continued: "Screen Actors' Guild wayside only because organ enthusiasts "The Honeycomb." There is much is flooded with mail for players who living perhaps only a mile away had no wordage devoted to the Mary Miles haven't been in films for decades. Let­ idea that pipes were so close. They Minter-Desmond Taylor scandal of ters for people in early sound, silent intend to let the public know. 1922. She also gives her idea of who days and the '40's continue to come in. Dominating the whole project is the the murderer was. She also delves into We do our best with it." "mighty Wurlitzer." It's not only the the 1924 death of Thomas Ince. Here , • frosting on the cake, it's the cake itself. too she has a startling bit of news. IF YOU do send mail care of the The boys have learned a lot about Marion Davies, the subject of much SAG make sure you supply a return organs and organists in the meantime national scandal, is mentioned in a address. It helps everyone. and they admit that they are having kindly and honest light. the times of their lives. We might add • • that people who give a fine old pipe FIFTY three years is a long screen WHO'S WHERE: Actor George organ a home where it can sing to its career. Actress Madge Kennedy has Walsh lives at 4543 Beniot Ave., Mont­ public once more deserve the best of been in films since 191 7. The new clair, California 91763. fortune. With that we salute Bill movie "They Shoot Horses Don't • Geimke and Ed Waters, pizzarists ex­ They?" has Madge in a worthy support­ CONTRIBUTIONS, comments and traordinary. Not forgetting the patron ing role as a lonely spectator. The pic­ questions are welcomed to P. 0. Box saint - Carsten. □ ture is about the cruel marathon dance 113, Pasadena, California 91102. february 1970 20 interview and call-in program. This NEWCHAPTER IN CEDARRAPIDS, IOWA aroused considerable interest in theatre organs and the upcoming program. The HASSMASH HIT FIRSTCONCERT Cedar Rapids Gazette devoted almost a full page in the Sunday news section by Charles G. Albrecht and ticket sales skyrocketed. On show day John Muri was up The newly formed Cedar Rapids Although organ restoration was bright and early. He held a 9:15 a.m. Area Theatre Organ Society is a direct started almost two years earlier by Doc­ color TV interview on station KCRG, result of the tremendous impact the tors Robert and Margaret Hines, a con­ and prerecorded an interview for radio Chicago Convention had on its forming centrated effort was now launched to be broadcast at 12:45. At 3:30 p.m., members. Inspired on July 4, and with against the Paramount's 3/ 11 Wurlitzer, on WMT color TV, he played organ encouragement from John Muri we opus 1907. The week before the show (plug-in) and chatted with hostess Jan held our first meeting on September 13. the console was regilded, the bench re­ Voss. She was so delighted with John Thirteen members signed up including finished and upholstered in naugahyde, that she gave him an open invitation to Tom Yannitel, who drove in from Chi­ the lift floor tiled and its fence painted return. After the theatre program she cago on his motorcycle, to offer us ad­ gold. Retuning continued until one-half presented him with an audio tape of vice and help. With $65.00 in the hands hour before show time. the TV show. The result of this public­ of Bob Beck, our just elected Secretary­ The prospects of this kind of pro­ ity was that hundreds had to be turned Treasurer, the newly acquainted mem­ gram happening in Cedar Rapids drew away from a 1,945 seat theatre. bers immediately voted to sponsor a great response from both local and dis­ John opened with The Washington silent movie nite featuring John Muri. tant newspapers, radio, and TV stations. Post March. In the gold spotlight the On October 1st we had a contract Their kindness was almost totally re­ organ looked beautiful, and when the with the Paramount Theatre. From then sponsible for the financial success of lift came up a shock seemed to come until November 20 we did the million the venture. John Muri was totally re­ over the audience. It was a deep emo­ things necessary for production. How­ sponsible for the entertainment success tional experience. Besides the movies ever, being all newcomers to show of the event. "Libe'rty" and "The Gold Rush" John business, we didn't realize the scope of One week in advance of the show, presented his song-slide feature, "A the task. Now we have an even greater Radio WMT hosted Chapter Chairman Story of Life". appreciation for the Chicago Conven­ Howard Burton, and Program Chair­ tion and CATOE. man Dr. Robert Hines in a one hour Laurel and Hardy's "Liberty" is hi­ larious, and was enjoyed by everyone, and is recommended as a must for other clubs. Unknown to us, John Muri in 1942 made the organ sound track for the re-released Chaplin film "The Gold Rush", and the introduction to the film gives John credits for composition and playiag. The sing-a-long was all too short and will have to be expanded the next time. The show went off with nary a cipher. John received two standing ova­ tions which seemed to embarrass him. Pleasantly enough, the ovation was started by the young people in the audi­ ence. They sure seem ready for the popularization of the theatre organ. The newspapers printed two complimentary reviews. The show had been advertised as the year's most exciting entertain­ ment event - and it was. Prospects for the Chapter look bright. We now have thirty members and over a hundred people have expressed inter­ est in joining by the slips they filled out during the show. We have established a good mailing list by means of the same slips and personal comments indicate the next program will also be a sell out. The Chapter has begun work on the 3 I l 5 Barton in the Iowa Theatre, and our first Chairman, Howard Burton, has nearly completed the installation of a 2/ 9 Reuter in the World Theatre. If we can continue to receive this high level of acceptance already demonstrated we Howard Burton (left) and Dr. Robert Hines watch Jim Oliver adjust pedal contacts before the John will indeed be fortunate and the theatre Muri concert. - Photo by L. W. Ward, Cedar Rapids Gazette organ shall return to Iowa. □

21 theatre organ AMID THE PINES HOMEORGAN FESTIVAL CELEBRATES TENTHBIRTHDAY Story by Hal Steiner Photos by Jesse E. Miller Each year the Home Organ Festival , has been made , thanks to • ""Continuous concert pianist as well as for his pipe held at Hoberg 's woodland resort in effort over the years on the part of pipe organ stints at the Regent and Dendy Northern California, seems to be better enthusiasts toward educating the often theatres in the Melbourne area . Ton y than last year 's show. That's no acci­ sales department - dominated manufac­ is a fine musician, an entertaining MC , dent; it's the way the sponsoring Pacific turers of plug-ins. The annual Festival a skilled humorist and he has a special Council for Organ Clubs plans it. Each where the latest models are exhibited appeal to matronly ladies , some of year , new ideas are tried and if found is an ideal place to take stock of prog­ whom were heard expressing the to be acceptable and practical they are ress and observe trends. This year 's thought, "I'd like to take him home with adopted . At the same time , unpopular observations will be dealt with after we me.'' Thomas missed introducing its 3- or clumsy procedures are dropped . The take a fast look at the Festival scene . manual spinet organ by only two weeks PCOC committee, headed as always by Among the artists who played this but Tony's skills as an entertainer­ Dewey Cagle and Kay Chenoweth, year were a number of new faces as musician did them proud using current planned an especially attractive sched­ well as the "Festival regulars ," artists models which showed little change from ule for 1969, and it came off just as long connected with the September those exhibited last year. Tony made they hoped it would. event. Conn showed up with a hard-to­ the difference and it was considerable. beat battery , a new 3-manual theatre Baldwin introduced a new model this organ (style 650) played by such con­ year, the "Pro." Again , it's a model trasting stylists as Don Kingston , Bud designed for entertainers rather th an Iverson and the acknowledged "King of theatre organists or home organ afici­ the Festival"-Don Baker. Conn gained onados , an acknowledgment that Ham­ monds are still the most popular bar instruments. Gordon Tucker and Larry Yannucci were effective concertizers , and Baldwin's fine voicer , Earl Burns , managed to set it up with a "Style D" trumpet for solo work. Baldwin 's model

Australia's Tony Fenelon enjoyed a great per­ sonal triumph playing the Thomas.

We don't usually devote many words to plug-in organs in these pages , not Genial Don Baker enjoys meeting his public, for a lack of interest but we have just and he'll always go along with a gag. Here so much space and more than enough he's seated at an instrument obviously not his to say about pipe organs to fill that sponsor's. space. However, pipe fans have a stake in this yearly autumnal plug-in show. much in prestige because of its excel­ For years pipe aficionados have been lent showing. Allen had something new hard after the electronic organ makers this year, an instrument designed for Larry Yannucci did his stuff at the Baldwin "Pro." The instrument proved attractive to a number of professional entertainers (presumably with strong suggestions concerning the organists who play Hammond. use of time-proven advantages devel­ bars and beaneries), a model apparently oped during the era of the theatre pipe intended to compete with Hammond HT-2 theatre console was confined to organ, some patented more than 7 5 organs ( which were not represented at the showroom. years ago. To those who know the all at the Festival, for the second year Gus Pearson was back this year for theatre pipe organ, the slowness of the in a row). The "Carousel" was the Wurlitzer and he introduced an artist electronic organ builders to realize, ac­ only model Allen was pushing. It was new to the Festival, Glenn Derringer, cept and incorporate such obviously played "mod" style by newcomer David who proved to be a welcome addition advantageous features of the T.O. as Kelsey and in mod and theatre style by to the Festival "family." He had some­ unification ( of voices other than the Festival vet Tom Hazleton. Reaction to thing to say musically, and he said it flutes); overhanging, inclined manuals; the departure from normal organ trends well. Gus Pearson is composed of about color-coded stop keys (replacing rocker was mixed. equal parts of musician and showman. tablets) mounted on a curved stoprail; Thomas came up with a winner. By His humorous line of chatter plays as concave, radiating pedalboards; the some good fortune the Festival dates important a part in his performance as voice terminology of the theatre organ (Sept. 16 through 21) coincided with his music, and the music is good. The ( to name a few devices in the public the initial U.S. tour of Australian organ­ instrument used was Wurlitzer's new domain which are now used on plug­ ist Tony Fenelon. Tony is well known concert model, the largest console at ins), is simply incredible. But progress "down under" for his skills as a serious the Festival.

February 1970 22 Rodgers was back, after skipping a ability to conjure tone pictures of the year, with newcomer Ray Frazier and Sierra Mountains' various moods. old hand Bill Thomson. Their concerts There were also the traditional cock­ were played on a 3-deck model 33E tail parties, recording artists' "autograph with all the refinements Rodgers prefers party," Costume Ball, visits to show­ to build into an existing model instead rooms, late night jam sessions for danc­ of forever releasing new versions. Boss­ ing and the opening and closing "all man Rodgers Jenkins and his recent star" shows, all held in the pine woods bride, Millie, were on hand to see that atmosphere of late summer in the hills all went smoothly for Rodgers, although of Northern California. the San Francisco outlet was the actual Now to the reason for this article; participant. the answer to the question: "How did Yamaha participated for the first the theatre organ image fare among the time. The instrument, played in concert electronic organ makers this year?" The by Van Welch and Don Lee Ellis, is answer: not as well as it has during influenced strongly by the traditional past years. The intrusion of the combo bar instrument as well as the "combo" organ influence into the home @rgan

organ and is quite effective for jazz, field appears to be one reason. Until Tom Hazleton played his concert on Affen's new mod music, rock and other applications this year, all U.S. plug-in builders · (with 'Carouse{.' where a hard, driving sound is required. the exception of Hammond) were dis­ covering and applying theatre organ if played on the more expansive theatre ideas in their products. The theatre models. organ was the ideal and guide. It still is for Rodgers, Conn, Thomas and One instrument heard suffers from a Wurlitzer. The three other exhibitors, fault which probably infects the pioneer two with interesting theatre-style mod­ builder's whole line. If this company's els available, preferred to use their one engineers ever wake up to the need for hour concert periods to push lesser a switch to separate the complex tones instruments, some of which were obvi­ from the simple ones (flutes) · so the ous throwbacks to the Hammond "B" reeds and strings don't get mutilated in idea with combo organ overtones. Of their whirlybird "chopper" ( they call it "Spectratone"), this instrument will be­ come a presentable electronic theatre organ. The price is right, but the dis­ tortion resulting from this easily cor­ rectable flaw mars the efforts of the best performers. Dry comedian Van Welch explains howcome the Yamaha organ company also builds motor Another company has developed a scooters. fine theatre organ through the use of many of the devices of Robert Hope­ All organists present were not there, Jones. It has an exceptional Vox Hu­ necessarily, to play concerts. Some had mana. No other builder has a Vox teaching courses to peddle; others had which compares so favorably with the recordings. Among the latter was lovely reed pipe original. Yet, when this build­ Helen Dell, who made a solid hit last er developed an attractively-priced 3- year as a staff artist. This year she was manual instrument, the Vox was made repping Malar Records, the firm's A&R available only on the middle manual. gal. Millie Alexander headed a group Biff Thomson at work on the kodgers 33E. Biff If musicians hi:i:d been consulted con­ of several staffers from her "MAM" landed his plane on Hoberg's runway this year, cerning stoplists, instead of sales de­ schools on the West Coast who manned instead of the golf course fairway - much to a "teach-in" showroom equipped with everyone's relief. partments ( where much of the useless a Conn (no, there wasn't a Hammond gimmickry originates), a V ox would within a hundred miles). Pointer Sys­ course, Yamaha can be excused. It is have been provided also on the Accom­ tem Inc. sent Bill McMains, who con­ new in the U.S. It originates in a coun­ paniment (bottom) manual at 8' and 4'. ducted a class and whose good humor try which has no theatre organ tradi­ Useless gadgetry (including "Repeti­ gave a huge boost to Pointer's public tion, and it is flexible. Once Yamaha tion," "Manual Balance," "Automatic relations. While these organists were discovers the Gulbransen "Rialto/' the Orchestra Control," "Attack" and "Em­ not listed as "concert artists" (i.e., not Conn theatre deluxe, the Baldwin HT-2 phasis") and other stops which do not pushing any particular brand), they all or ( should we be particularly lucky) a speak, were still much in evidence. The managed to be heard during auditorium genuine theatre pipe organ, and ships model with 28 speaking stops of a total shows with good effect. Also heard was examples of the discoveries back to of 69 controls is still in production. So a one-shot by famed classical organist Tokyo for study, we can then expect much for complaints. Richard Purvis introducing his "Sierra great things. Once again it was a grand show, the Suite" for piano and organ, registered As for the others, we have nothing Festival's 10th return engagement. The on a Conn 3-manual (650) with Bud against their rock-oriented models so food was great ( except for those gooey Iverson at the Baldwin piano. This was long as they don't replace their theatre breakfast eggs!), the days sunny, the a Festival highlight; both players earned models as the standard line with the nights cool, and the artists were among their solid rounds of applause. The Pur­ less lush models. Their Festival con­ the finest to be heard anywhere. Many vis selection has dignity, charm and the certs would have been so much better happy returns! D

23 theatre organ ~

~ ct Ill ► Ill ...:c u. 0 ...Ill ct ~ ct_,► a. in ~ Ill C) Q 0 ]·££~ LETTERfrom NEW YORK

AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY FABULOUS FIFTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION JULY 11-17, 1970 NEW YORK CITY CLAUD BECKHAM, CONVENTION CHAIRMAN 370 First Ave., 6F New York, N. Y. 10010 212 67 4-4328

Dear A. T.O.S. Member:

On behalf of the entire Fabulous Fifteenth planning staff, I extend tb each of you our best wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous new decade with our sincere hopes that the Fabulous Fifteenth will bring you some of the happiest Theatre Organ experiences ever! To that end, we urgently need an expression of your opinion about optional organized social events that we might include in the Convention schedule.

As you may know, several members have suggested special social activities such as an organized theatre party to attend a Broadway hit or an afternoon gala aboard a chartered around-Manhattan sightseeing boat. These events are relatively easy to arrange in New York if we have some idea of how many will participate . They could be fitted into the Fabulous Fifteenth line-up of outstanding Theatre Organ concerts, demonstrations, lectures, seminars, and workshops without too much of a stretch.

But one possible objection might be the additional expense. For example, those who chose the optional boat trip would have to pay about $4. 00 a person; those who chose to go to the optional theatre party would have to pay about $10. 00 - 12. 00 a person. Another objection might be that such organized activities, necessarily scheduled at times when there were no conflicting Theatre Organ events, would take away from a Conventioneer' s free time that he might want to spend on some of the hundreds · of non-Convention attractions in New York. (Of course, the Fabulous Fifteenth Courtesy and Hospitality Committee stands ready to advise and assist those who choose to pass up these organized events and strike out on their own. )

Now you see our problem. We live here. It's hard for us to put ourselves in a visitor's shoes. But we really want to arrange for whatever most of you want to .do. Won't you please drop us a note and share your ideas with us?

