JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY

VOLUME 13 NUMBER 4 AUGUST, 1971

SEATTLE CONVENTION COVERAGE

FIERY DEATH OF THE CATOE KIMBALL Orbil Ill ... rheHut- e eclronic Create a new world of sound with a totally new keyboard instrument. Wurlitzer combines a full­ featured spinet organ with the first easy-to-use electronic synthesizer. The result is an instrument 1Ynrhvizer with almost limitless musical possibilities. Combine traditional organ music with synthesized music for exciting new dimensions in musical entertainment. There's versatility to challenge combinedvvirh o the professional and to intrigue the amateur. Orbit III from Wurlitzer ... a new world of sound. See it ... hear it ... play it at your Wurlitzer dealer ... or write for demonstration 1pinelorgan. record to Wurlitzer, Dekalb, Illinois 60115. WURLiTzER® hasthe,vay THE COVER PHOTO Gaylord Carter, Convention M.C. and artist, at the Seattle Paramount 4/20 Wurlitzer.

Journal of the American Theatre Organ Society Highlights of the 1971 National Convention begin on page 20. Volume 13, No. 4 • August, 1971

ATOS National Membership is $8.00 per cal­ endar year, which includes a subscription to THEATRE ORGAN, the official publication of In This Issue the American Theatre Organ Society. Single copies: $1.25. Make check or money order payable to ATOS, and mail to P. 0. Box 306, FEATURES North Haven, Connecticut 06473. 4 CATOE Hit By Disastrous Fire ...... Dennis Minear ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION 6 Annual Board Meeting EXCEPT ADVERTISING SHOULD BE SENT TO ATOS PUBLICATIONS 7 Theatre Organ Texas Style P. 0. BOX 2329, LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48150 8 Irma Glen Story ..... Lloyd E. Klos 10 Billy Na lie Thrills A.G.O...... Ray Brubacher ADVERTISING ADDRESS: Dick Schrum, Box 11 Musical Accompaniment for Motion Pictures ...... Edith Lang & George West 7422, Bitter Lake Station, Seattle, Wash. 98133. 12 Detroit Organist - Don Miller ATOS National Officers 14 What's Really in a Name ...... Dewey Cagle Stillman Rice, President 14 Clean Those Dirty 78's Lee Erwin, Vice President 15 Hobby Becomes Full Time Business James Crawford Mary Bowles, Secretary-Treasurer 16 Saga of the Wiltern Orgoblo Mildred Rice, Executive Secretary Bill Exner Barbara Hubbard, Membership Secretary 20 1971 Convention Coverage 29 Fact and Fiction . John Muri ATOS National Board of Directors 33 Stan Todd's Shady-Nook . .. Hubert S. Shearin Mary Bowles Gaylord Carter Lee Erwin Allen W. Rossiter 40 High School Organ Speaks Again 11 Allen Miller Richard Simonton 41 Alice" the Wurlitzer in the Wildwood ...... Doris Ensele Ron Willfong Judd Walton 43 Ray Brubacher - Man of Many Talents Albert T. Mason, Past President ATOS Honorary Members DEPARTMENTS 1959-Jesse Crawford 1960-Farny Wurlitzer 13 Snippets from England 30 Book Review 1961-Mel Doner 19 Closing Chord 31 Dinny's Colyum 37 Vox Pops 1962-Leonard MacClain 28 Nuggets from the Golden Days 32 Letters to the Editor 44 Chapter News 1963-Eddie Dunstedter 30 Hollywood Cavalcade 34 For the Records 47 Classified Ads 1964-Reginald Foort 1965-Dan Barton 1966-W. "Tiny" James 1967-Erwin A . Young, Jr. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE 1968-Richard C. Simonton 1969-Judd Walton 1970-Bill Lamb I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Officers and Board Members for 1971-George and Vi Thompson their confidence in reelecting me President for another year. I am deeply honored. HALL OF FAME Jesse Crawford 1971-Don Baker The following were reelected also: Lee Erwin, Vice President; Mary Bowles, Eddie Dunstedter Mrs. Jesse Crawford Secretary-Treasurer; directors Gaylord Carter, Richard Simonton, Allen Rossiter Reginald Foort Fred Feibel and newly elected Judd Walton. The editorial staff will remain the same. Leonard MacClain Arthur Gutow Don Miller Sigmund Krumgold My appointments of Barbara Hubbard from Conn. Valley Chapter as Secretary Henry Murtagh C. Sharp Minor of Membership and my wife, Mildred Rice as Executive Secretary were approved Ray Shelley Milton Slosser at the Board meeting. Arsene Siegal Sidney Torch Firmin Swinnen Oliver Wallace Last but r~ot least, I have continued support of Past President Al Mason. To­ 1970-Lee Erwin Lew White gether with the Officers and Board of Directors, I look forward to continual growth EDITORIAL STAFF and carrying on the purposes for which ATOS was formed. Editor - George Thompson Associate Editors - Ray Brubacher Congratubtions to Dick Schrum, Chairman of the National ATOS "Sweet Six­ Lloyd E. Klos Peg Nielsen teen" Annual Meeting and Convention, and his staff including his wife Marilyn, Editor-Emeritus - W. "Stu" Green Harry Harkness, now retired Chairman of the Puget Sound Chapter, and the entire Publisher - Al Mason membership of the Chapter who entertained us in Seattle. Art Director - Don Lockwood Advertising Manager - Dick Schrum My sincere thanks to all the artists who participated to make the "Sweet Sixteen" Circulation Manager - Vi Thompson Annual Conver;tion Sweeter and add another milestone in the history of ATOS. THEATRE ORGAN (title registered U. S. Patent Office) is published bi-monthly by the American Theatre Organ Society, Inc., a non-profit organ­ ization, Stillman H. Rice, President. All rights reserved. Entire contents copyrighted 1970 by ATOS, Inc., Office of publication is P. 0. Box 2329, Livonia, Michigan 48150. POSTMASTER: Second Class postage paid at Livonia, Michigan. IF UNDELIVERABLE, send form 3579 to ATOS Circulation Department, Box ' ATOS 1314, Salinas, California 93901. ARCHIVES / LmR.ARi11manH. Rice, President

3 theatre organ Wall and sign have collapsed. Intense heat blis­ General view of fire at its height. Stream of water at left is directed to approximate location of tered the paint on the Chicago Fire Department organ. Foreground are members of workshop: Charles Peterson, Mrs. George Geyer, Floyd Keck, snorkel. who turned in alarm, and Bette Peterson. CATOE Hit By Disastrous Fire Chapter Organ Destroyed, But Morale Remains by Dennis Minear Fire Pictures: Alden Stockebrand Other Photos: Charles Peterson ARLY during the evening of June The crew arrived at the theatre to vandals returned twice while the organ E 17, a major project of the Chicago find the screens ripped to shreds, the was being removed. It took four weeks chapter came to a tragic end. The Sen­ grand piano destroyed , light fixtures to remove the entire organ. By the ate Theatre 3 / 19 Kimball which the torn from the walls and bathroom fix­ fourth week, the smell of mouldy car­ group had acquired, was consumed in tures broken and fire hoses turned on, peting was unbearable. flames. covering all the floors with water. Need­ One of the most difficult tasks was The major portion of the organ was less to say, the group decided to remove the pulling of the cable through the located in a workshop specially designed the console immediately, so it went to old, tight conduits. Not only was the work, sloshing through two inches of for rebuilding the instrument. The cause cable stubborn, but a winch had to be water in the Orchestra pit to disconnect of the fire is unknown, but evidence applied in the cramped space of the the cable. It's a good thing they did, for supports the possibility of arson. power distribution room where water The console and some percussions dripped near a bank of exposed buslines. were located elsewhere and were not Charles Peterson, Bill Rieger, Val Esco­ damaged. The fire started, ironically, a bar and Chuck Merson remember some short time before a scheduled work very tense moments as they crowded meeting. Several members traveling on into the tiny space to complete their their way to the workshop that evening task. spotted smoke and flames from a con­ Parts 6f the organ were stored all siderable distance. over the Chicago area. Relays, shutters CATOE learned of this organ's avail­ and most of the pipe work went to a ability in 1969 during the ATOS an­ member's home in Brookfield. The con­ nual meeting in Chicago. The member­ sole was stored at a factory in Des ship decided unanimously to purchase Plaines, and the remainder went into the organ and for the first time in a member's garage in Chicago. After CATOE history, the club seemed to a short time, it was learned that the have a central purpose. The theatre, in major portion of the organ would have a very bad neighborhood, had been to be moved, so the faithful crew as­ closed for several months, and removal The console was saved since it was in storage in a factory. Jack Rieger, Charles Peterson and sembled again with cars, trucks and of the organ was an experience in itself. Ken Shirey. strong backs to move the instrument to

august, 1971 4 Chest is removed from theatre. another member's home in Stream­ wood. Even during this move, the crew realized that it would not be the last. Cassie Baker adjusts valves in switchstack of The crew needed space to work on the relay. organ and none was available until member Russ Young donated a large storage area at Chicago's Riverview Drill press was adapted for making leather Skating Rink. In May 1970, the final valves. move was made. The now well-experi­ enced crew made the 35-mile move in record time-4 hours! In October 1970, after much plan­ ning, a workshop was set up by Charles Peterson, who faithfully conducted each Wednesday night session. From the start, Charlie made it his goal to see that everything was fully restored, not just patched. He spent many nights at the rink solving construction problems so he could give his crew the proper instructions. The workshop served a dual purpose. It was organized primarily to restore the club organ, but at the same time, it was an active classroom for those mem­ bers who wished to become pipe organ Val Escobar straightens contacts. Note intense technicians. concentration. Art Todesco adjusts contacts on relay. Charlie was able to maintain high interest in the project by assigning tasks and g1vmg "promotions." When a member became proficient at repairing pouches, he was put in charge of that task and in turn trained new crew members. In spite of poor working conditions, more than 30 persons were involved in the restoration. Since there was no heat in the drafty wooden building during the winter months, an inner room made of two-by-fours and sheets of plastic was constructed. The temperature often dropped below zero in the building itself. The room soon became known as the "Taj Mahal," because the plastic sheets formed a dome when heat col­ lected within. Crew members wore sev­ eral coats, plus hats and gloves to work on the instrument, but there were never any complaints. Al Peterson checks out replacement magnets. The workshop sessions were very Note heavy jacket and. winter hat worn in productive and many friendships were unheated workroom. George Smith and Milton Pearl work on relays.

