JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY

VOLUME 12 - NUMBER 2 APRIL, 1970

NEW YORK CONVENTION PREVIEW

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. ,, -~.... -.:· . THE COVER PHOTO This 3/ 10 installed in Sacramento, Califor­ nia in 1926, moved to Tooting, England in 1931 and is now a 4/ 14 Wurlitzer. Story begins on page 5. Journal of the American Theatre Organ Society In This Issue Volume 12, Number 2 FEATURES April, 1970 5 Granada - Tooting, London, England ...... Ralph Bartlett 10 Wurlitzer Shipping List Progressing A.T.O .S. National Membership is $8.00 per cal­ 11 Chicago's Uptown Theatre ...... Joseph DuciBella endar year, which includes a subscription to 12 Resume of Tulsa Board Meeting THEATRE ORGAN, the official publication of 13 It's Brite in the San Luis Valley ...... Dr. E. J. Mullins the American Theatre Organ Society . Single 14 Silent Movie Accompaniment #4 ...... Col. Harry Jenkins copies : $1.25 . Make check or money order 16 Nominees for National Board payable to A.T.O.S., and mail to P. 0. Box 20 Letter From New York 2329, Livonia, Michigan 48150. 21 Snippets from England ...... Tony Bernard Smith 24 New York Convention OVERSEAS Membership: $8.00. 26 Time Surrounds a Wurlitzer ...... Ray Brubacher ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION 27 A Salute to Ron Willfong EXCEPT ADVERTISING SHOULD BE 28 Here We Have Idaho ...... N. R. Kelley, M.D. SENT TO A.T.O.S. PUBLICATIONS 30 Why Move to Canada? ...... John Muri P.O . BOX 2329, LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48150 31 Original Theatre Organ Music ..... Lloyd Klos 31 Analysis of Membership Gain ...... ADVERTISING ADDRESS: Dewey Cagle, 3291 ....Lloyd Klos 32 Convention Information Guido Street, Oakland, California 94602. 36 Sooner State Regional Pow Wow * * * 40 Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries A.T.O.S. National Officers TECHNICAL Albert T. Mason , President 8 Unification - What ls It? Part 2 Allen W. Rossiter, Vice President ...... Stu Green Dorothy Whitcomb, Secretary-Treasurer CONCERT REVIEWS Betty Mason, Executive Secretary 12 Helen Dell in San Diego A.T.O.S. National Board of Directors 16 Lee Erwin in Binghamton ...... Ted Creech 22 King Kimball Lives Again ...... Lee Erwin ...... Grant Whitcomb 31 Eddie Dunstedter in San Francisco Ben M. Hall 34 John Duffy Plays Triplicate Concert ...... Peg Nielson Fred Kruse Dorothy Wh itcomb DEPARTMENTS Gaylord Carter 3 President's Message 19 Nuggets from the Golden Days W. "Tiny" James 4 Acre of Seats 41 Chapter News 13 Hollywood Cavalcade Allen W. Rossiter 47 Classified Ads Richard Simonton 17 Vox Pops Richard H. Schrum, Past President A.T.O.S. Honorary Members PRESIDENT'SMESSAGE 1959 - Jesse Crawford The good will and enthusiasm found in such good measure in the Sooner State 1960 - Farny Wurlitzer 1961 - Mel Doner and cooperating chapters in the area , will be remembered in the future in the same 1962 - Leonard MacClain way the Bismarck convention has been remembered. Maybe we have found another 1963 - Eddie Dunstedter way to meet and exchange news - more regional and multi-chapter affairs. This 1964 - Reginald Foort was a mightv effort on the part of a small young group. Ron Willfong demonstrated 1965 - Dan Barton the leadership we need nationally . Keep him in mind. 1966 - W. "Tiny " James Those who missed the Tulsa meeting missed much. Anyone missing the Fabu­ 1967 - Erwin A. Young, Jr . lous Fifteenth will just have to sit back and listen to the ones that did attend 1968 - Richard C. Simonton because this will be quite a convention - one we have been hoping for , for man y 1969 - Judd Walton years. Artists and theatres galore and the driving leadership to put it all together EDITORIAL STAFF is a happy combination that we are fortunate to come up with in 1970. Editor - George Thompson We have two new chapters - Cedar Rapids and Toledo. Many of the old ones Associate Editors - Ray Brubacher now have a new lease on life and starting off in new directions. With the new and Lloyd Klos Peg Nielsen restored college installations , some of the high schools are finding fascination in the Editor-Emeritus - W. "Stu" Green mighty pipes . The John Dickinson High School story in this issue, and the Downers Publications Director - Don Lockwood Gro ve installation by CATOE will prove that the youth of today are interested in Advertising Manager - Dewey Cagle the live, vital theatre organ sound and their fresh cooperation will make it possible Circulation Manager - Vi Thompson for many of the older chapters to enjoy new life. THEATRE ORGAN (title registered U. S. Patent The National Board meeting in Tulsa resulted in new resolutions of coopera­ Office) is published bi-monthly by the American tion which should resolve most of our difficulties of the past and give us a good Theatre Organ Society, Inc., a non-profit or­ ganization, Albert T. Mason, President. All start as a Society. From California to New York , from Florida to Puget Sound , if rights reserved . Entire contents copyrighted we all pull together, nothing can stop our growth. See you in July. 1970 by A.T.O.S ., Inc., Office of publication is P.O. Box 2329, Livonia, Michigan 48150 . Printed by Detroit Master-Craft, Livonia, Mich­ igan 481 .50.

POSTMASTER: Second Class postage paid at Livonia, Michigan. IF UNDELIVERABLE, send form 3579 to A.T.O.S. Circulation Department, Box 1314, Salinas, California 93901. Al Mason, President ~ .4;: 2 ATOS 3 ARCHIVESI LIBRA.Ry theatre organ by Bill Peterson - Number 20 in a series LOEW'S KINGS THEATRE - BROOKLYN, NEW YORK The Kings is another magnificent house from the drawing boards of Rapp and Rapp, with a capacity of 3,676. One of the five Loew's wonder theatres, a Robert Morton 4/26 organ was installed for the opening in 1929. The baroque splendor of this house looks today much as it did on opening day. THE GRANADA TOOTING, LONDON Story by Ralph Bartlett Photos by John D. Sharp

"Rhapsody in Blue" and the name of In 1934 Harold Ramsay went on a that brilliant organist was disclosed as tour of the English provinces and the Harold Ramsay. Later to become musi­ popular system of guest organists com­ cal Director of Granada, Mr. Ramsay menced at Tooting. One of the first was had specialized not only in rebuilding Donald Thorne, to be followed by existing organs but also enlarging many Harry Farmer. Then came Lloyd others including the Christie instru­ Thomas and many others of star fame. ments at the Century, Stratford and the Robinson Cleaver who recently recorded Granada, Enfield. True to his reputa­ this particular organ for Concert Re­ tion, Harold Ramsay's touch was soon cording, joined the group early in evident at Tooting where this latest 19 3 8 and recalls that on return from In the early months of 1931, the Wurlitzer was enlarged by the additions Denmark, his first broadcast item from of a large scale Gamba and a second Tooting was the tone poem "Finlandia". residents of Tooting, a South West Tibia, thus making the organ as it is It was also around this time that Lloyd District of London, interestedly watched today. Thomas and Stuart Barrie made a series the growth of a large new cinema in of interesting 78's for Regal Zono­ Mitcham Road. Later on 2nd Septem­ Mr. Ramsay featured the instrument phone. ber, the building was formerly opened in a B.B.C. broadcast on the 29th De­ and the people who entered gazed with cember of that year and it was he who The outbreak of war in September wonderment at the large baronial en­ exploited to the full, the possibilities 1939 brought with it the blackout and trance hall. Magnificent also were a of the "phantom" grand piano not only for a time complete chaos. However dazzling hall of mirrors, great stained in the theatre itself but also on radio within three weeks, theatres and cine­ glass windows glowing like a blaze of and records. Harold Ramsay had com­ mas re-opened and the "mighty" Wur­ jewels and the floodlight ceiling fretted menced to record 78's for Decca in litzer then found itself on "active serv­ with glowing blues and golds. The June 1932 but he switched to Parlo­ ice" being featured in many B.B.C. architecture had been designed by phone the following year. From the broadcasts and introduced in many Komisarjevsky in romanesque-gothic U.S.A. he also brought over Don Baker foreign languages. To name all the or­ style and the National Press described to open the second Wurlitzer to be pur­ ganists who appeared at this instrument it as "the most romantic theatre ever chased by the Company at the new would take too much space but suffi­ built." Empire ( later to be renamed Granada) , cient to say that brilliant stars like To most people however, the prin­ Edmonton, in North London. Don also Reginald Dixon, Robinson Cleaver, cipal interest was the organ console appeared at Tooting where he recorded Stuart Barrie, John Madin, Dudley which rose from the depths of the or­ a very remarkable and now very rare Beavan, Lloyd Thomas, Thomas Dando chestra pit. This instrument had in fact 78 disc of "The Big Bad Wolf". and Leslie Simpson to name but a few been playing less than seven weeks earlier in Sacramento, California, The interior of the Granada. U.S.A., having been installed there in November 1926 as a three manual ten unit instrument. EmToR's NOTE: This organ appears on the Wurlitzer ship­ ment list as #1523 Style H, shipped to the Majestic Theatre, Sacramento, Cali­ fornia on November 29, 1926. Since it is shown as an "H" model without designation of "special", it would indi­ cate the organ was a two manual ten rank instrument. However, it may have been shipped as a three manual job but not stated so, which sometimes hap­ pened. Now at Tooting it was making its appearance as a four manual, twelve unit instrument plus a grand piano attachment. On the opening night, the Wurlitzer was played by Alex Taylor whose first 78's on it were released by the British Decca Record Company that same month. · In May 1932, . the Granada patrons were however very curious when a "Mr. X" was advertised to ap­ pear at the console. His signature tune

5 theatre organ appeared either for radio or normal presentations during theatre operation. Following the "Battle of Britain" in 1940 came the long nights of the blitz and many patrons found it preferable to sit in the Granada and sing to the organ music rather than wait at home for what might descend from the skies. Granada's main Thus the sing-songs there became al­ chamber. most an institution while organists played themselves almost to sleep. It became more or less the rule, rather than the exception to play tune after tune until well into the early hours, sometimes as late as three or four a.m. At Tooting with an organ placed until the blower became almost red hot. rebuild and this took place between under the stage and "speaking direct Many of the "Granada boys" had of March and May of that year. The to the audience", one can shudder to course joined the Forces and donned chambers were completely stripped and imagine the effect of an English Horn khaki, navy or air force blue and when backstage the dressing rooms became on leave they invariably came back to workshops where everything was thor­ chorus in the first dozen or so rows of seats. However a glance at the specifi­ keep the shows going. During a short oughly cleaned, overhauled or re-placed cation will prove that the whole pro­ 24 hour or week-end pass from some before final re-assembly. In full splen­ vides an interesting organ tone wise. isolated and lonely base, it is certain dour, the organ was re-opened on 1st The English Horn for example, blended that many wives must have groaned at June 1953 by Robinson Cleaver with a with the Gamba, Tuba and Clarinet seeing them depart for a Granada in­ special slide presentation entitled "Or­ makes a very pleasant and well known terlude. gan Cavalcade" or "The Tooting Gra:. nada Organ makes history". Broadcast­ sound familiar to British audiences The organ had certainly done a mag­ ing from the theatre was resumed on both in the theatre and over the radio. nificent job under all circumstances and 3rd July of that year by John Madin so after the war a reward was agreed in and from then on, the instrument re­ The organ is installed in two cham­ the form of a partial re-build. The en­ sumed as a regular feature with weekly bers under the stage with the blower suing years saw the instrument in use organ interludes, radio and special alongside and contains the following as much as ever for solo interludes, shows. units: - variety accompaniment, broadcasts and the recording of L.P.'s for American It may perhaps be thought that an Dia phonic Diapason ..... 16 Decca by Robinson Cleaver. EDITOR's instrument originating in 1926 would Tibia Clausal 2. (T.C.) 16 NOTE: The Tooting Wurlitzer was prob­ have much of the "orchestral organ" Concert Flute 16 ably the most recorded organ as far as tone associated with say, the New Gal­ Gamba .... 16 American record collectors were con­ lery Theatre in London's Regent Street. Violin (T.C.) 16 cerned since the Robinson Cleaver al­ This however is not so with the Tooting bums were widely distributed by Decca. Wurlitzer although those who prefer ex­ Violin Celeste ...... 8 Other notable British recordings did not tension of the reeds will find them in Clarinet (Main - left side) ...... 8 seem to enjoy this advantage. However the revised specifications of the organ Tibia Clausal 1...... 16 as time passed, cyphers and other small at the Gaumont, Manchester. This par­ Orchestral Oboe 8 troubles became very common and it ticular instrument which was also de­ Saxophone 8 was soon realized that the organ was signed by Harold Ramsay, was installed Vox Humana (T.C.) ...... 16 in need of much greater attention than in 1935 and although strangely enough could be given at maintenance visits. this cinema was also built by Granada Kinura ... 8 In early 1953, it was therefore decided it was sold to Gaumont British before English Horn ...... 8 that Wurlitzer should give it a complete opening its doors to the public. Harmonic Tuba ( Solo - right side) . 16

Hall of mirrors leading to circle. Foyer looking towards main entrance.

april 1970 Close-up of manuals and stopkeys. SPECIFICATIONWURLITZER UNITORGAN INSTALLED ATTHE GRANADA TOOTING.

PEDAL 2' Piccolo 2' Piccolo (Tibia) Bells reiterating action These registrations are playable both Compass32 Notes 16' Piano 2' Piccolo (Tibia) (30 Notes) 32' Acoustic Bass 8' Piano 2' Fifteenth Ten Adjustable from three manuals and the pedals 16' Tuba Profunda 4' Piano 2' Piccolo Combination Pistons which also operate the usual range of 16' Diaphone Mandolin attachment 1-3/ 5' Tierce 16' Tibia Clause Marimba reiterating 16' Piano PERCUSSION tonal percussions , traps and effects in­ 16' Bourdon (49 Notes) 8' Piano Harp (49 Notes) 4' Piano Marimba reiterating cluding a Marimba Harp and Stage 16' Gamba (49 Notes) 8' Harmonic Tuba Chrysoglott (49 Notes) Marimba reiterating Snare Drum (49 Notes) Harp (49 Notes) Grand Piano, the latter available at 8' Diaphonic Diapason Cathedral Chimes 8' Tibia Clausa Tambourine Harp (49 Notes) 16. 8. 4. The fourth manual is devoted Castanets Cathedral Chimes (25 Notes) 8' Tibia Clausa Sleigh Bells (25 Notes) 8' Saxophone Chinese Block (25 Notes) entirely to tonal percussions and traps Tom Tom Sleigh Bells (25 Notes) Xylophone (37 Notes) 8' Gamba Glockenspiel (30 Notes) 8' Clarinet SecondTouch Xylophone single and the fact that it is not even coupled Bells reiterating (30 Notes) 8' Cello 8' Harmonic Tuba (37 Notes) Chrysoglott (49 Notes) bears out the fact that the organ started 8' Flute 8' Diaphonic Diapason Xylophone reiterating Snare Drum life as a three manual instrument. 4' Octave 8' Clarinet (37 Notes) 16' Piano Cathedral Chimes Glockenspiel (30 Notes) Crosh Cymbal The console is situated centrally on Bass Drum, Second Touch Xylophone reiterating Bells reiterating (30 Notes) Cymbal (Also available at Triangle Chrysoglott (49 Notes) Tambourine a slow lift , the chambers being placed First Touch) Tambourine (tap) Sub Octave Castanets Kettle Drum, Second Touch Ten Adjustable Unison Off Chinese Block Six Adjustable on either side with the shutters opening (Also available at Combination Pistons Octave Combination Pistons vertically into the orchestra pit. En­ First Touch) Second Touch Crash Cymbal, Sec. Touch GREAT 16' Tuba Profunda GENERAL trance to the two chambers is through (Also available at Compass61 Notes 8' Tibia Clausa 8' Clarinet First Touch) 16' Tuba Profunda Two Expression Levers doors at each end of the passage which Cymbal, Second Touch Ten Adjustable 16' Diaphone Combination Pistons One Balanced Crescendo serve the dressing rooms at the rear of (Also available at 16' Tibia Clausa Pedal First Touch) 16' Tibia Clausa (Ten. C) Two General Tremulants the stage. Each chamber has a second Three Combination Toe 16' Contre Viole (Ten. C) SOLO One Tuba Tremulant door which allows tuners etc., to visit Pistons 16' Bordon One Vox Humana 16' Gamba Compass61 Notes Tremulant either without having to come back to ACCOMPANIMENT 16' Vox Humana (Ten. C) One Double Touch Compass61 Notes 8' English Horn 16' Tuba Profunda Sforzando Pedal the main passage. 16' Contre Viole (Ten. C) 8' Harmonic Tuba 16' Diaphone (First Touch - Full 16' Bourdon 8' Diaphonic Diapason 8' English Horn stops (Wind) During visits of the two main clubs 16' Vox Humana (Ten. C) 8' Tibia Clausa 8' Gamba (Second Touch - Full to the Granada, Tooting, perhaps you 8' Harmonica Tuba 8' Tibia Clausa 8' Harmonic Tuba (Everything) 8' Diaphonic Diapason 8' Saxophone 8' Diaphonic Diapason One Double Touch may have helped to make up the audi­ 8' Tibia Clausa 8' Clarinet 8' Tibia Clausa Sforzando Pedal 8' Tibia Clausa 8' Gamba 8' Tibia Clausa (First Touch - Snare ence and it is assumed that the great 8' Clarinet 8' Kinura 8' Saxophone Drum) attraction has been the sound of this 8' Gamba 8' Orchestral Oboe 8' Kinura (Second Touch - Bass 8' Kinura 8' Violin 8' Orchestral Oboe Drum & Cymbal) magnificent instrument plus the named 8' Orchestral Oboe 8' Violin Celeste 4' Gambette Vibraphone attachment 8' Violin 8' Concert Flute 4' Harmonic Clarion Played by Five Toe Pistons organist appearing that day. In these 8' Violin Celeste 8' Vox Humana 4' Octave Auto Horn sad days of covered consoles gathering 8' Concert Flute 4' Gambette 4' Piccolo Fire Gong 8' Vox Humana 4' Harmonic Clarion 4' Tibia (Piccolo) Steamboat Whistle dust and just waiting to prove they 4' Gambette 4' Octave 4' Piccolo Horse Hoofs 4' Piccolo 4' Piccolo Marimba reiterating Bird Effect can still speak to enthralled audiences, 4' Piccolo (Tibia) 4' Piccolo (Tibia) (49 Notes) Door Bell - push button it is hoped that the Tooting Granada 4' Viole 4' Viole Harp (49 Notes) Short stop keys 4' Octave Celeste 4' Octave Celeste Cathedral Chimes Horse Hoofs will long continue to act as a beacon to 4' Flute 4' Flute (25 Notes) Surf 4' Vox Humana 22/3' Twelfth (Tibia) Xylophone (37 Notes) Bird lovers of the theatre organ. D 22/3' Twelfth 22/3' Twelfth Glockenspiel (30 Notes) Fire Gong reiterating

7 theatre organ TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT "Unification"What is it? by Stu Green

PART 2

In the first installment we studied a 2 / 13 straight organ to better understand the later appli­ cation of extension/unification to its original 13 churchly ranks. We first applied extension and we open this concluding installment with something of a monstrosity - our original organ over­ unified to a 75 stopkey console! We thank author E. A. Boulden and Britain's "Cinema Organ Society Journal" Editor, Charles E. J. Hayles who gave the BOMBARDE permission to reprint portions of Mr. Houlden's "The Wurlitzer Organ."