..s,~n;erelyt, .. , . k£') l, __LiI ~ l' ~-u • ll- I -~. P.S. Allen Rossiter is still accepting deposits ($10.00 per adult) for priority room assignments at special Hotel Commodore rates. Send them to A. T. 0. S. Fabulous Fifteenth Annual Convention, Box 1331, Passaic, N. J. 07055 Dennis Minear, Bob Foley, Charlie ing arts theatre. Plans for the organ Evans and that gal for whom one of are to leave it in the theatre for theatri­ our writers staged a two year search cal productions. reminiscent of the one he once put on * * * looking for "Chloe" - Mary Jean Mil­ Syracuse's top-ranking theatre or­ ler. Also on the playing roster is Ken ganist , Carleton James , was the accom­ Wright of WKY-TV, Oklahoma City. panist for the Rudolph Valentino silent Ken underwent the strange experience film classic ''The Eagle" the weekend of having a recording he cut on the of November 22 at the Empire State WKY studio 4/ 14 Ki/gen released 21 Theatre & Musical Instruments years later. Then there's Ben Hall and Museum. A short comedy, "The Floor­ his shaving gear. What a cast! walker" with Charlie Chaplin, enter­ * * tained with typical slapstick humor, as Those who watched NBC-TV's a wind-up to the program. The ex­ coverage of the Orange Bowl Parade Keith's 3/ 11 Wurlitzer is being used in Miami on Dec. 21, saw a resplen­ often in connection with programs on dantly attired Dick Leibert atop one the State Fair Grounds. of the floats, playing a Baldwin. And * on CBS' "Get Smart" a couple of days On Nov. 16, sport fans listening to Readers are encouraged to submit inter­ later, a character advised a plug-in CBL, Toronto, heard an interview be­ esting sidelights on the organ hobby (ex­ organist to play better because he had tween halves of a hockey game originat­ clusive of chapter news items), material plenty of Gaylord records on hand to ing from Chicago Stadium. Bob Golden, they believe will be of general interest replace her with, reports correspondent former Black Hawker, was the inter­ about local organ activities and installa­ Harley Sommer. viewee, and was asked, "What about the tions and the people who work at the organ here? Are the players as aware * * hobby. We know "there's VOX POPS in * of it as are the fans?" them there chapters" and it only requires We liked Ed Smith's description of a Sc postcard to get it to VOX POPS Ashley Miller's skillful use of reeds Editor, Box 5013 Bendix Station, North during his Nov. II, 1969, concert for Hollywood, Calif. 91605. the Detroit TOC. Writing in the DTOC NEWS he said, "I watched spellbound Thought we had a juicy rumor to open the color code of the stops as they were with. Our super-snooper in Gotham changed while he played. Tonight I City smoke-signaled us just as we went saw RED!" to press that the 1970 ATOS Conven­ * * tion architects had landed none other This mag's editors have a slew of than Billy Nalle for a concert to be varied talents, to say the least. Those played on the Long Island University who watched the Macy Thanksgiving 4/ 26 Wurlitzer located in their basket­ Day parade on the boob tube may ball court (formerly the Brooklyn Para­ recall the huge calliope belching clouds mount theatre), an instrument that is of steam and whistle music. Little did being overhauled for the convention they know that behind all that damp­ with tonal responsibility in the able ness, steam and noise was an Associate hands of Lee Erwin. What an inviting Editor of this magazine - Ray Bru­ Me/gard prospect! But Claude Beckham blasted bacher, making the "Tangley Callio­ the tar out of our rumor - by confirm­ phone" hoot and thunder for several Golden replied: "I wouldn't be telling ing it. Florida's gift to the contempor­ hours of parade time. Not only that, the truth if I said that the players ary theatre organ was still too far up in but he has also recorded a 35-note weren't aware of its effect. I've known the clouds to be reached for comment, steam calliope for use at Macy's forth­ Al Melgard for years, and he really but after twenty New York years of coming Centennial Celebration. Could plays up a storm. He's quite a hockey recording, cueing "soap operas" on it be the same Ray Brubacher who enthusiast, .too. It's Uke having a 19th Hammonds, composing, arranging and stepped to the console of the George or 20th man on the floor when the working in many areas of music (in­ Washington Masonic National Mem­ organ is playing." cluding organ concerts away from orial Moller at Alexandria, Va., on * * * Manhattan), Billy Nalle is about to Dec. 14, and presented creditable Lee Erwin, who wrote the organ make his New York debut in concert readings of works by John Bull, Marcel score for the silent film classic, "The on his favorite instrument. What's that Dupre, Fritz Kreisler and Cesar Eagle," starring Rudolph Valentino, word of wisdom about a prophet being Franck? It most certainly was. Versa­ reports that his three-week stint in Oc­ unable to make a profit in his own tility! tober at the Alexandria Theatre in backyard? * * * Alexandria, Va. was most successful. * * * Tom Hamilton, organist and co­ So successful, in fact, that he will Speaking of conventions (and it will owner with Carlos Parker of the 4/ 20 return for another engagement at the probably all be over by the time these Robert Morton in Loew's Ohio Theatre end of February. words reach print), the Sooner State in Columbus, reports that the theatre * * Chapter Regional Convention (Feb. 20- has been closed and the building sold. Residents of San Diego are much 22, Tulsa, Oklahoma) gathered momen­ Through efforts of several groups, the more aware of their motion picture tum as the opening date approached theatre has now been purchased by the palaces as the result of two articles ap­ with the signing of such artists as Ed Columbus Association for the Perform­ pearing in local newspapers. On No­ Love, Joe Crutchfield, Mark Kenning, ing Arts to be used as a live perform- vember 6, a lengthy article gave some

February 1970 26 of the history of the Fox theatre which In Stockton, Calif., organist Fred was observing its 40th anniversary. Tulan, fed up with the trend toward Prominently mentioned was the "26,- guitars replacing organs in church 000-pipe" organ which was opened services, decided to let the congregation C!Clo~ingC!Cborb by C. Sharpe Minor. "have it" - both barrels. With the battle On November 9, an even longer cry, "Anything those stupid guitars can feature , complete with a page and a do, an organ can do better," Dr. Tulan DOUGLAS ERDMAN, one of the half of pictures, reviewed theatre his­ attracted an audience of better than most controversial figures in the theatre tory in San Diego. Mentioned were 1000 to Stockton Cathedral with an organ hobby world a few years ago, died on November 2, 1969, of a heart organs in several houses, and a picture offering first of traditional organ music. attack. Born in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, of the console from the Balboa Theatre Then all hell broke loose in the ca­ of strict German parents, Erdman lied organ, now part of the Fox instrument. thedral. Fred cut loose with a "Win­ about his age to get into the peacetime Mention was made of the organ in the chester Cathedral"-type program (Fred army during the '30s and served for Cabrillo. After getting no takers in an has really played there!) which in­ several years in Hawaii at Pearl Har­ attempt to sell it, the organ was finally cluded "Quiet Village" (with birds), bor. He was a self-taught mechanical given away. · Billy Nalle's "Alles Was Du Bist" and electrical engineer, which led him Several readers have written us con­ (Bach treatment of "All the Things eventually to the electronic organ. cerning an apparent misprint under a You Are") and an original "Gargoyles After building a five-manual electronic photo in the December issue where a of Notre Dame" (with a taped Moog (from a Hammond generating mechan­ gal we all know as Dottie MacClain was Synthesizer obligato). The service ism) for installation in a bus he dis­ covered pipes and soon started installing referred to as Dottie Whitcomb. And closed with "Up Up and Away" sung an 8-ranker in his Glendale home. But thereon hangs a tale - one which by a rock group known as the "Vatican Dottie withheld until it was too late for he shelved that plan in favor of a much IV." To Fred's consternation (he's a the December issue. Shortly after the larger one - a Hollywood-style castle 1969 ATOE Convention , Grant Whit­ purist when it comes to church music) on Sleepy Hollow Drive in Glendale, comb and Dottie slipped away to Las the congregation and visitors liked it, in which he installed a 4/ 20 Wurlitzer Vegas and indulged in a matrimony and want more of same. Some days it removed from the Norshore Theatre ceremony , right in front of a slew of doesn 't pay to get out of bed. in Chicago. He came to the attention of the theatre organ hobby abruptly in Dottie's relatives (she has a million) * * and Don Baker, who played the ap­ 1965 when he went into the brokerage Just before Christmas there was a propriate music (No, not "Entry of the business, dealing in theatre organs. This gathering of veteran theatre organists Gladiators!"). So, Dottie's photo was got him into a lot of hot water. He was at the ESTMJM 3/ 11 Wurli in its correctly captioned even if she wasn't as accused of removing playing organs building on the State Fair grounds near fast on the draw as our photo cap­ from unthreatened theatres (Loew's Syracuse, N. Y. Tom Anderson reports tioner. We wish them the best of luck State, Syracuse, N. Y.) and, worse yet, that John Muri was in town and got in their new union. selling them piecemeal (the Stanton together with organists Luella Wickham * Kimball, Baltimore). Charges and Herbert Lee, "our man in Atlanta," and Carleton James for a playing ses­ countercharges were bandied about reports the announced retirement of J. sion. John found the Museum group's followed by denunciations in certain Noble Arnold , for 19 years manager of Wurli to his liking. Incidentally, segments of the hobby press. The hulla­ ESTMIM will present a concert by the 4000-seat Fox theatre in Atlanta. It balloo drove Erdman out of the busi­ Dennis James at the Museum on ness of locating organs on order for a was during Arnold's managership that March 21. the 4/ 43 Moller organ was restored and commission, so he went back to elec­ tronic and mechanical engineering. intermission music (played by Bob Van­ In 1967 his health started to fail, and from Camp) resumed. Arnold retires after then on it was all downhill for the once 42 years in the management end of spirited Erdman. When he discovered theatre business, a career which found that his fingers would no longer play him guiding some of the South's great the keys of the Norshore Wurlitzer, he showplaces. At first he wanted to be a decided to sell it, along with the castle. vaudeville performer, but Elizabeth, Months went by and there were no who would become his wife, couldn't takers. So he decided to sell the organ see a life "on the road" so Arnold went for parts and "live up to my reputa­ into the management of theatres, and tion." It was nearly all gone when the never regretted it. He doesn't mind re­ end came. He leaves a widow, Cecile, and a daughter, Diane, 12. He was 52. tirement; he feels the glamor left the theatre when entertainment delivered in * * * a can replaced live talent completely. MRS. FELIX (JEAN) WIENER, a A photo in the magazine section of the retired WAC Lieutenant Colonel, who was an organist at the Steel pier in Dec. 28, 1969 issue of the Atlanta Atlantic City before her Army enlist­ Journal and Constitution shows him ment in 1941, died Friday at University standing before the console of the great Hospital. The former Jean Koller was Moller, a symbol of the live entertain­ 71. When Col. Wiener retired from the ment that he will miss. It is hoped that service in 1955, she was the highest­ his good work in restoring the "mighty ranking WAC officer in this area and Mo" and its music will be continued was serving as comptroller of the Phila­ Dennis James by his successor. -Lockwood Photo delphia Ordnance District.