5 theatre organ ANNUALBOARD MEETING SEATTLE-JULY 9, 1971 The meeting was called to order at 1: 30 p.m. After roll call, the introduc­ tion of chapter representatives and the newly elected Board members being presented, the minutes of July 10 and 17, . 1970 were read and approved. The financial report showed we had suffi­ cient funds to meet the expenses for the balance of the year with hope for a slight surplus. The present Theatre Organ staff will continue for another year. More chap­ ter contributions would be welcome. Judd Walton presented the suggested changes in the by-laws to conform with the California and National require­ ments for corporations that are under the 501 (c) (3) ruling. The most im­ Jim Wellwood forms leather gaskets. Refreshments set up for workers by Mrs. Helen Near (rt.) assisted by Cheryl Peterson. Harrison portant changes were adopted at once, Baker samples the stock. clarifying the duties of various officers. A slight change was made in the Chapter Charter Agreement so that it now reads no theatre pipe organ maga­ zine will be sponsored by a chapter. This clarified the status of the Northern California Chapter and closed the mat­ ter. Dick Simonton gave a report on the American Film Institute. The Library of Congress will duplicate for any citi­ zen at their expense any film on which the copyright has expired. The Hall of Fame organists are listed elsewhere in this issue. Don Baker was elected for 1971. President Stillman Rice gave his Four dedicated ladies with hot glue pot, repair report showing much progress during one of the 54 swell motors. (I to r) Virginia the year. The Internal Revenue granted Peterson, Helen Near, Joan Geyer and Cassie us the 501 (c) (3) classification (edu­ Baker. cational) so that we can plan for a made. Each week, Mrs. Helen Near museum and library in the future. brought refreshments, and one week One new chapter was accepted - there was a birthday party for one of Charles Peterson examines magnets in harp West Penn Chapter in the Pittsburgh the members before getting to work. action. area - pending confirmation from Del­ The crew worked as a family-a very aware Chapter releasing the territory. other prospect for their talents. Under closely knit one. When members weren't Student memberships were placed in consideration at this time is the Chicago working on the Kimball, they were the hands of the various chapters pend­ Civic Opera House organ which is an holding get-togethers at each other's ing further study by the standing com­ Ernest M. Skinner concert organ of homes. Nobody tried to be the whole mittee on by-laws under Judd Walton. three manuals and over 30 ranks. show, because everyone's prime con­ Mary Bowles finds new sources for cern was to hear the organ again. The loss of the organ was quite a "Silent Sounds" appearing regularly. Even as :flames were licking through setback to CATOE, "'but it was far out­ Send her all you can find. the workshop roof, Charlie Peterson, weighed by the experience gained and The Ben Hall Memorial Fund will who had worked with the organ from the enthusiasm generated among the continue to build toward a museum the time CATOE purchased it and who many members involved in moving, when we can acquire one. had spent several thousand hours with repairing, and trying to find a home Meeting adjourned at 7 p.m. it over a period of years, said that the for the Kimball. group would find a new project. He The fall concert schedule will pro­ Robert Gliddon of Australia, knew that the group was hard-working ceed as planned, and CATOE will con­ who attended the Seattle con­ and well-trained; therefore since there tinue to work on the various organ vention, extends an open invita­ are many pipe organs needing atten­ projects in the Chicago area in order tion to any ATOS members tion, the services of the group would to give audiences the same quality of visiting "down under" in the be in demand. shows which they have enjoyed in the near future. Write to him in care Within a week after the fire, the past. Some day, CATOE will give con­ of National Headquarters. group met and decided to obtain an- certs on its own club organ. D

august, 1971 6 TheatreOrgan -Texas Style

The Robert Morton has been performing in the same location for 44 years.

The pages of this magazine have chronicled many , many sad stories of ATOS member, Al neglected theatre organs. Now we Sacker, has kept the report a happy situation in Texas. Jefferson Robert Mor­ ton busy for the past The location is the Jefferson Theatre , 22 years. Beaumont. The organ , a Robert Morton Series 210. ATOS member Al Sacker , of Beau­ mont supplied THEATRE ORGAN with the facts on this instrument which has been performing in the same loca­ tion for 44 years . The Jefferson Theatre , seating 2,000 , While in military service and for a opened in November of 1927 with Miss year thereafter he was organist at the Alice Richmond at the console. Ac­ Chief Theatre , Colorado Springs (Wur­ cording to newspaper publicity on the litzer 2/10). grand opening, Miss Richmond was Mr. Sacker became house organist sent to Chicago for "special training to at the Jefferson in 1949. He also teaches master the custom made wonder classical piano and organ, is choirmas­ organ." ter, St. Stephens Episcopal Church , and Other organists identified with the fills in on style shows , banquets , etc. Jefferson Robert Morton were Walter whenever needed. Wright , Larry Jean Fisher , Roger Hail , It is to be hoped the Jefferson Roy Perry , Billy Kitts , and the current Theatre , the Robert Morton , and Mr. organist , Al Sacker , who has presided Sacker continues their theatre organ at the console for 22 years. efforts for this and future generations . About eight years ago, Mr. Sacker □ embarked on a refurbishing of the organ and has kept it in good mainten­ ance since. At the present time it is used for holiday presentations , special showings, and interludes on an irregular (Center) Al Sacker practices at the Rob­ basis. The management of the Jefferson ert Morton, Jefferson Theatre fits the pipe organ into the Theatre, Beaumont . theatre's programming whenever pos­ Note excellent physi­ sible, ( a refreshing bit of information in c a I condition of itself). theatre. It will be noted by the accompany­ ing photos , the owners of the Jefferson take pride in the house. The cleanliness and well-draped stage are hallmarks of a well-operated movie house. Mr. Sacker's acquaintance with the Jefferson has been a long one. He sat in the front row listening to Miss Rich­ 1970 Homemaker's mond at the age of 8. It would be Holiday Show fea­ almost 20 years before he would coax tured the Jefferson organ. This annual music from this same instrument. event is sponsored by During this time, Al took piano and Gulf States Utilities organ lessons at home in Beaumont Company. Note the then received formal training at Juil­ well-dressed stage. liard and the Hollywood Conservatory of Music. At the time of his studies in Hollywood, he had the opportunity to play Grauman's Egyptian Wurlitzer.

7 theatre organ PRESENTINGMRS. MELODY The Story of Irma Glen

"The difference between theatre organ playing and church organ playing is greater than most people realize."

Story by Lloyd E. Klos Photos: Glen Collection

A number of years have passed since tory of Music, studying under Adolf Irma Glen flashes her famous smile at the WENR console. The attractive musician was urged to radio fans were entertained by the pipe Weidig and Alan Spencer. Eventually, enter beauty contests, but music won out over organ music of Irma Glen, emanating she would study under Miklos Roza at charm. from Chicago. The writer is pleased to U.C.L.A. report that Dr. Glen is still very active, After receiving her music degree laid off during the summer, she became musically, though her work is chan­ from the conservatory, she was offer.!d the organist. neled through a different vein. the opportunity to play in another In 1925, she conducted an all-girl Born in Chicago, Irma was a lover vaudeville unit for the Pantages circuit. orchestra on tour throughout the United of music since early childhood. In fact, Her parents objected vociferously. But, States and South America. She had to she took to the piano as other girls the Pantages management offered to hire an interpreter to get her musical took to dolls. Her music studies began provide expenses for Irma's mother, and wants across to the orchestra at the at six, and upon reaching 12, showed the tour was on. Thus, her mother ac­ Teatro Empire in Buenos Aires, which great versatility, first appearing as a companied her in tours on the Orpheum, she r.lso conducted. pianist and pianologuiste, and later Keith and Pantages circuits. Evidently, she established good rap­ being graduated into the conductor's port among the South Americans during Returning to Chicago, she obtained class. At 14, she toured with her own the tour. Enrique Delfino (Deify), the an engagement as pianist at the Com­ vaudeville act, playing piano. Her Irving Berlin of South America, dedi­ mercial Theatre. When the orchestra mother accompanied her. cated a song to Irma Glen. It bore the leader left for another position, Irma following inscription: "To Miss Irma She attended Senn High School in volunteered for this job, even taking Glen, the only American girl who has Chicago, and received her formal music lessons in conducting to become more caught the inborn mood and swing d education at the American Conserva- proficient. When the orchestra was our national dance. She plays the tango as does only a true Argentine." Irma, fresh from her Latin American tour, also wrote a song called "Go-Tan," which is Argentine for "Tango." The lyric , is extremely beautiful, and its melody is most plaintive. When the tour was over and she was back in Chicago, she discovered that the real demand in the Twenties was for organists , rather than pianists. She studied organ under Frank Van Dusen, one of the finest teachers of that era. July 1927 found her playing at Asher 's Portage Park Theatre in Chi­ cago , also serving as organist at Golden­ rod Chapter #205 , O.E.S . She had also served as organist at the First Presby­ terian Church in Evanston until her other duties forced her to drop the church work. In an interview , carried in the July 1927 issue of Metronome Magazine she voiced her ideas on church and theater organ playing: "The difference between theatre or­