PEDAL GREAT SWELL To refresh memories, the orthodox organ we conjured Diapason 16 Diapason 16 Diapason 16 (for an eventual transposition to a unified organ) had the Bourdon (flute) 16 Bourdon (flute) 16 Bourdon (flute) 16 Bassoon (Oboe) 16 Bassoon (Oboe) 16 Bassoon (Oboe) 16 following completely independent ranks: Trumpet 16 Trumpet 16 Trumpet 16 Salicional 16 Salicional 16 Salicional 16 PEDAL GREAT SWELL Diapason 8 Diapason 8 Diapason 8 Flute 8 Flute 8 Flute 8 Double Open Double Open Oboe 8' Dulciana 8 Dulciana 8 Dulciana 8 Diapason 16' Diapason 16' Trumpet 8' Oboe 8 Oboe 8 Oboe 8 Bourdon 16' Open Diapason 8' Celestes 8' Trumpet 8 Trumpet 8 Trumpet 8 Salicional 8 Salicional 8 Bass Flute 8' Flute 8' Salicional 8' Salicional 8 Celestes 8 Celestes 8 Celestes 8 Dulciana 8' Octave (diapason) 4 Octave (diapason) 4 Octave (diapason) 4 Principal 4' Flute 4 Flute 4 Flute 4 Fifteenth 2' Dulcet 4 Dulcet 4 Dulcet 4 Oboe 4 Oboe 4 Oboe 4 If the principles of unification/ extension are applied, the Trumpet 4 Trumpet 4 Trumpet 4 Salicet 4 Salicet 4 Salicet 4 basic 8' voices are "extended" downward to provide a 16' Celestes 4 Celestes 4 Celestes 4 manual and pedal octave, and upward to obtain the 4', 2' and Twelfth (flute) 22/3 Twelfth (flute) 22/3 Twelfth (flute) 22/3 mutation pitches. Thus the 13 ranks and 706 pipes of the Twelfth (salicet) 22/3 Twelfth (salicet) 22/3 Twelfth (salicet) 2213 Fifteenth (diapason) 2 Fifteenth (diapason) 2 Fifteenth (diapason) 2 orthodox organ could be reduced to 607 pipes and 7 unified Piccolo (flute) 2 Piccolo (flute) 2 Piccolo (flute) 2 ranks, thusly: Salicet 2 Salicet 2 Salicet 2 Tierce (flute) 13/5 Tierce (flute) 13/5 Tierce (flute) 13/5

16' 8' 4' 2' 13/s' If this were carried out in practice, it would obviously be rather unwieldy, and in any case, many of the stops Diapason Diapason Octave Fifteenth would be quite unnecessarily duplicated. The specification Bourdon Flute Flute Twelfth Piccolo Tierce would be adjusted to give a result on these lines: Dulciana Dulcet Bassoon Oboe Oboe PEDAL GREAT SWELL Trumpet Trumpet Trumpet Diapason 16 Diapason 16 Diapason 16 Salicional Salicional Salicet Twelfth Salicet Bourdon 16 Bourdon 16 Bourdon 16 Salicional 16 16 Celestes Celestes Bassoon 16 Bassoon Trumpet 16 Diapason 8 Trumpet 16 Salicional 16 Flute 8 Salicional 16 Note that no attempt has been made to change the ranks Diapason 8 Dulciana 8 Diapason 8 to theatrical voices when the voices were unified; the sound . Flute 8 Oboe 8 Flute 8 Oboe 8 Trumpet 8 Dulciana 8 remains orthodox, or "churchly." We will remain with these Trumpet 8 Salicional 8 Oboe 8 tonalities throughout this article to provide a constant against Salicional 8 Celestes 8 Trumpet 8 Octave 4 Salicional 8 which we can make some ,y startling changes. And what Flute 4 Celestes 8 changes! While we have reduced our basic ranks from 13 Dulcet 4 Octave 4 Oboe 4 Flute 4 to 7, look what happens when the unification idea is allowed Salicional 4 Dulcet 4 to run wild! Mr. Houlden, please take over. Celestes 4 Oboe 4 Twelfth (flute) 22/3 Trumpet 4 Twelfth (salicet) 22/3 Salicet 4 From this layout 25 registers are derived compared with Piccolo (flute) 2 Celestes 4 the 13 of the orthodox organ. In this case it also requires Salicet 2 Twelfth (flute) 22/3 Fifteenth 2 Twelfth (salicet) 22/3 less pipes although this does not always follow. Now we Fifteenth 2 make all these registers playable from all the manuals and Piccolo (flute) 2 the pedal board with the following result: Salicet 2 Tierce (flute) ]3/5 april 1970 8 The extension/ unification of all seven ranks of pipes makes intermanual couplers quite unnecessary on this small organ, although many such organs are equipped with them. On larger organs where space on the console for stopkeys ( or draw­ knobs) is at a premium, full extension of all ranks becomes impractical, and often solo reeds, for example, appear at only --Notes --- Missing one pitch, to be extended, if necessary, by couplers. For example, a 4-manual, 36-rank unit organ with each stop avail­ able at 16-8-4 or each manual would devote 432 stop controls to just that task. Fifteenth 2' However, manual-to-pedal couplers are useful on any in­ .______Octave 4' strument, regardless of size or degree of extension. They make Open the pedals more versatile. So we would expect both Swell-to­ FIGURE 9. ------Diapason 8' Pedal 8' and Great-to-Pedal 8' couplers on our emerging .______Double Open unified organ. Diapason 16' The reader may have noted another change which took place when we redesigned the orthodox instrument to a uni­ Three C's are m1ssmg, because the unit keys draw on the same pipe for the highest note of the Diapason 16' chord and fied organ - the transposition of manual functions. On the the lowest note of the Diapason 8' chord. C's are missing orthodox organ the Great manual (usually the bottom manual from the Principal 4' and Fifteenth 2' chords for the same on a 2-manual organ, or second manual on larger consoles) reason - the unit system of extension. is the most emphatic manual. It has the big diapasons and mixtures and the resources of the other manuals couple down Is this such a grievous fault? It depends on the point of to it. The Great is generally considered the most important view. The "traditionalists" find it unforgivable; the theatre manual. organ buff may be just as musical as the greybeard, but he doesn't miss the absent notes, and states, somewhat mis­ But on the theatre organ the function of the bottom manual chievously, that the orthodox organ achieves much the same is chiefly accompaniment, while the upper manuals have all result with sub-unison 16' and octave 4' (intra-manual) the extra extensions, mutations ( Twelfth, Tierce, etc), tonal couplers. percussions and solo reeds. The next-to-bottom manual on a unit organ has the most versatile and colorful array of speak­ There is a far more serious audible effect than that related ing stops. In comparison, the bottom manual with its accom­ to missing notes. paniment flutes, soft reeds, strings, harp and non-tonal (accent) Ref er once again to figure 1 ( and the two explanatory percussions, is not half so impressive. paragraphs which follow it in the previous installment). Note Is the purist's objection to the unit system based only on once more the many pipes of the orthodox organ which are theory, or are there effects which can be demonstrated? identical in pitch. In each rank there are 25 notes which have the same pitch as 25 in any of the other three ranks. Let It can be stated that the application of unification results Mr. Houlden make th~ statement. in something which is audible. Suppose a C chord - middle DOUBLE OPEN I l pa 125 1a7 j49 161 I DIAPASON 16' j C, E, G, C - is played on the Great manual of an orthodox I I organ and the stops "on" are the four ranks we started with, I I : I I : OPEN I I 1a I 25 Ia7 l49 j 61 the Double Open Diapason 16', the Open Diapason 8', Prin­ DIAPASON 8' j I I I I cipal 4' and Fifteenth 2'. They would sound the pitches shown I I I I I I I in figure 8. PRINCIPAL 4' I t-: 1__ .,.:1_a--+:2_5_-+:a_7_~l~49-----t: 61 I I I I I I I I I I I I I FIFTEENTH 2' I I Ii 11a I25 !37 149 61 I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I : I I t I I I I I Ii 1a :2s I37 I49 ; 61 pa : 85 I 1 197 ....._._span of manual (5 octaves)..__, FIGURE 1. _ Fifteenth 2' These pipes may be the same in pitch but not necessarily in .______Octave 4' tone. Herein lies the crux of the reams of correspondence Open .______Diapason 8' poured out during the years in which the "straight" versus FIGURE 8. "extension" controversy raged . .______Double Open The stops Double Open Diapason 16', Open Diapason 8', Diapason 16' Principal 4', and Fifteenth 2' were deliberately selected as an example as they form part of a complete Diapason Chorus. The sound is that of four chords, each with four notes - In a "straight" organ, as already explained, these four stops 16 pipes. Now play the same 4-note C-chord on the manual would each have 61 pipes but the scaling of these four ranks of a unified organ with the Diapason 16', 8', 4' and 2' drawn. may be different. This means that although there are 25 pipes The pipes sounding will be as shown in figure 9. in each of these ranks which are absolutely identical in pitch

9 theatre organ with 25 pipes in each of the other three ranks, the tone, al­ And, it should be pointed out, a Tibia Tierce is not un­ though Diapason tone, may, in each case, be a different common. "shade" of Diapason tone by virtue of different scalings. All What is the purpose of these stops which seemingly play four ranks, none-the-less, should blend together. "off key"? Very briefly, mutations are used to augment in For the number of shades of Diapason tonal possibilities, pitch, brighten or add color to other stops or combinations consult a dictionary of organ stops. Many pages are devoted of stops. They are also used to create, synthetically, other to the various types of Diapason. tone colors. The standard example is the synthetic "clarinet" Although the theatre instrument must forego th~ big Diapa­ which often appears on the stop rails of small organs. This is son Chorus by reason of the extension/ unification system, this synthesized from Flute 8' (preferably without tremulant) and in no way handicaps the instrument. It has little need for such Flute 2-2/3' (Twelfth), with Flute 1-3/5' (Tierce) often an array of stops and gets along very nicely with its unified added for another clarinet timbre. Diapason, which is usually relegated to the accompaniment However, the use of switching within a rank of pipes (flute) department and voiced to support solo stops in combination to obtain these pitches economically leads to another tonal with flutes and strings. The most common Diapasons found fault. The pitch of the 12th tone above a given note, for on theatre organs are: Open Diapason, the Diaphonic Diap­ example, doesn't fall quite on the natural 3rd harmonic, which ason ( usually leather lipped), Horn Diapason and String provides another argument the purists love to use to condemn Diapason. So much for Diapasons. unification. But in this area it takes a very sensitive ear to There is one more area we must discuss to complete our distinguish whether the mutation is from a separate, "perfect­ study of the complications arising from unification - Mixtures tuned" set of pipes or one derived through "borrowing," in and what are called "mutation stops" in the U.S. Back to which case tempered scale tuning applies. In either case it is Mr. Houlden. the clash of harmonics that obtains the desired tonal effect, as The subject of Mixtures is, indeed, one of some complexity organ expert Bonavia-Hunt points out. and as they are very rarely found in a Wurlitzer, the interested Let's sum up. We have learned the difference between the reader is advised to refer to standard books on the organ for orthodox organ and theatre organ concepts; how the former more detailed information relating to their composition and is divided into independent "departments," with ranks of pipes function. In passing, it may be mentioned that the basic func­ tied to a single manual while in the latter each rank is a tion of Mixtures is to complete the tonal spectrum of the "unit," playable from all or nearly all manuals. We have seen Chorus on the orthodox organ. how the unit rank of 97 pipes can effectively replace what on However, arising from Mixtures is the matter of stops which a theatre organ would be a cumbersome 244-pipe Diapason when "on" do not sound the unison or octaves of the notes Chorus, but at the loss of a few notes the T.O. enthusiast played on a manual. The three such stops to be found in never misses; how the units (or ranks) are extended in com­ almost every Wurlitzer are the Twelfth (fiute) 2-2/ 3' and pass to accommodate sub-unison (16'), octave ( 4') and super Tierce (fiute) 1-3/ 5' both derived from the Flute unit, and octave (2) extensions of a rank, not to mention the mutations Twelfth (tibia) 2-2/ 3' derived from the Tibia Claµsa unit. at 5-1/3', 2-2/3' and 1-3/5' which can be obtained from an Twelfth (flute) 2-2/3'. Suppose the Twelfth (fiut~) 2-2/3' is existing Flute or Tibia rank just for the cost of switches, "on" in the Great manual group and the lowest note (C) on relays and stopkeys. We have noted that the functional em­ the Great manual is played. The pipe in the fiute rank sound­ phasis of the manuals on orthodox and unit organs is quite ing is the G, 12 notes of the diatonic scale above the note different. played. This applies to all notes played within the compass The difference in scaling within a Diapason Chorus which of the number of pipes in the Flute rank. is most important to an orthodox organ but of little impor­ tance in a theatre organ which abounds in perhaps less subtle Tierce (flute) 1-3/ 5'. Suppost the Tierce (fiute) 1-3/ 5' is shades of variety. And we have dealt with the mutation stops "on" in the Great manual group and the lowest note (C) on the which have no life of their own but add zest to many areas of the Great manual is played. The pipe in the fiute rank sound­ registration. That is our explanation of unification, and we ing is the E, 17 notes of the diatonic scale above the note again thank Mr. E. A. Houlden of England for the basic played. This applies to all notes played within the compass of material contained herein ( which we confess to embellishing the number of pipes in the Flute rank. ever so slightly) and to the Cinema Organ Society of England Twelfth (tibia) 2-2/3'. Exactly similar to the Twelfth (fiute) for permission to reprint portions of the Houlden article from 2-2/ 3' but applicable to the Tibia Clausa rank of pipes. its periodical, The COS Journal. □

WURLITZER LIST Quite recently, Walton stated, im­ very possible that significant numbers of portant new documents have been 1 these lost organs may be traced. BEING UPDATED located which reveal with certainty the The Wurlitzer shipping list updating Walton reports that hundreds of let­ meaning of the numbers appearing on ters have been written and scores of project has been progressing at a rapid the switches which are part of the relay pace during the past six months, ac­ individuals have helped in the project. switch stack assembly. Anyone who has It is hoped that this project can result cording to Judd Walton, who is heading a chance is urged to log the number up the project. He reports that of the in an updated list being produced some­ found on the switches, identify if it pos­ time late in 1970. This will be available 2,231 Wurlitzer organs shown on the sible with the organ in which it was original documents, information has to everyone interested at a cost for the originally installed, or was a part of, IBM work involved. been received on 1,595. This leaves a and send this information to Judd as balance of 636 still to be accounted for. soon as possible. This documentation A complete review of the project will The IBM cards still to come in have will undoubtedly help to locate many be presented in "Theatre Organ" at that been distributed to volunteers in the of the organs that are at present de­ time, with the many volunteers who several states yet to report in. It was signated "XX", which is the designation have assisted featured in the article. It is not until recently that volunteers were for "whereabouts unknown." Too many to these people and the many voluntary located in two of the states which had organs have apparently disappeared reports coming from individuals that a heavy "population" of Wurlitzer or­ without a trace, and with the help of full credit must be given for the success gans. ATOS members and enthusiasts, it is of this project, Walton concluded. D

april ·1970 10 sold some years before, and would have arranged an agreement. However, the Uptown is now being installed in the 600 seat Hoosier Theatre. There have been plans to enlarge the 28 ranks to include a 3/ 11 mostly Wur­ litzer, the 32' Diaphones from the Chicago Tivoli Theatre, and various classical ranks to compliment Jesse Crawford's choice of ranks. The con­ sole will be remodelled to accommodate the extra stops in side bolsters, back board, and with miscellaneous toggle switches. The console originally boasted a rare red and gold treatment, but will be changed to white for, apparently, a more unique appearance. The organ by Joseph Duci Bella used very high pressure, for its original home was a large theatre. The Tibia In 1925 Balaban and Katz opened By this time so many ciphers and Plena ( at 16') used 25" of wind. It is the original "Acre of Seats in a Magic wind leaks had developed that B & K hoped the huge instrument, when en­ City" - the Uptown Theatre in Chi­ called in a renowned church organ larged, will not be too large for the cago at Broadway and Lawrence Ave­ builder ( they didn't consult a theatre small 600 seat Hoosier. nues. This is the largest in the Balaban organ technician) who gave a repair Visitors to Chicago would do well to and Katz fleet, originally holding 4,325 estimate in the THOUSANDS of dol­ stop in and see the Uptown, which still persons. This is also the largest by far lars. Because of the high figure given stands. The management is extremely of the many Rapp and Rapp theatres, for the repairs, the organ was put up cordial, and are seeking to maintain the owing especially to the three main lob­ for sale, and purchased by Bea Lankow theatre to the best of their ability. Be­ bies. From B & K's records, Marshall in February of 1963. After only about cause of a union squabble in 1967, all Field and Co. supplied $23,000 worth four hours of work, enough repairs cushions were removed from the Mez­ of furniture, $62,000 worth of drapes were made to present, to selected indi­ zanine and Balcony seats, so the upper (excludes stage drapery), $56,488 viduals , a private final concert. Once floors are closed to the public. Hope­ worth of carpets, and $50,552 worth again the Uptown Wurlitzer, made to fully, they will soon be replaced, so that of seats. Wurlitzer installed a 4 manual thrill thousands, sounded its last to a the full capacity is available when it is 28 rank organ for $52,500. Needless privileged few. It was then removed needed. The theatre is truly magnificent to say, no expense was spared. In and put in storage. in scale, even today, and though a trifle reality , the house was overdecorated; At that time Chicago's Louis Sulli­ soiled, it is still awe inspiring. Soon, after Paramount Publix acquired the van Auditorium Theatre ( 4200 seats) the management hopes to relamp some chain, many art pieces were transferred was looking for an organ to install in of the thousands of bulbs it takes to to furnish the new Michigan Theater the chambers left vacant by the 100 + keep the auditorium well lit. The lob­ in Detroit. rank Roosevelt organ that had been bies are relamped regularly. Jesse Crawford doubtless had some say in the specifications of the organ. He alternated there with A. H. Malotte and Ed House. The organ was used on a somewhat irregular basis until 1962. The Uptown organ remained in use for so long , because a B & K's vice presi­ dent's wife, who had once been an organist at the Roosevelt Theatre, used to drop in occasionally and play for fun. It was, therefore, given some Looking toward right organ chambers. The maintenance over the years. In the mid proscenium opening '30s, the manual post horn ( 8' and up) of the Uptown is un­ and tuba mirabilis ( 4' and up) were usually large as is removed to the Chicago Theatre to the stage space which was built to "soup it up." They are still there. The handle shows of de­ organ was used for the many special luxe dimensions. (See shows held in the Uptown, including Dec. 1968 "Acre of stage shows that returned for awhile in Seats") 1950, and "Queen for a Day" television show that visited yearly and was tele­ vised nationally.

This view of the Uptown Building shows the size of tliis Rapp and Rapp effort. The marquee proclaims "An Acre of Seats in a Magic City." The "L" shaped building gave the architect an opportunity to develop a massive lobby, one of the Uptown's highlights.

11 theatre organ As in so many Rapp and Rapp houses, the· organ was installed through large double doors, opening directly into the huge stage, which measured 110 feet wide, by 40 feet deep, by 110 feet high. It boasts 60 lines of rigging, a 25 foot Major Master Control Lighting Board, and one of the largest pro­ scenium openings to be found in a movie palace. D

GENERALINFORMATION ASFOLLOWS:

RANK SUMMARY 16'-8' (D) 1. Diaphonic Diapason 26. Tuba Mirabilis 16'-8' (B) 16'-4' (D) 2. Open Diapason 27. Bross Trumpet 8' (C) 16'-4' (A) 28. Bross Saxophone 3. Horn Diapason 8' (A) 8' (C) 4. Gamba B'-4' (C) PERCUSSION 5. Gamba Celeste Piano 16'-4' (E) 8'-4' (C) Moster Marimba (C) 6. Viol D' Orchestra Marimba (Exposed) 8'-4' (A) Xylophone (Exposed) 7. Viol Celeste 8'-4' (A) Moster Xylophone (C) 8. Solo String 16'-8' (C) Glockenspiel (Exposed) 9. Salicional 8' (A) Sleighbells (E) 10. Quintadena 8' (C) Orchestra Bells (A) 11. Harmonic Flute Cathedral Chimes (E) 8'-4' (B) Chrysoglott (A) 12. Concert Flute 16'-2' (A) Harp (Ex.posed) 13. Tibia Plena 16'-4' (B) DIVISIONS 14. Tibia Clousa #1 (A) Moin (right, bottom) 16'-l 3/ 5' (C) (B) Foundation (right, top} 15. Tibia Clouso #2 (C) Solo (left, bottom) 8'-4' (B) (D) Bross (left, middle) 16. Dulciana 8'-4' (A) (E) Percussion (left, top) 17. Krumet 8' (A) 18. Clarinet 16'-8' (A) SWELLSHOES 19. Kinuro 8' (C) Bross 20. Vox Humana #1 Foundation 8' (B) Main 21. Vox Humana #2 Solo 8' (C) General 22. Oboe Horn 8' (C) Crescendo 23. Orchestral Oboe 8' (C) POWER SUPPLY 24. Tuba Horn 16'-8' (A) 30 HP Spencer Orgoblo View of the Uptown inner lobby or foyer. Even today it is an awe inspiring sight. 25. English Horn 22.5 Generator It is larger than many theatres.

Helen Dell in San Diego RESUME OF FEBRUARY 20, 1970 NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING After the call to order, an announcement was made that two tape recordings would be made of the meeting - one for the National Secretary and one for the Executive Secretary. The financial statement was presented and we might break even by the end of the year. .Seven issues of the magazines were paid for in 1969 to make us current. President's report showed gains in theatre organ installations throughout the country. The membership is ahead of last year but many members are late in renewing as usual. Should be well over 4000 by the end of 1970. A motion to set up a by-law committee to revise our by-laws again, did not pass. However the by-laws are under continuous review and one revision was approved that had been suggested by Judd Walton in order to comply with the California Tax laws. Two new chapters were admitted, making our total 35. Encouragement of new chapters in Canada and elsewhere was considered. The southern California organist attracted 550 to the Fox Theatre in San Diego for a Suggested for consideration at the July meeting was the regional election of directors. It was brought out that directors should not accept office unless able morning celebration on Feb. 22 (Washing­ ton's birthday). It was the second open to attend board meetings. concert staged by "The Seven" (now known Dick Simonton discussed the American Film Institute, a new organization, as the San Diego Theatre Organ Group) which has received a government subsidy. Mr. Simonton was appointed chairman who repaired the 4/ 32 Robert Morton. of a committee to develop a relationship between ATOS and the Institute. Helen's concert, mostly pops, was warmly Roster and Binders are now available to members. received and was considered by the If a chapter is filing for non-profit exemption, it was pointed out, from past SDTOG's publicist, Bob Wright, as another experience, it would be more in keeping with our purposes to apply for an successful step toward making San Diego educational ruling rather than charitable. "a theatre organ town". -Stufoto It was decided to eliminate concert reviews as such in the magazine. Mention Note: this can be spotted among the VOX of the concerts can be incorporated in chapter news. A request was made to have POPS/ES all chapters send a copy of their newsletters to the National Board members. april 1970 12 It'sBrite in the San Luis Valley by Dr. Edward J. Mullins Nestled in the San Luis Valley on the became the music department of Roose­ western slope of the Sangre de Christo velt University; the instruments are range of the Colorado Rockies, at an now gone. After graduation, Joe played altitude of 7,548 feet, is Alamosa, at the Vitagraph and Marquette Thea­ Colorado. One of the few theatre tres in Chicago, before moving to Colo­ organs still being heard nightly in rado. He played a 3/ 12 Robert Morton America is located at the Rialto Theatre at another Rialto Theatre in Boulder in the center of town. which is a beer hall today and the organ is gone. He followed this with Joseph L. Brite has been playing a job at the Palm Theatre in Pueblo, the Rialto's 2 manual, 7 rank Wurlitzer Directed by Colorado, playing an old Robert Mor­ Lyle W. Nash regularly since 1937; an engagement ton. He opened the Sterling Theatre in surpassed only by Dick Liebert at New Greeley on a Style "D" Wurlitzer, and York's Radio City Music Hall. Ala­ played there before coming to Alamosa. mosa, a ranching and farming com­ GREAT directors never fade away munity of 6,205 supplemented by In 1937 he began daily radio broad­ because their work lives on. William Adams State College with an enroll­ casts at 11 :00 a.m., live from the Rialto Beaudine, now 78, has been around ment of 2,500, is 225 miles southwest over station KGIW. Joe Brite's music the film industry since 1904. From of Denver and 30 miles from the New was heard on radio in the San Luis Biograph days to Lassie romping across Mexico border. The Rialto is a small Valley for twenty-eight years. His your TV screen, Beaudine has been a house with approximately 525 seats. copyrighted radio theme, "Blue Mel­ creative contributor - mostly as a di­ The desert gold console is located to ody" is one of three songs he composed. rector. Recently he received a stand­ the right of a new wide screen. The radio show endured until five years ing ovation from a highly critical film ago when theatre ownership changed audience when his 1926 Paramount The Rialto Theatre opened in 1926 hands. production of "The Canadian" was equipped with a 2/ 4 Wurlitzer, the shown. The well preserved print re­ ranks being: Flute, Salicional, Viola Joe is an accomplished musician vealed the power of the silent film to and Vox. Brite enlarged the organ in whose repertoire can please anyone, tell a story simply and compassionately. 193 7, adding three ranks: Clarinet, Tibia from ranchers to college students. Sun­ BEAUDINE was quite moved by the and Trumpet. The glockenspiel and days he plays an Orgatron at the Chris­ acclaim and said: "You know . . . xylophone still operate, but the other tian Science Church. His daughter, you people make me feel good, and percussions have been disconnected. Mrs. Ruth L. Bosche, is also an organ­ also that perhaps I was a fair director When talking pictures came in, the ist and plays at the United Presbyterian when I was young." owner, who was also mayor of Ala­ Church regularly. mosa, kept up the concerts because he If you are in Alamosa tonight, drop • liked organ music. HISTORIANS who feel that Mary by the Rialto and listen to the organ Pickford's picture "Sparrows" is her Joe Brite studied theatre organ at music of Joe Brite. You will find his best, recall that William Beaudine was the Chicago Musical College, which playing most enjoyable. He also man­ the director. He lives at 5050 Wood­ then had two Moller and two Wurlitzer ages the theatre and is an interesting man Ave., Sherman Oaks, California. theatre organs. In 1954 the college gentleman to visit with. D Researchers indicate he's been directing films for nearly 50 years . • WHO'S WHERE ... Mary Philbin lives at 1332 North Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, 90046, California . . . She does not socialize much with the old Hollywood crowd . . . Alberta Vaughn Joe Brite at the con­ lives at 13017 Woodbridge Ave., North sole of the Rialto Hollywood, California . . . Dorothy Theatre Wurlitzer, Gulliver (remember the 1926 "Colle- · Alamosa, Colorado. gians") lives at 1314 North Hayworth The organ has been heard regularly since Ave., Hollywood 90046, California. its 1926 installation, • which should qualify OUR GANG creator Hal Roach, it and the theatre as Sr., said in a 1959 interview that the having a record for continuous service. series utilized 176 different kids in the 17 years from 1922 to 1939.