27 theatre organ THE e SAN FRANCISCO MICHIGAN Lost Weekend (Night Club), 1940 p1P.e Taraval at 20th Street DETROIT 2/ 10 Wurlitzer played by Rodney Payne, Redford Theatre, Lahser Rd., l/2 block Wednesday thru Sunday, 9 p.m. to north of Grand River Ave. (US 16), piper 2 a.m. 1 mile east of Telegraph Rd . (US 24) SAN FRANCISCO 3/ 10 Barton played by ATOS Motor Orpheum Theatre, 1110 Market St. City Chapter members every Friday 4/21 Robert Morton, played occasion­ evening, September thru May ally. Theatre frequently closed , due GROSSE POINTE FARMS to subway construction. Punch and Judy Theatre, Kercheval SAN LORENZO Ave., 1 block east of Fisher Rd., Ye Olde Pizza Joynt, 19510 Hesperian approx. 3 mi. off Edsel Ford Free­ Blvd. way (I 94) via Cadieux Rd. Exit 3/ 13 Wurlitzer played by Bill Langford, 2/5 Wurlitzer played by ATOS Motor Wednesday thru Sunday, 7: 30 p.m. to City Chapter members every Friday 1 a.m. evening, September thru May SANTA CLARA MISSOURI Captain's Galley #1, 3581 Homestead Road (Homestead Shopping Center) ST. LOUIS 3/ 12 Wurlitzer played by Tom Hazelton Fox Theatre or Jack Gustafson, Tuesday, Wednes­ 4/36 Wurlitzer played by Stan Kann day and Friday evenings daily This column is devoted to an up-to-date listing SANTA ROSA NEW JERSEY of any theatre pipe organs playing on a regular California Theatre, 431 B Street basis. Additions, corrections or deletions should 2/7 Wurlitzer, played occasionally by ASBURY PARK be reported to Lloyd E. Klos, 104 Long Acre Rd., Harold Wright, manager of the theatre Convention Hall Rochester, N. Y. 14621. 3/7 Kimball played on special occasions VALLEJO ATLANTIC CITY CALIFORNIA Rudy's Supper Club, 2565 Springs Rd. Convention Hall, Boardwalk 2/6 Wurlitzer played by Dave Quinlan 7 /455 Midmer-Losh, played on special BURLINGAME nightly occasions Encore Theatre, 1157 California St. 4/ 42 Kimball in Ballroom also played 2/ 11 Wurlitzer COLORADO on special occasions COURTLAND ALAMOSA EATONTOWN River Mansion Mahns Brothers Bicycle Shop 3/ 11 Robert Morton Rialto Theatre (225 miles east of Denver 2/8 Robert Morton, played by Robert HAYWARD 2/7 Wurlitzer played by Joe Brite every Mahns on occasion Pizza Joynt evening OCEAN GROVE 3/13 Wurlitzer DENVER Ocean Grove Auditorium LOS ALTOS 4/12 Hope-Jones Wurlitzer played on Paramount Theatre special occasions. Melody Inn, 233 Third Avenue 4/20 twin-console Wurlitzer played by PITMAN 4/20 Wurlitzer played by Bill Watts Bob Castle every Sunday evening every evening except Monday Broadway Theatre during intermissions 3/8 Kimball, played at special concerts PARAMOUNT FLORIDA only Iceland Skating Rink SURF CITY 3/19 Wurlitzer played by Bill Field DUNEDIN Surf City Hotel, Long Beach Island, off PIEDMONT Kirk Theatre, 2686 US Alt. 19 Route 72 Piedmont High School 3/19 Wurlitzer played by leading artists 3/15 Wurlitzer, played by Bill Floyd 2/7 Robert Morton (seldom played) during concert season or Eddie Buck, nightly, May thru REDWOOD CITY Information obtained by writing "Kirk September Captain's Galley #2, 821 Winslow St. Organ Series" at above address TRENTON 4/18 Wurlitzer Lincoln Theatre ILLINOIS 3/15 Moller, played by Bolton Holmes RESEDA on irregular schedule Pipe 'N Pizza, 7500 Reseda Blvd. CHICAGO 2/10 Wurlizer played by Bob Garretson, Chicago Stadium, 1800 W. Madison St. NEW YORK Tuesdays thru Saturdays. Guest 6/62 Barton played by Al Melgard or organist on Sunday. Ron Bogda for sporting events and NEW YORK CITY SACRAMENTO other occasions Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Carl Greer Inn, 2600 Auburn Blvd. CHICAGO Center, Avenue of the Americas 4/16 Robert Morton, played every eve­ 4/58 Wurlitzer played by Dick Leibert, WGN Studios, 2501 Bradley Place Ray Bohr or Jack Ward for every ning by Stu Boyer, Clyde Derby or 3/10 Wurli-Kimball, played by Hal show, every day Harry Jenkins; occasionally by Eddie Turner on "Pipe Dreams" each Sun­ Dunstedter, "Tiny" James, Corla Pan­ day at 11: 35 a.m. ROME dit, Bob Ralston and Larry Vanucci. Capitol Theatre CRYSTAL LAKE 3/7 Moller played by Carl Brush or SACRAMENTO Martinetti's Restaurant, John Seaton Friday and Saturday Grant Union High School 6305 Northwest Highway (US 14) SYRACUSE 4/22 Wurlitzer with Kilgen console 2/8 Wicks with percussions, played Empire State Theatre & Musical Instru­ Played occasionally by George Seaver nightly by Larry Roou ment Museum, Harriet May Mills for silent movies ELMHURST Bldg., State Fair Grounds SAN FRANCISCO Elmhurst Skating Club, Roosevelt Rd. 3/ 11 Wurlitzer played by Carleton Avenue Theatre, 2650 San Bruno Ave. and Route 83 James or John Harris daily during 3/14 Wurlitzer played by various local 4/24 hybrid, mostly Geneva, played by N.Y. State Fair week, late August, organists on Friday evenings, for con­ Tony Tahlman Saturday and Sunday and once a month for silent movies cert and silent movies, with jam ses­ afternoons, and nights except Monday or concerts sion afterwards, time permitting and Wednesday SAN FRANCISCO NORRIDGE NORTH CAROLINA Cinema 21, 2141 Chestnut St. Hub Roller Rink, 4510 Harlem Ave. GREENSBORO 2/6 Robert Morton, played occasionally 3/10 Wurlitzer, played by Fred Amish Carolina Theatre by Larry Vanucci daily 2/6 Robert Morton. Seldom used february 1970 28 OHIO Something' s Cooking . . . AKRON Civic Theatre 3/13 Wurlitzer played before special RECIPEFOR A FLOWERINGFLOURISHING FABULOUS FIFTEENTH shows CANTON 1. TAKE SEVERAL PRIME AND CHOICE THEATRE ORGANS. Palace Theatre Take, for instance, the biggest Wurlitzer ever built - 55 Ranks plus a 3-Rank 3/9 Kilgen played most weekends mixture; Eight glistening manuals; Two 32-note pedal claviers; Two Howard CINCINNATI Seats; Two motor-driven thrust stages complete with remote -control traveler Shady Nook Restaurant 4/25 Wurlitzer played by Stan Todd curtains (ED. NOTE: Lest our correspondent's college-freshman prose fall into nightly the pit, we hasten to note that all these Radio City Music Hall goodies are COLUMBUS spread over dual interlocked, gleaming ebony, giant 4-manual consoles). Ohio Theatre 4/20 Robert Morton played by Tom Or perhaps you'd rather take something akin to the medium-sized organs that Hamilton or Carlos Parker occasion­ graced so many movie palaces all over the land - like, say, the 3/ 14 Academy ally for Columbus Assn. for the Per­ of Music Wurlitzer and the 4/ 19 Beacon Theatre "Princess", the last Wurlitzer forming Arts on Broadway. OLMSTEAD FALLS Lamplighter's Inn, Columbia Park Or take Robert Mortons - 4-Manual Wonder Mortons from the famous Loew's 3/13 Kimball played by Chick Herr Wonder Circuit - at palatially splendid 175th Street or in marble-arched nightly Loew's Jersey or in Pete Schaeble's Victorian Valencia studio. OREGON Or you might have a special taste for those renowned Paramount Wurlitzers. COOS BAY Dick Loderhose's magically rehomed and expanded 4/ 42 Paramount Studio Egyptian Theatre special. And Long Island University's miraculously preserved and safeguarded 4/12 Wurlitzer played by a local organ­ Brooklyn Paramount 4/ 26. ist Saturday evenings 2. AFTER ORGANS ARE DONE TO PERFECTION, ADD ORGANISTS ONE PENNSYLVANIA AT A TIME. HAVERTOWN Use only the highest quality of these essential ingredients Brookline Theatre Kimball is owned by Jim Brenaman, For the smoothest and most harmonious blend, add in alphabetical order. who is in Viet Nam HERSHEY Connoisseurs prize highly the Baker, the Barker, the Erwin, the Larsen, the Hershey Community Theatre, off Choc­ Leibert, the Mendelson, the Miller, the Mills, the Nalle, the Tulan, and the olate A venue Searle Wright. Others may be added in later editions. 4/80 Aeolian-Skinner played by Fred Sullivan for special events 3. MIX ALTERNATELY WITH SEMINARS, LECTURES, DEMONSTRA­ KENNETT SQUARE TIONS, AND WORKSHOPS. Longwood Gardens Concert organ played by Clarence Sny­ According to taste, include: der on Sunday afternoons, with guest - The Sumptuous Spectrum of Sound; Play It For All It's Worth. organist each month LANSDOWNE What Is A Theatre Organ and How Does It Work? Lansdowne Theatre, Lansdowne Ave. True-tone Taping. 3/8 Kimball played by Shirley Hannum Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings A Music Critic Looks At Theatre Organ Music. PHILADELPHIA Stops For Style. Wanamaker Store, 13th and Market Painless Care and Feeding For Woozy Wurlitzers. Streets 6/400 organ played by Keith Chapman - Building A Living Theatre Organ Museum. each noon, and opening and closing of store 4. SHAPE AND STRENGTHEN AND SPICE AND SPARKLE WITH EMCEE. UPPER DARBY Use only the original BENHALL (Look for the Little Mother playing on the Tower Theatre, 69th and Market Streets 3/ 17 Wurlitzer played by Bob Lent box)! Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights There is NO SATISFACTORY SUBSTITUTE! TEXAS 5. GARNISH WITH THE VITALITY AND ZEST OF A GREAT CITY! DALLAS Guaranteed to serve thousands of gigantic, joyous portions for the whole week Capri Theatre, downtown 3/10 Wurlitzer, played by Jerry Bacon of July 11-17, 1970! Be sure to get your share! You MUST be present to WIN! four times daily except Monday DALLAS Palace Theatre, downtown 4/20 Wurlitzer played by Weldon Flan­ RICHMOND GET THE GUYS agan Friday and Saturday evenings Byrd Theatre, Cary Street 4/ 17 Wurlitzer played by Eddie Weaver TO VOCALIZE VIRGINIA between shows nightly WITHNATIONAL'S DANDY 11 ALEXANDRIA SING-ALONGSONG SLIDES"!! WASHINGTON Alexandria Arena Send for free catalog of all-time hit songs 4/34 Wurlitzer played by Jimmy Boyce available in slide form for as low as 50c a tune! daily for skating SEATTLE Need a projector? Let us know . . . we'll save you ALEXANDRIA Granada Organ Loft, 5011 California real dough! Virginia Theatre, George Washington Avenue, SW N4TIDN!LSONI SLIDE SEIVICI INC. Memorial Parkway and First Street Wurlitzer played by Lou DuMoulin 3/ 10 Barton played by Jimmy Boyce several times monthly, often for silent 42 VI.48tb St. NewYark, R.Y. 10036 or Jean Lautzenheiser nightly pictures

29 theatre organ • pression to be remembered here by the network to the local stations , I name - this fellow stood on the stage turned off the blower , the "engineer" and started each program with a beau­ picked up his gear and out we went. We .~. tiful song which is not only remembered had done a magnificent job of saving by title, but which has become a part the network time. ~ of a rather corny but important number I felt particularly cocky now - I was ~ ...... ~ in our rather limited repertoire now. the guy who saved the half hour com­ The organ, in the usual manner, had mercial - and I am now walking into two swell shades - one on each side of the studios , bold as brass, ready to re­ ~ ~ the stage. One carbon microphone was ceive the plaudits I so richly deserve TTT~;rTTT hung in front of each opening and it ... NOT SO! First , the program direc­ was the first chore of the broadcasting tor who keeps the music log - then the Letters to the Editor concerning all engineer - we called them remote oper­ manager - they are standing there like aspects of the theatre organ hobby ators in those days - to reach up there some irate general and they each are pointing a 105 howitzer in my direction. are encouraged. Send them to tpe and give the microphone a few whacks before the current was switched on - It appears that with my "Red Sails editor concerned. Unless it's stated this gave the carbon particles new sur­ In The Sunset" and many other such , clearly on the letter rrnot for pub­ faces in the little pile in front and be­ all ASCAP, BMI and SESAC uncleared lication," the editors feel free to hind the metal diaphragm. numbers I chose to play - the irony of it is and the wonder it is, that any one reproduce it, in whole or part. Eddy would bring up the Wurlitzer even recognized the melodies as only I Address: P. 0. Box 2329 - the announcer would put his cupped can play them - and now the business hand to his ear and we were off . . . ! Livonia, Michigan 4815 0 had to first abjectly apologize for the "As the waves beat upon the sands - playing of these uncleared numbers , but so beats my heart for you . . . " and Mr. George Thompson hardest of all, penalties had to be paid Eddy would go on and on with his mag­ Editor the Bombarde for the atonement of the sin! nificent technique, giving New England Dear Mr. Thompson, .So it was - and there are a hundred a treat. Reading through the magazine, and more - but they were beautiful days! One day the broadcasting crew, was Sincerely , looking at those precious pictures of once again on the job - the mikes have organists at their consoles of the time, Garo W. Ray been whacked, the singer ready to sing, Orange , Conn . some dated by the carbon microphone the announcer with palm ready to ele­ which was used in those days for broad­ vate to his ear - time was ticking away , Dear Stu: casting, creates a mixed emotion at least the network signal had gone through for some of us who were there, and I for open line - all in fine shape - ex­ Thank you , John Muri , for your have no doubt that these create a new cept, no Eddy! A calamity! But I sup­ comment s on "The American Theatre interest for those who were not. pose there was always a first time and Organ As a Part of American Culture" How can one forget the really fine this was Eddy's - he did not show up. in the October Theatre Organ! I have era of broadcasting, when almost every never had any use for Clod organists The announcer was frantic - the net­ radio station boasted a fine instrument who slam-bang their way through their work was waiting . . . he was also ver y - yet as broadcasting became more vul­ music with insensitive playing and ear­ brave . . . he had me doodle on the gar ( and I really regret to so brand a assaulting registrations. A TOE conven­ medium in which I devoted almost my Wurlitzer many a time previously, prior to Eddy's jaunty entry onto the scene - tions always produce these organists entire working years) the organ gave who are not scheduled for concerts but way to other things. There has been a he also knew that I was not much good at it but he figured, no-good music always manage to hog console time in saving grace to all of that of course, by order to emulate the "professionals." some of those fine instruments finding better than no music at all - so he motioned me toward the console as he, Let's hope that more organists , amateur their way into the loving possession of and professional alike learn to phrase many a modern organ buff - I doubt confident that he had a program of sorts anyway, started his dulcet spiel their music and let's bury the "froth" there is one pipe organ in places where once and for all. it used to shine, but that has not been into the open network. He made no mention of anything except that we Sincerely, the happy hunting grounds for some Lance E. Johnson very happy home installations. were at the Paramount for "our noon­ The Wurlitzer at the New Haven day organ program." Parnmount - an organ which has come I sat on that split seat, fumbled for a Dear George: to much attention, now that it has been time that felt like a hundred years, then In doing some routine checking I beautifully renovated by the ATOS, is I began - God knows what I was play­ note that in Theatre Organ, Volume 10, one of the old timers much in demand ing, but there it was - music of some Number 6, the lead article describes the in its time, other than the picture-shows sort , but music anyway. Very shortly I organ identified as Opus 1709 and states where Eddy Weaver, the dynamic vir­ composed myself sufficiently to have the new owner is Lee Bauscher, of the tuoso held sway for so long, even after the audience recognize the thing I was Puget Sound Chapter. the advent of the talkie. Eddy was playing - and I kept it up - played on I am of the opinion that the identi­ "hooked up" with a noonday program the Tibias and the Tuba and the strings fication number, Opus 1709 is incorrect. in the early thirties, with WICC in and all of the things that are on that The World Theatre, Omaha, Nebraska Bridgeport, Conn. at the time. The organ - and I played things I knew and contained a three manual, style H, writer happened to be in engineering things I made up and the time kept Opus #530, which was shipped March charge of the broadcasting facilities ticking and I became bolder and bolder 18, 1922. Prior to its removal I saw the which also fed the Yankee Network up and now I am playing the favorite of organ in the theatre and it looked and down the New England Coast. the day, "Red Sails In The Sunset" and exactly as the chamber shot shown on He had a singer - a male, who ap­ finally brought the program to a prayer­ page six. I recall that the solo chamber parently did not leave much of an im- ful halt-Carleton, the announcer turned had a single chest containing a brass

February 1970 30 saxophone. One half of the pipes had Dear Editor: in Perth with parts from several other been removed and carted off by chil­ I was surprised to see United Artists instruments to make up the 4/19 all­ dren , according to the janitor , just Theatre , Louisville, in the "Acre of Wurlitzer which was just recently re­ prior to World War II. He stated that Seats in a Palace of Splendor" series in moved from the Melbourne Regent. he found some of the boots to these the October issue of Theatre Organ Referring to page 23, the Publix list reeds on the stairs leading to the cham­ Bombarde, because I had just prepared shows Opus 1262 as the Oriental ( Chi­ ber and ran in panic , called the police , a picture of United Artists to be sent cago) but the Wurlitzer shipping list thinking they were bombs. in for the series I will be happy to fill shows Opus 1315 as the Oriental (not Opus #1709 is the organ installed in in details on the organ and the theatre. Granada). Who knows? It would also the Orpheum Theatre in Omaha and is The organ is a Wurlitzer style 235 appear that the SP 4Ms shown in the still intact and playing , thanks to the Special , opus number 1869. It was ship­ Wurlitzer shipping list from 1925 on good work of the Enthusi asts in that ped from the factory on April 13, 1928. would include more Publix models , city. This organ was listed on the origi­ It was used steadily until the late although we know some of them are nal list as a special 235, which was a 1930's. The console was raised to the not (State, Syracuse , was 4/20, but forerunner of the later used nomencla­ top of its lift to save it from the waters with different specifications). Here are ture, style 240. It has the brass trumpet of the Ohio River during the disastrous "possible" Publix models for our read­ and horn diapason added to the style 1937 flood. (Incidentally , this flood ers to check out if possible: 235 specification . wrecked a style 3 Wurlitzer, opus num­ Incidentally , while the article de­ ber 49, at the East Broadway Theatre, Sheridan, Chicago scribes a 3/ 11 Wurlitzer, only ten ranks Louisville.) After the flood, the organ Ambassador , St. Louis are listed in the specttication, the saxo­ was seldom used. It was renovated in Strand , Madison, Wisc. phone being omitted. Lee Bauscher is 1964 by James Wingate, Paul Bowen , Riviera, Omaha to be complimented on the excellent job and Bon Smith. Wingate played it as an Alabama, Birmingham he has done on restoring this organ , as interm1ss10n feature on weekends for Paramount Studio, New York I recall the deplorable state in which I a short time. When he left Louisville, Dewey Cagle found it several years prior to its the organ fell into disuse again. It is acquisition by Mr. Bauscher . All for still installed in the theatre, but is not now . used for public performances. Sincerely, Editor Theatre Organ Judd Walton The theatre was opened in 1928 as Dear George: Loew's and United Artists State The recent passing of Jean Wiener Dear Editor: Theatre, but was known in Louisville ( see Obituary, this issue) recalls the Enjoyed very much the article on just as "Loew's". The name was changed career of this talented organist in the Chicago radio theatre pipe organs. Have to United Artists in 1958 after Loew's early days of radio and organ broad­ heard all these organists mentioned in sold their interests in the theatre to casts. Jean Wiener was the organist for the article at one time or another over United Artists. In 1963, the balcony Atlantic City's famous Steel Pier. In the air with perhaps the exception of was walled up to make a piggyback those days WPG radio station could be Wilson Doty and may have heard him. theatre called the Penthouse. The main heard for several thousand miles up Would like to see another article on theatre is still called United Artists. In and down the Eastern seaboard as the the same subject. 1968, a 100-foot curved screen was airwaves were not cluttered by as many Station WJJD had a studio Wurlitzer added to United Artists. To make room stations as there are today. Jean Wiener played by Fred Beck and Harry Zim­ for the screen, the elaborate proscenium had a nightly program of one hour each merman. WLS had a. three manual, arch, visible in Bill Peterson's picture, night from the Pier in 1929. "Golden Voiced Barton " played at was chipped away. However, this did various times by Ken Wright, Romell save the console from being buried The organ used for broadcasting was Faye, Eddy Hanson , Ralph Waldo under the overhanging edges of the a 2 manual Midmer-Losh but not a Emerson , Elsie Mae Emerson and no screen, as has happened elsewhere. De­ horseshoe type console. I believe that it was unusual in that the accompani­ doubt others. spite these changes, the theatre retains ment manual (bottom) was a 7 octave WCFL had a small 2/ 4 or 2/ 5 most of the beauty and wonder of an Barton played perhaps the longest by Eberson atmospheric house. It is worth keyboard - a novelty that was later copied by the same firm for their great Eddy Hanson, a noted organist, com­ stopping to see if you are passing Convention Hall organ. The organ was poser and writer. I would like to see through Louisville. The elaborate lobby initially placed in the theatre on the a record company put Eddy on record­ ceiling is featured on page 98 of Ben second floor front of the steel pier and ing, as he has a different style of play­ Hall 's Best Remaining Seats. was used for silent movies and broad­ ing than the run of the mill. Eddy Yours truly, casts. Later, after silent pictures were played the Chicago Theatre after Jesse Michael A. Detroy passe, it was placed in the lobby and Crawford left. The WCFL Barton was organ music alternated with a Hawaiian also played at times by Preston Sellers, Dear Editor: string group. Shortly thereafter it was Edna Sellers and Gabe Wellner is an­ Referring to page 40 in the Decem­ removed but I do not know its fate. other organist some record company ber issue, the caption on the Fenelon would do well to record. He has a style I do not know how large it was or picture indicates that the console is that that is strictly Gabe Wellner and no its specification for I was in my early of a style 270. Well - the music rack other. I have tried on several occasions teens at the time and was not bold looks wrong, the fall-board looks wrong, to locate Gabe with no success . enough to investigate. My recollection the "suitable bass" pistons look out of Just remembered that Gus Farney tells me that it could not have been too recorded "Waters of the Perkiomen." place and the stop rail is not typical large since the chamber used in the This used to be Larry Larsons theme (no swell indicators, for instance). The lobby was not very large. I suspect, song. fact of the matter is that the Style 270 however that it was not greatly unified. Sincerely, was burned in May of 1945. The con­ Carl Elliott sole shown is a built-up of the St.yle Sincerely, Grand Rapids, Michigan 260 ( opus 1902) from the Ambassador Lowell C. Ayars