Radio's "Smith Family" cast pose for their picture in the WENR studio. The young man and woman gan and church organ playing is great­ standing at extreme left are James and Marian Jordan, later to become famous as Fibber McGee and er than most people realize. The sonor­ Molly. Irma Glen at the console, played the Smith's younger daughter, Betty. ous and dignified music expected from august, 1971 8 the pipe organ requires an entirely known as Fibber McGee and Molly. different style and understanding than That program had its beginnings in does the modern unified orchestral 1931 as "The Smackouts." organ of the theatre. I have made Irma, who had an acting role in "The a careful study of this important Smith Family" as the younger daughter, phase, and recognize the necessity of Betty, played incidental and theme mu­ keen imagination in imitating the grand sic on the WENR studio organ. orchestra on the organ." Another program, on which she play­ Another theatre in Chicago with ed, wrote the script, told stories, and which she was affiliated was the 2,500- sang orginal songs, was "Air Juniors,'' seat Terminal. In April 1929, the Asso­ a very successful children's show, which ciated Press sent a picture of her, seated was sponsored for five years by the at the Terminal Wurlitzer, to all its Commonwealth Edison Co. member newspapers. The story accom­ By 1927, according to Metronome panying the picture bears quoting: Magazine , "her broadcasts over WENR "Playing is work for Irma Glen, staff were getting tremendous fan mail." organist for WENR, whose radio pro­ In 1930, WENR became a part of grams are daily features. Irma gives at the National Broadcasting Company. least 55 solos each week, and she be­ In 1932, Irma's program was broadcast lieves she walks at least 15 miles over in the morning, but one wealthy lady the pedals of the huge organ every preferred her organ music in the eve­ seven days. ning. She went to NBC, asking what "The trim little organist recommends could be done. "Nothing," said the offi­ organ-playing as a weight reducer." cials, "unless Miss Glen plays on paid Still possessing her famous smile, Dr. Irma Glen time." poses in her ministerial robe. Tremendously in­ Irma Glen's big step on the road to terested in all religions sinee her youth, she fame began in 1926, when she began holds doctorates in both religion and music. broadcasting over Chicago's WENR. Her music became well known through­ The Gaucho - brings to her listeners out the middle west, and when WENR one of the most distinguished talents became a part of the National Broad­ in all radio. A veteran entertainer whose casting Company, her name was a youthful, sparkling air personality belies household word throughout the coun­ her long professional popularity, Miss try. Her preferences ran to classical mu­ Glen brings both imagination and vig()r sic, but she was equally at home with a to her organ interpretations. The vitality snappy Charleston or hot-cha. of her featured solos and the support of One of the programs with which her sympathetic accompaniments pro­ Irma Glen became affiliated was "The vide effective highlights for Melody Smith Family," which made its debut House and The Gaucho, alike. Miss over WENR. This was one of the very Glen offers a thorough going back­ first situation-comedy series ever to be ground of experience in ensemble dir­ aired over radio. Two of the cast were ection, having conducted orchestra James and Marian Jordan, later to be Irma poses at the NBC studio Wurlitzer in Chi­ groups , both here and in South America. cago in 1940. Facilities were on the 42nd floor "Currently, Miss Glen is heard in of the Civic Opera Building. such airlane successes as Crime Files vf Flamond, Mystery House, and Country So, this "Lady Bountiful" asked Sheriff for Meisterbrau; Jimmie Evans' questions as to cost, time and other de­ Sports Review; Smilin' Ed McConnell's tails . As a result, she contracted to pay Poultry Journal Show; Quiz Kids for for 15 minutes a week, every Tuesday Atka-Seltzer; Amateur Hour for Morris evening for 13 weeks, with no com­ B. Sachs; and Adventures of Omar, mercials, just to hear Irma's music in featuring orginal music by Miss Glen. her home. This sponsor chose to re­ "She has long been heard on various main anonymous. programs for Red Heart Dog Food, a The cost of this program was $1,000 John Morrell Co. product, and on such a month, but the program was kept on past hits as The Galaxy of Stars for Red the air by this benefactor for two years. Star Yeast; the famous Kaempfer Bird In addition to her weekly show over Program, and Little Orphan Annie for WENR, Irma had a Monday show over Oval tine. Numerous programs have, in WMAQ, and as staff organist for NBC, addition to her role as organist, high­ played roughly five hours a day on var­ lighted Miss Glen as actress or com­ ious programs. mentator, and to these duties, she brings During the thirties, Irma Glen could an eager refreshing warmth which has have been appropriately called "Miss contributed to the success of such shows Radio Organist of Chicago." A press as The Smith Family for National Tea; release from the station will best cover the ever-popular Air Juniors for Com­ her attainments in this period of her monwealth Edison; and her own Lov­ Irma Glen at the Terminal Theatre Wurlitzer. professional career: able Music, one of America's all-time This is the 1929 picture which Associated Press "Irma Glen - 'Mrs. Melody' of favorite broadcasts. sent to all its member newspapers. The organ was a 260 Special. Melody House and supporting artist of (continued on page JO)

9 theatre organ BillyNalle Thrills AGO At KlineWurlitzer by Ray Brubacher Monday evening June 7 saw the Washington, D. C. chapter of the American Guild of Organists well represented at the Richard F. Kline residence in Thurmont, Md. to hear the 4/ 28 Wurlitzer in the capable hands of Billy Nalle. Dick made introductory re­ marks concerning the development of the organ (story in June 1970 issue of T.0.) and then turned the program over to chapter dean Everett Kinsman who introduced Billy. The members were treated to some of the most flawless organ playing this writer has heard in many a concert, the selections for the program were chosen largely from Billy's new record on the Project 3 label which certainly is a stellar attraction in the annals of theatre organ recording. At the conclusion of the program the chambers were opened to the curious (Above) Host Dick many of whom wished perhaps secretly Kline tells the Wash­ that their local baroque showpiece was ington, D. C. chapter endowed with a brand new Moller Post of A.G.O. about the Horn Dick had just installed or a Wur­ installation of his litzer brass rank. It is to be hoped that 4/28 Wurlitzer. anyone who came to the concert expect­ (Right) Billy Nolle ing to hear and examine some quaint acknowledges the musical curiosity was jolted into the ovation from fellow realization that the art of theatre organ A.G.O. members. For playing is as legitimate as that of classic many, it was their first taste of theatre form and that if there is anyone that organ. can prove this point beyond a shadow of a doubt it is Billy Nalle. Visitors to the 1972 A.T.O.S. convention will have the opportunity to hear this great resi­ dence organ and the opportunity should not be missed. D

(continued from page 9) into the l 940's. Irma remained as NBC £erred to the LaJolla Church. In 1963, "Now, in these two new productions, staff organist in Chicago until 1945, she resigned her ministry of this church Miss Glen offers a wealth of worth­ playing the Wurlitzer in Studio "G" of to make a world tour and to devote while possibility for any sponsor; the the NBC station in the Merchandise more time to composing, concert work, splendid musicianship, which is her Mart. She was organist on 23 shows recording, teaching and lecturing. Dr. forte; the versatility which provides re­ weekly. NBC had formerly been on the Homes said of her: "What Irma Glen current interest; the winsome, light­ 42nd floor of the Civic Opera Building. hearted appeal of Irma herself - Mrs. In 1946, she moved to California, is doing with prayer through music, is Melody." continuing to work for NBC in Holly­ a new art form." She also served as instructor for the wood. Interested in all religions since In spite of Dr. Glen's intense occu­ American Conservatory of Music in the childhood, she continued studies in that pation with matters religious, she is summer of 1933, when she taught field which ultimately led her to a doc­ fully aware of the resurgence of the classes in Radio Organ Interpretation. torate in religious science. She later theatre organ. She regretfully had to Frank Van Dusen, her former organ earned her teacher's diploma and ordin­ decline a concert engagement for the teacher, also was affiliated with the ation as a minister. She had previously Los Angeles ATOS chapter because of course. Two lessons and one demonstra­ earned a doctorate in music. Her first prior commitments: concerts, recording tion weekly, the latter in the NBC assignment was to Dr. Ernest Holmes' dates for the N umusic Label. There, studios, constituted the schedule. program "This Thing Called Life," on her talents in composition, speaking and The theatres had phased out their both radio and television. playing are helping to raise the con­ organists for some time, while the broad­ She founded the Church of Religious sciousness of humanity to high levels. casting stations featured organ music Science at Palm Springs, and later trans- She lives in Escondido, California. D