ORGAN FINDS HOME Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens or­ gan has found a home. It will be installed in the near future in the beautiful "CASA LOMA" castle.

13 theatre organ QUESTION: "My family insists Silent Movie Accompaniment - No. 4 that Eleanor Boardman was once a Kodak Ad girl. I don't believe it. What say you?" I say you may have blinked when you should have gazed. See page A Classic In Musical Calamity 44 of the July 1927 Photoplay. Her (then) husband, King Vidor, is hold­ across the plains; the American colonists ing a copy of the photo ad. This is the fourth in a series on in pitched battle against the "redcoats"; or possibly a runaway steam engine • silent film cue music compiled, pounding down the railroad tracks FRITZ FELD, who has played in arranged and usually simplified by Col. Harry J. Jenkins, who is towards the stalled passenger train and 400 major film productions, 300 live disaster. That left-hand melody is de­ currently brushing up on his abil­ TV shows, 500 filmed TV shows, and finitely ominous in sound. many plays, is marking 50 years in ity to follow action musically by the entertainment world. If you don't being the whole band for a 2-ring A mixture of lightly trem'd voices, circus in California via his trusty heavy pedal and accent on the notes know who Fritz is you must not have plug-in organ. been to the movies since 1922 or didn't in the left-hand should give the desired watch the credits carefully. Fritz is excitement quotient. Experiment until the perfect chef, butler, waiter, direc­ the melody stands out above all. The This time Harry Jenkins brings us a accompaniment supplies the required tor, psychiatrist, spy, orchestra con­ real classic of the silent movie music harmonic agitation, and the repeated ductor or haughty clerk. days, an excerpt from Franz Schubert's triplets are not unlike the rhythmic "YES, oh yes. I'm happy to hear song, "The Erl King." And by that we effects heard in some "teen" combo from my friends." That's the way he don't mean an Oklahoma or Texas oil music - although here the notes are answered our query on whether it was baron (no brickbats from New Yorkers played much faster than for "A Summer okay to print his home address. He please!). Place," for example. You can finish lives at 12348 Rochdale Lane, Los An­ with full organ, a sforzando closing as geles, 90049, California. He made 30 Of course Schubert didn't intend it the troops clash, the shaggy horsemen silent films with such greats as Norma to be used as "Gebrauchsmusik." He reach the foe, or the runaway loco­ Talmadge, John Barrymore and Emil wrote the part of "Der Erlkoenig" we motive connects with the stalled passen­ Jannings. have excerpted for the dramatic ac­ ger train - WHAM! Good luck, lovers of musical violence! □ • companiment to a tragic song involving YESTERDAY'S cinema bomb may a mischievous spirit in German mytho­ become today's classic. "The Cabinet logy - the "King of the Elves." Vocal­ of Dr. Calegari" was so badly received ists have always found the thundering when it opened at the Capitol Theatre accompaniment quite a challenge to in New York City in April 1921 that it compete with, and its not the least BINDERS was hastily withdrawn. Now film his­ bit strange that film cuers found the TO torians revere it as a cinema "holy music, which is complete without the grail." vocal line, effective for a variety of PROTECT • impending disaster scenes. SHOULD the 1926 Paramount pro­ YOUR On the technical side, it's a "reverse duction of "The Vanishing American" ISSUES with Richard Dix, Lois Wilson and hands" piece. This main theme of the Noah Berry come your way, see it by Erl King gives the organist a real left­ OF all means. The silent film (print is hand workout, and should be played beautifully preserved) has a social mes­ with practically "all stops out," lively sage as timely as today. The photog­ and heavy. It is the type of piece to THEATREORGAN raphy is magnificent. The movie is lead Ghengis Khan's hordes as they positive, pulsating proof of the ability charge their horses, enroute to anni­ This durable casebound cover will of the silent film to present a dramatic hilate an enemy force. bind one full year's issues of THEATRE story directly and with lasting impres­ ORGAN. Imprinted in gold on black, sions. As you play this one you can picture the binder becomes a permanent Bill Boyd leading a cavalry charge reference volume that protects issues • from damage and keeps them in SHOWING of many old silents perfect order. around the nation has been given a Magazines are held securely in place powerful boost by the American Film NEW POCKET SIZE and can be inserted in only a a few seconds. Institute. Should you know 'r of long MEMBERSHIP ROSTER A special pocket will enable you to lost film ( even secretly) get in touch NOW AVAILABLE easily label and identify with AFI people in Washington. They'll the year of any volume. protect your secret and perhaps find a way to see that old films are pre­ Only$1.00 Postpaid • 3.50 (including postage) served. Send Your Check to: Make check or money order • A.T.O.S. ROSTER payable to: QUESTIONS, contributions and P. 0. Box 2329 ATOS BINDER P.O. Box 2329 comments are welcomed to P. 0. Box Livonia, Mich. 48150 113, Pasadena, 91102, California. Livonia, Mich. 48150

april 1970 14 The Erl King Allegro Extract Franz Schubert Agitato A rr. by H. J. Jen k i.n s i~~~~~~!!!!!H~ ~ cresc.

-r Lee Erwin Plays UnderwaterMusic In Binghamton by Ted Creech Lee Erwin returned to Binghamton, N. Y., on Sunday, January 18, to play a gala afternoon concert on the Link Orchestral Organ at Roberson Center. The occasion was to celebrate the open­ ing of the Center's new Clayton Gal­ lery, created to house a permanent exhibition of treasures brought up from the bottom of the sea over the last 19 Mr. and Mrs. Ed Linlc and friend snapped after Lee Erwin and console of Linlc Orchestral Organ years by inventor-industrialist Edwin Binghamton concert. in Sears-Harkness Hall. A. Link, whose newly developed "Sea Link" (a new undersea explorers' one of the recent Broadway shows, like submarine) will be a feature of the Cabaret?" Lee proposed. exhibition. "That would be good; then follow it Nomineesfor National As luck would have it, Lee's flight to with some of those Beatles tunes you've Binghamton was cancelled at the last been playing." DirectorsDue May 16 minute because of snow and freezing "All right, if I can play one selection rain. Train service to Binghamton being that I really had planned, "Music from Nominees for the National Board a thing of the past, the only choice was Porgy and Bess." of Directors must be received by ATOS Greyhound bus or nothing - with the "Great!" Miss Sprout assured him. National Headquarters no later than result that the · longer trip eliminated "Then you can do your trip through May 16. Any member of ATOS is all scheduled practice time the day the organ. And now I have an idea," eligible to run for the National Board before the concert. she went on. "How about improvising which is made up of eight elected di­ a piece in honor of Ed Link's model on rectors who serve for a term of two Fortunately for Lee, however , he had display upstairs? We'll call it 'Under­ years, four elected each year; the Na­ played his film show featuring "The water Music -The Sea Link,' and you tional President; the immediate Past Eagle" on the Link Organ at Roberson can weave in Captain Nemo's Nautilus President; the Honorary Member; plus just a few months earlier, so he was music from the film 'Twenty Thousand one member authorized by each duly familiar with the organ. But he was up Leagues · Under The Sea' toward the Chartered Chapter. Each of the afore­ bright and early Sunday morning, try­ end of your improvisation to sort of mentioned people sitting on the board ing to make up for lost practice time. finish it off." have one vote. No proxy votes are By the time he got all combination "Well - uh, it's not a bad idea," allowed. action set up, Mr. Ed Link himse)f Lee agreed; "and I'm just fool enough appeared on the scene to inquire if he Each nominee must submit a resume to try it! Then we'll wind up the pro­ and photograph to National Head­ could help in any way. Everything was gram with a couple of old timers." quarters no later than May 16. The oal­ in great shape, so there were no Janet made a few notes and dashed problems. upstairs to her office to have a program lot must be printed and mailed to the general membership during the third INSTANT MUSIC typed out and mimeoed and ready for the audience which would begin to fill week of May, so time is of the The program director for the Center, up the auditorium in less than two essence. Miss Janet Sprout, was also on hand, hours, and Lee wrote down on a scrap It was recommended at the Board and as she and Lee talked about the of manuscript paper three notes only, meeting in Tulsa that no more than afternoon event, the originally sched­ which would become the theme for his one nominee should be from any one uled program began to take on a new improvisation. shape. Needless to say, the program was a area of the country. This will permit huge success. It was one of those crazy a wider representation at meetings so Said Miss Sprout: "What can we ideas that worked, and the "Under­ that ideas and opinions from all areas do that would be different? Something water" music was the hit of the after­ of the country can be presented. It was special that would surprise Mr. Link - noon. Lee's announcement for the im­ further suggested that all elected mem­ and the audience?" provisation was: "We will now have bers be able to attend any board meet­ "Why not a trip through the organ," the world premiere of a new selection ings anywhere in the country during Lee replied, "so the audience can really which hasn't even been written yet." the year. Mr. Ed Link has a tape recording of hear and appreciate the wonderful in­ The four current directors whose strument you have here?" the "Sea Link" improvisation to prove terms expire at the Annual meeting in that it's a fine piece of music. He made "O.K., that's good," the lady said, a private recording of Lee Erwin's July, 1970 are: Lee Erwin, Ben Hall, "and we'll try to figure out some other entire performance and has promised Fred Kruse and Dorothy Whitcomb. things as we go through the gamut of to send the organist-composer a copy The four whose terms expire in 1971 possibilities. Do start out with your of his impromptu (under) water music are: Gaylord Carter, "Tiny" James, "Eagle" Overture-everyone likes that." so he can see how good it really Allen Rossiter and Richard Simonton. "O.K. Then, what about a tune from was. D □ april 1970 16 the '20s, Eddie Butler is best remem­ of the house and Linda-Lee became an bered for his association with the "organ widow" as well as a Navy wife, Orpheum ( there are rumors that it will but that's apt to happen to any ex­ soon close) but also did stints at the Wave who commits matrimony with Liberty theatre in Council Bluffs, Iowa, an active gob - er - seaman. The organ and the Casino theatre on Catalina had been sounding out for little over Island, Calif. with its 4/ 17 Page organ. a year when the fickle finger of the Eddie now lives in Harlan, Nebraska, Navy department ordered Jon back to according to the paper. sea. Apart came the organ for another storage session and Jon headed for * * * Norfolk, Va., to regain his sea legs. Hobbyists in the South had connip­ That left Linda-Lee and little Scotty tions, in Mid-December, when they kinda lonesome. But that's the fate of read in a Florida newspaper that a gals whose husbands go down to the $50,000 organ "from a New Orleans sea in Tibias. Theatre" had been donated to the Fort * * * Walton Beach (Fla.) Chamber of Com­ Mike Prideaux-Brune, whose 4-rank Readers are encouraged to submit inter­ merce for installation in a planned con­ all new orchestral Wicks organ was the esting sidelights on the organ hobby (ex­ vention center. The only instrument subject of our recent "Pipes for the clusive of chapter news items), material they could conjure in that class was Price of a Plug-in" installment, informs they believe will be of general interest the long unused 4/ 24 Robert Morton us that he's planning on adding an all­ about local organ adivities and installa­ in the New Orleans Saenger theatre, new Vox Humana and Concert Flute tions and the people who work at the silent but intact. But word from the hobby. We know "there's VOX POPS in - then a Toy Counter. No doubt, Mike them there chapters" and it only requires aforementioned Chamber assures us is hooked. The next "stand-in for a a Sc postcard to get it to VOX POPS that the instrument donated is not the plug-in" we'll examine is a custom Editor, Box 5013 Bendix Station, North organ in the Saenger. The gift is a model by Lance Johnson of Moore­ Hollywood, Calif. 91605. 10-rank Estey and the receivers do not head, Minnesota. know where it was installed originally. * * * At 50-grand for 10 ranks those Esteys Old Prospector, Lloyd E. Klos, of Visitors to the Disneyland "Haunted sure were expensive. "Nuggets" fame, has "hit the road" House" are treated briefly to a ball­ with a talk-slide show. Subject is "The room scene in which translucent figures * * * Remember Evan Taylor Brown ( or Theatre Organ - Its Golden Days and are seen dancing to music from a Its Renaissance." Several groups in the horseshoe console organ, also played just Eddie Brown), who played at the Star-Hippodrome theatre in Chicago Rochester area have already enjoyed by a wraith. The music heard is ob­ his informal chat on his favorite sub­ viously from pipes, and it is best de­ during the '20s? He's 77 now, and lives in Alhambra, Calif. He informs us that ject. "I won't make any money on this scribed as grotesque, unearthly, dis­ new venture," says the Klos-shaven sonant, orgiastic. One would never his one remembered claim to fame is "Let's All Sing Like the Birdies Sing." nugget grabber, "but my object is to guess the tape tracks were recorded make more people aware of the gr9w­ by George Wright, on his 3/ 30 studio * * * ing interest in the theatre pipe organ." organ. That very original Christmas card * * * * * * dreamed up by Bill Y oeman and organ­ Does anyone remember the Oliver Organbuilder Lance Johnson reports ist Rosa Rio had them posed like either Organ Company of Berkeley, Calif.? that Laverne, Minnesota, is in for a the lovers in a silent movie or in a soap It specialized in horseshoe console or­ treat; theatre organ music will return opera, neither of which would have gans for churches, chapels and a few to Laverne as soon as the new owner been strange to Rosa who played for theatres. A good example is the organ of the Palace theatre has had time to both. Bill and Rosa's card described in the Bay Area "Chapel of the complete restoration of the 2/ 5 Smith­ their travels in Portugal, Spain and Chimes," a theatrical instrument which Geneva organ. The work is being done Madeira - then on to Florida "to be was heard over the ether waves (station by a maintenance firm in Iowa. When caressed by a tropical breeze." We KRE) for years, played by Harold finished, there are plans to integrate assume that's to escape the winter Hawley, Tiny James, Gordon White­ the little instrument into the theatre's travails of that cave they live in back head and Richard Purvis (then known programs with regular intermission in Connecticut. (Honest - they really as Don Irving during theatre organ music and occasional concerts. All of live in a cave!) broadcasts). The man behind the little which should be good news to the Land company was Oliver Lowe, now living o' Lakes Chapter. * * * It was both good news and bad for in active retirement in Berkeley and * * * the Navy's Chief Electronics Techni­ keenly interested in theatre organ do­ The Omaha (Nebr.) World-Herald cian Jon C. Habermaas. After spend­ ings. More about Lowe and his com­ ran a feature story in its Dec. 20, '69 ing about ten years bobbing about the pany upcoming. edition on organist Eddie Butler, now briny in Navy ships, Jon was trans­ * * * approaching his 50th year as a profes­ ferred to teach at the Great Lakes Walt Strojny reports a somewhat sional organist in churches and theatres. Naval Training Center near Chicago. odoriferous situation in Chicago. While Butler, with the help of sound engineer He settled in Zion, Illinois, and believ­ CA TOE members were rescuing their Russ Jones, was taping memorable ing he and his bride, Linda-Lee, were recently purchased 3/19 Wurli from tunes of the '20s and '30s at the Wur­ firmly landlocked, proceeded to as­ the remains of the Senate theatre, a litzer in the Omaha Orpheum theatre, semble the multibrand "BarMortKim­ backed-up sewer assailed the nostrils with the hope of interesting a record blitzer" from the parts he had gathered of all. As the lads struggled to lift the company in releasing an album from while home during a number of shore console out of the pit before a torrent the tapes. A student of Crawford in leaves. The organ gobbled up one fifth from a broken faucet inundated it, one

17 theatre organ was heard to wish for a nice breeze and Virginia are on his agenda, too. the Wurlitzer in that building was not from the stockyard "to help sweeten He informs us that he recently received mentioned. Over 8 million visited that things up." permission to accompany the Mary seaside resort in 1969, and a good por­ * * * Pickford-Buddy Rogers silent epic "My tion of them must have heard Reginald From Miami, Florida, comes news Best Girl" at the ATOS Convention in Dixon at the Tower Ballroom Wurlit­ of the refurbishing of Shea's (now July. He expects that the 175th Street zer , possibly for the last time, because Loew's) Buffalo theatre. George Ger­ Theatre organ will be used for this. he retires from that post around Easter hart sent a clipping from BOXOFFICE time this year. * * * magazine which tells of a new sound * * * Chard Walker reports stopping at a system, new marquee, new red carpet, Graham Jackson, 65-year-old organ­ roadside fruit stand in Turlock, Calif., new stage curtain, new orchestra seats ist and accordionist, has been named and discovering the owner had three and a refurbished refreshment stand, to Georgia's State Board of Correc­ ancient reed organs, including a Miller the work being supervised by Loew's tions , the first of his race to ever have made in Lebanon, Penna., in 1861. city manager, Frank Arena. But Mr. been chosen on a Georgia board. Another is a Sebold. ATOSers passing Arena - haven't you forgotten some­ Currently entertaining at Aunt Pitty­ through are welcome to stop and visit thing? That covered console in the pit pat 's Porch, an Atlanta restaurant, John Odell's organ collection. He 's at and the long-silent and pilfered pipe­ Jackson once had an engagement play­ 1020 North Highway 99, Turlock, work in the chambers; 28 magic voices ing the Atlanta Fox' 4/ 42 Moller. Calif. 95380. are dying to help you put your theatre * * * back among the great ones, as only * * * they can do it - and as no new carpets, Advertisements have been appearing The Eastern Massachusetts ATOS Chapter , which has been somewhat seats or candy counter, etc., ever in various newspapers of late relative could. How can they get their message to the series of five auctions being held dormant of late, is beginning to bestir itself into positive action, according to to you? by the Chicago Art Galleries Inc. The * * * items for sale are from eight of Bala­ Earl Renwick, newly-elected president. ban & Katz' theatres in Chicago, arid Earl says that there are about five or According to Donald P. Ullrich of the ads feature a spectacular interior six theatre organs intact in the area, the St. Louis Chapter , the future of the view of the lobby of a Chicago motion but in need of repair, among them the theatre organ in that city is most en­ picture palace. Items for sale include 3-manual Balaban & Katz Wurlitzer in couraging. Stan Kann and Jerry Marian paintings , marble and bronze statuary, the Salem Paramount. "The organ is play the 4/ 36 Wurlitzer at the Fox furniture, art objects, torchieres, completely intact, free of water dam­ Theatre every day. The chapter will jewelry ( platinum, gold, diamond, em­ age, theft and vandalism, and we hope install a 4/ 19 Wurli-Kimball in the erald, sapphire and ruby), Georgian to enter into an agreement with the Kirkwood Community Center Audi­ silver and crystal, silver, china and cut theatre management to get it ready for torium within the year. There is a glass. concerts. We'd love to get artists of the possibility of installing an instrument calibre of George Wright, Billy Nalle, in an operating theatre , and another As he has done every Yuletide sea­ Ashley Miller and Lee Erwin." We instrument in a new building audi­ hope they'll succeed. torium. The latter two projects are son for the past 29 years, Eddie Baker still in the conjecture stage, but the (Dr. Edward J. Bebko), former Music * * * parties involved are favorable to the Hall organist, visited his old haunts in Add Buffalo's North Park Theatre idea. Should these installations . come December. Driving through a continual to the list of those offering silent movies to pass, St. Louis might be added to snowstorm from his Olean, N. Y. with organ accompaniment. In Decem­ the list of prospective ATOS conven­ home, the good doctor found it neces­ ber and January, the 1927 Academy­ tion sites. sary to subway to Manhattan from his winning picture "Wings" was the fea­ mother's home on Long Island to see * * * ture for several weeks. Starring Buddy the Music Hall show. "The show was Rogers, Clara Bow, and a young new­ The San Diego newspapers really do in the best traditions of Radio City comer by the name of Gary Cooper, love theatres and theatre organs. As Music Hall - excellent. The organ was the picture featured the plug-in organ mentioned in February's Vox Pop, two handled by Dick Leibert when I was playing of veteran theatre organists articles were written and illustrated there. No doubt about it, he knows Nelson Selby and Arthur Melgier. profusely in the November papers. On how to get the most out of that instru­ January 25, The San Diego Union had ment. It sounds stupendous. From a * * an excellent feature illustrated with six small audience, due to the storm, he Dean Mitchell, back from Australia pictures, on the San Diego Fox 4/ 32 received a big hand. The organ and to set up organist Tony Fenelon's June Robert Morton and the "Magnificent orchestra were used throughout - to concert tour, reports on Lyn Larsen's Seven" who restored the instrument. my mind, one complements the other. engagement at the Dendy theatre in The names of the restorers were given, Simply stunning sound!" Melbourne: "Lyn's success in Australia as well as the names of the organists is really great. Theatre organ there has * * * Gaylord Carter, Bill Thompson, Edith greater acceptance than ever before. Steele, and Helen Dell, who have According to a recent story in the Lyn's programs are aimed at the young played the instrument in concert si!',ce N. Y. Times, Blackpool, England, that people and they just love him." the refurbishing. It is hoped to present country's answer to our Coney Island, monthly concerts and silent movies is undergoing some changes to make it * * * with organ accompaniment. more acceptable to today's tourists. It's great news that Tony Fenelon Boarding houses, for example, are to will again tour the U.S.A. Engagements * * * be called "Guest Houses" in the future. are being lined up and the June tour Lee Erwin has been signed to appear Next year, the famed Empress Ball­ will end, as it did last year, at the Los periodically at the John Hays Ham­ room will be converted into a night Angeles Wiltern 4/ 37 Kimball, for the mond Museum organ in Gloucester, club, seating 1,250. Food and drink LA chapter. The tentative Wiltern date Mass. Appearances in Detroit, Illinois, will be served until 1: 15 a.m. Fate of is June 20.