31 theatre organ TO 'DOWN turned on the effect is not unlike a ren­ A PRELUDE A UNDER' ADVENTURE dering of the Manhattan skyline in shades of green, orange and blue. During the evening performance, Lyn Larsen's Fall Concert Tour Lyn was playing some soft passages of gentle Grieg when he accidentally by Klos, Bandini, Fubb, Klotz and Green touched a toe stud or button which The autumn of 1969 found organist Our next dispatch comes from our must be labeled "Grand Crash." That Lyn Larsen happily ubiquitous, playing roving reporter G. Bandini and is date­ was the startling sound. Lyn winced concerts wherever there was a suitable lined Nov. 9, El Segundo, California. and continued on. When he turned to instrument, usually a well-appointed This concert was something of a "first" face his audience there were a few theatre organ. We couldn't possibly for both Lyn and the instrument be beads of sweat coursing down his cheek. keep up with him but settled for a few played. The concert was sponsored by That would have to happen with such scattered reports. He was well-received the Los Angeles chapter of ATOS and notables as Ann Leaf, John Seng, Bill at Bill Brown's home in Phoenix, Ari­ had to be arranged in two segments be­ Thomson, Peg Nielsen, Bill McCoy, zona, where he played a concert on cause of the limited seating capacity of Helen Dell, Bob Carson and his pep­ Bill's 5/21 ex-Chicago Paradise Wur­ the new "Old Town Music Hall," the pery secretary, Nora Peters, present. litzer. On Nov. 14, reports Lloyd Klos, latest project of Bills Coffman and Lyn drowned his embarrassment in a Larsen played his second engagement Field. The instrument is their circa jazzy "Doin' the New Lowdown" and on the 4/22 Wurlitzer in the Audi­ 4/ 21 mostly Wurlitzer formerly in­ after "Stranger in Paradise" (with a torium Theatre for the Rochester Thea­ stalled in that Woodcarving Shop too touch of Rimsky-Korsakoff), wound up tre Organ Society, an event which at­ close to Watts. Lyn opened with a most Part I with an old favorite from the tracted a crowd which filled two-thirds appropriate selection, "Back in Your Larsen repertoire - "Satyr Dance." of the theatre despite the rain and Own Backyard." The instrument is After intermission he plugged his recent record of familiar Italian airs ("Bravo!") with a playing of "Funiculi - Funicula" which he described as "just the thing for a pizza party."

BOTH 'DOWN UN­ Then it happened again. He held the DER' BOUND-Before drawing for the door prizes, pressings his departure for Mel­ of his recording. One of the winners bourn~, Lyn compares turned out to be Dick Stoney - the notes with lovely very engineer who had recorded the Carol Jones who plans record! Dick withdrew, wisely. some Australian con­ Other highlights included a "42nd certs this year. Who .Street" medley, "Dainty Miss," "Only a can blame him for Rose" and "Tocatta in B Minor" by that wolfish grin? Gigout, an engaging example of French -Stufoto "Romantic" organ music with a pro­ nounced baritone melody and oodles of manual noodles. As always, the audience was reluctant to let him go. Next we meet Lyn on Dec. 9 in the slush. Larsen was concerned with his housed in an attractive acoustical set­ Bell Friends Church, as reported by our ability to carry inclement weather with ting in the one-time movie house (1910 not too dependable reporter-at-large, him: "I've brought snow to the last Style) and the Bills have provided some Effie Klotz. Rather than get into ex­ three cities I've played," he admitted. It eye appeal by mounting the Diaphone planations of Effie's peculiar way with rained in Rochester during his initial pipes immediately behind the curtain the language, we'll translate a few of engagement two years previous, also. and outlining the pipes with blacklight her observations for the benefit of tape. When the blacklight source is Klos reports that Lyn's artistry was readers who don't dig the Klotz style. even more polished than during his pre­ vious engagement at the well-kept in­ strument. Among his selections was his

own ".Stanley" (for Stan Laurel), a A HOT TIME IN THE Crawfordish "Masquerade," a wild 'OLD TOWN' - Lyn "Tiger Rag" which left the pit piano MCs one of two full­ smoking, "Jalousie" and his arrange­ house concerts at the ment of Chopin's "Fantasy Impromptu" Coffman & Field 'Old with an interpolation of the oldie, "I'm Town Music Hall.' The El Segundo (Calif.) in­ Always Chasing Rainbows" excerpted stallation is much to from the "Fantasy." Also heard was his liking. Note the J. F. Wagner's "Under the Double prominent percussions Eagle" march and a selection of eight and diaphone pipes. tunes from "Porgy and Bess." Klos -Stufoto adds that Lyn was accorded "the usual standing ovation RTOS members re­ serve for excellent work."

February 1970 32 First of all, we are sorry, Effie, that we applied her ample voice somewhat in warehouse which is equipped with a sent you on this assignment because the manner of an eighth rank on the fine 2/ 12 WurliMorton. you thought you were in for a sacred organ to an unfamiliar but beautiful Our final scene takes place on New concert. Obviously, Miss Klotz had selection called "The Little King." Years Eve. We have a report from never before been inside the swingin' There was much Christmas music Elmer Fubb from International Airport, Bell Friends Church where popular during the next few minutes and Lyn Los Angeles, filed just before the de­ music is no sin. From Effie's words we performed the previously mentioned cade of the '60s vanished forever. It did gather that there was an organ and "Tocatta in B Minor" by Eugene was a cold night, a bit blustery. A short that it had a "peculiar console with a Gigout. There wasn't quite enough girl, who Fubb claims was Nora Peters stoprail that looked like a horseshoe - pedal available but it came off okay. (Lyn's "Girl Friday"), was seen drag­ if you know what I mean." Enough, Afterwards, Lyn planted a kiss on the ging Lyn to a waiting Quantas airliner. Effie! console and stated "That's asking a Jot He was protesting; he didn't want to of the little fellow." The closer was leave home. She literally had to push "Silent Night" with Kathryn Hunt em­ him up the steps into the arms of two bellishing the melody with a softly lovely hostesses who made him disap­ sung obligato, a particularly lovely pear real fast. Thus, Lyn Larsen effect. started on another adventure "down under." A three month period which Yes, there was applause in church. would find him again the concert artist Lots of it. So ends our somewhat al­ (not "intermission organist") at the tered version of Miss Klotz' report Denby theatre in Melbourne , equipped from Bell. with a 3/15 Wurlitzer. Also, TV ap­ There was yet one more appearance pearances , plus a night club act for for Lyn, a few tunes played during the which he took along an especially de­ LA ATOS chapter's annual election signed Thomas 2-decker. meeting held at the Dorothy Bleick Good Fortune , Lyn! □

Lyn accompanies Kathryn Hunt during his Christ­ Don Baker Excites Rochester TOS mas concert at the Bell (Calif.) Friends Church. by Lloyd E. Klos That's a 2/7 Wurlitzer before him. -Stufoto Ever since his spectacular entrance Back in the days when Don was Actually , it's a 2/ 6 Wurlitzer which in the final program of the 1967 De­ organist at the New York Paramount , once graced a theatre in Mill Valley, troit ATOS Convention, this reporter he was teaching organ in a studio a Calif. A Dulciana has been added. has been extolling the artistry of Don half-block away. One of his students After the invocation by the minister, Baker. That artistry was much in evi­ was Edward J. Bebko, and it was inter­ Lyn opened the program with a smooth dence on December 2 last, as the 14- esting to see the two meet during in­ "Winter Wonderland." This was to be year veteran of the New York Para­ termission. Discussed were Don's days Lyn 's final open concert before leaving mount performed an exciting program at both the Rivoli and Rialto theatres. on his Australian tour and he wanted for a membership concert of the Ro­ The former ran a movie , "Loves of to make it "Christmassy." And he did, chester Theatre Organ Society at its Ricardo," starring George Beban. At in many novel ways. One was an im­ Auditorium Theatre 4/ 22 Wurlitzer. one point in the movie, explained Don , provisation on "Angels We Have Heard A concert artist for the Conn Organ the image on the screen faded , the foot­ on High" as it might be performed on Co., Don appeals greatly to those who lights came on, and on stage was the Christmas Eve in the great Cathedrals like music by the type of composer who entire crew of the movie. The cast of France , ranging from baroque to wrote "Tea For Two" and "Stardust". proceeded to act out a scene live, then modern. He deplored the use of Christ­ A natty dresser and one who is not the movie resumed. "That George mas music as the basis for commercial given to attempts at humor every time Be ban was a real showman," said Don jingles and stated that if anyone wished he introduces a number, Don is a mu­ in reminiscing . "I remember him very him a "Merry Chrysler" - he'd send it sician's musician in every respect. well." back. The well filled house ( 400 cap­ Don lost no time in praising the con­ A Latin American medley, an Irish acity) echoed a murmur of agreement. dition of the organ. "Everything on it medley, and Don's long-standing and Then Lyn offered a hymn , "Open My works ," he said. Later on, he men­ spectacular arrangement of "Tea For Eyes That I May See," in pure theatre tioned that this is "probably the only Two " distinguished the second half. organ style. This was followed by organ in the country which has a piano For his Christmas medley the house "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer," on a lift , too." lights went out and 140 tiny white "Jingle Bells" and a cipher. While the Don announced the program from lights which outlined the contours of cipher was being stifled Lyn relaxed at the console, and it might aptly have the console , flashed on. This was the the console and motioned to Stu Green; been called "A Trip Around the Or­ idea of Don Hall, new RTOS program parked in the second row. "Now's your gan," because the organist used every chairman , and if this is any indication , chance, Stu." single voice and stop available. For his ideas for future programs should be Stu reached in his pocket and brought example, his opener "Everything's excellent. The effect of the lights was forth the ~ver-present Tonette. He piped Coming Up Roses" was a rip-snorter breath-taking. a chorus of "Rudolph" in the same key which used the brass. "A Shadow of Lyn had been playing it. The audience Your Smile" was played on strings. "Buckle Down, Wynsocki" wound up was quite relieved when the cipher "Susie Wong" and "Limehouse Blues" the program. It is regrettable that only ceased and Lyn could continue. depended on the xylophone and mar­ 500 availed themselves of this excellent After Anderson's "Sleighride" Lyn imba. "Dancing Tambourine" and "Isle music, but unfavorable weather could introduced Miss Kathryn Hunt who of Capri" made use of the tambourine. have been a large factor. D

33 theatre organ musical imagination of today. From the "Spanish Flea" is strictly for fun with same era comes the Ray Noble ballad, lots of clackers and a pronounced beat. "The Very Thought of You," an ex­ "The Way You Look Tonight" is played quisite, understated treatment lasting 4 ballad style and the many registration minutes and 47 seconds. Slow drag changes are a veritable "trip through tempo marks "You're Gonna Hear the organ," which is a little honey. The From Me" with just the right number jacket notes call it an "informal record­ of voice changes to keep interest high. ing." Perhaps, but it's done with a de­ Side 2 opens with Gershwin's "Fas­ gree of professional skill which makes cinatin' Rhythm" which offers variety one hope Gordon will record many in orchestration as well as tempo (a more after he recovers. Meanwhile, we waltz, yet). Note the "Ocarina" solo. can all help speed the day by sending It takes Tom all of 1 minute and 42 in one buck for this attractive sample. seconds to say all he wants to about * * * "Feel in' Groovy" and even less (1: 12) THOROUGHLY FABULOUS MIL­ to complete a semi-mod trip to "The LIE!!!! Mildred Alexander at the Wil­ Isle of Capri." The Wurli's Brass Sax tern Theatre (Los Angeles) 4/ 37 Kim­ is heard opening Tom's richly registered ball Pipe Organ. Available in stereo "Deep River." "Don't Rain on My by mail from MAM Records, 2736 Manufacturers, distributors or individ­ Parade" features a compelling "stop Hollyridge Drive, Hollywood, Calif. uals sponsoring or merchandising theatre time" rhythm. Tom saves the best for 90028. $5.50 postpaid. pipe organ records are encouraged to last, Robert Farnon's "Journey into send pressings to the Record Reviewer, Millie Alexander says she cannot be Box 5013, Bendix Station, No. Hollywood, Melody," a "maestoso" melody which at her best unless she's playing before Calif. 91605. Be sure to include pur­ is used as a program theme on radio an audience, which is her reason for chasing information, if applicable. stations, and thus may be unconsciously recording only during concerts. This familiar. It's a sweeping, powerful one nearly killed her. She arose from theme which spellbinds for all of its 4 a sick bed to play the concert, "so as TOM HAZLETON PLAYS SHOW minutes and 30 seconds. not to disappoint mah fayans." Her PIPES on the Bob Carson 3 / 26 Studio This is Tom Hazleton's debut on pop doctor told her that if she insisted on Wurlitzer. Stereo, MAS 2008. Available pipes (he's also well known as a clas­ playing that concert it might kill her. by mail from Malar Productions at sical organist). We predict he'll groove "But ahl die happy" quipped un­ $5.00 postpaid, Box 3104, Glendale, many more. quenchable Millie. She kept the date. Calif. 91201. The recording is technically fine. It was reviewed in our October issue. With Lyn Larsen gone to another Dick Stoney's miking makes no attempt Besides being ill she fought an out-of­ label, Malar's Helen Dell (gal in charge to avoid the thump of combination ac­ tune organ. This is the record of her of talent) started a search for new tion, but concentrates on presence with ordeal. The worst out-of-tune passages talent for a label that emphasizes a "you are there" realism. The un­ have been de-emphasized during mas­ quality. It's no surprise that she selected credited jacket notes are by organist tering and the results are surprisingly Tom Hazleton. Tom has been wowing Dave Barrett. good. Millie does the best she can under them in the Bay Area for half his years the circumstances and her skills as an on earth, and more recently, on tour. * * * entertainer save the day. This testi­ JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT, Gordon monial to raw courage is far from per­ Krist playing the Wurlitzer Pipe Organ, fect but it is definitely of value as a available by mail from Universal human document. Audio, 2541 Nicollet Street, Minne­ Occasionally Millie hesitates and apolis, Minn. 55404. $1.00 postpaid. falters ("On a Little Street in Singa­ Here's a minor masterwork with a pore") but she gets out of it gracefully. story of concern and generosity behind She also loses track of where she is it. It's a 7-inch mono disc which plays and skips a phrase or two on occasion at 33-1/3 rpm. It bears only two selec­ ("Thoroughly Modern Millie") but these tions. Why only two? Because that's all are minor flaws; the overall content is pro organist Gordon Krist recorded be­ good entertainment. fore a rare illness left him partially Other tunes on side 1 are "Cry Me paralyzed. The heartwarming story of a River", "Here's That Rainy Day", how members of the Land O' Lakes "It All Depends on You" and "The Girl ATOS chapter sponsored this recording, on the Rock" from "Seven Dreams." with all proceeds over expenses going Side 2 consists of Millie's own ar­ to help pay off Gordon's crushing rangement of most of the tunes from medical expenses and provide therapy, Tom Hazleton Gordon Jenkins haunting "Manhattan was told in a previous issue. Tower" suite. The Alexander touch is Tom offers a program planned to The two selections were recorded everywhere; during "New York's My avoid the overcooked chestnuts. He during an informal session following a Home" she adds hints of tunes identi­ starts with a bright "Up Up and Away" chapter meeting at Don Peterson's fied with other locales (e.g. "Dixie") to followed by "Chelsea Bridge" (a subtle home in Minneapolis. It was Gordon's indicate the comparison in progress. To jazz miniature by the "Duke's" late first ATOE meeting and he complied this reviewer, this entire side is the best arranger, Billy Strayhorn). "Don't Be with a request to play Don's 2/ 5 (B part of the record, possibly because of That Way" is 1938 Benny Goodman as Special) Wurli. That's when these tunes a weakness for the score, but more registered for pipes by a perceptive were taped. likely because Millie milks it for all

