r=ox

~our-nal of the An1er-ican Theatr-e o..-aan ~ociety The greats' one. THEWURLITZER ELECTRONICPIANO.The one electronic piano chosen by so many all-time greats. The overwhelming choice of talented musicians like Richard Carpenter, A&M record­ ing artist Pete Jolly, Pete Fountain's pianist Godfrey Hirsch, Mel Torme, Ario Guthrie, David Clayton-Thomas, Marian McPartland, Paul Revere and , the Raiders. What makes the Wurlitzer Electronic Piano the greats' one? The unusua I effects that come from built-in vibrato and volume control. Portability. And, most important, that dependable Wurlitzer sound. It's something you can share with these all-time greats. Simply visit your Wurlitzer dealer and ask for the greats' one. WuRLilzEil the music people cover photo ... Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre on Peachtree Street may be doomed. The story of the SA VE THE FOX cam­ Journal of the American Theatre Organ Society paign begins on page 5. Volume 16, No. 5 October, 1974

ATOS National Membership is $10.00 per calendar year , which includes a subscription to TH EATR E in this issue ... ORGAN , the official publication of the American Theatre Organ Society . Single copies $1.25. Make Features check or money order payable to ATOS , and mail to P.O. Box 1314, Salinas, California 93901. 5 Save The Fox ...... John Clark McCall, Jr. Editorial Address 9 Century II...... Billy Nalle THEATRE ORGAN P.O . Box 1314 11 Hope-Jones Organ Rebuilt ...... Harvey K. Elsaesser Salinas , California 93901 Advertising Address 20 Salute to Ray Bohr ATOS Advertising 21 Marr& Colton Symphonic Registrator ...... Lloyd E. Klos 2231 North Burling Street Chicago , Illinois 60614 29 Zamecnik, Forgotten Composer Office of the President DR . PAUL M . ABERNETHY of Silent Era ...... Randy Sauls Box 2480 Burlington , North Carolina 27215 33 Organ Transplant Telephone (919) 584 -8651 34 Respect for Music ...... John Muri National Headquarters ATOS 43 Treasure Hunt ...... Esther Higgins P.O . Box 1 002 Middleburg , Virginia 22117 Telephone (703) 554 -8321 Departments National Officers Paul M . Abernethy , President Russ Evans , Vice President 12 Vox Pops 41 Hollywood Cavalcade Jean Lautzenheiser , Secretary 28 Book Review 42 Nuggets from the Golden Days Erwin Young , Treasurer National Board of Directors 32 Dinny's Colyum 44 Chapter Notes W. " Tiny" James Allen R. Miller Jean Lautzenheiser William Rieger 35 For the Records 54 Classified Ads Richard C. Simonton Duane Searle 39 Letters to the Editor Judd Walton Robert Van Camp Erwin A . Young , Past President

Curator Barry Simmons P.O . Box 1021 Elon College , North Carolina 27244 president~s messaae ...

Past Presidents According to prediction, ATOS continues to grow at an Richard Simonton Feb . 1 955 - Oct . 1958 Judd Walton Oct . 1958 - July 1961 accelerated pace. Since convention time, our society has Tiny James July 1961 - July 1964 gained 150 new members and we are in final stages of Carl Norvell July 1964 - July 1966 Richard Schrum July 1966 - July 1968 chartering another chapter in our society. At this Al Mason July 1968 - July 1970 writing, two more chapters are in the early stages of Stillman Rice July 1970 - July 1972 Erwin A . Young July 1972 - July 1974 becoming a reality. A Honorary Members few words are in order to inform all members of 1959-JesseCrawford 1967-Erwin A. Young the change that has come about in transaction of all 1960-Farny Wurlitzer 1968-R ichard C. Simonton business and policy affairs of the ATOS. Since becoming 1961-Mel Doner 1969-Judd Walton a California Non Profit Corp., we were advised by the 1962-Leonard MacClain 1970-Bill Lamb 1963-Eddie Dunstedter 1971-Georgeand Vi Thompson legal counsel to adopt a new set of by laws which would 1964-Reginald Foort 1972-Stu Green be consistent with our status as a non profit corporation. 1965-Dan Barton 1973-AI and Betty Mason Under our former by laws, we did business as a 1966-W. "Tiny" James 1974-Lloyd Klos federation of clubs. After much planning, our new by EDITORIAL STAFF Editor - George Thompson laws were voted on and approved at the 1973 Con­ Associate Editors - Lloyd E. Klos , Peg Nielsen vention in Portland. Editor-Emeritus - W . "Stu " Green Photographer - Bill Lamb The board of directors is now directly and solely Publisher - Betty Mason responsible for all business affairs and new policies Editorial Assistant - Don Lockwood Advertising Manager - Len Clarke which affect ATOS. Any criticism, suggestions or ideas Circulation Manager - Vi Thompson that any member or chapter has regarding national policies, should be directed to the directors or officers. I THEATRE ORGAN (title registered U.S . Patent Office) is published bi-monthly by the American can assure you that the board of directors and your Theatre Organ Society, Inc., a non -profit organi­ officers are listening and sincerely want your views zation, Dr. Paul M . Abernethy, President . All rights reserved . Entire contents copyrighted 1974 by concerning anything that affects our common interest - ATOS , Inc., Office of publication is P.O. Box 2329. namely - theatre organs. Livonia , Michigan 48150 Keep up the good work. POSTMASTER: Second Class postage paid at Livonia, Michigan . IF UNDELIVERABLE , send form 3579 to ATOS Circulation Department, Box 1314, Salinas, California 93901. TOS OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN S/LIBRARY3 The MoreYou Want, The MoreYou'll Want The New YamahaElOR.

Upper Preset Tones Touch Wah Wah, (Chimes, Accordion, Piano, and Attack Wah Wah. Harpsichord, Vibraphone, Hawaiian Guitar). Percu sive 4: 22/2:Length. Repeat Speed.

Fourteen Auto Rhythms Touch Vibrato with Synchro Start. and Automatic Vibrato.

Sustain (Upper and Pedal). Percussion - Cymbal and Brush.

Solo Damper. 26 Click-Stop Tone Levers. Glide- for Slide Trombone, Hawaiian Guitar, etc. Sound-in-Motion Tremolo, Chorus. Preset Pistons and Cancel.

Flute Split. Foot Effect Switch.

25 Key Radial Arch Detachable Pedalboard.

The New YamahaElOR.

4 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 ATOS MEMBERS MAKE A COMMITMENT

by John Clark McCall, Jr.

The Fox Theatre, home of the 4/42 Moller organ restored by ATOS mem­ bers in 1963, has been offered for sale together with surrounding parcels of real estate by its owners, Mosque, Inc. ( comprised of ABC Theatres, Storey Theatres, and Georgia Theatres). Pub­ lic know ledge of negotiations by Mosque, Inc., with Southern Bell Tele­ phone Co. involving the Fox parcel became known in late June, 1974. Implications of the deal revealed that Southern Bell would buy the real estate cleared of the 74,000 sq. ft. Fox structure, built in 1929 by the Y araab Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and originally leased by movie magnate William Fox, to boast another super-Fox in his chain of palaces from San Francisco to Brooklyn. Bell officials are eyeing the prop­ erty for the site of a new admin­ istrative office building. Immediately following the an­ nouncement of the Fox's impending demolition, concerned Atlanta citizens began groundwork for a "SA VE THE FOX" campaign which has culminated in the formation of Atlanta Land­ marks, Inc., a non-profit organization designed to spearhead the protection

OCTOBER, 1974 of all important Atlanta structures and sites, with the Fox Theatre high on the city's current priority list. Much of the organization can be attributed to two members of Atlanta Landmarks' Board of Directors, Joe Patten and Bob Van Camp, both ATOS members. In fact, many ATOS members are actively involved in the "SA VE THE FOX" movement ... from the volunteer cleaning of the theatre's brass and floors and conducting Sunday morning tours of the house, to circulating petitions (numbering over 100,000 individual names and addresses at this writing). A public hearing held at the theatre by Georgia Senator Floyd Hudgins, Frank Beckum, professor of architecture, Ga . Tech., narrates an on-screen tour of the Fox . (Robert Foreman Photo) chairman of the Georgia Senate's Tourism Committee, drew over 2,500 Other events at the hearing in­ Frank Beckum. interested citizens to the 3,934-seat cluded the airing of views by citizens, The ATLANTA JOURNAL ac­ house on July 29. The program, co­ numerous endorsements - including claimed the hearing as probably "the ordinated by Joe Patten, featured Bob an open letter to Atlanta by actress best-attended hearing ever held by that Van Camp at the Moller organ, both in Helen Hayes (entertainer Mitzi Gaynor or any other legislative committee." a concert spot, and as background and Mrs. Martin Luther King, Jr. fol­ The first concrete financial backing accompanist (spotlighting the song, lowed with statements days after for saving the Fox, or rather, for for Patten's That's Entertainment) the hearing), and an on-screen pic­ testing its feasibility to remain, has on-stage demonstration of the Fox's torial tour of the theatre narrated emerged from the State of Georgia, vast staging capabilities. by Ga. Tech Univeristy Professor Department of Human Resources, in Do-t ti e Wh it c omb ( Tommy Ford Pho to/ the amount of $11,000. The funds will ground music for television-aired the center of community concern. be used to underwrite a professional editorial cartoons. The city of Atlanta The Southeastern Chapter , in the economic feasibility and reuse survey could once boast of over eight organs midst of the movement to save the which, hopefully, will convince busi­ in theatres. The Fox is the sole sur­ Atlanta Fox Theatre , has experienced nessmen - in white and black figures vivor of Atlanta's movie palace era of an eventful summer. - the financial advantages, the com­ the 20's and 30's. It has survived The Fox was the scene for over 300 munity need and the versatility of the because in its conception , the fa­ ATOS members and guests at the unique Atlanta Fox. cilities were designed a step ahead chapter's "Mini National ," Sunday With the S.O.S. for the Fox, comes, of the limitations of an ordinary morning , September 1. Chapters ironically, the most exciting schedule motion picture theatre. re presented included New York, in the theatre's recent entertainment Without the magic of the Fox's Motor City, Wolverine , Toledo, history. Atlanta rock music king, Alex acoustical and architectural environ­ Delaware Valley , Eastern Massa­ Cooley, an ardent Fox enthusiast and ment, the Fox Moller will probably chusetts, Alabama , Chicago Area, Pied­ a businessman who through his more never be quite the same. It is en­ mont, and Potomac Valley with than 10 rock concerts has kept the couraging to know that through the Southeastern members hosting the theatre in the black in the past year, past efforts of ATOS members , a great event. has scheduled more big-name rock majority of Atlantans have now come Newly-elected to the ATOS Na­ attractions; the first of the new series to realize the importance of the Fox tional Board of Directors , Fox staff was August 23. Cooley's youth­ installation. Now their public support organist Bob Van Camp was featured oriented extravaganzas have con­ has come forth - physically and in concert at the 4/4 2 Moller with a tinually filled the theatre. Albert Cole­ vocally - and "SA VE THE FOX" is at professionally arranged and executed man, conductor of the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, is also working with Cooley in a joint benefit performance at the Fox and for the Fox. Organist Lee Erwin played for the Southeastern Chapter ATOS, Sunday, August 11. Erwin featured repertoire recently recorded on his two Angel Records releases of original scores for silent movies and marches and rags of Scott Joplin. The concert was prob­ ably the best attended chapter­ sponsored concert in Southeastern ATOS history. Television and newspaper coverage has not let one of the Fox's greatest and most popular features, the mighty Moller organ, go unnoticed. Sound film clips and newspaper photographs of the organ have appeared, and the instrument has been used as back-

OCTOBER, 1974 program of extraordinary musical fare. Board members were present: Dr. joint nature, obviously resting on the Following a brief intermission, six Abernathy, Bob Van Camp, National fate of the theatre itself. All concerned cameo performers, coordinated and ATOS Secretary Jean Lautzenheiser ATOS members may express their introduced by Potomac Valley's Jean and Bill Rieger. interest by writing Atlanta's mayor, Lautzenheiser, had their chance at the The event was, hopefully, only a the Honorable Maynard Jackson, City instrument. The first spot was given to beginning for future programs of a Hall, Atlanta, Georgia. □ Millie Alexander ( the only female ever to preside at the Radio City Music Hall Wurlitzer as a staff organist) who treated the audience to "console capers" with former teacher Bob Van Camp. Millie demonstrated how, as a student, her pianistic talents were transferred directly to the organ, later, the rudiments of a transition in style to pipes, and the polished, finished product in full-bodied arrangements. Millie was followed by Linda Kent, a young organist who has already made news in pages of this magazine. Southeastern member Walter Winn, displayed a sure, "at home" feel of the Moller and sampling of musical chest­ nuts were played by Grant and Dottie Whitcomb. A show stealer, Walt Strojny ended the cameo perform­ ances, encoring with several selections. Newly elected to the National Register of Historic Places and the project of a mass public effort to insure its safe-keeping, the Fox was toured by visitors, led by historian/ restorer Charles Walker of the South­ eatern Chapter. Members also added their names to the growing number of over 100,000 signatures on "SAVE THE FOX" petitions. Adding a national flavor to the meeting was newly-elected national ATOS president, Dr. Paul Abernathy of Burlington, N.C. Four National

8 Reprinted by permission from MUSIC the AGO and RCCO Magazine copyright 1974 by the American Guild of Organists

by Billy Nalle

Century II: A permanent gala ex­ The Center's name is derived from terranean level reached by vehicular pressing the spirit of a city deservedly the city's wish to commemorate the ramp. called great. Century II Center is the beginning in 1970 of Wichita's second Detailing the interiors, we begin at huge civic/cultural complex in Wichita, century. The length of the outside the theatre, an intimate auditorium of the city known unofficially as Center promenade is one quarter mile. The 661 seats continental fashion (walking City, USA. In a metropolitan area of pale blue, domed roof seems to float space between rows and no center virtually 400,000 people, this dra­ midair like some latter day Hagia aisles), appropriate for a variety of matic building of architectural and Sophia. Outside basics are tinted glass, dramatic and musical productions, in­ functional excitement projects a new bronze tinted steel and tan blown cluding small scale opera. This locale is standard and challenge. Taken in the cement imbedded with a stone ag­ the permanent base of the Wichita context of the area's vast rebuilding gregate of colors, great warmth reach­ Community Theatre now in its 28th and new construction, it symbolizes ing out to you like that from vermeil. year. Scenery shop and storage areas Wichita's emergence as a national Inside, curtains, draperies, seating and are adjacent and, as in the other city. Senior architect John Hickman surrounding surfaces bring to your eye auditoria, the lighting, mechanical and and the people of Wichita have pro­ beige, cream, burgundy red, Chinese sound equipment are highly sophis­ vided what appears on first sight to be red, depending on the area. Being ticated and intelligently installed. an immense flying saucer having circular, the building affords each of Coming to the concert hall, we have landed from Mars. Its setting is splen­ its four auditoria a slice of the pie with a handsome room for all manner of did, a downtown square of greenery, attendant advantages in sightlines, musical presentations and shows, even walks and fountains, all further en­ acoustics, production and traffic. The large meetings requiring stage pro­ hanced by placement along side the central core provides freight elevator duction. There is continental seating Big Arkansas River. (Yes, there is a service to every auditorium's stage, for 2192. A 16 ton acoustical shell can Little Arkansas River!) loading accomplished from the sub- be lowered to stage level for orchestral

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 9 use. Both here and in the theatre are forestage elevators which can be lowered to serve as orchestra pits or raised to augment the stage areas. Beneath the concert hall are storage rooms, a music library and an or­ chestral rehearsal room. These assets accrue to the Wichita Symphony Society now having its permanent home in this hall. Founded just 30 years ago, this orchestra stands today as one of the most solidly supported symphonic organizations in the country. An award of a half million dollars from the Ford Foundation was met and considerably exceeded by local pledges. When tickets go on sale, they sail! Entering the convention hall, you suddenly confront surroundings on the grand scale. On the main floor are 3184 seats mounted on telescoping risers allowing for the 35,000 square foot area to be cleared when desired. The sweeping balcony seats 2060, the total accommodation being 5244. The The new console . built by Balcom and Vaughan of Seattle, for the 4 / 42 Wurlitzer in Century II. 92 foot wide stage affords full The original New York Paramount console was lost in a fire . (Carl Packer Photo) facilities for the largest productions, including 40 scenery lines. so far ahead of A.D. 1926 when same value scale as obtains nationally Finally, we come to the great ex­ opened in the New York Paramount for the other major musical instru­ hibition hall with its 62,000 square Theatre (by no less than Jesse and ments in premium presentation. In feet of area comprising the main floor Helen Crawford), that only refurbish­ their wisdom, scheduling of concerts is and mezzanine. (Convention and ex­ ing and a new console were required a model of sanity. Therefore, en­ hibition halls can be combined by for its new home. The four manual thusiasm holds because the public is telescoping the intervening wall, this console was built by Balcom and not surfeited stemming from a providing an immense area of 97,000 Vaughan of Seattle and five new ranks monthly syndrome. As my dad would square feet.) There is no permanent will bring the specification to 42. The have said, "they stop while it tastes seating in the exhibition hall for original specification was 36 but a good!" obvious reasons but temporary con­ second and more dramatic Wurlitzer As holds for any musical instru­ ventional seating can accommodate Post Horn was added at the Paramount ment, no matter when it enters his­ approximately 4000. When table seat­ in the late 1940s. This caused displace­ tory, once established, it becomes ing is used for organ or other concerts, ment of the fourth Vox Humana timeless, something Europeans and main floor capacity then is 2460. In during the final years on Times Asians comprehend far better than this great auditorium there is no con­ Square. In Wichita, a new chest now most North Americans. Understanding ventional stage but a large, wide plat­ accommodates the second Post Horn this , WTO first had a private unveiling form with cantilevered organ chambers with the fourth Vox Humana restored for civic, business and educational filling the area above, stereo fashion. to its original position. Both console leaders, news media people and others For all internationally who love the and chambers are set to receive the representative of the whole area. The organ, this hall is golden for it is the new ranks: Unda Maris, Salicional saga of a great organ was told them in new home of the most celebrated Celeste, Spitzflute, Spitzflute Celeste word and in music, all present being theatre pipe organ in the world. More and Band Fife 2". (That last will be a able to see, hear and then ask all the than any other theatre organ, even sizzler and made operable by a pro­ questions they wished. Thus, everyone more than others of the same builder tective switch on the backboard.) came to realize the meaning, value and (Wurlitzer), was this instrument a Setting a brilliant example are place on today's scene of a superb specification and tonal standard. It has the people who organized to make musical instrument, that its time­ remained so to this day. As the a dream come true, Wichita The­ essness gives it a solid future in the greatest of the European organs set atre Organ, Incorporated. While re­ Age of Space. Hearing and under­ standards in meeting the demands of taining ownership of the instru­ standing begat appreciation and ap­ the classical repertoire, fully as much ment, they worked steadily, finally preciation led to love. Right there is in the realm of popular music did this winning approval of city officials for the key word, love! Love was lavished particular instrument bring into focus installation of the organ in the ex­ on this phenomenal organ for its first and crystallize all that was best in the hibition hall. This remarkable covey of days; now, those who live in the "Air first era of the theatre organ. Typical music lovers was determined to have Capital of the World" are repeating the of its genre, this organ was radical and public organ concerts on exactly the story. Few are the cities worldwide

10 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 where a particular organ is regarded as musical co-leader with the resident ~ope-Jo~es O:rga.~ ~eb"U.i.1.-t; symphony. (To date, there have been three Wichita Symphony concerts by Harvey K. Elsaesser utilizing the organ.) Shades of the 17th and 18th centuries, when such as The Schlicker Organ Co. of Tona­ stalled. Next came the 32' Tibias. Sebastian Bach would have thought wanda (only a few miles away from They will be cleaned, painted and such a situation merely normal! No the Wurlitzer plant) is redoing the old reinstalled along the walls, six on each doubt he would rejoice seeing an organ Hope-Jones organ in the gallery of St. side instead of across the front. Also concert series draw audiences at Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in down­ being kept are the wooden Trom­ capacity! town Buffalo. It's the second overhaul bones, Oboe, Horn Diapason, Vox, In Century II, your radar senses since it was installed in 1908. Quint, and Quint Celeste. The Hope­ that new spirit and growing adventure It was redone by Wurlitzer in the Jones plaster chambers and lead lined pervading all the arts today and you 1920s when the new relays and con­ shutters will be replaced. realize, suddenly, how close we are to sole were installed. In 1952 Schlicker The Higgins Co., hired to remove century 21 ! This place should give installed the new chancel organ. the Tibias, thinks the low CCCC serious pause in particular to the AGO, The casework (with all dummy weighed about 1800 pounds. Inci­ the ATOS and other groups allegedly pipes except for a trumpet en chemade dentally many of the original Hope­ in the vanguard of organ support and put in a few years ago by Schlicker) Jones magnets are still operative after promotion. In Wichita, a small group came down first. It's one of the finest 66 years, a tribute to his engineering of people, WTO, completely outside cases in the area and will be rein- skill. □ these organizations, gave themselves and their talents in a display of faith, The second overhaul for the 1908 Hope -Jones organ in St . Paul 's Episcopal Cathedral. labor and love as to shame a multitude inside the organ world. In Century II, the essential question about the organ as musical instrument in a new day has been answered with a resounding Yea­ and-A men by an entire city. In far too many situations the future of the organ still is questionable. Plainly, the instrument will be understood, re­ spected, valued and supported (in that order) only to the extent which those who talk a great case go into their communities and invest faith and labor with determination. In Century II Center's Exhibition Hall is one answer of what will become reality when you have leaders who love music enough to lead .. . and when you have supporters who love music enough to believe! Orgel Uber Alles! □

BAUBACHER AOUIRES ROMBERG'SORGAN The 3/13 Aeolian residence organ which was originally in the New York residence of the well known composer Sigmund Romberg, has been acquired by Potomac Valley Chapter member Ray Brubacher. The organ, an or­ chestral instrument, has an Aeolian Duo-Art roll player mechanism. A large collection of rolls belonging to the composer was also acquired. Sigmund Romberg gave the organ to the Scottish Rite Temple, in Baltimore, Md. in 1946 and upon completion of the installation, came from New York to play a dedication program on the instrument. Ray is presently removing the organ from its Baltimore location. □

OCTOBER, 1974 fine ensemble, or to solo. It has become a fine instrument and as it has ¥8)( P8PI grown, more and more visitors knock on Joe's door. Joe's Saturday night "open con­ sole" parties are drawing always more attendance. Each Saturday afternoon, Joe and his staff move all the mo­ torcycles out of his display area and set up camp chairs. It's difficult to find one unoccupied a few hours later after the music has started. We've counted over 300 listeners on a Satur­ day night , hearing up to 18 organists. But now Joe is getting requests from organ and civic clubs with memberships ranging from 40 to 250; KLOS calls letters over Los Angeles . /StufotoJ they want to hold their meetings at Conducted by Stu Green Joe's shop on weekdays. "Now it hardly pays to move the Honest, Rose Diamond wasn't gen­ Readers are encouraged to submit cycles back into the shop", says a erating puffery when she told in a interesting sidelights on the organ perplexed but delighted Joe Koons. recent column about a Los Angeles hobby (exclusive of chapter news He's having a ball. radio station with which our own "Old items) material they believe will be of Prospector" shares call letters - sta­ general interest about local organ activities and installations and the tion KLOS. A reader in Peoria, Illinois, people who work at the hobby. We takes us to task for "concocting conve­ know "there's VOX POPS in them nient but unfounded tales just to there chapters" and it only requires publicize your staff." Yes, Dorothy, an 8 cent postcard to get it to VOX there really is an FM station POPS Editor, Box 3564,Granada Hills, KLOS California 91344. If the contributor and to convince you we latched onto can afford a 10 cent stamp, why not our Brownie and made a genuine include a black and white photo snapshot of one of its many promo­ which need not be returned. tional billboards around Los Angeles, just to set your mind at ease. The only thing all of this has to do with organs Like so many enthusiasts with some is that the sign is atop an old theatre extra space for more chambers, Joe with empty chambers. So give us a Koon's cycle shop installation in Long break, Dorothy, a station break. Beach, California has grown and grown. The first time we visited Joe, ~ he had about 15 ranks going in two Add the Orphewn Theatre in chambers, controlled by a 2-manual Omaha, Nebraska to the fast-growing console. That was perhaps four years list of theatres which are to become ago. In the interim the 2-manual con­ performing arts centers. According to sole has been replaced by a 3-decker, a ATOS member George Rice, the third chamber has been built and the Joe Koons and his two loves . Is it a bike shop or a cultural center? Joe isn't certain . 297 5-seat theatre was closed for three number of ranks has swelled to thirty­ (Curtis Photo) years. When the city took control, city four ! If Joe wants to expand any employees cut the 3/ 13 Wurlitzer's ~ more, he'll have to move his motor­ console cable, necessitating a new cycle salesroom el sew here. Joe wasn't The Rochester Theatre Organ Soci­ cable being installed from the console even aware of the acute case of ety's Board of Directors' meetings are to a new junction board, and all key "expansionitus"; it just sorta crept up literally "out of this world". Most contacts renewed. The console will be on him. Each new voice provided new monthly confabs are held in the Stra­ on a dolly, and raised to stage level for wonders to Joe and the organ is his senburgh Planetarium, courtesy of its use. Omaha's Civic Cultural Center is hobby. It's billed as a ''Wurlitzer­ director and RTOS board member, scheduled for opening in January Welte" but that's only part of the Donald S. Hall. On May 29, the board 1975. story. It's second Tibia Clausa is a took time out to hear a tape of the Barton; there's a church Cornopean RTOS Wurlitzer while relaxing in the ~ and Gedeckt, a rich Morton Violin, planetarium's auditorium. Don made a There were plenty of goofy tricks and a three rank 1-1/3' Mixture, plus real production number out of it, played on audiences by theatre organ­ many more offbeat voices (e.g. a utilizing projected stars, moon, mete­ ists during the Golden Era. Some whole Wurlitzer Band Organ). It has an ors, floating clouds and panoramas. It would pass off a vocalist or instrumen­ English Horn - in addition to its may have been the first time a plane­ talist stashed in a chamber as a "new English Posthorn. Added ranks have tarium featured theatre organ music to stop on the organ." Some would been carefully selected to blend into a observe outer space by. appear in garish costumes, or argue

12 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 GOOD NEWS FOR EVERYONE WHO PLA VS THE ORGAN. 20 of your FAVORITE PIANO CLASSICS ... transcribed for organ ... ALL IN ONE COLLECTION. ------~ -;::-.-';,:-;:)!:.:;·;,;~.'..,,.