august, 1971 10 eous popular music such numbers as have become identified with certain emotions, either of patriotism, joy, or sadness. The audience will grasp quick­ MusicalAccompaniment forMotion Pictures est what it is fairly familiar with, and sometimes a short strain from, or mere suggestion of, a popular number will go by Edith Lang and George West a long way toward telling its story. The classical repertoire, on the other hand, is an inexhaustible treasure trove for all ATOS gratefully extends its thanks perfect facility in improvisation; the who seek diligently and patiently. and appreciation to: The Boston other is a cultivation of taste and a Music Company, which has given us sense of fitness in adapting musical As the musical interpreter of the permission to use the information con­ material to the pictured scene. We shall tained in their 1920 book "Musical emotions depicted on the screen, the try, in the following paragraphs, to give Accompaniment of Moving Pictures" player himself must be emotional and practical hints in both of these direc­ by Edith Lang and George West; to respond to the often quick changes in tions. Therefore, this text may be con­ ATOS member, Dr. Edward J. Bebko the situation. In fact, if not his know­ sidered as a "first-aid" manual for the (Eddie Baker), who made a copy of ledge of life, his knowledge of the the book available; and to ATOS beginner in the field of moving picture picture must enable him to anticipate, member, Lloyd E. Klos, who pre­ music. pared the resulting feature. so that his music is always slightly The prime function of the music ahead of the film, preparing, rather which accompanies motion pictures is Introductions than reflecting. Therefore, the player's to reflect the mood of the scene in the eyes should be on the screen as con­ That music is an invaluable and nec­ hearer's mind, and rouse more readily stantly as possible, and never for too essary aid to the success and enjoyment and more intensely in the spectator the long a stretch on the music or on the of moving pictures, is a fact which no changing emotions of the pictured keyboard. His attention should be riv­ one will deny. But the accompanying, story. One hears much music in the ited on the turn of events, his emotions or illustrating music must be of the movies which is as foreign to the action should promptly respond to pathos or right kind, or else its very aim will be on the screen as anything could be, and humor, to tragedy or comedy, as they defeated. Unfortunately, the right kind frequently actually kills the effect of may be interwoven in the picture play. of "picture music" is something which the photographer's art. Producers have A keen sense of humor is a necessary is not universally understood, and the been quick to realize this danger, and requirement in his make-up. But his musician, no matter how learned he therefore many pictures are being re­ wit should be capable of attuning itself may be in his trade, is beset by a great leased with minute instructions concern­ to various graduations, from subtle many problems when he attempts to ing the music which is to accompany irony to broad "slapstick" farce and follow and illustrate in music the fast­ them. But even so, the player will re­ horseplay. moving film. This text is not intended quire some training to do the music to exhaust a subject which is almost and the picture justice, and will succeed Mental alertness is needed in quick­ unlimited in its aspects, but it rather best if his mental alertness and his ly locating the musical atmosphere for endeavors to lay down a few safe and musical resourcefulness work hand in a picture. If a scene is laid in, or dependable rules and courses of action hand. suddenly shifted to the Orient, if in the from which any student of these prob­ news section of the performance the lems may make his own deductions and EQUIPMENT film should portray a scene in a foreign develop his own personal style. For 1. Mental Alertness country, music of a corresponding nothing would be more tedious or im­ nature will make the picture get over practicable than to attempt uniformity The player will do well, first of all, much more successfully than would the where variety and individuality are the to size up his audience. Hardly two indifferent playing of a waltz tune. The essentials. The most successful and theaters in any place cater to exactly player must be exceedingly careful not highest-paid player is the one whose the same crowd. What goes in one to italicise the situation so that it be­ style is the most distinctive. When you house, falls flat in another. He will comes distorted or burlesqued. There­ analyze this distinction, you will find therefore have to experiment and judge fore, he should refrain from all that it is mainly based on certain char­ carefully what road to follow. But it excesses. A case in point may be cited acteristics of his personality, such as should be stated right at the beginning, here. In the series of Burton Holmes' inteIIigence, quick perception, realiza­ and strongly emphasized, that most travel pictures, the "Tagalog Toilers of tion of dramatic values, insight in hu­ audiences are misjudged in that they Luzon" in the Phillippines are shown, man psychology, and welI-grounded are capable of much more education planters and reapers of rice. These musical technique. But aside from these and cultivation than they are generally toilers, hard-working men and women, factors, there is one quality which the given credit for. He is a lazy and sterile are pictured in the act of threshing player requires above all, and which player who is satisfied that what he is giving his audience is "good enough." the cereal, which they accomplish by this book primarily intends to awaken The standards of good and bad music a peculiar and complicated treading and develop. That quality is resource­ may vary according to country and of the sheaves with their feet, resemb­ fulness. clime. But it would not be hard to ling for all the world a weird dance. With resourcefulness, the average agree on desirable and undesirable With a monotonous rhythm in the bass player of even mean endowments may material for the musical accompani­ and an exotic inflection of the melody, fit himself to follow any kind of pic­ ment of moving pictures. Its first req­ the strangeness and primitiveness of ture which may be thrown onto the uisite is fitness. The player will deter­ the scene would stand out, the long and screen. This resourcefulness extends in mine this according to his lights and to patient toil of the treashers would be two different directions; one of them is the measure of his taste. It is well to apparent, the photographer's aim the musical training which must aim to choose from among the contemporan- would be gained. Instead, the musician

11 theaf re organ 44 YEARS AGO To be a thorough theater organist, Mr. Miller says that "one must be well acquainted with all branches of music, Detroit Organist dance, jazz, religious, and foremost of all, he must have a natural talent for F. Donald Miller improvisation and understand the con­ struction of the classics." The following article was found in a Other sidelines were taken up by Mr. July 1927 issue of Metronome Maga­ Miller such as courtroom reporter, zine by Lloyd E. Klos. The subject, automobile salesman, study of law, but Don Miller, created a sensation at the inevitably, he was drawn closer to his 1967 convention in Detroit, a perform­ musical studies. Like most musicians, he sold his musical library at one time, ance which is still discussed by those thinking he was not cut out for a musi­ who were in attendance. cian, but in spite of all this, he was drawn back into his music, stronger Back in 1909 in a small town in than ever. Iowa, F. Donald Miller at the age of 12, began his career in Motion Picture Mr. Miller has played in theaters Playing. It was in one of those theaters throughout the country, and his last where three reels comprised the show, Don Miller in 1951. engagement before coming to the State two shows a night, with matinee on Theater in Detroit in July 1926, was Saturdays. Mr. Miller played the piano that the picture theater would soon at the new $5,000,000 Hollywood nights in this 'theater and went to adopt it for picture playing, which Beach Hotel in Hollywood-By-The-Sea, school in the daytime, dreaming big materialized. Florida, where he gave daily organ dreams for the future. He started at the recitals. Since coming to Detroit, Mr. fabulous salary of $3 per week, and at Mr. Miller received his early instruc­ Miller's organ solos have been becom­ the end of his first year, had been tion in his musical studies from his ing more and more popular, and one raised to $7 per week. By this time, a mother, she being a very fine pianist. of the leading newspapers acclaimed trap drummer had been added to this His father and sister were also very him as Detroit's most popular organist. musical and this environment helped to one-man orchestra. It all sounds funny His solos are comprised of both the now, but it was a beginning. stimulate his interest. A separate music room in the home afforded plenty of classics and the popular numbers, and a great vein of originality runs through As time went on, the two, three, four atmosphere for study and practice, and all of them. Some have said his success and five-reel features were introduced, often Mr. Miller would practice long and Mr. Miller's musicianship increased into the night, improvising melodies has been due to his magnetic personal­ accordingly. From the very first, the and groping for the peculiar harmony ity, others say it's through his technical knack of the art of improvisation was which has now come into its own in skill, but others say it is a combination foreseen, and every opportunity was our modern American compositions. of both. taken advantage of in this line. During You might say Mr. Miller's harmony Surely, the future holds nothing but this time, Mr. Miller had taken up the is "futuristic," but it has always regis­ the best for this talented young organist. study of the organ with the idea in mind tered strong with his audiences. "May the gods be with him!" D

MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT understood and read with profit by the should devote hours of study to the ( continued from page 11) layman. Human nature, in spite of its carrying out of a pre-conceived plan complication, can be reduced to a rath­ by which he sets himself the task of plays a Broadway cabaret tune, with er limited field of observation, so far playing or improvising music which plenty of jazz; the house is roaring as the movies are concerned. There is corresponds to these basic moods of with laughter and the photographer's more or less resemblance between a human nature. In other words, he intended lesson is lost! great many films. The intrigue is very should put himself successively into a This leads to the remark that flip­ of ten the same, the emotions follow frame of mind which is the equivalent pancy and facetiousness are wholly out each other in a given circle, the de­ of happiness or grief, of quiet con­ of place in a serious and educational velopment varies but slightly. The law templation or hurried flight, of hope picture. The player's attitude of mind of compensation rules supreme, virtue attained or shattered dreams. With should always be one of interest, never receives its reward, crime its punish­ sympathetic curiosity, he should study betraying tiredness or boredom. Noth­ ment. Love and hatred, hope and the mental processes by which human ing is more quickly sensed by an audi­ despair, harrowing moments of tension actions are guided, he should learn to ence than the inattentiveness and in­ and episodes of comic relief make up distinguish between noble and dastard­ difference of the player. the bulk of moving pictures. Such fund­ ly motives. Music is a speech more amental emotions, and their related af­ subtle and pliant than that of mere In order to illustrate properly in fections, should be carefully studied by words, and a sensitive player is capable music the happenings on the screen, the player; he should be able readily to of conveying, more clearly than the the musician should be endowed with recognize them, and he should seek to spoken word could do, what the thought psychological insight. Many books on express them in turn by means of or gesture of the film actor may imply. the subject are within reach of the music. In order to do this successfully, student, and enough of them are written he should not wait until he is in the (To be continued in future issues in so popular vein that they can be theatre and the film has started. He as space permits.) august, 1971 12 TONY BERNARDSMITH I ~nipptt~ from~nglanb When Reginald F oort resigned as Catholic church of St. John Vianney, "I realized that there was much I staff organist to the BBC in 1938, Clayhall, Ilford ( a London suburb). could do to bring it up to really first­ 10,000 people wrote begging him to It's a new church and when it was class condition," he says. "It was such stay. When he returned here in April, entrusted to the Reverend Gerard Kerr a fine instrument and such pains had from his new home in Florida, many of he decided he wanted pipes. been taken to install it that I felt it them must have turned out to hear him would be a great pity if it were not play a short concert tour. brought to the peak of performance so that it could be used as the church in­ Not bad going for a performer of 78 tended that it should be used, to give who told the Times of London that he glory to God in worship and pleasure does not go much on "that awful pop to all who wished to listen." stuff" and stuck to his well-tried routine A full programme of work was of popular classics and light melodies. started and another important person At the Granada, Tooting, he played joined the venture - Andrew Fenner, one show before a nervewracking audi­ who has been both cathedral and thea­ ence, which included many of his old tre organist and recitalist. He played the colleagues and, in fact, most organists organ at the first public recital in 1969 of note in the country. The organ is a and has performed on it since as well good 4/ 14 Wurlitzer and Reg comment­ as giving valuable advice to the church's ed: "I just can't tell you how thrilled I own voluntary organists. am to be playing here in this beautiful Father Kerr is now a keen organ buff theatre on this very, very fine Wurlitzer Father Gerard Kerr. Now he's an organ buff, - he visited the 1970 ATOS Conven­ ... I must say it is a joy to play a real too. tion in New York - and his presbytery big four manual Wurlitzer again be­ has an open door for fellow enthusiasts. cause there are hardly any left any­ "I had said Mass so many times at where in theatres either in this country * * * * American service camps I never wanted One of those odd little controversies or in America and it just feels like good to hear another plug-in," he told me which enliven life stirred the British old times to be playing them. This with a smile. organ is extraordinary - not quite so sector of the organ game for a few He was seeking a bargain and, after months recently. big of course - but very, very much a few false starts, was able to buy this like in sound to the daddy of all theatre It all started, quite innocently, with instrument. At that time, neither he nor a list of all the Dutch installations organs, the one Jesse Crawford designed his parishioners knew much of the thea­ for the Paramount, New York, where which the North Holland broadcasting tre organ movement. Maybe their inno­ organist and buff supreme Taco Tiem­ I played ... I can't tell you how many cence helped. When they started to re­ years ago, but it was a great thrill." ersma compiled. This was published in a install, they put the whole lot in - traps, newsletter and when it was seen that he One other Wurlitzer still in its orginal effects and Melotone. had listed the City Theatre, Amsterdam setting, which Reg also played on his This was in August 1968. At that as having a 4/ 17 Strunk the fun started. tour was the 4/ 20 at the Odeon, Man­ point, a non-Catholic Angel of Mercy Was it not, somebody asked, a 4/24? chester. And even if this beauty should entered on the scene. His name is Well, others thought so and a letter be disposed of by the theatre owners, Dennis Hunt and he has aided or from the late Cor Steyn, who was res­ its future is assured. The Lancastrian carried through several restoration pro­ ident there for a while, was produced to Theatre Organ Trust, an enterprising jects. support this view. group of lads and lasses, have got them­ But the argument raged for a while selves registered as a charity ( which until copies of the second edition of helps tax-wise over here) and have got Reginald F oort' s book "The Cinema an option on the whole box of whistles. Organ" reached British shores. In the Apart from merchandising key-fobs, new material added to the orginal work, calendars, pens, and the like, they have he recalls opening this organ and gives also gone into the LP business and it 24 ranks. But he adds that the Echo come up with a fine stereo disc called organ, played from the top manual, "Double Touch" featuring Charles failed on the first day and was never Smitton and Treavor Willetts on a side replaced. apiece. All profits from sales devoted to Trying to get all the theories recon­ keeping the organ playing, of course. ciled, I enlisted the aid of the City's It's a Publix No. 1 model, by the way, present resident Harry Klompe. "There and Crawford himself played it during are at present 17 ranks," he assured me. the thirties. "But the Echo organ is still stored and * * * * I am hoping, one day, to persuade the A remarkable chain of circumstances Dennis Hunt, one of Britain's dedicated band of management to install it under the combined to create what may well be organ restorers. stage." Britain's finest re-installation of a thea­ He took me on a tour of the cham­ tre organ in a church. It is the Compton Somebody asked him for advice and bers for a quick count to confirm the 3/ 6 plus Melotone from the Ritz, before long he was well and truly situation, and he let me try my hand at Nuneaton, which is now in the Roman involved. the console. Which provoked an inter-

13 theatre organ esting thought. Since the top manual Will the REAL Robert Morton ... has never yet been playable, should we really describe this as a three-decker? Now that could start another contro­ versy. What's Really in a Natne? * * * * STACCATO SNIPPETS - After by Dewey Cagle "I wish him to be called Morton!". some years in the wilderness, a home "Well," spoke up the doc, "You can has been found for the little Wurlitzer Having heard conflicting stories still call him Morton. He can be R. from the Regent, Brighton. It is to go about the naming of the Robert-Morton Morton Werner." That did it! Organ Company we decided to get to into the Spa Pavillion at Bath, noted We have a name for the boy, but the bottom of it if possible. But where Regency watering place, adding to the what about the company. For a short to turn? Most of the principles were sparse roster of installations in that area time thereafter the company was still long gone, and those we talked to just . . . Star performer ANN LEAF was the American Photo Player Company. couldn't remember, or never really in London for a few days late April but, Smart boys, these, for both "Photo knew. A search through directories alas, not concertising ... GERALD Player" and Fotoplayer" were protect­ from the time the company was in busi­ SHAW, London's last-surviving full­ ed, one in the company name, the other ness turned up several names which we time theatre organist (he's resident, of as the product name. Then came the then proceeded to trace. And one path course, at the Odeon, Leicester Square) move from Berkley to Van N uys, new recently paid a return visit to Lisbon led to the "pot of gold!" people and new money were brought Portugal, for a highly successful seve~ We located the widow of Harold in, to face the formidable ruler of the days at the Cinema Sao Jorge. Instru­ Werner and called her on the telephone TO market, The Wurlitzer HOPE­ ment there is a Compton three-manual to be greeted very warmly by this JONES Unit Orchestra. First require­ electronic . . . Sheffield Theatre Organ spritely lady who admits to being "in ment was to use the magic of a hyphen­ Enthusiasts have now installed their my eighties." Yes - she remembered ated name. To Americans the name own instrument,· a Compton, in a local much about both the R-M company school. Official opening slated for Sep­ with the hyphen meant foreign glam­ tember 19, with REGINALD DIXON and the forerunner American Photo Player organization. Enough to do a our, high society, and who knows what officiating, but there was a try-out in all. Certainly Hope-Jones was a name considerable story, which we shall at­ May . . . Also in London for a few to be reckoned with. days in May were ATOS-ers Mr. and tempt one of these days. So then, what names to be hyphen­ Mrs. Max Henderson, from Dearborn, Mrs. Werner told us of the day in ated and appended to the new ambi­ Michigan. Max told me he cued silent the early part of the century when the tious company. Many were considered, flicks in Lansing, Mich., until 1928 Werner's became proud parents of a but finally the vote was in and it was when he went to learn the Chicago boy. The following day, while being named after Werner's son: ROBERT style from Al Melgard and got the usual visited by her doctor, an attendant MORTON WERNER. letter telling him sound equipment had came into the hospital room to obtain been installed, etc., etc., during his information for the birth certificate. What of the son, after all these leave of absence. He lost his sight a But, alas, a second name had not yet years?" He is now Vice President in year or so ago but still plays Hammond been chosen, although Mrs. Werner Charge Of Programming for NBC-TV in and is a member of the Detroit was very emphatic that the boy should New York City. His comment "Don't Ask Me - I was too young to remem­ Theater Organ Club and the Wolverine be called Morton. She allowed that she ber all that. But I do recall in my early and Motor City Chapters of ATOS. D had considered Robert for a middle name, so let's make it Morton Robert days in radio being hired by a Los Werner. But, objected the doctor "It Angeles radio station and being proudly doesn't scan well. Why not Robert Mor­ shown their ROBERT-MORTON The­ ton Werner?" "No," said Mrs. Werner, atre Pipe Organ." □

piece of lintless cloth is now saturated CleanThose Dirty 78' s with Amway's Wonder Mist, Permatex Silicone, Dow 200, Silicone K-2, etc. Here are a few lines about a deter­ DO NOT spray the record. Spray your gent-silicone wash that helps to cut cloth at close range until it is well down the surface noise on 78 RPM soaked. records. It will also improve the sound Lay the disc on a flat surface cov­ on older 3 3 RPM discs. ered with clean paper ( newspaper will To start with the .. record is washed do) and with circular motions wipe the ~it~ a liquid dishwashing detergent, silicone soaked cloth well into the music hqmd not soap. Soak a piece of lintless grooves. Take about one minute to do cloth with the detergent (full strength). the side that is up. Pause for a minute Work the detergent soaked cloth into or two to allow the silicone to set a bit. all the music grooves with a circular Then using the same cloth work the motion. Do both sides of the discs and silicone well into the grooves. Very don't worry about finger prints. Rinse little silicone is needed to do the job. Max Henderson (left) and Tony Bernard Smith it with cool water and stand it on edge. If you have an excess wipe it off with at the London International Hotel. Plan to do about a dozen records at another clean dry lintless cloth. Do a time. When the record has drained the other side. ~ff wipe it again with a dry piece of (Submitted by Peter Henkel, based on lmtless cloth. After wiping the dozen or an article by Mel Piotrowski in Amateur so discs let them dry thoroughly. A Tape Exchange Newsletter.) august, 1971 14 Arndt's "General Store" HobbyBecomes FullTime Business