february 1970 34 it's worth, and that's considerable. By HELEN DELL - PLUS PIPES, N.Y. PARAMOUNT COMES DOWN, the time she has wailed out her final played on the Carson-Kearns 3 /26 Don Baker at the 4/ 36 Wurlitzer, "Never Leave Me" the listener has for­ Wurlitzer, MAS-2009, stereo, available stereo, No. CR-0066, available by mail gotten the detuned organ and the minor postpaid at $5.00 from Malar Produc­ from Concert Recording, Box 531 Lyn­ flaws. He's all wrapped up in "Man­ tions, Box 3104, Glendale, Calif. 91201. wood, Calif. 90262. $4.50 postpaid hattan Tower." Here, finally, is Helen Dell's first all­ ($5.95 for 4-track stereo 7½ ips tape.) pipe recording, and a beauty it is. The On Dec. 27, 1964 the mighty New selection of tunes is especially attrac­ NIAGARA FALLS SYMPHONETIE, York Paramount organ was heard for tive, all standards, oldies or silent film Carlton Finch at the 3/ 11 Wurlitzer the last time in its original setting, and cue music. In the latter category is in the Riviera theatre, North Tona­ among the artists at that final perform­ one which silent film music buffs will ance was Don Baker, the man who had wanda, N. Y. Century Custom label appreciate; that fine old cue sheet in­ No. 30730 (stereo). Available by mail played for Paramount audiences longer termezzo, "Les Myrtles," plus an ex­ than any other organist. Luckily, Bill from Carlton Finch, 266 Sweeney ceptionally well registered "Charmaine." Street, No. Tonawanda, New York, Greenwood was there with his tape re­ Helen's rhythmic prowess, well estab­ corder to make a recording of amaz­ 14120. $5.25 postpaid. lished by previous releases, is unleashed Organist-composer Finch studied Ni­ ingly good fidelity. Transfer to disc _on "Lulu's Back in Town," "Chicago has preserved the great range of dy­ agara Falls for years before writing his Style," "Fiddle Faddle," "Shiny Stock­ descriptive piece. Of his preparation he namics in the music ( a Baker trade­ ings" and "Keepin' Out of Mischief mark). The full majesty of the great writes: Now" which is more reminiscent of "Many hours wer~ spent along the Wurlitzer has been captured faithfully Crawford than of its originator, Fats in a recording which may require some Niagara River listening to the rapids, Waller. Helen's opener is an engaging the sounds by day and night. At night bass attenuation. original she calls "Showtime." The Don Baker's performance is easily the sounds seemed lower-scaled. Details ballad department is reinforced by a such as the number of seconds it takes one of the most exciting of his long couple of country-western tunes and recording career. His arrangements of a piece of wood going over the falls to "Dancing in the Dark." thunder against the rocks at the bottom standards (first written, then memor­ were noted carefully. The spinning ized) are actually improvisations on - whirlpool and the power of its violence such melodies as the "Exodus" theme, were so awesome that sometimes it "Sound of Music," Grofe's "Daybreak" seemed utterly impossible to transpose ( what a Tuba!), his famous "chop­ nature's masterpiece into musical terms chop" "Tea for Two" and the march that people could feel and picture". thriller "I Love a Parade." The Symphonette is in twelve parts, Some tunes were excerpted from or scenes, all joined together in an in­ medleys and had to be faded at the end tegral whole, with the scenes bearing but Bill Johnson has done it expertly. such titles as "The Falls by Day", The stereo separation is good. "Rapids", "The Falls by Night (Illumi­ Other selections are a lilting "Chi­ nated)", and then we find ourselves cago," a soaring "Theme from the following the aforementioned log, being Apartment," a fast waltz arrangement swept toward the brink, "Approaching of "Hello Young Lovers," "All the the Cataract", "Over the Cataract", Things You Are" ( with that rolling "Against the Rocks", "The Whirlpool" pedal bass, another Baker trademark) and "Quieter Waters." There's even a and his marching band version of "76 "Salute to Honeymooners." Trombones." There is a spoken prologue by poet All have been heard across the land Laura Lapp which covers some history during Don's many concerts for Conn, of the falls and a word picture which Organist Helen Dell set a record for December attendance at an LA Chapter AM concert when but never like this. The reunion of Don parallels the thrills to come, an assist she attraded 465 listeners to the Wiltern Theatre Baker and his old friend is a pipe to those who have never experienced on Dec. 14th last for her Sunday concert on the enthusiasts' dream come true. Truly the the spectacle of Niagara first hand. 4/37 Kimball. It was her initial theatre excursion "sound of magnificence." Get it-now! The music finds exceptional expres­ on big pipes before an audience, but hardly had sion in the Riviera Wurlitzer. It's music the applause quieted down before it was an­ * * * which must be heard several times be- · nounced she would play a concert on the San THE YOUNGER SET fore one begins to perceive "the big Diego Fox 4/32 Robert Morton on the morning HA VE YOU MET MISS JONES, picture," and whether Mr. Finch is of George Washington's birthday-Feb. 22, that is. successful in describing the spectacle Carol Jones playing the 2/12 Wurli­ meaningfully, that decision must be left Helen's registration is a strong point; morton in the Bleick Warehouse Studio, to those who have gazed upon the big she orchestrates each tune individually Covina, Calif. Woodland label, No. cataract in person this reviewer hasn't to suit its needs. Some of the fine solo WR-101 (stereo). Available by mail but he would like to after hearing the voices of the Carson studio organ are from Carol Jones, cl o Woodland Niagara Symphonette. heard to good advantage. Engineer Records, Box 84, Covina, Calif. 91722, The flip side brings us Carlton Finch, Dick Stoney has captured the studio $5.00 postpaid. pop organist, playing highly individual Wurli's sound with exceptional fidelity. Twenty-year-old Carol Jones concert versions ·of "Flight of the Bumblebee", There's a feminine quality in Helen's debut is covered elsewhere in this issue. Finch's own "Tango of Love", "Cana­ playing which defies analysis, something All of the tunes offered here were also dian Capers", "Love is a Many-splen­ like a gal's low-pitched husky whisper heard during her concert. They are dored Thing", "The Breeze and I" and close to the ear which sure does things "From This Moment On", "Love "Now and Forever," all registered on goose-pimply to this red-blooded Amer­ Walked In", "Flight of the Phoenix" the Riviera Wurlitzer. ican boy/ reviewer. theme, "The Man I Love", "Love is a

35 theatre organ Simple Thing", "My Man", "Don't It matters little what was played Rain on My Parade" and "People." The Wurlimorton records well. Mik­ ing is good and the pressing is especially THE MUSIC OF JERRY MENDELSON noise free. Carol Jones plays with au­ thority. Her registration is interesting CAPTIVATES RAHWAY AUDIENCE and her arrangements offer much The foyer began to bustle and from variety. We'll be hearing more from Nov ember 9, 1969. It was a dull seemingly nowhere people materialized Miss Jones. dreary November day , the remaining through the glass doors and crowded in, * leaves on the trees bordering the Gar­ * * making their way inside until a com­ STU BOYER PLAYS TIMELESS den State Parkway were brown, limp fortable crowd of around 350 occupied TREASURES on the 4/ 15 Robert and somber in the intermittent drizzle , the seats. Microphones sprouted every­ Morton in the Carl Greer Inn, Sacra­ the little town of Rahway at nine in the where, short fat ones bound with tape mento, Calif. Available by mail at $5.50 morning was at its Sunday quietest and to the hand-rails , huge tall ones like from Scott-Rob Productions , Box 41504, it was easy to pull up and park at the surrealistic antennae rooted as it were Sacramento, Calif. 95841. curb , without even looking for a park­ in the meadow of orchestra seats , and Another recording debut, this one by ing lot, about half a block from the one of the Greer Inn's staff organists , Irving Theatre. The modest sign at the all shapes and sizes in between. Finally , youthful Stu Boyer. Stu gives a good door said "Pops Concert - 10 a.m. to when the crowd was settled, the slight account of himself through his "Man 12 noon - FREE." The door pushed figure in the blue sports coat was seen of La Mancha" medley which includes open and in the foyer the distant sounds making its way to the console , with the "Dulcinea" and "Impossible Dream ." of the little 2/ 7 Wurlitzer could be dis­ President announcing "The Fantastic Next the theme from the current cerned. Behind the candy counter Allen Mr. JERRY MENDELSON. " And Romeo and Juliet film, "A Time for Rossiter beamed the morning's greet­ then the music began. Us," followed by "Espana Cani" and a ings and displayed records of the now The spotlight did not shine, the con­ semi-contrapuntal treatment of "Wind­ departed and silent New York Para­ sole did not rise ( having no elevator) , mills of Your Mind." mount organ. A bare handful of people and the figure remained shrouded in Side 2 opens with a "What Are You in the foyer conversed in almost hushed gloom facing the dimly lit keyboards. Waiting for Mary?" which indicates tones, and the cop sheltering inside the But from the organ chambers came Stu has heard the Crawford or Wright glass doors rocked back and forth on forth Music. It filled the auditorium. version but his bell/ xylophone registra­ his heels as he contemplated the de­ The audience was transfixed. The little tion is all his own. The Morton Clar­ serted street outside. Like a restless Wurlitzer , which has excellent acoustics inet, Tibias, massed strings and light wraith ( albeit a rather substantial one) in anyone's hands , sounded like a reeds do some work during the first Bob Balfour flitted here and there , at­ Mighty Wurlitzer. At the closing chord chorus of the haunting new ballad, tending to whatever chairmen of chap­ of the opening number the audience "Watch What Happens." Then a per­ ters of ATOS attend to on such oc­ applauded enthusiastically in hopeful cussion-topped "I Will Wait for You" casions. disbelief , and the feeling of electric ex­ in upbeat tempo followed by (Ye Gods The sounds of the Wurlitzer became pectancy was palpable. Jerry took the - not again!!!) "Somewhere My Love" fuller on walking up the carpeted steps microphone and, as he did throughout which gets a well-deserved merry-go­ to the auditorium , but even the usual the rest of the concert , announced the round treatment in spots. A lovely jam session enthusiasts seemed muted next number. The spell he wove was minor melody, "When I Look in Your or absent. The Wurlitzer grew silent magic. The usual theatre organ nos­ Eyes" follows. For a closer, Stu offers and the President pleaded "Isn't there talgia vanished. The pipes sang and the "One Fine Day" from Puccini's opera, ANY one else who would like to play? music soared, and this was no pallid "Madame Butterfly." We still have twenty minutes till the imitation of thirty years ago. At the Stu Boyer is a self-taught organist concert begins!" A couple of amateur console beyond a doubt there sat a with considerable help from former enthusiasts sheepishly shambled to the Master Organist and a Master Musi­ Greer staffer, Tom Thompson. At his console, pushed some buttons and cian. It matters little what was played . best he shows subtlety and taste. How­ coaxed what they could from the little There was Roaring '20's music, there ever, his penchant for including tonal instrument. was Spanish music, there was Welsh percussions in just about everything he But as the hour approached the music , there was moonlight music , and plays is bound to bug some ( especially theatre almost imperceptibly was filling in every mood the brilliant playing, in­ the Crawford purists who hear his up. The rows of vacant seats were not spired improvisation and superb musi­ "Mary.") Despite that, the overall re­ so vacant any more. Several people cianship prevailed. sult is entertaining. It's a good try from were clustered around a slight figure in Came intermission time all too soon, a lad with much talent and industry. a blue sports coat, talking and smiling. but the audience was not to be put off. A standing ovation was given and Jerry had to return to the console and play an encore before he or anyone else took ENGLAND a break. The second half was on the same plane of musical vitality and at Keep abreast of the theatre organ hobby in England through the 'Journal of the end three more encores were de­ the Cinema Organ Society,' four issues (or equivalent) annually plus monthly manded before the concert really had newsletters. Current organ events in the British Isles, history, photos, stop­ to finish. Something about showing a lists, commentaries, technical articles, organists' biographies, news from movie. overseas, record reviews, and more. $5.00 (£1, 15s. 0d.) yearly. Send money order to Mr. Len Hudson, 22, Oakwood Close, Chase Road, Southgate, London, It was a concert of true musical ex­ N.14. England. cellence and a thrilling musical experi­ ence. It will be remembered by all who heard it. D

february 1970 36 $100,000 SEARCH for Pl·ANO ROLLSI - Ampico, Duo-Art, and Welte -

We have been commissioned to purchase a large quantity of certain types of piano rolls. You may have seen our advertisements for these rolls recently. The response to our offer has been excellent, and the search is nearing the end. We have been deluged by questions such as 11Why are you buying them?," etc. So, below we give you the answers!

The Types of Rolls We Want to Buy ... Ampico, Duo-Art, and Welte rolls. Other types of rolls There were many types of piano rolls issued from are not wanted - so do not send them. (We are, how­ about 1890 to the late 1930's. At the moment we are ever, interested in buying certain types of rolls for pipe concerned with three main types: those marked "Am­ organs such as those marked "Aeolian Organ" or pico," "Duo-Art," or "Welte." These rolls have a paper "Aeolian Duo-Art Organ," and certain types of Clark width measuring (except for certain Welte rolls) 11¼" - Orchestra Roll Co., Hupfeld, Philipps, Wurlitzer, etc. rolls not including the spool ends. They were originally issued - but do not send these rolls to us; instead, write to for use on Ampico, Duo-Art, and Welte pianos. These us for an offer for them first) . For Ampico, Duo-Art, and pianos were not the regular foot-pumped home player Welte rolls in good playable condition we'll pay you pianos, but were electrically operated pianos which played $2.50 cash for each roll you send! This offer has no the music with expression in imitation of the original strings attached - you don't have to have special tunes, artists. We just want to buy rolls marked "Ampico," "Duo­ special roll numbers, etc. Our price is good for any Art," or "Welte." Do not send other types of rolls to us. Ampico , Duo-Art, or Welte roll regardless of title. The rolls must be in good playable condition without damage and with the box and labels intact. How Do I Ship Rolls to You? Why Are We Buying Them??? Sending rolls to us is as simple as A-B-C. It's in­ expensive, too! Package the rolls carefully in a carton Our large campaign to buy Ampico, Duo-Art, and Welte and mail them to us by U.S. mail. Send them by the rolls has understandably aroused a bit of curiosity. Are "Special 4th Class Rate for Sound Recordings." This is we buying them for investment? Do they have some very cheap and will cost you just a few cents per roll. hidden value? What are you doing with them all? - Enclose an invoice or a letter with your package stating These are just a few of the questions we have been the quantity of rolls sent and the price, for example: asked. Our answer is rather simple and, perhaps, dis­ "I am enclosing 40 Ampico rolls at $2.50 each for a appointing as it is not romantic: We are buying them total of $100.00." That's all there is to it. Upon satis­ for a customer who wants to build the world's largest factory examination we'll rush you our payment in full. roll "library ." He has commissioned us to buy rolls for him . The arrangement is simple: our customer is paying us a 10% commission for the rolls we buy. Hence, if Tell Me About Hathaway and Bowers, Inc. you sell us rolls, you're probably making more profit You are doing business with a large, established, and than we are! We make a nominal 25c profit on every roll reliable firm when you sell to Hathaway and Bowers, we buy for $2.50 - a figure you'll agree is quite modest. Inc. We are the world's largest dealer in antique music That's it. Isn't the answer simple? boxes, reproducing pianos, player organs, etc. (Our latest catalogue, No. 12, is available for $2 postpaid). We How Much Are We Paying Per Roll? purchase tens of thousands of dollars worth of rolls We are paying you $2.50 per rol I delivered to our instruments, etc. per month. You can be sure when you offices. As mentioned before, this offer is good only for sell to us!

Do you have Ampico, Duo-Art, or Welte rolls for sale? If you do, now is an ideal time to turn them into cash. There are many of these rolls still in private homes, antique shops, etc. and many steady suppliers have earned money by buying rolls for less and then shipping them to us for our offered price. Ship any quantity of Ampico, Duo-Art, or Welte rolls to us: ten rolls or a thousand {or more!). Do it today!