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Handsome Gold Spiral Beautifully 9"x12" embossed... binding printed ... book tear-resistant ... pages easy to cover lie flat read Imagine sitting down at the organ and playing Clair de Lune or Moonlight Sonata ... well, now you can! These and 18 other popular piano pieces have been carefully transcribed by Lee Erwin, famed organist of the Arthur Godfrey shows. You and your friends will thrill to the beautiful sound of these piano classics when you play them on the organ. You'll see that. .. nothing was lost in translation. }\rlo Hults at his soggy console. ready for 'Sing in' in the Bathtub .' THE CADENCE COLLECTION OF PIANO CLASSICS TRANSCRIBED FOR ORGAN is not available in any store. Fill out the cou­ voiciferously with "Old Man Vita­ ~ pon below, or send a letter with chec~ or phone" who was always attempting to money order for $9.95 postpaid, for each Looking like a sporty member of book to: CADENCE PUBLICATIONS, INC., serve an organist with walking papers. the World War I Lafayette Escadrille, 119 West 57th Street, New York, N.Y. 10019. But in our humble estimation, the guy the "aviator" strode boldly over to his THE COLLECTION INCLUDES: shown in this early '30s photo takes Clair de Lune, Reverie ... Debussy, 1st mount, tossed his long scarf over his the all-time crocheted chamber pot. Movement (Moonlight Sonata). Fur Elise, shoulder and climbed into the "cock­ 2nd Movement (Sonata Pathetique). Minuet For his presentation of "Singing in the in G ... Beethoven. To a Ws1ter Lily, To a pit" of the 4/78 Schantz. That was the Wild Rose ... MacDowell. Nocturne in E Bathtub" at the New York Chester Flat Major, The Minute Waltz, Prelude in A scene in Bloomington, Indiana, as the Major, Prelude in C Minor, Prelude in E theatre, youthful Ario Hults, sporting Minor, Waltz in C Sharp Minor , .. Chopin. university's summer offering of "Lilac 1st Movement (Sonata in C Major) ... Mozart. a seven month-old mustache, disguised Time" started, before an audience of Prelude in C Major •.. Bach Traumerei ... his console as plumbing. Arlo is still Schumann. Waltz in A Flat Major ... Brahms. 1900, with Dennis James supplying Nocturne ... Grieg. Promenade from Pictures very much up to the tub's ring in at an Exhibition ... Moussorgsky. the music. Dennis got into uniform to music; he's top honcho of the Los match those of the cast in the Colleen ALSO! GOOD NEWS FOR EVERYONE Angeles Professional Organists' Club Moore/Gary Cooper 192 7 starrer. WHO PLAYS THE PIANO ... and continues to clown at the monthly THE CADENCE COLLECTION OF PIANO Dennis says that the Schantz' 32' CLASSICS ... 24 of your favorite piano clas­ meetings and once a year at the Home Bombarde makes the best Gotha sics ... ALL IN ONE COLLECTION ... includ­ Organ Festival in concert with his ing all the above (except Promenade) PLUS Bomber motor simulation he's yet Liebestraum ... Liszt. Etude in E Major ... "straight man," Del Castillo. Chopin. Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte heard. (Oh, Messerschmidt! We were ... Ravel. Prelude in C Sharp Minor ... Rach­ certain it was a Fokker!) maninoff. Premiere Arabesque ... Debussy. This collection is also beautifully printed, easy to read, and comes in a handsome The 1974 convention seemed to 9 x 12, spiral bound book, with a gold em­ please just about everyone who at­ bossed, tear resistant cover. tended, as reflected in the subsequent r CADENCE PUBLICATIONS, INC. chapter newsletters which devoted 119 West 57th Street, N.Y., N.Y. 10019 much space to reporting it. An ex­ Please send me the following: ception was volatile Randy Piazza, □ copy(s) of The Cadence Collection of Piano Classics Transcribed for who holds down the Chair at Niagara Organ@ $9.95 per copy, ppd. Frontier. Writing in his chapter's □ copy(s) of The Cadence Collection SILENT NEWSREEL, irascible Randy of Piano Classics @ $9.95 per copy, ppd. complained about too much classical Order any two books for only $17.95, music in convention concerts ("most ppd. YOU SAVE $1.95. (These books classical music, to me, is just a lot of make great gifts!) Enclosed is my check or money order noise."), too many ballads ("Jesse for,$ ______would starve today in the music If not completely satisfied, I may return world."), and not enough use of per­ the Collection(s) within 10 days for a full refund. cussions by convention artists. Then to Name ______underscore his complaints, Randy Address ______gives us what may be either a typo or a City ____ State __ Zip __ _ Freudian slip - "Thank heaven for the With 'Ace' Dennis in the cockpit, the Baron New York & New Jersey residents please add applicable sales tax. TO _J piazza parlors." never had a chance .

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 13 1974 convention but Al insisted on not able ATOSers , one going in finishing what he had started , and very absentia to Carl Norvell of Corsicana , When Don Thompson goes to Lon­ probably the travails of convention Texas, who was ATOS National Presi­ don for several public concerts , it will making shortened his life. At least his dent from 1964 to 1966. ATOSer be a case of "local boy makes good - time on earth saw him through the Fred Mitchell was delegated to deliver in the 'Colonies.' " Don has memories convention to which he had given so the award to Norvell at the Corsicana of leaner days when his income was much. Although obviously weakened Holiday Inn which he manages. The solely the tips earned while playing a by his illness, he thoroughly enjoyed inscription reads "for outstanding piano in a lowdown London pub. He'd the convention. Since his death we service to ATOS." go home each night with a sack of have seen many tributes to Al Mason metal coins "which felt like a fortune but none more succinct or touching but counted up to only a few shil­ than that which appeared in the Motor Barely had he unpacked following lings." Things will be different this City BLOWER, his chapter ' s monthly his return from Detroit , Old Pros­ time. When Don plays the Compton in newsletter. Among the "address pector Klos was invited to a rehearsal the Leicester Square Odeon, it will be changes" was listed, of the Gloria Swanson-Lee Erwin show before a paying audience. Remember Al Mason: Up there which is scheduled for its American us to Leicester Square , Don! (We'll Miss You , Al) tour shortly. A handful of RTOS personnel was present at Rochester's Auditorium Theatre when Queen Since westerner Dave Schutt was Gloria and Lee went through their moved East by his employer, one paces. solace is the opportunity to attend Miss Swanson made her time count shows at the Radio City Music Hall. while in Kodakville. She assisted He's seen 'em all for the past two George Eastman House curator James years, sometimes more than once. Card in attempting to locate about 30 Dave, who plays organ as well as of her early films. Some were de­ doctoring them, is deeply impressed stroyed to realize the silver content. by new RCMH staffer Jimmy Paulin. She also served as judge in a costume "He's bringing great distinction to the ball at the Memorial Art Gallery's console," writes Dave, "there's Gadsby Festival. Klos observed, "I was nothing old fashioned in his playing. thoroughly impressed not only with And Jimmy is as genuine an organ the graciousness of this lady, but her I I enthusiast as you'll find anywhere. He sharpness of memory, keenness of wit, says one of his greatest joys about and her excellent physical state. Her being there is the chance to meet appearance on the tour should guar­ organ enthusiasts who come to the antee standing-room-only houses. ., J Music Hall. Jimmy hopes they'll come Picture to be featured is Queen Kelly Al Mason -'up there ' (Stufoto J up to the console and say hello to for which Lee Erwin wrote the score . " Al Mason gone! It seems incredible hlffi. in 1967. She was amazed at the that his great intellect and warm per­ number of persons who work on the­ sonality are lost to us. Few persons atre organs as a labor of love, 'some­ outside of his circle of friends and During the 197 4 convention ban­ thing you rarely see these days', she associates were aware of his great quet awards were made to a number of said." contributions toward keeping ATOS on an even keel during his presidency and, as an advisor, ever since. He came down hard on those who seemed ready to subvert ATOS to further their own personal ambitions during his presi­ dency. His weapons appeared to be will power and wisdom - with the greater emphasis on the latter. He often spoke in parables studded with natural wisdom and we once heard a friend say, when Al was expounding on the national scene, that he wished he had a pocket recorder to catch some of Al's gems. Al's monument is the 1974 ATOS convention , of which he was Chairman. Those who attended recall the minute detail of the planning which made the events mesh like clockwork. The "ticker" started acting up during the planning stages of the Carl Norvell (left) and Fred Mitch ell. A job well done - and remembered . (Corsicana oa,Jy Sun Photo )

14 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 "pipes," Carson's ears got pointed. greatest organ I have played, it did have "You've got pipes?" asked Carson, lots of flash." One of the reasons she with a quaver in his voice. After all, was not too keen about the job was he missed the cameraderie of the 3/26 because of Jesse Crawford's setting all Wurlitzer in the former Joe Kearns his presets, then locking them so the Hollywood home where he had lived substitute organist could not make for so long and recently vacated. changes. She also played theatres in "Yes, I've got an organ. It's been in Newark, Montclair and Upper Mont­ storage so long - I fear ... " clair, N.J. Recently, she has been "Ya wanta sell it?" demanded Car­ playing an electronic at county fairs in son, his eyes narrowing. Pennsylvania. Has a lot of cue sheets from the old days, too.

Bud Taylor, organist at the Red Vest pizzeria in Monterey, Calif., sub­ mits a clipping from the SACRA­ MENTO UNION covering the instal­

Helen Dell. Good Dodger . lation of a 2/7 Wurlitzer in the new Golden Bear theatre on the California The Sweetheart of the Los Angeles State Fair grounds, Sacramento, in Dodgers, organist Helen Dell, following time for this year's Fair. The paper her memorable performance at the Detroit convention, returned to Dodger Stadium in time to musically pep up the players and start a win streak which increased the team's lead Bob Carson . Back in the saddle again, with in the National League's western divi­ no help from Garry Moore. (StoneypicJ sion. Meanwhile, ATOS member Bob Beck, son of the late Brooklyn Dodger Perhaps we'd better stop here and organist, Gladys Goodding, found his confess that maybe it didn't happen mother's composition, "Follow the exactly as our improvised dialogue Dodgers", and sent Helen a tape of it. suggests, but the upshot was that the Soon the faithful will be singing the Carsons bought Bob Read's long­ words, exhorting their charges to stored Marr & Colton with the in­ greater efforts which hopefully could tention of installing it in their new lead them into the World Series. Hollywood home.

~ ~ A few years ago one of the stops on Anson Jacobs, ATOS member and the routes of pipe organ music seekers ex-theatre organist of Franklin, Pa., Bud Taylor (Stufoto/ was the Beefeaters restaurant in tells us that the Pittsburgh Area The­ Phoenix, Arizona, to hear Bob Read atre Organ Society has the South Hills play his circa 17-rank mostly Marr & Theatre's 2/6 Wurlitzer 9 5 percent states that the installation was made Colton, while chomping a chopped restored after two years of effort and by members of the Sierra ATOS Chap­ sirloin. At the end of Bob's contract several thousand dollars in parts, con­ ter, which retains ownership of the with the eatery he couldn't line up tibuted by James L. Baker, owner of instrument. It will be known as the another job including the pipes, so the the theatre. Pittsburgh is "theatre or­ George Seaver Memorial Organ to M&C went into storage, and Bob gan poor", ever since the flood of honor the late chairman of the chapter continued his career on plug-ins. Many 1937 inundated most of the city's whose dream was of an organ owned years passed and one rainy night Bob theatres. The group, whose members by the club. looked up from his beanery manuals range in age from 9-year-old Gordon to see Garry Moore with a smashing Heggfield to those in their seventies, brunet, listening intently. has tentatively scheduled a public con­ Vic Hyde, the "International Musi­ "Er - you are Garry Moore?" asked cert for December. cal Phenomenon," who helped kick Bob. off the July ATOS convention is still "Fooled another one" said Garry's ~ in the clouds over his appearance: look-alike. "No, I'm Robert Carson Still another organist has been lo­ "My act with John Muri at the from Los Angeles and this smashing cated who played the New York Times Redford Theatre - what a thrill! The brunet is Helen Dell. We make Malar Square Paramount during the days of audience with its big laughs an_d re­ records". the Crawfords' reign, Miss Jessie Grif­ sounding applause - Boy! And THE­ "Records," mused Read, "I used to fiths of Mechanicsburg, Pa. She played ATRE ORGAN Magazine has helped make records - when I had pipes." the "substitute breakfast" early morn­ my act. When I arrived at the Ly­ At the mention of the word ing show. "Though it was not the coming County Fair in Pa., pianist

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 15 Richard Gruver, who accompanied me, But not before another big assign­ troit Annex Theatre to the Minnea­ quoted from the magazine all he had ment overtook him: Bill became a polis Powderhorn Baptist church (in­ learned about me. Yes, he's an ex-the­ "Conn man," with the title "artist­ stalled by the late Ray Steffens), has a tre organist." clinician." However, we assume that been neglected, is inoperative and has won't preclude some organ playing · been replaced by a plug-in. But before after he puts his stethoscope away at the rush of organ hunters starts, the There seems no end to the number 5:00 P.M. In a news release Bill was Morton is not for sale, advises the of theatres which are hopefully to dubbed "the jet set organ teacher" and pioneer editor of the first THEATRE become Performing Arts Centers. Add Conn's John Nelson chortled, "His ORGAN magazine published in the the Paramount Theatre in Ashland, skill is apparent not only in the man­ USA who has been appointed "Histo­ Kentucky. Chris Gundlach, a theatre ner in which he handles the instru­ rian and Archivar" for the Land of organ and cinema buff (when he isn't ment, but also in his manner of Lakes Chapter. working at his printing business) in handling the audience!" We can't Tronton, Ohio, is spearheading a move argue with John. ~

to restore the 1200-seat theatre and ~ _.; Since 1910, Klann Inc. of Waynes­ install a pipe organ. The chambers are boro, Va. has been known as a supplier there, years ago converted to dressing Various phases of the theatre organ of organ parts. Now, the company is rooms, but will be utilized for the era continue to provide entertainment introducing a new, compact pipe organ purpose intended when renovation be­ for the American Guild of ( classical) utilizing a newly developed valve gins. The first problem is to secure a Organists whose members once con­ system. The valve operates with only a suitable organ. It is hopeful that an sidered the TO as anathema. For ex­ film of polyeurethane to admit air to ATOS chapter can be organized and ample, a recent Riverside-San Bern­ the pipe, eliminating the spring and serve as the catalyst for the organ ardino AGO chapter meeting first fiber valve of the traditional chest. It's project. featured a classical recital at the First claimed it gives quicker response at United Methodist Church in Redlands, lower wind pressures. Calif. Then the concertgoers adjourned to the TO-equipped home of Bill ~ Blanchard who accompanied Laurel Ed Mayo, Box 187, Boulder Junc­ and Hardy's "Big Business." Mr. tion, Wisconsin, has jumped in with Blanchard explained that in the silent both feet. He has purchased the 3/11 film days, the organist was given Wurlitzer which Gary and Elaine musical suggestions (cue sheets, Franklin removed from the Des scores), but usually the easiest method Moines Paramount in 1963, also the was to "play it by ear." This he 2/9 Wurlitzer originally from the demonstrated on his pipe organ as he Shaw-Hayden theatre in Cleveland, 0. accompanied the film. The Des Moines organ suffered water damage and because Ed wants to hear ~ some music soon, he plans to use parts Alden E. Miller reports from Minne­ of the 2/9 to play from the 3/11 apolis that the 3 /14 Robert Morton console until chest repairs have been transplanted years ago from the De- made. Ed Mayo is seeking historical

Bill Thomson . Maybe a real 'welcome back' this time - as a Conn 'artist -clinician.'

Last year an advertisement for a "welcome home from Australia, Bill Thomson" party appeared in organ publications, which was a bit odd, because Bill hadn't been in Australia. He had planned a tour but had to call it off because of other commitments. It looks as though he'll make it this fall and will most likely be "down under" by the time this hits print.

Judd Walton's THE WURLITZER THEATRE ORGAN REVISED INSTALLATIONS LIST is still available through Doric Rec­ ords, P.O. Box 282, Monterey, Cali­ fornia 93940. Price $22.00 Postpaid.

The 3 / 11 portion of Ed Mayo's 5-manual, 64-pedal, 20-rank organ collection.

16 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 information about both instruments - home of Bob and Alice Powers. The also suggestions for a home instal­ powers planned on a straight cocktail lation. Ours is - "Ed, you need a barn party for friends and neighbors, with in your backyard!" no music from their "style 260" Rodgers because it wasn't a musical crowd. But at the last minute Bob 1974 ATOS convention-goers will broke down and phoned Gaylord recall the young man who did such a Carter. Gaylord had nothing planned professional job playing the Rodgers so he grabbed a couple of cans of film during the banquet - Rick Shindell. and drove north to Camarillo. As Rick recently liberated a sleeping always, he quickly converted the non­ beauty - a five division, 30 rank music-oriented group with his music composite theatre organ in a high and showmanship. "They really loved school near Toledo installed about Gaylord," reports Bob. It was the first 1939. It consists of a 4-deck Wurlitzer time a film has been accompanied on console of unclassified design, 10 Bob's Rodgers. ranks of Wurlitzer, 4 ranks of Barton, several ranks of Estey-Haskell, 3 ranks of Gottfried, and more. Is it any wonder Rick's piggy bank is very Rosa Rio . The spice of life - from a straight empty? organ?

Organists at baseball stadia gen­ Rosa Rio informs us that she will erally play a half hour before the start be playing a concert on the 4-manual of each game, render the National Austin pipe organ in Bridgeport's Anthem, provide musical interludes United Congregational Church on Nov. between innings and "play the house 1 . "They want variety", she says. On a out" after the game. What happens church organ it can be a bit difficult, when games are halted by rain? Well, if but knowing Rosa's ability to adapt to the organist is John Kiley, official any situation (out-of-tune organs, no Boston Red Sox pedal thumper, he combination pistons etc.), we are sure fills with appropriate music on his she'll give a good account of herself. Hammond X-66 atop Fenway Park. The former theatre organist supplied background music with such numbers Gaylord Carter continues to pop up in unexpected places. One recent gig as Singin' In the Rain and Raindrops Bob Power . Gaylord was the life of his party . during rain pauses in both games of was playing a concert and silent (Stufoto) the day-night doubleheader on June comedy accompaniment for a group of 22. non-enthusiasts at the Camarillo, Calif. The generally accepted reason for the demise of the theatre pipe organ was the advent of the "talkies." If one believes a financial writer in a Western New York newspaper, it was because of something else. In a June column, entitled "The Economist", the writer had this to say when talking of the phasing out of still another Wurlitzer product, the juke box: "It was in the early 1930's that the Wurlitzer Company began phasing out the Mighty Wurlitzer the mam­ moth theatre organ which had become too expensive to produce and sell." How's that again?

From Roswell, New Mexico, comes news of a novel type of console elevator - run by manpower. The A 'first' for the Rodgers "style 260 " - silent movies in the Power home, with Gaylord doing the 3/14 Hillgreen-1.ane console at the honors . (Powerpic) New Mexico Military Institute was

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 17 above the stage. The North Hall is for him at the John Ledwon Wurlitzer­ equipped with a 5/70 Kimball with equipped residence. chambers in the proscenium arch. They are entirely separate except that both ~ are playable from the 5-manual con­ School of the Ozarks' organist Bert sole. Both were installed in 1928 . Buhrman has been making 30-minute Wind pressures range from six to thirty broadcast tapes, utilizing the school's inches. Bill informs us that he has 3/15 Wurlitzer , for KSOZ-FM. By worked on both instruments, touching early July, Bert and his musical as­ them up enough for graduations , but sociates at the school had made 14 they are seldom used at any other tapes, "and I suppose we'll go on until time. we're exhausted", he says. In late Now there's a worthy project. Any­ June, Bert performed a private show one interested? for a motor home convention on the school's campus. An elevated console from trash cans - and some muscle men . first secured to a stout wood and steel In the 1920's, Wurlitzer built half a platform. When it's time to raise the dozen huge automatic music boxes console, a car bumper jack is placed at known as Concert Band Organs. Each each corner of the platform and se­ weighed a couple tons, was 19 feet cured to the other jacks with a steel long, 10 feet high, and 5 feet wide, rod for safety. Then four stalwarts contained 480 pipes, 30 uniphone strike a "yo-heave-ho" cadence and bells, plus assorted effects. In June, heist the platform up high enough for one of these monsters was sold at the placement of nine up-ended metal auction in Houston for $31,000. Its trash cans to support the elevated 1926 price was $8,000 , with rolls console. The whole operation takes costing $50 apiece. It was one item in only five minutes , reports R. MacNair. a collection of 35 musical instruments and 60 antique autos owned by the creator of Houston's Astrodome, Astro­ Visitor Ralph Bartlett has a go at the John hall and Astroworld, Roy M. Hofheinz. Ledwon Wurlitzer . (Stufotol Other items auctioned included a Wur­ From Jackson, Tenn. , Bill Oberg litzer type 150 Military Band Organ for fills in more details about the huge The British Theatre Organ Club's $7,300, and a 1914 Wurlitzer Orches­ double Kimball in the Memphis M unic­ Hon. Secretary, Ralph Bartlett, was a trion for $16,500. ipal Auditorium (April '74 column). visitor to the USA for a brief period in Meanwhile, back at Wurlitzer's Bill says there are actually two audi­ July concurrent with the ATOS con­ North Tonawanda plant, a new line of toriums with a stage between them. vention. He was a house guest of Lee electronic organs is being turned out, The South Hall is equipped with a and Laurel Haggart in Granada Hills, 80 a week, and plans are under way to 4/40 Kimball with four chambers Calif., and they arranged a reception double the capacity in a year. Prices of the instruments, introduced last October, range from $150 to $1,000.