by James Crawford

What was to become a unique inno­ vation in the today's theatre organ ready for the 1968 convention which new 36-page catalog with pictures and world began with a phone call I re­ was held in Los Angeles. part numbers was ready for the 1970 ceived in July of 1966. It was from my After talking with many customers at convention in New York. good friend and former student, Bob that convention Bob and Elmer decided After returning from that conven­ Arndt who invited me to come over that there was a definite need for a tion and being swamped with orders to his home to see the finished product business that could supply the hobbyist from the new catalog, Bob and Elmer of a year's work. While not exactly and organ builders with these hard-to­ decided it was time to move their shop certain as to what to expect, I knew get parts, and also new products for the out of their basement as Mrs. Arndt that it would have something to do pipe organ field. could no longer get to the washing ma­ with our favorite subject - the theatre chine. Plans were then made to build a pipe organ. I also remembered that In 1969 I attended the national con­ vention, a first for me. By this time Bob new shop and office building for the Elmer Arndt , Bob's father had men­ following spring. tioned he had been working on patterns and Elmer had too many parts to carry for this project while Bob was in the in a suitcase and had built a portable A one-acre plot of land was pur­ service. display for this convention. The late chased in a new industrial park north Ben Hall referred to this display as of Des Moines, and a building contract Upon my arrival to Bob's home I "Arndts' General Store." So at the was signed. With the completion of the was ushered into the living room and close of each late night's concert they new building, orders for new Wurlitzer there much to my amazement stood a would give convention-goers a friendly consoles and chests along with several duplication of a product that had not reminder that the "store" would be pending orders for complete new been produced since the golden theatre open in the lobby of the Marriott. theatre pipe organs can be filled. The organ era . . . the Howard "Wonder" new building will give the Arndts an seat. In the Arndt's living room that Upon returning home to Des Moines opportunity to employ more help to day, in fact, were three complete seats following the convention, Bob and speed up orders. Along with many ready to be packed for the trip to Port­ Elmer were busy night and day filling orders from hobbyists, Bob and Elmer land for the premiere showing at the orders that had come in while they receive many orders from organ build­ 1966 national A TOE convention. were away. One of the orders received ers around the world. was a signed contract to build new To the surprise of Bob and Elmer chests for the former New York Para­ Their business has been built on a the showing of the seats was well re­ mocn t 4/ 36 Wurlitzer which had been strong foundation of quality through ceived and they returned home to Des destroyed in a fire. By this time the pride and workmanship, many letters Moines with orders for seven more Arndts had over 100 different parts and from customers have been received seats. Little did they know even then items to offer their customers in many praising their products. After looking that this first product would build the areas of the world. Within a year a around the Arndts' shop on different foundation for an organ supply com­ occasions I have noticed that many dol­ pany. During the years to follow the lars must have been spent on tooling seats were built on a custom basis while ( dies, jigs, templates, etc.) to make all Bob and Elmer continued with their VERY SPECIAL! the parts available. Now that the new organ service and installation work. shop and office building is being com­ Also during this year customers began I Authentic reproduction of the 1927 pleted, punch presses and other needed inquiries as to what other parts and opening night program of the equipment are on order to expand their items were available. Many customers manufacturing facilities. Seattle (Paramount) Theatre. You sent samples of such parts as contact As I viewed the new building now in blocks, pneumatics, etc. to be repro­ cannot tell this from the original. the final stages of completion, I am duced. sure it would be worth the time and $2.00 Postpaid After finding a real need for these, effort for anyone interested to visit many hard-to-get parts and items that ATOS 1971 National Convention this new organ supply house located just north of Des Moines, Iowa, near no one else in the country could supply, P.O. Box 7422, Bitter Lake Bob decided to make a product listing Ankeny, Iowa, off Interstate 35 in the of the nearly 35 different parts they Station, Seattle, Wn. 98133 Ankeny Industrial Park, 1018 Lorenz could supply. This listing booklet was Drive. D

15 theatre organ lowing day. A few minutes before 10: 00 o'clock all hell broke loose in the blower room, with the big Orgoblo threatening to tear itself loose from the floor. After hasty disassembly, inspec­ The Saga of the tion revealed a piece roughly two inches square missing from the tip of one of the fan blades! The resulting imbalance had caused the severe vibration. As Chapter Chairman and a regular Wiltern Orgoblo member of the Kimball crew, I found myself in the middle of a king-sized problem, with a concert scheduled for Story by Bill Exner Photos by Stu Green the next day. My call for help was to Bruce Skovmand, an industrial electri­ Back in the Fall of 1961, the first In 1931 the organ was moved from cian by trade, and the Chapter's num­ major project undertaken by the newly the Forum Theatre to the Wiltern. At ber one expert on all heavy machinery. reorganized Los Angeles Chapter of that time many parts of Los Angeles Bruce was 15 miles away in San ATOS was the restoration of the Wil­ were still supplied with only 50 cycle Gabriel, working on his own project, tern Theatre's mammoth 4/ 3 7 Kimball. power, and the Wiltern was in such an the elevator for the San Gabriel Audi­ Since then the Wiltern has become the area. To accommodate the change, torium Wurlitzer installation. Over the unofficial concert headquarters of the Spencer rewound the motor, changing telephone we came up with a plan Chapter, and the Kimball has been fea­ it from a six pole to a four pole ma­ which sounded as if it might work. tured in frequent "club" concerts, less chine; at 50 cycles this gave a speed of First we located the missing piece of frequent public presentations, and two 1450 RPM. To compensate for the fan blade, badly battered and bent, and ATOS National Conventions. increased speed they installed smaller took it and the fan out to San Gabriel. In the beginning, the Kimball was fans: two 30 inch and two 33 inch. There we straightened out the piece as rather a ponderous sounding beast, but There the Spencer record ended, but best we could, and Bruce, an expert many improvements have been made, the rest of the story was pieced together welder, welded it back in place. But and thanks to untold man-hours of from other sources. In the late forties what about balance? Everybody knows effort and the wisdom of theatre organ the entire Los Angeles area finally that the balance of blower fans is very experts ranging from youthful Lyn Lar­ standardized on 60 cycle power. In­ critical, so, we kept track of the amount sen to veteran Lee Haggart, it can now stead of restoring the blower to its of welding rod used and, with our take its place with the finest sounding original configuration, some unidenti­ fingers crossed, ground off what looked theatre installations. fied genius decided to leave the motor to be an equal amount of metal from Through the years, however, Wiltern alone, allowing its speed to increase to the end of the finished blade. organ crews and concert-goers alike 1750 RPM with the change in fre­ It worked, and Carol's concert took have been plagued by an ungodly quency, and to compensate for the in­ place without a hitch. For the next six amount of noise reaching the auditor­ crease by removing one of the four months, until it was finally disassembled ium from the big 25 horsepower fans and trimming the blades of the for rebuilding, the blower ran as well blower. In 1966 member Bruce Skov­ remaining ones to make them smaller as ever, but as a result of the mishap mand, intrigued by a discrepancy be­ yet. This bit of butchery resulted in the Executive Board decided that the tween the information on the blower's the inefficient, very noisy blower which time for the long-contemplated over­ nameplate and its actual operating has been in service until now. haul had finally arrived, and I started RPM, wrote to the Spencer Turbine With the above facts in hand it be­ to work out the details. Company, manufacturer of Orgoblos, came crystal clear that the blower The first step was to contact Spencer for advice. Now, one thing must be needed to be rebuilt; that is, restored ( through their Los Angeles representa­ said for the Spencer Turbine Company; to its original configuration. A quote tive, Ross Cook and Company) for an it surely deserves an award of some was obtained from Spencer for a proper up-to-date quote. John Betzold, the kind for the completeness of the records set of fans: $366.25, FOB Hartford, vice-president of Ross Cook and a most maintained on every Orgoblo sold! In Connecticut. Rewinding the motor knowledgeable and helpful gentleman, this case, the records yielded the fol­ would have cost another $300 or so. suggested that we could save some lowing information: All this was reported to the Executive money by contracting locally for the Orgoblo # 15111 was built in 1923 Board, whose members considered, and rewinding of the motor, and after some for the W. W. Kimball Company and discussed, and considered some more. shopping around the Littlejohn-Reuland shipped to Los Angeles for installation In view of persistent rumors of plans Corp. was selected for that part of the in the Forum Theatre. This unit was for tearing down the Wiltern, it just job. equipped with a 25 HP., 220 volt, 60 didn't quite seem like a good invest­ Just as I was about to place an order cycle, 3 phase, 1150 RPM motor, and ment. Years went by. The subject for the fans, we began to worry about designed to supply 4450 cubic feet per came up for discussion from time to wind pressures. Since 1946 the organ minute at 1O" pressure, and 900 cubic time, but no action was taken. had been operating with higher static feet per minute at 25" pressure. So matters stood on the morning of pressures than originally intended, and (NOTE: The pressures specified for September 19, 1970. It was a Saturday, all the tremulants and regulators had Orgoblos are regulated pressures; not and the Kimball maintenance crew, been adjusted accordingly. Still worse, blower static.) The blower was built headed by Crew Chief Leonard Worne, the main Tibia had been raised from with two 38" diameter impeller fans for was busy with last minute tuning and 1O" to 15'' pressure, and it was pretty the low pressure section, plus two 41" touch up in preparation for a concert clear that the output from the original fans for the high pressure. by Carol Jones scheduled for the fol- blower would be too low to handle it.

august, 1971 16 At the suggestion of John Betzold , I With the fans on order and a con­ telephoned the president of Spencer, tractor selected for rebuilding the Lester C. Smith, who is probably the motor , the remaining problem was the world's number one authority on organ purely physical one of getting that blowers. Proving once again that it monster of a motor off the blower , out pays to take your problems to the top , of the blower room , and up the 20 foot he dug into his files and came up with (left) Back from the rebuilding operation, the stairs to the street where the contrac­ heavy motor must be lowered by hoist . Leonard the 1923 blueprints of the original pre­ tor's truck could pick it up . In 1923 Worne and Bill Exner bolt on wooden skids Wiltern blower! He studied them for they built motors big, and our 25 HP before lowering it to the dolly. a few minutes , and decided that by job is about the size and weight of a going to two 42-inch fans followed by modern 50 HP machine. We considered (Right) Getting ready to guide the dolly down two 38's we would get static pressures and rejected numerous plans for hand­ the long incline to the Wiltern stage door. Bill of 18" and 33" , which were close Buck smiles as Bruce Skovmand fakes a 'no-no': enough to what we wanted. We took ling it, and finally came up with one never use a motor shaft, especially a long one, his recommendation, and after the new which worked to perfection. Highlights as a 'handle'. fans were installed the measured pres­ of the re-installation procedure are sures were exactly what Mr. Smith had shown in the accompanying series of predicted . How about that? photographs.