HATHAWAYANO BOWERS, INC. "The World's Largest Automatic Musical Instrument Dealer"

Dept. PR; 11975 E. Florence Avenue Santa Fe Springs, California 90670 Tel. (213) 941-8774

Hathaway and Bowers, Inc. buys and sells automatic musical instruments worldwide. We are also interested in the purchase of antique self-playing instruments of all kinds. In the field of Ampico, Duo-Art, and Welte pianos we are especially interested in "art" style ornate grands. For a special account we want to purchase an Aeolian Duo-Art "Concertola" roll changing mechanism (a cabinet housing ten Duo-Art rolls; the unit is operated by remote control pushbuttons) and accompanying Duo-Art piano. We'll pay a $250.00 cash "finder's fee" to the first person furnish­ ing us with information leading to our purchase of one of these.

37 theatre organ CATOEMembers Restore Pickwick Wurlitzer Story by Karol and Ken Shirey Photos by Bette and Chuck Peterson

The Chicago Chapter's Christmas so­ arts. Red and black tweed carpeting cial held December 14, 1968, marked has been installed in the lobby and the "re-premier" of the meticulously aisles. The side lamps have all been restored 3/ 11 Wurlitzer in the Pick­ rebulbed in soft blue. The plastered wick Theatre. filigreed panels on the sides concealing Located in the swank northwestern the organ chambers are done in sand, Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, Illinois , gold and red and resemble intricate this theatre and organ have both been Aztec carvings. A fountain of a lovely beautifully restored. Theatre owner , white marble statue executed by Ruth Ronald Kuhlman, and theatre manager, Blackwell of a young lady holding a Robert Kase, are to be commended for shell which overflows and forms a lake the theatre 's facelifting and have been at her feet stands in the lobby. The most cooperative with CA TOE mem­ fountain is not currently in use as it bers who have done such an admirable has developed a leak in the base. The Pickwick Theatre's imposing exterior boasts job on the organ. Work on the organ began in October, a full sidewalk marquee. The Pickwick Theatre opened in 1967, with national board member , 1928 and W. F. Mccaughey, Jr. was FRED KRUSE, as head of the crew the architect. The impressive lobby of of CATOE members who have spent terrazo floor, with Pyrenees black and countless hours rebuilding this style white marble wainscot and walls of 235 Wurlitzer , Opus 1954 . Fred ex­ golden sienna colored Zenithern and plains the organ , a 1928 vintage, has ornamental plaster looks today much black cap magnets and to date approxi­ as it did on opening day. mately 175 have been replaced. The The walls of the theatre's auditorium former owner of the theatre had had have been repainted Aztec sand and the foresight to have a heavy cover gold on the upper portion with a buff made for the 3-manual console to pre­ color down below. The once gaudy and serve it, but unfortunately had forgot­ almost 'mod-art' stage curtain has been ten about security on the right cham­ replaced with an elegant plain gold one. ber which was vandalized . The left The former 1500-seat auditorium has chamber is accessible only from the been reseated with 1465 plush dark red outside of the building and had been mohair-covered seats of larger propor­ locked. tions. Ali Baba-type striped canvas in­ An orchestral oboe has been installed serts cover the ceiling where once was in place of the former Kinura and a a mural depicting the allegory of the tuba horn for the missing trumpet. Fred Kruse demonstrates the tight quarters com­ ing up out of the right chamber. The holes on the chest are an "open spot" for a future post horn.

(Right) Gary Rickert getting those tuned sleigh bells ready for CATOE's Christmas social, 1968.

(Left) The once multi­ colored and patterned console in its shiny new dress of ivory and gold.

February 1970 38 Time out for a jam session. Crew members {left to right) Gary Rickert, Ronnie Capek and Paul Lewis gather around while Fred Kruse pours out a few songs.

refinished the console to its lustrous ing the National ATOE Convention Paul Lewis, Vice Chairman and Program Chair­ ivory and gold dress of today. held July 3-7 with LARRY ROOD man for CATOE, adjusts foot on a reed pipe. Under the leadership of perfectionist demonstrating he had enough confi­ Fred Kruse, Tom Watson, Paul Lewis, dence in the organ to stop it down to These ranks were from the Stanley Terry Kleven, Edward Rickert, Gary a single 2' Tibia. Theatre, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Rickert, Sam Holte, and Ronald Capek Fred Kruse is conducting a search There is still an "open spot" for a post have achieved this spendid example of for a chronological history of organists horn. Magnets on the swell shutters theatre organ preservation. featured on the Pickwick organ. It is have been replaced as they were burned The organ was heard by a packed known that Al Brown appeared here out and the shutters wouldn't open. house on Thursday, May 15th, manned before going to the Marboro. Walter Projectionist at the Pickwick and also by the 'flicker fingers' master himself, Flandorf and Don Borre' were also a CATOE member, TOM WATSON, GAYLORD CARTER, and again dur- f ea tu red organists at the Pickwick. D

Golden-Voiced Barton And now he's the organist of his very Barton for taking a personal interest in own 2/ 10 Barton - one of the few the installation. Finds Home in Calif. Golden Voiced Bartons on the west Mr. Treul has made a small theatre We received a couple of interesting coast. out of the living room, complete with letters and articles from local papers Mr. Treul has installed this organ indirect lighting and screen for show­ from Mr. Roland J. Treul. ( voiceless in the Brin Theatre, Men­ ing films with organ accompaniment, Responding to the picture of the asha, Wisconsin for 33 years) in a 20 and is decorating the chamber with a Louisville, Ky., United Artists Theatre by 30-foot addition to his home ( on history of the organ and pictures of 3/ 13 Wurlitzer 235 pictured in the an eight-inch concrete slab, no less!). famous silent artists, theatres and October, 1969 Theatre Organ-Bombard, The gold-and-red 2000 pound Barton organs. Mr. Treul advises us that he played console, complete with the little jewel­ He must be very proud of this show­ this organ for Community Singing for box lights on the outside, is most prom­ place for letting fell ow west coasters many years. inent in Mr. Treul's living room. He become acquainted with the sight and gives credit to its perfect performance sound of an instrument not too well to Chuck Baker of Tubes, Inc., for his known in those parts . . . the Golden magnificent installation job, and to Dan Voiced Barton. __ _ D

(Left) The 20' x 30' chamber, added to the Treul home, rests on an eight-inch con- crete slab.

(Right) Roland Treul at his 2/7 Barton. On the music rack, a prized music cue sheet for the Paramount Pidure "Wings."

39 Dec. 1926 (J) GRETCHEN MILLER land, May 3 after an illness of six NUGGETS and MARIBEL LINDSEY are asso­ months and subsequent operation. A from the ciate organists at the Liberty Theatre woman of quiet tastes, she never ap­ in Cumberland, Md. The latter is hav­ peared in the limelight, but took a deep GOLDEN D.A.-Y-S ing great fun driving her Oakland interest in organ matters to the end. roadster. She had returned to England , following her husband's death almost 20 years Jan. 1927 (J) BEATRICE RYAN ago. has been named organist at Rochester's Eastman Theatre. A graduate of the GOLD DUST 3/23 , MISS CRAB­ Eastman School , she recently studied in TREE at the Torresdale Theatre Kim­ Paris with Marcel Dupre. ball, Philadelphia . . . 10/ 23, AMY KEITH ELLIOTT has been playing Jan. 1927 (J) MAZIE M. PERALTA , Harold Lloyd's "Safety Last" in Chi­ formerly organist of the Pantheon, Sen­ cago's Orchestra Hall ... 8/24, The ate and Riviera theatres in Chicago, is Muncie , Indiana Strand Theatre's new directing the Midway Organ School in Page organ was opened by BURTON the Midway Masonic Temple with great BURKETT. MRS. ROSS SHUMAN is success. She hails from Denver. regular organist; GRACE MAY LIS­ Jan. 1927 (Met.) Pretty BETTY SENDEN at the Ritz in Port Rich­ Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos GOULD , named by ballot the "All­ mond , N. Y. . . . 12/ 24, EDITH Chicago Organist" at the International LANG at the Exeter Street Theatre, With February 's being Valentine Jazz Congress , is determined to justify Boston ... 1/25 , IRENE JUNO at month , Jason and I dedicate this col­ the honor. Arriving a few months ago Washington 's Takoma Park . .. 2/25 , umn to the Betty Masons , Laurel Hag­ from Detroit where she was featured JOSEPH STOVES and MARJORIE garts, Dottie Whitcombs , Irene Blegens, in several of the larger houses , she is McELROY at the 4-manual Moller in Peg Nielsens, Oline Schultz's and all willing to risk her title against all com­ Nashville's Knickerbocker ; Mrs . MAT­ the dedicated gals in ATOS. Sources ers in classic, concert or jazz , on any TIE LOU SMITH at Birmingham's were American Organist (AO) , Dia­ organ. A veritable streak on the keys, Temple ... 2/ 25, ANNA E. FRENCH pason (D) , Jacobs (J) , Melody (M) she is featured at the Oriental Theatre. at New York's Loew's State; 3/ 25, and Metronome (Met.). FRIEDA HAMMER at the Boulder , Feb. 1927 (J) ELSIE MAE LOOK is Colorado , Curran ; GRACE BERRY June 1920 (M) CARMENZA VON assistant instructor at RALPH WALDO and FREDERICK J. BARTLETT at DE LEZZ is at Denver 's Isis Theatre , EMERSON 's School of the Organ (The the Isis Morton in Boulder; VIOLA playing the Hope-Jon es Wurlitzer of 4 World's Largest) , which has 14 organs. LEE at Denver's American .. . 4/ 25, manuals , 250 stops , 40 combination She also plays and sings over WLS in LILLIAN TRUSS at Birmingham's pistons , a raj t of effects and doubl e Chicago. Strand ; MARY RUTH INGRAHAM touches. at Hoyt's in Long Beach , Cal. . . . Feb. 1927 (J) MIRABEL LINDSAY June 1925 (AO) CLARABEL PAT­ 7/ 25, ESTHER STAYNOR at Ta­ and GERTRUDE KRIESELMAN did TEN WALLACE , manager of the coma's Rialto .. . 11/ 25, GERTRUDE a novelty act recently at Washington's Gamut Pipe Organ .Studios in Los An­ KREISELMAN at Washington's Home Ambassador Theatre, involving two geles, announces installation of a Moller Theatre; NELL PAXTON and OTTO Ampicos and the Kimball Grand theatre organ with detached console. Organ. F. BECK at Washington's Auditorium March 1926 (M) ESTHER STAY­ Theatre ; MARGARET LIBBY at NOR presides at the 3-manual Wur­ Oct. 1927 (J) GRACE MADDEN Washington's Avenue Grand; MAE W. litzer in Tacoma's Rialto. Her novelty and MRS. DOROTHY ELLIOTT are BURRIES at Richmond 's Broadway solos are so popular that she rents their at the Brevoort in New York, but the ... 12/25, In Seattle, LAURA VAN arrangements to other organists. less said about the organ, the better. WINKLE at the Pantages , ESTHER WARD at the 2/ 6 Morton in the Oct. 1926 (D) INGA BERGH of Dec. 1927 (J) IDA V. CLARKE, Danz, and MARY WARD at the the Arcadia Theatre in Windber, Pa. appointed first organist in Washington 's Capitol; LOUISE GREGORY assistant is the 519th pupil of Chicago organ Apollo Theatre, is doing spotlight solos organist at Takoma (Wash.) Theatre; teacher, CLAUDE P. BALL, to be on the Wurlitzer and gets generous LOUISE CULLEY at the Orpheum placed in a theatre position. applause. For two years, she was asso­ Kimball, Kansas City; JESSIE SKIN­ Nov. 1926 (J) MARIE PARR, form­ ciate organist under OTTO F. BECK NER and ARLINE ROENICKE at erly of the Rivoli, Buckingham, Cres­ at the Tivoli. Detroit's Broadway Strand; JEAN cent, Castle, and other Chicago thea­ Dec. 1927 (Met.) They killed the SWAYNE at Boulder, Colo. Isis . . . tres, will shortly preside at the Wur­ fatted calf at the Stratford Theatre in 8/26, MRS. JESSE CRAWFORD is litzer in the Hollywood Theatre, re­ Chicago, so DORIS GUTOW returned solo organist at Chicago's McVicker's placing HENRY FRANCIS PARKS, to the fold where she has always been ... 8/27, THERESE LaJUETT at the who is leaving to open organs and fill a favorite. If those weekly visits to Syracuse Temple; "LUELLA" (Wick­ concert engagements. Detroit continue, we will soon be sing­ ham) at the Strand ... 9/34, ANN LEAF broadcasting daily over New Nov. 1926 (J) ESTHER HILBERT ing, "Oh, Doris, Where Do You Live?" York's WJZ ... BETTY LEE TAY­ is one of the very necessary persons in Dec. 1927 (Met.) IRMA GLEN is theatre activities in Chicago, because LOR broadcasting "Cathedral Echoes" broadcasting over Chicago's WENR, from Loew's State in Syracuse, N. Y. she is able to handle the large Terminal and getting tremendous fan mail. theatre organ after the evening's sec­ Sundays. ond solo number, so that AMBROSE June 1934 (D)MRS. CECILE HOPE­ That's our Valentine salute to the LARSEN can get away for his broad­ JONES, widow of the organ builder, ladies. Until April, so long, Sourdoughs! casts. died at her home in Bournemouth, Eng- - Lloyd and Jason

February 1970 40 three inches. The smoke was starting MILLIE to lull her when rescuers smashed the LiveOrgan Music Now glass door and hauled her out. She was revived by the cold air outside jo NEARLY time to see the building go up in flames, ARegular Feature On including her clothes , music , records , FRIED handbag and suitcases. Her sole gar­ The aura of misfortune which seems ment ( outside of the nightshirt) for the SacramentoFMStation to have accompanied organist Mildred next six hours was a blanket-until she FM Radio KHIQ , Sacramento , Calif . Alexander recently added a chapter got some SOS messages on the wire. To compound her plethora of dis­ is one of few radio outlets in the US. late in 1969, during a concert tour in that features "live organ music , on a Canada. Millie awakened to find her aster , her No. 1 assistant had a narrow escape while flying to sub for Millie at regular schedule." This distinction is sixth floor London hotel room filled largely due to the efforts of James another concert. Flying on a ticket with smoke. She also realized she was Hodges, station manager , and Clyde Millie had bought , Richard Bradley half gassed from inhaling the stuff. Derby , organist. Every Thursday eve­ experienced a plane crash. No one was Staggering into the hall in her flannel ning a half hour of theatre organ music injured but Richard was understandably nightshirt she found the stairwell en­ is presented from the Carl Greer Inn shook. gulfed in flames. She went back in the featuring the 4/ 16 Robert Morton with room and made for the balcony - only "Wonder if someone's trying to tell Clyde Derby at the console. The pro­ to find a limiter on the door at about me something?" asks Mildred. D gram is called Stereo Showcase and is presented by Mr . Jim Crowe. UnusualStore Opens NEW POCKET SIZE Jim Hodges is a hard working mem­ MEMBERSHIP ROSTER ber of the Sierra Chapter, ATOS , who has constantly plugged all chapter af­ In Alexandria,Va. NOW AVAILABLE fairs on station KHIQ. His record for Potomac Valley member Woody selling tickets to chapter presentations Wise has recently opened the HOLLY­ I Only$1.00 Postpaid has been phenomenal. As manager of the FM outlet , Mr. Hodges is contin­ WOOD POSTER AND BOOK SHOP Send Your Check to: located in downtown Alexandria, Vir­ ually seeking ways to keep the king of ginia at 120 North Columbus Street A.T.O.S. ROSTER instruments before the public. His phone 836-2662. This new store i~ P. 0. Box 2329 efforts are deeply appreciated by the stocked with all Vestal Press organ Livonia, Mich. 48150 Sierra Chapter. □ reprints , the complete Concert Record­ ing line , other theatre pipe organ records as well as records of motion picture soundtracks. Piano rolls are Build this magnificent being stocked and Ampico rolls are soon to be on the shelves. For the mod Schober Theatre set there are posters galore and black and white stills of all the big stars of the movies of yesterday and today. A ';~:::~:.:~=::7'-Organ for complete line of books relating to the _.-...... $ history of movies and plays on the ~ ...... only 1730 !* Broadway stage is also available. □ You couldn't touch an organ like this in a storefor less than $3500-and there hasn't been a musical instrumentwith this STATIMINTOfOWNHSHi, , ,...___.,...,-"'°"'".,._l - I ..::",::.t~~J~~':'~~~!:..~•~• ...c.Jti ::-::;.;-c..::::-::l&c....j=-~-- vast variety of genuineTheatre Organ ~!! - 6Q l 'l'HEATRB ORGANBOMBARDB voices since the days of the silent