~ Al Winslow, retired New Englantl theatre organist remembers playing Loew's Providence Robert Morton whose decorative console was a victim of the 1954 hurricane. When installed about 1928, it was played by Joe Stoves, "a terrific organist". Al also remembers playing the Providence Rialto when it had a 2/20 straight Hook & Hastings, adapted for theatre use but without percussions. "One of the best theatre organs in the Prov­ idence area was a 4/7 5 straight Moller in the 3,000-seat Strand Theatre. Para­ mount took the house over in 192 9 and sent the organ to the State Penal and Mental Institution at Howard, R.I. Five manual Kimball in the Memphis Municipal Auditorium North Hall. It can play 110 ranks of It may still be there. It was replaced in two organs . the theatre in 1930 by a horribly

18 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 raucous 3/13 Wurlitzer which went Lake City. Did you know he was a out in the 1937 hurricane. A friend of theatre organist in his youth? He mine has the very ornate console." shared the Kimball console in the American Theatre in Salt Lake City ~ with the late Esther Stayner. Mr. Rose Diamond is critical of organ­ Schreiner played the Kimball as an ists who talk too much between tunes adjunct to the orchestra, which was while concertizing. "Some of the fault led by John J. McClellan, a teacher of lies with audiences who play into organ, and a mentor of Schreiner. He their hands by laughing at every silly also took a six-month leave of absence joke the artists uses. One organist I from his Tabernacle duties to play for know plays beautifully, but as soon as silent movies at the Los Angeles he opens his mouth, there is a grand Metropolitan theatre. Its console now rush for the lobby." Perhaps the controls the Old Town Music Hall younger organists should take a leaf 4/25 Wurlitzer in El Segundo, Calif. from the book of Hall of Famers Jesse Crawford, Albert Hay Malotte, Henry B. Murtagh, Eddie Dunstedter and Theatres have figured in note­ Don Baker. Rarely did they engage in Herb Head's miniature circus was a hit with the Colonel. Herb and the calliope are life worthy disasters thru the years. Fire banter with the audiences; they let size . destroyed the Brooklyn Theatre in their playing speak for them. 1876 with 295 lives lost; the Ring is dated August 7. The Strong Circus Theatre in Vienna in 1881 with 850 ~ was playing Detroit and Colonel Harry lost; the Exeter in England in 1887 A few seasons ago we ran an article headed straight for Herb Head's home with 200 lost; and the most de­ about the adventures of a circus organ­ to take in Herb's miniature circus structive in America, the Iroquois The­ ist named Colonel Harry Jenkins (the which was such a hit with '74 con­ atre in Chicago in 1903 which claimed rank is for real - AAF, retired). His ventioneers. In fact, Herb loaned 602. Then there was the disaster which Hammond was the whole band for a Harry his tiger cage model wagon befell a theatre, supposedly caused by one-ring circus playing mostly west which Harry displayed during a show the vibration of sound traced to its coast one-day engagements. From time atop his Hammond, complete with pipe organ? Yes, that was alleged to to time we get inquiries about Harry, moving tigers behind the bars. Ob­ have been the cause in the collapse of who before he became involved with viously, ex-theatre organist Harry is the Knickerbocker Theatre's roof in circus duties, ran a silent movie music having a wonderful circus season. Washington in 1922, causing 98 column in this publication. deaths, injuries to 133, and ultimately Occasionally Harry checks in with a the suicides of architect and owner. note describing his latest adventures, Alexander Schreiner is now in his Following the disaster, the BUFFALO because he's been with the circus each 66th year as organist for the Mormon EVENING NEWS ran a thoroughly­ summer since long before our story Church, and in his 51 st year as organ­ researched article entitled "When was published. His latest communique ist at the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Death Played the Pipe Organ" in which strange deaths of numerous church organists were described.

Offside to reader C.J.S., our search is ended, and the answer is yes, there was a tune titled I've Never Seen a Straight Banana. It was written in 1926 by Ted Waite and published first in England. As to its quality, it doesn't measure up to other banana songs, its melody being as vapid as its lyrics. Thanks to Doc Bebko for the use of his peeled Tune-Dex card. We hope this straightens out the banana tangle.

Mark your Calendar Now! JULY 15-20, 1975 ATOS NATIONAL CONVENTION

SAN FRANCISCO Colonel Harry. Having a ball. (Stufoto)

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 19 ATOS charter member Ray Bohr at the console of the Radio City Music Hall . A musical salute to Ray Bohr, staff organist of Radio City Music Hall will be held on Sunday Nov. 10 at the Music Hall. The event has been sched­ uled to celebrate Ray's 27 anniversary at the giant 4/56 Wurlitzer. Dr. C.A.J. Parmentier and Leroy Lewis will join forces on the twin consoles to render the musical salute. This could well be one of the East coast's biggest events of the season. Just the musical salute to ATOS Charter Member Bohr by two of our leading organists, would be enough but when the Hall's Christmas Show and movie is added, those attending will enjoy a really big entertainment event. Peter Polito, Program Chairman of the Hammond Organ Society of New Jersey reports he feels the salute de­ serves the grand treatment and with this in mind he is promoting a bus trip to New York for his group. This trip will be a package deal, will include the events listed above as well as a dinner and concert upon return to Elizabeth, N.J. Everyone within traveling distance of the Music Hall should make plans to attend. Further details can be obtained from Allen Rossiter, New York Chap­ ter ATOS Box 1331 Passaic, N.J., 07055 , Peter Polito, 810½ Fourth Ave., Elizabeth, N.J., 07202 or be at the RCMH Box Office before 8 A.M. Nov. 10th. □

Dr . C.A.J . Parmentier and Leroy Lewis get together to work out program for salute to Ray Bohr . by Lloyd E. Klos

For some time the device known as could flip a stop tab labeled "mys­ desired musical action, mood or the Marr & Colton Symphonic Regis­ terious", for example, when the oc­ emotion. trator has intrigued the writer. Very casion demanded it while accompany­ "Another object is to provide such little was known about it, and as far as ing a silent mystery movie such as a mechanism comprising a means we know, there are only three organs Phantom of the Opera, and the re­ whereby the organist may devote in existence with workable SR's; two sulting sound would create the desired maximum attention to the technical in Pennsylvania and one in Con­ mood. Several of the organ's regular requirements of the composition being necticut, and if the foregoing state­ voices would be wired in to the performed with a minimum amount of ment brings to light others, all to the "mysterious" stop to accomplish this. interruption in operating the stop better. It takes considerable time between keys. Another object is to provide a By searching through patent filing for a patent and the time it is stop mechanism of such character that archives and enlisting the aid of Bill granted by the U.S. Patent Office. In it may be easily and unerringly oper­ Uhler of Lebanon, Pa. and Bob Yates this case, it took almost four years, ated by an organist unfamiliar with the of Glenshaw, Pa., we were able to cull with the granting date on June 10, particular combination of stops con­ information to make a story possible 1930. And when one considers that nected with the stop keys. A further and perhaps answer the questions operations at the Marr & Colton plant object is to provide an organ stop enthusiasts had long proposed. in Warsaw, N.Y. ceased in the fall of mechanism so constructed and ar­ The Marr & Colton Symphonic 1932, there apparently weren't too ranged as to materially facilitate the Registrator apparently was the brain many of the SR organs manufactured. operation of the same by an unskilled child of David J. Marr, president of the Whoever has a working model, there­ organist. Warsaw, N.Y. company, and he filed fore, has a rare gem. "Still, a further object is to provide for a patent on October 20, 1926 So, patent No. 1,762,274 was an organ construction particularly through his attorneys, Crumpson and granted and the following is taken adapted and convenient for the · ac­ Griffith. The serial number was directly from Mr. Marr's description of companiment of motion pictures, and 142,792 and the device was described the device, appearing in the patent provided with stop keys, each having as follows: information: associated therewith, as by means of a "The combination with an organ "This invention relates to musical descriptive word or words, the cor­ mechanism comprising a series of stop instruments, and more particularly to responding tone color, so that even an keys, each controlling a pre-deter­ pipe organs, one object of the in­ unskilled organist or one unfamiliar mined selection of stops, of means for vention being to provide an organ with the organ may quickly and cor­ visually indicating the tone color having an improved stop mechanism of rectly render the correct tone colors obtained by such selections." such a character -as to make it easy for for each sense, emotion or action Reduced to its simplest form, the any organist to quickly select and portrayed on the screen in accurately definition meant that an organist render the correct tone colors for any timed relation with the same.

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 21 "To these and other ends, the invention resides in certain improve­ June 10, 1930. D. MARR 1,762,274 ments and combinations of parts, all as ORGAN will be hereinafter more fully de­ Filed Oct. 20. 1926 scribed, the novel features being 2 She ets-Sheet 1 pointed out in the claims at the end of the specification. "In the drawings: "Figure 1. is a top plan view of an organ console, embodying the present invention; "Figure 2. is an enlargement of a portion shown in Figure 1, to illustrate the additional stop keys and the in­ dicating means for the same; and "Figure 3. is a schematic il­ lustration of an organ mechanism em­ bodying the present invention. " Simi I a r refer e n c e n um era ls throughout the several views indicate the same parts. "The modern organ is commonly provided with a series of stop keys as indicated for example at 5, Figures 1 and 3, for controlling the tonal colors or combinations. Such keys, however, have been commonly unmarked or merely numbered or provided with the technical names of stops or other musical instruments, the organist hav­ ing to rely upon his memory as to the ox7rot wag meaning in terms of actual tone color Cho rus Ve r .se of such designations, as well as the combination of stops controlled by each key, and also to distinguish be­ tween the different keys, with the 1/ 7 result that the attention has been distracted from the performance of the composition to the operation of the stops. This has been particularly the case in the operation of strange organs and in performances by un­ skilled organists, and these difficulties Sketches of SR stop layout as submitted in patent application . are present to a still greater degree in playing an accompaniment for motion keys for hand registration shown at 5, such indications are placed directly on pictures, where the tone colors must there is provided an additional or the keys inwardly of the outer ends of be quickly and abruptly changed to auxiliary series of stop keys (7), each the same so as to conveniently and correspond with the changing connected as hereinafter described quickly read by the organist. emotions portrayed on the screen. with a corresponding group of stops. "The operating mechanism for the "It has been found that these dif­ Th is series of keys and corresponding stop keys is shown diagrammatically in ficulties may be effectively solved by stop combinations represents the full Figure 3 as composed of devices which selectively grouping the organ stops to range of musical moods. Each of these are individually well known in the art. correspond with the range of musical keys (7) is marked with a visual Thus, each auxiliary key (7) has a rear moods and emotions and providing the indication, clearly expressing the par­ arm (10) of conducting material con­ console with a stop key for each ticular shade of tone produced by the nected in circuit, as by means of a wire combination visually marked to clearly operation of the same. Such marking (11) with a source of power (12). This describe the tone color of the same in may have different forms, such as a key end, in rising as the key is de­ terms of a mood or situation, as by word or words directly expressing the pressed, contacts momentarily at 13 means of a clearly descriptive word or to ne color in terms of a mood or with spaced contacts (14). The latter words, or an appropriate color mark­ situation as at 8, or color indications, are connected with a magnet (15) in ing. such as the disks (9), conventionally the "off' switch . This magnet raises its "Thus, Figure 1 shows a two­ lined to indicate the colors commonly armature controlling the usual valve manual console, comprising keys (6). used on the score to indicate the port by which the wind in the valve In addition to the usual series of stop corresponding tone value. Preferably, pneumatic ( 16) is exhausted. The col-

22 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 lapsing pneumatic lowers a double pneumatics (32) and (33) respectively. At 52 are shown the solo manual keys, valve ( 17) so that the wind passes These pneumatics, of which there is and accompaniment keys, and 53 rep­ through a channel (18) into a large one for each registrator stop key , pull resents the pedal keys which are con­ pneumatic (19). all of these keys "off' except the one nected in the usual manner and like­ "When a stop key (7) is fully depressed to cause the operation. wise require no description. depressed, its end ( 10) breaks con­ "When the auxiliary stop key (7) is "The invention thus provides an nection with the contacts (14) so that fully depressed, its end (10) engages organ console with a stop key for each magnet (I 5) is de-energized with the also with a contact (34), thus sending of a complete gamut of tone colors, result that valve (17) is again raised by' current through the wire (35) to the each key marked with a rod or words its inflated pneumatic ( 16) and the relay magnet (36). This raises the or with a color to clearly describe its wind passes from the large pneumatic magnet armature controlling the usual particular tone in terms of a cor­ ( 19) through the channel ( 18) in to a valve for exhausting the pneumatic responding mood or situation. By box (20) having a bleed hole (21) (37) so that valve (38) is lowered, mood or situation is meant, of course, controlled by a regulating block or transmitting wind through passage _ the mood, emotion, action or situation choke (22). The regulation of this (39) to a contact pneumatic ( 40). This desired to be expressed. Of course, an choke block varies the amount of pneumatic carries a con tact ( 41) organist may select and combine the opening of the bleed hole, and governs which, upon inflation, engages a co­ stops with the different keys to suit the speed at which the larger pneu­ operating contact plate ( 42) to which his particular taste, and such a stop matic (19) is exhausted. are connected the stop wires ( 43) key system greatly reduces the at­ "The large pneumatic ( 19) carries a leading to the combination board (44). tention which must be devoted to it at contact (23), positioned to engage "This combination board comprises the expense of proper handling of the with a cooperating contact (24) when the usual stop spreader ( 45), con­ technical difficulties of the com­ the pneumatic is inflated. Contact (24) nected by wires through the main position being played. Such an ar­ is connected with a wire (25) with a cable ( 46) with the stop spreader ( 4 7) rangement, moreover, largely solves magnet (26) in the "off' machine at the organ end to which all the stops the problem of playing unaccustomed (27). When pneumatic (19) is inflated, are wired. At 48 is the usual switch organs, and the difficulties of unskilled magnet (26) is energized with the and at 49, the switch action, which organists, and greatly facilitates the result that the valve (28) of the "off' parts, together with the various solo manipulation of the stops in the dif­ machine is lowered and wind is ad­ accompaniment and pedal relays in­ ficult work of accompanying the mitted from the "off' machine dicated generally at 50 and the pipe rapidly changing moods of motion through a channel (29) to pipes (30) chest (51), are well understood in the pictures. and (31) leading to the stop key "off' art and require no further description. "Thus, even an unskilled organist,

Sketch of interior mechanism of Symphonic Registrator as submitted in patent application. Parts are described in the article .

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 23 playing a strange organ to accompany a motion picture film, upon a sudden change in the action or situation as, r -/✓ .. · ,\ iiilllll for example, the portrayal of a riot scene, does not have to first translate 1 this situation into the technical terms 1 of the usual organ stops or to recollect /~\\\\ · ·· · _II :;JI .,I and select combinations of the same, but may immediately press a stop key marked "riot" or with some other word directly and immediately ex­ pressive of the particular tone color desired, which may thus be unerringly and readily produced in an appropriate and well-balanced tonal combination. The invention thus greatly facilitates . ~ - the playing of an organ particularly as an accompaniment for the rapidly ~ successive scenes of motion picture • i projection, especially by an unskilled organist or one playing an unfamiliar organ.

"I claim as my invention: "1. The combination with an organ mechanism comprising a series of stop keys, of an additional series of keys Left side of the Uhler console. SR stops (left to right) are Love (Mother), Love (Romantic), Love for controlling selected groups of stops (Passion), Lullaby, Quietude, Jealousy , Hatred, Anger, Excitement, Agitation, Suspense, Garden, Water, Rural, Children, Happiness, Festival, Fox Trot (Verse), Fox Trot (Chorus) and Waltz controlled by the stop keys of said (Verse) . (Uhler Photo/ first-named series, the keys of said last-named series being provided with first-named series, the keys of said ally indicating the tone color obtained visual indicating means inherently ex­ last-named series being each provided by such selections. pressing the tone color produced by with a color marking, and also with "4. In an organ mechanism, a series the operation of the keys of said one or more words inherently ex­ of stop keys for controlling certain additional series. pressing the tone color produced by stops, an additional series of keys, "2. The combination with an organ the operation thereof. means whereby said latter keys control mechanism comprising a series of stop "3. The combination with an organ selected groups of stops actuated by keys, of an additional series of keys mechanism comprising a series of stop said first-named stop keys and means for controlling selected groups of stops keys each controlling a predetermined for visually indicating the tone color controlled by the stop keys of said selection of stops, of means for visu- produced by the operation of each key of the said additional series of keys. Partial view of Symphonic Registrator cable and switches in back of the console. The stops "5. In an organ construction, the consisted of varying numbers of voices . Switch on right (Oriental) consisted of 4 voices; next combination with a multiplicity of stop (Chinese) called for ten. organ stops, of a series of combination stops each operatively connected rel­ atively permanently to a plurality of selected organ stops, and means on each combination stop for indicating visually by mere inspection the general tonal characteristics of the plurality of organ stops connected to such com­ bination stop." DAVID J. MARR

Much of the foregoing sounds like a definition of a Rube Goldberg cre­ ation, but all is necessary when seeking a patent. Bill Uhler acquired his Marr & Colton from the Academy Theatre in Lebanon, Pa. in 1966 (See June 1972 Theatre Organ). Bob Yates' instrument is not a "pure" Marr & Colton. The pipe work is Wurlitzer, obtained from

OCTOBER, 1974 information he provided and the sche­ matic I had been able to trace from . ~y instrument, I was able to draw ci biock pattern which ovedaid on my ~riginal pattern ·and thus find which cables from the SR to hook up to the various ranks. "L believe the list to be very close .to. the original M&C hookup , since in my -organ, -the cables from the '.SR switches were not cut at the sw.itches , but at the terminal board. Which mean& ,that the 40 SR switches ter­ minated in 34 cable ends, each of which was connected to various SR switches. This sounds confusing , but I trust THEATRE ORGAN readers will get some idea of the problems we had in readying this device to playing condition ." The Marr & Colton Symphonic Registrator was a great idea. It is regrettable, however, that the device wasn't available in the early twenties instead of the early thirties when talkies were coming to the fore. It Right side of the Uhler console . SR stops (left to right) are Waltz (Chorus), March , Royalty , Mysterious , Gruesome , Neutral, Neutral, Neutral , Riot, Fire , Storm , Chase, Chinese , Oriental , wouJd have made better organists out Spanish, Funeral, Sorrow, Pathetic, Cathedral, and Full Organ . (Uhler Photo ) of mediocre or poor ones. □

Bill Uhler's console . The 40 Symphonic Registrator tabs are on the upper stop rail. Pittsburgh's Roxian Theatre. The con­ sole, however, was destroyed in the 1936 flood. "In looking for a Wur­ litzer console," Bob says , "I happened upon the Marr & Colton with the SR, which was too fascinating a console to pass up for the sake of purity to Wurlitzer. It has adapted quite well to my relay and pipework." When Bill and Bob acquired their instruments, the SR combination wires were cut on both. There is a row of 40 SR tabs, situated above the regular stop rail on each console. If the owners only had a set of wiring in­ structions! Several Marr & Colton men were contacted, but were of no help. In August 1972, Bob was traveling in New England and stopped at the Felice home in Manchester, Conn. Here is a Marr & Colton with workable SR, which Mike Foley helped install in 1959. Bob and his wife spent over three hours, tracing wires and as a result, both Uhler and Yates have consulted each other and have wired in their devices. Bill says, "I cannot give enough credit to Bob Yates, without whose efforts and information, this project would not have been completed. He and his wife traced each combination from the switchboard: Thus, with the

OCTOBER , 1974 Following are the various combinations of voices as Symphonic OrganDivisions they are heard on the Symphonic Registrator section Registrator of the 2/6 Marr & Colton Organ formerly in the Acad­ Stop Pedal I AccompanimentI Solo emy of Music, -Lebanon, Pa. The SR stops are listed in the order that they appear on the console from left HAPPINESS Flute4 to right. Violin4 FESTIVAL ContraTibia 16 Vox8 Tuba8 Symphonic OrganDivisions CelloB Violin4 VoxB Registrator Quint5 -% Stop Pedal Accompaniment Solo Flute4 Violin4 LOVE(Mother) Tibia8 Tibia16 FOXTROT (Verse) ContraTibia 16 Vox8 Tibia8 Vox8 Violin4 Flute8 Flute4 Vox8 Tuba8 Cello8 VDO8 LOVE(Romantic) Flute4 Vox16 FOXTROT (Chorus) ContraTibia 16 Tibia8 Vox16 Tibia8 Flute8 Vox8 Tibia8 Diapason8 Cello8 Flute4 Vox8 Piccolo2 VDO8 LOVE(Passion) ContraTibia 16 Vox8 Tibia8 Tuba8 Tuba8 Tuba8 Flute4 Flute4 Flute4 Piccolo2 LULLABY Flute8 Tibia8 Xylophone Vox8 WALTZ(Verse) VoxB Tibia8 Quint5-% QUIETUDE Vox8 Tibia16 WALTZ(Chorus) Cello8 Vox8 Tibia16 Flute4 Vox8 JEALOUSY Cello8 ContraViol 16 Tibia8 Violin4 Flute4 Diapason8 MARCH ContraTibia 16 Tibia8 Diapason8 Quint5-% Flute8 Vox8 Tibia8 HATRED ContraTibia 16 Tibia8 Tuba8 Cello8 Flute4 Vox16 Cello8 Violin4 VDO8 Vox8 Flute4 Kinura8 ANGER ContraTibia 16 Tibi~8 VDO8 VDO8 Cello8 Violin4 Tuba8 Tuba8 Flute4 Quint5-% Flute4 ContraTibia 16 Tibia8 EXCITEMENT Diapason8 Violin4 Flute8 Flute4 Quint5-% Piccolo2 Cello8 Flute4 Violin4 ROYALTY ContraTibia 16 Tuba8 Vox16 AGITATION Cello8 Tuba8 Vox16 Flute8 Diapason8 Diapason8 Vox8 Vox8 Diapason8 Flute4 Tuba8 Flute4 VDO8 Tuba8 Octave4 Quint5-% Violin4 Cello8 Clarion4 Octave4 Clarion4 SUSPENSE Flute8 Vox8 Quint5-% Piccolo2 CelloB Tuba8 \liolin4 VDO8 Violin4 Flute4 MYSTERIOUS Tuba8 Tibia8 GARDEN Violin4 Tibia8 Violin4 Quint5-% Vox8 Flute4 Piccolo2 GRUESOME ContraTibia 16 Kinura8 Vox16 WATER Flute4 Diapason8 Piccolo2 Quint5-% RURAL Flute4 Tibia16 Piccolo2 NEUTRAL-1 Cello8 VDO8 VoxB CHILDREN Flute4 VDO8 Violin4 OrchestraBells Kinura8 Flute4 NEUTRAL-2 Flute8 VoxB TibiaB Piccolo2 VDO8

