'Pamy}l '

1883 • 1912 Orbil ill '"e eclronic1ynt-he1izer P,UJ ~ -~ohJre01pinel orqon equo1...

~e nevve;Iwoy lo mo <.emu1ic fromWur irzec Now with the Orbit III electronic synthesizer from slowly, just as the theatre did by opening and Wurlitzer you can create new synthesized sounds in­ closing the chamber louvers. stantly ... in performance. And with the built-in Orbit III synthesizer, this This new Wurlitzer instrument is also a , instrument can play exciting combinations of synthe­ with a sectionalized vibrato/tremolo, toy counter, in­ sized, new sounds, along with traditional organ music. A dependent tibias on each keyboard and the penetrating built-in cassette player/recorder lets you play along with kinura voice that all combine to recreate the sounds of pre-recorded tapes for even more dimensions in sound. the twenty-ton Mighty of silent screen days. But you've got to play the Orbit III to believe it. And it's a cathedral/classical organ, too, with its own in­ Stop in at your Wurlitzer dealer and see the Wurlitzer dividually voiced diapason, reed, string and flute voices. 4037 and 4373. Play the eerie, switched-on sounds New linear accent controls permit you to increase or of synthesized music. Ask for your free Orbit III decrease the volume of selected sections suddenly, or demonstration record. Or write: Dept. TO - 672 WURLiizER ® The Wurlitzer Company, DeKalb, Illinois 60115 . hn.4'the \T8fl cover- photo .. . Farny R. Wurlitzer, Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors of the Wurlitzer Company, who died May 6, 1972. See story on page 5. (Photo courtesy of the Wurlitzer Company) Journol of the American Theatre Organ Society

Volume 14, No. 3 • June 1972 ATOS Notional Membersnip is $8.00 per cal­ in this issue ... endar year, which includes a subscription to THEATRE ORGAN, the official publication of the American Theatre Organ Society. Single FEATURES copies: $1 .25. Make check or money order payable to ATOS, and moil to P. 0. Box 306, North Haven, Connecticut 06473. 5 Famy Wurlitzer ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION 6 To The Ladies ...... John Muri EXCEPT ADVERTISING SHOULD BE 7 Salute to Sooner State and Mid-America SENT TO ATOS PUBLICATIONS P. 0 . BOX 2329, LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48150 11 Things Are "Looking Up" at the Centre .. Stu Green 14 The Eddie Horton Story ...... Lloyd E. Klos ADVERTISING ADDRESS: ATOS Advertising 18 Bill Uhler and His ... Lloyd E. Klos 2231 North Burling Street 24 Thirteen Featured at Convention , Illinois 60614 33 Scores Again

ATOS National Officers 34 Where's Wolfe and Ward ...... Carroll F. Harris Stillman Rice, President 37 Wurlitzer List Lee Erwin, Vice President Mory Bowles, Secretory-Treasurer Mildred Rice, Executive Secretory Barbaro Hubbard, Membership Secretary DEPARTMENTS ATOS National Board of Directors 4 Acre of Seats 23 Book Review 35 Closing Chord Mory Bowles Gaylord Corter Lee Erwin Allen W . Rossiter 10 Dinny's Colyum 26 Nuggets from the Golden Days 37 Hollywood Cavalcade Allen Miller 16 Snippets from England 28 Vox Pops 38 Chapter Notes Ron Willfong Judd Walton 21 For the Records 35 Letters to the Editor 47 Classified Ads Albert T. Mason, Post President ATOS Honorary Members 1959- 1966-W. "Tiny" James 1960-Farny Wurlitzer 1967-Erwin A. Young, Jr. 1961-Mel Doner 1968-Richard C. Simonton 1962-Leonard MacClain 1969-Judd Walton 1963-Eddie Dunstedter 1970-Bill Lamb pr-esident~s messaae ... 1964- 1971-George and Vi Thompson 1965-Dan Barton

------HALL OF FAME ------National Headquarters has had many re­

DON BAKER F. DONALD MILLER quests for information about ATOS and the JESSE CRAWFORD C. SHARPE MINOR number of new members joining our society MRS . JESSE CRAWFORD HENRY B. MURTAGH EDDIE DUNSTEDTER RAY SHELLEY indicates the growing enthusiasm for the the­ LEE ERWIN ARSENE SIEGAL FRED FEIBEL MILTON SLOSSER atre and continued growth of ATOS. REGINALD FOORT FIRMIN SWINNEN This statement is backed up by reporting our ARTHUR GUTOW SIGMUND KRUMGOLD membership of over 4175 members as of May LEONARD MacCLAIN LEW WHITE 1st. With the possibility of a Postal increase and rises in printing costs along with the general EDITORIAL STAFF increase in costs of everything, ATOS will need Editor-George Thompson more money. In the immediate future we Associate Editors - Ray Brubacher Lloyd E. Klos should provide adequate funds for official Peg Nielsen travel and extra help needed in our Circulation Editor-Emeritus - W. "Stu" Green and Editorial staff and other working com­ Publisher-Al Mason Art Director-Don Lockwood mittees. Advertising Manager-Len Clarke The big event of our Theatre Organ year is our 17th Annual Convention next Circulation Manager-Vi Thompson month hosted by the Potomac Valley Chapter. Convention Chairman, Woody Wise, THEATRE ORGAN (title registered U. S. Patent and his committee have a fun packed Convention scheduled for us. With the in­ Office) is published bi-monthly by the American crease in membership, the attendance should out number past Conventions. Theatre Organ Society, Inc., a non-profit organ­ ization, Stillman H. Rice, President. All rights SEE YOU IN WASHINGTON, D.C. JULY 10-14! reserved. Entire contents copyrighted 1970 by ATOS, Inc., Office of publication is P. 0. Box VOTE FOR DIRECTORS BY JUNE 26 ! 2329, Livonia, Michigan 48150.

POSTMASTER: Second Class postage paid at ATOS ~A F Livonia, Michigan. IF UNDELIVERABLE, send J(. form 3579 to ATOS Circulation Department, Box .ABCHiVES/ LIBRAR~ '!~ 1314, Salinas, California 93901. Stillman H. Rice, President

THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 3 By Bill Peterson,Number 26 in a series. (Photo Taken by B. Andrew Corsini) THEDENVER THEATRE - This house seating approximately2000 was designedby C.W.and George L. Rapp of Chicago.Although only about two thirds the size of the Paramount,this theatre has many features similarto the Seattle house,including a largemirror on eachsidewall in the balcony,central dome, and almost identical proscenium arch. The Denverhas a 3/15 Wurlitzer260 Specialorgan.

4 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN FARNYR.WURLITZER 1883-1972

Farny Wurlitzer passed away May 6, 1972. Mr. Wurlitzer was born on December 7, 1883 and was the youngest son of Rudolph Wurlitzer. At that time the

Farny Wurlitzer headquarters were in Cincin­ nati, Ohio. In 1908 the large factory in North Tonawanda, N.Y. was built. This complex was destined to become world famous as the producer of the mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ. Famy Wurlitzer was placed in charge of the North Tonawanda plant. Upon hearing a Robert Hope-Jones organ in Buffalo and learning of the financial difficulties of the Hope-Jones Company, Famy arranged to purchase the assets and thereby brought Jones into the Wur­ litzer Company. Young Mr. Wurlitzer's foresight and the unique pipe organ developed by Hope-Jones were com­ bined to give the world the most famous name in all the years of pipe organ history. Famy Wurlitzer was in charge of the North Tonawanda plant throughout the years of pipe organ construction. His devotion to the king of instruments brought about his keen interest in the affairs of ATOS. He was a Charter "Tiny" James, Grant Whitcomb, Mr. Member and our National Board voted Wurlitzer, and Marvin Korinke at the ATOE him Honorary Member for the year Melody Fair in 1964. 1960. In recent years, due to failing heal th, Mr. Wurlitzer had been under the care of Helen Taravella, who also nursed The late Ben Hall greets Mr. Wurlitzer. Grace Wurlitzer, Farny's wife, until . her passing several years ago. Helen Taravella served the Famy Wurlitzer URLITZER family for over 12 years. Famy usually spent two or three Mr. Wurlitzer with Reginald ELCOMES (Bill Lamb Photo) months of each year at La Jolla, California. This year was no exception. .T.O.E. In the latter part of April, he was Mr. Wurlitzer with some of the original visited by ATOS members Dick Simon­ personnel who worked on the Mighty Wur­ E .MBERS ton and Judd Walton, who discussed l itzers. the theatre organ with him, as they had on many previous occasions. Shortly thereafter, Nurse Taravella recognizing Mr. Wurlitzer's rapid de­ cline, arranged for his earlier than usual return to Buffalo, New York. His passing came quietly during the early morning of May sixth. He has left us with the legacy of a sound that will never be surpassed, the mighty Wur­ litzer pipe organ. □

JUNE, 1972 by John Muri

As one reads the articles in theatre one doesn't need it if one can read organ publications one is impressed music. with the fact that men dominate the When she was asked to play the field almost entirely, even though the­ Circle Wurlitzer in 1921, she took a atre-organ work in the silent-picture crash course in organ and was an days was done to a great extent by instant success. In 1924 she was a women. A glance at the list of players relief organist at the Circle, a job that in Lloyd Klos' column in the February, gave her time to play in a dinner­ 1972 issue of THEATRE ORGAN music women's ensemble at the Clay­ will give some idea. A number of pool Hotel, where she had the chance managers were prejudiced against wom­ to meet Victor Herbert and John en organists as soloists because they Philip Sousa, the latter of whom she didn't think the girls looked good or considered "a doll." Later she became dignified while kicking away at pedals; solo organist at the theatre, with Walter but if memory serves me right, there Flandorf, Bomer Kramer, and Herb DESSA BYRD in 1940. were about as many women holding Koch as relief organists. In 1928, when movie-playing jobs as there were men. the owners of the new Theatre During the lively days in Chicago there were deciding what organ to purchase, was an organization of women theatre they sent Dessa to Chicago to look organists whose president was Anita over (and select) a 3/17 Barton. The was a friend of hers until his death. DeMars, featured at the Capitol The­ trip was nothing new, for she had She particularly remembers one atre. Other Chicago names that reached occasionally taken the Monon night specialty solo she did, called "Animals." the top of the prestige list were Helen train to Chicago, arriving in that city Slide-pictures of animals were projected Searles, Mildred Fitzpatrick, Irma Glen, at 7:30 a.m., so that she could attend on the screen as she played appropriate Elsie May Look, Edna Sellers (who Jesse Crawford's performances at the tunes like "Horses" and "Tiger Rag:' played twin-console duets with her and gain some fresh Although she prefers to live in husband Preston Sellers at the five­ ideas about picture-playing and solo retirement, she was persuaded to give manual Wurlitzer in the Marbro The­ work. She worked steadily at the a public performance on March 19, atre), and that magnificent organ­ Circle from 1921 to 1928 and at the 1971 at the Indianapolis Rivoli Theatre, jazzer, . The list of fine Indiana from 1928 till 1931. She was a house that features regular concerts players is long. Does one need to kept on long after most organists on a large 3/ 17 Louisville Uni phone mention Ann Leaf and Helen Anderson­ elsewhere had been dismissed; she was organ with 32-foot diaphones. It was Crawford? at the Circle in 1939, playing spotlight a sell-out, and her former employers Several women were top feature solos. at station WFBM sent a basket of players in their communities, such as In the late thirties, she had a radio orchids. Her name still had the old Iris Vining, who played in western program for young people on radio magic draw. Today, she is a woman cities. One particularly eminent star station WIRE. From 1938 through of wit, good nature, and unpreten­ was Dessa Byrd, who soloed at the 1940, the program was called "Uncle tiousness, who can play up a storm of largest and best downtown theatres of Connie and Aunt Dessa ", a ­ technique at her two and Indianapolis. As a newcomer, she was organ duo that she played with Harry electronic organ in her beautiful home. not only beautiful and charming; she Bason. Children were asked to draw She has made four LP recordings. To was exceptionally well-trained for her pictures representing popular tunes and hear her play "The World is Waiting work. Born in Robinson, Illinois, she send them in for Connie and Dessa to for the Sunrise" as a left-hand counter­ went on a scholarship to the Indianap­ guess what music the pictures rep­ melody to a well-paced "Nola" in the olis Conservatory of Music. There she resented and then play it. (This stunt right takes one back to the days of built a solid foundation of piano musi­ would be even better on television organ showmanship. cianship, as a result of which she was today.) In December, 1969, The Indianap­ engaged to play piano in the Circle The­ During the ensuing years, she and olis News printed a capsule word­ atre orchestra of thirty-five players. Of her sister Virginia (now Mrs. Stephen picture of Dessa in her element: "When course, the job required that she be Richtoris, also an organist) appeared the magenta light swept to stage-left able to play any and all kinds of in concert on every radio and television at the Circle Theatre, a hush fell over orchestral music at sight. Still musi­ station in town. Virginia still plays the audience. It was the era of Dessa cally active today, she says that she professionally on Indianapolis televi­ Byrd, undisputed queen of the pipe has never learned to play from scripts sion. Dessa fondly remembers Durward organ. There was no one to compare that give only the chord-name symbols Kirby, who was then a young remote­ ... " It is good to have her with us, because she feels that such an approach control man monitoring her Circle one of the remaining grand ladies of to music is too mechanical and that radio programs, and Dick Powell, who the theatre organ. □

6 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN SALUTE TO SOONER STATE ANDMID-AMERICA TheCooperative Ones

SOONER STATE CHAPTER- OKLAHOMA MID-AMERICA CHAPTER- WICHITA, KANSAS

When two chapters pool their re­ The third home was that of Ralph sources in theatre organ activities, a and Dorothy Higgins where Bob Foley gold mine of enthusiasm is uncovered. gave a hilarious travelogue of this Ron Willfong, chairman of Sooner 3/5 Robert Morton. The organ re­ State, realized this in 1970. Ron and putedly began its career in the Gaiety member workers planned the highly Burlesque House in Kansas City, Mo., successful Southwest Regional in the then to a church in Kansas City, to a spring of that year. A number of Mid­ residence in Hutchison, Kansas, to America chapter members became ac­ Bob Foley's family residence, to a tively involved, including the talented Wichita family who never installed it, Bob Foley of Wichita, their help then to the home of the Higgins where greatly contributing to the success of it is now installed almost as it was the Regional. originally. The cooperation between the two Halstead, Kansas and the studio groups in a continuing procedure, as installation of Doctors Bill Dreese and the recent tour of the Wichita area Dean Burnett was the next stop. This by Sooner State members, described 3/10 Kimball from the Main Street below, points out. Theatre in Kansas City, Mo. is unique Sooner State members arrived in in that it had six reeds and four flutes Wichita by chartered bus about noon but has been enlarged to fourteen on March 18th and welcomed Mid­ ranks. It probably exceeds any new America members aboard for a whirl­ factory installation, now that the re­ wind wee-convention. furbishing is completed. After lunch, David Dillon, Mid­ Just two blocks away we heard the America chairman, previewed the ac­ beautiful 2/ 12 Hillgreen Lane in the tivities to come . Honored guests were home of Dr. and Mrs. McDowell. This Mary Jean Millen and husband Col. meticulously installed instrument is Sam Arder from Kansas City. located in a roomy basement with the The first stop was at the home of sound rising through beautifully cab­ Wayne and Aline Parker and their 109 ineted tone chutes to the living room. Wurlitzer , a 2/3 instrument originally "Rork's Roxy" was previewed Sun­ in the Strand Theatre, Salina, Kansas. day morning in the home of Victor and The organ has Flute, Vox Humana, Dorothy Rork. When completed, this String and full percussions. Our next instrument will be a 2/ 10 with percus­ stop was at the home of Tom and sions and toy counter assembled from Marie Cusick. This 2/7 Hinners was several organs. originally installed as a tracker organ A 2/8 Reuter in the teaching studio in Mt. Carmel Academy and later of Professor Robert Town at Wichita updated with new primary actions and State University was the next stop, electric keys. Tom removed the organ then on to Grace Memorial Chapel on just as the wrecking ball began de­ campus to see and play the 2/ 18 molishing the opposite end of the Casavant. Nearby is the Church of the building. Magdalen where Evelyn Dunn gave a

THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 resume on all facts of the church, then HOME INSTALLATION HIGHLIGHTS Bob Town played the 3/45 Casavant. FROM SOONER STATE Beautiful organ, church and music! Bob Foley and David Dillon donated a 2/ 18 Reuter- to St. One of the outstanding home organ Stephens Episcopal Church. Estey Or­ installations in Tulsa is that of John gan Company installed the organ in the Devine. John is the proud owner of early 1900's in the old Plymouth the former Memphis, Tennessee, Congregational Church, was then re­ Loew's Palace Theatre, 3/ 11, 235 Wur­ built and enlarged by Reuter Organ litzer-Opus 1324. Company in 1922. Bob and David The organ was placed in the Palace acquired the organ in 1968, gave it to on April 23, 1926 and used frequently St. Stephens with church members until the advent of wide-screen films, and A TO Sers doing the installing. then the cable was cut and the console David, organist at the church, gave a stored in the basement to make room brief concert demonstrating the ver­ for the new screen. satility of the organ and acoustics in John purchased the organ in 1964 the building. and after many weekend trips to The final stop of this Wee-Con­ Memphis, had it all moved to Tulsa vention was at the studio home of ( we like to hear John tell of the trip University demonstrates his 2/8 Reuter teaching studio Bob Foley and David Dillon with lots he made on one weekend in particular, organ. of food, plus music from the 4/24 when he brought one lonely pipe back Barton-Wurlitzer and twin Steinway in his large rented vehicle.). He stored pianos. Bob Foley gave a bang-up the organ for one year while overhaul­ ) performance at the console and Ron ing it from top to bottom, complete Willfong presented him with a 1972 with a refinishing of the console. Honorary Membership in the Sooner Meanwhile John built a special house State Chapter in appreciation for his for the organ, trimmed in a theatre generous gifts of time, talent and motif. support to Sooner State over the years. It now speaks with that glorious Ray Elmore and Lyle Thurman, at the Wurlitzer voice we all love to hear. Steinways, joined Bob in a wild and The Tuba and Tibia are on 15" wind, wonderful jam session. The evening's the Vox on 7" and the rest of the finale was lovely music by Mary Jean organ is on 1O" wind. Miller, formely N.B.C. organist. The first chapter installation was The organ is basically Barton and finished in time for the 1970 South­ Wurlitzer, The console and relays from west Regional. A 2/4 Wurlitzer, orig­ the Dallas Fair Park Auditorium were inally installed in the First Methodist purchased by Raymond Shelley and Church in Perry, Oklahoma and now installed at his home in 1949 with speaking in the home of Mr. and Mrs. the addition of the 11 rank Wurlitzer Hayden E. Weaver of Tulsa. organ from the Criterion Theatre in Next is a 3/7 Wicks, o_riginally in­ Oklahoma City in 1951. The building stalled in the Parsons Theatre in Par­ of a slave console was completed in sons, Kansas, removed in the early 1963. The balance of the pipe work 50's and installed in a Catholic church and chests came from 3 rank organs in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. It was removed in the area. from the church in 1961 by Oklahoma The organ was moved in the winter City organ man, Roy Gimpel and in of 1965-66 after Raymond Shelley's the same year ATOS'er Phil Judkins, death and stored until it's present bought the console and transformed on the W.S.U. Special Studio could be built. it into an Artisan electronic organ. And so, the "Wee-Convention" drew Following the Regional, Phil called to a close, with some 70 members of Roy, to see if by chance he might still ATOS bidding farewell to one another. have any of the other parts of the Have you had a weekend conclave with organ - and would you believe, after one of your sister chapters? If you 9 years, he still had everything with haven't done so, we urge you to do so the exception of some pipe work. And as soon as possible. It's a great way to so now, after years of silence and meet some wonderful people and to separation, it is once again whole. enjoy the greatest instrument in the It has been completely restored and world - the pipe organ! installed in the Judkins home, where Dave Dillon, Chairman of Mid­ it is always open console time. America, arranged the tour with help The organ is voiced on 8" wind of chapter members. pressure and consists of Vox, Solo

JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN up the building for the day. In less than 48 hours we had saved it! And so, Walter and Edna Green possess a priceless part of Tulsa's heritage. Next to acquire an organ were fellow ATOS'ers Bill and Lois Roberts. In May of 1970, they purchased the 2/6 , installed in the former Radio Station KFPW Studios in the ballroom of the Goldman Hotel in Ft. Smith, Arkansas in 1936. Dorothy was organist for KFPW, playing the organ daily until the station moved to new quarters. Walls down and rubble all around the 2/11 The organ was used to entertain diners Bennett of Walter and Edna Green. for years after and was still in playing String, Concert Flute, Tibia, Diapason, condition when removed. Kinura and along with The organ is on 8" of wind, has a Glockenspiel. Yet to be installed is large set of Liberty Chimes, and a the toy counter which will complete large scale Violin at 16', 8', 4', V.D.O., the organ as it was originally installed. Flute, Tibia, Vox and Tuba. True to Most treasured from a historical Kilgen quality is the more than ad­ standpoint is the 2/11 Bennett Organ, equate size blower for this organ. being readied for installation in the (Bill says he thinks that it's a Sherman country home of Walter and Edna Tank in disguise.) The big grey beauty Green. Reputedly the first pipe organ had to ride around Tulsa in the back placed in Tulsa, the instrument was of an open pickup truck for 2 days originally installed in Tulsa's First until Bill could get someone with a Baptist Church, with one-half of the winch to lift it out. Ahh, the joys of purchase price donated by Andrew having your own theatre organ! Carnegie and the other half, raised Very interesting, is the installation by the ladies of the church. under way at the home of Bob and In the early S0's the organ was re­ Betty Weddle. They discovered a 2/4 moved from the sanctuary, completely Robert Morton, lying sadly neglected refurbished, given a new console and and more than slightly moisture laden placed in the then newly constructed in a warehouse in Claremore, Oklahoma chapel. Due to the increased need for and just couldn't resist the urge to a more flexible use of the chapel in buy it. 1969, it was decided to completely Checking on it's history, Bob and gut the room and redesign it in a more Betty discovered that their purchase functional manner eliminating the or­ was originally installed in the Lyric gan chambers. Thanks to the last Theatre in Booneville, Missouri. It was minute thinking of the contractor, later removed, brought to Tulsa and who made a call to ATOS member installed in the Bethel Temple at George Dixon, asking if he knew an/ which time it's three phase blower one who wanted a pipe organ, we was exchanged for the single phase were able to marshal forces and save one on it's sister organ in the Masonic the instrument. Temple. Three phase wasn't available at Bethel but, was at the Masonic Bill and Lois Robert's 1936 2 / 6 Kilgen. We arrived just in the nick of time too, as the wrecking crew had already Temple and since both organs were smashed in the red tile walls around identical in all specifications as to the chambers. There sat the two di­ size and wind pressure, an amicable Bob and Betty Weddle's 2/4 Robert Morton. visions, completely exposed and sur­ trade was worked out. Then in the rounded by the rubble of the walls, late S0's it was moved to Claremore everything below the chests was buried where it's installation was prevented in debris. It being Thursday, the con­ by the owner's death. tractor said he would suspend work The Weddle's (lucky souls with until Monday morning - anything that single phase blower) are restoring left after that would be junked. We it and hopefully will have it playing in worked all day Friday, part of Friday the summer of this year. evening and all Saturday morning - And last, but not least, Sooner carrying the last pieces out the door State Chairman Ron Willfong and at 1 :00 p.m. as the custodian locked Christian Crusade Orgainst, Ray El-

THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 more bought the 2/6 Barton from the he calls the Gen-e-eye, like the magic Palace Theatre in Fayetteville, guy that comes out of the bottle. Arkansas. The organ is in mint con­ Heck, I knowed a lot of organ players dition, having been under lock and key that played the organ when it come in tightly sealed chambers. This organ out of a bottle. Anyways, instead of has the distinction of being under the Gen-e-eye, only he spells it Genii, I continuous ownership of the same wisht he had named it the Lautzen­ people who purchased it up until it's heiser-wurlitzer. But I guess maybe sale to Ray and Ron. The organ was thats too long a name like that Welch played by Gladys Sonneman daily for town where the name takes up the silent films and when talkies came whole side of the station. in it was featured on noonday Radio And besides I worry about these broadcasts by a local Fayetteville sta­ organs that can be played without any tion. Mrs. Sonneman is still actively organ player. Maybe I worry too much. engaged in playing, as organist for the But you notice how the elecktronick First Baptist Church in Fayetteville, organs they keep addin gimmicks so as well as playing on Sunday's in the You notice the way the Travel ads you dont scarcely have to play any­ dining room of the local Holiday Inn. always blossom out with a lot of thing your own self? Things like the The organ is on 1O" of wind and stuff about Festivals and things like Automatick Cords, and the Glissiandos has Xylophone, Chimes, Chrysoglott that there? Well, that's the way with and the Arpedgios and the Tape Cas­ and Toy-Counter in addition to Tibia, Organ Conventions this time of year. setts and the Rithm Masters and all Trumpet, Flute, String, Vox and First we had the big bash out in Los like that there? Goin to put the organ Diapason. Angelees where the ATOS got a lot teachers out of business, that's what Fun for all in 1971 was the be­ of people out to open the San Gabriel theyre a-goin to do. ginning of a series of seminars on just Auditorium with a lot of star organ Of course Im only kiddin about what a theatre organ really is and players like and Lyn this Genii, which is a Rube Goldberg how it works. What started out to be Larsen and Bill Thomson. And then to end all Rube Goldbergs, if you an informal get-together on the sub­ they was one in Noo York State know what I mean. Still and all I ject, has blossomed into an event around the place where the big Wurl­ dunno. The blurb about it says that which nearly all of the members itzers was made, with some concerts it will never replace the live organist, participate in. at the Riviera Theayter in Tonawanda, but it would take eighty fingers to Under the patient guidance of Phil and some others at the Hollywood match it. So maybe I should ought Judkins and with the assistance of Theayter in Gowanda, hey, there's a to worry at that. Or I would if I was Bill Roberts, the seminars have turned combination. And then the Perfessional a organ teacher. As near as I can figger into one of the most interesting and Organ Clubs they had a Convention it's like one of these here computers looked forward to activities of our down at Long Beach, where all the where you feed all the music into it chapter. perfessional organ players from Los and it comes out here as the old song Exciting too, was our spring con­ Angelees and and Long goes. The blurb says it can do eighty cert, featuring Wichita organist, Bob Beach and San Diego and Orange things at once, so that is why it says Foley in concert and accompanying County all got together and had con­ it can do the work of eight organ a for us at the Christian certs and chewed over their problems. players, each of them with ten fingers. Crusade 3/10 Robert Morton. And then we got comin up the big Pervided they aint all thumbs, like Biggest thrill for we Sooners in Nashional Convention of the American some organ players I heard. '71 was the appearance of EDDIE Theayter Organ Society in July in Well, all I can say is you better go HORTON at the WONDER MORTON. Washington, D.C., run by the Potomack see it. I wisht I could. Sounds like Eddie is the gentleman who made Valley Chapter of the ATOS. That's quite a party. □ such a fantastic hit at the Crusade a-goin to be some whing-ding and I Jam Session during the Southwest wisht I could be there, but it's too fur Regional. He played a beautiful con­ away to fit in with some other plans cert and accompanied Charlie Chaplin I had to make. They got some of them in The Gold Rush. With the audience big four-keyboard Wurlitzers around asking for more! More! More!, Eddie with guys like Eddie Weaver and Lee closed the show with reminiscences Erwin and Don Thompson and Tiny of his early days in show business, James and Dick Smith and a lot of which had the people on the edges other fine organ players to show them of their seats wanting to know more off. Not forgettin the gals like Rosa about this man who has personally Rio and that little teen-age doll around AT THE ATOS known Sigmund Romberg, Fritz Los Angelees name of Donna Parker NATIONAL CONVENTION Kreisler and many, many more. Friday who is loaded with talent and was JULY 10 thru 14, 1972 evening, November 1 9, 1 971 was just made the offishal organ player certainly our RED LETTER DAY, for the L.A. Dodgers. as we listened to one of the last living • And then they got a Wurlitzer WASHINGTON, D. C. theatre organ greats in live perfor­ run by a computer invented by a guy mance! □ name of Marvin Lautzenheiser that

10 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN by Stu Green

Steve Adams, a former student at that moment on the die was cast; playing, dead chests rewinded, tuned the University of Minnesota, made the Steve just had to do something about the instrument and deadened the sound trip to willingly; the project restoring some dignity to that poor of dripping water in the right chamber was right up his alley. He had been beat old organ. His first step was to by letting it fall on felt padding. They requested by the Theatre Historical enlist the help of Gullixson and Wesley. had one week to accomplish the repair Society to gather data on two Mil­ He got no resistance from either. before the recording date. waukee theatres. That was in March 1971. In the course of their investigation Steve Adams called upon two of Yet, it wouldn't be easy; the Centre they uncovered some facts about the his friends to accompany him, Norman theatre is in Milwaukee while the house. It was the last Rapp & Rapp Gullixson, 22, a student at the Uni­ prospective restorers lived in Min­ house built and it opened in November versity of Minnesota, and Paul Wesley, neapolis - a long commute. Besides 1931 as the Warner theatre with many 29, who has been playing theatre pipe the former Warner-operated theatre movie stars present, even one of the organs for almost ten years. At the had a long record of neglect-induced Warner brothers. The same information Centre they were cordially greeted by decay. For example, the trio learned source, 1931 newspapers, offered a tale manager Jack Ringe and assistant man­ later that water had been leaking into about the organ in the theatre. ager Steve Kaniewski. It was while one of the organ chambers for 15 The Centre's Kimball organ (a 28- they were being escorted through the years with no effort to stop it. ranker), the largest stiIJ installed in a downtown Centre theatre that Steve The trio decided to try to get the theatre west of and East of saw it - a dust-covered and forlorn organ in good enough shape for a Oregon, is said to be a portion of the looking console hulking in the or­ recording by Paul Wesley, a Jong-time organ originally built for New York chestra pit. Later, Gullixson and Wesley pipe aficionado. The commuting was City's . Kimball confirmed that it was an historic murder but they managed in several in Chicago was given the contract by moment - love at first sight. From trips to get the many dead notes Samuel Rothaphel (better known as

1954 photo of the raised console. A pooped Steve Adams looks forward to a Organist Paul Wesley helped greatly in getting the Kimball ready to record. few hours sleep in a nearby hotel after an all-night session of organ-fixing at the Centre. ball in RCMH and that the resulting and the result is something of a Wurlitzer was built to a Kimball tribute to the musicianship of Paul "Roxy") when he was designing the specification. Wesley for using what he had available Music Hall in 1929. However, the big There were many faults to contend and covering up most of the difficulties crash in November and the subsequent with in the neglected organ, action was encountered. depression in the '30s slowed the con­ sluggish. Worse yet, agents of the After the recording was made, things struction of both the Centre and the infamous "Midnight Organ Supply" started to change for the better. The Music Hall. Kimball, in deep financial had lifted several ranks of pipes. The new owners, the Marcus Corporation, trouble, was forced to turn over its moonlighters were known, however, took note of the record. The organ contract to the Wurlitzer Co. The and all parts have since been returned. fell in with their plans for the theatre. partially completed Kimball organ was Of the 250 swell shutters, only 100 Then things happened in quick sold to two theatres under construc­ operated and most of these hissed due succession. The Marcus Corporation tion. Thus, the Centre became the to air leaks. At least the console proved to be a progressive corporation home of one-half of the original Radio elevator worked. with intentions of making the Centre City Music Hall Kimball organ. Came time for the all night recording an attractive place to see a show. The It's a good story, and it just might session and there was still no com­ Corporation found Steve a job. The be true because it's known that Roxy's bination working, and worse yet, the objective was to help maintain the original intention was to install a Kim- Tibia was still mute. The trio decided house. It was remarkably complete, to go ahead with the recording anyway, despite the years of neglect. All the wall Right chamber lower level pipework. French Horn (fat conical bells), Echo Horn (spotted Upper level right chamber pipework. L to metal, center) and Open Diapason (with A sea of strings. All nine ranks of strings R, Saxophone, Orch. Oboe, Concert Flute, black bands). 8' String offset in background. are celested, alternating sharp and flat. Waldhorr., Clarinet, Swell shutters are at left. The 15 volt, 22 ampere generator runs from the driveshaft of 15 hp 440 volt 3 phase Woods motor. The Orgoblo (right) generates 10 and 15 inch pressures. Blower room is off the right chamber.

artwork and most of the lobby furni­

ture etc. were still intact. So , besides Damage to ceiling and wall of right chamber caused by years of water seepage from a leaky w9rking on the organ. Steve has been re­ roof. Luckily, no irrepairable damage resulted. placing hundreds of long dead light bulbs and getting the house's electrical As soon as Steve , Paul and a newcomer magic that they were built for that is systems back in full operation. named Larry Crawford, had enough attractive to us. They knew what In mid-'71 he moved to Milwaukee restoration work done to make the entertainment was in those days - the to end the commuting, now that he 3/28 presentable, they contacted the '2 0s - but the depression cut it off had a permanent job. And Paul Wesley Dairyland chapter of ATOS and showed from this generation. It's really too is considered house organist. Between some of the members what they had bad. Entertainment in the '2 0s was a them, the organ is coming along nicely. accomplished and told of what they safe and legal form of escape." As soon as Steve got settled in hope to accomplish. Members of the And Paul Wesley , who hails from Milwaukee he began to think about chapter have been helpful and in return Montague, California, has gained new ATOS. He had been Vice Chairman they now have access to the organ, recognition as a theatre organist. He of the ATOS chapter in Minneapolis, says Steve. broke in on pipes at the Sacramento and had to give it up when he moved. Steve Adams grew up in the Bay Carl Greer Inn 4/ 1 7 Morton several Area of California and became in­ years ago and has played electronics Sheets of plastic were used to protect the terested in theatres during the "Save and piano engagements for the past 16' Tibia from further water damage. The the Fox" campaign in San Francisco ten years. The Centre is his first metal pipes are rare 16' French Horns. when the efforts of a valiant little theatre job and regular opporunity group tried vainly to get the city to to play pipes. He often plays before take over the historic house for a the movie and during intermissions, badly needed municipal auditorium. plus special events staged in the theatre. Reflects Adams , "There is some­ Things are looking up for pipe organ thing about the old theatres and the music at the Milwaukee Centre theatre. □

~e <=i"JieatreCJ-Iistoncal ~ociety

ANNOUNCES THEIR

THI RD ANNUAL CONCLAVE

WASHI NGT O N, D.C. 1 JULY 15 & 16

All ATOS members attending their convention in Washington are invited to attend. Those members who will not be in Washington are invited to write for free THS brochure.

P.O. BOX 4445 • WASHINGTON, D.C. 20017

JUNE , 1972 13 WIZARD OF THE WURLITZER ... The EddieHorton Story

by Lloyd E. Klos

Eddie Horton, theatre organist, He went to Camp Curry in Yosemite known throughout Australia and New National Park as pianist, and program Zealand, as well as in this country, director until September. He then comes from the Nebraska corn country, journeyed to San Francisco to play having been born in Grand Island on the Wurlitzer at the Strand Theatre, April 7, 1893. and later, the California Theatre on He started eight years of piano Market Street, also having a Wurlitzer. lessons in 1901. In 1908, he opened While in California, Eddie made the first picture show in Grand Island, the first player rolls for silent pictures providing the piano accompaniment for . He also drew the for the silents. A year later, he played specifications of over 100 Ro be rt his first organ music for a picture, Morton organs while in San Francisco. using a parlor pumper for The Passion Then came again in Play. 1922, to play the Kinema (now Cri­ Eddie then toured the state with terion) Morton. During Eddie's tenure small shows until 1911. "I went to at the Criterion, Victor Herbert, the Denver, and in walking up 18th Street famous composer-conductor, had a to Laramie St., heard a Eddie Horton at the Allen three-manual two-week engagement. He was very in front of a nickel theatre. Asking if organ in Albuquerque Civic Auditorium on impressed with the instrument, and they had a piano inside ( they did), I April 21, 1970, "The biggest day in my expressed the hope that "it will be I ife", says he. - ( Horton collection) shut off the player, and went to aud­ one of the features of the programs, ition for the manager. His name was play the Kimball in the Sun Theatre for an organ so remarkably equipped Jack Becker, an operatic baritone. on Farnam St. is bound to be enjoyed by the patrons." who came from the Whitney Opera In May 1917, he left Omaha in a The Criterion was operated in direct House in Detroit. Scripps-Booth roadster for California. competition to Grauman's Million "I played, he sang, and he gave A faded clipping from the Omaha Dollar, and although Jesse Crawford me a job for $25 a week. A month Sunday Bee announces the start of the was solo organist at the latter house, later, I went up Curtis Street to the trip. "Mr. Horton has become quite "Horton At the Morton" was em­ Iris Theatre.* The owner bought me famous with the speed stunts he has blazoned on billboards about the city. a nine-foot Decker piano which I pulled off with his Scripps-Booth eight, In August 1924, Eddie Horton sailed played in the lobby, dressed in an and it will be recalled that a couple for Australia where he began a 10-year Eaton boy outfit." months ago, he made a trip from stay "down under". He opened the In 1912, Eddie Horton left Denver Fremont to Omaha (38 miles) in one Prince Edward Theatre, "The Show­ for Cripple Creek, Colorado, to play hour and 10 minutes, through six place of Australia", in Sydney on theatres there. In 1913, he went to inches of snow and mud." Fast cars November 22, 1924. He also played a Omaha to play a Seeburg , always had an appeal for Eddie Horton. command performance for the Duke and was billed as "The Seventh Wonder On the way to California, he stopped and Duchess of England in 1924 at of the World," at the Princess The­ off in Denver, and played at the Iris Sydney Town Hall. atre on Douglas Street. Theatre, subbing for the vacationing For about a year, Eddie played In 1914, it was on to the Starland Henry B. Murtagh. Associate organist New Zealand houses, then he returned Theatre in St. Paul, Minn. In 1915, it was Henri Keates, later to gain his in 1925 to Sydney for five years at the was the Princess Theatre in Des Moines, fame in Chicago's Oriental Theatre. Prince Edward. Faded clips refer to and in 1916, he returned to Omaha to Eddie arrived in California, and him as "The Wizard of the Wurlitzer". *Editor's Note: played the Miller Theatre in Los He literally became a musical insti­ There were two theatres in Denver with Angeles, sharing his duties with Carlo tution in Australia's largest city. similar names. The oldest house was built in Elinor. Then came work on the big Early in 1928, Eddie had an en­ 1889 as the CURTIS. Several different names Austin in Clune's Auditorium. Next, gagement in Auckland, New Zealand. were applied to it over the years. In 1911 it was known as the "IRIS". A larger house he opened the 5-manual Robert Morton Though he played a Wurlitzer, a daily called "ISIS" was built in 1913. This theatre in the Kinema Theatre at Seventh and paper once referred to the instrument had a large 4/28 Wurlitzer, installed in 1915. Grand, playing until April 19, 1918. as a "Mangelwurlitzer." When he wasn't

14 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN bought a Model A Hammond, and played night clubs for several years . In 194 7, he came to Albuquerque, New Mexico as a guest of his former partner, John D. Garvin , manager of the Alvarado House. He brought his Hammond along, and stayed three years, playing in the dining room. He liked the beauty of the New Mexico area so well that he purchased property and made his home there. Eddie has become a leading per­ sonality in Albuquerque. He was at the Golden T Lounge for five years , at the console, Eddie could be seen and it wasn't long before a new musical and had tenures in other establishments. early mornings or evenings in his "Hot contraption was adorning the front of He has been affiliated with station Devil", a rakish automobile with a the sporty Buick. KOAT-TV , and had his own show , blue-striped hood and big electric bell. Eddie's next engagement was six playing requests. After his years at the Prince Edward, months at the State Theatre back in In 1969 , he opened the new Holiday Eddie Horton went on tour of some of Sydney. Then, on to the Ambassadors Inn Motel, and in 1970, the East the major cities in Australia. He had a Theatre in Perth in 193 2, then the Holiday Inn. lengthy engagement at the 3-manual Regent Theatre in Adelaide and the However, Eddie admits that his Christie in Roxy's Spanish Theatre in Regent in Melbourne. biggest day came on April 21, 1970 Parramatta, New South Wales in 1931. Mr. Horton returned to San Fran­ - "Eddie Horton Day", proclaimed While here, Australian Prime Minister cisco in 1933. As the depression was by the mayor of Albuquerque , Over Scull, accompanied by members of the in full force, jobs were scarce. He took 1,100 persons turned out that evening Australian Parliament, made a special a position with Ringling Brothers' at Civic Auditorium to hear a pro­ journey from Canberra to give Eddie a Circus, and later was public relations gram by the honored guest, consisting special award for his entertainment and radio director for the Al G. Barnes of eleven numbers, a sing-along, and proclivities. Circus. his accompaniment of The Gold Rush By this time, Eddie still a lover of In September 1934, he began a with Charlie Chaplin, all played on the sporty automobiles, had a sweet-look­ stint at the Fox Miller Theatre in 3-manual Allen electronic. ing Buick roadster. The engine was Wichita, Kansas . While here, he broad­ "I an now semi-retired , and have chromium-plated. Reports said it "has cast from station KHF, presenting a amassed several items of income, " he a remarkable turn of speed, over 80 30-minute program each Thursday says. "So I fish, travel, and enjoy the MPH easily accomplished. Everyone morning. Requests were played , the blessings which have been bestowed knows when the car is approaching by requesters sending their choices to the on me and my lovely wife of 35 years. the musical notes which issue from theatre. He remained at the Miller She was an aerialist with the circus. at the front of the car." until April 1935, when he returned to "A cheerful 'hello' to any old One evening, Eddie was visiting his San Francisco to head advance work timers of my era. Would surely enjoy mother-in-law, when a miserable for the circus. hearing from them. My address is 408 bounder removed the trumpet assembly With work in theatres for organists Penn S.E. in Albuquerque, and my and made off. The horn was insured, in 1935 practically non-existent, Eddie phone number is (505) 255-0688." □

PRE-CONVENTION AWARDWINNERS ... CONCERT Of added interest to anyone travel­ ing to the ATOS National Convention in Washington, D.C. is a concert planned at John Dickinson High School in Wilmington, Delaware. Organist Glenn Hough and pianist John Reading will present a concert of semi-classical and popular music using the 3/28 Kimball theatre pipe organ and a nine foot grand piano on Saturday, July 8 at 8:00 P.M. The program is sponsored by the John Dickinson High School Organ Eleanor Weaver of Connecticut Valley Chapter presents awards to the winners of the 1972 Society and tickets are $2.00 reserved Annual Scholarship Contest. From left to right: Albert Rohe, Kathy Roberg (2nd place), Janet and $1.50 for general admission. Hassel (1st place), John Hadburay (3rd place), Linda Lovallo, Gerry Bilak and Sandy Barnes.

THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 15 ~nipptt~from ~nglanb / roNv BERNARDsM1rH

One of the most prolific recording organists on the British scene is Joseph Seal, who has some 14 LPs to his credit, with more in the pipe-line. Yet he has not played in public for 20 years. Not, in fact, since 19 51 when he took up an executive job with a big cinema chain. However, apart from recording, he has also managed to give some 3 00 radio broadcasts since his departure from public gaze. The question arises - if he is too busy for public ap­ pearances, how does he manage to keep his playing up to the mark? "I was fortunate," he told me. "I had to practise a lot when I was young and have a reasonably reliable JOSEPH SEAL at Kingston-Upon-Thames. technique. My training was classical. How unjust this might be was dem­ explained recently. "I made my You know, Chopin etudes and the onstrated to me when the final batch first broadcast from Carlisle," big Bach works. Most of the things I of pedal-pushers got their notice a he said. "They told me I had to have record now are a bit less demanding." few months back. It was one of them signature tune, so I took this song In fact, he started playing piano who paid tribute publicly to Mr. Seal's which belongs to this area of England." when he was five and hard work valiant efforts to equate contemporary Ah well, another good story down secured him a seat on the church demand and reality with an under­ the drain. organ bench by the time he was 1 2. standable desire to keep the organ STACCATO SNIPPETS - Harry In his early teens he held three dif­ flag flying. Klompe, resident at the City, Amster­ ferent church appointments in his He certainly does this himself in dam, has plans for bring back sing­ native country and began to build his broadcasts and recordings. He did alongs to the house. With the late himself a name as a recitalist. about a dozen singles and some EPs Car Steyn, they were a pre-war favor­ Then came the golden years and but it is the big batch of LPs which ite ... ; Generally speaking, English he entered the theatre field with a job merit attention. parsons have to be convinced that at the Regal, Altrincham, near Man­ In latter years he has used ex­ putting theatre organs in churches is chester. An interesting sidelight is that clusively the Wurlitzer 3/12 in the a good thing. The Rev. John Harwood, he followed Norman Cocker who ABC (formerly Regal) Kingston-upon­ a Bradford nonconformist, has been doubled his theatre job with that of Thames. This fine medium sized in­ convinced in advance. He has offered Assistant Organist at Manchester Cathe­ strument was opened in 193 2 by his church to any preservation group dral, thus proving to the musical snobs Reginald Foort and it was he who wanting to keep a theatre instrument that this was possible. Cocker's Tuba first recorded it. singing . . . Henry Croudson, who Tune, classically styled, is a big favor­ It is one of those installations which gained a pre-war fame via radio and ite with today's recitalists over here. sounds well on disc. The two chambers records, died in December. His most Anyway, Joe Seal (as he is more are above the stage, with most of the important appointment was at the familiarly known) moved on to Carlisle effects in the solo together with English Gaumont, Haymarket, London . . . where he started his radio career. After Horn, Harmonic Tuba, French Apart from the strife which hits the three years, he transferred to the Trumpet, , Saxophone and headlines, Northern Ireland has also newly-built Ritz, Belfast, staying 15 Kinura. The main chamber accomo­ lost its last theatre organ. The floods years and giving more than 1,000 BBC dates Dia phonic Diapason ( which can last Fall wrecked the four-manual airings to the organ. really lend weight to a disc), Violin, Compton of the ABC, Belfast, beyond Then came the move to a desk job Violin Celeste, Oboe Horn, Concert repair ... One encouraging note - of and, sadly, the gradual phasing out of Flute and Vox Humana. A nice com­ late, there have been so many theatre organists in theatres. Joe Seal, stuck pact combination which Joe Seal uses organ recitals to list each month, at head office, has endured some un­ with great skill and taste. editors of the hobby newsletters have kind comment from those not in the A final anecdote. His signature tune been heard to grumble about the know who feel he could have done is the hunting song "D'ye ken John encroachment on editorial space. For more both for the organists and to save Peel?" and it was assumed by many British buffs, there's getting to be a the many instruments which have been that this was another way of saying whole lot of goodies to choose from sold. "D'ye ken Joe Seal?" Not so, he each weekend. □

16 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN Bl COIVIITIOIAL. Yamaha wishes all attending the American Theatre Organ Society Convention a good time in Washington. And extends an open invitation to everyone to stop by and see the mighty Yamaha E-5 Electone Organ, and some of the other Electones on display. Hear some of the special Electone features for yourself, and how all our sound comes through strong- directly through the Speaker of the House - the unique Yamaha Natural Sound Speaker . • YAMAHA Inte rn atio na l Cor porat ion

17 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 BILL UHLER and his Marr and Colton

by Lloyd E. Klos

Add the name of R. William Uhler, master photographer of Mt. Gretna, Pa., to the growing list of ATOS members who take their pleasure big by installing theatre pipe organs in their homes. Mr. Uhler has playing a 2-manual Marr & Colton, and it is believed to be one of four in existence having a Symphonic Registrator, a feature of some late-model M&C instruments. Bill Uhler tells us that this instru­ ment is the second theatre organ he has purchased. He first bought a 2/4 Kilgen which was in the Seltzer The­ atre in Palmyra, Pa. The theatre had been closed a number of years, and the console was badly damaged , dry-rot having set in. Pipes, located in one chamber, were in fairly good condi­ tion. some Percussions were missing, but chests were OK. "I also became interested in the Marr & Colton in the Academy The­ atre in Lebanon," he says. "During 1965 and 1966, the owners allowed me to go into the theatre in the morning and play the organ. It was about 70% playable, but it sounded just great to me. "The organ was installed in two chambers. The main chamber at the left housed the pedal Bourdon, Tibia, Seated at the console is Ed Weimer, last man to play the Academy Theatre organ for an Diapason, Kinura, Xylophone, Orches­ audience. Owner Uhler gets a few tips on playing from the artist. - ( Lebanon Daily News Photo) tra bells, all the traps and noise-makers and the switch stack. The solo chamber Before purchasing it, I had discussed the console which professional movers on the right contained the Tuba, the possibility of using the instrument handled. Viol d' orchestre, Vox Humana and as part of the theatre program, but due "When I had acquired the Kilgen, Harp. None of the pistons was operable to costs of releathering and new cable, I began construction of a room to and upon investigation, I discovered management was not interested. A few house the pipes. This was finished that the air to the console had been months after I removed the organ , the about the time I purchased the M&C. disconnected. Upon hooking in the theatre was sold. The chamber is 12' x 18' x 10' high air, I found that I played an air­ "I started removal of the 600 pipes and speaks into our family room which conditioned console with a cool breeze and the chests on January 16, 196 7, is 14' x 35' by 10' high. The swell (more like a gale) blowing through almost 40 years to the day it was in­ shades are from the Kilgen installation. the pneumatics! Needless to say, I stalled. An original tag from the Marr "Every spare moment I had in 1967 unhooked the air again - fast! & Colton Co., which was tied to a was spent assembling, erecting, cleaning "Upon inquiry, the owners indicated cable on the switch stack , lists the date and re-cabling until on November 22, that the organ could not be sold due as 1/27/27. I disassembled the organ, 1967, I had enough done to turn on the to some tie-up in the lease. Late in and with the help of the assistant blower. A nightmare of sound emerged 1966, however, they told me that I manager of the theatre, brought every­ with innumerable ciphers etc. The could make an offer for the organ, thing to my home in my station wagon chimes sounded great, however, even which I did and which was accepted. with the exception of the switch and though I had connected them in reverse.

18 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN As one played an ascending scale, 1970. He re-arranged the pipe chamber, their notes descended! and also replaced much of the flexible "Not knowing where to proceed tubing with galvanized piping. With from there, I called in a professional the tubing, the tremulants did not organ builder and made arrangements operate con sis ten tly. The Harp with him to releather the two main was placed immediately behind the three-rank chests while I would work shutters, and the traps and Chimes on the offsets etc. It seemed like for­ mounted on the side wall of the ever until the organ was again ready to chamber, close to the shutters. The speak, finally, in 1969. It sounded not Kinura was placed farthest from the like it did in the theatre, but it didn't shutters since it is the loudest and sound like a calliope either, for which most raucous voice in the organ. I was grateful. Four technicians from The Symphonic Registrator is not the organ builder's firm, along with hooked up because the cable was cut friends, relatives, wife and children in the console. Bill has arbitrarily hook­ were involved at various stages of ed up a few of the stops, particularly "pathetic" ("because I play that way"), rehabilitation. Marr & Colton Symphonic Registrator "In May 1970, I invited the student Console. but he has no way of knowing how AGO affiliate from Lebanon Valley M&C originally had them wired in. College to a silent movie and concert Among the SR stops are "gruesome", by Ed Weimer, who was last house were offered jobs taking tickets, usher­ "chase", "storm", "fire", "riot", "sor­ organist at the Academy Theatre." ing and doing odd jobs around the row", "love" and "hate", which allowed Ed Weimer, also a pipe-organ-owning theatre." He became a projectionist the player to capture the mood de­ ATOS member, lives in Harrisburg, Pa. at the Jackson. manded by the screen. He started his musical career at the With vaudeville still in some local If anyone has any knowledge about age of six by studying piano, and be­ theatres, Weimer played the overture the mixture of voices which spoke came a theatre organist. Console artist with the pit orchestra. With the end into any of the registra tor stops, Mr. at the Academy, Jackson and Capitol of vaudeville, he'd play the organ be­ Uhler would be grateful for the theatres in Lebanon, he played the fore movies and at breaks, even though information. silents until the advent of sound he was no longer on the payroll. He expects to add the Kilgen voices around 1930. Weimer's biggest thrill was to play on to the M&C, but just barely has enough "Then, the organ was used only for the final program of the New York room in the chamber. a . few short silent subjects and for Paramount Theatre in September 1964, "Al though I never heard this organ music prior to the movie, and for the before the Queen Mother of all Wur­ accompany silent movies in the the­ 9 PM break," Weimer says. "This was litzers was removed. He is still active, atre, I do remember hearing it used during the depression and organists playing for clubs and special events, for solo spots and special programs in and has a theatre pipe organ, a piano Partial view of pipe chamber showing Tibia, and two electronic organs at home. Mr. Uhler tunes pipes in his home in­ Diapason and Kinura ranks in left fore­ The AMP Corp. in Harrisburg is his ground. Tuba chest right foreground. String stallation. The largest pipe is 9½ feet tall; offset to rear with chimes, orchestra bells employer. the smallest is only five inches high. - and xylophone. Bill Uhler continues: "My daughter ( Lebanon Daily News Photo) Wendy is an organ major at the college and she and I had reservations about how the AGO group would accept the concert. However, Ed Weimer (without the aid of a musical score) at the Marr & Colton, and Harold Lloyd, the Key­ stone Cops and a portion of "Phantom of the Opera" on the screen, were so well received that the event, which had been scheduled to last 1½ hours, con­ tinued for more than three! This group asked to have another performance, and it was rewarded by a similar event in May 1971 which was covered by the Lebanon Daily News, complete with pictures. Ed Weimer played for "Trail of the Octopus"; a Keystone comedy "Love, Loot and Crash", and a sing­ along. Following the 1970 event, not sat­ isfied with the way the Harp, traps and Chimes sounded forth, Bill shut down the organ during the summer of

JUNE, 1972 AlmostGODO Theatre Organs

In a copyrighted article which ap­ peared in the January 2, 1972 issue of Los Angeles Times, former Robert Morton Organ Co. factory manager Paul Carlsted, now 80, looked back on his career with the Van Nuys, Cailf. firm. Interviewed by Times staffer Pat Bryant, Carlsted revealed: 1. Robert Morton was the world's largest manufacturer of theatre or­ gans. The company built "nearly 6,000" for theatres. 2. The Morton factory was the first industry in Van Nuys, Calif. It moved in 191 2 to six blocks of land at the corner of Van Nuys Blvd. and Oxnard Street donated by real estate developers in a cam­ paign to attract industry. It was the Academy Theatre (Academy of Music), Lebanon, Pa. 2/13/67. Last day console was in theatre. only industry in town for several (R. William Uhler Photo) years. 3. Morton manufactured the pipes for the l 930's. The theatre paid $20,000 the others being long gone. Last but its organs, both metal and wood, for the organ. It is estimated that an not least, I cannot give enough thanks in its factory (unlike some who exact duplicate would cost $80,000 and credit to my family for all their bought pipework from specialists today. I believe I started getting the help, and particularly to my wife, e.g. Gottfried). organ bug when I was going to Ruth, who really didn't believe it was photography school in too strange to add another room to the 4. It was brought out that the largest Morton in a southern California the­ in 1942-43. I went to the Paramount house just to keep pipes in." □ Theatre as often as I could to hear the atre was the 5/33 in the Los Angeles Criterion theatre. It cost $40,000. tremendous sound of that great Marr & Colton Wurlitzer. 5. Although he built organs most of Tibia Clausa 16' - 2' "I started playing a Hammond chord his life, Carlsted never learned to HarmonicTuba 8' -4' organ and progressed via a Wurlitzer, play one. The closest he came to Open Diapason 8' -4' an Allen, and now have a Rodgers in making music on pipes was when Vax Humana 8' addition to the M&C. I am happy at he operated the 2-pipe "cuckoo" Kinura 8' (a wild sound) having been able to save and restore he installed on his Ford in the '20s. the last organ in a Lebanon theatre, Viol d' arch. 8' -4' plus, Chimes, Xylophone, Orchestra 6. He met his wife, Ruth, 57 years ago Bells, Harp, Bass Orum, Snare Orum, while she was on a guided tour of Cymbal, Tom-Tom, Triangle, Casta­ the Robert Morton factory. Carlsted nets, Tambourine, Chinese BIo ck, was the guide. Marriage overtook Surf, Bird Whistle, Sleighbells, Door­ Paul and Ruth four months later. bell, - and everythingworks. 7. Hours and wages? He started as a Kilgen draftsman at two dollars a day for a ten hour day, six days a week. At Tibia Clausa 16' -4' twenty cents an hour, Carlsted Flute 8' - 2' couldn't afford lunch in a restaurant Viol d' arch. 8' -4' so he bicycled home to eat. Vax Humana 8' -4' plus Orchestra Bells. This organ had 8. The Morton Co. ceased operation in a toy counter, but it had been van­ 1934. dalized before I purchased it. This 9. When Morton folded, Carlsted went organ had been installed in the Seltzer to college to obtain teaching cre­ Theatre in Palmyra, Pa. in 1927. dentials, then taught drafting and I have an original Marr & Colton woodworking at Van Nuys High shipping tag which was attached to School for the next 25 years. the relay board dated 1-27-27. (of Poster displayed at Lebanon Valley College the M&C, that is.) 10. Now retired, Carlsted's favorite topic for presentation on 5/3/71. remains organs. □

20 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN combinations are exquisite, the Kinura with every orchestral record of GWTW crackly, the Trumpet mellow; a credit music except the one conducted by to restorers ( especially young Doug Muir Mathieson in England. He once Miller) who had the rough material told this reviewer of his hope of con­ and knew how to extract the best ducting a new version of the music, Far from it. The little Wurlitzer does very taking advantage of the improved re­ well on the ballads but seems to strain cording techniques developed since the The a little during the sweeping climaxes soundtrack was recorded in the late of the Gone With the Wind score and '30s. He never did but it isn't stretch­ Re1:ards parts of the Viennese medley. ing things to suggest that Steiner would Ray opens with a lampoon of approve Ray's treatment of this se­ concertizers who ride their consoles lection of themes because the organist skyward with everything on and played has captured the spirit of the music, lickety-split - Julius Wechter's even during modulations and impro­ "Brazilia"; 1.56 minutes of drums, visations between themes, although bells, clackers and usually frantic full he avoids any hint of civil war music. organ, untrem'd a sure-fire eye-opener. Of course "Tara" is there as are several Then the artistry starts. The Tibia less familiar secondary themes. GWTW and Vax carry a well phrased "Y ester­ alone would make the disc worth Manufacturers, distributors or indi­ day", with interesting backing from a owning. All the other goodies included viduals sponsoring or merchandising silvery Concert Flute for the ballad add to the value. theatre pipe organ records are en­ chorus. This is followed by a couraged to send pressings to the String/Reed chorus with heavy rhythm Record Reviewer, Box 3564, Granada accents then a return to balladry for Of Special Interest ... Hills, California 91344. Be sure to the bridge and closing. "More" is a include purchasing information, if tune which offers an organist with ORGAN FAVORITES FROM WAY applicable, and if possible a black imagination many possibilities and Ray and white photo which need not BACK WHEN, C.A.J. Parmentier at seems to have fathomed most of them be returned. the 4/21 Wurlitzer in the N.Y. Para­ in his treatment which ranges from mount Theatre Building. Monaural; percussion-flecked rhythm to a soaring available from C.A.J. Parmentier, 35- improvisation indicative of Ray's ab­ 60 Seventy-Sixth Street, Jackson sorption with theatrical music. Next WHO IS RAY BRUBACHER - AND Heights, N.Y. 11372. $5.50 postpaid. WHAT'S HE DOING WITH THOSE the organist exhumes an oldie, "Here Why Dr. Parmentier never recorded PIPES? Ray Brubacher playing the Comes the Sun", and gives it a 1928 2/8 Wurlitzer in the Tivoli Theatre, theatre organist treatment, but with commercially has remained a long un­ answered question. We recall hearing Frederick, Md. No. CR-0074 (stereo). much finesse and no effort to make his broadcasts. His style was different; Available at $4.89 postpaid from Con­ it sound dated. The Viennese medley it had a lilt and light-hearted im­ cert Recording, Box 531, Lynwood, includes "Two Hearts in Three Quarter pudence which suited the pops of the Calif. 90262. Time" and a portion of Kreisler's "Liebesfreud." The medley is beau­ day perfectly, a style which set him The question posed has an easy tifully mounted with a soaring intro, apart. There was no mistaking C.A.J. answer for A TOSers because Ray has and Ray does a masterful job playing for any of the other CBS staffers. been a pillar of this publication, an the more difficult of the two, the So, finally, here it is; an LP release associate editor and frequent con­ Kreisler tune. "Two Hearts" is slightly in which the masters were made in tributor, for many years. A much in faulted with melodic digressions and 1933, privately, during rehearsals, demand concert artist in his home a brief "schmear." practices sessions, and after the daily area (the eastern states), this record­ Although it's only 1: 14 minutes in radio stint. The original cuts were ing should do much to earn Ray fans length, Richard Rodgers "Maine" says made on aluminum platters and not far from the Potomac Valley Chapter a lot. It's played in a spirited manner intended for commercial production, diggins. Ray's approach to theatre and the conversation between Kinura therefore some surface noise and dis­ pipes (he's equally adept on the big and Trumpet is earthy. Stage show tortion is apparent as these aluminum church Diapasons) is tasteful, usually music is represented by "I Have Dream­ discs were no doubt replayed many orchestral, marked with variety, and, ed" and "Getting to Know You" from times. It must be remembered that in with the exception of "More" and the The King and I, the first as a romantic playing back an aluminum recording Beatles' "Yesterday", the selection of ballad, the second on a highly quinted it was necessary to use a carefully tunes is offbeat. flute combination, complete with the sharpened bamboo stylus, the grooves On might wonder why an artist of dance step breaks. being exceedingly vulnerable. The Ray's ability would limit his musical Film music is beautifully represented listener should also bear in mind that expression to the facilities of a rel­ by 10: 3 8 minutes of themes from we are listening to recordings made atively small instrument. Hearing the Gone With the Wind. A pity that it's 39 years ago, and at best, the equip­ instrument provides answer enough; composer couldn't have lived to hear ment used was very primitive by to­ it's a little gem on which much tender Ray's treatment of selections from day's standards. The frequency range loving care has been obviously lan­ this great score. Max Steiner, who is understandably narrower than to­ guished by its restorers. The Tibia/Vax died earlier this year, was dissatisfied day's fidelity.

THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 21 "turned on" all the time. Thus Stan's musical excellence may tend to be overshadowed, and that makes a re­ cording a very effective method of separating the alter ego from the musician. No distractions. The result is that the musician comes out much more distinctly than a live concert permits. On the record Stan is always master of the huge beast which he has played daily for many years. The instrument is one of five de­ signed, the first being the New York Paramount, others were for Fox lux­ ury houses, four 36 rankers and one 37. It is not a "Crawford Special" as Malar's nutty jacket note writer mis­ informs us (the term is properly ap­ plied to the 4/20 Publix Wurlitzers for which JC prepared the stoplist). Only two of these 4/36's remain in their original theatres: the Detroit Fox has been recorded (as were the New York and San Francisco Fox installations Roxy Theatre, New York City - C.A.J. Parmentier in March 1927. before being removed) but this is a "first" for the St. Louis 4/36. And it's Yet, these imperfections are largely "Flapperettee," "Polka (Dirgo);' a good one. lost in the sweep and freshness of the "Nola," "La Rosita," "Gigue (God­ If we have a complaint it's a tech­ Parmentier style. He plays effortlessly ard)," "Flight of the Bumble Bee," nical one; the miking is on the intimate through 18 pops and standards to "Poor Butterfly," "Clavelitos," and side and one rarely gets the feeling of provide a nostalgic sampling of the "Waitin' at the Gate for Katy." spaciousness or the true size of the treats a 1933 radio listener might ex­ Each tune has much interest value instrument as one does from the Tiny pect daily. There is sometimes abrupt due to the Parmentier treatment. The James and recordings cutting into and out of selections pops stylings range from ballads to of the San Francisco Fox 4/36 or the but we understand Dr. Parmentier's rhythm, with an occasional touch of Ray Shelley, Reg Poort and Ed Gress editing was governed by the quality of corn. The novelties, standards and recordings made on the Detroit Fox the cuts and whether or not parts had light classics are played mostly straight, 4/36. Of course this is a minor beef been damaged beyond repair. Obvi­ but with novel registration. which affects only the marches and ously, part of a good arrangement is This is a collector's item guaranteed novelties calling for a big organ sound; better than none of it. to conjure up nostalgia for the old the ballads come through beautifully. So, forget "hi-fi" and "stereo" for timer and show the younger enthusiast a half hour and enjoy one of the what he missed. What a time that was finest theatre style studio organs play­ - and C.A.J. can prove it! ed in its natural habitat by one of The jacket notes are adequate, in­ broadcastings finest organ practitioners cluding an excellent photo of Dr. (not forgetting C.A.J.'s theatre ex­ Parmentier at the 5 manual Kimball, perience; he played at both the Music Roxy Theatre, taken in 1927. Hall and the Roxy, and was on the opening staffs of both houses). The 4/21 Wurlitzer sounds gorgeous, despite the limited frequency range. Some of C.A.J.'s registration may STAN KANN IN ST. LOUIS playing sound familiar, but keep in mind there the 4/36 Wurlitzer. MAS were other console giants setting and 2018 (stereo). Available at $5.50 post­ resetting the Wurlitzer combination paid from Malar Productions, Box buttons in those days. 3014, Glendale, Calif. 91201. Selections (a few truncated) are: "Laugh, You Son of a Gun," "Rus­ In order to fully appreciate the sian Lullabye," "Juba Dance," "Would scope of Stan Kann's musicianship it is You Like to Take a Walk?," "Le necessary to isolate the man from his Secret," "Roses of Picardy ," "Wedding music; the force of his personality, his of the Painted Doll," "I Wanna Be ready wit, his story-telling talent, his Stan Kann clowns for Malar's talent scout Loved," "Goin to Heaven on a Mule," mimickry and pantomime - these are Helen Dell. - (Stufoto)

22 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN "It's Today" is a typical fast-paced thesized accordion, "Under Paris Skies" console pusher-upper with an engaging overwhelmed throughout by that over­ melody line, interesting glock and post­ bearing automatic rhythm, a lowdown horn punctuation and a fine Paramount­ "Frankie and Johnny" (dirty playing Publix closing fanfare. "Yesterday" is is a Melcher specialty), a Mancini-like well phrased and provided with subtle "Mr. Lucky" (which actually had registration. It also has some lucious Buddy Cole at the Hammond) and a "Gordon Kibbee" 9th chord harmony. pleasant "Deep Purple" with Melcher­ The brass tops full combinations ized variations. Plus enough more to during "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." total 12 tunes which make the most The out-of-tune bar room piano is of the instrument's facilities. Oh yes, heard during "Deed I Do," which is Byron's "first best friend" is not taken in an easy swinging tempo on pipes but his wife, Margie. □ full combinations. "Sunrise, Sunset" is given a subtle ballad treatment with a touch of dialogue between color and solo reeds. Something is missing from Stan's version of Eric Coates' venerable IRMA GLEN "Knightsbridge March," perhaps too - THE PLUG-IN CORNER many shortcuts or omissions, or may­ be the pickup didn't capture it in all MUSIC, ECOLOGY AND YOU. Irma its usually thrilling bigness. It seemed Glen speaking and playing on an Allen more effective when Stan played it in Theatre model. Available by mail $5.95 concert at the Los Angeles Wiltern (add 5% sales tax in California) post­ recently. paid from Numinus Recordings, 1119 BOOKRfVIEW But he's back solid with his brief San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido, but tasty version of "Mame." "If I Calif. 92025. by Lloyd E. Klos Had You" is to us, one of the best This one is for the Irma Glen fans. "Organ Voicing and Tuning: A efforts on the disc, a ballad with fine Like the previous Glen disc reviewed Guide to Amateurs" 39 pages Vestal registration and phrasing. Get the wail in these columns it's a sermon with Press, 3533 Stratford Drive, Vestal, of that solitary trumpet which appears incidental music. The big plus for N.Y. 13850 $2.00 postpaid. late in the tune! "Galloping Come­ theatre organ fans is the beauty of There have been many owners of dians" is one of those repetitive nov­ the improvisation behind the voice. pipe organs who have probably wished elties which is best heard as a fast run The Allen theatre organ's 'Celested that there were a reputable book of through ; Stan doesn't waste much strings are especially effective in carry­ advice on the subjects of organ voicing time on it, possibly because there's ing the often exquisite passages. This and tuning. lush rhythm ballad coming up - "The time Miss Glen is on an ecology kick Now there is available the very Glory of Love." Lots of invention and her sermon is delivered in the text they have been seeking. A and variety in this treatment. "All the vernacular of the day. It's nebulously reprint of an 1881 booklet which was Things You are" is a perfect selection religious and there's no bible pounding. published by J. Church & Co. has for Stan's way with ballads; softer Such titles as "Ecology's Song ," "Soul been put on the market by Harvey combinations with some Glock icing Soaring ," "Every Day is Earth Day" Roehl's Vestal Press. and a luscious Tibia and Vox de­ and "Song of the Sea" (all Glen As explained in its preface, "this nouement. The closer is a full scale originals) provide some key to the little work was written by a practical march, "Before the Parade Passes By." organ maker, especially as a guide to content. It features all the big brass and parade amateurs, and to supply information percussers, although the traps were needed by organists." LET ME TELL YOU 'BOUT MY nearly buried. No matter ; the Kann There are seven chapters: organ SECOND BEST FRIEND. Byron "Karisma" brings it all home with construction in brief; tools for voicing Melcher playing a Thomas Organ. CR­ good effect. and tuning; pipe materials, pressure and E088 (stereo). Available at $4.89 post­ We must note a certain lack of pitch; voicing of metal pipes ; voicing paid from Concert Recording, Box variety in registration which may be of flute work; pedal stops· description 531, Lynwood, Calif. 90262. linked to the miking complaint men­ of and tuning of reed stops. tioned earlier. This may also account This one was apparently released There are several illustrations in­ for the absence of differences in dy­ to prove pipe organist Melcher could cluding one of a wind pressure gauge namic level between normally loud also do interesting things with one of with instructions on how to make one. and softer combinations. The dynamic his employer 's instruments. Although The booklet is of handy size so it level is mostly constant. he never indicates a serious moment will easily fit into a pocket. Though The problems of miking a large during these takes, he succeeds ad­ published thirty years before the advent organ in a huge theatre are many and mirably. For example there's "Blue of the theatre organ, the basic in­ complex and they have been overcome Skies" played as a Hebrew folk dance struction on voicing and tuning should sufficiently to make this a thoroughly ( on a very flutey transistor) , "Sonny be of assistance to those requiring it enjoyable recording. Stan sees to that Boy" on weeping Tibias, a "mod" for maintenance of their unit despite technical headaches. "Nearness of You" featuring the syn- orchestras.

THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 23 DICK JOHN SMITH STEELE

DOUG BAILEY

ThirteenOrganists tobe featured atConuention

Time is running out, but you can vention concert Sunday, July 9 at DOUG BAILEY still register at the door for the 17th 5 :30 p.m. at the Alexandria Arena Friday, July 14: 11:30AM. annual ATOS convention July 10-14 featuring Ed Welsh, and end Friday, Loew's, Richmond in Washington, D.C. July 14 at 8 p.m. with Eddie Weaver Doug Bailey will be playing for the Phone in your room reservations at the Mosque in Richmond. (This convention the first pipe organ he ever (but hurry, space is limited) at the will be followed by a two-day con­ heard: Loew's Richmond. Twin Bridges Marriott Hotel, 202- vention of the Theatre Historical Soci­ Now a television and motion picture 6284200; they will quote rates; or ety, an event well worth attending if producer, he still plays a daily show check the April issue of THEATRE your interest extends beyond the organ on his 2/ 11 Moller from his studio ORGAN. itself, as it does for so many ATOS over a new nostalgia-formatted radio Registration at the door is $19 .00 ; members.) station, WXLN. air conditioned bus transportation to There is considerable interest among all events is $11.00; the Wednesday, radio, TV and newspaper people about July 12, banquet is $12.50 each, with this event. Already planned is ex­ RAY BOHR John Seng at the Yam aha. tensive radio coverage, filmed tele­ Monday, July 10: 8:00 P.M. You'll see and hear five in-theatre vision features and newspaper articles. Alexandria Arena installations from Frederick, Mary­ WXLN in Rockville , which has its own Ray Bohr will feel right at home land to Richmond, Virginia, played 2/11 Moller theatre organ, will serve· at Jimmy Boyce's 4/34 Wurlitzer, once by Lee Erwin, , Eddie Weaver, as communications central for ATOS in Radio City Music Hall's sister the­ Ray Bohr, Tiny James, Jimmy Boyce, conventioneers, as well as the location atre, the now-gone Center. Ray has Ray Brubacher, Dick Smith, and others. for a live on-air jam session with all been at the Music Hall for twenty­ There are seminars with Lloyd Klos comers welcome. five years. on promoting the pipe organ and Two years in the planning by con­ Marvin Lautzenheiser on his computer­ vention chairman Woody Wise and JIMMY BOYCE operated Wurlitzer that does the work Marvin Lautzenheiser, this convention Monday, July 10: 4: 15 P.M. of eight organists all at one time. will show the nation that the Potomac Alexandria Arena Host for the five day event is the Valley Chapter area is a front runner Jimmy Boyce plays his 4/34 Wur­ Potomac Chapter of ATOS, and the in the theatre organ revival. litzer nightly at the Alexandria Arena days will be packed with home tours, and the Grande Barton at the Virginia special events and yet ample time to Recent reports showing that the Theatre. see the sights of the Nation's Capital. Washington area is now one of the On Sundays he is the organist at The focus will be on the Virginia safest cities in the nation comes at an St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Theatre 3/11 Barton, Mosque 3/17 important time for the promoters of Springfield, Virginia. During the rest Wurlitzer, Byrd 4/17 Wurlitzer, Loew's the 17th annual convention. This of the week he teaches students from 3/13 Wurlitzer and Tivoli 2/8 Wur­ Spring saw the Nation's Capital re­ seven to seventy. litzer. Each instrument is in regular turn once again as a mecca for tourism. use in an area bursting with theatre The city is beautiful to behold at all organ activity, with probably the seasons of the year. RAY BRUBACHER nation's greatest concentration of home The welcome mat is out. You Thursday, July 13: 3:30 P.M. instruments. couldn't pick a better place for a Masonic Temple Festivities begin with a pre-con- vacation. Or a convention. □ Ray Brubacher has been a member

24 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN EDDIE RAY WEAVER BRUBACH ER LEE

RAY JEAN BOHR LAUTZENHEISER

of ATOS since 1956 and is an associate Days" has become a regular feature. JOHN STEELE editor for THEATRE ORGAN. Ray He has compiled occasional book re­ Tuesday, July 11: 5:30, 6:45, 8:00P.M. can be heard on radio each Sunday views and from five to eleven feature Dick Kline Studio morning on station WXLN A.M. 950 stories a year for THEATRE ORGAN, The Wurlitzer John Steele will be when he broadcasts a half hour pro­ plus innumerable items for Stu Green's playing for this year's convention gram of theatre pipe organ music. "Vox Pops" column. happens to be the first one he ever His new record for Concert Recording heard. It was at the now-gone Loew's was made at the Tivoli Theatre, site JEAN LAUTZENHEISER Capital in Washington, D.C. of one of the programs for this sum­ Monday, July 10: 2:45 P.M. He has a 3/8 Wurlitzer at his Miami, mer's convention. He is organist for Virginia Theatre Florida home. the Church of SS. Paul and Augustine Jean Lautzenheiser played Saturday in Washington, D.C. DON THOMPSON afternoon skating sessions for ten years. Thursday, July 13: 1 :00 P.M. She frequently stages full length variety Virginia Theatre shows at the Virginia Theatre, and LEE ERWIN Don Thompson was born in north­ has a career as teacher of electronics Friday, July 14: 3:00 P.M. ern England and began teaching him­ Mosque, Richmond and pipes. (She has a 3/13 Wurlitzer self to play the organ in his neighbor­ in her home studio.) Lee Erwin is one of the few the­ hood church at 17. While at Cam­ Jean Lautzenheiser is the chairman atre organists today who is making a bridge University he played his first of the convention host chapter, career out of the King of Instruments. theatre organ. Potomac Valley. He is in constant demand as a concert He came to the U.S. in 1968 and is organist, recording artist and spokes­ now resident organist at the Capn's man for the renaissance of the pipe ROSA RIO Galley, near San Francisco. organ. Thursday, July 13: 8:00 P.M. Virginia Theatre EDDIE WEAVER "TINY" JAMES The legendary Rosa Rio is one of Friday, July 14: 8:00 P.M. the well known organists of the radio Friday, July 14: 9:30 A.M. Mosque, Richmond era. Byrd Theatre, Richmond Eddie Weaver stands as one of the Today she is active in concerts, "Tiny" James, a native of Alameda, truly unique personalities in the the­ recordings, arranging, composing and Calif., has been an ardent organ en­ atre organ scene as he is one of a teaching at her two studios in Con­ thusiast as long as he can remember. small group of organists still playing on necticut. His orchestral and band experience a daily basis in a theatre. The Byrd One of her many celebrated con­ in schools proved to be invaluable in Theatre in Richmond, Virginia, is the certs was a command performance registration and arranging. scene for a program at this convention. before the United Nations General "Tiny", a charter member of ATOS, Eddie is also organist at Miller & Assembly. participated in the first organizational Rhoads Tea Room, a position he has meeting in Los Angeles in 1955 and held for thirty years. has served three times as National DICK SMITH President. A true theatre organist. Monday, July 10: 1 :00 P.M. ED WELSH Virginia Theatre Sunday, July 9: 5:30 P.M. Dick Smith studied at Peabody Alexandria Arena LLOYD E. KLOS Conservatory of Music in Baltimore. Pre-convention concert duties go Seminar - "Promoting Our Cause" He was also house organist at the to Ed Welsh. Although he studied When he was appointed Associate Stanton Theatre 3/31 Kimball. classical organ at East Carolina Uni­ Editor of THEATRE ORGAN mag­ He has toured the nation for an versity in Greenville, N.C. theatre or­ azine in Detroit in 196 7, Lloyd Klos electronic organ company, and played gan is his first love. was told that he wouldn't have to do various successful night club engage­ While still in college he acquired any more writing for the magazine ments. He is currently at the Mill Race his first pipe organ (a 3/11 Wurlitzer) than he was doing then . . . Since Tavern in Baltimore, playing his own and now owns a big 4/28, located in then, his "Nuggets From the Golden custom-made electronic. his Alexandria, Va., home.

THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 25 at the organ during regular per[or­ mental work testify. JOHN C. PFEIF­ NUGGETS mances. (Later 4' 11 " ANN LEAF FER, recording secretary of the N. Y. shared the organ bench with Geis, Society of Theatre Organists, is as­ from the which must have resembled a Mutt sociate organists. GOLDEN & Jeff act). April 1928 (J) RAUL TOLEDO Nov. 1925 (Met.) FIRMAN SWIN­ GALVAO (also known as Paul Brass) NEN, Rivoli Theatre organist in New is playing the 2-manual Kilgen in York, has prepared a series of original 's Momart Theatre. (When compositions for the proper musical fellow organist, EDDIE BAKER, visited presentation of motion picture en­ Brazil in the thirties, he endeavored tertainment. In five books, it includes to locate Galvao in his home city, Rio dramatic andantes, agitatos, themes, de Janeiro, but was unsuccessful. Can mysteriosos and hurries. Each theme anyone shed light on this fellow?) is on a separate sheet to facilitate March 1930 (DJ The Hope-Jones marking. organ in the Ocean Grove, N.J. Audi­ Jan. 1926 (Met.) At the Stanton torium, installed in 1908, is to be re­ Theatre in , the feature constructed. The original pressures of film "Don Q", starring Douglas Fair­ 50, 25 and 10 inches will be retained Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos banks, was shown. Organ selections by installation of rotary fan blowers were played by Messrs. CRISP and of latest design. Th.is time, Jason and I have found TEMPLETON. some nuggets in the Middle Atlantic July 1926 (Met.) The Warner Bros. GOLD DUST: 1/25 WILLIAM H. States area. References were American Theatre at Broadway and 50th, is the MEEDER at the Griffith-Beach organ Organist (AO), Diapason (D), Jacobs New York Times Square theatres to in the Elizabeth, N.J. Regent; WIL­ (J), Melody (M) and Metronome (Met.) add organ novelty slides to its pro­ LIAM KLAISS & ROLLO MAIT­ magaiznes. grams; 20 to 30 slides being used for LAND, Philadelphia's Stanley; WAR­ each presentation. The Rivoli and Rialto REN YATES, Newark's Branford ... March 1925 (Met.) C. SHARPE theatres have used slides for over a 3/25 JOHN PRIEST at the 4-manual MINOR has a 2-week engagement at year, with HENRY B. MURTAGH Skinner in N.Y.'s Moss Colony ... 4/25 New York's Rialto Theatre, featuring using them at the Rivoli. He in­ HARRY CO REY, Mt. Prospect The­ "The Organ" and "Little Old New troduced them in Los Angeles in 1921. atre, Newark; EDWARD NAPIER, York". Aug. 1926 (M) DICK LEIBERT N.Y.'s new Atlantic and PERCY J. June 1925 (M) VERMOND has been in New York, doing clever STARNES, N.Y.'s Mark Strand ... KNAUSS, organist in the Pergola The­ work as guest organist. His orchestra 6/25 HARRY A. CRISP & WILLIAM atre in Allentown, Pa., has founded had an engagement during the summer HANSON, Philadelphia's Stanton; the V. Knauss Studio of Theatre Organ in the south, but Dick stayed in the HERBERT FOSTER SPRAGUE, Playing. north. N.Y.'s Central ... 7/25 CARL BON­ Oct. 1925 (Met.) A new catalogue Nov. 1926 ( J) A large Austin organ AWITZ, Atlantic City Boardwalk's "The Theatre Organist", containing a at the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Stanley; JOHN HAMMOND & HER­ classified list of suitable compositions Philadelphia is nearly completed. Daily BERT HENDERSON, N.Y.'s Picca­ for the organ, has been published by recitals by prominent organists are dilly ... 9/25 FREDERICK B. SMITH J. Fischer&Bro. of New York. FRANK given from 12 to 1 PM. at N.Y. Strand's Austin . . . 1/26 STEWART ADAMS, Rialto and Rivoli Nov. 1926 ( J) FRED NEWMANN, RUTH BARRETT, N.Y.'s Colony ... theatre organist, has been in charge of organist at Philadelphia's Colony The­ 2/26 KENNETH A. HALLETT & this compilation. atre, always pleases the audience with LOUIS JACOBSON, Fox, WILLIAM Nov. 1925 (Met.) Many of the his novelties. His playing of the feature E.B. MURPHY, Belmont and LEON­ better class organists, such as J. picture is also a delight. ARED MAC CLAIN, Leader, all in ARTHUR GEIS of New York's Rialto; Dec. 1926 (AO) New organs in Philadelphia ... 3/26 RICHARD M; WALTER KLOTZ of Atlantic City; Brooklyn theatres include a 2-manual STOCKTON at the 3-manual Moller WALTER SIMON, Philadelphia; ED­ Wurlitzer in the Cumberland, and a in Lancaster, Pa. Grand Theatre; WARD BENEDICT,Chicago, and 3-manual instrument in the Fox Savoy. HARRY R. CASSELBERRY, Fox, KARL BONAWITZ of the Stanley Jan. 1927 (D) BUDD SHEDAKER, Philadelphia . . . 4/26 ARNOLD C. Theatre in Philadelphia, are very en­ Jr. opened the Marr & Colton in the SCHAMMEL, Lynbrook (L.I.) The­ thusiastic about the art melody slides Palace Theatre in Berlin, N.J. on atre's Kimball ... 6/26 J. MILLER and organ novelties out out by the Thanksgiving Day. SMITH, Newark's Mosque; LLOYD Standard Slide Co. of New York. Feb. 1927 (J) MILTON DAVIS G. DEL CASTILLO, N.Y.'s Rialto Nov.1925 (Met.)J. ARTHUR (High opened the new Tivoli Theatre in . . . 7 /26 R. WILSON ROSS opened CJ GEIS, featured at New York's Frederick, Maryland, playing the Wur­ Philadelphia Rivoli's Marr & Colton; Rialto Theatre, and tallest organist litzer. ROLLO F. MAITLAND, Arcadia and in the country, played his own com­ Oct. 1927 (J) The New York Hippo­ D. HARRY MC POYLE, Aldine in position recently, entitled "Lamen­ drome recently installed a 4-manual Wilmington, Del ... tations of the Long and Lean", taken Wurlitzer. FREDERICK KINSLEY, the That should do it until next time. from his life. OLIVER STRUNK and organist, is a real artist as his many So long sourdoughs! C. HERBERT MAC AHAN alternated Edison records and clever accompini- LLOYD & JASON

26 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN ,'iolllf •lttn~sonly1, ••pJu~b( c~aitdo aJWonlfa <.Bald\\iit"pin~ ii( eaitdo •his...

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THEATRE ORGAN JUNE , 1972 27 survival. Johnny was understandably love with the theatre organ." His act scared, but he decided on surgery in played the New York Paramount where the hope of turning up the plus side of he "got to know and enjoy Don the 50-50 coin. His hopes weren't Baker;" the Detroit Fox; the State­ bolstered when he was visited by the Lake, Chicago and Oriental theatres surgeon: "He was just a kid - not in Chicago; the Orpheum in Los Ange­ even 30 yet. And this kid was going to les; the Palaces in New York and poke around inside my skull!" Cleveland; and the Temple in Roch­ But the "kid" knew his stuff; he ester. He remembers Jesse Crawford removed the tumor and left Johnny when the poet took over a dance band breathing. For a few days Johnny's intact, added two white Hammonds left side was numb and unresponsive, for Mrs. Crawford and himself, and but that has since cleared up and he's went on tour. feeling great. He's not out of the woods Vic says: "I should have joined yet; tests are being made to track down ATOS 13 years ago; and as a new Readers are encouraged to submit in­ any remaining evidence of malignancy member, hope to be of some good to teresting sidelights on the organ hob­ but meanwhile Johnny is happy about ATOS. I love to be put to work to by (exclusive of chapter news items) his victory over the man in black. material they believe will be of general make a club hum with enjoyment." interest about local organ activities "It's great just to be alive! There's He didn't identify the lucky chapter. and installations and the people who nothing much worse than a brain work at the hobby. We know "there's tumor and I've survived it's removal. VOX POPS in them there chapters" The rest has just got to be easier." Accidents will happen to organists and it only requires a 6t postcard to get it to VOX POPS Editor, Box in proportion to those in other profes­ 3564, Granada Hills, California 91344. sions, it seems. California's Helen Dell If the contributor can afford an Bt had a pa,inful accident to one of her stamp, why not include a black and Music Trades Magazine in its Feb­ ruary issue carried an article by John fingers awhile back. And Gaylord white photo which need not be Carter cut his thumb while using it as returned. McLaren, vice president of Yamaha Keyboard Div. in which he stated a beer can opener. Latest casualty is that 1972 should be a good year for organist Doc Bebko. While in New Conducted by Stu Green the organ industry. "Basically, the York he was running across a street, organ market is still selling nostalgi.a jumped over a puddle, slipped and broke a foot bone. Doc ended up with Johnny Duffy took the medic's to the over-40 'sand up who have fond memories of the theatre organ, skating a cast to his knee plus a Reece boot. analysis sitting down. It seemed mo re His wife, Stella has been waiting on like a death sentence to the TV and rink organ and the like. The organ industry has not done nearly enough, him a lot, "Which is wonderful, "he recording organist: the reason he could says. not coordinate his left hand and foot it seems, to cultivate a broad-based was because x-ray's revealed a tumor taste for organ music among younger on his brain - and tests revealed the generations. This needs to be done tumor was malignant. Unless immedi­ soon. The theatre organ buffs won't The name of Ann Leaf is a famous ate surgery was undertaken Johnny last forever." one in the theatre organ world. But would soon become a senseless vegeta­ Wonder if he realizes how many how many know that she has a talented ble, then die. But even surgery could young people are ATOS members or sister whose activities ran along the assure him only a 50-50 chance of how many young artists are already same lines years ago? On March 27-29, on the theatre organ concert circuit? Esther Leaf Du Boff of Omaha, Ne­ Perhaps ATOS must do a better job braska played the accompaniment to of selling itself - its concerts, activities Cecil B. DeMille's 1927 classic King of and conventions, to the general public. Kings at Omaha's Military Theatre. At least it's encouragi.ng to learn that "It's been 40 years since I accompanied Yamaha has discovered the theatre a silent film", she said, "But the pipe organ. For years we've been audience is seeing the picture as it was predicting wonders when they did then and hearing the original themes so. plus some of my own musical scoring, exactly as I played it years ago." Part of the proceeds went into a fund to A recent addition to the ATOS maintain the 2/4 Wurlitzer, which is the membership is Vic Hyde, a professional task of the 30-member Cornhusker entertainer, billed as the "International Theatre Organ Society. Music Phenomenon." In his early years ~ he was a church organist, then worked up a novelty vaudeville act in which Harry Jenkins had to make a choice. he played 2, 3, or 4 trumpets simultan­ The veteran circus accompanist could eously. His 43-year career included a remain at the Circus Museum in tour with Olsen & Johnson, appearing Sarasota, Florida, where he'd been JOHNNY DUFFY in 67 cities during which "I fell in playing two and three shows a day

28 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN holes with masking tape to shut them up.

Reports from Scotty's Castle in Death Valley, Calif. indicate that the Rex Koury concert sponsored by the U.S. Park Service on April 29 drew a record 100 to the isolated spot, with a good representation from ATOS chapters, especially the Sierra group. The 3/15 Welte (with Wurlitzer piano) was put in good shape by Fred Beeks. The district ranger, Wayne Schulz, impressed by the interest focussed on the organ, has expressed interest in a series of concerts to follow the Koury Opus. Rex's audience demanded "Rhapsody in Blue" and the patriotic medley which were such hits for him during the Great Western Regional Convention in Los Angeles a couple of months earlier. For the "Rhapsody" Rex was glad to have the piano work­ ing well. COLONEL HARRY - The circus museum was confining. - (Lamb fotocomposite) Fred Beeks, who boasts a fine home installation in Reno , has been con­ all winter, or go back "on the road" Norman Stuckey, invited the public tracted by the Park Service to rebuild, come spring with a choice of travel­ to send in requests for opening night. restore, tune and maintain the in­ ling circuses. The former AAF colonel Peter adds that the pipes, chests and strument. It's one of the best-remem­ weighed the factors carefully then relays are now the basic organ in the bered impressions of Scotty's Castle decided he had been tied down to one Opera House, Thomaston, Conn., but and hasn't enjoyed regular maintenance spot long enough. The lure of the with a Kimball console, as chronicled since Lloyd Davey retired a few years travelling show beckoned so "Colonel in the Dec. '71 THEATRE ORGAN. ago. Harry"rejoined the DeWayne Brothers circus, touring the Northwest USA and southern Canada at the moment ( see When Helen Dell arrived at the LA the June 1971 issue of THEATRE Wiltern theatre for her winter concert ORGAN, "The Circus is Coming!"). she made for the dressing room she While playing for Museum perfor­ had used during previous concerts. But mances he was visited by retired Ring­ this time the room was filled from ling Bros. Barnum & Bailey band­ top to bottom with that stuff few master Merle Evans who was so im- theatres can exist without - cartons of , pressed by the Hammond accompani­ popcorn. Stage manager Larry Jackson ment of the circus acts that he sought saved the day by inviting Helen to Harry out to express his approval. The make her costume changes in his veteran theatre organist informs us office, while he valiantly stood guard that there are more circus organ jobs outside. open than there are qualified musi­ cians to fill them. As Harry once described the job, "It's like cueing The 3/ 16 Wurlitzer installed by LA silent movies but the film changes a Dean McN ichols - With a VW and the free­ Chapter in the San Gabriel, Calif. way, who needs an Orgoblo? - (Photo by little with each performance." Bruce) Mission auditorium is attracting much local attention, so much that the city When So. Calif organist Dean Mc­ fathers have seen fit to schedule four In Gaylordsville, Conn. youthful Nichols had to take some pipes to Lee summer concerts to be played by Lyn Peter Piliero, with an eye for historical Haggart's pipe shop for doctoring he Larsen and with definite themes: "In perspective, did some digging in the found his "sun roof" Volkswagen a the Good Old Summer Time" on files of the Danbury News-Times. He useful vehicle for the 40 mile journey. June 24, "Hooray for Hollywood" on was rewarded with the discovery of a He encountered only one difficulty; July 15, "Summer of '72" on August full page write up on the opening on the "singing" of the pipes at freeway 19 and "The Roaring '20's" on Sept. Sept. 6, 1928 of the Danbury Palace speeds beca.me irksome, especially the 16. All fall on Staurday evenings at with prominence given to the 3/10 growl of the 8' Bass C Diapason. So 8:30 PM. The series was launched with Marr & Colton organ , The organist, Dean stopped and covered the toe a press conference presided over by

THEATRE ORGAN JUNE , 1972 29 tired from running his Porterville, Geoff Patterson reports that last Calif. men's shop, he keeps abreast of Christmas season proved to be a bit organ doings locally, and in a town much for Ashley Miller. In addition occupied by organbuilder Dick to his weekday duties at CBS churning Villemin, they can be many. His latest out soulful fillers for Search for Tomor­ squib is that Villemin has the Wur­ row, he also played ten evenings in two litzer from the Oakland, Calif. Grand weeks, including Christmas, and New Lake theatre in his shop and is putting Years nights, at Madison Square Garden it in shape for a radiologist named for a series of college basketball games, Dr. Bell. With that cliffhanger, Arnold sometimes two and three games a signed off to let the plot thicken. night. As if that weren't enough, his position as musical director of the Society for Ethical Culture called for full concerts each week during the holidays, all of which had to be c:are­ fully rehearsed. Her Honor, Mayor Kennedy and Lyn: a Ashley spent a week in January busy summer. - (Stufoto) recovering in the relaxing sun and sand of the Caribbean. On his return, -San Gabriel's gal mayor and with Ashley plunged right back into the promotion masterminded by Al White fray, and has reported a few Saturdays who is remembered for his standout when he has been at the Garden promotion of the first George Wright console from _one in the afternoon sellout concert at the San Francisco until eleven at night, only having to Fox a few years ago. Lyn plans to in­ arise the next morning for a classical clude guest stars ( vocalists and musi­ concert and service at Ethical Culture. cians), sing-alongs, and film clips from The only rests he gets these days are movie classics. Season tickets will sell the ones between the verses. for $9.00 and $12.00. For further info drop a card to Entertainment Concepts, Box 69630, Los Angeles, Peggy Wood, remembered for many Calif. 90069. famous roles from the first Bittersweet Tom Hazleton - ( Ehatpic) "Guess I won't be able to 'retire' in London to such as the Mother this summer" replied Larsen, who Superior in the film version of The usually stores up steam for his always A bow to CATOE's Bill Benedict Sound of Music, also was the celebrated heavy fall concert schedule during the for the very professional promotion Marta Hansen, the family mama of the "dog days." announcing the Chicago club's public decade-long television series,/ Remem­ concerts. Well conceived flyers and ber Mama. She decided to celebrate press releases inf or med the public of her 80th birthday recently with a Another southern Californian with Tony Tahlman 's accompaniment of beautiful party at Manhattan's Cos­ plenty to do this summer is pretty Chaplin's City Lights and Modern mopolitan Club. She invited all the Donna Parker, the 16-year-old whose Times during March, Gaylord Carter's cast and production talent from the photo has appeared in this column May 4th bout with the Coronado former show for a grand reunion. The often enough to rate a growl from Barton Organ and Tom Hazleton 's theatre organ world was represented the "Old Prospector" to the effect May 8 session at John Seng's 4/23 by Billy Nalle for Billy had played all that we 're turning into a girlie mag pride and joy installed in the seminary the original music for the celebrated ( old whiskers prefers burros!) Chances at Mundelein, Illinois. Chapter con­ show from its beginning. It was an are that Donna will be photographed cert promoters can learn much from evening for memories and one to even more often now that she's been Bill Benedict's efforts. Perhaps a large remember in its own right! appointed official organist for all Los self addressed stamped (8¢) envelope Angeles Dodger's home games. She sent to Bill at Box 2103, Oak Park, has already gotten good coverage in Illinois 60302 might fetch a spare copy. Jim Lahay, secretary of the Toronto the daily sports pages, including a Theatre Organ Club, says that the photo taken at the Conn model 650 ~ 4/15 Wurlitzer installation work is she'll be playing at the stadium. She's Mildred Alexander was selected to progressing in the third floor chamber already been warned about bugging play the major concert heard during at the Casa Loma. The city removed the umpires with "Three Blind Mice." the second annual conference of Cal­ the plaster in the chamber openings, ifornia Council of Professional Organ­ and shutters are being installed. A ists Clubs held in Long Beach, Calif. crew of nine has been working in an Arnold Bremler, who started his May 21-24 at the Edgewater Hotel. area with no ventilation, which for­ playing career by spelling the Foto­ Participation was limited to AFM mem­ bodes a rough situation when the sum­ player he was paid to operate in a bers, according to advance publicity. mer heat arrives. The boys are de­ Bay Area nickelodeon, has long been termined, however, and hope to finish a contributor to this column. Now re- the job by the end of the year. If not

30 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN then, certainly in the spring of 1973. The declaration stated "Waupaca While playing the Surf City Wurlitzer, The instrument came from Shea's citizens have a right to be proud of Bud couldn't help wonder how the Toronto theatre originally. this Senior Citizen, and we feel priv­ triumvirate was making out - espe­ ileged to present him in his 'Honors cially because one of them was none Concert'." Among the sponsors were other than that illiterate ex-Bostonian the Mayor, City Council, Chamber of whose "Elevator ,Shaft" column Commerce,Lions, Odd Fellows, Youth spindles these pages - Dinny Timmins! Center and a dozen other booster clubs. The resulting warmth was bound ~ to hasten Eddy's recovery from recent From Portland, Oregon , Bill Peter­ surgery. son and Dennis Hedberg decided to try again, after the theatre they had counted on a home for the ex-Oriental Porter Heaps, another name re­ theatre 3/13 Wurlitzer failed. Perhaps membered from Chicago radio days, a restaurant next time. played his demo concert on the Saville organ moved into the Porterville (Calif.) Memorial Hall, then went to visit the pipe installation he'd heard so much about, the home of the Paul Moore's, located in the middle of an orange grove near town. Mrs. Moore (Marguerite) is the organ buff, he learned, and when he was ushered Eddie Weaver - The usual standing ovation. into the living room there were many organ buffs already waiting among the A total of 13 50 enjoyed Eddie three consoles. It was a reception for Weaver's third concert at Rochester's Porter. He learned that Marguerite Auditorium Theatre on April 21. A had installed the pipe organ in three great favorite in Kodakville, Eddie had years herself, after releathering it. The a program which encompassed the setup includes a 2-manual and 3-manual entire theatre organ spectrum. He play­ console, plus a plug-in organ for a ed music from the classics ( e.g. Poet & "spare." "What a ball of energy" Peasant Overture) to the most recent exclaimed Heaps, "She's in the re­ pops ( e.g. Archie Bunker theme). He tirement age bracket - but she doesn't also accompanied a sing-along, and a know it." Jim Melander at the 2/7. - (Stufoto) short silent, Three Chimps Go To School. The usual standing ovation was his reward. When Jim Melander plays one of The RTOS' new ushering setup his infrequent concerts, those who under Ernest Weirich was inaugurated Organist Bud Taylor came east to savor gorgeous arrangements are drawn which provides a more professional do his summer stint at the Surf City to the performance like ants to honey. approach to this phase of the operation. (New Jersey) Hotel Wurlitzer with a So it was on April 11 at the Friends A more accurate head count is another sense of well being based on the Church in Bell, Calif Melander prefers benefit of the new procedure. Family knowledge that back in California it to play concerts on small instruments RTOS membership now totals 790, had required three men to fill his and the very theatrical 2/7 Wurlitzer boots as editor/writer/publisher of the was ideal for the subtle, understated Los Angeles Pro Organist's Club pub­ arrangements of pops and standards lication, OFF THE KEYBOARDS. whose lushness is often achieved through great economy of registration. April 30 was a great day for organ­ Jim, apparently unaware of his prowess ist Eddie Hanson; at 72 he had two as a concert draw, is content to teach recent records to his credit and a organ. Luckily, many of Jim's students third in process. The theatre organ come very close to his very individual renaissance /:lad discovered him and style. soon his fellow townsmen realized they had a celebrity in their midst. Local recognition came first from the ranks Perhaps a few of the 2300 (a 4-year of Waupaca, Wisconsin's senior citizens, record) who attended the Keith Chap­ many of whom remembered Eddy's man concert at the Rochester Audi­ long career at Chicago consoles, dating torium theatre remembered the long from the early '20s. So, the 1972 ago concert by the local Philharmonic Waupaca's "Senior Citizens' Day" hon- during which feathers · were released ored Eddy by presenting him in con­ from the proscenium to simulate snow cert at the Senior Citizens' Center. during the booming Tchaikowsky

THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 31 "1812 Overture" finale. Chapman, who firms finest transistor theatre model has played the Wanamaker store organ (actually the one stolen just prior to in Philly for six years, enlisted R TOS the 1971 Home Organ Festival, and technicians to repeat the illusion, and later recovered intact, a loan from then some. During the climactic mo­ Rodgers dealer Phil Wickstrom). Yet ments of the old warhorse shotguns Randy's mind was also on pipes; either were fired into empty oil drums to a refurbishing of the ancient Murray­ simulate cannon, the shootin' irons Harris straight organ in the hall, or being manned by two organists and a its replacement with a donated the­ photographer. But the device rigged to atre pipe organ a la the ATOS San release the feathery "snow" failed to Gabriel Mission Wurlitzer installation. trigger. Later, organ maintenance chief Night School Principal Glenn Gardiner Doug Crocker came up with a leaky made a brief allusion to the idea alibi: "Chapman's rendition of 'The while introducing Randy ( who teaches Hot Canary' played before '1812' must classes there) and Randy barely men­ Dennis James shows master classers how have melted the snow!" How's that tioned the plan. Yet, when the well not to pose fingers for a digital romp again? satisfied audience filed out into the among the ivories. - ( Rochester Times­ night, quite a few dollars in donations Union Photo) were left behind to help make the ture" in Rochester, Dennis presided From Sunnyvale, Calif Jan Feller hope become a reality. over a 4-hour master class of theatre calls our attention to the Spring Con­ ~ organ instruction in the Auditorium ference of the American Federation Theatre. About 100 attended theses­ of Information Processing Societies, Frank Lyboldt, who once played sion in which the styles of several representing some 20,000 computer theatres in Long Island, Virginia and organists were illustrated and analyzed. professionals, held on May 16-18 in upstate New York, reports he recently The class was a part of the RTOS the Atlantic City Convention Hall, had a great time at John Beck 's 2/7 educational program for those who home of the world's largest pipe organ. Wurlitzer in Dallas. Frank says that want to learn as well as listen. A feature of the meet was a concert the organ has been juiced up with the scheduled on the truly mighty Midmer­ addition of a Posthorn and an im­ ~ Losh played by 22-year-old Barbara proved Tibia. Living now in Norfolk, Bert Buhrman and his colleagues Williams.After three days of perforated Va., Frank is considering preparation at the School of the Ozarks in Pt. tape, spinning reels and digital phi­ of a biography for THEATRE OR­ Lookout, Mo. were most happy with losophy galore, Barbara's direct digital GAN. He is also looking forward to the lead feature in a recent THEATRE audible excursions were no doubt attending the ATOS convention in ORGAN concerning installation of their welcome. July, and hearing Dick Kline's 4/28 Wurlitzer. Other things have be en Wurlitzer. "Dick and I have been happening for Bert and the box of friends for years," he says. whistles. In February , he recorded a ~ series of sounds which will be used for background in Silver Dollar City's Clealan Blakely tells us that the new attraction "Fire in the Hole" , an console of the 5/ 111 Casavant in enclosed ride and atmospheric attrac­ · Toronto's Royal York Hotel Con­ tion to open this summer. Then , for cert Hall has been disconnected and five successive Sundays in July, starting placed in storage. The hotel is in­ at 2:30 PM, Bert and the organ will be volved in a $2 million renovation featured in "Music for a Sunday After­ program and the organ is in the way, noon." Contributing their musical so it is scheduled for removal. It was talents will be singers Jean Parnell , tentatively set to move it to Provost, Jean Fry and John Mizell; pianists Utah, but the deal fell through. Mary Bradley and Luis Rojas, and the Casavant, anyone? Beacon Hill Theatre Chorus. A couple of silent films will be added during the series. Sounds like a good attraction The past few months have been for those enroute to and from the noteworthy in the life of 21-year-old ATOS convention who must pass the organist Dennis James. He has gone on area in July. tour with the Singing Hoosiers, a song-and-dance group from Indiana Randy smelled an organ in the wings, either University. He has appeared in several LET OUR pipes or transistors. - (Stufoto) concerts in the east. His new record was released by the Rochester Theatre ADVERTISERS KNOW When Randy Sauls played his April Organ Society and is selling well. The YOU SAW THEIR AD 18 concert in Van Nuys (Calif.) High day after his spectacular success at School auditorium he played it on a firing a shotgun during Keith Chap­ IN THEATRE ORGAN Rodgers model 340, the Hillsboro man's rendition of the "1812 Over-

32 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN Dennis James Scores Again

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA JOINS PIPE ORGAN FOR SILENT MOVIE

So much of the past has been lost and orchestral accompaniment seems of the conductors left hand - a signal .. It was indeed a miracle that one even more intriguing. Throughout the to the orchestra to stop at once, the of the film accompaniment techniques score there is a musical dialogue be­ organ would take over with no ap­ of the silent era was recently rescued tween organ and orchestra, the orches­ parent loss of musical accompaniment. and given a new chance to live. Dennis tra providing the basic thematic back­ At this performance, the need never James, one of the most talented of the ground while the organ acts primarily arose, certainly a credit to both the young organists, saw an excerpt from as the transitional element between conductor and the organist for their the now lost original orchestral score themes. As a solo instrument alter­ advanced preparation. It is difficult of the 1919 D.W. Griffith film Broken nating with the orchestra, the organ for the layman to comprehend that Blossoms in Ben Hall's The Best Re­ would often start in one key and end the entire film and score was co­ maining Seats. Seeing that music im­ in another since the organist was often ordinated to the fraction of a second. pressed Dennis in such a way that he required to fill the space between So that more people will have a was motivated to contact Mary Bowles, themes, compensating for orchestral chance to hear organ and orchestral National ATOS Secretary-Trea­ passages that ran "over" or ••under" accompaniment for Broken Blossoms, surer who found a copy of the original the timing required, as dictated by the Dennis has donated the complete score piano score in the Ben Hall collection. action on the screen. to the national ATOS library. Any Paul Killiam of New York City In order for the members of the chapter with a community orchestra offered to lend a new 16 mm print, orchestra, who could not see the can make the presentation with only color toned to capture the essence screen, to be aware of what was a few rehearsals. A tape of the Bloom­ of the original release. With these happening in the film, each theme ington program is available and Dennis tools the monumental task of trans­ was given a number, and a person suggests that interested chapters secure lating the piano part into full orchestral seated in the middle of the orchestra the tape and a print for a screening score for symphony and organ began, pit held up numbered cards indicating to see just how the orchestra and and the marvelous result is now a the theme number and therefore the organ compliment the film. matter of history. On Saturday March mood of the next scene. Prior to the The response to Broken Blossoms 25th, nearly 2,000 persons gathered performance, Dennis was unaware that was so great that Dennis plans to re­ in the auditorium of the Indiana Uni­ movie theatre orchestras during the peat his efforts and score other twen­ versity to hear Dennis James and the period of silent films were informed ties films for orchestra and organ 55 piece Bloomington Symphony of the "theme to follow" with num­ and they too will be made available Orchestra accompanying Broken Blos­ bered lights in much the same manner for performance, so that audiences of soms with Jive orchestra, for the first as the numbered cards used at Bloom­ the present can experience and ap­ time since the sound era began. ington. Dennis was prepared to take preciate the same variety of entertain­ The film and the music seemed to over should the orchestra get into ment that charmed movie goers during captivate the audience, but few were trouble. With a preplanned wide sweep the Golden Age of the Movie Palace. really aware just how great an ac­ □ complishment they were experiencing. Many problems arose for Dennis A GREAT NEW STEREO RECORDING and symphony conductor Geoffrey Simon as they expanded the piano score into a fully orchestrated sym­ phony and organ work. Hundreds of man hours of labor were involved in 4'0NAS NORDWALL the orchestration, transcription and copying of parts for the thirteen major plays the G\\'urlitzei-GJ>ipe nr~'l_ll themes in the 187 page open score. A PARAMOUNT THEATRE further effort was necessary when the two realized that some of the original PORTLAND, OREGON music would not be received properly Songs include: Baby Face, If, For All We Know, Black and by a contemporary audience, meaning Blue, Didn't We, Give Me A Moment Please, Down by The that new music, still in keeping with Riverside, Joy To The World, plus 4 more great songs. 12" the rest of the work, had to be STEREO RECORD - $5.50 POSTPAID - (Add $1.00 outside U.S.) written. ORDER FROM - BILL PETERSON To those of us who had not ex­ 4993 S.E. 30th Ave., Apt. 98, Portland, Oregon 97202 perienced the silent films in the twen­ ties, the opportunity of hearing organ

THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 33 In 1965 I read an article in THE­ ATRE ORGAN about George Merriken and his Silver Springs Music Hall, and the TIVOLI Wurlitzer. I wrote to George and received a very nice reply, along with pictures of his installation. I was careless and lost the pictures and then started looking for the above photograph and tried to do some backtracking to find Ward and Wolfe without success. The death of Sierra Chapter organist George A. Seaver rekindled the musings of what happen­ ed to Wolfe and Ward. This sounds like a "sob sister story." It isn't. It is a partial story of a the­ atre organ which had fallen into disuse, and then enjoyed a brief revival during World War II only to fall into silence once more. In 1958 it was purchased by George Merriken and installed in his Music Hall to be enjoyed by many. It is my wish to hear it again one of these days soon - I'd like to hear it and ATOS MEMBER RECALLS HAPPY MEMORIES all the other fine instruments you will be enjoying next month. I can't though, OF WASHINGTON,D.C. but I know many of you will and I by Carroll F. Harris just wonder if Sgts. Ward and Wolfe will be among the group. □ The coming convention in Wash­ manual. They could be played straight ington, D.C. brings back memories of or through the Leslie speakers. Present days long gone by. With those mem­ were two U.S. Army Air Force Ser­ ories comes the wondering of what geants: Staff Sergeant M.E. Ward and happened to some of the people I Sgt. Harold E. Wolfe. The three of us knew when I was Yeoman, U.S. Naval became close friends while we were in Reserve assigned to the Office of the Washington. Wolfe and I corresponded Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, for a while and when I last heard from COLLECTDBS D.C. him he was in Allentown, Pennsylvania. ITEMS Many an enjoyable hour was spent Then I lost track of him. 2 ALBUMS watching the stage shows at the Earle After I left Washington, D.C. this LIMITED Theatre and listening to the organ. I picture was received. On the back was SUPPLY think the organist was Johnny Slab the inscription: "Taken March 30th, - maybe I don't have that name correct 1945, Tivoli Theatre, Washington, D.C. and if it isn't there are many who To my friend, Carroll Harris whose will be able to correct me. Many hours love for organ music indirectly made LeanardMacClain were spent at the Capitol Theatre the picture possible. I am sincerely, AT THE CONSOLES OF THE listening to Sam Jack Kauffman and Wolfe." his orchestra with Art Brown and The first and last time I heard the BALTIMORE STANTON later Milt Slosser at the organ. I was Washington, D.C. TIVOLI organ really KIMBALL there when Gene Ford was manager played was on Christmas Day 1944 and the and they introduced his lovely tune when Wolfe invited a group of us who WHITNEY ROBT. MORTON "Rain." There were more hours of had to spend our holiday away from GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA fun doing other things in Washington our families to come to the theatre and they are vivid in my memory, but early in the morning. He had worked the picture printed above is the reason $5.50 EACH, POSTPAID on the instrument and to my young Pa. Residents add JOit Tax for this story. and inexperienced ears it was in ex­ Send Check - No C.O.D. I was on my way home from a cellent condition. Then I left Wash­ matinee at the Capitol when I passed ington for the west coast. We corres­ by a restaurant/cocktail lounge and ponded intermittently. He told me he MOBILEMUSIC MART heard some interesting sounds emitted played the instrument for intermis­ Delaware Valley Chapter by an early model Hammond organ sions and then the war was over. The A.T.O.S. in the hands of one Larry Hendricks. last I heard from him was from 416 P.O. BOX 195 The organ had two Hammond Solovox Hamil ton Street, Allentown, Pennsyl­ ABINGTON, PA. 19001 units incorporated into it like a third vania.

34 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN released in May. We will keep in touch atre he is making his subject , it is • and "keep the presses rolling." grand to have the same approach in ~. There is one clarification that we the written word. . would like to make. Your reference to There seems to be a truly objective the non-existence of organs in the approach in Mr. Muri's writing , as in ~~ ~ Pittsburgh area theatre is in error. In his speaking. With a fearless approach , ...... the interest of fact, W.P.T.O.S.should gained only by one experienced, and like to point out that to the best of yet not afraid of learning more, Mr. ~ I knowledge there are two theatre or­ Muri is really educating we lesser gans housed in Pittsburgh area theatres : members of the grand art of ORGAN TTT--a;rTTT Manos Theatre ... in how to learn. Indiana, Penna. And again I say ... HURRAH! Letters to the Editor concerning all Robert Morton 2/8 Mary Martin aspects of the theatre organ hobby CA TOE member are encouraged. Send them to the Sou th Hills Theatre editor concerned. Unless it's stated Dormont, Penna. clearly on the letter "not for p ub- Wurlitzer 2/ 6 1ication," the editors feel free to reproduce it, in whole or part. It would be kind of you to insert a memo in the THEATREORGAN mag­

THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 35 Chairman Bob Longfield to the chap­ hood movie houses, including the Great ter's members tells the main story; THELMA BOOMHOWER Lakes, Annex, Birmingham, Royal Oak "George Seaver died suddenly of a The ranks of Detroit's Theatre Or­ and 6 Mile-Uptown. She was also the heart attack, Friday, March 24th at ganists has again been thinned. Mrs. solo organist on the opening night of 8:30 P.M. He was 57 years old. At Thelma Boomhower passed away on the Senate Theatre, now the home of his request, there was no funeral or March 21, 1972 after an extended the Detroit Theater Organ Club. Fol­ service. His body was cremated. illness. Mrs. Boomhower was the widow lowing the demise of live organ music "George was a friend, organist, of Clarence Dudley Boomhower, prom­ in the theatres, she became a music and Vice Chairman-Treasurer, to all inent organist in many of Detroit 's teacher in the Detroit Public School of us and was one of the first mem­ downtown movie houses during the system until her retirement in 1964. bers of Sierra Chapter when it was l 920's and l 930's. During this same She also served as Minister of Music organized as T.O.E.S. (Theatre Organ period, Mrs. Boomhower was solo for the Embury United Methodist Enthusiasts of Sacramento.) He had organist in many of Detroit's neighbor- Church for many years. □ held the position of Vice Chairman­ Treasurer since T.O.E.S. became Sierra Chapter, ATOS. He was probably the first person that each new member became acquainted with, because he was our organist and because of his warm smile and genuine friendliness. "To call George an organ enthusiast would be an understatement. He was an organ fanatic and would play any­ thing from an electronic spinet to a large theatre pipe organ with equal enthusiasm, and he could cover the range from Bach to rock. George was Complete our only member who played theatre organ well enough for concert or lngraving movie and without him our past series of silent movies would have been all but impossible, for he played them all with the excellent showmanship and Service training he had acquired during the days he played theatre organ for forthe Pipe Organ HuiMer an~ Repairman "Publix" in . "George took all matters as seriously as he did organ playing, and as Vice DRAW KNOBS Chairman-Treasurer he spent long hours DRAW KNOB STEMS working on Taxes, Insurance and Bank­ DRAW RODS ing Accounts for Sierra Chapter. FLAT FACES (for wooden Draw Knobs) Strangely enough, just two weeks ago, STOP KEYS (all styles) at our last meeting, George has TILTING TABLETS jokingly written "Let George Do It" Supnl1erPISTONS on his name tag, and truer words PLATES (Builders and name) were never written for he not only of... Exact Replicas copied from the Original Wurlitzer accepted all club jobs assigned to him Factory engraving Templates. Tablets made from · but volunteered for more. He was new Blanks (Mottled now available). particularly anxious that Sierra Chap­ Old Wurlitzer Keys cleaned off and re-engraved. ter have its own organ, and though All the items listed above we mold in all sizes, he did not live to see that project a shapes and many colors. reality, perhaps in the not too distant future we will have a "George Seaver CUSTOM INJECTION MOLDING Memorial Organ." "His sudden passing came as a great shock to all of us, but especially to those of us who were close personal friends of George and Charlotte (Charlie). It's a worn out phrase, but it does tell the whole story - we' 11 miss him very much. Our deepest P.O. Box 386 • 720 N. Mulberry Street Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 sympathy is extended to Charlie, Telephone (301) 739-5911 daughter Debbie Sponable and son Mark.

36 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN GAYLORD CARTER, using the 4/36 Simonton Grande Wurlitzer , is adding special musical scores to some Mary Pickford silent classics.

~ Directed by Lyle W. Nash CONTRIBUTIONS, comments and questions will be welcomed to P.O. Box 113, Pasadena, California 91102. WHERE ARE THEY? - Portland, WHEN Paramount produced "The Oregon fans used to contact film American Venus" (1926) they selected player Jack Beutel at 1455 SW Barrow Esther Ralston to play the goddess of Lane, Portland, 97208 ... Signe Hasso love and beauty in the film about the Wurlitzer List still lives in Los Angeles and has a new Miss America pageant which included film out soon ... Dancer Hal LeRoy Miss America - Faye Lanphier. It As a result of the article appearing (yes, the lanky tap dancer of the early was an excellent casting choice. The in the last issue, orders for nearly 100 sound films) made an appearance last tall, talented and stately blonde pro­ copies of the Wurlitzer List were re­ month in Las Vegas. Fans often contact jected charm, beauty and glamour. ceived by April 25, 1972. From this, him through the Lambs Club, NYCity She was an ideal actress for the scores it would appear that the minimum ... A Midwest cinema hobbist says he of films Paramount turned out that requirement will be received within believes Lili Damita lives in Fort Dodge, were light, frothy, daring and escapist the next few weeks. Iowa . . . Eleanor Boardman is re­ comedy melodrama. Judd Walton reports that the project ported living in the Santa Barbara area is now undergoing the final IBM key­ ... Harry Langdon, Jr., 37, son of the punching, hopefully to be completed famed silent film funny man, is a EVER since we started this par­ in 30 to 35 days. There will follow much-in-demand Hollywood still agraph parade we've hoped to find the final proofreading, last minute photographer. ER and have an interview. We did. updating, and final checkout before We got her telephone number by calling the actual printing and assembly is information and in seconds there she undertaken. He is waiting for three THE MICHIGAN theatre, Detroit's was with her vibrant, modulated , more specifications to complete this glittering rococo movie palace and pleasing voice. She sounded great. phase of the publication, one in New monument of the great movie years, York, one in Miami and one in Ellin­ has become a night club. wood, Kansas. "NO, I have not finished it yet You are again urged to let Judd ~ . . but I am working on it," was her know of your intent to purchase a CLOSEUPS - Rudolph Valentino's answer to our question about her life copy of the list. Send no money - custom made 1923 Avians Voisin was story. "The problem is that I've not had just a card to him at the California auctioned last month ... Tom Brown enough scandal in my Zif e and the Farm Bureau Federation, 2855 appears in the ABC -TV show General lack of it makes for slow going. My Telegraph Ave., Berkeley, CA 94705. Hospital ... Variety says Corinne daughter Mary lives nearby, my son Griffith put $10,000. into the George Ted is due home from the Asian war Wallace political pot . . . Alice Terry and daughter Judy is a recording-and­ is feeling fine ... Bessie Love appears singing personality in Connecticut. " in Sunday Bloody Sunday Claire Windsor proudly showed her ~ great-grand children to friends at a ER SAID: "I am a lighting con­ recent Hollywood happening. sultant. I am qualified to wire, install and advise in the use of home chan­ deliers. The idea is not new. For years I have been doing home decorating CHARLIE Chaplin's Walk of Fame and always was interested in it - even star is located at 6751 Hollywood when I was still active in films ... I Boulevard. Nearby are the stars of love it . . . Oh, yes. Friends may Ilka Chase, Ken Maynard, Al Jolson, write me at Week's Road, Queensbury, Richard Barthe/mess, Richard Arlen New York 12801. I enjoy hearing and Frank Albertson. from fans and the young people, too." Final keypunching of the Wurlitzer list is being completed in the California Farm ~ Bureau Federation's Data Processing De­ partment. The first I BM Computer run will OLIVIA de Havilland shafts TV NEXT MONTH we'll have more of follow immediately. Shown checking the this way: "It is slave labor." the ER interview and some of her list are from left, Burt Hurch, computer operator; Kathy Fard, programmer and tab favorite role choices. Meanwhile, she'd operator; Don Baillie, Data Processing super­ love to hear from you. visor; and Carol Gilman, keypunch operator.

THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 37 BEEHIVE On Sunday, March 19, Beehive Chapter members were treated to a very special performance at the Arcade Theatre, in . It was a Charlie Chaplin movie entitled The Rink, accompanied by Mike Ohman. After the movie members were invited to play the organ. eHAPTERNOTE~ This was fun for the members, but one member, the host, was the most delighted of all, Calvin Christensen owner and installer of the organ. Tha{ ALOHA On March 26th, over 50 chapter day was his birthday and also his members and their guests met socially public musical debut. He hastened to Aloha from Hawaii! The now­ add that he had been taking lessons for second-newest chapter (congratulations once again in the Penthouse party room of Aloha chapter members John and only two weeks. to West Penn Chapter!) has been keep­ Cal bought the theatre in July of ing busy the last couple months. Grace Jenkins' apartment building. (They're chapter treasurer and sec­ 1971 from his father, Mr. James On Sunday morning, March 19th retary). The event was a farewell pot­ Christensen, now retired who had we presented our second concert of luck dinner and party for organist owned and operated the theatre for the year at the Hawaii Theatre fea­ forty years. Cal and Mrs. Christensen turing guest organist Elbert La Chelle Elbert La Chelle and Aloha chap George Krecji. Guests were treated to had recarpeted, painted and redec­ at the 4/16 Robert Morton. a beautiful view of the city of Honolulu orated the theatre. Elbert has played theatre organ at sunset and live organ serenades July was a big month for the accompaniment for vaudeville as well Christensens. Through Bob Castle of as elaborate stage productions and silent ( electronic, unfortunately!). On April 16th the chapter held Denver they bought a 2/7 Wurlitzer films. In addition, he's played at the­ a long business meeting, followed by style E that had been in storage since atres along the Pacific coast and was chapter member Dan Engelhard, giving it had been removed from one of staff organist for CBS and several a very informative talk on the com­ the Famous Players Theaters in Pueblo radio stations in the West. The Aloha position and construction of pipes, Colorado. ' Chapter was fortunate indeed to have chests and offset chests. Those who The percussions and Bass pipes are him as guest organist. were able to stay found it very in­ behind the screen on the left side the Following the concert, the chapter teresting, and Dan has been asked to pipes behind the screen on the right. hosted members, guests and friends at continue "class" in the future. The console is in front of the screen a reception in our Chapter Room, On Tuesday, May 30th the Aloha making it easy to play for the organ: backstage at the theatre. It's always Chapter and Consolidated Amusement ists because of good balance and con­ a pleasant time to meet new friends Co., owners of the Waikiki and Hawaii trast. and explain the chapter's activities. Theatres, will present "flicker fingers", The organ had it's grand debut in We often have one or two organ-buffs Gaylord Carter, in concert at the Salt Lake on Friday, February 25, visiting from the mainland. Hawaii Theatre, accompanying "The 1971, when Gaylord Carter accom­ Winning of Barbara Worth", with Gary panied the silent movie great The Mark Cooper. of Zorro . His sing-alongs and his great This event also coincides with Con­ personality plus his musical talent de­ solidated Amusement's debut of an lighted the audience. "Encore" Theatre exclusively featuring Mrs. Christensen said that many motion pictures from the silent days old-timers while buying tickets for and the 'Golden Age' of Hollywood. The Mark of Zorro said that it would The chapter is certainly behind be good to hear an organ in the Arcade this effort and any publicity gained again. for the theatre organ in the midst of Thanks again to Cal and Mrs. Chris­ this "nostalgia" can only be beneficial tensen for bringing back to life another to the chapter and the ATOS. pipe organ and sharing it with ATOS And remember, when you're in members and many grateful Salt Lakers. Honolulu be sure to say hello. If you MAXINE V. RUSSELL can let us know in advance when you '11 be here, we'll arrange to "organ" -ize your visit. Our chapter host, John DeMello, may be reached at 1264 CENTRAL INDIANA Kalaniiki, St., Honolulu, Hawaii 96821, On March 12th over eighty members telephone (808) 3 73-3076, or through attended our monthly get-together at Aloha Chapter guest organist Elbert La the Consolidated Amusement Co. Chelle at the console of the Hawaii Theatre's the home of Mrs. Ada Fisher in Indi­ 4/16 Robert Morton. Aloha! LOWELL ANGELL anapolis. At the business meeting plans

38 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN were discussed for the special con­ Festival" and besides that the theatre replete with show tunes and old fa­ cert to be presented on May 12th had an organ regularly used for in­ vorites, climaxed with a sing-along, featuring Johnny Kemm on the Lowery termission music and sing-alongs. And with which he coaxed the audience electronic organ in a benefit per­ so it was decided that these films would into top singing form. His comments formance to raise funds for the in­ be presented by CATOE as "silent" from the console put the organ buffs stallation of a theatre pipe organ in the films in private showings with organ into a rollicking mood so they belted auditorium of Manual High School in background. With the organist follow­ out the songs like professionals. It has Indianapolis. Prior to the concert, Mr. ing the original scores with some hope­ been said that CATOE has the best Kemm and local ATOS officials will fully effective deviations, the audiences sing-alongs and Tony sure proved it. be interviewed on a popular local TV literally "flipped." With a few more comments from talk show to explain the purposes of I must humbly admit to having Doug, the "City Lights" were turned our organization and to discuss spe­ been the organist for these shows. I on for all of us, marking a new year cifically the Manual High School pro­ have always wanted to do film work. of CATOE history. ject. Following the business meeting My real debut was Laurel & Hardy's Many organists today rely on tech­ guests were entertained by Tim Needler Liberty in a Downers Grove Concert. nical values, speed , velocity and shock­ and Jimmy Boyer playing Mrs. Fisher's Later came a Chaplin reel for the ing harmonies. Paul Swiderski relys 3-manual Conn electronic complete Niagara Frontier. Preparation for the only on music that he enjoys playing. with external pipe speakers and a CATOE presentations of Modern Times In turn his audiences enjoy listening newly-installed theatre Glockenspiel. and City Lights was an in-depth ed­ and a true musical experience is con­ Open console time followed with many ucation in film accompaniment. Since sumated. Paul made his CATOE debut members trying the instrument into the Charlie Chaplin had composed his own at the Lyons Township High School wee hours of the evening. scores for both films it was in many Social where he coaxed the resident The April meeting was hosted by cases a choice between his ideas and 3/21 Moller into an effective per­ Chairman Tom Hawkins in his home ours. The more you listened to his formance on March 25. Paul is cur­ in Greenfield, Indiana. Our special concepts, the less you thought of your rently the assistant organist at the guest for this meeting, Gay Crandall, own bright ideas. Elm Rink and plays every Thursday entertained the membership on Tom's TONY TAHLMAN night. Conn 642 with her own delightful A busload of members were aug­ organ artistry so much enjoyed on a mented by several carloads venturing regular basis by patrons of the San It was a bright Saturday morning forth in a spring trip to the wilds of Francisco supper club in Anderson, March 11, when our genial Secretary Indianapolis on April 22. Lee Erwin Indiana. Doug Christensen, stepped up to the at the console of the Rivoli Uniphone, Future events scheduled include microphone to present his introduction a midnight theatre party and a visit our annual May visit to the Kokomo, of our second Chaplin program at the to Frank May's restoration of the Indiana, home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Carnegie Theatre, starring Tony Tahl­ Chicago "WLS" pipe organ at Breezy May in which is installed a 4-manual man. From the first moment, a mood Lane in Kokomo, Ind. made the trip Wicks-Barton theatre pipe organ of of warmth and friendliness was set very interesting. 18 ranks and still growing! For the for the entire program. On Saturday April 29 members summer months we are hopeful of This presentation was a rare op­ congregated to hear "Yngve" a tracker returning to the Embassy Theatre in portunity for CATOE: first, to be able pipe organ that Jack Olander and the Ft. Wayne to hear the artistry of Mr. to present the show in a relatively Keyboard Ensemble class of Maine Buddy Nolan on the 4/ 15 Page ac­ new theatre with one of Chaplin's Township High School had modified companied by the piano stylings of most famous silents - City Lights in and rebuilt. As an added treat Samuel Mr. Dyan Pfeffenberger on the Em­ excellent quality 35mm print and Nygren of Sweden gave a lecture bassy's concert grand. This duo pos­ second to have the complete coop­ demonstration of the tracker organ itively sparkled during our October eration of the theatre and its new and had with him his personal ex­ visit last year as they presented show Conn Theatre Organ and most of all hibition of Swedish organ art. tunes and Strauss waltzes in their to hear one of CATOE's most dynamic Once upon a time, not so very special concert for our membership. and talented organists, Mr. Tony Tahl­ long ago, the teen men of CATOE RUTH HAWKINS man. He spent weeks of concentrated banded together into a group and effort perfecting the musical score for called themselves the "Motley Crew'.' CHICAGOAREA the film as well as selecting the tunes Members of the crew hail from all Long before anyone ever had any most appropriate to his concert and over Chicagoland and have since in­ inkling of the possibility of the tre­ sing-along. And al though the organ had volved themselves with theatre organ mendous tribute that ultimately would a plurality of sound effects. Tony in­ tuning, construction, cleaning, and be accorded to Charlie Chaplin, Chair­ stalled his own chimes, bells, whistles, most of all, playing. man Bill Rieger brought up the idea auto horn, siren, etc., which he dis­ One of their special ties is out-of­ of having CATOE present shows fea­ pensed with the accuracy of a well­ town organ crawls. Numerous week­ turing Chaplin's Modern Times and timed computer. While City Lights is ends have been spent working at the City Lights with organ accompaniment. basically sweet, tender, and emotional Coronado Theatre in Rockford, Ill. CATOE member Andy Antoncyck story, it has its comedy sequences, Two weekend tours to Milwaukee manages the Carnegie Theatre in down­ and Tony's musical score matched were arranged by Fred Hermes, Chair­ town Chicago and they just happened every situation. man of the Dairyland Chapter of to be in the midst of a "Chaplin The first half of the program was ATOS. They also traveled to Stevens

THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 39 Point, Wisconsin to hear Jim Benz­ 's NBC Show. miller at St. Stanislaus Church. A visit Bill is one of the original theatre to the Joliet area was very interesting organists who hasn't forgotten how and a late spring trip to Detroit, the melody goes, and what chord goes Michigan is being planned. with it. In spite of his long association We hear constantly about the gen­ with drawbars, he tackles registration eration gap. This group of dedicated orchestrally as well as any composer young teen-men working together, would orchestrate a score. In utter learning T /0 techniques, inst rumen ts, defiance of his age, he gets around and the thousand and one other de­ the console nimbly and easily. tails involved, have eliminated this Bill selected a program which could gap as far as"Motley Crew" Chief Jack have spelled disaster for some artists, Smith is concerned, by keeping busy. as it contained no less than six classic Jack extends many thanks to the orchestral compositions. This is where parents for their trust. Bill had us spellbound. His registration BILL RIEGER constantly evoked illusions of an orch­ estra located in the chambers with some startling instrumental passages CONNECTICUTVALLEY "Fantasy on the Opera 'Carmen'," Our eleventh birthday was cel­ "Overture to Orpheus in Hades," and ebrated on February 12, 1972 with a Tchaikovsky's "Slavanic March" which meeting at the Waterbury Hammond brought the audience to its feet in Organ Studio. Program Chairman, unison at the last chord. Charles Putney surprised us with a Perhaps the most interesting ar­ pre-meeting concert demonstration of rangement was "Broadway After Dark" Everett Bassett in concert, State Theatre, the Arp Synthesizer by a represen­ Waterbury. which contained several familiar broad­ tative of the Tonus Company. way themes in a musically pictorial It appears that the electronic organ Ev has a musical and very listenable tour of the big city. Bill's most realistic manufacturers have jumped to the style, and delights in producing tunes musical effect of bustling traffic with synthesizer as a new toy, with the that all of us but he has forgotten. How startlingly convincing taxi horns was Wurlitzer in orbit, and others using many readers recall "The Song is in self-contained add-on synthesizers. For My Heart," "The Lady's In Love With those who wonder what a synthesizer, You," "Guilty," "Home," and "I'm is, it is an electronic organ capable of Through With Love"? playing only one note at a time, with It suddenly struck me, while controls for producing different tone listening to the Wurlitzer, that here qualities, attacks and other elements is Grandfather Synthesizer, capable of sound waves, rather than stops as of playing many notes all at once, such. The Arp was interesting, pro­ with myriad effects and tonal variety, ducing many instrumental effects from orchestral effects and gadgets 1ike a unit not much larger than its key­ "second touch?" It struck me how board. One of the outstanding in­ some of the sounds seemed so real, ventions in this instrument is "second especially the Clarinet, Flute, Glock­ touch." Now there is a really new enspiel, Chimes, Drums and traps, and idea! Press the key harder, and you golly-gee, a Tuba. get a different effect. What will they The chapter presented its second think of next? official concert at the Thomaston We then departed to the State Opera House with an excellent pro­ Theatre to hear Everett Bassett at the gram by Bill Dal ton. The name was 2/10 style 205 Wurlitzer, opus 2016. familiar, but few of us had ever heard This instrument was donated to the Bill play. chapter a couple years ago in the Now living in Connecticut and RKO "giveaway", but the owners of teaching in the Hartford area, Bill the building contested ownership, Dalton studied at Ohio State, and RKO's lease ran out, and the organ under such teachers as Bert E. Williams, remains in its home, where it should Henry Foan of Westminster Abbey, be. London, and Pietro Yon of the Vatican, Everett has kept the organ in re­ Rome. Starting as a pianist at age pair since 1945, and knows it well. twelve, he was engaged to play organ The console has been moved from solos at Loew's Ohio Theatre in stage right to the center of the orch­ Columbus, Loew's Richmond, the Byrd estra pit, and a section of "pit fence" Theatre, Richmond; the Birmingham in the center was made removeable Paramount , and Radio City Music '\ for use of the organ. Hall. His radio and TV work includes Bill Dalton .. : Thomaston Opera- House.

40 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN undoubtedly the surprise of the Kissel, project coordinator, his assis­ of two Harold Lloyd short comedies, evening. tant, Bruce Skovmand, Frank Sher­ a group of Cole Porter tunes, a com­ Here is a real musician who simply wood (who was largely responsible munity sing, and then the feature plays a delightful concert without for installation of the organ lift), film, Buster Keaton in The Navigator. flashy gimmicks. Bill Dalton. Harold Donze, John Hoffman, Chester And to top off the evening, Gaylord It came as a complete surprise when Myers, Robert Brower, and Frank presented the last film that Buster a letter from our hard-working mem­ Sele. The principal item of ATOS Keaton made, a film featuring a trip ber, John Starr was read, offering his business transacted at the meeting across Canada from the Atlantic to Crystal Palace theatre organ and silent was the approval by the membership the Pacific on the Canadian National movie museum to the Connecticut of an addition to the chapter by-laws Railroad. Buster rode a railroad Valley Theatre Organ Society, Inc. concerning the disposition of chapter "speeder" all the way, with very en­ The Crystal Palace in Goshen, Conn. assets in the event of dissolution of the tertaining results, especially when he has been John's "baby" for many chapter. This provision in the by-laws turned the speeder into a duck blind months. The arched-ceilinged auditor­ was required by the Internal Revenue to help him get a better shot at some ium which houses the Allyn Theatre Service as a part of the recent granting geese. Gaylord provided the organ chandeliers, an ever growing Wurlitzer, of tax-free status to ATOS. During the accompaniment for the trip. It was a and other memorabilia is slated for Jam Session which followed, several delightful evening of Theatre Pipe opening late this year. members tried out the big Robert Organ entertainment. Lawyers for both parties are setting Morton Theatre Organ including Bob SAM DICKERSON up details under which John Starr will Meeker, Deke Warner, Fernand Martel, retain life use of the facility, while and Adele Thiele. Rose Diamond was MOTOR CITY the Connecticut Chapter will acquire eyeing the console when your reporter the museum as its home. left so I suspect she may have played The Redford Theatre was once We believe this is another first for a bit too. again filled to capacity on Tuesday, the chapter, and one which holds On Sunday morning April 16th March 21, when the Motor City Chap­ much promise for the future. We are the place to be was at the Wiltern ter presented Dennis James at the grateful that John Starr has been so Theatre where Scott Gillespie presented newly rejuvenated 3/ 10 Barton. The generous, and will announce further another fine concert. Scott is well audience reaction on hearing this details as they develop. known as one of the organists at youthful performer for the first time, AL MILLER Larry Bray's "Organ Loft" in Salt Lake was overwhelming. City. The outstanding selections on his After a delightful mini-concert, a program were the Mormon hymn good old-fashioned sing-along, com­ LOS ANGELES "Come, Come, Ye Saints" and the plete with vintage hand-painted song Southern California organ activities rarely heard but always enjoyed music slides, the faces of Laurel and Hardy continued at a brisk pace after the from the "Mikado" by Sir Arthur appeared on the screen. busy month of February with its Great Sullivan. To round out a day of The­ Dennis explained before the start Western Regional Convention. On atre Organ there was a jam session at of the feature film, the 1927 mystery, March 19th Helen Dell presented the Elks Building in the afternoon. The Cat and the Canary, that his a very fine concert in the continuing accompaniment would be almost spon­ Sunday morning series sponsored by Two events of interest to Theatre taneous, for due to the nature of the the Los Angeles Chapter at the Wiltern Organ buffs in the area were the plot, regular reoccurring themes were Theatre. She played a varied program Open House on April 6th and the not well suited to this film. The result with something for everyone including Flicker Fingers show on April 15th, was a fine film score, which seemed "The Song of Herod", "I Love to both featuring the ATOS installed to draw us into the action, with Hear You Singing", "It's Impossible", Wurlitzer at the San Gabriel Civic brilliantly executed musical climaxes, "Dambusters March", and "Pastoral" Auditorium. The Open House was coming one after another. Dennis was (Richard Purvis). And the outstand­ sponsored by the City of San Gabriel very much at home at the Redford ing music of the entire concert was to show off the features of the audi­ Barton and we look forward to having Helen's playing of the wonderful tunes torium to the citizens of San Gabriel him back again. from Oklahoma - all of them. The and to the general public. Tours of the The following evening, Dennis con­ Kimball organ has never sounded building were conducted and stage ducted a Theatre Organ Master Class at better, with the rain damage repaired equipment and the extensive stage DTOC, sponsored jointly by the by Leonard Worne and his crew of lighting facilities were demonstrated. Detroit Theater Organ Club and the miracle workers. Neal Kissel and his crew provided the­ Motor City Theatre Organ Society. On April 11th the chapter held it's atre pipe organ displays in the lobby In the style of an organists workshop, Spring business meeting at the Elks which attracted much attention from each participant performed two se­ Building in Los Angeles. Councilman the more than I 500 persons attending lections which Dennis critiqued. The Walter McCarthy of the City of San during the day, Jonas Nordwall played Blower, the chapter newsletter, pub­ Gabriel presented Certificates of Merit concerts on the Mighty Wurlitzer at lished a suggested list of theatre organ on behalf of the City Council to eight 3, 6, and 9 PM. The Flicker Fingers theory courses in publication, in ad­ members of the ATOS crew who presentation with Gaylord Carter at dition to recommended collections of worked for over 3 years to install the the console was a huge success with theatre organ arrangements and solos. 3/16 Wurlitzer in the Civic Auditorium. only a few empty seats in the 1500- We highly recommend to any chap­ Those receiving the awards were Neal seat auditorium. The program consisted ter considering booking Dennis James

THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 41 for a public program that they also Marr and Colton shares space in his quick registration, which was done to ask him about scheduling a Theatre large roomy basement with an as­ perfection on probably the smallest organ Master Class for the benefit of sortment of coin operated amusement instrument he has yet performed on chapter organists. machines. The action of the upright publicly, the 2/7 Biggest Little Wur­ An American Legion Hall in Royal piano, playable from the console, is litzer at the Rahway Theatre. Oak was alive with activity as nearly visible through the glass paneled front. BOB BALFOUR 100 chapter members, not discouraged Work on the 3/13 Barton in the by the dreary rainy weather outside, Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor is NIAGARA FRONTIER turned out for our fourth annual progressing so well that a sneak pre­ On March 14 youthful Dennis James banquet on April 16. Many tried their view for chapter members is planned displayed his ever-increasing talents hand at the three-manual Conn theatre for June 11th. and mastery at the console of the organ, loaned for the day by member DON LOCKWOOD Riviera's 3/ 12 Wurlitzer. Frances Morehead. He presented a well-chosen program NEW YORK A highly successful Round-Robin that included some favorite standards organ crawl to hear and play theatre While readers of this magazine have and many popular tunes of the Twen­ pipe organ installations in the homes been following the exploits of some ties, Thirties, and Forties. At this of three chapter members was held on of the better known "senior" organ­ concert, Dennis initiated our newly­ Sunday, in April. Gathering at the ists who have been traveling the nation added pit drums. Royal Oak Theatre at 10:30 a.m., with silent film and organ shows, it A special feature of this crowd­ over 100 members listened to or played is refreshing to see the emergence of a pleasing show was Dennis ' rendition of the 3/ IO Barton and toured the cham­ new talent, especially one of the "now" "String of Pearls" , during which time bers before splitting into three groups. generation. the stage drapes parted to reveal Alex Floyd Bunt had just finished putting Young Dennis Jam es has been Rene and his Big Band Sound - a 15- the finishing touches on the rein­ touring the country for just a few piece band that plays the sounds of the stallation of the 3/8 Page in his new years with these silent film and organ Forties. As the drapes opened, they home. After being in storage for several shows, and on Wednesday, April 5, picked up where the organ faded, and years, it was a treat to hear this nicely he added another milestone to his the group performed some of the more balanced instrument, with its glittering rapidly ascending star as he held an famous dance band selections. silver and gold key desk, sounding audience spellbound at Rahway, N.J., The audience was well pleased with once again. accompanying The General, starring this exciting evening of organ and The gold and white French style Buster Keaton. The amazing thing dance band music. (Musical entertain­ console of Mert Harris' 3/11 Wur­ was, Dennis had only seen the film ment such as this is almost a thing of litzer is situated at one end of his once before, and had never accom­ the past.) spacious living room, enough distant panied it. Those who were in at­ Don Thompson made his second from his two pipe chambers, housed tendance are still marveling at the Riviera appearance to a warm and in the former garage, to permit a fantastic job he did, rivaling, if not receptive audience on April 19. There pleasing sound that is not over-power­ surpassing similar endeavors by others was a standing-room-only crowd that ing to the listener. Two separate sets of longer standing fame in this de­ evening; in fact, some patrons had to of swell shades help to regulate the · partment. A further credit to his be turned away. volume. artistry was his ability to keep the Don's instant rapport with his at­ Roger Mumbrue's 3 / 19 "mostly" audience enthralled with his lightning tentive listeners drew him closer to their hearts. His excellent program held a host of wonderful compositions ' . . d done in the rhythmic Thompson style. Y ou re 1nv1te .... The second half of Don's concert "behind the opened with "The Riviera," a selection from The Boyfriend. Also comprising the second half of the show were GREENDOOR" some of 1920's and l 930's most pop­ WITH ular hits: Busby Berkeley production numbers, a rag, and a novelty tune or two. He lowered the console with the Tonv~ Tahlman "immortal" Mickey Mouse march. AT THE 4-24 SHIRLEY COLE ELMSKATING CLUB THEATREPIPE ORGAN SEL ECTIOHS INCLUDE: NORTHERN CALIFORNIA GreenDoor, Haney, Honey, INCLUDED WITH RECORDIS Quiet Village, Hungry, A real treat was hearing for the first A COMPLETE STOPLIST Telstar, HonkyTonk time on pipe organ Father David Shaw. A CUSTOMFIDELITY STEREO RECORDING Lost In The Stars, and more We had heard the Father on electronics on several occasions and knew he had $5.50 POST PAI O order from ELM Roosevelt & Butterfield,Elmhurst, II.60126 a style which would come over big CONCERTMANAGEMENT: A. HURCIK, 1280 S. LLOYD, LOMBARD, ILL. 60148 (312) 627-5541 on the real thing. Shaw opened with a nice number and then told the chap-

42 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN ter members that "to dispel any pre­ tivated from the console tabs. (Now, conceived notions due to my clerical there fellows, is the way to settle grab" he proceeded to put "The Strip­ those arguments!) Thanks, Dave, for a per" through its usual bumps and very enjoyable afternoon! grinds in a rousing interpretation. That Our appreciation, as always, to the did it! Most of the rest of his program managements of the establishments were familiar pop tunes done in a where we hold our meetings and to swinging up-tempo style. The Avenue the technicians who keep the instru­ Theatre's 3/14 Wurlitzer was in good ments going. We in Northern California hands. Thank you Father Shaw! are very, very lucky to have so many fine theatre organs in excellent playing condition. WARREN LUBICH and DEWEY CAGLE Larry Vannucci at the Cinema-21 Robert Morton. - ( Lubich Photo) NORTH TEXAS Morton. Recently moving to the Bay Area from Salt Lake City, Reese has Our Christmas meeting in late 71 had a lot of pipe experience at the was a great one, held at the E.M. Bray Organ Loft. The Wurlitzer console Johnson home in North Dallas. The came from the Sacramento (Calif.) whole family are organ buffs, with Majestic Theatre, the balance of this Dad doing the planning detail, Mom Wurlitzer became the heart of handling administrative detail and sub­ the famed Granada, Tooting, London sistence, Son serving as Chief Tech­ installation in England. David's pro­ nician and Daughter as Chief Organ­ gram included both "oldies, but good­ ist. Their installation of a 3/ 11 Wur­ Father Shaw at the Avenue Wurlitzer. (Lubich Photo) ies" and contemporary selections , all litzer, acquired from a church (yes , it's of which were well arranged to show a theatre organ) in Corpus Christi, is Our next meeting took us back to off the organ and its special effects. really something. There were over 40 two old friends - the 2/6 divided The organ boasts a wide variety of members and guests in attendance , Robert Morton in the Cinema-21 - percussions, a real steam locomotive yet plenty of conversation and listening and our regular chapter artist, Larry whistle (run on air) , thunder and space, without one interfering with Yannucci. Larry had not prepared a lightning effects, and a special feature the other. Even with Christmas dec­ program as such, but just played them of a three speed tibia tremulant ac- orations in the room, it was very neat as he was inspired. After a few in­ and spacious. troductory remarks, Larry spoke not a Various members took turns at the word for the next two hours. But his console with everything from Christmas music spoke for him - and it was one carols to "Alley Cat". One outstanding of Larry's best concerts yet! He knows performer was Lew Williams , an 18 this instrument inside and out "like year old Organ Major from Texas the back of his hand." He has given Christian University. Lew is at home it loving care for about 25 years , with with any phrase of organ playing, a hardly a week going by without at great talent, from whom we'll all be least one session on the little gem. hearing more. He's good on theatre When Yannucci is good, he is very, organ "oldies", pops, or Bach. very good. And - this was one of The March meeting of the chapter those times. was at the Dallas home of Gordon L. Next it was a meeting at a new Wright , where he has installed a 2/7 location - the Bella Roma Pizza in Wurlitzer acquired from the Orpheum

Martinez with David "Fats " Reese David Reese at the Bella Roma Wurlimorton Theatre in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Needless playing the 3/ 14 Wurlitzer / Ro be rt (Lubich Photo) to say, this was another interesting ;, I ~- • REMEMBER - . -:~-~- \,_(, • :· ...... • \II! IIIJII ,,,,,, ----. . .·. - ' ,, _/j COPY DEADLINE .....;:---- ~ -,,,,., .. •o . FOR THEATRE ORGAN MAGAZINE _: -· , ~ -~------All material to be published must be received at .. ,.':·· • l~ ' ..... P.O. Box 2329, Livonia, Mich. 48154 . .. . . By the FIRST of the month PRECEDING publication -~LEEERWIN · Management. Ted Creech. 306 East 15th St. New York.NY 10003 . Copy for August Issue must be in by July 1st. ~ . .. .

THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 43 session for the chapter, and Gordon's of Mr. Walter Froelich, we obtained a baby-grand player piano and the 3/13 Wurlitzer for the residents of Rodgers plug-in in the music room Old Orchard Beach, Maine. Much of also attracted their share of attention. the instrument was installed under the Several of our more proficient chap­ supervision of Dr. Dwight Leighton ter members serenaded us throughout of Yarmouth. Having been previously the afternoon, and all were highly committed to the monumental one­ complimentary of the job Gordon has man task of rebuilding the fifty-four done with his installation. All speak­ rank organ at the Cathedral of the ing is done by the original pipes. No Imaculate Conception, Dr. Leighton syn the sized electronics. 0 nly the had to temporarily drop the O 1d Earl Sharits and Ronnie Pedley share a switching is electronic. A beautiful Orchard job for approximately two mutual love of the theatre organ. Eleven­ job, technically and aesthetically, years. For most of the members, work­ year-old Ronnie, our gifted youngest mem­ ing on pipe organs of any kind was a ber, will make a brief appearance at the Gordon. Chapter Chairman John Beck's convention. slide tour of the L.A. regional was also new experience; therefore, we felt a meeting highlight. rather inadequate to handle the job on POTOMACVALLEY There is one more chapter meeting our own. Now, because I work a Sunday, March 28 found an un­ this Spring, then a summer activity rotating shift, Dr. Leighton and I work usually well-attended chapter meeting, slump, as there is in almost everything as many Wednesdays as possible and a special occasion, to dedicate former quite frequently Saturdays as well. Dr. during the 100 degree days, and then Chapter Chairman George Johnson's we'll be back with all stops out for a Herbert Hopkins of Old Orchard has 2/5 Wurlitzer installed in the basement very promising 72-73 winter season. spent many hours in refinishing the of his home in Alexandria, Virginia. Meanwhile everybody will be working console and he's doing a beautiful job. Guest artist was long-time member on their pet organ projects and rarin' We will see to it that "Theatre and former Colorado theatre organist, to go come the Fall. Organ" readers get the full story and Earl Sharits (stage name Earle Sherdelle) JORMAN (JOE) KOSKI the plans for the organ in a future who gave two informal and entertain­ issue. ing mini-concerts. Earl's offering of PINETREE RON DRUMMOND old and new tunes and the congeniality This letter is to announce to all his personality bred, prompted the that the Pinetree Chapter is still alive response of over a dozen volunteers something to CROW abou~ .. and well. Although we haven't had during the open console period, the much to report until now, here is an THE ATOS ••~ latter being representative of our mem­ installment on the Wurlitzer obtained NATIONAL CONVENTION bership ranging from our top profes­ in New Rochelle, N.Y. JULY 10 thru 14, 1972 sional to gifted young students and Three years ago, through the efforts reticent but able amateurs. Members

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44 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN Barry and Dorothy Washington mean­ will be among the important features time served refreshments upstairs to at the July 10-14 Convention - "IN those waiting their turn to see and TUNE FOR YOU IN '72". hear Earl play. LUCIEN B. PHINNEY George and Olean Johnson's in­ strument was removed from a church in Arlington, Virginia its original loca­ ROCKYMOUNTAIN tion being the Richmond Playhouse Sunday April 16, 1972 had been theatre in Alexandria. The Wurlitzer planned as "D" day for the last con­ shares basement honors with George's cert on the 3 / 15 Wurlitzer at the narrow gauge (ON3) model railroad. Denver Theatre as on the morrow The organ installation was a Father­ "demolition" was to begin. The in­ Son-Grandson effort, his father P.K. terior remodeling of the auditorium Johnson also being a member and was to start. Several artists from the pipe organ owner, and son David being Denver area had been contacted and an able organ student. a program was set up for six organists The April meeting of the Potomac to perform. As the time drew near Valley Chapter featured former Chap­ the management of the theatre found ter Chairman Ray Brubacher giving a RAY BRUBACHER it necessary because of construction program on the Lem Keller Special at difficulties, to cancel the use of the the Keller residence near Frederick, organ teacher, Associate Editor of theatre. Bob Castle who plays and Maryland. Lem began building his THEATRE ORGAN magazine, WXLN maintains the 4/20 Paramount The­ instrument in 1956. It is now a 4/17 radio personality, movie and still pho­ atre Wurlitzer directly across the street with five sets of tuned percussions. tographer deluxe, organ and player from the Denver Theatre, very gra­ The pipework is Moller, Wurlitzer, piano restorer, recording artist, and, ciously invited the chapter to meet and Reuter; the harp is Link, and the believe it or not, calliope player. The in that theatre. console entirely electrically operated latter has something to do with Ray's The concert by the six artists was with Reisner components. The vibrato love of steam powered machines. He cancelled also but quite a number of units, most of the chests, part of the has been tempted to go AWOL from chapter members tried their hand at relay, and the unique capture system an organ concert engagement when the console. Among them were: Bob which can be set at the keyboard were he has heard the siren call of a steam Castle, of course, Bill Johnston, chapter built by Lem Keller. About eighty locomotive whistle. chairman, Bob Young, chapter pub­ members turned out to hear Ray The Johnson and Keller home in­ licity and several members from Col­ Bru bacher, who is well known for stallations and the Masonic Temple orado Springs, Colorado. his many talents: church organist and organ, as well as organist Ray Brubacher The group from Colorado Springs

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THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 45 are at the present finishing the res­ to silent movie audiences many times. toration of the organ in the Chief It was Jim who broke the news of Theatre. Those from the Chief res­ Mr. Seaver's death to the listeners to toration crew who demonstrated their KHIQ'sFriday night theatre pipe organ keyboard ability were: Rick Mathews music program by way of explanation (King Pin) and his assistants Rod for the sudden disappearance of the Gates, David Church and Mrs. Wynn Seaver and Grant Union organ back­ Wood. This group is about to form a grounded silent movie announcements. branch of the Rocky Mountain Chapter BOB LONGFIELD as they are in the chapters chartered area although about 75 miles away. SOONER STATE Our chapter is awaiting the opening Great excitement was in the air as of Dick and Ruth Lewis' recently At the Carl Greer Inn : Jim Hodges, M.C. -Tiny James - Clyde Derby - Emil Martin. chapter members prepared to visit the completed home organ installation of ( Photo by CI int Savage) Coleman Theatre in Miami, Oklahoma a 3/7 Marr & Colton. The organ is to on the weekend of April 22 and 23. be played by Bob Arndt of Des Moines, George Seaver had no funeral, no The Coleman celebrated the anniversary Iowa in the near future. memorial service. He wanted it that of it's opening over 40 years ago this BETTY ROWE way. He had expressed the wish that month, with a gala film and organ his friends gather around a pipe organ intermission presentation ,just as in the SIERRA and play theatre music. George Seaver's days when the theatre opened. Sierra Chapter of the ATOS had wish was granted; just the way he and Featured at the console of the planned to present another silent pic­ his family wanted it. The location was Coleman 3/7 Style 160 Special Wur­ ture in Sacramento's Grant Union the dining room of the Carl Greer Inn, litzer was Mrs. Charles Puckette, it's High School auditorium on Sunday, thanks to Inn Manager Wayne Thorson; mentor, curator and protector, and also April 16 at 2:00 P.M. George A. the organ was the former Seattle Music an avid member of ATOS. Thanks Seaver was going to preside at the Hall 4/ 16 Robert Morton; the artist to her determination and the help of Kilgen console as he had many times were friends Clyde Derby , Carl Greer loyal ATOS friends, Oklahoma's only before. The picture was to be John Staff Organist; "Tiny" James, Norcal remaining "In House" theatre pipe Barrymore in the Robert Louis Steven­ chapter member; and Emil Martin, organ continues to play. son story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Program Director of McClatchy Broad­ Coming up soon is an organ crawl The event was not to be, nor was a casting Company and sometimes Greer to nearby Muskogee, Oklahoma by program for the students of Grant Inn organist. The artists were intro­ chapter members. The chapter will Union High School set for April 14th , duced by Jim Hodges, Manager of FM have a Jam Session on the 3/7 Robert as you have noted, or will note, by Radio Station KHIQ and the man Morton installed in the now com­ The Closing Chord. who had introduced George Seaver pleted, Muskogee Civic Center, at the

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46 JUNE, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN invitation of Civic Center Manager, capers" by Skinner. Oddly enough he Vernon Laster. kept his promise that this organ could Finishing out the chapter's planned be made to sound theatrical (?). After activities is an upcoming silent movie, an open console session, a tour was slide show, mini-concert program by made behind the swell shades for those Wichita Theatre Organist, Bob Foley, in attendance to discover the source This program is tentatively scheduled of this great sound. A great departure to be presented on the 2/4 Robert from our usual flair, this meeting Morton, located in the Tulsa Masonic proved to be unusually successful. Temple, as a joint ATOS Masonic Our sincerest thanks to Dave Thurman Temple project. for his efforts on our behalf this day. South Florida Chapter is pleased

to announce that the chapter has been Vice-chairman Ray Wulff, Reginald Foort, SOUTH FLORIDA offered the complete cooperation in Jane Harvey and Chairman Steve Fitzgerald revamping of the former Olympia The­ at the Wulff residence. February 27th found us making atre Wurlitzer in downtown Miami in responsibility the green light was given the short trip up the Gold Coast to conjunction with the Miami Philhar­ South Florida Chapter for refurbishing the residence of Ray Wulff in Boca monic Society. Prior to being ap­ the "sick" organ. The auditorium is Raton. Our own Reggie Foort had proached by our chapter the Philhar­ now being completely refinished to allowed time from his busy schedule monic Society had not made any its original Eberson Atmospheric con­ attempt to include the organ in its dition under a million dollar grant, refurbishing project, currently under­ with the Philharmonic anticipating a way. After recognizing that the ATOS mid-October opening. was a nationally organized group of G. W. GERHART CLASSIFIED ADS Classifiedads are carried at 20 cents per word, per insertion. No chargefor first ten words for members.

FOR SALE - 3 rank Wurlitzer black cap FOR SALE - 3/ 10 Kimball Theatre organ string chest 61 notes each $300.00 Skinner entirely restored and playing in home for Reginald Foort at Ray Wulff's homemade 61 note metal bar Harp; Musette 61 notes over 10 years. Asking $5,200.00. 6 Rank console in Boca Raton. Dennison $400.00; Kimball Spitz Flute Kimball Theatre organ ; no console, 16' Celeste 2 ranks; Spencer Orgoblo 1½ hp - 4' Kimball Tuba with chests including to come and do a program during the 6½" static, 3 phase $50.00 Joseph P. Tibia Chest, 2 Va x Humanas, Unda Maris, afternoon on Ray's 3/9 Skinner res­ Sammut, 432 Chestnut Avenue, San Bruno, Dulciana, Aeoline, Gamba, Viola, Tuba, idence installation, the console of which California 94066. Lieb. Gedeckt, 5 rk Dulce Cornet mi xture. 2 Xylophones, Tuba and a Kimball 4 manual has been built from scratch by Ray FOR SALE - 1 Kilgen Tracker Organ - keyboard and pedal board. Write or call for himself. Needless to say, this was a 2 manual 9 ranks. 1 Orgoblo blower - 1 complete I ist and prices. Allan Day, 15 W. superb match, the organ and Reggie Horse power. 1 Set Audsley's Art of organ Harrison, Oak Park, Ill. 60304 (312)848-8537 Foort, with Reggie remarking this was building, 1st Edition. Misc. or (312) 968-2255. one of the finest home installations relay boards. 1 M.P. Moller 4 manual horseshoe console Opus 4802 Modernized FOR SALE - Four manual theatre pipe he'd ever played. Those in attendance case. Some player piano actions. L. L. Craver, organ. 29 ranks, Three Tibias. Playing in were indeed enthralled by the master R5 Box 268, Lockport, 111.60441. large residence. Complete with Traps etc. musician. Reggie did quite a bit of Phone : Wilmington, Delaware. 302-994- story telling relating to the giant Moller FOR SALE - Custom made "Allen Theatre 0543. traveling organ he'd had back in Eng­ Deluxe" organ; two manual, walnut console, 3 external decorative walnut speaker cab­ FOR SALE - 16' Wurlitzer Metal Diaphones, land during the "golden days". With inets; 32 note pedal board , two independent $200.00. Kimball Harp, $200.00. photographs to bolster the many events expression pedals for Flute, Reeds and H. Morch, 127 Belmill Road, Bellmore, in Reggie's life we were really able to Strings. Like new - owner moving out of N.Y. 11710. share at length his fabulous career. state. Cost new $9,700. - will sell for $7,700. A.R. Johnson, 147 Walrath Road, HELP WANTED - Organist for sales train­ Bouquets to Reggie for his magnificent Syracuse, N. Y. 13205. Phone : (31 5) 469- ing. Victor Pianos & Organs, 300 N.W. 54th presentation in the very intimate setting 1 273 or (31 5) 834-9370. St., Miami, Florida 33127. Phone : (305) of the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ray 751-7502. Wulff, to whom we are most indebted FOR SALE - 3 manual Marr & Colton for their gracious hospitality. single rail, horseshoe console; $750.00 or WANTED -4-manual 22 to 32 rank console; best offer. 8' Aeoline - perfect condition either Wurlit zer, Kimbal I, Marr & Colton or March 19th our chapter was guest $750.00 or offer. For details contact G.E. Robert Morton, State mak_e, size, condition of chapter member David Thurman Rickert, 4121 Blanchan Ave., Brookfield, and price . Need one badly. Address : Bo x at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Ill. 60513. 317, APO San Francisco, Calif. 96334. Miami where the 4/52 Aeolian/Skinner FOR SALE - Allen Positiv, used only in Will buy or trade Organ tapes - opera. was brought forth in the grand manner. concert $5990. Victor Pianos and Organs, Have 5000 hrs. misc. Especially need Craw­ Mr. Thurman was featured during the 300 N.W. 54 Street, Miami, Florida 33127. ford-Dunstedter - and old timers. Rouse, afternoon in what he called "organ Phone: (305) 751-7502. 1126 N. St. Clair St., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15206.

THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1972 47