april 1970 18 Dec. 1919 (M) EDDIE HORTON in the 2200-seat American Theatre in presides at the California Theatre Wur­ New York ... 2/19, Prof. FIRMIN litzer in San Francisco. The console is SWINNEN & J. VAN CLEFT COOP­ on a hydraulic elevator, and is quite a ER at the Rivoli, N.Y. . . . 1/20, sight when it raises from the pit. ARTHUR DEPEW at the New York Jan. 1920 (M) The West Side School Rialto . . . 6/ 20, JOHN PRIEST & in Chicago had to install a new blower, OSCAR E. SCHMINKE at N.Y. Rialto because of its organ's being used from ... 10/ 20, DR. MELCHIORE 12 to 14 hours every day. MAURO-COTTONE at New York's Capitol ... 5/21, The Society of Thea­ Jan. 1923 (D) PIETRO YON, re­ tre Organists of New York was organ­ nowned concert organist, was guest ized ... 11/21, TOM GRIERSON, artist for a week in December at the formerly of the Missouri Theatre in Stanley Theatre's Kimball in Philadel­ St. Louis, dedicated Rochester's Strand phia. WILLIAM KLAISS and LEW Theatre Marr & Colton . . . 6/ 22, The WHITE are house organists. Rivoli Theatre in Syracuse, N.Y., open­ Mar. 1924 (D) JOHN F. HAM­ ed on April 28, featuring a 2-7 Marr & MOND and ROBERT BERENTSEN, Colton played by Luella Edwards; organists and teachers at the Eastman JESSE CRAWFORD has been featured Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos School of Music in Rochester, recently at the Chicago Theatre with Roy Bargy took their students to the Marr & Col­ directing the orchestra . . . 11 / 22, For April, Jason and I have found ton Organ Co. in Warsaw, N.Y. where GEORGE ALBERT BOUCHARD at nuggets from all over the country. they saw every detail of organ con­ the 3-25 Marr & Colton in the Strand, Sources were Diapason (D), Jacobs struction, heard lectures and witnessed Niagara Falls; H. HADEN READ at (J), Melody (M), and Metronome demonstrations. Students included the Kentucky Theatre, Lexington; The (Met.) magazines. OLLA RAE BROWN, HAZEL HIP­ Tiffin Theatre in Chicago and the Com­ munity Playhouse in Elkton, Maryland Apr. 1916 (Met.) Some noteworthy WELL, HAROLD JOLLES, FRED have new Wurlitzers; A Robert Morton examples of theatre organs are the fol­ MYERS, EDWARD PADDOCK, MILDRED PERIS, ELIZABETH has been ordered for the new theatre in lowing: Rialto Theatre in New York, 3 Pinehurst, North Carolina ... 3/23, manuals and 56 stops; American Thea­ RAUB, EDA ROMAN, E. THOMP­ SON and RICHARD WALLA CE. W. REMINGTON WELCH is at Mc­ tre, Salt Lake City, 3 manuals and 44 Vickers in Chicago ... 7 / 23, LESLIE stops; Liberty Theatre, Pittsburgh, 3 Jan. 1925 (J) Manager McEvoy has KAY DOYLE at the Hope-Jones Wur­ manuals, 31 stops and echo; Majestic made the Palace Theatre in Norwich, litzer in the Apollo Theatre, Washing­ Theatre, Memphis, 3 manuals and 2 Connecticut very popular with the in­ ton; FRANK VAN DUSEN & ED­ echoes; and Scollay Square Olympic stallation of a magnificent 3-manual WARD EI GEN.SCHENK operate the Theatre in Boston, a 3-manual concert Moller organ. Fulco Little Model Theatre in Chicago organ. Oct. 1926 (J) DICK LEIBERT is be­ to train theatre organists . . . 8/23, Aug. 1916 (J) Organist BUEL B. ing featured high, wide and handsome BERTRAM T. WHEATLEY has left RISINGER is also conductor of the with an "Organlogue" at Loew's Palace the Tudor Theatre in New Orleans to orchestra in Nashville's Knickerbocker in Washington. He puts over his feature live in Montreal; C. WALTER WAL­ Theatre which was opened in the in fine style and makes a good-looking LACE of Philadelphia, billed as "The spring. The organ is a 3-manual, 14- bow to much applause at the finish. Blind Organist of the Movies," has re­ stop Kimball. Dick says that should read "applesauce" sumed recital work after 12 years in Feb. 1917 (J) A $20,000 3-manual for he isn't very keen about all rumpus theatres . . . 2/ 30, Stu Green opened organ has been installed in Boston's he is creating. He was guest organist at a 3-month engagement at the Lyric, Beacon Theatre, and organist MAX Loew's State Capitol and the Lexington Stuart, Florida ... 6/ 34, IRMA GLEN SEAVER is scoring a big hit with the in New York recently, saying they "put is doing daily recitals over the NBC patrons. This should be a timely hint on plenty of dog" for him, and he just Network from Chicago ... 9/ 34, The to pianists to familiarize themselves chuckled his way through the week. Oklahoma Star Times is building a new station in Oklahoma City and buying a with the intricacies of organ playing, Jan. 1927 (J) The Rudolph Wurlit­ as it is only a matter of time when all zer Co. has formally opened a new 4-manual Kilgen for studio installation the picture houses will feature these 13-story building in Detroit, entirely ... 12/ 35, Radio Station WHDH in the modern instruments. devoted to music. Six floors are for Touraine Hotel in Boston has ordered displays of instruments from harmon­ a 2-manual Kilgen with movable con­ Apr. 1918 (M) EDWARD BENE­ sole. DICT, organist at Detroit's Broadway icas to pipe organs, and the basement Theatre, was engaged by the manage­ houses victrolas, electrolas and piano Until the June issue when we salute ment of the new California Theatre in player rolls. New York, the 1970 ATOS convention San Francisco for 3 weeks. As a result, June 1934 (D) BETTY LEE TAY­ city, so long, sourdoughs! he has been offered a permanent posi­ LOR, former Schenectady and Syracuse, - Lloyd & l ason tion at the largest (3½-32) and most N. Y. theatre and radio organist, was wonderful Hope-Jones unit orchestra awarded $20,000 from the New York yet built. Central Railroad. Her car had skidded A T O S FANTASTIC, Oct. 1919 (Met.) The new Strand on ice and crashed against a railroad Theatre. in Brooklyn was opened, re­ abutment, causing injuries which she FABULOUS FIFTEENTH! vealing one of the most luxurious photo claimed permamently stymied her mus­ palaces of its kind in the world. Besides ical career. NEW YORK CITY a mammoth pipe organ, there is an GOLD DUST 10/16, WILLIAM E. JULY 11 - 17 orchestra of 25 men. MACLYMONT opened the Wurlitzer

19 theatre organ LETTER FROM NEW Y:ORK

AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY FABULOUS FIFTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION JULY 11-17, 1970 NEW YORK CITY CLAUD BECKHAM, CONVENTION CHAIRMAN 370 First Ave., 6F New York, N. Y. 10010 212 674-4328

Dea.r A.T.O.S. Member: The Radio City Music Hall console on our stationery symbolizes the Music Hall's outstanding service to the Theatre Organ cause; demonstrated by a continuing policy of featuring the Grand Wurlitzer at least ten times a day, seven days a week! Each yea.r, several hundred thousand visitors to the "Showplace of the Nation" hear our special kind of music in a very special way -- live, in a theatre!

Because of that policy, we wiU have an unprecedented opportun [ty at the Fabulous Fifteenth to hea.r a Golden Jubilee concert by the Music Hall's Chief Organist, RICHARDLEIBERT! That's right; we said golden. The record books show that Dick sta.rted, as a very young theatre organist indeed, at the Palace in Washington in 1920. And he has an unparalleled record -- he has played theatre organs professionally without a break in his career since that start.

At the July 19th Magic Music Hall Afterglow, we will be privileged to hea.r featured Music Hall Staff Organists RAY BOHR (who delighted A.T.O.S. Conventioneers at Portland in 1966) and JACK WARD(who has been a concert favorite all over the coun­ try and an active participant in A.T.O.S. events). Continuing the tradition of the A.T.O.S. Biennial Birthday celebrations at the Music Hall (but without the blizzards), we will enjoy a special demonstration of the ma.rvelous mechanical and lighting effects on the great stage. And as an extra-special feature, we will make a tour of the Radio City Music Hall broadcast studio and its special 3/14 recording Wurlitzer.

Among all our friends in the Radio City Music Hall artistic, production, and executive staffs, our very special friend is Mr. John H. Jackson, Jr., Director of Stage Operations. A life-long devotee of the Theatre Organ, John has been directly responsible for planning and supervising the recently completed two-year organ over­ haul project. Although he long ago turned from performing to stage direction and production, John still shows his skill at holding an audience when he describes all the wonders this great showplace. We look forward to seeing and hearing him again.

In an extraordinary gesture toward A.T.O.S. members, John Jackson suggested our great Afterglow Jackpot drawing, where six lucky Fabulous Fifteenth full-week registrants will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend five minutes playing the biggest Wurlitzer of them all -- the RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL GRAND4/58! (He also offered to help arrange for members of the Music Hall staff to judge these spontaneous performances and award a Fabulous Fifteenth "best performance" trophy.)

Radio City Music Hall, in its nearly forty years of unfailingly great enter­ tainment, has been showered with every available honor. And now this unique institution honors our Society with its hospitality at the climax of our Convention!

We'll see you in July -- in N~~~

20 TONY BERNARDSMITH I ~ntpptt~ from~nglanb London, England - There is only one Ena Baga, who was at one time Wurlitzer left in London's theatre dis­ deputy to her sister at this location, trict now. It's a little 2/ 8 job in the followed and made the organ sing ac­ New Gallery, which is now used as a cording to the original intention. Then place of worship by the Seventh Day came Florence de Jong with some Adventists. nostalgic reminders of her work during However, they have made few altera­ the late · 20s and early 30s - and gal­ tions to the interior of this building lantly reminding her audience that one and it is now a period piece - a neat tango she played was an item she had little movie palace from the silent days recorded 44 years previously. kept spick and span. And the Wurli After a medley of film themes played has only suffered the loss of some of its with panache, Florence accompanied traps (all bar chimes and snare drum) her sister in a surprise item. Ena played and a rather ugly boxing in of the solo piano for a fine rendering of console. Richard Addinsell's Warsaw Concerto.

Robin Richmond at the console of the 4/16 Christie in the Gaumont Palace, Paris, France. It had not been played or maintained for 11 years before his visit.

Console of the his­ The instrument, which used to be toric 2/8 Wurlitzer featured with the glamorous Simone in the New Gallery, Bernard, got what may prove to be its Regent Street, Lon- last airing when the BBC Organ Club don, England. visited the City of Light recently. Robin Richmond, one-time star of the cinema circuits here, started up the blowers and somehow managed to pro­ duce some fair sounds. "It was virtually unplayable," he told There was quite a reunion there late The New Gallery Wurlitzer was the me. "One manual wasn't working, not in January when long-time resident third to be opened in Britain. It still a piston could be used and I had to Florence de Jong and her sister, Ena sings sweetly, and Florence de Jong shut off all the brass as there were Baga, were starred at a Cinema Organ (who played it for 13 years) and Ena ciphers all over the place. Society meeing. Baga showed on this occasion that they "Still, I thought it would be historic Malcolm Taylor, musical director of can still roll a chord in Crawford style for it to be heard again." with the best of 'em. the New Gallery in its present role, Fortunately, some tapes of Robin's kicked off the proceedings with a spot * * * efforts on that occasion crossed the of Mozart and the Radetzky march. London, England - After 11 years channel and he has been able to find All of which showed just how effective silence, the 4/ 16 Christie of the Gau­ time for them in his popular weekly eight Wurlitzer ranks can be when mont Palace, Paris, has been heard show The Organist Entertains, currently played straight. again - over Britain's BBC radio. going out on two national networks. My reaction to them has been that published quarterly in ENGLAND - the miracle was not that the old lady by the Theatre Organ Club of England. of the Place Clichy could be played at (President: Robinson Cleaver) all, but that she sounded in such good voice. THEATREAnnual Subscription $1.50 Post Free or Two Year Subscription $3.00 Paris was never a mecca for pipe organ buffs - as long ago as 1938, the Brings you illustrated features Wurlitzer 2/ 5 from the Madeleine The­ on famous organs and organists, atre was shipped to Loughborough, Eng­ ORGANnews items, record reviews, and land - and it now has nothing to offer reports of meetings enjoyed by visiting enthusiasts. enthusiasts in Great Britain. Recommended for a stop-off is Am­ sterdam, where the City theatre has just REVIEWSubscriptions direct to: re-opened after a spruce-up which in­ Ralph Bartlett, cluded the 4/17 Strunk and Harry (QUARTERLY) 25 Manchester Street, Klompe plays nightly. London, Wl M 5PG, England. (Continued on next page)

21 theatre organ SNIPPETS (Continued from Page 21) At the Tuschinski, still with its decor of the "Golden Age," you can normally hear Jan Mekkes at the 4/ 11 Wurlitzer / Strunk and Rene de Rooy on Hammond -solo and in duets. You might · even get a stage show, too. Jan Mekkes tells me he has been with the Tuschinski management for some 27 years now (he was formerly at the Royale), and Rene de Rooy was resident at the City for many years. Here in London, only the Odeon, Leicester Square, now boasts a resident organist . Gerald Shaw plays the 5/ 17 Compton affectionately known as "The Duchess " every day, but not always in a feature spot. This theatre is the scene of an annual by Grant I. Whitcomb and 70's. Instead of the dragging, get-together of members of Britain 's "churchy" sound they had anticipated, Cinema Organ Society and similar­ Many of you have been reading over this young audience was charmed by minded groups. The latest of these was the past year in these pages about the the lush strings crowned by the power held on a wintry Sunday afternoon but relocation of the 3/ 19 Kimball Theatre and precision of a reed chorus second still attracted several hundred organ Pipe Organ - the last operable pipe to none. Under nearly perfect regula­ nuts , despite the announcement that the organ in the City of Philadelphia - tion and tremulation, the Kimball tibia proceedings would be recorded and and its move to the John Dickinson sobbed as significantly for these young later broadcast. High School in Wilmington, Delaware. adults as it once had for their grand­ In fact, enthusiasm runs high here parents, while a complete set of per­ at the moment. Jolted, no doubt, by the This major effort reached its climax when this beautiful instrument was pre­ cussions proved that the Theatre Organ success of Richmond's weekly show, has rhythm too. and a monster petition which followed sented to the student body and the their dropping of a regional organ re­ public in two concerts during the week Having passed its "final exam" at the quests show by Dudley Savage (since of February 23rd, just a year following student concert, the mighty Kimball restored), the BBC have been looking its removal from Philadelphia. was scheduled for graduation - a pub­ around for an instrument of their own. lic concert-on Saturday evening, Feb­ You may recall they sold their 5/27 It was most appropriate that the first ruary 28th. Larry Ferrari, popular TV, Moller to Dutch radio a year ago. performance on Monday, February concert and recording organist well­ Three times within recent months , 23rd, should be for the benefit of the known throughout the Delaware Val­ twinning plans at various theatres have students at the school. Accordingly, a ley area was selected appropriately, thrown Wurlitzers on the market. Three young and talented organist, Miss Shir­ since he had played the final concert times the BBC have put in bids, I am ley Hannum, was selected to play the on this instrument at the Boyd Theatre told. And three times they have been first concert on the instrument. In addi­ the previous year. In terms of audi­ outbid by the private customers. How­ tion to the 1,200 members of the stu­ ence, this was the most successful organ ever, the will seems to be there and dent body and faculty who were present concert that this reporter has ever at­ rumour has it there will be another were: Mr. Walter Froehlich, represent­ tended. Seats were erected on the stage BBC Theatre Organ before long. ing the RKO-Stanley Warner Co. who and in the orchestra area in the theatre Various preservation ventures are in had donated the organ to the school; to build seating accommodations up to hand and the 70s got off to a good Mr. Robert E. Dilworth and his family , 1,500, and yet there were still many start with the opening of the Theatre the leadership in the organ installation standees in the rear of the theatre. The Organ Preservation Society's 3/ 13 mon­ project. Last, but not least, were the house was, in short, packed! grel at Ossett Town Hall, Yorkshire. honored members of the crew that in­ This end-product of many months stalled this instrument in the 1,200 seat labours of love contains five units from school auditorium with their respective the Rialto, Bebbington, Compton and families. Miss Hannum, a rapidly rising eight units from other organs. Watson star on the theatre organ horizon, pre­ Holmes and Hubert Selby gave it a sented a program especially designed tuneful send-off and the BBC aired the for the "now" generation featuring cur­ event. Of course. D rent and recent compositions from con­ temporary music - this from a young lady who is not too far removed from the teen-age bracket (she is just 20 From Down Under years of age and has already performed Tony Fenelon was married on Feb­ in Rochester, NY in addition to many ruary 27, 1970 to Maralyn Kaye concerts in the Delaware Valley area). Sheehan of Australia. Their address The program was enthusiastically re­ is 6 Carrington Street, North Bal­ ceived by a young audience that here­ wyn, Victoria, Australia. Congratu­ tofore had no knowledge of the Theatre Pipe Organ or its capabilities Bob Dilworth: head of Boyd Kimball Theatre lations to you both ! Organ Project. Removal from theatre and in­ of reproducing the music of the 60's stallation in the John Dickinson High School. april 1970 22 Acting as Master of Ceremonies, Bob Dilworth opened the show by playing portions of the tape recording made at the Boyd final concert - but suddenly the "tape" began to display a very sig­ nificant "live" sound. Our suspicions were confirmed when curtains toward the rear of the stage parted to reveal Larry Ferrari seated at a two-manual "slave "console which we later learned is to be incorporated (with its four ranks of pipes) into the big 3-manual console with all ranks playable from either console. Larry was then invited to try his hand at the "big " organ , which he did for one solid hour of Bob Wilhelm, crew member. energetic and imaginative songs from Garry Connor, crew member. Broadway and the movies. Larry con­ at the console. If only many thousands trasted his series of medleys to display throughout this country could be ex­ the full resources of this instrument posed to the sound and glory of the ranging from its soft chimes and echo­ Theatre Pipe Organ under similar cir­ ing string celeste through to the full cumstances it would not be difficult to power of its reed chorus topped by a preserve and protect our traditions. powerful tuba and trumpet.

Having arrived barely fifteen minutes The complete story of the Kim­ before concert time, your reporter was ball's last hours in the Boyd The­ seated in the orchestra area . This is atre, the removal and installation perhaps not the best location (directly between the chambers - with the right­ by students at the John Dickinson hand chamber at the back of my h'.:'ad), High School will appear in the but it did afford me the opportunity to June issue of Theatre Organ. observe the audience. The rapt atten­ tion and utter silence in this vast audi­ Peter Wool, crew member. torium on the part of an audience Following intermission , we enjoyed mostly unfamiliar with the king of in­ "a trip through the organ" showing off plained that this was only the begin­ struments was probably the most sig­ the authentic orchestral sounds and ning. The organ is to be expanded to nificant testimonial ever paid to the percussions along with the "Toy Coun­ many more ranks, and he plans to Theatre Pipe Organ. They were com­ ter." There was a sing-along of oldies have at least four major concerts each pletely captivated by both the magnifi­ so well-known that song slides were year featuring the great talents of the cent sound and the feverish activity not needed. Bob Dilworth then ex- Theatre Organ World. Our Artist then launched into the second part of his program which featured sacred and patriotic music in addition to popular tunes. Our audience had the opportu­ nity to experience the range of this instrument with its capabilities extend­ ing from rhythmic marches to inspira­ tional hymns. At the conclusion , Larry received a standing ovation and was brought back to play as his encore "You'll Never Walk Alone." Many peo­ ple stayed on for the next two hours for "Open Console" featuring many of our local enthusiasts who wished to try this perfect Kimball where "everything works!" Great credit is due to Bob Dilworth and his student crew headed by Gary Connor, Bob Wilhelm and Peter Wool for this wonderful installation. Theatre Organ buffs in the Delaware Valley are looking forward to many concerts and presentations using this fine instrument in the years to come . □

23 theatre organ NEW YORK CITY - JULY 11-17, 1970 I BEN tyt. HALL Appearing in Person at Every Event Mr. A.T.O.S . Convention Emcee FEATURE FILM FANTASIA MIDNIGHT AT Mary Pickford & Buddy Rogers LOWELL AYARS RICHARD LEIBERT RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL DON BAKER JERRY MENDELSON An Unprecedented Concert! 11 MY BEST GIRL" JEFF BARKER ASHLEY MILLER Courtesy The Mary Pickford Company RAY BOHR ALLEN MILLS ANDREW CROW BILLY NALLE INFORMAL BUFFET GALA CONVENTION BANQUET LEE ERWIN JIMMY PAULIN Sociable Sparkle at the Brooklyn Paramount CALVIN HAMPTON FRED TULAN Prime Ribs in the Commodore Grand Ballroom DENNIS JAMES JACK WARD DON KINNIER TED ALAN WORTH MAGIC ELECTRONIC CONCERT FESTIVAL LYN LARSEN SEARLE WRIGHT MUSIC HALL AFTERGLOW An Evening of All That's New! Seven Special Hours - July 19

CATHEDRAL OF ACADEMY OF MUSIC LOEW'S JERSEY RENWICK STUDIOS UNITED PALACE RAD I~ CITY LONG ISLAND SCHAEBLE STUDIOS BRANDT'S BEACON RAHWAY THEATRE CALVARY CHURCH ST. JOHN THEATRE 4/24 Wonder Morton New York Paramount Loew's 175th MUSlt HALL UNIVERSITY Loew's Valencia 4/19 "Junior Roxy" 2/7 "Biggest Little" "Incredible" THE DIVINE 3/15 260 - Special 4/42 Wurlitzer "Plus" 4/29 Wonder Morton 4/58 Dual - Console 4/26 Brooklyn 4/24 Wonder Morton Wurlitzer Wurlitzer Roosevelt - Skinner 141-Rank Aeolian Wurlitzer Grand Wurlitzer Paramount Wurlitzer - Skinner With State Trumpets

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24 25 collection and interest are widely known pipework is installed in one large cham­ to the many thousands of members in ber at one end of the Miller recreation the National Association of Watch and room. There are two swell shade open­ Clock Collectors. A well equipped clock ings one on each side which imparts shop is to be found in his residence an effect of having separate chambers. sharing space with the instrument that Due to space limitations two chambers the rest of this article will be devoted to. were not possible. The relay is installed Mr. Miller first became interested in in another room and the blower is in an the theatre pipe organ after specializing airtight sealed housing on the outside of in the collecting and repairing of coin the house and draws air from an intake operated musical instruments. At one in the furnace room. The mahogany time his recreation room was overflow­ console is on a movable platform. Dur­ ing with nickelodeons and military band ing the last year, modifications and reg­ organs, but these were disposed of in ulation of all ranks and mechanical order that a small two manual five rank components have been taking place. pipe organ with a horseshoe console Everything works on this instrument - could be installed. However, this instru­ all pipes play, all pistons work accurate­ ment as nice as it was just did not ly and all tonal effects and traps op­ possess that Wurlitzer sound however erate. A new Zildjian cymbal replaces chances of ever acquiring the real thing the original Wurlitzer and a separate seemed very slim. cymbal action is being constructed so that another Zildjian cymbal will be Then on one bright Sunday morning playable from the accompaniment key­ while reading the classified advertise­ board. The organ is tuned frequently ments in the local paper a minor mir­ and is always maintained for the many acle occurred. There was an ad for a who have come to hear the highly pipe organ of ten ranks built by Wur­ civilized sound that this instrument is litzer which was installed in a local area capable of producing. The organ is one residence. Mr. Miller left his morning of the rare ones that is not too loud for coffee unfinished that day. He was in its surroundings due mainly to the fact luck because while writing the check that smaller swell shades were utilized for the instrument several people were to prevent blasting the listener into the making their way up the driveway to neighboring flower garden. Miller's plans inquire whether or not the organ was are to keep the instrument largely as it still for sale. was in the theatre, the only change of What Mr. Miller purchased was Wur­ pipework being the substitution of a litzer Opus 1310 shipped in the spring Gottfried French Trumpet for the sixty of 1926 to the Colonial Theatre in one manual harmonic tuba pipes which Reading, Pennsylvania. The organ, a were damaged beyond repair when he model H had been removed from the purchased the organ. theatre in 1954 and was first installed The organ has been a constant source in a home in _Washington, D.C. It was later sold to Mr. Charles Caldwell of of enjoyment and relaxation for the en­ 'TIME' SURROUNDS Hyattsville, Md., who installed it in his tire family. Their teenaged son, Doug home in 1956. is becoming a very talented performer, A WURLITZER The small organ was quickly disposed and every evening when Miller comes in by Ray Brubacher of and installation began in June of from his demanding occupation as 1967. By the end of October the wind equipment superintendent for a large Over the years theatre pipe organs was on. By the end of the year the excavating company, he immediately have been installed in antique shops, complete instrument was playing. The heads either for the console or the clock bicycle stores, hardware stores, and re­ cordings have been issued of Beasts in the Basements and Gorillas in the Gar­ den, or should one say Gorilli, so it was only natural that a mighty Wurlitzer should find its way into a dock shop, that being in the Silver Spring, Mary­ land residence of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Y. Miller and their son. Mr. Miller, or Stump Miller as his friends know him, is no stranger to pipe organs and clocks. As a well known collector of horological items and a specialist in early American clocks his

( Above) 1867 Howard Street clock standing in Miller's yard.