26 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 Symphonic OrganDivisions Symphonic OrganDi visions Registrator Registrator Stop Pedal I AccompanimentI Solo Stop Pedal Accompaniment Soio NEUTRAL-3 Cello8 Tibia8 Vox8 CATHEDRAL ContraTibia 16 Tibia8 Vox16 Vox8 VDO8 Flute8 Diapason8 Diapason8 Quint5 -% Diapason8 Octave4 Tibia8 Violin4 Flute4 Quint5-% RIOT ContraTibia 16 Diapason8 Tibia16 Octave4 Flute8 Octave4 Vox16 Flute4 Diapason8 Vox8 Piccolo2 Tuba8 Diapason8 FULLORGAN ContraTibia 16 ContraViol 16 Vox16 Tibia8 Diapason8 Tibia8 Tibia16 VDO8 Flute8 Diapason8 Diapason8 Tuba8 Tuba8 Tuba8 Tibia 8 Quint5-% Cello8 Clarion4 Tuba8 Octave4 Violin4 VDO8 Violin4 Octave4 Quint5 -% Clarion4 Flute4 Violin4 Piccolo2 Flute4 FIRE ContraTibia 16 Vox8 Vox16 Octave4 Flute8 Diapason8 Diapason8 Clarion 4 Diapason8 Tuba8 Tibia8 Piccolo2 Cello8 Flute4 Vox8 VDO8 Tuba8 Quint5-% U. S, POSTAL SERVICE SEE INSTRUCTIONS STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION Flute4 (Act of .-1,,,,.,,n 12, 1970 : Section 1685 . 7Ytle 19 . Unired St•tu Code) I ON PAGE 2 (REVERSE) Violin4 THEATRE ORGAN ;s. ,-t11:QUl:N\,;Y u,- l:,:,Ut: Twelfth2-½ Bi - Monthlv 4 ...... luN u,- KNuWN ur-,-h .. c OF PU B LICATION (Strut , city, cou,uy , Jt(lte , L//ICOCUJ (Not print,tr,J STORM ContraTibia 16 Vox8 Vox16 '32'300 Schoolcraft Rd. Suite D-11, Livonia Wayne Livonia . Mi. 4!!150 THI:: H _ uo::1,,:n.-.1. Ht: ,-UBLl!>Ho:n,a, 1nOI pnnter$) Flute8 Diapason8 Vox8 1~7L.< "'-"~~•-•~~" n.,.. T.i .. ~-<~ MSnh 1.ai~/, 6. NAMES AND ADORESoco uF PUBLISHER , EDITOR , AND MANAGING EDITOR Diapason8 Tuba8 Diapason8 .., .... ,~n~• ,,.,,ame or1a aaarcU/ Bettv M. Mason 1574'3 Edgewood Drive Livonia . Mich. L.!!1~L. Cello8 Flute4 VDO8 CUI' un ,,,..,ue""" fM,U,t.-.UJ George Thomoson . 79'3 Echo Valley Rd. Salinas, Calif . 0,001 Tibia8 rrt11me•naaaareu1 F1~"" u,, __ ,?~nn C~h~,-,1~-~4'+ lln C.. S+o n.ll T.iu~-s~ MSnh L.81~0 Tuba8 7. OWNtH (If owned by• c«porotion, lu n•me and addreu mun k stated Grtd also immedt.tely thurunder Ow ,wmu Md addYcur1 of nockholdu1 0""'1lllf cw holdinz J ~,cent o, morf! of tot•I ■ mount of 1tock. If not ownf!d by• co,po,•tlon , tM nomrs •nd •ddrf!UU of IM Quint5-% lndividw,I ownf!rl meat ~ ziwn. If ownrd b/ a pa,mr,dtlp or o thrr wnincorporatrd firm , 111 Mm• ■nd ■ ddnR, tu wrll .s th•t of uch lndlvld1111lmi.utbf!r{wn .) Flute4 I Violin4 American Theatre Organ I Societv Inc . P. O. Box 2480 Piccolo2 I B .. -,--~~- NC . 27?1~ 8. KNOWN BONDHOLDERS , MORTGAGEES , ANO OTHER SECURITY HOLDERS OWNING OR HOLDING 1 PERCENT OR MORE OF CHASE ContraTibia 16 Octave4 Tibia8 TOTAL AMOUNT OF BON DS, MORTGAGES OR OTHER SECURITIES llftheu ■ rrnonr , » natrJ Cello8 Flute4 VDO8 Violin4

CHINESE Cello8 Flute4 Vox16 .. L~ 1 IUN tsT t'UBLISHEA::, MAILINU Al I HE REGULAR RATES (Section 132. 121, Post1IS 1tv,ce M1nu1I) 39 U. S. C . 3626 prov ides In pert lnant p ■ n ""No person who wouhJ have been ent itled to m•II m•ll•r undu former sec:t 1Df1 •359 of this t h le Vox shall m•II such m111er •t th• ratH provid-.d 1,1n-rm ln1on to m•II th• p1,1bllc•t ion n•med In hem I et th• reduced poltegti VDO8 ,.1HpreHnt1veuth0rl1ed bv39 U . S. C. 3626 . Kinura8 10. FOR 1,,,u1yu•Lc 1vJ1 a "l'uro·nur-ll ORGANIZATIONS AUTHORIZED TO MAIL AT SPECIAL RATES (Srctlon /Jl ./11 , PostalM.nwolJ Quint5 -% ~ (Chu/conr )

(If chl,n(Cd, pwblUhe, '"w r ORIENTAL Tibia8 Vox16 ::It.::;-::~::•~~~c~I~; • :;:::t~;::~:•~:~u•F:~!~!~ ~ :::i~:::che~~:d tubmlt uplan•rlon ofc"""p Inc ome t•• purpoMS 12 mon1hs 'MAththi.lstatf!nwnt .) Tuba8 AVERAGE NO . COPIES ACTUAL NUMBER OF COPIES OF 11. EXTENT ANO NATURE OF CIRCULATION EACH ISSUE DURING SINGLE ISSUE PUBLISHED NEAR · PRECEOING 12 MONTH S EST TO FILING DATE

VDO8 A . TOTAL NO . COPIES PRINTED (Nrt Pwu Run) 5700 5700 B, PAID C I RCULATION 1. SALES THROUGH OE ALERS ANO CARRIEPS , STREET 0 0 SPANISH Cello8 Vox16 VENDORS ANO COUNTER SALES Vox8 4.%0 5150 VDO8 41!60 5150 Quint O. FREE DISTRIBUTION bY MAIL , CARRIER OR OTHER MEANS 5-% I. SAMPLES , COMPLIMENTARY , ANO O TH ER FREE COPIES 160 150

Flute4 2. COPIES DISTRIBUTED TO NEWS AGENTS , BUT NOT SOLO 0 0

E, TOTAL D ISTRI BUTION (Sum ofCcnd DJ FUNERAL ContraTibia 16 Tibia8 Flute4 5020 5300 F. ~~t~~~N~SE , LEFT -OVER, UNACCOUNTED, SPOILED AFTER 61!0 400 SORROW ContraTibia 16 Vox8 Tibia16 G. TOTAL (Sum of£ & F-showld eq114Inet P,eM nm #ho-. in A) 5700 5700 · ► (S/ltt11t11,e of rdltor , publisher , lNMru mvtqr r, or OWf'l~r) PATHETIC Vox8 I certif y th•t lhe stal emenu made. by me. above are correc1 and complelc . ~~ /Jl )~1.. , l.t{.,!-l c..~ PS Form 3626 Ju.Jy 1971 J

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 27 week (day-by-day in some sequences) periences. That this is not merely a accounting of the organist's life. This story of Crawford's musical life, is biography will be useful to or­ proven when PhD Landon reserves an ganologists, students, and theatre or­ entire chapter, "The Soul of the Poet" gan buffs, and can easily be classed as for analyzing Jesse's personality. As­ a reference volume; albeit it is the sociates, family and friends are all definitive work on Crawford's career. drawn into the vortex of discussion. The ten chapters on his life are Each chapter is documented ex­ chock full of anecdotes, interesting tensively, the sources of information BOOKRfVI£ W events, humorous incidents and some revealed, and a sizeable bibliography is sadness. One facet which graphically listed after chapter ten. illustrates his rise to success, concerns There are 128 pages of appendices by Lloyd . E. Klos the one shiny blue serge suit which which include lists of recordings, trans­ JESSE CRAWFORD,POET OF THE Jesse wore so long while playing West criptions, organ rolls, compositions ORGAN, WIZARD OF THE MIGHTY Coast Theatres. But when he was the and arrangements known to have been WURLITZER by John W. Landon. King of the theatre organ at the New made by Crawford; specifications of Vestal Press: Vestal, N.Y'. 13850. 372 York Paramount, the closet in his major theatre organs he played, lists of pages. Price: $12.50 (NY State resi-' ~ appearances at the N.Y. Paramount dents add 7% sales tax.) and Chicago theatres, sound films There are biographies of varying made, and a partial list of radio broad­ quality. Some serve merely as skel­ casts. etons of th ,eir subjects. Others are Mr. - Landon graciously a c­ based on average effort. But only a knowledges the assistance of all who small minority are backed by years of helped him during the five years of painstaking research, data collection, ­ preparation. There is a list of close to interviews, and hours of meticulous 100 persons and organizations whose collation which result in a superb assistance is recognized, a veritable finished product. Who's Who in the theatre organ cause. In the last category, we classify a One of these is another walking most fantastic new book by ATOS encyclopedia of Jesse Crawford, member, John Landon, on the life of Canada's Clealan Blakely, who con­ Jesse Crawford, the theatre organist tributed a three-page preface to the who practically set the pace for all work, giving his impressions of when others in the field when the Mighty he'd sit through five shows at the New Wurlitzers were making their first great York Paramount in 1929 to hear the swing on the entertainment scene. Mr. Poet. There is also a two-page fore­ Landon spent five years in research ward by organist Reginald Poort, and interviews for this book, and it describing his contacts with Crawford. shows! For example, scores of pictures To every ATOS member, the re­ of every facet of Mr. Crawford's viewer strongly urges that he obtain a incredible career, many never seen by copy of this text for his collection. To the public, are spotted throughout the sumptuous apartment contained 23 John Landon, on behalf of all theatre book, accompanying the text as suits and 36 hats! Jesse Crawford's organ lovers everywhere, we offer a closely as possible. story is a real Horatio Alger tale come hearty "well done!," and sincere This reviewer doubts that a more true. thanks. And, if Mr. Landon puts to­ thorough book on The Poet of the The joys and sorrows of his mar­ gether another book, we reserve a Organ is possible, for author _Landon riages are discussed as well as his copy for purposes of review and refer­ has practically given us a week-by- theatre, recording and tour ex- ence. □

the trusted name in pipe organ supplies

(3EISNER, Inc., 240 N. Prospect St., P.O. Box 71, Hagerstown, Md. 21740 (301) 733-2650

28 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 ZAMECNIK Forgotten Composer of the "Silent" Era

A nostalgic glimpse of the musician who did more than any other toward creating atmospheric settings for silent movies. His reward was oblivion.

by Randy Sauls Additional Research by Stu Green

In the early fifties. while I was investi ­ silent movie "mood music themes " - all try from Bohemia . now Czechoslovakia . gating the possibilities of publishing organ credited to "J.S. Zamecnik. " Without Eighteen years later. in 1892. th e young instruction material, a saleslady in the even mentioning the purpose of my visit man was sent to Prague Conservatory in Southern California Music Company I blurted out that as a former theatre the Capitol of Bohemia for five year s of suggested calling on a Mr. Walter Zam ­ organist I recalled a name that could intensive stud y with famed Anton Dvor ­ ecnik. The name , because of its unusual have been pronounced that way on ak. known more for his lilting Hum­ flavor. somehow rang a bell! Upon enter ­ many silent movie score cue sheets . If the oresque than for the New World Sym­ ing his office and introducing myself I picture accompanying this article could phony . remarked that I had difficulty compre ­ smile then readers. too . would see the Upon completing his studies in Prague. hending the name . Very courteously reminiscent smile which came upon the Zamecnik returned to America . His train ­ Walter not only pronounced it correctly face of Walter Zamecnik as he proudly ing had consisted of almost every phase (ZAM-ishnick) . but spelled the name for said. "Yes. that was my Dad ." of music a man with his prospects could me . Another bell clanged loudly as my John Stepan (Step -AHN) Zamecnik use! He not only composed but con ­ memory envisioned myriad copies of was born in Cleveland. Ohio. in 1874 to ducted a full symphony orchestra as a organists ' cue sheets. endless pages of parents who had emigrated to this coun - portion of his requirements for gradua -

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 29 tion under Dvorak. He was familiar with every instrument in the orchestra or band and this qualified him well for the musical About The Author route which he was to pursue for his life­ Randy Sauls is a genuine former theatre time . In 1904 he married Mary Barbara organist. A native of Mississippi , he made Hodous . also a Cleveland resident. In his entry on the theatre organ scene just 1905 a son. Edwin. arrived . Son Walter as the "talkies" were strangling it. Real ­ was born in 1907 . izing that there was no chance of scoring as a silent film accompanist , Randy became Even then our subject seemed to pre ­ a "sing-along" organist , spotlight soloist fer being called "J.S ." rather than by and musical entertainer. During the early either of his "first" names. Incidentally '30s Randy performed in theatres through ­ ASCAP 's Biographical Dictionary lists out the South , aided and abetted by an him erroneously as "J .C." This error is insidious sense of humor and timing . He now lives in southern California , divid ­ typical of the oblivion which surrounds ing his time between teaching music in Zamecnik only 20 years after his death . the public schools and running his very Although he knew each instrument successful mail order organ study course ("When students want to skip a lesson they well his preference was for the violin and mail me a blank sheet of paper! "). Oc - his first professional job was as Concert casionally he accepts a concert engage ­ Master with the Pittsburgh Symphony ment and wears himself to a frazzle polish­ under the direction of Victor Herbert ing a technique that understandably may who was later to hit the "big time " as get rusty between gigs. His story about J .S . Zamecnik is a labor of love ; it was America 's top operetta composer. RANDY SAULS two years in preparation . Referring once again to the photo , one can see in the face of this man an expres ­ sion of accomplishment. True. he was remembered by any of the present crew. in Cleveland but only Harry Walker re ­ shy but he knew music . His skills and A letter to Local 4, the AFM Cleveland plied. All are in their 80's and 90's and inspirations were put into practice when chapter , struck some pay dirt in the form perhaps their powers of recollection have he returned home to Cleveland to be ­ of a reply from a retired colleague . Harry faded. So , it may be stated that in his come music director for a vaudeville the ­ Walker , who refers to J.S. , as "John ," as home town , the composer who did so atre . Between 1910 and 1920 movies he was known to fellow musicians in much to enhance silent films musically, were not yet the principal attraction in Cleveland , despite his preference for ini­ has been almost forgotten . entertainment meccas and there was an tials only. But what about the organist? Yes , they urgent need for light music to be orga­ "John was a quiet guy, not given to had organists. At the Hippodrome was a nized in a professional , capable manner bragging or patting himself on the back. I name familiar to many theatre organ so that the various "acts" - singers . think very few people knew he had buffs. organist Henry Murtagh! Others , actors . dancers , acrobats , jugglers and studied with Dvorak. " too , who trod the boards may be remem ­ clowns - would be molded gracefully , Cleveland was a lively musical town in bered today , among them, song belter with the help of music . into an enter ­ the early days of the century . One the ­ Sophie Tucker , the Eddie Foy Family, taining show . Without musical cohesion atre , the Hippodrome, is indicative. It was tap dancer Pat Rooney , Sr. and many these shows could have been disasters , the largest house between Chicago and other names not so fortunate in with ­ but this master of his craft not only com ­ New York. Even in 1919 it was equipped standing the erosion of time! All this, posed original music for the regularly with a stage elevator and a stage tank mind you, was even before Jack Benny! changing programs , but arranged for and which could accommodate diving horses! Randy Sauls continues . conducted a rather large orchestra for The pit was large enough to accom ­ With J .S . building a reputation as a that period , and did two performances a modate a full symphony orchestra . Harry practical composer , it is understandable night! If the acts might seem a bit on the Walker recalls Cleveland vaudeville con ­ that Sam Fox Music Publishers, then corny side by today 's standards , the ductors Herman Biringer , Al Green , the located in Cleveland , would seek him out accompanying music was superb . It's in­ Spitalny brothers , Henry Pfitzenmayer and become his publisher. This became a teresting to note that the 1911 AFM and the legendary Max Faetkenheur , un­ lifetime contract and soon there ap ­ Local directory lists no less than four der whom Walker played . He recalls that peared on the market the Sam Fox Zamecniks making music in the Cleve­ in the early '20s, J.S . was playing piano in Photoplay Edition for Organists and land area , presumably all relatives of J .S . a theatre orchestra while teaching and Pianists, by J.S . Zamecnik. After building our basic story from composing privately . In addition to the As movies became popular there was Randy Sauls ' interviews with son Walter , cavernous Hippodrome , there were sev ­ a growing demand for theatre organs . we attempted to broaden the picture of eral Cleveland burlesque and movie Full orchestras to cue silent movies were the composer by contacting former col­ houses which employed orchestras of unwieldy except in the hands of a truly leagues and employers . Letters dis­ twenty-five men. capable conductor with equally quali ­ patched to his publisher, the Fox Music Harry Walker remembers that Zam ­ fied sidemen! A theatre organ with one Co ., brought no information. A letter to ecnik was already known locally for his performer was far more attractive to the 20th Century Fox films, where J.S . film music : "The 'situation compositions' management, especially from the bud­ "synch 'd" so many silents with sound ­ of J .S . were in demand for the silent get's eye view . Soon there were a great tracks, did raise a polite reply from the movies ." many more organs than there were or­ company 's music department, saying There were other Zamecnik colleagues ganists capable of playing them. The that Mr. Zamecnik was not known or and fellow musicians we tried to contact, early piano and drum accompaniment to

30 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 movies soon squared itself out of the pic­ Walter listened quietly while I made Had the backlog been allowed to re ­ ture and the pianist became an "or­ discoveries. I knew that he hadn 't heard main silent. there would have been per ­ ganist." Usually one-footed , lacking in any of his father's music for many years . haps three more years of transition time originality and often light of talent , but When I asked him if anything I was play ­ for the switchover from silent to all­ lucky enough to be there at the time ing sounded familiar , he replied. "I talking films. As it turned out. theatre when an organist was needed , he multi­ couldn 't tell you anything about it - musicians faced wholesale and immedi ­ plied rapidly . except I know my dad wrote it." ate unemployment starting in 1927. due This does not in any way imply that all Once I asked Walter if his father was to the introduction of the "synchronized " organists were in this category but this ever a "real temperamental artist " as so silent movie . just happened to be a grand reverse of many composers are reputed to be . Here "Sound movies " were a letdown to unemployment! Anybody could get a job is his verbatim reply " "Dad always Zamecnik. It is rather ironic that in early as a theatre organist if he could hold a worked at home in his studio using a pre-talkie "sound " days Dvorak 's prolific key down. Theatre managers were piano, and while working he was not to student. much to his personal distaste. notoriously tone-deaf . To many of them be disturbed. I have heard him fondle a wrote music for the recorded sound ­ a rhythmic chorus of All By Myse-/f was simple phrase for an entire afternoon be ­ tracks of countless "synchronized " silent fine for train wrecks , impending disaster fore he could make the minute changes movies . J .S . was in favor of musicians or dirty work at the crossroads . which satisfied his musical intentions." playing "in person " rather than of a But these fortunate "would-be" film From the meticulous craftmanship in­ recorded soundtrack. Yet he had no accompanists, who hadn 't had the ad­ dicated one would naturally wonder at choice but to "synch " silent films. Among vantage of a trained background, needed the quality of his prolific output. Con­ the silent movies which received this sort help and this is where J .S . Zamecnik sidering the more than 1500 composi­ of "aid " were Wings starring Clara Bow. proved his worth. His music pictured tions he did, Sam Fox Publishers decided Richard Arlen. Buddy Rogers and Gary storms , battles , chases and love scenes - that the credibility of his having com­ Cooper; Abie 's Irish Rose with Charlie the music the aspiring film accompanist posed such an enormous output hinted Murray and George Sidney : Fazil. star ­ needed so desperately. that he should use some nom -de -plumes . ring Ramon Navarro who sang the still When asked how he would describe He eventually wound up with twenty one remembered Neapolitan Nights on the his father 's musical aims , Walter stated aliases . For his Hawaiian -type composi ­ sound rack. and Wedding Mar ch with that his father 's only ambition seemed to tions he was called "lane Kawelo ." If the the German actor , Eric von Stroheim. as be to help !he aspiring film accompan­ number happened to have a Parisian fla­ well as Redskin starring Richard Dix. ist learn a.nd understand more about vor his name was "Jules Reynard" or Sam Fox Publications . upon learning that music. This is why his more than 1500 "Paul Dupont " and for a lovelorn Out of I was preparing this article on their long compositions of thematic "mood music " the Dusk To You. which became a popu ­ ago composer ver y kindl y sent me a were designed chiefly for the limited lar favorite in the '20s , he used the name copy of the original sheet music with musician. Yet the quality of the music is "Dorothy Lee! " How these assumed Redskin 's Richard Dix in glowing color fine enough even for a skilled artist to use names were selected is lost in history. but on the cover . This is a prized possession . as a source on which to elaborate in crea­ they sound as though this sensitive man A large number of Zamecnik 's film ting the musical settings for the silent conceived them himself . Invariably , the compositions survive . at least on paper . dramas of yesterdays ' silver screens . J.S. nom -de -plumes sound as though they Some bits and pieces of J .S .'s music are never had the urge to write a symphony. should be the names of the songs' being donated to the ATOS archives at He wanted to write for those who need­ composers! Elon College . I have quite a number of ed his expert musical projection in a In the middle '20s there were rumors items given to me by Walter Zamecnik more simplified form. of an impending development in the film which I have agreed to pass along for During one of Walter Zamecnik 's visits industry - talking movies . This also posterity . It would be wonderful if som e­ to my studio I played some "J.S. music ' meant that musical accompaniments one republished some of this material - to see if he'd recognize it. I had several could be recorded when the film was but who 'd buy it? volumes of the Sam Fox Photoplay Edi ­ made .The center of these developments Still, I'd trade a few Jesse Crawford tions on the rack and selected a few ran­ was Hollywood and with a little urging "Roll Glissandos " for a chance to hear dom themes , without any effort toward from the Fox Music Co .. which was asso ­ someone with the ability of Billy Nalle form or continuity . Walter is not a musi­ ciated with the Fox Film Co . in Holly­ take a few pages of the material and cian although he has been active for wood. J.S. moved his family to "Tinsel­ "have a go " at it. If he could be primed years in music sales. But when I played town " where he could work out of the with narrated dramatic material I can musical fragments from J.S . composi ­ Fox studios . That was in 1924 , when imagine what he. in his way . would do tions while imagining a silent movie was Zamecnik was 50 years of age. with these thematics to improvise in progress. I surprised myself many Three years later, the "talkie " revolu ­ around . There were. and still are . many times by realizing that I was sounding tion hit Hollywood hard. catching all film others who could "swing it" but I just perhaps like one of Rosa Rio's magnifi ­ makers with a large backlog of un ­ happened to think of him when I was cent accompaniments to a soap opera. released silent films . With many first run playing selections from J.S . Zamecnik 's Occasionally I ~ould hear a George theatres already equipped with syn ­ PHOTOPLAY EDITION . then allowing Wright phrase and once or twice I chronized sound equipment , the industry imagination to take over as I improvised glimpsed Eddie Dunstedter and "Little decided to enhance its remaining silent on the Zamecnik themes to "cue " a fan ­ Orgar-1-Annie" Leaf peeking through films with synchronized soundtracks con­ tasy silent film. Dramatic moments were the Tibias! There 's no doubt about it; taining sound effects and musical scores . conjured by such titles as Shadowed this man left his mark on the theatre This decision proved a death knell to live (Mystery , Horror , Gloomy Scenes) ; Pre­ organists he helped to create! theatre music . monition (Tragic Development , Grue -