HOLD 'ER, NEWT! Poised at the top of the 20-floor stairway, the motor AND DOWN SHE GOES! Neither of these motor jockeys had the nerve is raring to try its 'skis'. Messrs Hoffman (left) , Worne and Exner restrain to ride it down. it while the block and tackle 'snubber' is rigged.

17 theatre organ OFF COME THE SKIDS. Motor is sup­ ported by chain hoist hung from a steel beam in the Wiltern basement. The dolly has been built up to the level of the motor mount on the blower chassis so the motor can be slid from dolly to chassis with no level difference to contend with.

BACK IN WORKING POSITION. After consider­ able jockeying, grunting and a little cussing, the motor rests in the spot where it can do the most good. The generator, still to be remounted, can be seen at left.

With the motor reinstalled on the blower chassis, a long thick shaft protrudes into the air-pressing section of the blower - just the thing to hang rotary fans on. The text tells about the new fans purchased but in this photo one of the old fans has been installed as a temporary hub and a pointer attached near the outside edge. As the hub is rotated by hand, the distance pointer tip to blower case must remain constant. To achieve this, motor position is shifted and shims added When the motor shaft under its feet. Then mounting bolts are tightened. has been centered, the fans are slipped onto it and tightened (after removing the temporary hub, of course). Here, Bill Buck holds while Bill Exner appears to be operating two wrenches with one hand. Not so, says Bill. It's an optical il­ lusion. Centering is critical and any play in the shaft beyond the very close toler­ ance results in rum­ ble, even though the rotating fans clear the housing.

DON THOMPSON JOHN MURI Europe's leading Concert Organist Theatre Organ Concerts rapidly becoming America's busiest entertainer at the Theatre Organ 1735 BOSTON BOULEVARD DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48206 933½ N. Ardmore Ave. Hollywood, Cal. 90029 (213) 660-4232 (313) 868-3322

august, 1971 18 oiled steel angles, and slide the motor over the bridge onto the dolly. 2. If the motor has to be moved up stairs, roll the dolly to some place cttlo~tngcttborb where there is support for a chain hoist. Hoist the motor, bolt on a pair of straight grained two-by-four skids, JIM DAY, partner with organist using countersunk carriage bolts, and Gaylord Carter in "Flicker Fingers" lower the motor back on to the dolly. presentations, died of cancer July 1 in Then roll the dolly to the bottom of the City of Hope Hospital near Los the stair and use a block and tackle to Angeles. He was 58. skid the motor up the stairs. 3. Protect that long, precision, motor Day had a love for the theatre or­ shaft as if it were made of solid gold! gan in his youth when he used to hang It looks rugged enough, and makes a outside the projectionist's booth in an tempting handle, but the allowable eastern theatre just to hear the organ. bend, or run-out, measured at the end Eventually moving to the west coast, he of the shaft is only 0.0015 inch, which conceived the idea of the Flicker Fing­ is about one-third the thickness of this ers silent movie shows with organ ac­ Leonard Worne tightens the mounting bolts on companiment, and in 1960, the Day­ the low voltage generator after it has been page. In spite of all our care we ended coupled to the motor shaft - the final steps of up on our first try with too much vibra­ Carter partnership was formed. Day the job. Note the acoustic material on the wall. tion, and traced it to an out-of-toler­ was an official of Local 4 7, AFM, at This was done some time ago in an earlier the time of his death. attempt to reduce the noise conducted to the ance shaft. So the motor had to come auditorium, but it didn't help much. The rebuild out again, the whole miserable process job did the trick. repeated, and back to the shop to have * * * the shaft straightened. RUTH CAROL GEBHARDT-Fun­ Now, for the first time in 40 years, 4. One of the first things anybody eral services for Miss Ruth Carol Geb­ the Wiltern blower is running at the working with Orgoblos learns is how hardt, 34, a former Secretary and speed for which it was designed, smooth critical the fan balance is. Be sure the Silent Newsreel Editor of the Niagara as silk and quiet as a cat. As a result balance mark on each fan matches the Frontier Chapter, were held July 3 in of our experience with it we learned a line scribed on the motor shaft. If there Calvary Episcopal Church in Syracuse, few things about Orgoblos - particu­ seems to be too much vibration, try re­ N. Y. Burial was held July 6 in larly big ones - and the following sug­ moving the air intake guard, loosen the South Bend, Ind. Miss Gebhardt died gestions are passed along for what they number one fan, and rotate it 90° on July 2, 1971, in Crouse Irving Me­ may be worth: the shaft. If this makes the vibration morial Hospital in Syracuse, N. Y., 1. If the motor is too heavy to man­ worse, try 90° the other way. A good after a brief illness. She was attending handle, get a heavy duty four wheel check for excessive vibration is to try Syracuse University, where she was dolly and build it up with scrap lumber balancing a nickel on the housing with studying for her Ph.D. degree. to the height of the motor mounts. the blower running. If the nickel won't Bridge across from the dolly to the stand on edge there is too much vibra­ Miss Gebhardt was a former assistant motor mount with a couple of well- tion. D professor of occupational therapy at the State University of Buffalo, a lic­ ensed occupational therapist, member of the local, state and national chap­ THE SPENCER TURBINE COMPANY ters of the Occupational Therapy Asso­ ciation; Adult Education Association of The company was founded by Ira Spencer, a native of Hartford, America, and Mensa, a national or­ Connecticut. He was a self-educated man who, in bis youth, worked in a ganization for persons of high IQ. grocery store in Hartford and also had the job of pumping the organ in his church on Sundays. Impressed by the futility of the latter job, be Surviving are her mother, Mrs. Ruth invented a successful water motor to operate the bellows. This worked Collins Gebhardt of South Bend, Ind., so well that he formed a company to manufacture the water motors, and and a brother, Robert C., of Lake this later became the Spencer Turbine Company. Spencer technical records Hopatcong, N. J., also a member of are extraordinarily complete, including data on every machine they ever ATOS. built, and going all the way back to the early water motors built in 1892. * * * Following the invention of the Kinetic rotary blower in England around the tum of the century, Ira Spencer turned his attention to turbine ESTHER McDONALD STAYNER, blowers and developed the Spencer Orgoblo as we know it today. former Pacifiic Northwest theatre or­ ganist, whose biography appeared in the President Lester C. Smith joined the organization in 1925 as a young August 1970 issue of THEATRE OR­ graduate engineer, and was given the assignment of learning the organ GAN died on June 9. She was 77. blower business. To this end he worked under the guidance of Ira Spencer until the latter's death in 1928. A native of McAllister, Oklahoma, Until the collapse of theatre organ sales, organ blowers made up the she played the American Theatre in lion's share of Spencer's business. Since that time the company bas de­ Salt Lake City, the Clemmer in Spo­ veloped numerous other markets for its turbines, both large and small, and kane, and the Rialto, Broadway and the continuing manufacture of Orgoblos accounts for only a fraction of Colonial theatres in Tacoma. A sister, its total business. Gladys O'Brien of Bremerton, Wash­ ington, survives.

19 theatre organ ALOHA from a lei festooned M.C. Gay­ lord Carter fresh from the AGO Regional convention in Hono- lulu.

Registration in the Olympic Spanish Lounge encourages informal socializing. Included° in convention packets - compact plastic rain coats and rain hats for Seattle's Liquid Sunshine. By Sunday, the sunshine was real.

Unique in design, the 3/8 Special Wurlitzer, opus 1427 at the Seattle Center food Circus was installed by the city for the World's Fair in 1962. Originally in the Capital Theatre, Salem, Ore., organ now speaks from chamber cut through 16" wall above console. Artists heard at open console on Saturday afternoon were: Lowell Ayars-New Jersey; Lloyd Del Cas­ tillo-Los Angeles; Gerry Gregorius-Cleveland; Dennis James-New Jersey; Dick Kimball­ Seattle; Warren Lubich-San Francisco; Sam Mc­ Kee-Olympia, Wash.; Koria Pandit-Vancouver, B.C.; Donna Parker-Los Angeles; Mahon Tullis -Seattle; Luella Wickham-Syracuse, N.Y.

ix fine-sounding pipe organs with From the Paramount, a walk to M an equal number of excellent Seattle's famous monorail for a short artists, sprinkle in some of the finest trip to the Food Circus was a delight­ Swingin' scenery anywhere, and success will be ful experience for all, as the weather yours in producing an organ enthusiasts' had improved. Eleven members played get-together. The Puget Sound Chapter the 3/ 8 Wurlitzer. used these ingredients with outstanding success. The evening's program was a double Sweet The official concert programming bill at the Queen Anne High School's began Saturday, July 10, with the na­ Kimball, featuring Eddie Zollman, Sr. tional board meeting scheduled the day and Paul Davis. The High School dra­ before. (Results of this meeting are re­ matics club performed a sketch as an ported elsewhere in this issue). extra attraction to promote a forthcom­ Sixteen ATOS members began arriving at ing 1890's melodrama. the renowned Olympic Hotel our con­ Sunday morning found members vention headquarters on the seventh attending seminars, one on writing for and eighth. Consequently, they began publication by Lloyd Klos, associate Success encouraging informal socializing well editor of THEATRE ORGAN maga­ before the official day, thereby firmly zine, and another by Lee Bauscher on establishing the mood of fun and music. recent technology in electronics which Saturday began with the weather­ can be applied to pipe organs. Both dis­ man being in an uncooperative mood. cussions proved to be very educational. It was a damp walk to the Paramount to hear the exciting Billy Nalle. Billy's In the afternoon, Terry Anderson playing made everyone forget the drab was featured at the 3/70 Balcom & day. Vaughn organ located in the First Photos by Bill Lamb august, 1971 20 Billy Nelle opens the convention at the Publix Eddie Zollman at the Queen Anne High School Paul Davis at Queen Anne High School Kimball. # 1 Wurlitzer, 4/ 20, opus 1819. Billy has many 3/ 10 Kimball , opus 6760 . Originally installed in His theatre organ career began at age 15 in credits in TV music, AGO and ATOS events , also New Everett Theatre, Everett, Wash. in 1924 as Moberly , Mo. where he played intermissions in several recordings including first theatre organ a 2/ 9. Eddie played organ in Washington the local theatre. While in Marine Corps, he recorded in quadrisonic, 4 channel sound . theat res and piano in many " big bands " besides played piano for Camp Pendleton Radio band . radio broadcasts and teaching.