(Right) Walter Miller and son Douglas with the console. april 1970 26 Walter Miller with a few of his many clocks. View of chamber.

shop to work on a complex mechanism which some local collector has left for repair. To sum it up, this Wurlitzer is A Salute to Ron Willfong truly a working Wurlitzer in every respect and is outstanding in that it The Southwest Regional Chap­ could have laid the groundwork stands as a fully restored home installa­ ter Convention in Tulsa in Feb­ and coordinated the countless tion that professional and amateur alike ruary was the brainchild of details that made the Tulsa Re­ can play and find a constant source of Sooner State Chapter Chairman, gional not only a dream-come­ enjoyment. An analysis of ranks fol­ Ron Willfong. Returning to Tulsa true, but one of the best executed lows. last July, inspired by the ATOS conventions that we have been National Convention in Chicago, privileged to attend. RANK PIPES Ron was assured the cooperation Diaphonic Diapason 16-8-4 85 from the National office for a Many long hours were spent Tibia Clausa 8-4 73 mid-winter Convention in Tulsa. by Ron in the preparation of the Concert Flute 16-8-4-2 2/3- Thus was germinated, "Sooner beautiful convention brochure 2'-1 3/ 5' 97 Sonic Sights and Sounds" which and it stands as a lasting tribute Viol d' Orchestra l 6TC-8-4-2 85 grew during the next several to the hard work of one man and Viol Celeste 8-4 73 months into a full-blown Re­ the dedicated support of his ideas Vox Humana 16TC-8-4 61 gional Convention . . . the first by his chapter members and the Kinura 8 61 that ATOS has had since the neighboring chapters. French Trumpet 16-8-4 85 Eastern Regional in Richmond, Thank you, Ron, for having (replaces Harmonic Tuba Virginia, in August of 1966. the inspiration you had and the at 8 and 4' pitch) Only a person with the far­ way in which you saw it through Orchestral Oboe 8 61 sighted vision and enthusiastic to completion. Your hard work Clarinet 8 61 leadership that Ron possesses has put Tulsa on the map. Usual traps and effects. Tuned percus­ sions include Glockenspiel-Orchestra Bells, Tuned Sleighbells, Xylophone, Chrysoglott, and Chimes. GET THE GUYS 'WELCOME TO VOCALIZE TO OUR NEW CHAPTERS WITH"SING-ALONG SONG SLIDES"!! Send for National's FREE Catalog Cedar Rapids of all-time hit songs-for as low as 50¢ a tune. Projectors too. and NATIONALSONGSLIDE SEIVICI INC. 42 I. Utb St. NewTork, N.T. IDD36 Toledo

27 theatre organ pit, used when the theater was new, in 1926, until the Robert Morton was pur­ HERE WE HAVE IDAHO chased. The two openings at the sides of the proscenium are heating ducts. by N. R. Kelley, M.D. When the organ was installed, a cham­ ber beneath each heating duct enclosed HE sun of late afternoon gilded cendo pedal was for the crash cymbal, the chests and pipes, allowing the organ the brilliant reds and yellows of I figured out that there were six ranks to speak directly, through its swell Tcampus trees, flaming silhouettes against of pipes, discovered the setterboards in shades, into the theater. As talkies green, tall pines and clear, blue sky. drawers beneath the console sides, and came, the Robert Morton would have The huge clock on the Administration read in one drawer small print on yel­ gone the way of most - lost or de­ Building marked fifteen minutes after lowing paper: "Robert Morton Organ stroyed - had it not been for the seven. My first year of college would Co., Van Nuys, California." After re­ remarkable foresight of Mr. Milburn begin in one week, and I was exploring ceiving official permission, I had four Kenworthy, owner of the theater and the campus of my Alma Mater, The years to play the organ as time allowed. organ. An article in The Idaho Argo­ University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho. I became quite attached to the little naut, official publication of the Asso­ Morton. While at school, I heard the ciated Students of the University of I entered the Administration Build­ organ used on several occasions, not­ Idaho, dated Friday, February 28, ing and walked the corridor, inspecting ably to provide music for the Miss 1936, reads: "Local Theater Magnate commemorative plaques and paintings. University of Idaho Pageants. Gives Pipe Organ for University of Casually, I opened the auditorium door Idaho Auditorium - Milburn Ken­ and walked in. After one step, I Motivated by an article in Theatre worthy makes gift of instrument valued stopped dead in my tracks; there, in Organ Bombarde, "A 'Wurli' Goes to at $10,000." In the interview I had front of the stage was an organ con­ College," and considerable provincial with Mr. Kenworthy, he recalled that sole. It appeared black in the dim light, pride, I thought "Well, Morton's been the purchase price plus installation but I could see one hundred feet away to college," and returned to my Alma totalled almost $12,500. In the same the horseshoe console, two manuals, Mater in October, 1969, to document article, Mr. Kenworthy was quoted: "I and colored stop tabs. Within seconds, the history of this instrument. Much to have had many opportunities to sell the I was &t the console. I had never been my dismay, I learned that the console organ, but it has a sentimental value this close to a theatre pipe organ be­ was concealed beneath a temporary ex­ to me and I refused every sale." Mr. fore, and I didn't know quite how to tension of the stage constructed for a Kenworthy, himself a former actor in behave. As I glanced around the stage, play. During the days while awaiting vaudeville, did a bit of research on my eyes becoming accustomed to the the final production of the play, I met pipe organs before selecting a Robert darkness, I saw overhead to the left several people who had been alerted to Morton. When I asked why he chose and right of the proscenium, facing my arrival and purpose. Soon, I had a a Robert Morton instead of another each other, gilded swell shades. "It Petersen tuner, tuning cones and rods make, he said "I thought the Robert must be a real pipe organ," I thought. at my disposal, library files, interviews Morton had a more mellow sound and The console itself was large for only with the original owner of the organ was more pleasing to hear than the two manuals and, save for the horse­ and with the local newspaper, The others." shoe design, had a liturgical look about Daily Idahonian, and photographs of it. There was no nameplate. The con­ the original theater. The results of my On Tuesday, March 10, 1936, the sole lights were concealed in small, inquiries follow: Board of Regents accepted Mr. Ken­ shiny hoods; I could remember no worthy's donation, and the contract to Wurlitzer looking like this. Being quite Installed in the Kenworthy Theater, move and reinstall the instrument was naive about theatre organs, I dismissed Moscow, Idaho, in 1927, three years a warded to Balcom, Vaughan, and the organ's identity for the time being. prior to the advent of the talkies in Chase, of Seattle, Washington. By "Wonder if it works?" I thought as I Idaho, the Robert Morton was played Tuesday, May 19, 1936, the Robert pressed the button located to the left by Jess Lee Hall, Margaret McMann, Morton was ready, in its new home, under the manuals. Nothing happened. and Clark Rush. The theater, con­ for the Spring Concert. Two of the "Maybe the blower's unplugged," I structed and decorated in Spanish style selections during which the organ was thought. My search beneath the stage (below), originally housed a photo­ heard for the first time in its new set­ brought me to a room containing a player, barely visible in the orchestra ting, were "Intermezzo," by Bizet, and blower and a large electrical switch in the "off" position. I flipped the switch to the "on" position with a resounding thump and waited . . . no sparks flew and the roof didn't fall in "So far, so good," I muttered as I ran back to the console and pushed the button again. This time, I heard a rush of air and then the quiet s·ound of something in the console - which I have since learned is called "breathing." The swell shades moved quietly and there was no obtrusive wind noise; everything worked and the organ was in tune. For the next six hours, I just sat and played, learned that the funny little button to the right of the cres-

april 1970 28 "Largo," by Handel; judging from the haust panel. Although the trems are and how do you get it to sound like Argonaut story, "Largo" was per­ unmuffled, they are quiet; even in the a cymbal. Plans for the University's formed in conjunction with the Uni­ chambers, one is not annoyed by ex­ new Performing Arts Center and a re­ versity Symphony Orchestra. Organist cessive chuffing. modelling of the Administration Build­ for the occasion was Professor Hall As much as the pipework is a ing Auditorium left the little Morton Macklin, who retired as Chairman of pleasure to see so is the console an pushed diagrammatically from stage the Department of Music in the sum­ eyesore. Battered by frequent shuffling, left, to center, to right, in a pit, on a mer of 1969. Since the late thirties, disconnecting from the windline, and lift ( ! ) ... but mostly, out of sight. the organ was used regularly by stu­ moving, it has become worn, scratched, Meanwhile, silent movies played, un­ dents for practice and recital and had and gouged (below). What the con­ accompanied, in the Student Union been kept in playing condition with sole Jacks in esthetic beauty it has Building - and the little Morton sat, essentially no repairs. In the early in mechanical reliability. We found moved and silent, across campus. Why? fifties, a new organ was acquired for only a few pouches on the stop tabs Well, nobody thought of it - bringing the new music building, and the new, that needed work - and most of these the two back together. After all, the straight organ became the preferred were not torn; merely the glue had theatre organ was designed specifically instrument for practice and concert. cracked , and air escaped at the seams. to accompany silent movies. Why not? Even in 1960, there were signs that With that in mind, the Department the Robert Morton would soon need of Music, led by Miss Frykman and some repair: the crash cymbal piston Dr. Peterson, and with the help of stopped working. Paul Arndt, has begun to restore the When finally the set was struck and Robert Morton to have it in concert the stage cleared, Paul Arndt, a T.O. shape for a benefit presentation, Robert enthusiast-student of engineering and Morton plus silent movie, tentatively I, armed with keys and equipment, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, began one Sunday morning in October 1970 - almost thirty-three years from to evaluate the task before us. After the very day Mr. Kenworthy donated .connecting the console to its windline, the organ to the University.• This will we turned on the blower. Much to our be quite a celebration, when, once delight, the Morton was in playing con­ again, the sound of a Wonder Morton dition and not badly out of tune. There will be heard, doing "its thing." The was a loud hiss in the right chamber. University of Idaho is indeed fortunate From our location at the console, it in having this valuable instrument, for sounded like a blown-out reservoir. We the school will be able to participate feared that rumors of water damage in the Renaissance of the Theatre Or­ due to a leak in the roof might be true gan in style - unequalled since the last and that our job would be impossible. After eighteen hours of fun, checking, pipe organ left the theaters in Idaho. Once in the right chamber, we saw tuning, photographing, playing, and The University, its students, and the that the water damage was minimal. recording (that would make Martha people of Moscow will hear it - and The lower pipes of the sixteen-foot Lake sound like George Wright, by see it - the way it was ... the way bourdon and the eight-foot diapason comparison), we left, tired and hungry it is. rest on offset chests against the walls (we had forgotten to eat all day), but To my knowledge, the Robert Mor­ of the chamber. Water had cascaded satisfied that the little Robert Morton ton at the University of Idaho is the down the walls and hardened the was in better shape than it was before only existing theatre pipe organ intact leather pouches of about six diapason we began. in an auditorium or theater in Idaho; and two bourdon pipes - this was the moreover, it is the first pipe organ ever At the time of my visit, the fate of hissing we heard: air escaping, un­ to be instailed in a University in the the Robert Morton was in doubt. Being controlled, into the pipes, yet not United States - and that's no potatoes. enough to cause them to sound. After located beneath classrooms and offices lifting the feet of the pipes from the of the third floor in the Administration ANALYSIS BY RANK chests, we succeeded in reducing the Building, the organ interrupted the AND CHAMBER hiss to a whisper. Further examination thought processes of the Psychology Left Right during tuning revealed all pipes and Department - and I can remember Tibia (73) Diapason (73) resonators to be present and virtually hearing the to-me-pleasant rumble of Vox Humana (73) Flute (97) gleaming with a newness and sparkle the bourdons while taking a final exam Violin (73) Clarinet (61) that belied their ages - rare, indeed, in Psych (which I passed, anyway); Chrysoglott Snare Drum to be found in such mint condition as squatting in front of the only stage Orchestra Bells Tom-tom Xylophone Wood Block this. To those accustomed to seeing available to handle the demands of an Bass Drum Castanet cracked, dry, blown-out and ragged active and growing Department of Tympani Tambourine leather, the percussions and traps look Drama, the little Morton became an Cymbal Bird Whistle brand-new. The leather is kid, still obstacle of conquest, a challenge to Crash Cymbal Chimes clean and white, untouched by in­ conceal; rendering its services infre­ Acknowledgments: dustrial pollutants and unfavorable quently to students of music, the organ Dr. Boyd A. Martin, Dean, College of Letters was little used for practice; therefore, and Sciences, for arranging access to the organ; weather. Housed in a heated audi­ Dr. Floyd Peterson and Miss Marion Frykman, of torium that is in constant use, in a it is understandable that the organ was the Department of Music, for their enthusiasm, interest and assistance; Mr. Herbert Huestis, for climate without drastic changes in regarded as somewhat of a white ele­ tuning equipment; Mr. Jim Crathorne, for provid­ humidity, such action can - and prob­ phant. Students hardly knew anything ing Argonaut files; Mrs . Robinson, Editor, and to the staff of The Daily Jdahonian, for coverage; ably will - last a long time without about an organ in the Administration Mr. Milburn Kenworthy, for information and orig­ inal photographs of his theater; The Department replacement. The tremulants, three in Building; those who knew - one of of Drama, for its cooperation; brother Ed Kelley number, right, left, and vox, have half­ whom stopped by while we were work­ for recording and photography talents; especially to Paul Arndt, for lighting fires and keeping them circle cutouts in the end of each ex- ing - asked how many speakers it had burning. 0

29 theatre organ single film shown in a cement block­ house theatre, and he takes the family Why Move to Canada? along when he dares expose them to the physical and moral hazards of theatre­ by John Muri going. The other day I was reading about atre to sit in a peaceful, melodic dream­ Among other things, the American a man who had decided to leave the land and forget some of their cares and public needs good theatre to help it United States permanently to live in enjoy something that was being done regain not its cool, but its stability. Canada. He gave as his reasons a list for their enjoyment in large part by The old Roman emperors realized that of "deformations and corruptions . . . living people. In the theatres I worked the masses needed two things: bread social anxieties created almost inevit­ in they didn't allow you to come in and circuses. We had our circuses when ably in our times by industrialization, with popcorn; and if you looked as if theatres used organs, orchestras and centralization, and secularization ... " you were carrying something to eat live actors. Going to a show today is more than candy bar they wouldn't let like visiting an automated museum. No His views were not original or new, you in. The theatres got dirty and workers are in sight as the machines but they made me think again, as I smelled, but you didn't wade your way grind on. There is nobody in the insti­ have often in the past thirty years, that through popcorn droppings or sit down tution with whom we can identify or centralization of theatre management for several hours in a glob of rancid communicate. Years ago the ushers and helped bring things to the point they butter. Kids cut up the seats with the organists were the sparks of life in are now. It resulted in the taking away knives, just as they do now, and they many a small movie theatre. Today the of theatre from large numbers of the did get obstreperous and had to be only ones who know you are there are American people. Television is prob­ thrown out, but there were a lot of the ticket-taker and the candy-counter ably the greatest force to foul up the people who knew how to behave them­ girl; neither of them usually offers much American cultural and political scenes, selves. of a show. and the theatrical unions must bear a The difference between that old the­ Can we revive a departed spirit? I share of the blame. One should not think that a rebirth of the living theatre underestimate the force exerted by the atre and the current one is that the for­ mer was a community center, breathing at a price the poor man could afford to movie theatres of the teens and twenties pay would be a step toward the national of this century in unifying the Ameri­ with life. It had a personality of its own. It showed films different from those interest and security. The problems of can people. On Saturday and Sunday automobile parking are not unsolvable, afternoons, thousands of movie houses being shown in nearby theatres ( over 500 films a year were being made in although I am not thinking of great all over the country were Meccas for centers of entertainment but of neigh­ children of impressionable ages. Thou­ Hollywood in those days; today we are lucky if we get 130), and its orchestra borhood houses. Most of the organs are sands of young fellows would take their now gone or unplayable; but if the dates to the movies on week-day eve­ leader and organist were neighborhood celebrities, photographed, spotlighted, organ were through some miracle to nings. If the show was especially attrac­ return as a mass-entertainment device tive, the theatre would be filled at and advertised. Each town had its own Jesse Crawford, Dessa Byrd, Eddie we would need much more skilled tal~ every matinee and evening perform­ ent than we can now provide. Never­ ance. In 1917 you could find two acts Dunstedter, or C. Sharpe Minor. In the small towns it did not matter very theless, it is close to a truism that where of vaudeville accompanied by a piano there is a reasonable demand, there will player and perhaps a violinist or trum­ much whether or not they were good organists; only the classical organ and be efforts made to fill it. We need to pet player in any theatre that had a tie the United States up into a nation small stage. The only ones that did not music buffs were critical. Some very bad organ playing was accepted weekly again, soon. Low-cost living theatre is present vaudeville were those that had one institution in which some of the no stages, being nothing more than con­ by audiences all over this country. It was the stage show, the orchestra, and work can be done. It will be one way verted stores with a couple of hundred to ~eep people from thinking about seats, a piano, and a small screen fas­ the organist that gave every house its movmg to Canada. □ tened to the back wall. The larger aura or personality. Today's theatres do houses would give you three or more not have auras, although they may have vaudeville acts, sometimes called "spe­ odors. Since organ music was heard cialties"; a larger orchestra (from four more than any other kind ( the blower to twelve musicians) ; a feature film, a in a theatre would be running about six Pipe OrganistWanted newsreel, and a comedy. The organ was hours a day and the orchestra would For theatre concert work. ~ubstituted for the less impressive piano play about two and one-half to three m about 1916. Most of the organ in­ hours) it was the primary instrumental Southern California beach means of conveying feeling to Ameri­ stallations were church-style draw-knob resort theatre. affairs without tibias and with bleating can audiences. vox humanas and sick tremulants. In Just imagine - in 1927 you could go Please write: 1922 and 1923, with the spreading into a house like the Detroit Fox be­ fame of the Balaban and Katz Chicago fore 1 p.m. for thirty-five cents, from WILLIAM SWANSON policy of lavishness and bigness and 1 to 6 for fifty cents, and after 6 for 533 N. Las Palmas the introduction of the Hope-Jones uni­ sixty-five cents. And what did you get? fying mechanisms, the theatre organ, A splendiferous ( if tasteless) theatre­ Los Angeles 90004 as we now know it, flourished with setting, dazzling lighting, a big stage Phone: HOiiywood 5-9059 incredible rapidity. The instrument show with ballet, singers and spectacle, brought a kind of music to the Ameri­ a house orchestra of 25 or more musi­ * * * * * can people that they liked and wanted cians, and a 4/ 36 Wurlitzer. A working­ Also need organ lift, new to hear and were willing to pay for. man could afford to take his family to Many a tired housewife or weary sales­ that theatre often. Today he has to pay or used man dropped into a neighborhood the- two dollars or more a head to see a

a pr i / 7970 30 A COLLECTIONOF ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONSFOR ORGAN FORALL ORGANS have been compiled in an excellent 48- THE MIGHTY page music collection which should be the forerunner of others involving com­ THEATRE ORGAN positions of theatre organists . The front and back cover is an ex­ Oriitinal Or&•n Solos In Theatre Or&an Stylinas by Don Baker, Jeff Barker, Al Bollln&ton, Lee Erwin, cellent color picture of the interior Eddie Layton, Ann Leaf, Allen R. Mills, Ashley Miller , of the Ambassador Theatre in St. Rosa Rio, Eddie Weaver. Louis , showing the console of the Wur­ litzer which Milt Slosser made famous. EdiledbylttErwin There is a full-page forward by Motion Foreword by B~nM Hall Picture Palace and Theatre Organ buff, Lee Erwin Ben Hall. There are thumbnail biogra­ phies of the ten organists whose works are journaled in the album. Also ap­ ANALYSISOFATOS MEMBERSHIP GAIN pearing as a good plug for the ATOS with instructions to prospective mem­ 1964-1969 bers. Ben Hall thinks of everything! State 1964 1969 However, the meat of the book is Alabama ··········· ·········· ·· 4 6 the music. Leading off is Lee Erwin's Alaska ... ···················· ···· 4 3 "My Best Girl," which is from the Arizona ········ ······•······ ·· · 34 24 score of the Mary Pickford-Buddy Rog­ Arkansas ···················· ·· 1 2 ers silent of the same name. Following California ... ··•········ ···· ··· 553 866 Colorado 24 39 by Lloyd E. Klos are "El Sambo Chico " by Jeff Barker; ·· ···· ······ ······· ··· Connecticut ···· ·············· 57 106 The Mighty Theatre Organ. Edited "Arlene " by Jody Weaver and arranged Delaware ...... 7 16 by Lee Erwin. Published by Edward by her famous father, organist Eddie; District of Columbia ...... 22 17 B. Marks Music Corporation (in co­ Al Bollington 's "Pipe Organ Blues" ; Florida ···················· 31 71 39 operation with ATOS), 136 W. 52nd Don Baker's "Acapulco"; Allen Mills' Georgia ·········· ·•·············· 38 Hawaii ·············· •········· ·· 5 7 Street , New York , NY 10019. Price "Rickshaw Ride"; Rosa Rio's "Dream­ Idaho ...... 0 0 $2.50. ing"; Ann Leaf's "Tango by Candle­ Illinois ···· ·· ····· ········ ······ · 121 348 Ever since the beginning of the the­ light"; Ashley Miller's "Jet Stream," Indiana ······ ············· 33 94 atre organ renaissance , there has been and Eddie Layton's "Portrait in Sound" Iowa ·· ··•······ ·· ············· 10 15 11 45 a decided lack of new music written theme. Kansas ····· ······ ····· ······ ···· Kentucky ...... 10 18 especially for that instrument , though Suggested registrations are given for Louisiana ······················ 4 9 there have been arrangements of tunes pipe organs , and both general and pre­ Maine .... 17 10 already published. However , Lee Er­ set electronics. Maryland ...... 83 93 win, well-known organist-arranger and According to Bernard Kalban, direc­ Massachusetts 80 95 Michigan 94 233 ATOS board member , some time ago tor of publication for the Marks Cor­ ··· ········ ·· ········ Minnesota ····••·· 53 76 embarked on a project to correct the poration, this book will be available at Mississippi ····· · ····• •········ 5 7 long-standing deficiency. all music stores throughout the coun­ Missouri ······ ········ ·· 36 80 He contacted nine of the country's try. A possible discount will be offered Montana ...... 4 5 finest organists and asked that each when sold at regional conclaves, and Nebraska ··········· ··· ··••···· 11 10 Nevada 9 4 write an original composition expressly the ATOS national convention in New ······· New Hampshire ····· ······· 2 6 for the theatre organ. Their efforts York. D New Jersey ·················· 114 200 New Mexico ········· ···· ····· 4 8 New York 272 364 Eddie Dunstedter at San Francisco's Avenue Theatre North Carolina 32 24 North Dakota ... 21 18 Ohio ························ •··· ·· 143 218 On Sunday, March 8, Eddie 'Mr. Pipe Organ' Oklahoma ··· ···· ········· 13 34 Oregon ...... 43 68 Dunstedter placed himself at the console of the Pennsylvania 116 175 Avenue Theatre Wurlitzer and for nearly two Rhode Island ...... 3 4 hours displayed the artistry that made him one South Carolina 8 5 of the biggest names in the theatre organ South Dakota 1 4 field during the 1920's. Tennessee ... ···· ······•···· ·· 6 12 Texas 31 61 Although Eddie has played at the Carl Greer Utah ···· ······ ·········· ··· ··· ···· 10 24 Vermont ······· ··············· 1 0 Inn in Sacramento on several occasions, this Virginia ...... 59 57 was his first public appearance in San Fran­ Washington ··· ········· ······ 72 148 cisco. He was greeted by a well filled house West Virginia ················ 3 4 which listened attentively to every number as Wisconsin 18 34 Wyoming 0 1 the maestro moved each melody through intri­ cate chording patterns which are his trademark. Canada ················ ·········· 63 81 Dunstedter's playing has been called "dazzling" England 25 22 and we believe the San Francisco audience Foreign ·····•······ ········ · 26 33 will agree. Total ...... 2,447 3,943 Per Cent of Increase 61 %

31 theatre organ FABULOUS FIFTEENTH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Advance news of the wonders of the ATOS FABULOUS FIFTEENTH Annual Convention in New York has excited theatre organ buffs all over the country- naturally! And, just as naturally, the ATOS National Office, the New York Chapter Office, and Claud Beckham's Fabulous Fifteenth Planning Staff have been flooded with questions about the Convention Program, the policy toward guests, arrangements for attending single events, etc. The Convention Schedule on the facing page answers, for the first time in official published form, many of those questions. The Convention Registration Summary below answers many more. We were surprised to find that this array of times, dates, procedures, and policies makes such interesting reading for Theatre Organ enthusiasts. Normally, we think of such details as a necessary evil. But these are exciting! Maybe, it's because these details show that the Fabulous Fifteenth, unquestionably the greatest assemblage of significant events in Theatre Organ history, has obviously been planned with real care and consideration for all our members and guests; those who can spend only a day or two in New York as well as those who are fortunate enough - and hardy enough - to take advantage of every minute of the Fabulous Fifteenth week and the great Radio City Music Hall Afterglow that follows. And you naturally suspect that a gang that can publish such a sparkling schedule this far in advance must have some unbelievable "unadvertised surprises" up their sleeves. We'll see you in New York - in JULY!