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 31 some Story , Hallucination, Despair) ; to me I was tryin to show off how of some of the things I put in that I Hurry (For general use); In a Canoe (Ser ­ much I knew which I guess is somethin have forgot about cince. Like how the enade): Fury (Violence , Confusion. that happens to a lot of riters when copyrite owners of Hansel and Gretel Disaster) ; Redemption (Powerful Cli ­ they start out. won a soot from the publishers of max!, Great Love , Religious Theme) ; The I guess I was only a young punk, Bambalina swipin a tune out of the Confession (Sorrowful Emotion): Con ­ and the very first colyum I rote I tried opery, and like the opery Tosca nailed spiracy (Intrigue , Evil Purpose) : The Ver ­ to show off how much I knew about the riters of Avalon the same way. dict (Tragic. Dramatic Situation) : Drama­ Geo. Bernard Shaw and how he was And then like they had political tic Tension (Sorrow. Deep Emotion. Tra ­ agin censership in the movies, on scandals back in 1924, too, and they gic Situation): Furioso (Great Confusion . account he says it was immoral to stop was oil scandals just like today. And Riot Scene) : Simplicity . by " Dorothy people from doin things people think then in 1925 they was a big fuss over Lee ": Treacherous Knave (Villain Theme , are immoral bacuse a lot of things Irvin Berlin gettin married to a Noo Ruffians . Smugglers. Conspiracy) : The people think is moral today was im­ York society girl name of Ellen Mac­ Furious Mob (Great Disturbance. Riot. moral yestiday and a lot of things that kay, and that was nearly fifty years Mob Scene): Evil Plotter (Conspiracy , Im ­ is immoral today will be moral by next ago. And of course they had to publish pending Danger)!! .. . Shall we go on? week. And this is what Mr. Shaw said a popular song about it, and it was J .S . Zamecnik died at the age of 81 on fifty years ago, and look what has named When A Kid Who Came From June 13 . 1953 and is buried in Ingle ­ happened since to show he was rite. The East Side Found A Sweet Society wood. Calif . His wife Mary. lived to 87 What is in movies today and the Rose. The pop song riters is always years and is buried beside him . Although langwitch they use and the words they doin things like that. When the Eye­ J .S . Zamecnik is gone his music and the say and what they do nobody would talian tenor Caruso died they pub­ influence it fostered are very much alive of thought ten years ago they could do lished a song called They Needed A in generations of musicians . song writers . without gain to jail for. somgbird In Heaven So God Took orchestrator s and the dwindling number So then in this peace I rote in 1924 Garuso Away. And how about There's of theatre organists who remember those I told about how in Pennsylvania they A Vacant Chair For Will Rogers In wonderful days when the name Zame ­ couldn't show any guns in the ads, and Every Home Tonight. cnik helped pave the way to a playing how in Boston they couldnt show any Them songwriters they aint happy career. Only the name has been forgot - fites on Sundays, and how the movies unless they got somethin to cry about. ten. D they got Mr. Will Hays to keep the Like when Pres. Roosevelt died the movies clean and how he got a Com­ title was Our President Was Called mittee of Public Relations to help him Away To Heaven, and then of course out and they would make out a report they was The Kidnapped Baby about to him on what the movies was showin the Lindbergh case. Or maybe you that was rang, and it even got so the would perfer I Lost My Love In The Boy Scouts they made them change Ohio Flood. Or if you want a real the name of Kit Carson in The Cov­ good cry, how about From Prison To ered Wagon, because it showed him Mother's Grave. Every time they is a gettin soused. headline tragedy the song writers get To get back to Mr. Shaw, he didnt to work with The Kidnapping Of think much of the movies anyway, and Peggy McGrath or We Buried Her accordin to my colyum he says that Bena th The Willow. Oh well, I spose they are full of the stoopidest errors of maybe if I was a songriter instead of a judgment with overdone and foolish riter I would be in the dumps too. repeat strokes of expression (whatever I come across a parygraf I rote in that means), hidius makeups, close ups 1925 that says it pretty good. What I an angels face couldnt bear, hundreds said was - One thing I like about this of thousands of dollars spent on spes­ Colyum of mine is that I can jest Be hul effects that any good perducer Myself. I can jest say it the way I talk, I got to thinkin back to how long I could of made cheap, over exposed and I dont have to worry none about been a perfessional riter and by gum it faces in front of under exposed back­ dressin the Langwitch up in any Tony was fifty years ago come next Novem­ grounds, and long lists of everybody High Hat. You know the trouble with ber. I used to keep a kind of a little hired in the fillum, who developed it, most of these here riters is they get so scrapbook after I started my Colyum and who fixed it and who dried it and Partikilar about usin elygant English for Mr. Jacobs magazines called the who fixed the stars hair. That's what that they get so's they can't even Orchestral Monthly, which Mr. Jacobs Mr. Shaw said, so I guess you couldnt remember what theyre ritin about. called The Elevator Shaft on account I scarcely call him a movie fan. If he was Frinstance, a feller willl get to usin a was runnin the elevator for him after still alive today he would most likely bunch of big words you never heard he permoted me from Janitor. So ·I got throw a fit or have apoplexy if he of, so's you'll have to look ~m up im a to readin them first colyums I rit for could see what they put on the screen Dictionary and say What a lot he must him, and by gum I rite better now today. So it's just as well for him he know to use them words like that. than I did then, but of course that was died back in 19 50 before any of this And the chances are he had to look a the first time I took to trying to rite wild stuff begun. lot of em up his own self before he somethin to put into print and when I So then I got to thumbin thru my could use em. But of course you never look back on the stuff I rote it looks old colyums and I got quite a kick out think of that. □

32 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 rans

An organ transplant? You bet! "A lot of care has to be taken in A 3,000-pipe Aeolian organ, pur­ removing the thousands of wooden chased in the early 1900s and custom­ and lead and tin alloy pipes which built for the Blandings' "Organ were custom-built to fit the house's House" in Belvedere in 1917, is being maple-lined organ chamber," Stout ex­ transplanted to Oakland where it may plained. become a part of the massive organ ''The pipes alone are worth being restored for the Paramount The­ $86,000," he said. atre of the Arts. "One of the most important tasks The operation is a costly one. to be done before anything is moved is "We're going to need $70,000 be­ to label each piece so that it can be fore the actual installation can begin," identified later. You can't reassemble a Jack M. Bethards, executive director pipe organ as you would a jigsaw of the Oakland Symphony Orchestra puzzle, using the 'try and see if it fits' Association, owner of the Paramount, approach," he explained. declared. One of the unique features of the The original Paramount organ in Aeolian organ is its capacity to play the 1930s vintage movie palace, a music on rolls, similar to player-piano 24-ton, 1,500-pipe Wurlitzer Publix rolls, according to Bethards. No. 1, was sold in the 1950s and is "This kind of organ was the 'stereo now installed in a Los Altos restau­ set' of the wealthy in the '20s and rant, Ken's Melody Inn. 30s," he explained. A nearly exact duplicate has been "In those days they called the paper donated to the Symphony Association rolls 'records' and they were even by J. B. Nethercutt, owner/director of purchased in 'albums'," Bethards said. the new San Sylmar Museum in the There are almost a thousand player Southern California community of rolls which will be shipped with the 53 Sylmar. It will form the basis of the ranks of pipes in huge wooden crates Paramount's new organ. to Oakland this month. "We hope to have the instrument They will remain in storage until installed by next July," Bethards enough money is raised to complete added, "but we can't proceed with the the restoration. work until we get the money." "There's no sense in starting the job The Aeolian organ .was donated for and then having to stop work for lack addition to the musical behemoth by of funds," Stout explained. "It's like a Mrs. Constance Reynolds of San Fran­ heart transplant operation. The whole cisco. job has to be coordinated and finished It is one of the largest residence before the patient can wake up." □ organs known that is complete and in Each of the 3,000 pipes of the massive good condition, according to Bethards, Aeolian organ built for the "Organ House " himself a pipe organ technician and in Belvedere is being painstakingly removed restorer. and shipped to Oakland to be stored until $70,000 is raised to complete the Para ­ Organ Engineer Edward M. Stout of mount Theatre's pipe organ . Working on the San Francisco, curator of musical in­ dismantling project are (left) Bill Sylvester of Castro Valley , a pipe organ technician , struments at Grace Cathedral on Nob and Edward M . Stout of San Francisco , Hill in San Francisco, began the pains­ curator of musical instruments at Grace taking dismantling job last month. Cathedral. (Cathe Centorbe Photo/

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN Hagen once tried to cure a case of nerves by telling herself that the affair REspECTFOR Music was ridiculous and that the audience was made up of dopes. The result was a bad performance; as she says, she by John Muri might as well have stayed home. After you have really learned your Do your ever read the words to strongly that the need to emulate is music, then you have to make sure popular tunes? Here are a few recent almost a reflex, almost a subconscious you don't dry up and play per­ treasures: "I'm gonna kill myself'; procedure. This is true of the most functorily. " ... Something gets stale "Cancel my subscription to resur­ gifted artist (and) is not to be belittled or dries up only when I become aware rection and send my credentials to the or minimized. We must pray that we of outer effects or of watching my house of detention"; "I don't know are influenced by the best. But try to actions rather than staying involved 5 the difference between right and inherit the inner work and not the ••• " For us, this means we don't wrong"; "I'd rather be wrong than outer shape (the concept, not the worry about appearance or other prob­ right if I can't have you"; "Rip this form)." 3 We have players who slav­ lems at the moment of performance. joint." Setting mood-music to such ishly copy other organists' devices, We think of nothing but the music! lyrics would give me problems. The particularly Crawford's glissandos and Miss Hagen favors Eleonora Duse's defeatism, self-indulgence, and lack of Wright's rhythms, key-changes, and concept that the only thing she had to self-respect shown in this form of endings. Miss Hagen's idea on imi­ offer as an artist was the revelation of folk-art are matched only by the tation is important for those who are her soul. If we find in this something writers' disdain for language, for logic, anxious to excel; the heart of it is that approaching the best meaning of the and (I suspect) for music. while we can emulate as much as we word artistry (not just using the word I have just finished reading Re­ like, we should imitate sparingly. as a compliment), then we can to some 1 spect for A cting , a fine book by a It is enlightening to learn that in extent measure what we as players great actress, Uta Hagen. In it the the early stages of her professional have achieved. Hagen's definition of an author confesses that for a time in her development Miss Hagen experienced a artist is "One who professes and prac­ life she unknowingly lacked proper loss of her love of acting and adopted tices an art in which conception and respect for her profession because she what she calls the methods and at­ execution are governed by imagination was believing a number of untrue titudes of the "pro", by which she and taste." 6 Artistry does not consist cliches about it. The same can be said means that she adopted a bag of tricks in banging away at things, even though for a lot of theatre-organ addicts. that worked on-stage. Many organists a certain element among music patrons Some of our bromides are that people trave l this road. We all know fellows is impressed. Artistry is not only tech­ don't like to hear classical music; that who play loud because they expect to nique, either. It consists in doing a they prefer to hear tunes they know get a hand for it. In the early pro thing correctly, inspiringly, and hon­ rather than tunes they don't know; stages we are concerned about big estly. It does not matter that acting that because a player is well-publicized responses from audiences. I haven't and music are largely selective and he must be good and making a lot of researched the matter, but I've long represen ta tio nal fantasy-worlds, money; that if the organ is a Wurlitzer felt that veteran pros don't care much special brands of make-believe. it has to sound great; that a big fancy about the applause they get so long as Ephemeral as they are, fine perfor­ console denotes a big beautiful organ, they perform well. They must be mances demand integrity. etc. embarrassed to acknowledge applause Artistry in an actor, she says, re­ Parts of Miss Hagen's book read as when they have played badly - and quires not only talent, but character, if they were written for us. Witness: we all do on occasion. ethics, and education - plenty of it. "A performing musician ... is ex­ Real pros have style, but they don't So it is with good organists; artistic tremely fortunate in that he is pre­ worry about it. Hagen thinks that style maturation requires a lifetime's ded­ sented with specific exercises from the is the dirtiest word in an actor's ication. If you frequently doubt time he decides to pursue his chosen vocabulary, that nowhere in the act of whether it's practical for you to work art form. He must use them daily and creation can one pre-determine style at music for years, you'd better take they stay with him until the end of his of shape, sound, or form. 4 Still, we Hagen's advice: "Don't." If you have career ." 2 Anybody want to argue can wish for it and lament with old to ask that question, you are ready to about that? Madame Armfeldt (in "A Little Night quit. Concerning imitation, read this: Music") "Where is style? Where is Ethics, too, bear watching. In that " ... there is a point in the life of any skill? Where is forethought? Where's area, Hagen sees sloth and egomania as young artist in any art form when passion in the art?" deterrents to artistic development. someone he comes in contact with, Some of our young members com­ Here she brings to mind the lazy whom he idolizes, influences him so plain of stage-fright. Their salvation is organist who won't practice, the fel­ prac tice to the point of infallibility. low who thinks he's tops when he 1 Uta Hagen with Haskel Frankel, They should not fall for the advice to isn't. She believes that the low repute Respect for Acting, copyright 1973, take it easy (Why do people insist on actors have had comes from inferior The Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc. giving that devil's advice anyhow?) and work resulting from insufficient New York, N.Y. 10022. belittle what they are doing. Miss preparation. The same can be said of

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34 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 unprepared organists. It was not merely envy that induced the low Mr. Muri's opinions expressed regard organists often received in herein are his own and do not musicians' union halls in the twenties. necessar,Jy reflect the policies of ATOS or THEATRE ORGAN It was not ignorance or indifference or Magazine. technical difficulty that prompted recording companies to keep small and dearest to us. National spirit ( call catalogs of organ records. it nationalism if you like) is not always Very important is Miss Hagen's chauvinism ; it is sometimes a defense belief that the theatre should con­ against subversion. Our task is to tribute to the spiritual life of the conserve and strengthen , not weaken nation. Theatre organ music, too, or debilitate. As organists we daily should contribute to that spiritual life. help develop a world-view of our Its best functions are to elevate , re­ culture , and I kid you not , that's fresh, and inspire those who are closest important. □

Hearit the AN ALBUM OF way it was THEATRE ORGAN on ... MUSIC

Manufacturers, distributors or indi­ viduals sponsoring or merchandising l)t~\1~113 ~IC1-; theatre pipe organ records are en­ couraged to send pressings to the Record Reviewer, Box 3564, Granada ~~ Sta.-.-ina #' Hills, California 91344 . Be sure to include purchasing information, if applicable, and i( possible a black -=~ank Voiii and white photo which need not DETROIT'S OWN THEATRE ORGANIST be returned.

LEADING THE BARTON UNIT ORCHESTRA IN MUSIC FOR MAGICIANS, Verne YOU • S'WONDERFUL • DANCING TAMBOURINE Langdon playing "the Palace of Mys­ BLUE ROOM • HAUNTED HEART tery Theatre Organ." No. PLP - 1913 RITUAL FIRE DANCE • AND MANY MORE (stereo). $6.50 (plus sales tax where applicable) postpaid from Electric Lemon Record Co., 7001 Franklin Ave., Hollywood, Calif. 90028. Price: $5.99 ($6.99 outside the U.S.) Here is a theatre organ used in a novel way. The composer/organist has Available in @ft[3!X){3@ from .. conjured up a host of tunes to aid the professional ( or amateur) magician in making his presentation more effective MVXrecord~ with an often esoteric musical ac­ P. 0. Box 2060 Fort DearbornStation Dearborn,Michigan 48123 companiment. Here is a theatre organ I (size and location unspecified - ap­ ------ORDER FORM------' parently to heighten the aura of MVX RECORDS mystery) used quite differently . Verne P.O. Box 2060, Fort Dearborn Station Langdon is well equipped to handle Dearborn, Michigan 48123 the chore from the magician 's stand­ point ; he is, in conspiracy with Milt Please Send ______L.P. Albums of "OPENING NIGHT" at $5.99 each. Larsen , associated with the Magician's Club which meets at the obviously NAME ______haunted Magic Castle, a brooding relic ADDRESS ______of another era which is perched on a hill overlooking Hollywood. On moon­ CITY ______STAT ______ZIP ______less nights it seems to provide its own luminescence. Verne has been heard TOTAL AMOUNT $ ____ _ previously as a wind merchant playing

MICHIGAN RESIDENTS ADD 4% SALES TAX $____ _ the "Circus Clown Calliope " relea_;e, and he produced the "Phan tom of the ENCLOSED IS CHECK FOR $____ _ Organ" record starring the diabolical ------I "Erik ," both by Electric Lemon . So, it OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 35 may be stated that Verne Langdon is same strong desire to "save the Fox" "up to here" in musical oddities. This which caused San Franciscans to peti­ magician bit is probably his most tion city officials to take the house for ambitious effort to date. Unhindered a civic auditorium. The efforts failed by any customs , rules, or traditions and the Fox, like so many other fine connected with the production of a theatre auditoriums, was levelled. But theatre organ recording, Verne pro­ not before Killinger had put in his bid ceeds to build a series of tone pictures toward perpetuating at least the suitable for "magic act" backgrounds , memory of the lavishly decorated all being his own compositions. In the house by recording many reels of tape execution of his mysteriosos, fanfares, with Messrs Nourse and James at the marches and macabre waltzes he often console. latches onto registration which obvi­ Over the years the music recorded ously pleases him, so he continues it in 1963 has been released on the indefinitely. If there is a valid com­ Fantasy and Doric labels; three vol­ plaint regarding the arrange men ts it umes of Farewell to the Fox with both would probably be that there are not artists participating, plus one solo the frequent key and registration album by Everett Nourse. All of the changes theatre organ buffs expect. discs reflect careful miking to pick up And Verne is enamored of the key of Verne Langdon the ensemble sound while still catching A minor. softer voices and percussions ( e.g. "Opening Fanfare" is preceded by a to the grand piano for "Schwebethema fuer Princessin Irene", a somewhat Harp, Marimba) in closeup perspective. undulating gong crash · of the calibre The result is an opportunity to hear we haven't heard since Leon Berry's Schuman-like lullabye which is a masterwork of piano recording - the Fox organ like no one seated in "Beast in the Basement" disc. The the theatre ever heard it. fanfare is an introduction to the magi­ bright, but with depth perspective. cian, his beautiful assistant and the Back to the organ for "Spirit Sym­ paraphenalia of magic which is seen on phony" and the percussers carry the stage. "Dante ' s Inferno" is a full music for the first runthrough, then bodied waltz in the minor mode, the pipes take over for a 3:53-minute marred by one horrendous "schmear ," seance in minor. For "Carnival of and played on full combinations. Souls", Verne does a spread-eagle, "Hypnotique" has oriental trappings playing his right hand on his old which gives the organs drums a work­ friend, the Calliope, and all the rest on out, plus a melody sometimes played the organ, a not unpleasant mix. The in minor seconds! "Closing Fanfare" hurries the per­ formers off the stage with a majestic brassy cortege, another jarring "schmear" and a wham on that mag­

nificent gong. Tiny .James (Nascke Photo) While this is not theatre organ music as such, it is played on a well-endowed theatre instrument by a musician who dares to be different, just as the recorded music of, say, Koda Pandit, Leon Berry, Paul Beaver and Barron Smith ( on pipes) is dif­ ferent. It is not for everyone but it will find its fans, mostly among those with memories of vaudeville and its wonder­ ful presdigitators. Recording is ex­ cellent. "Pandora's Music Box" is played entirely on pitched percussions (Chrysoglott, Harp etc). It's billed as a MEMORIES OF THE FABULOUS "dream theme" and perhaps has the FOX (VOL. IV), Everett Nourse and most charm of all these originals. Tiny James playing the 4/36 Wurlitzer Everett Nourse "Dance of the Skeletons" alternates in the San Francisco Fox Theatre. No. DO 1406 (stereo). $S.9S postpaid between the delicate and the energetic, This latest, and last, Fox release from Doric Records, Box 282, with the reiterating Wood Block sup­ maintains the same high technical Monterey, Calif. 93940. plying the necessary rattle of skeletal standards set by its predecessors. The terpsichore. "Thurston's Marvels" is a When the theatre closed its doors organists' work matches the technical bright march which shows the magi­ over 10 years ago, theatre buff/ quality. Both play in the lush, big cians "on parade." The organist steps audiophile Frank Killinger felt the organ style associated with theatre

36 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 intermissions, providing many changes of registration and tempo. Everett Nourse's offerings are Coquette, Love is a Many Splendored Thing, You Made Me Love You, Time Was, September in the Rain, I Aint Got Nobody and The Sheik. Tiny plays an enchanting 7 ½ minute medley of tunes from Lehar's Merry Widow score, plus Victor Her­ bert's A Kiss in the Dark, The World is waiting for the Sunrise, and Linger Awhile. Whether one is completing a Fox record set or making initial auditory contact with a great organ in its original acoustical setting, Memories is a "must." Rex Koury and the San Sylmar conso le.

instrument had been tuned, the miking registration. He is here, too, but he REX KOURY AT SAN SYLMAR, session was held and the sounds called also takes advantage of the fine Tibias 3/25 Wurlitzer organ in the J.B. out by the computer were put on tape. and expressive percussions character­ Nethercutt Museum, Sylmar, Calif. Rex didn't even have to be there - but istic of this instrument, as well as the N CR-1124 (stereo). $5 .9 5 postpaid he was. So, in effect you'll be hearing solo reeds. This is evident especially from Rex Koury Productions, Box a concert played by a computer from during A Lovely Way to Spend an 197, Steamboat, Nevada 89436. tape impulses fathered by Rex Koury. Evening. The string intro to Moonlight We have only one reservation con­ Becomes You is a bit of Claire d'Lune This is Rex Koury's finest recording cerning the sound of the instrument and later the Tibias take over. But we to date. This time he has located an on this disc; to us the tremulant on the couldn't possibly cover all the nuances exquisitely voiced organ with ex­ strings is a bit too wide to do them and registration changes in a Rex pression on percussions as well as on full justice. The complex string wave­ Koury program, so we'll just list the pipes, and the technical side is tops, form is best served by a trem which remaining selections, each one being a too. This is the initial recording to be just shimmers; here it sometimes seems gem: Stairway to the Stars, Chopin's made on the San Sylmar organ and it on the edge of chopping. But that will Waltz in C-Sharp Minor, East of the lives up to all the expectations gen­ · be noted only by purists and doesn't Sun, Victor Young's Love Letters, It's erated by many items and a recent reduce enjoyment of the music; the Impossible, As Long as He Needs Me, I feature article in this publication. strings aren't that much in the spot­ Married an Angel and A Fine Ro­ By now most of us are aware that light. mance. Rex includes on original , a the basic instrument, a style 260 Wur­ Rex has selected a program of particularly appealing ballad, Love litzer, was originally installed in the mostly "oldies" and his subtle arrange­ Sonnet, which brings out all that's Atlanta Roxie theatre and moved west ments bring out their best qualities. lovely in the instrument's Tibias. in 1967 when purchased by cosmetics It's a selection which avoids over­ Our review pressing was slightly magnate J.B. Nethercutt for his recorded titles and his treatments warped but not enough to throw the planned museum. The magic started often apply modern-sounding har­ stylus or cause distortion in the music. when the instrument was turned over monizations to vintage tunes as well as As we have said many times, imperfect to organ builder Dick Villemin (Porter­ to such current favorites as Yesterday pressings of platters reviewed here are ville, Calif.), who, with the aid of his Once More. returnable for perfect ones. But one able assistant Gordon Belt, enlarged it During a review of a previous warped pressing isn't reason to declare to 2 5 ranks and managed to maintain Koury platter we remarked that Rex the first release from San Sylmar other the instrument's integrity by judicious was especially fond of color reed than a fine recording throughout. choice (and revoicing)' of the added ranks. The result is any buffs dream organ. Of course it's loaded with such extras as a recording and playback THEATREORGAN and OTHER RECORDINGS by computer which adds to the instru­ FRANKDENKE • DOREENCHADWICK• VIC HAMMETT• TINY JAMES• BILL LANGFORD• ment's versatility in often constructive ways. This recording is a fair example; JOHNMANN• EVERETT NOURSE• KORLA PANDIT• LEN RAWLE• DAVID SHEPHERD• Rex noticed the organ was a bit out of JIMMYSWIFT• SIDNEY TORCH• GEORGE WRIGHT• AND OTHERS tune when he was preparing for the recording session. No problem. He SENDFOR FREE CATALOG OF LONG PLAYING STEREO RECORD ALBUMS went ahead with the session anyway, and let the computer record his tunes DORICRECORDS on its tape - impulses only, no sound. P. 0. BOX 282, MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA 93940 Then, a short time later, when the