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Nocharge, no obligation-but lots of ..i=.::- ...-- ...... - ....._ - ► -;;;-;,~--:-.:;::::;_ --:::;,7 .• ' food for a healthymusical appetite! --••-- •- , ~ , ,r ae-""IBu.o-Mar- CITY-----"'TATE ZIP __ L--·------.J George Wright , Bob Mack and Bill A TRIBUTE TO DAN PAPP Floyd. He kept the studio organ in top shape for the memorable "Nocturne" by Ben M. Hall broadcasts by Ann Leaf as well as for Last year , during a concert at the read "Publix Theatres presents Jesse Fats Waller and Fred Feibel , and when Rahway Theatre in Rahway , New Jer­ L. Crawford at the Paramount Wur­ the instrument was re-installed in the sey, the audience got an added thrill litzer Organ - 'Organs I Have Played ' " studio of Richard Loderhose ( who as Don Baker paused to introduce the and it was the only time Crawford's kindly provided the photograph used man he calls "Pop" - Dan Papp , of name ever appeared with a middle ini­ here) , Dan was on hand to lend his Paramount Wurlitzer fame. After the tial, a phenomenon attributed to an technical knowledge to the installation. show there was a warm reunion as over-zealous Publix publicity man with After his retirement in 1962 Dan admirers swarmed around Dan to the name of Jesse L. Lasky on his lived quietly in Linden with his de­ reminisce about the old days, and to mind.) But it was not until several voted wife. Though, because of several pay their respects to the man who months later that the 36-rank organ illnesses, he had given up his profes­ made the New York Paramount Wur­ was finally completed to meet the un­ sional organ and piano tuning activi­ litzer the supreme theatre organ , the compromising demands of the dapper ties, he still kept busy in his neat-as-a­ instrument against which all others "Peacock of the Organ World," as pin basement workshop, making beau­ must be compared. He not only made Fortun e Magazine once called Craw­ tiful little model pianos and painting it that way ; he kept it that way during ford . the landscapes in oil which decorate all the years of his stay at the great their home. When he heard that I, with Times Square theatre. the help of friends, was installing a On the way back to their home in five-rank Wurlitzer in my house, he Linden , New Jersey, Dan said to his spent many hours giving us priceless wife, Theresa, "It was wonderful to advice. I treasure the many things he find that people hadn't forgotten me gave me - among them, hand-made after all." reed-curvers, a special gadget for hand­ ling the springs in stop-tab actions, and How can anyone forget Dan Papp? the "fifth manual" from the Paramount The twinkling smile, the voice with console which he had made in 1926 so the gentle Hungarian accent (he came that Jesse Crawford could play along to the U.S. in 1912) make him mem­ with Mrs. Crawford in the days before orable enough, but it was for his great the slave console and the stage consoles contribution to the theatre organ that were insta11ed. There is even a beauti­ he will be remembered the longest. fully made fireplace bellows of "Wur­ Dan's career with the Wurlitzer Com­ Dan Papp at the New York Paramount Wurlitzer, June 27, 1956. litzer wood" and organ leather which I pany began in 1925 when he left the Beach Organ Company to go to Chi­ -Photo courtesy of Dick loderhose keep in my house in Vermont. These things I treasure, but most of all I cago for Wurlitzer. A few days after The Paramount Wurlitzer , along treasure the experience of having he arrived, the manager of the Chicago with the four other instruments of known Dan himself. store on Wabash Avenue came to him almost identical specification in the with a problem: a new Style E Wur­ Fox Theatres in Detroit, St. Louis, San I remember sitting with him listening litzer had just been installed for Jesse Francisco and Brooklyn (37 ranks with as Don Baker came to the close of his Crawford to make his first Victor an added Unda Maris) came to be unforgettable farewell concert on the recording . Victor had already set up known in later years as a "Crawford Paramount Wurlitzer. The strains of their ponderous acoustical recording Special." Crawford himself denied that "For Auld Lang .Syne" :filled the equipment in the studio in the store, he had very much to do with the doomed theatre, then , after the ava­ and at nine o'clock on the very morn­ specification of the Paramount Wur­ lanche of applause, there was silence. ing that Crawford was to begin record­ litzer , and, if anything , it might better "I believe that's the most beautiful ing the organ had not been tuned. have been called a Dan Papp Special. sound on earth ," Dan said to me. "I Could Dan do it? "I'll try," he said. For this instrument , thanks to his re­ wonder if we'll ever hear it again?" In less than two hours he had tuned markable gift for voicing and regula­ After the Paramount organ was re­ the seven ranks and done some light­ tion , had a special quality that the other moved and shipped to California in ning voicing; he ducked out the back four, "mighty" though they may be, 1965, Dan followed its saga with door of the studio just as Crawford never quite achieved. an understandable paternal interest, entered with the sheet music for "Rose "Jesse Crawford may not have been through its long years in storage, its Marie" in his hand. the easiest man to work for," recalled journey to Wichita, the terrible fire that Dan didn't meet the Poet of the Dan , remembering the early morning destroyed the great console, and the Organ face to face, however, until a calls from the Paramount that had months of careful renovation that are year later - the night before the New him driving into New York from Lin­ preceding its installation in "Century York Paramount opened. He had been den to fix a cipher or adjust a tremu­ II ," Wichita's new cultural and con­ working in Florida, installing Wurlit­ lant, "but he knew what he wanted vention center. But when the Para­ zers in Publix theatres in Tampa and .. . and what he wanted was good." mount Wurlitzer plays again, Danny Jacksonville, when he was hastily sum­ In 1928, Dan installed the equally won't be there. On October 10, three moned to New York a few days before famous Wurlitzer in the ninth-floor days before his 72nd birthday, he died. the premiere. The installation crew studio at the Paramount where Craw­ His monument, however, lives on: the had completed the job of putting the ford made his greatest recordings. And Mightiest Wurlitzer of them all, the organ in place, and Dan worked around he stayed on at the Paramount - until organ to which he devoted so many the clock on the tuning, voicing and his retirement in 1962 - to take care years of his life. And as long as it finishing. He got it into some kind of of both organs for Reginald Poort , makes music, Dan Papp will be shape for the opening ( the program Sigmund Krumgold, Don Baker and remembered. D

February 1970 42 made, and presented the first pressing to the organ's owner, Dorothy Bleick. CaliforniaMissDebuts onCovina 'Wurlimorton' She had played all the tunes on this same instrument. by Stu Green Many changes in style and tempo What caught the eye on the flyer instrument and plays with authority. marked Carol's concert. Tremulants which arrived by mail was the state­ She coaxed an exceptional amount of were used judiciously and some of the ment that the organist making her debut variety from the 12 ranks, with regis­ arrangements were eyebrow raisers e.g. on pipes was a student of Bill Thom­ tration changes spaced comfortably the simulated counterpoint sequence son. From long experience we knew rather than at eight measure intervals, during "Look of Love" followed by a that Bill Thomson would permit such a as some organists do. The availability churchy, "haunted house" interlude, concert only if he was convinced the of a lush Morton Tibia and Vox (in ad­ her variations on the horn solo melody pupil was ready to meet the public. dition to their Wurlitzer counterparts) of "I Can't Get Started" (reminiscent afforded Miss Jones an opportunity to of early Ann Leaf), the sexy drag Those who braved the warm weather tempo during "Parade", the brassy riff of September 14th got a lot more for come near to the Buddy Cole sound, which she did several times during the chorus of "The Man I Love", and the their "offering" than even a Bill Thom­ blase mood of "Sophisticated Lady." son endorsement assured. eyening, perhaps unconsciously. Her style, however, is her own, and not Her encore was a very offbeat "Love The instrument is a true "Wurlimor­ reminiscent of the playing of other is a Simple Thing" which, after a ton" ( 4 choice ranks of Morton pipe­ organists, not even her teacher. smooth first chorus, somehow picked work added to a 2/ 8 Wurlitzer) located up the fanfare from Victor Herbert's in the Bleick (like "bike") warehouse "March of the Toys" to establish the in Covina near Los Angeles. The in­ full brass band that Carol marched strument is the property of recently down the aisle with drums whamming widowed Dorothy Bleick who, with her and glockenspiel tinkling. The band had late husband, installed it in a building no sooner reached the console when it suitable for a 12-rank organ rather dissolved into a huge cathedral interior than let it crowd into the Bleick home. for a few measures of solemn, funeral "simplicity" on untrem'd Diapason. Carol Jones, an unknown artist to Then the picture shifted to a Tommy the majority of the approximately 250 Dorsey style "swingband" for half a who filled the rented camp chairs in chorus before Carol brought in the the attractive interior of the high­ ceilinged building, was afforded a novel birds and a Guy Lombardo ending. It left her listeners breathless. So did entrance. The sounds of a Hammond ( ! ) swelled forth the refrain "Have Carol. □ You Met Miss Jones?" As Bill Thom­ son faded the 2-1 plug-in under, Andy Rimmer made the introductory remarks and Miss Jones made her entrance. On seeing Miss Jones for the first time, one is somewhat awed by her enormous stack of blonde hair, which, we learned, is something of a trade­ mark. But the moment the music CAROL JONES, a miss worth meeting. started, concern for tresses trailed off -Stufoto in favor of organ music ( this time on pipes) and fine artistry. Thus we met Although the instrument is not Miss Jones and "From This Moment equipped with a Posthorn, Carol im­ On" ( the opener) she would very ob­ provised one from Tuba plus Kinura viously be a musical force to reckon during the upbeat tunes which called with. for that type of emphasis. Immediately Her style is that of a traditional following intermission, during an odd­ GOOD HOUSE - Carol played to a full house. theatre organist but she is not limited ball waltz ( the theme from "Flight of Attendees were seated on folding chairs brought the Phoenix"; remember that "mirage" in for the concert. to that mode, as indicated by her treat­ -Stufoto ment of several offbeat selections. Her hallucination of a dancing girl on the program, planned to avoid most of the desert sands?) Carol seemed to have overdone standards, included such tunes sprouted some extra hands, and some SEQUEL non-pipe ranks. It was a tremendous as Pretty Butterfly, Autumn in New The Bleick organ first came to York, Take Five, The Look of Love, effect and when it was over Bill Thom­ son came sheepishly from behind the our attention at the time it was I Can't Get Started, and Don't Rain on transported from Montgomery, My Parade. console where he had been honking the Hammond for those percussive grunts Alabama ( after being removed Long bef-0re intermission, 20-year-old which carried the rhythmic pattern. from the Empire theatre there) Carol (she's already an organ teacher) Carol insisted on a bow from Bill, and to the home of its purchaser in had captivated her audience. Besides then he disappeared quickly; this was Los Angeles, Roland J. Treul, being a well qualified musician, she's a Carol's show. (See BOMBARDE, Winter 1965, charmer and a looker, as our photo During the course of the program, p. 4). It was originally a Wur- proves. But best of all, she knows her Carol announced the recording she had (Continued on next page)

43 theatre organ tions will be announced in the local newspapers. It is understood that the Wurlitzer in the Chicago Theatre will remain intact. DELAWARE VALLEY An impressive array of talent was present at the Alden Park Inn on Sun­ day, November 23 for our second an­ nual buffet. Although the crowd was ••••••• ••••••• not as large as the first such meeting , we certainly did not lack organists. Featured at the Conn two-manual WIll ~A"-..V Ill Theatre Organ supplied by the Warner Piano Company, were professionals •CHAPTERNEWS• both local and from out of town. We Dorothy Bleick (center) shows Peg Nielsen some were treated again to the organ stylings of the percussers in her solo chamber. Dorothy of Don Kinnier , Vi Egger and busy credits organists Bob St. John with planning and CHICAGO AREA Larry Ferrari who generously appeared overseeing the installation. Don Kohles installed 1969 was indeed a busy year for this late in the day between concerts. From the instrument and now maintains it. chapter. Fourteen events were held dur­ the west and north we welcomed Gar­ -Stufoto ing the year including the annual Na­ ret Paul and Al Hermanns, and from the east Dave Lindsay who performed litzer Style 190 (2 / 8), to which tional Meeting. Not only did the chap­ marvelously despite a painful back four additional Robert Morton ter hold the 14 events, but also found injury. ranks were added as an "Echo" time to embark on the Downers Grove Dinner music was supplied by MC division, somewhere along the project which entailed moving a 10 rank Marshall Ladd as guests sampled the line. Mr. Treul intended to install Wurlitzer from Ohio and getting instal­ buffet. Following dessert we enjoyed it in his home and did consider­ lation under way at the Downers Grove the lively tunes of Mary Bowles and able work on the instrument, re­ North High School. Dottie Whitcomb's ballads. Late in the placing worn wiring, releathering While this was under way, a 19 rank evening we were joined by Father John chests and refinishing the console. Kimball was obtained from the Senate F. Fay who had been having dinner at But before Treul could install the Theatre, removed, and stored. This in­ the Inn and was attracted by the organ instrument, circumstances made strument is chapter property and a permanent home is being sought. music. He turned out to be a long-time it necessary for him to dispose of enthusiast and will perhaps join our Chairman for the chapter in 1969 his property and move away from group. It was a most enjoyable after­ was Bill Benedict who piloted the group Los Angeles. At that time Charles noon and evening. - Grant Whitcomb and Dorothy Bleick were looking through an extremely busy schedule. As for an organ and asked organist a reward for the success of his efforts Bob St. John, who put them in he was honored with re-election for EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS touch with Mr. Treul. After 1970. The newsletter from this chapter in­ the purchase the Bleick's decided The M&R Oriental Theatre is under­ dicates that there are at least fourteen to install the instrument where going change again - the theatre man­ home installations within their geo­ groups could enjoy it so they agement has cancelled plans to piggy­ graphical jurisdiction. Most of those leased a warehouse, the interior back the theatre. The temporary screen listed are playing. of which was redone to provide which had been built out over the pit From the Wurlitzer shipment list comfortable surroundings and live is being removed and the stage returned ( published in Theatre Organ Bombarde acoustics. In the spring of 1969 to its previous state. It was a nice a few years ago) the chapter listed all Charles Bleick was killed in a Christmas present for CATOE to see the organs delivered to the Boston area. private plane crash. Dorothy has that lovely firebird bedecked console It shows that there was a total of 55 decided to maintain the ware­ restored to its rightful place on the lift. organs installed. Some of these are still house organ studio as a memorial Future concerts to be held there will intact and the chapter is considering to her husband. feature the organ once again coming ways and means to preserve them. The instrument as now installed up out of the pit. There were 7 Moller organs delivered is as follows: ABC Great States (formerly Balaban to Massachusetts as well as several Robert Mortons, Kimballs, Austins and Solo & Katz) theatre chain is currently (Right "stripping" its remaining houses of fine others. Main In October election of officers was (Left Chamber) Chamber) paintings, statues and other art objects. Tibia Clausa The Chicago, Uptown, Granada and held. The results were: Chairman, Erle Tibia (Morton) Oboe (Morton) Renwick; Vice Chairman, Richard Clarinet Kinura Nortown are affected. The Uptown's hallways, once lined with original oil Linder; Secretary, Francois Lembree; Viol (Morton) and Treasurer, Elbert Drazy. d'Orchestre Trumpet paintings are now lined with outlines Viol Celeste Vox Humana I around blank places where the paint­ Vox Humana II ings once hung. LAND O' LAKES Concert Flute (Morton) Diapason Xylophone The Chicago Art Galleries, art auc­ The November 2nd meeting was a Marimba Harp Tuned Sleigh tioneers, held an auction ( the first of most enjoyable one - as per usual! We Chrysoglott Bells 5) on Sunday, November 16th. One met at the home of Harold Peterson, Glockenspiel fifth of the artifacts were auctioned off. Minneapolis, to enjoy their two manual, Chimes Full set of traps These were primarily from the Uptown five rank Wurlitzer. Their son Dodds and toy center and the Granada Theatres. Future auc- Peterson, on leave from the Navy, was