FABULOUS FIFTEENTH REGISTRATION SUMMARY

• All adults, including guests, who attend a concert must be • The INFORMAL BUFFET GALA in the L.I.U. Hall of registered for the day of the concert. (July 11 registration Mirrors (formerly the Brooklyn Paramount Grand Lobby will be accepted on Sunday, July 12 for the Fred Tulan Promenade and Staircase) is available only to 1970 ATOS Concert. only.) members and their immediate families. $4.00 per person, regardless of age. Limited Capacity. Preference will be given • Children, 18 or under, who are continually escorted by a to full-week registrants in order of receipt. registered adult, may attend Fabulous Fifteenth events with­ out paying a registration fee. (This policy does not apply • HOME STUDIO TOURS are available only to 1970 ATOS to the July 19 Radio City Music Hall Afterglow where each me1'}.bers and their immediate families. Surcharge for shuttle person, regardless of age, must have a ticket.) Children's buses between Jamaica Subway Terminal and Loderhose and badges will be available at a very nominal charge. Schaeble Studios - $1.00 per person, regardless of age. Limited Capacity. Preference will be given, in strict order of • Single-day registrations ($6.00 for Friday, July 17; $5.00 receipt, to full-week registrants living outside the boundaries for July 11, 13, 14, 15, or 16) are available to 1970 ATOS of the New York Chapter. members and to non-members. Members will find this arrangement useful and economical for accommodating • The Sunday morning, July 19, Radio City Music Hall those of their guests who are interested in attending only Afterglow will be available to members and their immediate on a particular day. · families ( $3.25 per person, regardless of age) and to non­ members ( $3.50 per person, regardless of age). Prices • Money-saving two and three-day combinations are avail­ include admission to the 3-hour Radio City Music Hall able to 1970 ATOS members ($12.50 for July 13-15; $8.50 Stage-and-Screen Show which begins at noon. for July 16-17) and to non-members ($13.50 for July 13-15; Convention registration is not a requirement for attending $9 .50 for July 16-17). Members who purchase combination the Afterglow. However, to be eligible for the Afterglow registrations for non-member guests ( other than spouses) Jackpot ( where we select, by random drawing, six lucky must pay the non-member rate for those guest registrations. people who will have 5-minute performing spots at the con­ Non-members can, of course, become instant new members sole of the RCMH 4/ 58 Grand Wurlitzer) you must register by enclosing $8.00 for 1970 ATOS National dues with their for the full-week package on or before July 1. registration forms. As long as the present stock lasts, the ATOS Publications Office will send these new members • Each mail registrant will be sent a receipt accompanied copies of all available 1970 back issues of THEATRE by a Fabulous Fifteenth Special Rate HOTEL COMMO­ ORGAN magazine. DORE Room Registration Card. We will accept mail reser­ vations until July 1, but we can send Hotel Cards only to • The "best buy" full-week registration package, with pref­ those who register on or before June 10. Fabulous Fifteenth erential treatment at all "limited capacity" events and a free Room Rates are available only to registrants certified by the copy of the elegant FABULOUS FIFTEENTH SOUVENIR Fabulous Fifteenth Staff. PROGRAM BROCHURE, is available at $19.50 per person to 1970 ATOS members and spouses only. • The Convention program 1s subject to change without notice. • The CONVENTION BANQUET in the Grand Ballroom of the Commodore Hotel is available only to 1970 ATOS • We have no firm policy on refunds. If it is absolutely ,.members and their immediate families. Banquet music necessary for you to ask for a refund, we will give every features will be provided by BALDWIN. A no-host recep­ consideration to the circumstances of the request. tion in the Commodore Grand Foyer will precede the Con­ vention Banquet. Adults - Deluxe Prime Ribs of Beef - • Additional copies of the Registration Form are available $12.00. Children (14 and under) - Champion Chopped on request from the ATOS Convention Office, Box 13 31, Sirloin of Beef - $7.50. Passaic, N. J. 07055 or the ATOS National Office.

april 1970 32 AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY

FABULOUS FIFTEENTH ANNUAL CONVENTION

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

SAT., JULY 11 SUN., JULY 12 MON., JULY 13 TUES, JULY 14 WED., JULY 15 THUR., JULY 16 FRI., JULY 17

MORNING ASHLEY LOWELL DON CONCERT JEFF DON MILLER AYARS KINNIER CAMEOS BARKER BAKER United Loew's Academy Beacon CONCERl I Wonder Palace Jersey of Music Theatre DENNIS Morton Wonder Wonder Wurlitzer Wurlit zer JAMES and Morton Morton CONCERT CONN CONCERT II GRAND CONCERT CONCERT MAINTENANCE United OPENING LECTURE SEMINAR Palace CONCERT Wonder Mel RECORDING Morton Robinson SEMINAR Rober1/i Lee Balfou Erwin

AFTERNOON SEARLE FRED JERRY CALVIN JIMMY WORTH/CROW A .T .O.S. WRIGHT TULAN MENDELSON HAMPTON PAULIN DUO NATIONAL L.1.U. Cathedral of Rahway Calvary United Twin MEMBERSHIP MEETING Wurlitzer St. John The Divine Theatre Church Palace Rodgers Aeolian - Skinner Wurlitzer Roosevelt Wonder CONCERT THEATRE/ Skinner Morton LECTURE POP CONCERT CLASSIC AND CONCERT CLASSIC GOTHAM CONCERT DEMONSTRATION CONCERT GOSPEL (3 - 4 P.M.) WHAT IS MUSIC A THEATRE CRITIC ORGAN? HOME SEMINAR SEMINAR INFORMAL TOUR Allen Allen BUFFET CONCERTS Hughes Miller GALA (aII afternoon) DENNIS JAMES EVENING ALLEN LYN ELECTRONIC BILLY LEE CONVENTION Renwick MILLS LARSEN ORGAN NALLE ERWIN BANOU~T Studios L.I.U. FESTIVAL "Paramount Beacon L.I.U . United Prime Ribs Wurlitzer Studio " Theatre Wurlitzer Palace at the Wurlitzer CONCERT Wurlitzer CONCERT Wonder COMMODORE CONCERT Morton JEFF FEATURE BARKER FILM RICHARD Schaeble FANTASIA LEIBERT Studios Radio City "Loew's Music Hall Valencia" Grand Wonder Wurlitzer Morton MIDNIGHT CONCERT He played a medley from his old pipe organ records as well as tunes John Duffy Plays 'Triplicate' from his current electronic recordings. He has recorded a Gulbransen, Allen Concert in El Segundo, Calif. and Conn but the same arrangements took on much added coloration when by Peg Nielsen afforded the advantages of pipes. If there is adverse criticism approp­ combinations may be used without the riate it concerns a mechanical condi­ volume becoming oppressive. The em­ tion; all the choice percussions are un­ phasis is on quality. enclosed ( and blacklighted). In com­ The program consisted of an even bination they tend to drown out the 50 titles, with about 40 percent of the pipework. Thus occasionally some de­ selections called out by the audience tail was lost to the listeners. But Johnny at the organist's instigation. reserved this blast chiefly for tunes The tone of the whole two hours like "the Repasz Band." was one of informality. Johnny talked About a week before the concert, a easily ( a hint of his native Erin is rumor got into circulation that Johnny's still audible) and he greeted friends in car had been struck from behind on the crowd. He asked for requests often the freeway and that what was left of and when he played tunes called out, Johnny had been slung in a plaster cast the arrangements and registrations in a San Fernando valley hospital. were as carefully worked out as those Trouble is - it's quite true. But it hap­ for his planned selections. pened several years ago and the victim Jbhnny found th-e 'Old Town Music Hall' At one point Johnny played an has long since recovered. Yet, the re­ Wurlitzer to his liking. "original composition" by the audience. incarnated rumor may have cut into - Stufoto He asked the listeners to call out num­ attendance at Johnny's three concert On February 14-15, southern Cali­ bers from one to ten. These he trans­ sessions. fornia vvas treated to a long overdue posed to musical notes and his skill in "Perhaps the rumor came at the event, a concert on pipes by John assembling the resulting hodgepodge right time," says Johnny, "We couldn't Duffy playing his fu;st air-powered ses­ into a listenable tune creates the sus­ have seated any more customers." sion in the area. The concert was pre­ picion that the final product was more After a blockbusting Gershwin set, sented three times, first on Saturday Duffy than audience, an old but effec­ his applauding audience let him go - evening, with repeats on Sunday at tive audience pleaser. three encores later. D 2:00 and 8:00 p.m. in order to accom­ modate all the fans. The event was held at the 250-seat Coffman and Field "Old Town Music Build this magnificent Hall" in El Segundo (south of L.A.), a facility which is becoming increas­ ingly important to enthusiasts in the Schober Theatre area. The 4-deck Wurlitzer now boasts - -=,, Organ for 26 ranks and recent refinements in reed tonality, especially, are imme­ diately noted...... only $1730 !* We attended the final stanza hoping You couldn't touch an organ like this in a to avoid the crowds but the little store for less than $3500-and there hasn't theatre was well filled. Bill Coffman been a musical instrumentwith this introduced Johnny, and the applause vast variety of genuineTheatre Organ went on and on - before he had played voices since the days of the silent a note. The organist's reputation among movies!Haunting tibias, biting strings, pipe enthusiasts hangs almost entirely blaring reeds-the wholeA to Z gamut on the excellence of a few Liberty label of realpipe soundsthat makethe sim­ plest playinga thrilling experienceand recordings played in the mid-50's on give the professionalorganist every­ the then Joe Kearns 3/ 26 Wurlitzer thing he needs.If you'vedreamed of and the CBS ("Columbia Square") the grandeurof authenticbig-organ sound in 3/10 Wurlitzer (the latter has since *Includes finished walnut console . Amplifier, your own home,you won't find a moresatis­ gone to a church). These have been speaker system, optional accessories extra. fying instrumentanywhere-kit or no kit. Only $1256 ii you build your own console. reissued several times, most recently .------.. Youcan learnto play it. Andyou can build it, on the Sunset label. Therefore, it may Th fjlcltoJe,,,0 c ...... _ TO . 11 from SchoberKits, world famousfor easeof be assumed there were many present 43 ~est 61st street r~~: v':::;•Ny10023 assemblywithout the slightest knowledgeof who knew Johnny's music only from ' ' · • electronicsor music,for designand parts qual- □ Please send me Schober Organ Catalog and ity from the ground up, and-above all-for recordings. So the ovation was that free 7-inch "sample" record. the highestpraise from musicianseverywhere. much more remarkable. D Enclosed please find $1.00 for 12-inch L.P. The theatre (rebuilt from a long record of Schober Organ music. Sendright nowfor your copyof the full-color dead nickelodeon-style movie) has but Schobercatalog, containing specifications of NAM,...______one function - to present a fine organ the five SchoberOrgan models, beginning at in a proper setting - and it succeeds ADD RES,.,______$499.50. Nocharge, no obligation-but lots of beyond expectations. Pipework has food for a healthymusical appetite! been installed in such a way that full L______CITY----~TATE Z~P-- J

april 1970 34 $100,000 SEARCH for PIANO ROLLSI - Ampico, Duo-Art, and Welte -

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

The Types of Rolls We Want to Buy ... Ampico, Duo-Art, and Welte rolls. Other types of rolls There were many types of piano rolls issued from are not wanted - so do not send them. (We are, how­ about 1890 to the late 1930's. At the moment we are ever, interested in buying certain types of rolls for pipe concerned with three main types: those marked "Am­ organs such as those marked "Aeolian Organ" or pico," 0 Duo-Art," or "Welte." These rolls have a paper "Aeolian Duo-Art Organ," and certain types of Clark width measuring (except for certain Welte rolls) 11¼" - Orchestra Roll Co., Hupfeld, Philipps, Wurlitzer, etc. rolls not including the spool ends. They were originally issued - but do not send these rolls to us; instead, write to for use on Ampico, Duo-Art, and Welte pianos. These us for an offer for them first). For Ampico, Duo-Art, and pianos were not the regular foot-pumped home player Welte rolls in good playable condition we'll pay you pianos, but were electrically operated pianos which played $2.50 cash for each roll you send! This offer has no the music with expression in imitation of the original strings attached - you don't have to have special tunes, artists. We just want to buy rolls marked "Ampico," "Duo­ special roll numbers, etc. Our price is good for any Art," or "Welte." Do not send other types of rolls to us. Ampico, Duo-Art, or Welte roll regardless of title. The rolls must be in good playable condition without damage and with the box and labels intact. How Do I Ship Rolls to You? Why Are We Buying Them??? Sending rolls to us is as simple as A-B-C. It's in­ expensive, too! Package the rolls carefully in a carton Our large campaign to buy Ampico, Duo-Art, and Welte and mail them to us by U.S. mail. Send them by the rolls has understandably aroused a bit of curiosity. Are "Special 4th Class Rate for Sound Recordings." This is we buying them for investment? Do they have some very cheap and will cost you just a few cents per roll. hidden value? What are you doing with them all? - Enclose an invoice or a letter with your package stating These are just a few of the questions we have been the quantity of rolls sent and the price, for example: asked. Our answer is rather simple and, perhaps, dis­ "I am enclosing 40 Ampico rolls at $2.50 each for a appointing as it is not romantic: We are buying them total of $100.00." That's all there is to it. Upon satis­ for a customer who wants to build the world's largest factory examination we'll rush you our payment in full. roll "library." He has commissioned us to buy rolls for him. The arrangement is simple: our customer is paying us a 10% commission for the rolls we buy. Hence, if Tell Me About Hathaway and Bowers, Inc. you sell us rolls, you're probably making more profit You are doing business with a large, established, and than we are! We make a nominal 25c profit on every roll reliable firm when you sell to Hathaway and Bowers, we buy for $2.50 - a figure you'll agree is quite modest. Inc. We are the world's largest dealer in antique music That's it. Isn't the answer simple? boxes, reproducing pianos, player organs, etc. (Our latest catalogue, No. 12, is available for $2 postpaid). We How Much Are We Paying Per Roll? purchase tens of thousands of dollars worth of rolls We are paying you $2.50 per roll delivered to our instruments, etc. per month. You can be sure when you offices. As mentioned before, this offer is good only for sell to us!

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

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

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

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

37 theatre organ Pre-Convention festivities a·t Har­ A Piano duet by Bob Foley and Bob Weddle welcomes Col. Sam welden, Ray Elmore, George Ben Hall Ader arad Mary Jean Miller Kravis, Winnie Gillette.

FOREWORD BY RON WILLFONG siwi Little did we know, as we began planning the Southwest Regional A.T.O.S. Convention that, it would coincide within two or three days of the actual Fifteenth birthday of A.T.O.S. And , so to celebrate the event we, decided to try a new innovation-have the banquet on the opening night of the Regional-a gala time was had by one and all as we made plans for attending the "Fabulous Fifteenth" in_New York during July. A dream has been realized. And since, the organs and artists G were all reviewed in the February 1970 issue of "Theatre Organ," . • ~~;Htt:;~~~Nll~Ia~~iAlomlUtRt~ [OUthe

Caught in the Act! It 's autograph. time.

"l just finalized plans to c·ome back to Tulsa .­ "Congratulations We'll be doing a combined movie and on a job well done."- concert show ."-Larry Roou, CATOE Bill Benedict, CATOE II~

"D;d you feel that Eddie Horton's muscle?­ ll No wonder they billed him as 'Eddie Horton At The Wonder "To think, I almost didn't get to come!­ Morton'."-Ben Holl, lt's ~en an out standing event."- - New York Chapter W. "Tiny'' James, Northern California Chapter B-= Joe Crutch.field presents opening concert "This is the biggest thrill of my life!"-Oneta Puckette

"East Meets West" The circle closes and fr i endsh i p " Pa-Ota-Ka Dancers" begin is sealed. " Buffalo Dance." "I ·mo.ve we adjourn," says Ben Another innov~tion, Dale Zieger OOOPS! The tremoio stuck again! Hall . at the 3 manual Conn Theatre Organ.

"I haven't missed a single event.-lt has the same feeling of breathless anticipation that you get at a Na,tionol Conven-' tion."-Wally Acton, Los Angeles Chapter

"That Ron Willfong must really hove something on the weathermon.-He promised me Spring weather and by jove , we've got it!"-AI Mason, National A.T.O.S. "Prexy" B

Tripping the light fantastic with _T Ben and Betty . . . . INTOA"MAXI" "I didn't know there •fa was anything like this!" ~ Lee Gillette, "If I had known how great this would be, Newspaper Printing · have driven four times · as for!"- Corporation Grant Whitcomb _, Delawa~e VaUey Chapter '9r "We took our winter vacation "WOW, ore all Regionals like this?"­ to be here.-We're going Land O' Lakes Chapter Member back home and put an organ in, every barn. in lowo."-Mr. and Mrs. Seymour Vander Schaaf, Cedar Rapid's Chapter s "Can you believe it?-Dr. Hargis hos asked me to play 'Finlandia' again, for his services in the morning, what a Ben Hall doing a "Feather Dance?" thrill!"-Mary Jean Miller, Heart of Ameri,ca Chapter

And, the Buffalo is mortally wounded. The Buffalo charges. "Ooom - Ga - Wa" He got it!

37 Innovation! . . . BanquPt on Ron Willfong, welcomes 3 Wichita Richard Rogers at th.e Christian opening night. Beauties. Crusade.

"Talk about attention to detoils .-Personolized A.T.O.S. memo-pods and pencils, along with coffee and roll~ for the National Boord Meeting, and that Continental Breakfast on Sunday Morning.-AII courtesy of Sooner State, how thought­ ful can you get?"-Dorothy Whitcomb, National A.T.0.S. Secretary /Treasurer "How did you John Beck, North Texas Cha,pter wish I had joined ATOS sooner, so that I could have been ~ on the fun of preparation." -Evelyn Sanders, new Sqonet., I!~ State Chapter Member "I'm com;ng back to Tulso ond GM bringing 'The Eagle' with me."- Johnny Kemm, "The Southern Gentlemcrn." Lee Erwin, New York Chapter

~ I took off work as a streetcar motorman to ~ be here at the Coleman on opening day - This is just like re-living that doy."­ "We're going home and see if our Overheard in the lobby Chapter can't do something like this.''­ of the ''Colemon, Theatre .. Mr. and Mn. Frank May, Central lrrd.«1na :Chapter

"Did you see that Rose Teis and Joe Orutchfield, dancing at the Ball?-Those two should have been a professional dance team, and that Orchestro!-lt took me back to the good old lush "Big Band" days-Betty Mason, National A.T.O.S. Exec- Bob Foley presents corsage to utive Secretary O,neta Puckette on behalf of A.T.O.S. All photography courtesy of Tom Cusick Mid-America Chapter A.T.O.S.

Jay, Oklahoma students turn out Time out . . . Dale Zieger auto­ The newly restored Coleman for Coleman festivities. graphs program for a lovely Theatre exterior. admfrer.

38 Mm·k Kenning at the Chiristian Mary Jean Miller at the Christian Crusade Crusade.

CONCLUSION Why did we have a Regional? Because "Show­ Time in Chicago" created a dream for us. A dream to unite A.T.O.S. in the Southwest, to give it vitality and enthusiasm, such as we saw in Chicago. We're proud of our Southwestern Heritage in Doxie J.ackson, the Theatre Organ World. And, we wantep to Nortfl Texas Chapter share it with you. We gave you Joe Crutchfield, Dale Zieger, Rose Teis, Ken Wright, Ray Elmore, Johnny Kemm, Mary Jean Miller, Richard Roge~rs, Bob Foley, Stan Guy, Ed Love, Mark Kenning, M "We've hod a wonderful time." and Dennis Minear-along with the Christian V/ Mr. and Mrs. Ray Boettger, Crusade, the Masonic Temple, the Colem-an St. Louis Chapter Theatre and Philbrook Art Center:­ Ron Willfong looks on, as Tulsa. From Mid-America to St. Louis and from Mayor, James M. Hewgley, Jr.; Heart Of America to North signs "A.T.O.S. Days In Tulsa" Texas~ Proclamation And for good measure, Master of Ceremonies, "Those Convention posters in the lobby of the Ben Hall. Camelot ore the greotest!"-Allen Rossiter, In Return, you gave New York Ch!pter us much, much more, you gave us our dream. For this we thank one and all. "I've never been so impressed by people's friendliness and hospitality-Soy, does my new western hot look olright?"­ Woody Wise, Potomac: Valley Chapter

"That Ken Wright ploys the most digestible dinner music I've ever heard . "-Don Lockwood, Pu,blications Direc~or, Theatre Organ Magazine

Youngest A.T.O.S. member at Regional, son of North Texan Doxie Jackson.