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 37 I'M ON MY WAY, Tony Fenelon since Bill Thomson featured it a few playing the 3 /1 S Wurlitzer organ in the years ago. Eriskay Love Lilt is a lovely Dendy theatre, Melbourne, Australia. ballad and it finds Tony at his best. Festival label "Harlequin Series" No. L Waltz in A-flat (Brahms) features the 25052. $5 .SO postpaid from Tom Wurlitzer's piano. It's well played but Lockwood, 19 Manor Dr., Rochester, a trifle overlong. But Tony's Under N.Y. 14617. the Double Eagle march is the best Australian Tony Fenelon has been rendition we've heard since George's charming US audiences ever since his Hi-Fi cut recorded nearly 20 years ago. first concert tour here in 19 69. His And this one is without overdubbing. recordings have been more often good Tony makes full use of the Wur­ than otherwise, but we feel this one is litzer's facilities, an instrument which his best yet, after comparison with has sounded especially good on three previous releases. It brings us a records since the first residency at the Dendy of Lyn Larsen; he apparently did considerable balancing of voices. The stereo recording is very good, and the surface is quiet. Side 2 of the review pressing was enough off center Tony Fenelon (Harold Photo) to cause "wow" when the near-center more mature Tony, more con­ track was played. The jacket notes by templative. There is still a now and Barry Sheehan provide background on ANNOUNCING then trace of the Lyn Larsen and the recording session and brief com­ anew George Wright influences, but mostly ments on the music. Stereo Recording its just Tony, and that's fine with us by because what Tony says musically is - THE PLUG-INCORNER usually laced with high interest value. ORGAN HITS BY LORETT A, Loretta Apparently Tony was not thinking JONASNORDWALL Muralt Holstein playing the Gulbran­ of export possibilities to the USA sen "Rialto" theatre organ, Monaural when he planned this platter because disc $4.25 postpaid or stereo tape at least eight of the twelve selections $7 .25 postpaid, from Loretta Holstein, are fine old "US of A" chestnuts 8710 SW O'Mara Street, Tigard, jOUHB which have hit US ears many times Oregon 97223. before, although not necessarily in better presentations. We've often The Gulbransen "Rialto" model wondered why overseas recording was the first electronic organ which in organ ists include usually a majority of made a serious attempt to emulate the US tunes on their biscuits, but we've theatre pipe organ both in tonal never unearthed an answer. But the qualities and appearance (the first HUBbPlliHfact remains; foreign recording organ­ electronic commercial model with a ists seem to prefer US selections - horseshoe console). It's chief claim to while we would like to hear the music lasting fame is in its Tibia voice: It's a Great Record of their tunesmiths. But we are di­ although the "Rialto" model was dis­ by one of the gressing. continued long ago it has become a Great Young Organists Not many of the US-originated collectors' item because of that un­ tunes are in the "overcooked" class. surpassed Tibia (Thomas admits trying Recorded on the Wurlitzer For example, I'm on My Way from to copy it for their 3-deck spinet). Not 4/21 in Moorabbin Town Paint Your Wagon (not Porgy and Hall ... selections are Music, too many "Rialto" records were cut Music, Music, The Way We Bess) gets an upbeat treatment, as does and they are becoming fewer and were, The Entertainer, In My Cabaret, including some "G.W." fewer. The playing is done by an Solitude, Cracklin' Rosie, closing riffs. Without a Song is pre­ attractive young lady with a "night Hora Staccatto, and medley sented initially on spare reed solo from Jesus Christ Superstar. club" style which smacks strongly of combinations, while always moving pat­ "Hammondry" but at the same time 12" Stereo LP. - $6.00 terns on the Concert Flute enhance the shows how effectively the "Rialto" Postpaid in U.S.A. accompaniment. The the big, brash bettered the "2}1" as a cocktail bar Order Today from . .. chorus with a gorgeous massed String instrument. BILL PETERSON ending. Anything Goes gets a "high While the "Rialto" is a Tibia­ 4993 S.E. 30th Ave., Apt. 98 kick" treatment with lots of regis­ dominated organ, later speaker de­ Portland, Oregon 9n02 tration coloring. velopments brought out reeds and Others in the "USA" group include string sounds which earlier ones played Swanee, When You're Smiling, Try to down. This Rialto sounds like a late Remember and Broadway Rhythm, all model; reeds and strings are well de­ played with plenty of pizazz. Man of fined. La Mancha hasn't sounded so good Loretta goes through the inevitable

38 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 Weekend of Music • Coming in November .~. The Rochester Theatre Organ Society reminds all ATOS members of ~ its "Weekend With the Wurlitzer," in ~ ...... ~ observance of its Tenth Anniversary, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Novem­ ber 1-3. r◄ liiMH;½E Festivities will begin on Friday TTT-a;rTTT evening with a 3-organist affair at the Auditorium Theatre, 875 Main St. E. Letters to the Editor concerning all David Peckham, 13-year-old Breesport, aspects of the theatre organ hobby N.Y. organist, will present a half hour are encouraged. Send them to the of music. He will be followed by editor concerned. Unless it's stated Carleton James, Syracuse veteran the­ clearly on the letter "not for pub­ atre organist, who will accompany a lication," the editors feel free to silent newsreel and a short silent reproduce it, in whole or part. comedy. Luella Wickham, another Address: P. 0. Box 1314 veteran Syracuse organist, will wind up Salinas, Calif. 93901 Loretta the evening with a half-hour of music. On Saturday, Dennis James and the Your article in February 1974 "effects," notably a choo-choo train Singing Hoosiers will be featured in THEATRE ORGAN concerning Shea's for "Orange Blossom Special," a two concerts at the Auditorium at Hippodrome (see A Man - A Castle whistling chorus for "Colonel Bogey" 2:30 and 8:15 P.M. and A Wurlitzer) seems to have created and his POW bridge builders, an almost Sunday will feature Lawrence some confusion as to my activities convincing violin and marimba for Welk's organist, Bob Ralston, in two while in Toronto. I have received a "Melody of Love," tower chimes for concerts at the Auditorium Wurlitzer number of letters from readers, espe­ "Get Me to the Church on Time," the at 2:30 and 8:15 P.M. cially in Canada, regarding this article. surging sea and birds for "Ebb Tide," There will be exhibits, socials and Here are the facts: Glockenspiel and calliope for "Bill­ open console sessions on Saturday in In 1948 while organist of the Para­ board March" and a grotesque, reedy locations within two miles of the mount, London, I accepted an offer to "wah-wah" for "Getting to Know Auditorium Theatre. become Musical Director of Odeon You." The effects are well integrated For those coming from out of Theatres Canada and to open the new with the music and do not detract. town, the nearest hotel is the Colony Odeon Theatre in Toronto. Other tunes are "Do-Re-Mi," "Wun­ East Inn at East Avenue and Alex­ I had a Steinway grand in my home derbar," "Java," "Moonlight in Ver­ ander St. and is within 15 minutes' and an Ebhart grand in my dressing mont," "Only You" (Viola with Harp walking distance of the Auditorium. room at the Paramount. We sold the accompaniment) and "Hey, Look Me Within a two-mile radius are the Holi­ home but were unable to sell the Over." "Only You" is reminiscent of day Inn Downtown at 120 Main St. E., grands so that the J. Arthur Rank the beauty pageant theme, "Here She and the Nathanial Rochester Motor organization shipped them along with Is, Miss America." Inn at 15 5 Broad St. E. All have my wife, two kids and a German Playing is clean, arrangements well parking facilities. shepherd dog to Toronto. conceived and considerable reg­ Additional information is obtain­ On arriving there I discovered that istration variety is in evidence. Ear­ able by writing RTOS Weekend, Box the Odeon had turned down a fine catching easy listening. □ 8114, Rochester, N.Y. 14617. □ off er of a 4/22 Wurlitzer from Boston for $2,000.00 (they were not about to have a used organ in a brand new ATOS LIBRARY MOVED theatre) so they paid $33,000.00 for a rather limited Hillgreen-Lane. Lloyd Klos, chairman of the ATOS A very sizeable donation of scores I also found that the Musician's Historical Committee, announces that and cue sheets weighing close to 100 the ATOS Library has been moved to pounds, was made to the library in its permanent home in North Carolina. September by committee member It is ready to serve the needs of the Tom Lockwood. membership through the short-time loan of copies of material at moderate The committee has been enhanced cost to ATOS chapters. Donations of by the addition of Dr. John W. Lan­ music, cue sheets, scores, tapes, pic­ don, researcher and writer on theatre tures, negatives, memorabilia may be organ lore, and Brother Andrew made to: Corsini, well known theatre organ Barry Simmons, Curator ATOS enthusiast and editor of "MAR­ ATOS NATIONAL CONVENTION Library, Box 1021 Elon College, N. QUEE," the Theatre Historical JULY, 1975 Carolina 27244. Society's publication. □

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 39 Union was trying to prevent me from sonally , remarks that are not directed closing it again - the effect being an playing, but after negotiations they at them at all. accent on a single note, and what Fats allowed me to open the theatre for I think it is pretty much time we did with that, in the way of rhythmic three months providing that on com­ laid all the discussion of Crawford to accents has to be heard to be believed. pletion the Odeon would give a twelve rest with its illustrious inspirer; he was It's easy enough to imitate on a month contract at $250.00 per week very popular , he had a very charac­ Hammond with its instantaneous swell to a local organist. teristic style , he was not a very great response, but on a pipe organ, those Three organists without any theatre musician, and that is that. I am old big shutters take time to get moving , or pipe experience were audit ione d enough to remember hearing him in and you have to learn exactly how and turned down. The irate un ion person at the New York Paramount , fast, to anticipate the note by just president announced that I would and I was not greatly impressed, then enough to get the accent right at the never be allowed to join the union and - I thought that Lew White, for one, beginning of it. the Odeon organ remained silent for was at least his equal , and anyone who The fact is, it is pretty hard to tell more than twelve months. had the time and energy to ride the just what kind of organ Fats made Actually the Hillgreen-Lane was not subway all the way up to Harlem and these early Victor discs on; as I said, if ready for the opening so I used a hear Fats Waller would hear some it had a Tibia, he never used it, and if Hammond with four big speakers for organ playing that put almost all the it had any percussions, he never used the first two weeks . oth er theatre organists in the shade. them. This was just straight, good, We were not allowed to transfer professional organ playing, in a jazz And listening to records, today, old any money out of England and I had idiom that was all his own. It would be and scratchy as they may be , I still to sell the Steinway to a loca l music just wonderful if RCA Victor could think that Fats Waller was the greatest dealer for $900.00 . After persistant find, at least, the masters of "St. Louis of them all. Oh , he didn 't play the lush efforts I was eventually allowed to join Blues ," "Lenox Avenue Blues," "the atre style" - in fact , of all the the union on signing an affidavit that I "Sloppy Water" and the "Rusty Pail," records of his that I have heard, I would not play for any Odeon Thea tre as a nucleus for a reissue of Wallers know of only one that he ever used in Canada for a period of five years. earliest and best recordings. Most of the trems all the way through (a 1949 was rough but 1950 made up the stuff that has been reissued was recording of "Sugar ") and as for Tibias for it, I was offered the job at the taken off Army V-discs and other - well, he played a Wurlitzer on most Victoria Theatre ( on the same Ham­ irregular sources, and is low in quality of these records , I think , but you'd mond) then a sponsored radio program - though Riverside issued one disc of never know the instrument had a Tibia for A&P Food Stores (which laste d Fats on Hammond Organ, and that on it - he stuck to Diapasons, strings four years) then a coast to coast will be a huge surprise to anyone who and reeds - especially the Trumpet, as weekly program on CBC. thinks of the Hammond as thick , far as one can tell from those old One lady listened in every week muddy and gummy - nobody has from Philadelphia and made a special recording s - it may have been a Post since gotten sounds out of the Ham­ trip to see it, after one look at the old Horn , but th e fidelity is not good mond like Fats. And again, no trem. enough to prove it. Franklin Legge she said "I'll never If a few of those old masters could listen to that thing again". And as for pedal playing and the be found, and a good vinyl pressing In 1950 Quentin Maclean retire d use of th e swell - his pedal parts were made from them so it could be trans­ and I took over, delighted to be back a lot mor e than mere umpah's and he ferred to modern discs without ex­ on Wurlitzer pipes again at the old had a little trick with the swell pedal cessive filtering, we might get an even Shea's Theatre. I stayed there for four that I have spent weeks trying to better idea of what Fat's playing really years, the last organist to play there, mast er, with only partial success - a sounded like. for soon after, it was torn down to quick push of the swell at the beginning Sincerely, make room for a new City Hall. of a not e, followed by immediately John S. Carroll The firm (Famous Player's Corp) moved me to the University The­ atre ... once again on the same Ham­ BINDERS ... TO PROTECT YOUR ISSUES OF THEATRE ORGAN mond, after a few months I decide d to

head for° California. This duracle casebound cover will bind one full year's Sincere ly, issues of THEATRE ORGAN. Imprinted in gold on Al Bollington black , the binder becomes a permanent reference volume that protects issues from damage and keeps them in perfect order. Magazines are held securely in place and can be inserted in only a few seconds . A special pocket will enable you to easily label Dear Sir: and identify the year of any volume. I am vastly amused by the article in $3.50 each (including postage) Oct. 1973 issue of THEATR E OR­ GAN by John Muri about the Craw­ Make check or money order payable to : ATOS Binder . Mail to... ATOS Binder ford style. I wrote some remarks to P.O. Box 1002 the same effect in a letter to THE­ Middleburg , Virginia 22117 ATRE ORGAN some years ago, and or . . . ATOS Binder learned what Mr. Muri will learn very P.O. Box 1 314 Salinas, California 93901 shortly - that some people take per-

40 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 - 1§1 Directed by Lyle W. Nash

JOHNNY DOWNS was about the most personable young bromides never advanced the plot but they did consume 90 screen player ever to depict the All-American boy. He's feet of film and that was another minute gone by. around 60 now and going strong but that's not the entire reason for this item. In the last 10 years an impostor has ~ deceived writers into thinking he is the real Johnny Downs. REMEMBER Elmo Tanner the singer-whistler with Ted Once it was in Brooklyn and more recently in Matamoras, Pa. Weems for so many years? Well, Elmo is well and living in The authentic Johnny Downs, whose career goes back to Florida. Recently we called him: "Oh, I'm fine. Getting 'Our Gang' silent comedies, lives in Southern California. The along. Have lived here about 16 years. Love the country. I phone book lists a Johnny Downs, 1114 Orange St., Corona, have a lovely wife, four children and six grandchildren. I sing California. a little here. I enjoy today's popular music. I'm more of a When Johnny is not busy with TV commercials, play middle of the road music man. I love to hear from fans. I live groups, local television or public appearances he's busy at 7 418 Second Ave., S. Ave. North St. Petersburg, Florida, selling San Diego area real estate. He has a lovely wife, four 33710. It is nice to be remembered." daughters and one son all alive and well. A Hollywood Cavalcade reader visited Johnny this sum­ mer and said he's more gracious today than when he was NEWS REEL . .. Singer Wee Bonnie Baker is reported playing the charming college student in the throbbing living in Florida . .. Eleanor Holm looked very chic this thirties. summer at California society affairs . .. Society band leader Henry King died in Texas a few weeks ago . .. The tourist turnout for the 48th anniversary of the death of Valentino YOUR QUESTIONS . .. Bette Davis and Katharine was the 1argest of the 1ast 10 years. His 1921 film The Four Hepburn competed for Oscars in 1935, 1940, 1942 and Horsemen of the Apocalypse drew big crowds at a Los 1962. Davis won in 1935 while Katy never beat Davis in an Angeles theatre. Oscar race. Katy is the only feminine star to own three Oscars . .. Better historians agree that Joan Crawford was the IT SAYS HERE ... Carmel Myers, 7 4, says she's re- first star developed by MGM from 1925 on. Crawford had turning to films ... Her son, Herbert, thinks UFO's are made six films before Garbo came along . .. Natasha Ram­ the real thing ... Jennifer Jones hopes to work in more bova died in Pasadena in 1969 almost unknown. films ... Cesar Romero has not been off the movie or TV screen in 40 years, hence his 197 4 powerful draw ... MGM moguls were absolutely determined to have Shirley Temple for Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz ... It would fail without WHO IS WHERE ... Arlene Harris used to live at 569 N. her, they said ... Mary Astor has a grandaughter who is the Rossmore Ave., Los Angeles, 9004 ... Jimmy Durante lives exact image of grandmother and that's some beauty ... Fred at 511 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills ... Some fans contact Astaire at 75 says he'll never do another dancing thing, movie George Raft at 9571 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills ... Lillian or TV, too much strain ... Victor Heerman, in his 80s, is Gish used to get mail at 430 E. 57th St., NYCity, very proud to have a film playing that is 40 years old. The 10022 ... Early sound era matinee idol Stanley Smith died Marx Bros. Cocoanuts is packing them in these days. in Pasadena this spring ... David C. Imboden, 87, also passed on earlier ... He appeared in 100 films including the 1927 ~ version of King of Kings. PAULINE STARKE lives in quiet retirement at 1122 9th ~ St., Santa Monica, Calif., but enjoys hearing from old friends. Recently we chatted about films of long ago. "I don't see VIEWING the 1930-40 films on TV proves the enduring many movies now other than on TV. Some of them are not popularity of the cliche. It seems as if half of the films made too enjoyable. I like Joan Woodward. "Miss Starke (now Mrs. in that era always had the line: ''Are you all right?" A George Sherwood) was one of some 20 players who got a big mystery was certain to contain the taught dialogue phrase: start in films in the 1916 Intolerance. She remembered "Have you told anyone about this?" The innocent suspect playing in the 1921 version of A Connecticut Yankee in King always protested his innocence thusly: "I can exp1ain the Arthur's Court and the Eyes of Youth in 1919. The sound whole thing." The romantic stuff usually contained a sad era wrapped up her career after a few films. plea: "How can you do this to me?" "Hold me close, never let me go," was a line in the heavy breathing love scene ~ supported by dozens of violins. The cliche was a vague, time COMMENTS, contributions and questions are welcomed killing device for the screen writer while allowing his at Hollywood Cavalcade, P.O. Box 113, Pasadena, California characters time to get in camera position or whatever. The 91102. □

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 41 TAGH is at the Chicago Theatre Wur­ Theatre is still attracting more at­ NUGGETS litzer, succeeding Mr. and Mrs. JESSE tention than any other architectural CRAWFORD, who are to appear at feature of that huge movie monument. from the the new Paramount Theatre on Broad­ Over a million booklets, describing the GOLDEN way for the next six months. famous stones, have been distributed Jan. 15, 1927 (Met.) The New York to patrons since last November. Paramount ushered in the new year Apr. 1928 (J) So popular are the with a gala midnight performance of Roxy and Paramount theatres that Pola Negri's latest picture Hotel Im­ means of entertainment have been perial. The stage presentation was devised for the crowds which throng "Pompadour's Fan" with period cos­ the lobbies, awaiting admission all tumes of Louis XV. JESSE CRAW­ evening and most of the afternoon. At FORD at the Wurlitzer, played How I the former house, a Kimball residence Love You, while the overture by the organ with player attachment is in­ orchestra was Liszt's Second Hun­ stalled, and at the latter house, Mr. garian Rhapsody. HANS HANKE, noted pianist, may be Mar. 1, 1927 (Met.) A musical heard in the music gallery at the end library, estimated as the largest theatre of the foyer. Mr. Hanke's exquisite collection, topping even Eastman's in playing and large repertoire have made Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos Rochester, is now being installed in him a welcome addition to the Para­ the Roxy Theatre. It contains 10,000 mount force. Jason and I have been exploring the numbers and 50,000 orchestrations, Sep. 1928 (D) Dr. MELCHIOR£ rich lode in New York City, an the nucleus being the late Victor Her­ MAURO-COTTONE has been added excellent source of memorabilia. bert's collection, recently purchased to the organ staff of New York 's Roxy References were American Organist from his daughter. Seventy-five asbes­ Theatre. (AO), Diapason (D), Jacobs (J) and tos-lined cabinets with automatic Oct. 1928 (AO) HENRY B. Metronome (Met.) magazines. locks, line the walls. The staff of three MURTAGH was borrowed by the Feb. 15, 1926 (Met.) Selections librarians is supervised by Al Gaber. Paramount Theatre for four weeks and from "Paghacci" by the Rialto Mar. 1, 1927 (Met.) CARL MC played the solo numbers made popular Orchestra started off the program this KINLEY, associate organist of the there by JESSE CRAWFORD. week. ARTHUR "HIGH C" GEIS at Capitol Theatre, has been honored by GOLD DUST: 1/27 MARSH MC the organ played Five Foot Two in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for CURDY, Loew's Lexington's 3-man. connection with a colored novelty his composition Masquerade. Moller ... 2/27 WALTER WILD & film, followed by a burlesque on him­ May 15, 1927 (Met.) The Capitol FRED SMITH, Strand's Austin; JESSE self in connection with the piece. (Geis Theatre is now opening its doors at CRAWFORD playing solos and SIG­ was about 6' 7" tall). noon, and for a half hour, the patrons MUND KRUMGOLD accompanying Feb. 15, 1926 (Met.) HAROLD are entertained by a 6-year man at the pictures at the Paramount; FRED­ RAMSBOTTOM (Ramsay) is featured Capitol, Dr. MEL CHJORE MAURO­ ERICK KINSLEY, Hippodrome; E. A. at the Rivoli organ, playing I Never COTTONE at the Estey. A new con­ HOUDESVEN, Moss' Jefferson . .. . Knew in connection with colored sole is being built and 15 ranks are to 3/27 ALBERT ROTH, Loew's Gates stills. The Publix Theatre policy seems be added to the organ, along with a Avenue Theatre; VICTOR C. to be effectively featuring organ num­ complete set of effects for musical NEAIARAIED, National; WALTER bers. accomrxmiment. ESHERT, Tuxedo Theatre; CHEER­ June 1, 1926 (Met.) JOHN July 1, 1927 (Met.) Paul Whiteman FUL WILLOUGHBY, Strand in Great PRIEST, Colony Theatre organist and and his orchestra in U.S.S. Syn­ Kills, Staten Island ... 5/27 HENRI­ president of the Society of Theatre copation is playing to 20,000 a day at ETTA KAMERN, Loew's Rio's Moller; Organists, died May 10 at the age of the Paramount Theatre. Also featured RALPH COPELAND, Moller in 40. Born in England, he played the is the "JESSE CRAWFORD Organ Keeney's Livingston, Brooklyn ... Rialto for 5 years, the Cameo for 3 Concert". Mrs. Crawford is at the stage 6/27 J. M. COOPERSMITH, Capitol; yea.rs. Possessor of a remarkable console. WALTER H. LITT, Brooklyn's Strand; memory, capable of memorizing four Aug. 1927 (AO} JESSE CRAW­ THOMAS S. BORSA, Rialto; E. A. full-length programs, he was a great FORD continues to make new friends HOUDESVEN, Colony ... 7/27 theatre and concert artist. with his performances of popular hits WALTER H. LITT, Brooklyn's Strand Dec. 1926 (Met.) One of the most on the 4/36 Wurlitzer at the New York ... 9/27 J. VAN CLEFT COOPER, unusual features of the new Para­ Paramount. Bronxville Theatre. mount Theatre in Times Square is the Nov. 1, 1927 (Met.) GEORGE That's it for this time. So long, "Peacock Promenade" walk around CROOKE and WALTER LITT play sourdoughs! the dome, 10 stories above the orches­ the new Kimball organ in the Brook­ Jason & The Old Prospector tra level. This area will accommodate lyn Mark Strand Theatre. The instru­ several hundred persons and is luxuri­ ment is supposed to equal the finest in ously furnished. The audience, far the big presentation houses on Broad­ below, may be seen through huge plate way. ATOS CONVENTION glass windows. Nov. 1, 1927 (Met.) The Hall of July, 19'75- San Francisco Jan. 1927 (D) HENRY B. MUR- Nations at the New York Paramount

42 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 Editors Note: Veteran Theatre Organ­ ist Esther Higgins tells us about another facet of our hobby, old music sheets and pop songs of yesteryear. • We found her observations very enter­ taining and informative. by Esther Higgins '