February 1970 44 the soloist of the day and I must say LA CHAPTER'S 1970 shipboard duty hadn't harmed his play­ OFFICERS-Bill Exner ing ability one bit! Particularly since (Chairman), Byron the Navy Chaplain insisted he get in at Melcher (Program least two hours of practice at the organ Dir.), Laurel Haggart on board every day ( to the exclusion , (Sec.), Jack Shemick at times, of more menial duties). (Treas.) and Neal Kis­ sel (Vice Chairman). He opened the program with a lovely Ray Bonner missed classical-sounding piece · he'd written, being photographed beautifully weaving in "Never On Sun­ with the group; he day" as well {perhaps to see if we were was out arranging a paying attention). There followed "Sep­ liaison, his new job. tember In The Rain" - also appropriate -Stufoto for the chilly , rainy day we were special Children's Hospital Christmas the first meeting of the Timid Organ experiencing. toy benefit show at "Pipe 'n Pizza. " Players Society (TOPS) - planned We weren't quite ready for what Many fine artists, both LAOBC and small home get-togethers to encourage came next as Dodds donned a blond, LA ATOS, were heard on the 2/ 10 more members to become accustomed long-haired wig, but were more than Wurlitzer that afternoon. Many mem­ to a Theatre Pipe Organ. Jim Brown ready to enjoy the music from the bers also heard classic organist Alex­ reported that the evening was highly musical "Hair " that followed. Next, ander Schreiner on the downtown First successful, and with continued sessions sans wig, a haunting version of "Cana­ Congregational Church's new Schlicker many people will soon find themselves dian Sunset" and then selections from organ that evening for a really full day at home at a Theatre Pipe Organ. More "Me and Juliet", "Fiddler on the of pipe organ. The member playing of these meetings are planned for the Roof", "Funny Girl" and "Roar of the plan at the Elks Temple continues, with future. - Maureen Lyon Greasepaint". Then, unannounced, a number of members taking advantage "Satin Doll" and finally "Porgy and of the opportunity to play on a large NIAGARA FRONTIER Bess." 4 manual/ 58 rank theatre instrument. Shirley Cole sends us glowing reports A request period included the beau­ The Elks jam session series is slated to of three big and exciting programs dur­ tiful "Marine's Hymn" for John Har­ resume on Jan. 18. Members are look­ ing the fall and Christmas seasons - ris' wife, Edith, who was in the hos­ ing forward to hearing ATOE national all at the Riviera Theatre in the birth­ pital under intensive care following convention artist Tom Sheen on the place of the Mighty Wurlitzer, North lung surgery. One of her first remarks Wiltern Kimball Jan. 18. In February, Tonawanda, New York. after her operation was "It looks like on the Kimball, members and guests England's Al Bollington performed it'll be Wurlitzers instead of harps for will hear Bob Ralston, featured key­ the September program - and his open­ me," which shows Edith hasn't lost her board artist of the network Lawrence ing performance of the season was also sense of humor in spite of it all. Welk TV show. In April, recording the opening appearance of the 3/11 A refreshing change of pace, and lots artist and TV show musical director Wurlitzer restored to its original beauty of fun, was the piano-organ duet with Johnny Duffy will appear on the 4/ 37 in oils. It was a varied program - the Dodds tickling the ivories and Don Kimball. highlight of which was an execution Taft replacing him at the organ. Then - Ray Bonner, Liaison Chairman of de Falla's "Ritual Fire Dance" in Don "finished off" the program with the which the capacity audience saw some popular "I Wish I Were An Oscar really exceptional pedalwork. Meyer Weiner", and a truly magnifi­ MOTOR CITY Chairman Randy Piazza introduced cent rendition it was, too. Friday Night Organ interludes are a "Happy Birthday" surprise for Bill It may have been a rainy, dismal in full swing at the Redford Theatre Hatzenbuhler, who works so hard to Sunday for most everyone else, but for and Punch and Judy. Our talented mem­ keep this organ playing so great. And those of us at the Peterson home that bers have been doing a fine job this Bill graciously responded by acknowl­ day, it spelled pure sunshine. year. All Friday night interludes are free to Chapter Members by identify­ edging that the best birthday present ing themselves at the door wearing their yet was the "new look" of the console LOS ANGELES badges. and a new Chinese Gong in the right The club's annual meeting and elec­ A crew of our chapter members chamber. The program - which in­ tion of 1970 officers took place on made the final trip to Mansfield, Ohio cluded accompaniment to a Chaplin Dec. 7 at the Dorothy Bleick Studio in to remove the 3/ 9 Kimball Pipe Organ Covina. The new officers are: Bill Ex­ which was donated to Schoolcraft Col­ ner, Chairman Neal Kissel, Vice-chair­ lege by the RKO Stanley Warner Cor­ man; Byron Melcher, Program Direc­ poration. Mr. Kelly, promoter of this tor; Laurel Haggart, Secretary; Jack project for the college, enticed several Shemick, Treasurer; and Ray Bonner, students to participate in the project. Liaison Chairman. Following the busi­ The organ is in storage at this time and ness meeting and refreshments, mem­ installation will begin as soon as the bers heard a program on the 2/ 12 building is ready - possibly a year or WurliMorton by artists Donna Parker, two. Lots of work was accomplished Lyn Larsen, Carol Jones and Byron and everyone had lots of fun. This will Melcher. On Dec. 14 members and be another chapter project in the future guests heard a fine concert by Helen and organ installation teachers will be Dell on the Wiltern 4/ 37 Kimball. That needed as students will help install the afternoon club members joined with instrument. the Los Angeles (Professional) Organ­ On Saturday evening, November 29, ists Breakfast Club (LAOBC) in a 1969, Jim and Shirley Brown hosted Leon Berry and the Riviera organ.

45 theatre organ film and a stirring "Rhapsody in Blue" Thrilling? Nothing less. Soft tones, PUGET SOUND - ended with a standing ovation. barely audible, then swirling to the Our Nqvember 22nd meeting in the Leon Berry, of Chicago, played the boom of cannon on the battle field. The form of a Midnight public concert at big November program with love songs, message in music found its mark and the Paramount Theatre, and a Sunday Spanish songs, a Sing-Along, a silent all knew here was the master doing his afternoon reception at Haller Lake, movie accompaniment and a stirring thing with excellence second to none. gave us all the rare opportunity to hear standing-ovation "Marine Hymn" as But there was more to come for Pied­ the very talented Johnny Seng of Chi­ the lift descended into the pit. But monters and a small group of organ cago, who was featured at last sum­ applause brought him back up for lovers. Marion and Beulah Martin mer's National Convention. We're still encores and another standing ovation! lured Leibert and Mrs. Leibert to their finding Seattle balking like a mule at The Christmas Concert featured local home for refreshments, and believe it Midnight Concerts, so this experience member Frank Olsen - a Christmas­ or not, another concert on the Martin has proven helpful in thinking of ways oriented program, of course - it was a Hammond. Leibert looked over the to go. A great many club members beautiful concert for the holidays - and 3/ 18 Moller which Marion is installing, made real efforts to push this concert, beautifully received, too. gave it his blessing, and gave the group and their efforts are appreciated. Dick Future programs will be Tom Hazle­ his recollection of when it was a 3/ 32 Schrum handled many of the necessary ton, Dick Smith, and Doc Bebko. installed in Loew's 83rd Street Theatre arrangements, and also contributed his own talents at the reception, along with - Shirley Cole in New York. Leibert let it be known that to own a pipe organ had always Torn Hobbs, who brought a Hammond been a secret desire of his and that he X 77 and joined in duets, sometimes NORTHERN CALIFORNIA even went so far as to purchase the Hammond and Pipes and some with It was Larry V annucci day at Ye Wurlitzer from the RCA Rainbow Vibes. We had help from other mem­ Olde Pizza Joynt, Hayward, as Nor-Cal Room when it was first removed, only bers who took turns at the organ, and Chapter members and guests gathered to have to sell it for lack of room to Johnny played some stunning selections round the mighty Wurlitzer theatre install it. on the Hammond, and one good-bye number on our chapter organ. Betty pipe organ for an afternoon of organ At 1 a.m., Mrs. George McNeill, Mrs. a la Vannucci, delectable pizza and Chang presided over a lovely refresh­ Martin's mother, "lowed it was getting ment table, to which many of the beer. late," but who cared. An evening with women had contributed gourmet Dick Leibert comes only once in a Larry "feels" his music from within specialties. and his audience responds and captures lifetime. -1. M. Martin his mood. His medley of tunes from the thirties was a fine example of Larry at his best bringing out the Big POTOMAC VALLEY Band sound in his version of "Does On Sunday morning, Nov. 30, at the Your Heart Beat For Me" - complete Virginia Theatre, the annual business with Russ Morgan type trombone riffs. meeting of the chapter began with a During half time, the audience was fine start as Jean Lautzenheiser put the treated to merry-go-round type music Grande Barton through its paces. She played by host, Carsten Henningsen, delighted the members present with using a roll player mechanism from a such recent tunes as "Valley of the Wurlitzer style 125 Band Organ which Dolls", "Theme from Romeo and he had wired up to play the theatre Juliet" and oldies like "You'll Never organ. The player mechanism did not Walk Alone." Jean also played some change stops, so Carsten stood at the of the numbers she had performed at console and changed stops. A great the Grand Old Opry Porter Wagner crowd pleaser! show that was at the Virginia Theatre Larry chose for his closer the haunt­ earlier in November. Two more shows ingly beautiful "Goodby," the closing of this type have been set for January theme used throughout the years by the and March and it has been requested late Benny Goodman . . . One fine that Jean appear again for these shows. day! Following the concert the annual MAHON TULLIS, veteran Seattle pipe organ Nor-Cal Chapter invites interested business meeting was held. After much artist, brought big sounds from dimunitive persons to join this happy group, es­ discussion it was unanimously voted Bremerton (Wash.) Masonic Lodge 2/8 Wur­ pecially those ATOS members who are that at this time there are not enough litzer during his concert for Puget Sound Chapter's October 26 outing across the sound. not affiliated with a chapter playing theatre organ installations in - Photo courtesy Tom Kaase -Lorraine Cagle the Maryland area to relinquish this area to a new chapter. Over 50 percent PIEDMON:r of those members in attendance were Washington, D.C., from the Maryland area. Members of Piedmont Chapter Keiths Wurli Removed ATOS were the guests of Southeastern Elections of officers for 1970 was Removal of the 2 manual 10 rank Community College in Whiteville on held and the nominating committee style H Wurlitzer, the last Wurlitzer December 3 for an evening with Rich­ presented as a slate of officers: George in a D. C. theatre was recently com­ ard Leibert. He had come as a feature Johnson for Chairman, Marvin Laut­ pleted by a crew working with Dr. Paul of the College's Fine Arts Concert zenheiser for Vice Chairman, and Mar­ Abernathy of the Piedmont Chapter, series. For almost two hours Leibert jorie Lane to remain as Secretary­ ATOS. The organ, donated by owners held the full-house audience in the palm Treasurer. This was met by a unani­ of the R.K.O. chain will be installed of his hand, and not one person from mous vote of approval. in a Burlington, North Carolina high front to back left disappointed. - Woody Wise, Chairman school.

february 1970 46 :JJ,,ePacific Council/or Organ Cfubd ver';fprouJf ';f predenfd "MR. PIPE ORGAN" EDD IE DUNSTEDTER

playing the 3/14 Wurlitzer at the Avenue Theatre 2650 San Bruno Avenue San Francisco

3 P. M. -SUNDAY, MARCH 8 TICKETS $2.50

Send Self Addressed Envelope and Remittance to: CAGLE, 3291 Guido Street, Oakland, Cal. 94602

FOR SALE - Three manual Moller Theatre console. All electric, 174 stops, - CLASSIFIEDADS - couplers, second-touch. For details: OR­ GAN, 14900 La Salle, Dolton, Illinois 60419'. WANTED - 2/ 10 or larger Wurlitzer FOR SALE - SMITH (Alameda) unit or­ theatre pipe organ complete and in good gan. 3 manual, 14 ranks. Originally in­ or fair condition. Would prefer 3/10 or stalled in Leamington Hotel, Oakland. FOR SALE - 2 manual Link Theatre larger. Will remove. Contact RICHARD Last Smith built. Specs include: MAIN - Pipe Organ-includes the following ranks: KEIFFER, 4700 Fort St., Apt. 13, Waco, Tuba ' Horn 8-4; Leathered Diapason 8-4; Tibia (down to 16'), violin, diapason. Texas 76710 . Phone: 817 - 772-5750. Harmonic Flute 16-2; Gamba 8-4; Celeste Also chimes and orchestra bells. $800 (TC)8-4; Orchestral Oboe 8; Dulciana 8-4; complete. LAUREN A. PECKHAM, Or­ miston Road, Breesport, N. Y. 14816. FOR SALE BOOKS: Hope Jones Unit SOLO - Violin Diapason 8; Leathered Orchestra, $3.95. Wurlitzer Unit Organs, Tibia Clausa 8-4; Stopped Flute 16-2; $4.50; Wurlitzer Fact Book, $2.00; Whit­ Salicional 8-4; Viol d'Orchestra 8-4; Clari­ WANTED - Theatre organ pipes and worth: Cinema and Theatre Organs, net 8; Vox Humana 8; metal bar harp 49 percussions. Will buy any percussions that $15.00; Williams: European Organ, $20.00; TC to Top C; Chimes action only; Chests are reasonably priced from anywhere in Wurlitzer Church Organs, $2.00; Audsley and relay have primary and secondary the country. Please send list and price Art of Organ Building, $17.50; Norman: pneumatics. Available for inspection at the asked. PHIL JAGLOWSKI, 367 Brandy­ Organ Today, $7.50; Sears: Reed Organ, First United Methodist Church, 502 Vir­ wyne NW, Comstock Park, Michigan $2.00. THE ORGAN LITERATURE ginia Street, Vallejo, California 94590: For 49321. FOUNDATION, 45 Norfolk Road, Brain­ appointment to inspect instrument, call or tree, Mass. 02184. write MIL TON DAWSON, 117 La Cres­ cenda, Vallejo, (707) 643-7597. Sold to FOR SALE - 8' open diapason; 8' highest bidder. gedeckt; 25-note set of Vqx Mystica from WANTED - Bench and music rack for Fotoplayer with offset chest with new Wurlitzer console. ED RANEY, 6211 direct electric action and 20 ft. cable; a Temple Hill Drive, Los Angeles, Calif. FOR SALE - Twin console 3/10 Wur­ broken set of 8' melodia; a 5 and a 3-rank 90028. Tel.: HO 9-9181. litzer with 7 tuned percussions, large toy chest; 2 large and small regulators; 30- counter, most chests releathered and refin­ note pedal bourdon with offsets; on trem­ ished. A real buy at $10,000. DON FOR SALE - ROBERT-MORTON 2/7, olo; two 6" and ten 3" flanges, gaskets FRENCH, 3610 Interlake Ave. No., Seat­ and clamps; twelve feet of 3" and twelve horseshoe console, with added Deagan tle, Washington 98103. harps, marimba, chimes, completely wired feet of 6" new Flexaust windlines; elec­ trified 2-manual drawknob console. This for toy-counter. In good working order. FOR SALE - Completely rebuilt 2 man­ would make a great organ, it is already No bid less than $2500. You move. DR. ual 6-rank ROBERT-MORTON, vintage 50% restored. MUST SELL IMMEDI­ HAROLD W. WOOD, 195 West Cleve­ 1920, with xylophone and harp. Best offer ATELY! $300 takes all. RANDALL C. land Park Drive, Spartanburg, So. Carolina over $2300. DON M. SEARS, 206 South WOLTZ, 1300 Marian Lane, Newport 29303. 44th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. Beach, California 92660, (714) 646-2562.

47 theatre organ A touch of yesterday recreated in a triumph of today ... The Conn ...... Hi::: ...... :n=n:... .. ==m== ... .m=m ...... i=i=i==-=.= .

SPECIFICATIONS

PEDAL Diapason 161 Bourdon 161 Dulciana 161 String Bass Sustain Pedal Tibia 81 Accomp. to Pedal 81 ACCOMPANIMENT Diapason 81 Accomp. String 81 Cello 8' Echo Horn 81 Tuba 81 Octave 41 Violina 41 Tibia 81 Tibia 41 Nazard 22131 Piccolo 21 Chime Harmonic TREMOLO General Tremolo L General Tremolo F Tibia Leslie Tremolo Tibia Leslie Celeste SOLO Diapason 161 Bass Viol 161 Bass Clarinet 161 Bass Sax 161 Diapason 8' Viole De Orch. 81 Vox Humana 81 Oboe Horn 8' Trumpet 81 Solo to Solo 41 Tibia 161 Tibia 81 Tibia 4' Nazard 22131 Tibia 21 Tierce IJ/51 GENERAL Sustain Tibia Reverb Sustain Tibia Long Tibia Bass F Tibia Treble F Chorus Accomp. F Solo F 16' Solo F 81 Phantom Bass Console Speakers Off External Speakers On RHYTHM SECTION Bass Drum Crash Cymbal Conga Drum Tick-Tock Glaves 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 Made by C. G. Conn Ltd ., Max./ Min. world's largest manufacturer of band and orchestral instruments . . . since 1875