Barroom scene from "The Stan Guy, North Texas , takes a Drunkard." bow.

39 ROCKY MOUNTAIN (23) Duane Searle, Chm. ChapterChairmen andSecretaries 472 Quentin Aurora, Colo. 80010 BEEHIVE (31) Mrs. Mary Bowles, Sec. NORTH TEXAS (35) Kenneth Tillotson, Sec. Wayne Russell, Chm. Box 39, Rt. 2 Lost Lake John Beck, Chm. 2240 Oakland St. 2579 Commonwealth Marlton, N. J. 08053 6032 Linden Lane Aurora, Colo. 80010 Salt Lake City, Utah 84109 EASTERN MASS ( 1) Dallas, Texas 75230 Mrs. Lily Colibert, Sec. Erle Renwick, Chm. Doxie Jackson, Sec. SIERRA (29) 781 East 17th South 267 Mossman Rd. 915 Wisteria Way John Sogorka, Jr., Chm. Salt Lake City, Utah 84105 Sudbury, Mass. 01776 Richardson, Texas 75080 1610 Day Drive NO. CALIF. (4) Carmichael, Calif. 95608 CANTON (37) Francois Lembree, Sec. Robert Schmalz, Chm. Cathy Zeller, Sec. Craig Jaynes, Chm. 4 Royal Oak Dr. Nashua, N. H. 03060 275 Fairmount Ave., Apt. 4 5223 Glancy Dr. 1308 Portage N.W. Oakland, Calif. 94611 Carmichael, Calif. 95608 North Canton, Ohio 44720 HEART OF AMERICA (25) Marian Schmidt, Sec. SOONER STATE (34) Mrs. Marjorie Armitage, Sec Edward Wood, Chm. 275 Fairmount Ave., Apt. 8 Ron Willfong, Chm. 1912 Lover's Lane N.E. 1548 Lexington Court Oakland, Calif. 94611 1205 S. Indian North Canton, Ohio 44721 Kansas City, Mo. 64110 OHIO VALLEY (10) Tulsa, Okla. 74127 CEDAR RAPIDS (39) S. G. Sparrowhawk, Sec. George Eaglin, Chm. Mrs. Walter Green, Sec. Robert Hines, D.C., Chm. 7206 Olive 16 E. Walnut St. Rt. 13, Box 529 501 Cedar Street Kansas City, Mo. 64132 Southgate, Ky. 41071 Tulsa, Okla. 74107 Tipton, Iowa 52772 Glenn Merriam, Sec. LAND 0' LAKES (9) SOUTH FLORIDA (32) Patricia Marshall, Sec. Claude Newman, Chm. P. 0. Box 222 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 John Steele, Chm. 3020 Circle Drive 7350 Ridgeway Rd. 198 E. 4th Ave. OREGON (20) Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402 Minneapolis, Minn. 55427 Hialeah, Fla. 33010 Gerald Duffy, Chm. CENTRAL INDIANA (26) Alice Tubbesing, Sec. 532 N.E. 41st George Gerhart, Sec. Gene·Featherston, Chm. 3213 Windgate Road Portland, Ore. 97232 Box 38-245 St. Paul, Minn. 55119 105 S. Bradley Ave. Raechal Zenk, Sec. Miami, Fla. 33138 Indianapolis, Ind. 46201 LOS ANGELES (3) 9557 S.W. 62nd Dr. SOUTHEASTERN (14) Patricia Denton, Sec. William Exner, Chm. Portland, Ore. 97219 Robert Clark, Jr., Chm. R.R. 2, Box 138 P. 0. Box 90131 PIEDMONT (18) 13 6 Peachtree Memorial Indianapolis, Ind. 46231 Los Angeles, Calif. 90009 Jim Sparks, Chm. Dr. N.W., Apt. D-1 CENTRAL OHIO (30) Laurel Haggart, Sec. 111 Davidson Road Atlanta, Ga. 30309 Jack Dommer, Chm. 5765 Chicopee Durham, N. C. 27704 Edd Simmons, Sec. 366 Arden Rd. Encino, Calif. 91316 Geo. Anthony, Sec. 3615 DeMooney Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43214 Atlanta, Ga. 30337 MID-AMERICA (28) P. 0. Box 1676 Burlington, N.C. 27215 John Harmon, Sec. Victor Rork, Chm. ST. LOUIS (15) 1330 Presidential Dr. #117 Route 6 PINETREE (21) John Ferguson, Chm. Columbus, Ohio 43212 Wichita, Kansas 67233 Leon Carpenter, Chm. 7216 Pershing CHICAGO AREA (13) 181 South Street St. Louis, Mo. 63130 David Dillon, Sec. Gorham, Maine 04038 William Benedict, Chm. Woodrow Coffey, Sec. 1938 Marion Rd. Joseph DePeter, Sec. 310 W. Washington Blvd. Wichita, Kansas 67216 7619 Flora Ave. Oak Park, Ill. 60302 5 Reg-Roe Road St. Louis, Mo. 63143 MOTOR CITY (24) Falmouth, Maine 04105 Joe DuciBella, Sec. TOLEDO (38) 345 S. Cuyler Albert Mason, Chm. POTOMAC VALLEY (7) James Peters, Chm. Oak Park, Ill. 60302 15743 Edgewood Dr. George Johnson, Chm. 4641 Wickford Dr. W. Livonia, Mich. 48154 6516 Haystack Rd. CONN. VALLEY (11) Sylvania, Ohio 43560 Donald Lockwood, Sec. Alexandria, Va. 22310 Stillman Rice, Chm. Joyce Gwinner, Sec. P. 0. Box 671 Marjorie Lane, Sec. 18 Ridgewood Terrace 3718 Burton Dearborn, Mich. 48121 13901 Castaway Lane Toledo, Ohio 43612 North Haven, Conn. 06473 Rockville, Md. 20853 NEW YORK (17) WESTERN RESERVE(16) Ruth Smith, Sec. PUGET SOUND (12) Cook Drive RFD #2 Robert .Balfour, Chm. N. R. Kelley, M.D., Chm. Harry Harkness, Chm. Bolton, Conn. 06040 130 Orchard Terrace 91 Merriman Rd. Union, N. J. 07083 12230 Ashworth Ave. N. Akron, Ohio 44303 DAIRYLAND (36) Seattle, Wash. 98133 Mrs. Walter Walker, Sec. Allen Rossiter, Sec. Fred Hermes, Chm. Virginia Lawrence, Sec. 2010 Radcliffe Dr. P. 0. Box 1331 616 Sixth Street 3612 41st West Westlake, Ohio 44145 Passaic, N. J. 07055 Racine, Wis. 53403 Seattle, Wash. 98199 WOLVERINE (22) Karen Steinke, Sec. NIAGARA FRONTIER (8) RED RIVER (27) Gary Montgomery, Chm. 1303 S. 71st St. Randorf Piazza, Chm. Mrs. Alice Harden, Chm. 386 Concord Place Dr. West Allis, Wis. 53214 230 Jewett Ave. 1715 S. 12th Bloomfield Hills, DELAWARE VALLEY (2) Buffalo, N. Y. 14214 Moorhead, Minn. 56560 Mich. 48013 Grant Whitcomb, Chm. Elwyn Guest, Sec. Gerald Schjelderup, Sec. David Voydanoff, Sec. Rees Road "Melody Hill" 19 Center St. 1011 S. 20th, Apt. 1 1796 Burns Devault, Pa. 19432 Angola, N. Y. 14006 Moorhead, Minn. 56560 Detroit, Mich. 48214

april 1970 40 There are the usual small sizzlers that Adjourning to the State Theatre in one by one are being eliminated and Waterbury, we had our final meeting some magnet ciphers that were cleared there prior to removal of the 2/ 10 Wur­ by cleaning armatures. Most all of the litzer which was donated to us by the Main side 16' Flues and Reeds are in RKO chain. Members had a final place and really sound off. The Solo chance at the console, after which side has two 16' tubas in place which Everett Bassett played a short concert. are real "growlers." Wiring is progress­ On Saturday, December 13, we met ing, keyboards reinstalled, bolsters and at the Beechwood Manor in North stop tabs are in process of reinstalla­ Haven for our Annual Christmas Party. ••••••• ••••••• tion. All leather in the console has been Following cocktails and dinner, we held redone and new contacts installed on a short business meeting during which tabs and pedals. Coupler switches have the new officers were reinstalled. WIll JA'\...W Ill been received from Klann for installa­ The fun began with a contest to see tion. From all indications, this instru­ who could make the most out of a •CHAPTERNEWS• ment is going to be a real, true "Mighty handful of those long, skinny balloons, Wurlitzer" as room conditions, restora­ and Santa Claus, assisted by Mrs. Claus, tion work and general condition of parts dropped in to pass out gifts to all. is exceptionally good. The tension is The fun continued as we moved on CHICAGO AREA mounting to about the pitch of a 16' to the New Haven Paramount, where post horn on 25" wind pressure to get member, Frank Konitz played an in­ The bright, sunny, though cold, Sat­ finished, and it has been a great experi­ formal concert. Frank was a radio or­ urday morning of January 10th found ence working on the project. ganist in Hartford, and amused us with over 200 CATOE members and fam­ anecdotes and played medleys of tunes ilies at the WGN Studios, listening to CONNECTICUT VALLEY he had played for radio broadcasts what we like best - the sound of live back in the days when the live studio -theatre pipe organ. Harold Turner, or­ The Annual Meeting of The Con­ organist was part of the day's broad­ ganist on WGN's radio program "Pipe necticut Valley Theatre Organ Society, cast schedule. Dreams" was our organist for the morn­ Inc., Conn. Valley Chapter ATOS was ing. Hal played an all too short inter­ held at the Hammond Organ Studios in lude of some old favorites in his smooth­ Waterbury on Saturday, November 8, flowing style, including "Night and 1969. Day," and made you feel as though you were listening to his radio program. Stillman Rice was elected Chairman Mr. Ward Quaal, president of WGN, and Corporate President for a third was responsible for WGN keeping the term along with Frank Manion, Vice organ as part of the station's facilities. Chairman and Corporate Vice Presi­ Two chambers housing the 11 ranks dent; Mrs. Ruth Smith, Secretary; and of pipes (7 from the original Wurlitzer) Don Maccormack, Treasurer. Gene are directly behind the 3 manual Kim­ Hubbard was newly elected Program ball console which is finished in a bril­ Chairman to replace Mike Foley, who liant white. Four sets of swell shutters was unable to serve another year. Mike open out horizontally. Hal introduced will be remembered for the energetic Frank Wichlac who told of some of his and outstanding programs he brought us re-installation problems. The chambers during the past year. are on two floors and the relays and Frank Konitz, · former radio organist, at New After the business meeting, Angelo Haven Paramount 2/10 Wurlitzer. blower are on the second floor. Frank Mastagni, Education Chairman, showed also explained that this organ is used a movie on the Physics of Sound and A jam session concluded the pro­ as religious accompaniment and there­ how we hear it. The film, available fore the incorporation of the Nacht­ gram, during which we heard from through the Hammond Company, was horn. Another change was made - the two guests, Past National President, most instructive and interesting. It is Xylophone is a single-stroke and no Judd Walton, and Ben Hall, who was recommended to all chapters wishing to longer reiterates. assisted by Ev Bassett at the back-stage broaden their knowledge and learn how remote keyboard. Hal turned the organ over to those sound is roduced. CATOE members who would like to - Al Miller play and WGN served coffee and rolls. Chairman Bill Benedict thanked WGN EASTERN MASSACHUETTS personnel for being so gracious and for sharing the organ and Hal with us. Our Wandering Wurlitzer will soon The Wurlitzer project at Downers be moving into its new home in the Grove is progressing nicely. The con­ Richard Knight Auditorium at Babson sole has been repainted and refurbish­ College in Wellesley. The necessary ing it is about 90% completed. The papers have been signed, and prepara­ platform and cover for the console are tory structural work is expected to under construction at the present time begin soon, under the guidance of Al and about 80% of the solder connec­ Winslow. Don Phipps, project leader tions are completed. The blower was for organ repair and installation, will turned on for the first time on Jan. organize work crews according to geo­ Everett Bassett changing registration during his graphical locations of the members. 14th. With the exception of one pallet solo spot at the Waterbury State Theatre 2/10 cipher, all open air lines were closed. Wurlitzer. He is depending on each of us to indi-

41 theatre organ cate preferred week-nights and Satur­ tially completed chamber, a three­ Sunday dinner was made more en­ days and any special working arrange­ manual keyboard and wiring section, joyable with Mr. Stanley Nantz (CIC ments. and a pedal board under construction. Member) playing a 3/m Allen TO. A company representative gave an in­ In the evening, the CIC Annual The Richard Knight Auditorium has formative explanation of their con­ Meeting was held in the studios of the a total of 1100 seats; 800 on the main struction methods. On the second floor, Schmitt Music Company, a dealer for floor, and 300 in the horseshoe balcony. their pipe voicer actually voiced two the Conn Organ Company. We were There are organ chambers already in new pipes for us and demonstrated again treated to the music of Tommy the building, at each side of the stage, many things about pipe voicing and Sheen, this time on the new 3/m but more space is needed for our tuning: For organ nuts, it was a very Conn TO. Wurli, and the first phase of the in­ delightful and educational experience. At the end of the two days, the stallation will include enlargement of group was a tired but happy bunch, these chambers. Saturday night was a definite high­ and certainly well ORGANized. The By the good fortune of our agree­ light in the two-day "bash" with a visit feeling was that we'll do our thing ment with one of New England's finest to the NEW Rivoli Theatre. Tom Fer­ again next year. colleges, our orphaned organ has at ree, who owns the Louisville U niphone Theatre Pipe Organ there, now also last found a home. We have the leader­ LAND O'LAKES ship and the know-how to put our fine operates the theatre. He has done a tremendous job in renovating the run­ old Wurlitzer back in business: the THANK YOU'S ARE IN ORDER­ down movie house into a thing of thrilling sound of all its many voices I owe a very large one to Harriet Bate­ beauty. There is a new two-story elec­ will not remain silent much longer! man for her notes on the December tric sign out front, the marquee has How soon the great day will arrive de­ meeting (in this writer's absence). With­ been repaired and painted, and the pends mostly on ourselves, the mem­ out them you would now be looking at electric lights now flicker as they are bers of the Eastern Massachusetts an almost totally blank article! supposed to do. The foyer and center Chapter. There is much to be done. I understand that the Mark Dalquist's aisle have a brand new bright red car­ Don has the skills, but he has only one next-door-neighbors had some unex­ pet, while the auditorium proper has pair of hands; together we can offer pected company (food and all) the night been completely redecorated with a many. There has been much discussion of our Christmas meeting on December white and black ceiling and light blue and extensive planning for the day 21st. Charlotte and Bill Eckley carried walls. The frames of the seats were when we could boast of our own Chap­ the refreshments into the kitchen of given a coat of silver paint and all ter organ. Now let us each make the what they thought to be the Dalquist upholstery cleaned or replaced, all extra effort, and hasten the fulfillment home, after greeting a young fellow wood parts cleaned and varnished. The of our dreams. Needless to say, we are who was watching TV. When the boy's contrast was startling to those of us indeed happy with the prospects of parents arrived, it was explained to the sharing our 3/ 13 Wurlitzer with an who had visited the OLD Rivoli Eckleys that the organ was next door! Theatre. institution like Babson College. Barring A logical mistake that gave everyone unforeseen events, this organ should be Tom has added some pipes to the at the meeting a good laugh. playing for the Christmas holiday sea­ organ since the last program, giving the A short business meeting started son this year. We look forward to a organ a much fuller and broader sound. everything off, at which time Glenn long and rewarding relationship with There are now 17 ranks playing, with Bateman read minutes of a meeting to our host, Babson College. Thanks to all a couple more ranks planned. A second investigate the possibility of forming a at Babson and to members of the club Tibia has been added, placing a Tibia Board of Trustees for the chapter. A who helped to bring about this new on each side of the theatre, contribut­ motion was made and seconded that opportunity to preserve the tradition of ing to the delightful tone of the organ. the report be made a part of the official the Theatre Pipe Organ. record. Tommy Sheen of Chicago was the Byron Carlson then opened the musi­ Preliminary cleaning and repairs visiting artist for the evening, and he cal program with a Christmas medley. have started on the 3/ 11 (?) Wurlitzer played a fine program of Theatre Byron had arrived in town only a in the Bradford Hotel Grand Ballroom, Organ Music from old time tunes to couple of hours before the program, so Boston and will continue for the next new tunes and some Christmas Holi­ had no time to practice, but that made few weeks until the organ is in reason­ day tunes. Mr. Sheen accompanied a no difference because all reports were ably good playable condition. The Laurel and Hardy silent movie "County of his fabulous playing and excellent initial phases of repair should not inter­ Hospital" plus a Sing-A-Long in which musicianship (which does not surprise fere with the repair and installation of the audience participated lustily. Tom­ any of us who have enjoyed his play­ our own organ, as the job of placing my is a young man, but he plays like ing before). Thank you, Byron. the Bradford organ in first class con­ a veteran from the old days plus a After a brief intermission, John Zet­ dition is reserved for a time after the touch of the modern. The evening was terstrom was the next artist to play. Chapter organ is completely installed well spent. Then with Claude Newman at the piano and in use. and John at the console, all were treat­ Sunday afternoon was spent with the ed to several duets. A fine ending to a CENTRALINDIANA Hendricks Music Company, dealer for well-planned program. Rodgers and Hammond. Two chapter Refreshments were served and Claude Central Indiana Chapter went wowie members, Eleanor Lewis and Vivian Newman did a short solo stint in his on a two-day Mini-Convention of their Arbaugh, played a well received pro­ most enjoyable style. Following was a own, December 13 and 14. It started gram of theatre organ music on two sing-along of Christmas songs with By­ off with a tour of the Holloway Pipe Rodgers Theatre Organs, a Trio and ron at the organ and Claude directing Organ Company, Saturday afternoon. a 33E. Vivian has played real theatre the "choir" of enthusiastic participants. Holloway is an Indianapolis manufac­ pipe organs in real theatres in the days Clyde Olson took a turn at the organ turer of "straight" organs. We saw sev­ past when such things were still around followed by "Organ Annie" Merten, eral chests under construction, a par- in Indianapolis. having been ill and unable to attend

april 1970 42 meetings for some time, played several Welk TV show presented his :first the­ numbers. atre pipe organ concert. Of course, Bob As guests departed, they were treated also plays in the conventional manner, to some rousing music by Tim Kucij, exceptionally well. one of our younger members. Our thanks again to the Dalquists, of Another fine artist, Mr. Tom Sheen Edina, for their hospitality. Over 50 of Chicago, was heard at the Wiltern members and guests were in attendance in January. The Wiltern Kimball is at their lovely home (my only regret is now the responsibility of new mainten­ that this writer and her husband were, ance chairman, Leonard Worne. sadly, not among them). The San Gabriel Civic Auditorium We did get to the February meeting Wurlitzer installation effort continues, at KSTP-TV Studios, though. First we with almost all major work nearing were all treated to a "balancing act" at completion. The member playing plan which time Bob Paige and the control at the Elk's Building 4/ 58 Morton has booth balanced the solo and accompani­ resumed following an interruption for Tom Hazleton at the Riviera Wurlitzer. ment organ to stereo sound. a national billiards tournament. Bob Claude Newman then welcomed our and Ruth Stratton are coordinating the Maryland's Dick Smith played the many members and guests (totalling plan. same 3/ 11 Wurlitzer on Wednesday, about 96 that day) and we all intro­ February 18 for almost 1,300 attentive The club's monthly newsletter is listeners. His repertoire included many duced ourselves. now being mailed via first class postage Next Don Taft introduced Al Schmitz contemporary pieces as well as the due to many reported delivery delays good old standards. He introduced two (his cohort in T.S. Productions, dedi­ when it was sent at a lower rate. Sev­ cated to the proposition that the bounc­ original compositions, "Green Apples" eral members are attempting to arrange ing ball effect we've all seen in sing­ and "The Pink Broom Polka" which a group fare or charter flight to the along type shorts can be perfected). We were well received. An enthusiastic National Convention in New York in would all have liked to see and hear sing-along, a Buster Keaton silent film July. more about their fascinating project. "The Haunted House" and· requests Don Peterson's short history of the On January 25 many members trav­ from the audience gave his program Wurlitzer we were about to hear was elled to San Diego to hear Bill Thom­ variety. An unexpected power failure most interesting. He told us it had been, son on the Fox Theatre 4/ 32 Morton, in the area at the time didn't really originally, in the Capitol Theatre, St. and to hear Helen Dell there on Feb­ disrupt the concert to a great degree as Paul, later to be named the Paramount. ruary 22. Helen played for us at the when the organ was off, Dick filled in When the organ was installed at KSTP­ Wiltern on Dec. 14. those few minutes with some jokes. TV, Leonard Lee was the organist and Due to higher costs for the produc­ Dick's musical ability is constantly now, of course, Bob Paige is doing tion of organ concerts, the non-member growing more mature and takes in an those honors. donation has been increased to $2.00. ever-widening scope of tunes. - Shirley Cole Having had the organ itself intro­ A club member and his immediate duced to us, Bob Paige then was seated family will still be admitted for the at the console and we were off - $1.00 donation. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA After Bob, the club members were Coming events include Ralph Wolf Sunday afternoon, January 8, 1970, invited to "have at it" and Al Schmitz, at the Wiltern on March 22; a General Bob Arndt, Harry Steege, Don Taft the Pacific Council for Organ Clubs Business Meeting in April; Randy and ATOS Chapter Nor-Cal held a and John Zetterstrom all complied. Sauls at the Wiltern in April; and an­ Then Bob Arndt played for us again. luncheon meeting at Rudy's Supper other organ crawl with the American Club in Vallejo, California. Ostensibly, Clyde Olson then brought our pro­ Guild of Organists in May. This AGO/ the affair was called to install 1970 gram to a close. Everyone who played, LA ATOS event will feature a special officers for PCOC. However, the crowd more than did justice to an unfamiliar 2-manual carillon demonstration by of some 160 members and guests at­ and admittedly difficult instrument that, Dean McNichols at the Bell Friends tended for another reason - to hear in Bob Paige's words, "was not acting Church Wurlitzer theatre organ, and and enjoy their Dave Quinlan, gold at all as it usually does." George Wright at St. Mary's Church coat and all, give out with enchanting As all proud parents will recognize, in Whittier. The crawl has been ar­ melodies for an hour and a half on junior doesn't always do what is ex­ ranged by member Lois Taylor. the Mighty Wurlitzer. pected of him, but nevertheless to -Ray Bonner Outstanding in Dave's limitless rep­ those of us just listening and not hav­ ertoire was one of the great favorites ing to deal with technicalities, it was of this group - "Los Altos Train," a very enjoyable two hours. NIAGARA FRONTIER done in his own Inimitable Fashion - - Alice Tubbesing, Sec'y-Treas. The Niagara Frontier's first program as were all of his renditions. Nearing of 1970 featured California's Tom the close of the program, Dave (under­ LOS ANGELES Hazleton at the Riviera Wurlitzer on standably - the room was very warm January 14. His concert included songs and smoke filled) with one finger, and Would you believe: The Twelfth of various moods - peppy, humorous, slightly off key, "pecked" out "How Street Rag played on a giant theatre romantic and classical. A sing-along Dry I Am" ... and then proceeded to pipe organ, by an organist lying on his and Chaplin silent movie rounded out enlarge upon it so interestingly that back across a Howard seat? This is the evening. Tom's program included everyone was completely spellbound part of what 1,000 L.A. Chapter mem­ something for all musical tastes; and ... and no one got up to offer the bers and guests saw and heard on Feb. his mastery of music and his delightful poor guy a drink! Then after all that, 15 at the Wiltern when nationally fam­ sense of humor all helped to make it a he was gracious enough to give us an ous artist Bob Ralston of the Lawrence very entertaining occasion. encore.