It seems to me, that four out of five A few years ago, during Music Week were "When You Played the Organ musicians are searching for an o Id in Philadelphia, Mary Bowles and I and I Sang the Rosary" with a photo song, out of print and almost impos­ attended a Collector's Convention held of organist William Dalton on the sible to locate. Right now I am trying in the Main Library. These collectors cover. Several copies displayed organ­ to track down "The Orient Express", a were from New York, New Jersey and ist Verge Ford. Many display the late march, "Over and Over Again" from Pennsylvania. The speakers were ex­ Jesse Crawford , sometimes Mr. and Jumbo , a melodic waltz, "Nature cellent and we learned a lot, including Mrs. Crawford. Mary Pickford's photo Boy" and "Grandma's Boy" with a the values placed on certain covers. graced many numbers. Some titles, picture of Harold Lloyd on the cover. Later, we proceeded to the top floor such as, - "Cows May Come and Cows Recently, I was lucky enough to of the library where the dealers May Go But the Bull Goes on For­ locate "Mickey" by Harry Williams, opened suitcases and brought out ever" are hilarious. first published in 1918. This number stacks and stacks of music and dis­ There are two women, ex-vaudeville was used as the theme from the played their wares. Each number went stars, who live in Oak Park , Illinois, picture of the same name, starring for $2.00 that day. Business was brisk. who have a marvelous listing available. Mabel Normand, and was the first One woman was interested in political They are Dulcina and Lillian O'Neill of silent, full length picture I ever played songs only. Another was looking for 1117 South Taylor Avenue, Oak Park, as a kid. Mabel's photo was on the baseball numbers. I was lucky to find Illinois 60304. I have bought from cover also, in large print, a line about one of my great favorites of 1935, these gals and the prices are very fair. this picture having cost $500,000 - an "Why Do Stars Come Out at Night" They did have a copy of "Jingles" by unheard price in those days. I am a bit by Ray Noble. On the main floor of Zamecnik , but I was too late for that sentimental about that song, plus the the library, there were many glass gem. fact that it took 55 years for me to cases showing very old music, parch­ Ernie Lawrence of 33 East 125th find. ments, two and three color litho­ Place, Chicago, Illinois has a small Now how did I locate this gem? graphs, mostly old waltzes, marches, listing available and sells from 50 cents From my lists of dealers in old music gavottes and minuets. We spent hours to $1.50. Some of his numbers date throughout the country. I'd like to there. Mary Bowles found some old back to 1899. His listing included that share with you the names of some movie books she had been wan ting for old goo die "Rings on my Fingers, Bells dealers and, as you might have sus­ a long time. The director of that on my Toes" - 1909, and "Napo­ pected, this is the purpose of this story. department was most helpful. leon's Last Charge", a mighty march There is one shop in Philadelphia There is a Helen W. Cole of H. W. of 1910. where some numbers bring as high as Cole Enterprises, Post Office Box Harry Dichter of 808 Brighton $5.00 a copy. A lot depends on the 19004, Portland , Oregon 97219, who Towers, Atlantic City, New Jersey is condition, the year of print and scar­ has a large collection and conducts another dealer with many numbers on city of the number. Even the cover auctions monthly. Her lists are very his collection. Also , a Robert Green­ enters into the value, especially two complete and state the condition of law of 307 North Rampart Street, Los and three color lithographs. Years ago the music - good, fair, excellent, Angeles, California 90026 (Room the music was five and ten cents a mended. One bids on the number 412). copy; the shelves were loaded. Now I starting (at last date) at 75 cents. The Mr. Walter A. Maloney of 205 A. have to order a number and pay $1.25 space on the order blank has lines for Maple Terrace, Pittsburg, Pa. 15211 a copy for a mere intro plus 32 three bids. It is requested that no has a large collection of old Song measures. One of the shops in Phil­ money is sent until you are notified if Folios, the kind that contained 10 or adelphia keeps their doors locked at all your bid was the highest. I have 15 old tunes. A real buy for $5.00. I times, due to violence in the neighbor­ received some great old favorites this have close to 125 folios myself, but hood. way. I recently bid on "Just an Old few as old as Mr. Maloney's. He also On the back page of the older Love Song" , love theme of Robin lists folios on Strauss, Marches, Tchai­ music was the usual "TRY THIS ON Hood with Douglas Fairbank's photo kowsky, Russian-Italian-Spanish songs, YOUR PIANO" teaser of 16 measures, on the cover. I bid $2.00 for this. The Gilbert and Sullivan-Ragtime-Blues-Min­ omitting the bridge so we had to buy list even states the star on the cover. strel songs (with jokes), Zez Confrey, the number anyway. Some titles that I found interesting and later folios of Vincent Lopez, Man-

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 43 cini's scores of "Peter Gunn" and "Mr. and an excellent organist, many years Potomac Valley Member Lucky", Irving Berlin and "Duke" ago in the theatres. I located Ace at a Has Prestige Job Ellington, and others. concert and returned the book with a The American Film Institute The­ Another fine dealer with whom I thousand apologies, saying "I'm dread­ atre located in the John F. Kennedy have done a lot of business is Mr. Tom fully sorry, Ace, but I don't usually Center for the Performing Arts, Wash­ Radcliffe of 210 Ocean Avenue, Ocean keep borrowed music this long!" Only ington, D.C., the National Cultural City, New Jersey. At one time Mr. about 30 years! Center, has as its organist and musical Radcliffe had many of his show tunes If you have any questions , drop me consultant, Potomac Valley Chapter and glossy prints from the old shows a line at 17 West Browning Road, ATOS member Ray Brubacher. Ray is mounted on cardboard that could be Collingswood, N. J. 08108. Who at the console of the Rodgers Theatre displayed on peg boards on stands. knows, I may be in the old music Organ to accompany all silent films These displays attracted wide at­ business myself one of these days. □ presented by the A.F .I. □ tention at various malls and I had the pleasure of playing organs in con­ junction with the show, filling requests of the songs displayed. Incidently, the most requested number was "Mandy" from The Ziegfeld Follies, don't ask me what year! We were in New Rochelle, New York for a week, Hunt­ ington, Long Island and nearby Moorestown, New Jersey. It was while playing old tunes here that a lovely young girl requested "TipToe Through eHAPTERNOTE~ the Tulips" many times as she was an ardent admirer of Tiny Tim. It was no surprise to me to learn a little later that she was Miss Vickey who later ',ecame Mrs. Tiny Tim. ALABAMA Motor City Chapter did in handling Mr. Radcliffe was selling his num­ The Alabama Chapter was repre­ the mountains of details such a con­ bers at $2.00 a copy, the last I wrote sented at the National Convention this vention entails. him. Usually a small postage charge is year by Chapter Chairman Riedel The convention ended rather due on these numbers. West, Dr. and Mrs. Cecil Prescott, abruptly for this correspondent. I re­ Some of my friends have found Ralph and Jim Ferguson and Alleen ceived word of my husbands heart some wonderful old music, in their Cole. We had a ball and we were attack and I had to rush off - sort of own neighborhood, on a trash box, impressed with the tremendous job the "in the heat of the day without my waiting to be carried away to the dump. Another friend recently took a bus trip to New Hope, Pennsylvania. This colorful town is in the heart of Bucks County, the home of many show people, retired actors, artists, etc. Many European show folk retire here. My friend was browsing through an antique shop where she found a lot of old music. As she joined her group at the restaurant, owned by that once great French actress, Odette Mytel, she was ecstatic about her bargain, saying, "I got all of this for $5 .00 and I could have had lots more if I could have carried them." I am still hunting certain numbers and I suppose you are, too. If you are interested, contact these dealers and get on the mailing lists. What a thrill it is, when the postman delivers your package of music, to tear off the wrappings and try it over and over. You will be on Cloud Nine all day with your find. Recently in our attic I found an old out-of-print overture book. I was hor­ rified to see the name of Ace Pancoast A labama Chapter presents brother and sister act with presentation of Cathy and Tom Helms on it. I worked with Ace, a fine fellow during July meeting at Alabama Theatre 4 / 20 Wurlitzer. (Thomas L. Hatter Photo/

44 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 blanket." I'll take this opportunity to Wayne V. Russell, his son Harold, and Steve Rechtoris in Indianapolis for an thank everyone for their help and the Miss Jody Jensen. interesting variety of music, and not good wishes sent our way. I'm happy After a brief meeting, those attend­ all organ. The first and more serious to report Don is improving and is ing the meeting were invited to play portion of the program was presented already planning a trip to San Fran­ the giant Wurlitzer. The members of by Bernice Fraction, well known cisco next year! the chapter would like to thank Mr. coloratura soprano from Indianapolis. In July, a program was presented Lawrence Bray for this opportunity Her program included operatic, secular by Tom Helms, a 20 year-old from and also for the use of his kitchen and classical numbers. Her charm, Pensacola, Florida. His parents, Mr. facilities. talent and versatility were a delight to everyone. The group then moved to and Mrs. T.F. Helms, Sr., started him MAXINE V. RUSSELL on his musical education at the age of the downstairs recreation room for the 6, but as youngsters will do, he gave second part of the program presented up music and didn't begin again until A glimpse of San Francisco . .. by several well known Indianapolis 1972. He is presently studying organ personalities. at the University of Alabama. He is Johnny Winn, guitarist and house organist for the Saeng·er Theatre banjoist, whose famed Johnny Winn in Pensacola and serves as director of Trio performed in the 40's and 50's on music and organist for the Holy Spirit radio and television in Indianapolis, Catholic Church in Tuscaloosa. started the program with a group of It is amazing how beautifully Tom selections from that period. A "new" handled the big 4/20 Wurlitzer at the Johnny Winn Trio suddenly sprang Alabama with very effective reg­ into being, complete with vocalist, istrations and a good selection that when Jack Murray (a member of the included "oldies", pop-tunes, ballads, original trio), and our hostess, classicals, show music and a march. Virginia, joined Johnny at the Ham­ About half-way through his pro­ mond organ and piano respectively. gram, a new sound came through, like Jack has been an organist around town a Vox Humana. But no, it was the for a number of years, is well known voice of his sister, Cathy. She went in teaching circles and as the owner of over big with the audience as she a music store, and for many years has joined Tom in several numbers. played in a number of restaurants For the August meeting, we quote around town. Jack and Virginia each member Riedel West, who says: performed several organ solos. Virginia "Atlanta may never be the same has been a well known figure in musical again!" On August 11, members of the circles in Indianapolis for many years, Alabama Chapter "invaded" Atlanta doing theatre organ, TV and radio for a joint meeting with the South­ work and presently is organist-director eastern Chapter at the Fox Theatre. of Chapel Door on WISH-TV. They were surprised by the appearance It was a lovely setting for an of Lee Erwin at the console of the early June meeting and we do thank "Mighty Mo." As a special treat, Mr. the Rechtorises for their hospitality. Erwin played many selections from his The Embassy Theatre in Fort new Angel recordings of Scott Joplin's Wayne was the location of our July ragtime and some of his own scores meeting which turned out to be a from "Sound of Silents." Mr. Erwin is weekend affair. Some 25 to 30 mem­ really a master at the theatre organ. bers arrived around noon on Saturday. We are grateful to Joe Patten and After a tour of the theatre, several Bob Vancamp for arranging this visit. hours of open console time gave every­ Everyone who can, should try to get one a chance to play the beautiful to Atlanta. This group is working hard 4/14 Page. to try to save the Fox Theatre. We A tour was made of several down­ hope that our chapter visit helped to See it all at . .. town Fort Wayne installations. The first was the Scottish Rite Auditorium show that this magnificent theatre and ATOS CONVENTION organ should remain a part of Atlanta. July 15-20, 1975 which has a lovely, but small, 2/6 Wicks. This was played in the usual ALLEEN COLE good styling of Tim Needler so we could hear the beautiful tone of this BEEHIVE CENTRAL INDIANA interesting installation. Pipes and Pancakes!!! '' Jam session" doesn't usually We then went to Trinity English On June 2, members of the Beehive describe a normal ATOS meeting, Evangelical Lutheran Church where Chapter and their guests enjoyed a however, the June meeting of CIC­ Richard A. Carlson, organist-choir­ pancake, bacon and egg breakfast ATOS might well be called just that. master, explained the chamber lo­ meeting at The Organ Loft. About 80 members gathered at the cations and stops of the 4/91 Aeolian­ The breakfast was prepared by lovely home of Virginia (Byrd) and Skinner organ. He played a short

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 45 program to exploit to the fullest this played from the same installation of magnificant instrument. Trinity also pipes, but they cannot be played has a lovely pipe organ in the chapel simultaneously. No formal program which Mr. Carlson played for us. HEAR YE! was given here, but several members The thi~d stop on our afternoon HEAR YE! played so we might hear the organ. tour was Holy Trinity Episcopal It was time now to return to the Em­ Church. We did not have an op­ Now is the Time bassy and use the remainder of the portunity to hear the organ here due to pay your afternoon for open console time. to the illness of the organist, however, 1975 NationalDues Tours of the theatre for interested we did have an interesting tour of the local people were being conducted church and an explanation of its his­ throughout the weekend and the live torical background. Our thanks to Bob 5 organ music lent a great deal of Nickerson for arranging and con­ 1975 Dues...... 10 atmosphere and transmitted the ducting this tour. Chapter members please submit feeling that this mighty instrument After dinner Saturday evening we your National Dues to your chap­ and the theatre of another era were delightfully entertained by a ter treasurer. really belonged together. We hope number of members in the home of Other members please send it is a convincing factor that will Byron Fotz who has an excellent 3/8 National Dues direct to ... ultimately lead to its restoration as a Barton. community and civic endeavor. ATOS Last on our "tour of home instal­ The August meeting was almost a lations" was the beautiful country P.O. Box 1314 repeat performance of last years meet­ home of Ray and Dorothy Danford. Salinas,California 93901 ing. This meeting is anticipated with We especially thank them for their great delight because of the dual at­ hospitality, for they returned from First Classmailing of THEATRE O_R- / traction at the lovely home of Dave their cottage so we might see, hear and GAN is $5.00 extra. Total -$15.00 . .~: and Betty Roch in suburban India­ play their 2/8 Wurlitzer, and the ·~;-:;,.• ...... , ••• · •·•• ...... -· .•· ·•.;-; •• · •.•··•=-"'•· _.· napolis. Inside is the marvelous 2/7 Gulbranson electronic. The Danford's Geneva which was originally installed are members of the Motor City Chap­ this building and to restore it to its in the Ritz Theatre in Indianapolis. ter in Detroit but reside in Fort original condition and grandeur. This is a beautiful little organ and Wayne. The Foundation feels strongly that Dave had it in top condition. In the Sunday morning took us back to a 2,800 seat auditorium with excellent living room is a lovely grand, allowing the Embassy Theatre and the 4/14 acoustics and typical of a past era :_ piano and organ duos, and in the den Page where we were entertained by unable to be reproduced at this time at there is a player piano for those who Buddy Nolan. It was a real treat to any cost - should be preserved and are musicians of another type!! The hear Buddy again since the theatre has restored as a place available to the organ incidentally has its own room. not been available for concerts for general public for road shows, recitals, That's the "inside" story. quite some time. ballet presentations, philharmonic con­ Now for the other half of the story A bit of historical background certs, special movie productions, old - outside is a lovely swimming pool about the Embassy is in order here. time movies with organ accompani­ which attracts both organ-playing Over the past 15 years a small group of ment, exhibits, etc. The rentals members and those who come just to people, primarily interested in the charged, or admissions received, listen. The business meeting was short preservation of the Page pipe organ in should go a long way toward the and no formal program was planned so the Embassy Theatre, and in the actual maintenance, as long as the there would be ample time for every­ playing of the instrument, have met on building is tax exempt, and the income one to play and still time for a swim as Saturday mornings to enjoy it. Over to the Foundation also tax exempt. well. the years, lack of maintenance by the More of these landmarks should be Our thanks to Dave and Betty for owners of the building required this preserved. They belong to an era that their hospitality and to Ruth Haw kins group to occasionally repair the roof, deserves as much recognition as the who so faithfully provides refresh­ replace light bulbs, repair leaks, etc. to architectural beauty of any historic ments each month. Bob Cox served as keep the building from deteriorating, creation of other centuries. To tear co-host with the Rochs. and ultimately damaging the organ. them down, as so many have already Since CIC-ATOS had over 20 mem­ When it became known that the been demolished, is a crime against bers attending the Convention, the company owning the building was in historical culture. We commend this August meeting was an opportune bankruptcy and that an out of the city Foundation for true devotion to this time to relive the exciting events of a group intended to acquire it, and cause. really superb convention, exchange perhaps demolish it for parking, the After our sojourn at the Embassy pictures, and generally talk about group decided to try to rescue it. After we made one last stop at the Cathedral plans to attend next year's convention. a number of legal points were resolved, of the Immaculate Conception in I'd like to add here that we want to the court, in the interest of conserving downtown Fort Wayne where we saw compliment our own Dennis and Heidi this site, agreed to lease it on a month and heard a most unusual pipe organ James for a superb performance in the to month basis to the group which has installation. The organ is a 3 manual opening concert at the Senate Theatre. since become the Embassy Theatre Wicks and has 2 consoles. One is We are extremely proud of them and Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit located in the lower main sanctuary, their continuing success in concerts foundation, formed solely to acquire the other in the balcony. Either can be everywhere.

46 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 performers at the Ohio were Frank Babbitt, Tom Hamilton and Mike Williams. IRENE BLEGEN

CHICAGO AREA During the summer almost fifty CATOE members were in Detroit to share the excitement of the Noteab le '4 Nineteenth national convention. This included a whole busload of CATOErs who made the trip aboard a Grey­ hound which bus coordinator lone Tedei had equipped with a "mighty" Estey pump organ, which was also used to play "Chicago" from the

. / ballroom balcony during the roll call _,,..,,...... ,,T of chapters. Chris Phillips, age 12, at the Conn 651 during the chapter's August meeting. The CATOE board has been in­ specting hotels for our turn as host in Also representing our chapter was party house at their condominium 1977. We expect at least 1500 and John Landon whose presentation on complex, the meeting was complete want a hotel capable of handling a Jesse Crawford was very well attended. with the use of the swimming pool and crowd that size. Members with home This two-hour spectacular of sound a Conn 651 furnished for our use by installations were so impressed with and film slides gave a fine insight in to Durthaler Organ Company of Colum­ those in Detroit that they are renewing the man and his music. bus. The piece de re-sis-tance was efforts to improve and install home Among our other members actively having Heidi and Dennis James as installations here. engaged in musical endeavors during guests. On August 24, John Koch , Joan the summer are Ken Double and Tom Dr. Fine played the opening con­ Geyer and crew hosted a preview Haw kins. Ken is staff organist and cert followed by Chris Phillips of social meeting to hear their project, a musical director for the Tommy Dayton. Many members shared their 3/10 Barton in Waukeagan's Genessee Bartlett Water Show at the Wisconsin musical talent with us and credit goes Theatre. Millard Heyman, who was the Dells. This is Ken's fourth year and he to Kenny Winland, who under­ last regular house organist there, was does a beautiful job with the show. standably, reluctantly followed Dennis at the console. The organ still needs Tom Hawkins has been playing a James. work before its debut in front of the 30-minute program each evening, Mon­ Special credit goes to Betsy public during a CATOE concert, but day through Friday from 6:30-7:00 on Richards who played despite the fact the 7 5 members and guests recognized FM Radio Station WSMJ,Indianapolis she is recovering from a broken foot. that it will be another good, sweet and also played at the Hancock The organ was at its best with the sounding Barton when finished. County Fair. cathedral ceiling, wood floor and the Newly-elected national director and From all indications the fall season speakers and Conn pipes mounted in CATOE Secretary Bill Rieger was coming up is going to be equally as the rafters. among members who were present on busy. We now have 105 family mem­ Betsy Richards played the Robert September 1 to hear young Walt berships and continue to grow in Morton at the Ohio Theatre for the Strojny represent CATOE during the numbers and enthusiasm. summer dollar movie series along with cameo appearances at the Atlanta Fox RUTH D. WARD another newcomer, Bill Clausen. Other Theatre.

CENTRAL OHIO Our members who attended the National Convention thank the Motor City Chapter for their efforts in pro­ viding such a great convention. Motor City members are to be commended for their personal help to individuals needing personal assistance. It can't be said too often - what great people we have in ATOS - and when we lose members it is an acute loss, such as our friend Al Mason. An outstanding meeting for us was our annual picnic in August. Hosted Some of the CA TOE members who rode an organ-equipped Greyhound to Detroit to enjoy by Frances and Dr. Willard Fine at the the convention banquet there in July . (Car/Anderson Photo)

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 47 guests enjoyed open console. We were and recent. Then Kathy Roberg played favored with perfect weather, so two of her own arrangements of windows and doors could be open; medleys of tunes from the musical also, suitable loudspeakers were lo­ stage, including selections from cated on the grounds so that both the Fiddler on the Roof and Funny Girl. music and the business discussions Then Tim Storrs continued with ad­ were audible most enywhere. ditional popular tunes of past and Stillman had made available present, closing with music from charcoal broilers for those who Oklahoma. brought food to cook and a good We heartily thank the Rices for number of us made excellent use of providing such comfortable and them. hospitable surroundings which made After the dinner hour the usual the meeting a very pleasant one. business items were reviewed and W.F. POWERS, JR. discussed. An item well received was Eddie Weaver's scheduled appearance at the Thomaston Opera House September 20 and 21 to play concerts LOS ANGELES for the benefit of the Rice Memorial. The Los Angeles chapter did not Chairman Colton advised that our take a recess this summer. The July Official ATOS photographer and CA TOE members in Western Massachusetts Wiltern concert featured Gaylord member Bill Lamb discusses 1977 Chicago who had petitioned for a charter were Carter. His playing and showmanship convention plans with VOX CA TOE editor Richard Sklenar . (Carl Anderson Photo) granted permission by the national were superlative, as usual. Much of the officers to form a chapter. They have program was a tribute to silent motion The CATOE produced film "When been active in maintaining and re­ pictures, and he played excerpts from So Few Actually Play" was debuted storing organs in the Greenfield and the scores of several classics. These during a September 21 concert by Jim Springfield areas and we wish them included Chaplin in The Gold Rush, in Roseveare. It tells the story of how well in continuing their good efforts which a desperate Chaplin attempts to CATOE moved the Downers Grove under their immediate leadership. eat a boiled shoe, and spends several Wurlitzer and 16 mm sound prints are The final item of this portion of the frantic minutes inside a house teeter­ now available for chapter rental. meeting was Norman Ray's pre­ ing on the edge of a cliff. A novel October 18 and 19 Bob Coe will be sentation to Stillman Rice, who was feature of his concert was the demon­ at the Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, Ill. not able to attend the National con­ stration, a first I believe, of how not to for two nights of "Vaudeville To­ vention in Detroit, the plaque awarded play a silent movie. He took the scene night" both of which will feature the him there as a past National President from Phantom of the Opera in which 3/16 Geneva. Work is also continuing by the National Board of Directors. Lon Chaney is unmasked and used the at the Chicago Theatre for a CATOE Stillman was most grateful and as­ most incredible and funny con­ presentation there in the near future. sured all present that the plaque will temporary lyrics instead of the original occupy a place of prominence among score, which he played later. I am not RICHARD J. SKLENAR his effects. going to tell what he did play, because Concert time featured offerings by that would spoil the act, which you two excellent performers, Tim Storrs, must see when he comes to your town. CONNECTICUTVALLEY professional, and Kathy Ro berg, We are fortunate in having several Our August 10th meeting was held award-winning amateur. Tim Storrs, large theatre organs at our disposal. at Melody Hill, the aptly named who is associated professionally with a Although our monthly concerts have residence of Stillman and Claire Rice music company in Hartford, played usually been played on the Wiltern in North Haven, Ct. The beautiful the first part of the program, opening 4/37 Kimball, there has been recent 3-manual Allen organ inside the house with Sweet Gypsy Rose and con­ interest in concerts at other organs in was ringing the hill with melody all tinuing with Love is Blue followed by and around Los Angeles. The August afternoon as chapter members and music from motion pictures, both old concert featured Don Thompson at

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48 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 the style 260 Wurlitzer installed in the Rodgers 340, including DeFalla 's our members , ones who went through San Gabriel Civic Auditorium. This Ritual Fire Dance, I Enjoy Being a unbelievable travail to make the trip. organ was originally in the RKO Albee Girl, and Holiday f or Strings. Example: Joe Koons , who hosts the Theatre in Brooklyn , and was secured most famous Saturday night theatre and brought to Los Angeles as a labor organ jam session in the West , under­ of love by one of our members , Neal went major surgery seven days before Kissell. the trip. His doctor didn't have the The Thompson concert was warmly heart to tell him he'd be in the received. His selections included a hospital 7 to 10 days, and there was medley of Judy Garland favorites, no way he could go. Joe awoke from Puttin on the Ritz, and the Bach anesthesia asking "where 's the bus! " Toccata and Fugue in D Minor. He and went home 5 days later. Through also presented the Billy Nalle com­ the efforts of Kim Nagano , Joe was position , Trio. able to take in all the events - The second in our series of organ transported by Kim's station wagon. crawls, conceived and carried out by Another couple arrived at the chairman Ray Bonner , was a bus trip "blast off point" in Los Angeles , ready to San Diego. Our members were to get on the San Diego-bound bus, treated on the way by hearing Don only to discover that their bags, sitting Thompson play the 3/ 16 Style 260 on the sidewalk , had been taken to the Wurlitzer installed at the Sandy Fleet airport by mistake. They drove to the residence in Rancho Santa Fe (see airport , retrieved their baggage and article in the August THEATRE OR­ boarded a plane for San Diego, and GAN by Stu Green). Don played were waiting there when the three several selections for the members and buses arrived. For them it was "Pipes guests , and the three buses then and Planes." Needless to say , a good headed for the Sheraton Inn at Harbor time was had by all. Island in San Diego. Then an excursion MALIN DOLLING ER to Sea World, "Old-town," and Don Thompson and Sandy Fleet console . Tijuana ( couldn't find any theatre (Stufot o) organs there) before assembling for a MOTORCITY buffet dinner (for 150 people!). Maria On Sunday morning at the San Kumagai then entertained us on the Diego Fox we heard Bill Thomson We had fun during the third week play the 4/32 Robert Morton that the of July showing 1106 ATOSers a good San Diego Theatre Organ Group has time at the Note-able Nineteenth. The refurbished and maintained. He played planning and cooperation of so many a medley from Merry Widow, 2001 chapter members helped to make this Space Odyssey Theme, and This Could year's convention enjoyable for every­ Be the Start of Something Big. After one, that is impossible to name them intermission we heard The Con­ all without leaving someone out. The tinental, and an original composition, overwhelming success of the con­ Flight From Harbor Island from his vention is a real tribute to Convention Bahama Suite. He closed with Monti 's Chairman Al Mason , who lived to see Czarda.s, a medley from Sound of it all happen. Music, and for an encore , selections Our annual picnic was held on from Man of La Mancha. He left Sunday , August 18, at the home of shortly thereafter for an Australian Betty Mason, and was attended by tour. more than 100 chapter members. The The San Diego trip must have held weatherman was on our side as we Maria Kumagai (Stufoto ) a tremendous fascination for some of grilled steaks and hamburgers on the

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OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 49 large outdoor charcoal grill we now organist for some time. He also plays rent every year for this occasion. at one of the local supper clubs. While some members lounged in Greg played something for every­ folding chairs in the back yard, still one, accompanied the slides for a talking about the convention, the sing-along, a silent movie and the sound of the 3/10 Wurlitzer, Ham­ Lillian & Sid dance team. Another mond, upright piano or grand piano added attraction was Roy Simon at could be heard almost continuously the Steinway concert grand piano. We throughout the afternoon. Since the are proud of Greg and think we will be Sendyour changeof convention brochures and vinyl port­ hearing more about him. folios were completely depleated by addressto ... In September our artist will be Don the record convention attendance, the Thompson, another regular who keeps only things left to offer picnickers VI THOMPSON coming back and pleasing the crowd were the decorative plaster plaques on THEATRE ORGAN year after year. P.O. BOX 1314 a ribbon, picturing chapter organ con­ SALINAS, CALIFORNIA 93901 Our October concert will find soles. These were sold in record num­ another first at the Riviera, Bill bers during a mid-afternoon limited­ Langford. time-only sale. Chapter members had In November, our chapter Sweet­ given out-of-towners first chance to heart Luella Wickham will be the purchase the plaques during the con­ artist. At the 1970 convention, after vention. Luella played Tica Tica, the late Ben On Sunday, August 25, we were companied by Art Smith, have quietly Hall said, "Now I know where Ethel guests of the Wolverine Chapter at the crossed into the United States where Smith learned to play Tica Tica. Royal Oak Theatre, where Don Jenks they were met by Tom and Jane Luella is well known from coast to and Lance Luce were heard in concert VanBrocklin (collaborators) and have coast, especially by the convention at the 3/13 Barton. An open console gone about the job of completely goers, as she never misses a con­ session followed the program. rebuilding the 2/8 Wurlitzer in the vention. Contributions to the Al Mason Rapids Theatre at Niagara Falls, N.Y. In December, Frank Olson will Memorial Fund (for educational Hats off to a dedicated group. make another annual appearance at scholarships) can be made payable and On July 24, Rex Koury appeared in the Riviera. Frank is another one of sent to: Motor City Theatre Organ concert at the Riviera for the second those great internationally known Society, P.O. Box 2329, Livonia, time . We did this review not by lis-­ artists whom the crowd wants back Michigan 48150. tening, but by looking. Everyone re­ year after year. We have heard Frank turned to their seats after intermission, DON LOCKWOOD many times throughout the years and and stayed in their seats until after never seem to get enough of his three encores, only leaving their seats playing. for the three standing ovations. They NIAGARA FRONTIER This will complete our schedule for had to turn the lights out to get the this year for our public concerts, With the Niagara Frontier Chapter crowd to go home. When are you unless some artist happens along on a located along the U.S. - Canadian coming back, Rex? night that the theatre is available. border we are pleased that we have Our August concert was a first time many members on both sides of the for both the artist and the crowd. Greg STEVE CROWLEY border. The hardest part about Gurtner made his debut as a concert crossing this border is the raising of thea tre organist. Greg is known to the 35 cent bridge toll, otherwise we many of our chapter members having POTOMAC VALLEY cross back and forth quite freely. played at parties and other club While some chapters might take a For the past several years a group functions. He is also well known to the vacation even from their interest in the of Canadians, namely Gordon and movie patrons of the Riviera, playing theatre organ, Potomac Valley Chapter Thelma Gillette, along with Ken and regularly before shows and at inter­ only increased its activities! July Dorris Martin and sometimes ac- missions where he has been house brought a visit to the unusual and

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50 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 two of our members turned out on Upon entering we were met with moving day to assist in the project. a wonderland of color from the au­ Even now, while it rests in our storage thentic Tiffany shades to the many location, we are formulating plans for mechanical instruments that lined the its complete renovation and final in­ walls. stallation. The "action" chapter is Names such as Link, Cremona, moving right ahead with the full sup­ Aeolian, Gebruder, Rand of North port and assistance of every member. Tonawanda and of course Wurlitzer To round out the month of August were seen and the sounds of music we were all treated to a superb per­ boxes , player pianos, orchestrions and formance of no less than Mr. Show­ orchestrelles, calliopes and band or­ man of Richmond, Mr. Eddie Weaver, gans of all types were heard. at the console of the beautiful Byrd Wurlitzer. Eddie's natural and relaxed handling of each and every piece demonstrated his proficiency which Eddie Weaver at the Byrd Theatre Wurlitzer can only be obtained from a com­ (Mark Hurley Photo) bination of genuine talent coupled with years of work. To add to the interesting antique musical instrument enjoyment of this occasion we made museum owned by Mr. Jim Wells. Over many new acquaintances with our a period of quite a few years Mr. Wells guests, the Piedmont Chapter. To Tiffany shades and musical marvels . has been swapping, trading and buy­ further highlight the a ff air we were ing. The result is a collection of items honored to have present three of our which is nothing less than as­ National officers, Dr. Paul Abernethy , tounding, from Violin Virtuosos to a Mrs. Jean Lautzenheiser, and Mr. calliope. To everyone's delight we Erwin Young. heard many of these instruments play, including a "Gee Dad It's A Wurlitzer" ROY WAGNER band organ. The month of August was very special in the history of this chapter as WEST PENN the month we obtained and moved WPTO'sSummer caravans for 1974 OUR CHAPTER KIMBALL PIPE OR­ got underway on June 30th with a trip GAN. Yes, The Potomac Valley now to the DeBence Musical Museum in has its own organ project and thirty- Franklin , Pa., just north of Pittsburgh. DeBence Musical Museum, Franklin , Pa .

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Octob er 26 - Wh eaton College , Wheaton , Illinois Octob er 31 - Indiana University, Bloomington , Indiana November 2 - Auditorium Theatre, Rochester, New York Theatre and Classical Nov ember 21 - Coronado Theatre, Rockford , Illinois Organ Concerts December 5 - Pearson Auditorium , Roswell , New Mexico January 11 - Tilson Music Hall, Terra Haute, Indiana Feature Silent Films January 25 - Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana Piano/OrganDuets February 8 - Gray's Armory , Cleveland, Ohio February 10, 11 - Casa Loma Castle, Toronto, Canada 413 S. Henderson,No. 9 March 8 - Roberson Center, Binghamton, New York March 15 - Ohio Theatre, Columbus , Ohio Bloomington,Indiana 47401 Additional Dates still available . (812) 336-9902 CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR DETAILS

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 51 A Wurlitzer brass chorus. Always in readiness for the drop of a coin . The Cremona . Musical automation of a bygone era .

Music reproduced from rolls, metal program like this was that all present WOLVERINE wheels and continuous loops activated could enjoy the music, even West Flute, Violin and Brass Trumpet pipes, Penn's gifted organists who just stayed On August 25, Detroit's Royal Oak Piano Strings, Bass and Snare Drums back and let the early 20th century Theatre was the scene for another in a with Cymbals and Xylophones of automation take over. No stops to series of "member" concerts. Lance wood and metal. pull, no pedals to push, no musicians Luce opened the program at the 3/13 The cabinet adornments ranged to blame the clinkers on, just good Barton with The Carousel Waltz. from cherubs to stained glass with old-fashioned musical fun. Throughout Lance's program, it was such musical selections as Kiss Me, This program which proved to be a evident that he had done considerable Wang Wang Blues, a Sousa march or very popular one by its good at­ work in choosing just the right reg­ two and an occasional waltz, polka tendance, was the first undertaking by istration for each piece. His arrange­ and oberek. our new program chairman and past ment of March Militaire showed off As you listen your eyes are treated president, Ray Galbraith , and was the the new Durst Post Horn, donated by to many reminders of the past, such as brainchild of another past president, another Wolverine member - Gary clocks and clothing from the turn of Harrold Meinhardt (both were in at­ Montgomery. He chose Scott Joplin's the century, placques commemorating tendance). It also was the first pro­ The Entertainer for an encore, show­ practically everything and clever catch gram co-attended by West Penn and ing off the Royal Oak's superb new phrases on yellowed post cards. their sister society, the Pittsburgh Area piano. One of the really great features of a Theatre Organ Society. After a short intermission, Don

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52 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 music. Upstairs was Gary 's superb Rodgers electronic organ and a Stein­ way grand piano. In the basement of the Bloomfield Hills home was a Ham­ mond and yet another grand piano, and, outdoors at poolside, we were entertained by a series of tapes from the 1974 ATOS Convention. All who attended were provided with a buffet dinner. Chairman Lawrie Mallett called a business meeting during the after­ noon to thank Gary and Scott for their hospitality. Wolverine is indeed fortunate to have such a high per­ centage of fine musicians in its mem­ bership. SCDTT S. SMITH

Don Jenks and Lance Luce at th e Royal Oa k 3 / 13 Barton . fl. G. Mafler Pharo/ WESTERN RESERVE Jenks , former D.T.O.C. president, registrations. In a previous chapter note we in­ took the helm of the Barton with a The morning program ended with troduced our audience to the name of medley of tunes in a tribute to sum­ an open console session at the Barton, Lance Havens who was a surprise guest mer , starting with On A Wond erful during which many members and at our 1973 Christmas Party. Since Day Like Today. His program included guests took part. Motor City Chapter, then, W.R.T.O.S. has had the pleasure several medlies , each one woven and in particular , Mert Harris and the of hearing Lance play the silent film around a particular theme. Don 's pro­ crew, are to be congratulated on The Pilgrim , written and directed by gram ended with a medley from the keeping the Barton in such fine shape. Charles Chaplin who also starred in it. movie , That's Entertainment. Following the Sunday morning con­ It was voted 1923's best comedy ; and Don also owns a 3/10 Barton , cert , Wolverine members enjoyed a its story may be briefly summarized as originally installed in Detroit's Bir­ most entertaining afternoon at the "love conquers all, even the heart of mingham Theatre , a duplicate of the home of Gary Montgomery and H. an escaped convict." Redford and Royal Oak Theatre Scott. No matter where one ventured Launcelot Havens was born in Bartons. His familiarity with the at the residence , one could always Canada but brought to East Cleveland Barton organ was quite evident in his depend on an abundance of organ at the age of three , where he has been 1111 SUIUilllll Rosa Rio COLORFUL and EXCITING RESTAURANT and COCKTAIL LOUNGE THEATRE ORGAN 3/17 WURLITZER HAMMOND X66 CONCERTS Theatre Pipe Organ Organ Complex

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OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 53 1952 he joined the organ department Chief Organist since the retirement of at Higbee's Department Store in Dick Liebert. Mr. Bohr, who has been Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained at the Radio City Music Hall console until retirement. We all thoroughly for 27 years, graciously gave about 90 enjoyed the evening presented by minutes of his time to talk about his Lance Havens and are pleased to thank experiences and also about theatre him publicly at this time! organ playing in general. He made a Not ever having attended a con­ specific point decrying the fact that vention - any convention at all, I was the 3/27 Wurlitzer at the El Bombarde excited that my first one involved in Panama City had been dismantled music and was a thoroughly enjoyable so abruptly. Doug Powers, son of experience - all the way, from our Charlie Powers, President of hotel accommodations to our gracious W.R.T.O.S., wrote an excellent de­ reception at registration, to the de­ scriptive article about this fine organ lightful Dennis and Heidi James Con­ in the October, 1972 issue of THE­ cert , the elegant cocktail party where ATRE ORGAN, and Jon Fisher re­ we saw Ashley Miller and Lloyd Del viewed the circumstances, of its Castillo, to charming and flambuoyant demise in the June, 197 4 issue of Lyn Larsen (who was being filmed and THEATRE ORGAN. Leroy Lewis, Lance Havens at the 3/13 Wurlitzer Gray's Armory, Cleveland, Ohio. interviewed for a local Detroit tele­ organist, innovated and initiated the vision program) and on to debonair original placement of the 3/27 into the a resident ever since. After preparing Don Baker. An international flavor of El Panama Hotel of which El Bomb­ formally as a church organist through good taste and congeniality reflected arde is the lounge area. The last study in Toronto, Ontario, he began by visitors from Canada, Australia, organist to play there was Sr. Luis theatre work in 1920 at Loew's Honolulu, Texas, North Carolina, Alvarez of Panama who performed Euclid, at East 9th and Euclid. When England, etc. and profession ex­ Tuesday, January 22, 1974. this theatre was destroyed for the cellence epitomized three memorable Personally, this writer thinks it Union Commerce building now on this days for us and our friends from strange that no-one now knows of its site, he subsequently played Loews Cleveland: Tillie and Charlie Powers, whereabouts or fate. This "treasure" Stillman, Loews State, the Hippo­ Harold Wright, Denny Richards, Alice will surely be lost to negligence and drome, and RKO Palace. He com­ and Fred Packard, Florence and Verne apathy if the "organ world" does not pleted his theatre career at the Five Webster, Ruth and Milo Swanson and respond and inquire this year! Points Theatre. During the period Mary and George Krejci. Thank you, For those correspondents in­ 1932 thru 1952 Mr. Havens was or­ Convention Headquarters! terested, its last known address is: El ganist at the First E. & R. Church in During a recent visit to New York, Panama Hotel, Via Espanoa 111, addition to full time sales activities. In Eric Rossin called on Ray Bohr, now phone: 23-1660. BEA ROSSIN CLASSIFIED ADS Classifiedads are carried at 20 cents per word, per insertion. No chargefor first ten words for members.

FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE

ROBERT MORTON Theatre Organ 3M8R, ALLEN THEATRE DELUXE ORGAN: Due to illness, closing small organ shop. complete percussions. Good playing con­ Two 61-note manuals, 32-note pedalboard. Assorted new and used material and pipes. dition, $5,000. Robert Jones, 1401 Park Horseshoe console; 3 tone cabinets plus Write Arthur Sperbeck & Son Co., 1 824 - Court, Kansas City, Missouri 64111. (816) traps cabinet. Berea College Outdoor Drama 40th St., Rock Island, Ill. 61201. 931-7764. Assoc., CPO 2355, Berea, Kentucky 40403. SKINNER Residential Pipe Organ, 2 Manual RODGERS ORGAN, Large three manual 7 Rank Moller theatre chest w/relay. Ex­ Draw Knob Roll Player Console; 14 ranks, custom made theatre model. Many extras. cellent condition, apparently needs no 10 inch wind. Organ in storage $3500.00. Excellent condition. Four speakers. Handles leather. Will sell or trade for Kimball pipe­ J.G. Byers, 6051 Middle Lake Rd., Clarks­ any kind of music. Contact Roy Leighton, work such as 61 note Kinura, or 73 note ton, Mi. 48016. 2144 N.W. 96th, Seattle, Wash. 98117 (206) Clarinet or 73 note Orch. Oboe on 10" 783-9494. wind. Also 2 manual horseshoe theatre 3 Manual Barton Theatre pipe organ com­ console, releathered, refinished in red and plete harp, piano, drums, xylophone, cas­ 4 Manual, 17 Rank Marr & Colton theatre gold, w/bench. Make unknown but materials tanets. Also stage lift. Ivory and gold trim. pipe organ. Complete as installed in Capitol and workmanship of excellent quality. In excellent condition, a real collectors Theatre in Wheeling, W. Va. (no shades) David Krall, 4218 Torrence Avenue, Ham­ item, $25,000.00. Julius H. Granfor, Perley, Two Tibias, Diapason, Flute, five strings, mond, Indiana 46327, (219) 932-2825. Minn. 56574, (218) 861-6634. eight reeds, complete toy counter and tuned percussions. Five ranks to 16 foot pitch. Rolltop console, 2 man. A.G.O. pedals, Hammond X-66 with Tone cabinet and Beautiful white and gold console. Now theatre bench $350.00. 2 A.G.O. pedal additional 122 Leslie. Superb showroom playing in residence. $20,000 or best offer. claviers, $50.00 ea. Bench, 32 pedals fit condition, $8500 firm, no trades accepted. Norman G. Ziegler, 11518 Gainsborough Baldwin 5a $45.00 ea. P.O. Box 334, Robert Bernhardt, 1565 Jackson Rd. Road, Rockville, Maryland 20854, (301) Penryn, California 95663. (916) 663-2151, (716) 872-6645, Penfield, N. Y. 14526, Ro­ 299-6393. Fred Hammer. chester, N.Y. Area.

54 THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1974 CLASSIFIED ADS Classifiedads are carried at 20 cents per word, per insertion. No chargefor first ten words for members.

FOR SALE RECORDS WANTED

Geneva 3/18 Harp and Chimes. Horseshoe TWO LOVES HAVE I: Both JEAN and Three or four manual pipe organ for small roll-top console. Harry McCord, 1214 Web­ GEN II the 40-fingered computer at the town (population 1,000) which has spent ster, Corinth, Mississippi 38834. Lautzenheiser Wurlitzer. By popular re­ $99,000 and three years of vol untary labor quest, first theatre organ recording featuring to restore beautiful turn-of-the-century the­ PLAYER GRAND - Kranich-Bach grand a computer as artist. (See October 1972 atre seating 1200 with two balconies. Un­ w/Welte-Mignon reproducing player action. THEATRE ORGAN for GENII story) An limited chamber space. Wonderful acoustics. Light brown mahogany. Player action unusual Christmas gift. Recorded in stereo­ Now ready for pipe organ. What have you? newly reconditioned. $2500 f.o.b. Spokane. compatible Quadraphonic sound. $6.00 Write ORGAN, Box 2152, Ann Arbor , Davis & Hosch Music, N. 1506 Monroe, postpaid. Marvin Lautzenheiser, 7216 Michigan 48103. (313) 668-8940. Spokane, WA. 99201. (509) 327-4441. Neuman Street, Springfield, Virginia 22150. Stopkeys, Kimball. Need style used in 3 or 3/12 BARTON THEATRE PIPE ORGAN. NOEL. Robert MacDonald playing Christ­ 4 manual double rail consoles. Must be For complete details and price write George mas favorites on the 4/ 23 Morton at Loew's complete w/arms & contacts. Also need 40 W. Anthony, 1928 Lewis Mountain Road, 175th Street (United Palace) and 5/ 206 or so Kimball stop tab contact blocks. David Charlottesville, Virginia 22903. Aeolian-Skinner at Riverside Church. Send Krall, 4218 Torrenc e Avenue, Hammond, $5.50 to Riverside Church Records, 490 Indiana 46327, (219) 932-2825. (1) Rank Barton Chest for small reed or Riverside Drive, New York, N. Y. 10027. medium string - nearly new siliconed Allen RMW Three Manual Theatre Organ - brown leather, magnets O.K. Will exchange BIG, BOLD & Bl LL Y: "There is not hing to Must be late model. Prefer with capture for 8'-12 pipe Wurlitzer offset chest for compare it with!" (Theatre Organ) Billy action - Piano stop - Breath accent - Dulciana or Gamba, and regulator. E.S. Nalle, LIU 4/26 Wurlitzer, $5.50, Office of Traps. Robert Bernhardt, 1565 Jackson Rd. Pratt, 855 Dunore Road, Cincinnati, Ohio Billy Nalle, 100 LaSalle , New York. 10027. (716) 872-6645, Penfield, N.Y. 14526, Ro­ 45220, (513) 861-2869. chester, N. Y. Area. SETTING A NEW STANDARD for theatre CONN 3/MAN. (650 Theatre model) Best organ recording. "Out of A Dream", Lyn Kilgen Dual contro l player organ rolls, 11¼" offer over $5,000.00. Call after 6 p.m. Larsen at the Thomaston Opera House 3/10 wide. Collections or singles. Also catalogs, E.D.T. (616) 445-2629. Marr & Colton, $5 pp. Allen Associates, 5 etc . on Ki Igen organs. Also want complete South Street, Plymouth CT. 06782. players or parts. James D. Crank, 724 CONN 650, 3 Manual Theatre with Leslie Laurel Ave., Menlo Park, Calif. 94025. and 2-tone cabinets, extras . Send for com­ plete details to: Edward Baykowski, 590 SONGS WURLITZER : Solo Vox Humana, Kinura, lriman Ave., Colonia, N.J. 07067. Horn Diapason, Solo Tibia, Post Horn, YOURS FOR A SONG Can supply ATOS Master Xylophone, Vibraphone, Tibia and FOR LEASE members copies of those obscure, out of Diapason offset chests, Regulators (3 lg., 3 print tunes you've been searching for. Send sm.) Tremulants (4 lg., 4sm.), Shades (16-5 WURLITZER 3M/15R for lease. Fully re­ your list to Yours for a Song, P.O. Box x 5), Relays (2-style D), 10 h.p . Orgoblo for stored. A unique and perfect pizza organ . 13021, Oakland, CA. 94661. Prices on historic Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broad­ (415) 362-4997. request. way, Oakland, California 94612, (415) 444-3531. MISCELLANEOUS

AND THE VILLIAN Still Pursued Her! Best offer takes collection of 11 original silent movie music books. Send stamp for complete description and contents. Malcolm Dickson,27W oodland Road , Northborough , Keep in touch with the Mass. 01532. LESSONS British Theatre Organ Scene!

FOR THE KEYBOARD -BEGINNER OR HARMONY FOR THE ADVANCED Subscribe to The Journal of the Cinema STUDENT; You need learn only twelve Organ Society, a quarterly publication fea­ chords (30 seconds each) and 9 rules to turing photos, history, stoplists, biographies, make all altered chords (3 minutes each) and technical articles ... Plus monthly news­ and you'll read music after 30 minutes with Bob Brenner's "MODULAR MEMORY letters of the latest theatre organ news, MUSIC METHOD". $10.95. 7541 Mentor events, and record reviews. Ave., Mentor, Ohio 44060. Send $6 or 2 pounds sterling for a year's subscription ORGAN PARTS Mr. L. Hudson ELECTRONIC ORGAN KITS, KEY­ The Cinema Organ Society BOARDS and many components. In­ dependent and divider tone generators. All 22, Oakwood Close diode keying, I.C. circuitry. Supplement Chase Road, Southgate your Artisan Organ. 35 cents for catalog. London, England N14 4JY Devtronix Organ Products, Dept. F., 5872 Amapola Dr., San Jose, Calif. 95129.

OCTOBER, 1974 THEATRE ORGAN 55 Dolores C:o'.;tello & George O t:3rien 1n Noah'., Ark

THE NEW MARQUEE, featuring Rodgers authentic ensemble of theatre voices. t\AKlflGDCAUTIFUL t\UJIC TOGCTHCQ!

RODGE:RS ORGAN COMPANY Hillsboro, Oregon 97123