43 theatre organ On Sunday afternoon, February 15, Sonensgeins and Art Hardiman, Man­ proval. This is a good opportunity for about 150 Northern California Chapter ager of the Fairfield establishment. the ATOS to do something about up­ holding our club purpose of restoring members and their guests met at San The month of October saw another Francisco's last refuge of the mighty and maintaining theatre organs. It will Gaylord Carter show with the film require work by the club members who Wurlitzer; the A venue Theatre. Max "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." Wurzbaugh sincerely invited ATOS will be asked to volunteer. members to assist in the volunteer op­ It is felt that the chapter again an­ Jonas Nordwall has taped a record eration of the theatre. People to help swered the cries of the Queen City on the Oriental Organ and it will be out with painting, plumbing, cleaning and area with another successful Carter this spring. We have heard the tape electrical work are particularly needed event. and it is going to be one you will want along with projectionists, both the to add to your collection or (maybe 16 mm and 35 mm varieties. Following a brief business meeting in the auditorium of the Baldwin Piano start a collection?). Our featured performer for the day and Organ Company, our host and fel­ On February 17 there was an auction was Everett Nourse, organist at San low member, Eddie Osborn provided at the Oriental Theatre to dispose of Francisco's Fox Theatre from 1944 a festive program as well as introduc­ all the contents (light fixtures, etc.) not until its destruction in 1963. He opened ing three other pros of the Baldwin including the organ, which has been his program with a medley of theatrical organization - Eddie Willhite, Bennie purchased by Dennis Hedberg, removed overtures one seldom hears. Under Ev­ Hamil, and Jack Huff. Our sincere and put in storage awaiting rebuilding erett's touch we were aware of being thanks to all the above professional and a new home. - Rachel Zenk transported back to the silent movie Baldwin artists and to the Baldwin days by a skillful musical historian. Organ and Piano Company for a suc­ Such things as "Cry Me a River" and cessful meeting attended by over 100 RED RIVER a Victor Herbert medley brought us to persons. - George V. Eaglin The January meeting of the Red "Who" with the pulsating, syncopated River Chapter was held at the Red accompaniment that is one of Everett's River Piano and Organ store in Moor­ most noteworthy effects and a spectac­ OREGON head. The business meeting centered ular way to end the first half of the Jonas Nordwall entertained the Ore­ around the new project of obtaining a program. gon Chapter with a concert on the theatre organ for the chapter. Lance In the · second half we heard several Robert Morton in the First Christian Johnson and Mrs. Hildegard Kraus re­ musical novelties of the 20's and 30's. Church in Portland on January 25. ported on several prospective organs. Perhaps it was Everett's enthusiastic This organ, of approximately 30 ranks, It was decided that the chapter would use of the beautiful large scale traps was installed in 1930 and is probably have to raise the money first, rather and percussions that brought about the last Morton ever built. The organ than to finance the project, due to the momentary rebellion from the percus­ is a well balanced orchestral instrument chapter's limited assets and the high sion pressure regulator. Rapid emer­ and Jonas played numbers which dem­ interest. The chapter then decided to gency measures were taken that re­ onstrated the various voices, the climax call Harvey Gustafson of Minneapolis duced the rush of wind to inaudability. being a wedding march by Ernest (formerly of Fargo, N.D.) to play a Everett closed his program with a live­ Bloch which would have done justice concert at Bud's Roller Rink in April ly performance of the "Knightsbridge to the Oriental Theatre Organ. and the proceeds would go to the chap­ March" that showed us the power of ter organ fund. Various members were "full organ" and was reminiscient of A recent meeting brought forth the assigned jobs and the meeting adjourned the good ol' Fox days. proposal by Gordon Thompson to look for the program. Lance Johnson dem­ into the renovation of the Benson High -M. Schmidt onstrated an old Norwegian hand organ School Kimball. A committee was ap­ B. Schmalz of four ranks of pipes which played pointed to investigate this installation. D. Schutt tunes from a roller with thousands of A group of members went to Benson pins. He described the instrument and OHIO VALLEY on December 2 and looked the organ gave a history of these hand organs. over. It is a 3-manual Kimball of be­ The membership was then invited by A September meeting was held at tween 25 to 30 ranks. It badly needs the host, Obert Tenold , to try out the the Barnett Organ and Piano Co. store repair due to neglect, water damage new Kimball Apollo theatre organ which in Fairfield, Ohio. Harry Carpenter, and vandalism. However the organ is impressed the members and guests as artist for this meeting and member of a beautiful instrument and can be sal­ the jam session lasted until early eve­ the Barnett staff, provided a very in­ vaged with some work and money. We ning. have informed the Principal of the teresting and enjoyable evening of en­ The residence of Mr. and Mrs. Arden necessary work and if the school agrees tertainment playing the Gulbransen Berg of Moorhead was the meeting to the proposal it will be presented to Rialto Theatre Organ. Our sincere place for the chapter on Sunday, Feb­ the ATOS membership for their ap- thanks to Harry, the Barnetts, the ruary 15. Tickets were distributed for the concert and discussion continued on the chapter organ project. Following the business meeting, members and guests gathered around the 2/ 4 Kilgen pipe organ which is very neatly placed in the basement recreation room. The organ was formerly in a residence in St. Paul, then in the Catholic Church at Edgely, North Dakota. To give it some Theatre organ characteristics, member Left to right: Hubert Shearin, Spencer Avery, board members; Glenn Merriam, Secretary Treasurer; Ollie Hadlund rigged up a reverb unit Gaylord Carter; Robert Ridgeway, Vice-Chairman; and George Eaglin, Chairman. with vibrato and placed the mike in the

april 1970 44 chamber. It gave the organ reverbera­ of three in Denver theatres. Following tion and did away with that dry sound the morning session in the theatre, the so common in residence organs. group travelled to the new residence - Lance E. Johnson of Dr. Belshaw which is another of those homes in our nation built around PUGET SOUND a theatre organ. He has his Wurlitzer In January, we met at the Haller 3/ 19 nearly rebuilt and installation is Lake Improvement Club - home of the about to begin. It was a Chicago organ chapter-owned Wurlitzer. Following in­ that went west. A story on this organ stallation of new officers and directors, will follow in a later issue. Don Myers was presented in concert A January meeting was held Sunday on the 3/7 (soon to be 8) Wurlitzer. the 18th at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Brian lngoldsby played the March Duane Searle. Duane and Jennie have Irene Sederquist, Mary Hall and son John Hall, a fine Kimball installed in their home. Vern Hall and John Ferguson working on power concert at Mount Vernon's Lincoln pneumatics. Theatre on a 2/ 7 Wurlitzer which he The instrument has been a family ( ?) - Photo supplied by Don Ullrich restored. The organ boasts many fine project, it having been moved from Our organ rebuilding project in the percussions with the chimes hung Idaho a few years ago. Kirkwood auditorium is now getting throughout the auditorium - wild! Mr. Ray Young played the Sunday into high gear. More than twenty mem­ - Eddie Zollman, Jr. afternoon concert. Ray is the regular organist at the Three Coins Restaurant bers are taking part. (Wurlitzer 3/13 from Rochester, New Eddie Dunstedter is scheduled to York) in nearby Louisville. Ray was appear in concert in Powell Symphony assisted by professional drummer, Dave Hall on May 15th. Powell Hall is the Stevens, for the first half of the con­ former St. Louis Theatre; the source cert. This combination provided plenty of our Kimball console and relay and of rhythm for the variety of numbers, some of the other organ parts that will some of which were from south of the go into the Kirkwood installation. Dun­ border. Those seated at the rear could stedter is a native of the St. Louis area, plainly see heads bobbing to the the scene of many of his past triumphs. rhythm provided. During the re­ Friday, February 27th, found 300 mainder, Ray ably demonstrated his organ and movie fans in the Kirkwood ability to present a wide range of both auditorium to hear chapter chairman classical and popular music. A bit of John Ferguson in a program of music Don Myers grins to appreciative audience at representing the decades of theatre or­ the Haller Lake Improvement Club. humor preceded the concert. As Ray - Photo by Eddie Zollman, Jr. was about to begin his first number, gan music. John left them in the aisles faint sounds from a toy reed trumpet with a tune in his own style, "Hard­ being played by one of the children of Hearted Hanna." The community sing the chapter could be heard in the hall­ featured several of the chapter's col­ lection of Lantern Slides from the Mis­ way. When this stopped, host Duane souri Theatre. Charlie Chaplin in "A Searle said, "Gee, Ray, that sounded Night in the Show" showed us some of good." Ray took it in stride and an­ the wildest and most hilarious slapstick nounced, "Now, for my second num­ routines we have seen. John Ferguson's ber ... ," and began his concert on playing of the picture accentuated the the 2-manual Kimball pipe before the activities with a fine sense of timing. group, and he was assured that this John ended the program on exactly one would be only the first of many. the right note with "When Day Is Following the formal concert, a silent Done." The organ was the Continental Laurel and Hardy movie comedy was Brian lngoldsby and Mount Vernon's Lincoln Carousel made by Allen with extra announced. There were some embar­ Theatre Wurlitzer. Console was moved back speakers to enhance the theatrical stage some years ago to counteract vandalism. rassed projector operators when they sound. - Photo by Eddie Zollman, Jr. learned that there actually was a differ­ The silent movie and organ concert ence between 8 mm and Super 8 mm ROCKY MOUNTAIN programs must be credited for growth film. Drummer Stevens came to the in chapter membership. After each pro­ The annual Christmas program was rescue with a Super 8 projector from gram we gain a few new members. held in the Denver Theatre in Denver, his home nearby. Ray Young pro­ Sunday, December 18. Dr. Bruce Bel­ vided the musical score on the Kimball. - Donald P. Ullrich shaw provided the program on the - Ken Tillotson, Secretary Wurlitzer 3/15. He is a well-known WESTERN RESERVE M.D., as well as an accomplished 1969 was a record year for the organist. ST. LOUIS WRC, with a grand total of ten meet­ One of the prime work projects of The new year for the St. Louis Chap­ ings and a host of special events, one our chapter during the next year or so ter got off to a good start when 28 and one-half removals, and four restor­ is to bring this fine instrument up to members and guests met in January at ation-installation projects. In February, near its original -condition. In view of the home of Mr. and Mrs. B. W. La­ our chapter visited the Kapels' Old this, it goes without saying that Dr. Tourette to hear Biff LaTourette who, Country Store, loaded with memora­ Belshaw had to use extreme care so at 12 years of age is our youngest bilia and two band organs from Euclid that the numerous silent notes in the organist. The February meeting at the Beach Park. The Lorain Palace Theatre solo ranks would not result in loss of home of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Dallavalle was the site for a Midnight March continuity of the melody. He did a featured Bob Ellison when a conflict meeting, where member Bob Bittner masterful job on this instrument, one prevented Jerry Marian from playing. soloed on the 3/10 Wurlitzer, followed

45 theatre organ her show at the Akron Civic Theatre, one of the few remaining atmospheric ST. LOUIS THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY theatres in the country, and Chick Herr performed on the 3 / 13 Wurlitzer prior presents to the show. Later that month, we heard Ken Demko play the three­ EDDIE DUNSTEDTERIN CONCERT manual Conn 650 Theatre at Walkers' residence in Westlake - another new POWELL SYMPHONY HALL installation! - and had our first busi­ (FORMERLY ST. LOUIS THEATRE) ness meeting of the new year. First order of business was our name change FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1970, 8:30 P.M. to the Western Reserve Theatre Organ Society (WR TOS), soon to be incor­ porated. A special reserve collection, PRICES: SEND SELF ADDRESSED "Theatre Organ in the Western Re­ $1.00- Balcony ENVELOPE AND REMITTANCE TO: serve," a written and musical (and $1.50- Lower Balcony maybe even a movie!) documentary of St. Louis Symphony the Theatre Organ in our territory is Orchestra W-CC $2.50- Dress Circle Powell Symphony Hall in preparation and has already been { Grand Tier Loge accepted by the Akron Public Library. 718 N. Grand Blvd. Orchestra A-V This venture has promise in further establishing the historical and educa­ $3 50 _ Dress Ci_rcle St. Louis, Mo. 63103 · { Grand Tier tional aspects of the WRTOS. 1970, Box Seat too, will be a banner year for our chap­ ter, as we play it with all stops out - less than our characteristic western by a jam session. In April, the Was­ Our Christmas Party, another first reserve. sons, of Ashtabula, were hosts to our for the WRC, held in Cleveland, pre­ N. R. Kelley first scheduled business meeting; a sented a Thomas Celebrity, courtesy of concert by their late son, Marlon, will the Higbee Company, played in the WOLVERINE be long remembered. We talked shop Chapter secretary, Dave Voydanoff, and traded info while viewing Dean's has moved from Royal Oak to his new installation, name and opus in progress. home at 1796 Burns, Detroit, Mich­ A 2/ 6 Robert Morton, installed in the igan. Along with his personal belong­ Reinhardt's home, Beaver, Pa., was the ings and the like, several truck loads featured instrument for our May gath­ of Theatre organ have found their way ering. Our Annual Dinner meeting, to the new address. Would you believe held in June at Hellriegel's Inn, Paines­ ... three 3-manual Wurlitzer consoles ville, introduced the members to the playing a total of 23 ranks . . . vaults Western Reserve Library of Theatre in the basement full of blowers, relays, Organ Music, a new venture by mem­ cables ga]ore and a whole lot of mis­ bers Howard Kast and George White. cellany. Among the many rooms on the second floor are two chambers and This library comprises taped record­ a large center hall which will be home ings of area installations - including for the Tuba pedal extensions, some band organs - which are made on the percussions and a Toy Counter. The instrument of the meeting and avail­ pipework, mostly Wurlitzer, is made able to members. July was convention up of 3- Tibia Clausas, 2-V ox Hu­ month, and in August, we reconvened manas, 1- Tuba, I-Style D Trumpet, for our Annual Picnic at Bartz's and Wurlitzer being restored by WRC. 2-Flutes, 2-Diapasons, 2-Kinuras, 1- heard for the first time "The Beast in Salicional, 2-Viol D'Orchestras, 1- the Barn," Virg's 4/ Still growing (Hay­ light reflected from the console of the Viol Celeste, 2-Orchestral Oboes, 2- loft's the limit). Canfield, site of the silent Wurlitzer, soon to be sonorous, Clarinets, 1 - Oboe and 1 - Casavant Hille's 3/ 14 Wurlitzer, gave members when the 32' diaphones rumble, as the Tuba Sonora. It is understood a rank a chance to hear Brad Hille perform WRC's major installation project (but of English Post Horn may soon take before returning to college. Silent more about that later). To members its place somewhere in the depths of movies and sing-along, with music by and friends who made 1969 so success­ these well filled chambers. Believe us Bob Bittner, concluded this September ful, we are grateful and proud of their . . . it sure is a house-full of pipe meeting. George Steffy played the contributions to the WRC. A special organ! Swanson's 2/7 Barton for our "Okto­ thank-you goes to Denny Richards, Our thanks to last year's leaders ... berfest" in Westlake. In November, 85- whose tenure as program director on behalf of the officers and members plus members and guests packed the showed us that it could be done - ten of Wolverine Chapter, a sincere thank Hobbis residence, in Solon, to hear programs! - without his efforts, the Wilson Bruggert in concert on another year would have been a failure. you to Mal and Cris Magill, Ken new installation, a 3/ 11 Robert Mor­ Wuepper and Barry Rindhage and the ton; Bob Bittner also played, and the January 1970 saw no chapter meet­ many other members who have put jam session went on almost forever. ing but offered the newly revised WRC forth their best efforts during the past At the November meeting, officers for Relay, our newsletter, to members. In year. Their continued participation and the coming year were elected. February 1970, Lillian Gish presented dedication is certainly solicited.

april 1970 46 CLASSIFIED we're doing our part - - to revive and sustain the art of ADS playing Vintage Theatre Organ FOR SALE- CONN ORGAN (Super Classic) with two Conn (Leslie) speakers. Walnut - traditional. Excellent condition. With this remarkable series of Vintage For church, lodge or home. Original price Theatre books, written by William Mc­ $7,124.00 (tax included). Will sell for $3,500.00. Private party. (707) 642-7147. Mains, you can recreate the Golden Era of the Theatre Organ on your own FOR SALE- 3 manual RODGERS 33 electronic theatre organ with 4 Rodgers instrument - whether it be pipe organ, and 4 Leslie cabinets. All in excellent con­ electronic theatre organ, or spinet dition. Can be demonstrated and played. Long term financing available to respon­ organ. sible parties. Priced to save you 40%. This is the organ that Rodgers advertises, "Copy-cat, you bet! ". Nearest thing to ac­ tual Wurlitzer theatre organ available, yet AND - you won't be playing just ar­ will go in your home or class-room and ready to play in 5 minutes time. Write rangements -you'll be creating Vintage Post Office Box 5264, Austin, Texas 78703. Theatre Styles - because these mate­ FOR SALE - ROBERT-MORTON 2 rials include step-by-step formulas for rank Theatre Pipe Organ in very good all the basic theatre patterns and embel­ condition. J. W. Plummer, Jr. , 2515 Otis Street , Durham , N. C. 27707 . lishments. . FOR SALE BOOKS: Hope Jones Unit Orchestra, $3.95. Wurlitzer Unit Organs, $4.50; Wurlitzer Fact Book, $2.00; Whit­ worth: Cinema and Theatre Organs, BLOCK CHORD? OPEN HARMONY? GLISSANDI? CHICAGO STYLE? $15.00; Williams: European Organ, $20.00; Wurlitzer Church Organs, $2.00; Audsley You'll find them all and more in the Wm. McMAINS VINTAGE THEATRE Art of Organ Building, $17.50; Norman: ORGAN SERIES FOR THE MODERN ORGANIST. Organ Today, $7.50; Sears: Reed Organ, $2.00. THE ORGAN LITERATURE FOUNDATION, 45 Norfolk Road , Brain­ tree, Mass. 02184. VINTAGE THEATRE STYLES INSTRUCTION BOOK 1 - Beginning techniques for theatre style arrangements. Basic Block Chords, Diatonic and Chromatic Glissandos. FOR SALE-Style 260 Wurlitzer 3m/15r. Block Chords with Inner Rhythm. Open Harmony. Open Harmony with Inner Rhythm. Best offer over $10,000. Complete with D.ouble Glissandos. Includes 7" record. $3.50 Brass Sax, Brass Trumpet, 16' metal dia­ phone and piano. Excellent condition. VINTAGE THEATRE STYLES INSTRUCTION BOOK 2 - Advanced techniques for Home installation. Carl Werner, 502 So. theatre style arrangements. Changing Basic Rhythm Patterns. "Chicago Style" Accom­ Lincoln St., Addison, Illinois 60101. paniments. Phrasing and Rhythm Tricks in Popular Music. Techniques of Transpo­ Phone: (312) 543-3308. sition. Modulation Patterns. Analysis of the Complete Theatre Style Arrangement. Includes 7" record. $3.50 WANTED - Kimball three manual horse­ shoe console. Kimball Orchestra Bells and CONSOLE UP! - A collection of popular standards in theatre style. Selections in­ Celeste. Bill Pilgermayer, 308 Harrison clude: Angry, Drifting and Dreaming, A Good Man is Hard to Find, Sweetheart of Ave., Glenside, Penna. 19-038. Sigma Chi, Somebody Loves You, In The Valley Of The Moon, A Little Street Where Old Friends Meet, We Three. Includes 7" record. $3.50 FOR SALE-WURLITZER 2M/7R with Style "D" Trumpet ; single phase blower, POP THEMES FROM THE CLASSICS - Popularized Classical themes. Selections in­ mint condition, vintage 1928. Plus Style cludeAndantino ("Moonlig!,t and Roses"), Chopin Etude ("No Other Love"), Danube 235 main chest and pipes (Concert Flute, Waves ("Anniversary Song"), Theme from "Piano Concerto in Bb Minor" ("Tonight '/DO & Celeste, Salicional, Diapason, We Love"), Theme from Polovetzian Dances ("Stranger in Paradise"), Reverie ("My Clarinet & Tuba, including 16' extension); Reverie"), Moonmist ("Moon Love"), Love Theme from "Romeo and Juliet" ("Our also solo scale Tibia from tenor C to top Love"), Song of India ( "Sadko"). Includes 7" record. $3.50 wood C; solo scale Xylophone; Chrysog­ lott, Xylophone, Orchestra Bells & chime actions; miscellaneous offset chests & ALSOAVAi LAB LE - trumulants; 4 complete sets of shutters; bass drum; pedalboard including expres­ sion shoe and toe studs; 3 HP /3 PH Orgo­ VINT AGE THEATRE ORGAN RECORD- 12" stereo blo & Robert Morton Orch. Oboe. Serious inquiries only please. For information, Recorded by Bill McMains on a 4 - manual pipe write Stan Bielski, 139 E. Post Road, organ. Hear Bill's unique arrangements of: White Plains, N. Y. 10601. Bojangles Of Harlem Ida I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling In The Valley Of The Moon ThePipe Piper To Be Continued Reverie Home You Were Meant For Me Stumbling The Pipe Piper, an up-to-date listing of We Three Sweetheart Of Sigma Chi theatre organs playing on a regular basis, Angry Drifting And Dreaming has been omitted . in this issue due to space Andantino A Good Man Is Hard To Find limitations. The Column will appear in its $4.79 entirety twice a year. Any additions, cor­ rections or deletions will be printed in each Buy at your local dealer or order directly from - POINTER PUBLICATIONS, 64 E. issue of Theatre Organ and should be re­ Second Street, Winona, Minnesota 55987. Prepaid shipment with cash orders. ported to Lloyd E. Klos, l 04 Long Acre Rd., Rochester, N. Y. 14621.

47 theatre organ Make a Date to Play the Rodgers 33-E Find out what all the shouting is about. Write us. We'll send you some more vital statistics and let you know where you two can get together.

Organ Company 1300 N. E. 25th A venue Hillsboro, Oregon 97123