NEXT STOP - TACOMA. Early risers board buses sporting smiles in an­ "With its capacity of nearly 4000 seats, the largest and most beautiful ticipation of day long excursion. theatre west of Chicago ... An atmosphere of intimacy, of luxurious comfort, of warmth ... " states the grand opening program of the Seattle Theatre, now the Paramount.

Presbyterian Church. This program was Musolf, Jr. of Seattle , and the repro­ year's Seventeenth Convention to be well attended. duction was by William Espe, also of held in the Washington , D. C. area. Seattle. Russ Evans was in charge of Sunday evening was devoted to the Following the banquet, proceedings this project. annual membership meeting and ban­ adjourned to the Paramount where the George and Vi Thompson were quet, always a convention highlight. colorful Korla Pandit displayed his selected as honorary members for their This year's was no exception. The ban­ unusual talent. The program included efforts in behalf of Theatre Organ Mag­ quet brought out 390 members, includ­ many numbers not often heard , plus azine and ATOS. This presentation was ing 26 charter members. The head several of Pandit's own compositions . made by "Tiny" James, who pointed table seated sixteen, in keeping with Koria Pandit's stylings are quite differ­ out that this was the first dual award the "Sweet Sixteen" designation. Gay­ ent from the normal concepts of theatre which had ever been made. lord Carter served as Master of Cere­ organ . This difference comes over well Don Baker was selected for the monies for the banquet, while live which adds more proof of the extreme Theatre Organists' Hall of Fame. This entertainment was furnished by Dick versatility of the instrument. award was enthusiastically applauded , Schrum, Tom Hobbs , Pete Carrabba, and Don responded with appropriate On Monday morning, the conven­ Paul Davis, Marilyn Davis and Von remarks from the rostrum. Nine de­ tioneers boarded buses for a trip to Ta­ Davis. ceased or inactive theatre organists coma and Bremerton. This was a com­ A gift from the Puget Sound Chap­ were also named to the Hall, their bined sightseeing and organ-listening ter to all attending the banquet, was names announced by Lloyd Klos, who day. Dick Schrum arranged with the an exact replica of the original 1928 chaired the selection committee. (These weatherman for perfect conditions - grand opening program of the Seattle names are listed on page 3.) bright sunshine and mild temperatures. Theatre (now Paramount), including a Finally , a check for $201 was pre­ The sightseeing from Tacoma to the two-color hard paper cover and a pur­ sented to Potomac Valley Chapter Olympic Peninsula enroute to Bremer­ ple tassle. The original program was official, George Johnson as Puget ton included traveling over the succes­ furnished to the chapter by Harold R. Sound Chapter's contribution to next sor to the famous Tacoma Narrows

21 theatre organ MUSICAL COUCH - Organists Dennis James, Lee Erwin, Billy Nolle, Gaylord Carter and Lowell Terry Anderson, graduate of University of Wash­ Ayars elevator watch in the Olympie's spacious lobby before the cocktail party. ington and now working for a Masters degree plays the largest Balcom & Vaughn installation (3 / 70 built in 1959) in the First Presbyterian Church in Seattle. He is currently organist for Seattle's First Baptist Church. - Photo by Claude V. Neuffer

Lee Bauscher discusses application of recent electronic innovations to pipe organ with ATOS'ers at Sunday morning seminar.

Associate Editor, Lloyd E. Klos conducts seminar on preparation of articles for publication in Theatre Organ. Koria Pandit at the Paramount Wurlitzer. Born in New Delhi, he has successfully bridged the east and west to achieve the truth that music is a "universal language." With over 700 TV ap­ pearances during a period of nearly five years, he has received many awards, including TV Guide, Best Show Award, and TV-Radio life, top instrumentalist. "Galloping Gertie" bridge which collap­ playing electrified the audience. It was The final concert was performed at sed during a high wind in the early best described by M. C. Gaylord Carter the Paramount, featuring the conven­ 1940's. Later in the day, a 45-minute who said: "This young man is going to tion M.C., the inimitable Gaylord Car­ ride on the Bremerton-Seattle ferry send a lot of us back to the woodshed." ter. His program consisted of an organ proved to be a highlight. The charter Tuesday morning found the assem­ presentation, a sing-along, and an ac­ bus drivers were very congenial; con­ blage again at the Paramount to hear companiment to Harold Lloyd's "Grand­ sequently, each of the eight buses con­ Ashley Miller. As expected, his playing ma's Boy." Any writer is hard-pressed tained a happy group. was of the first order. The organ came to express in words what has already Organ listening started with Jane alive with the lushness of the "Ashley been said about Gaylord and his film McKee at the Temple Theatre's Kim­ Miller Sound." programs. Therefore, the word "terrific" will be used as it has many times be­ ball in Tacoma. Jane's playing is very The afternoon was devoted to listen­ pleasant to hear, and the immaculate fore. Anyone who has heard Carter ing to Andy Crow's putting the Calvary will understand. condition of the theatre enhanced the Temple Wurlitzer through its paces. program. Following the film presentation, Gay­ Andy presented a beautifully executed lord finished the program and the con­ In Bremerton, the lovely Wurlitzer program which showed the well install­ vention by playing "Aloha Oe," and at the Masonic Temple sang nicely ed organ at its best. the effect of this quiet number, coupled under the deft control of Byron Mel­ Then to the Haller Lake Community with superb use of colored lights on the cher. Despite a bad back acquired Club where the Puget Sound Chapter's console, put the audience into a state from lifting a chest. organ is located. Helen Dell was brought where one could hear a pin drop. It Monday evening was given over to in by the chapter as a special guest to was a most fitting ending to a very hearing Jonas Nordwall at the Granada do the honors on the Wurlitzer. This successful and relaxed convention, as Organ Loft Club Wurlitzer. This large was a brilliant idea since Helen's charm­ those assembled in the lobby afterwards organ reacted very nicely to the awe­ ing manner and competent playing are agreed, many saying fond goodbyes for inspiring technique of Nordwall. His perennial delights. another year. august, 1971 22 Jane McKee at the 2/9 Kimball built in 1927 for the Temple Theatre in Tacoma, Wash. This in­ strument and the Seattle Paramount are the only two convention organs heard in their original locations. Featured at Seattle - Tacoma theatre instruments for many years, Jane and her hus­ band Lawrence opened the McKee Piano - Organ Center in 1958.

Jonas Nordwall, a 1970 graduate of University (above) Byron Melcher appeared with Mitch of Portia nd , played for 1966 ATOS convention Miller, the Harmonicats and Rubinoff over a at the Oriental Theatre in Portland. At 23, his period of years and was a favorite organist playing portends a brilliant career. The 4/ 32 at several Florida resort hotels. The 2/ 8 Wur­ Wurlitzer (Style 285, opus 164) was acquired by litzer (style F, 1927) was moved from the Rialto the Granada Organ Loft Club about 1962. It Theatre in Bremerton to the Masonic Temple in was removed from the Liberty Theatre, Portland, 1941. (below) Andy Crow , traveled extensively Oregon. for the Rodgers Organ Co . appearing with Ted Worth at the 1971 NYC convention. Wurlitzer (opus 697) purchased from Lorin Whitney was recently combined with Kimball (opus 655) moved from the Liberty Theatre, Centralia, Wash. to Calvary Temple in 1942. It is now a 3/19.

Helen Dell developed her technique on accordion Ashley Miller, well known for his seven years at then went to the organ. With many radio and Radio City Music Hall, has several records in motion picture credits to her name, her most release. TV credits include "Secret Storm", "Love recent film was "The Interns " . The chapter owned of Life" and "Search for Tomorrow". A featured 3/ 8 Wurlitzer at Haller Lake Community Club, performer at ATOS conventions and events, he originally a 2/ 6 (opus 1432, Ohio Theatre, is a graduate from Juilliard and holds an asso- Toledo) was increased to eight ranks and a ciate degree in the A.G.O. three manual Marr & Colton console was added. The day following official convention The little boat then fixed a course for cruised southward to Bremerton where events was devoted to home tours and a the north end of Bainbridge Island. a water side view of U.S. Navy Vessels , trip to Puget Sound . Designed as a re­ The weather cooperated completely , including the New Jersey , Hornet and laxer , the Puget Sound Chapter pulled presenting a magnificent view of Mount Missouri ("Big Mo") were seen close out all the stops to insure that everyone Rainier to the Southeast , Mount up , with a running commentary which had a good time. Baker to the North, and the rugged helped to identify the different types Nearly two hundred signed up for Olympics to the West - all this amidst of ships . Reversing course for the return home tours , taxing the capacity of a panorama of beautiful green islands. trip to Seattle , a happy , tired , fulfilled chapter member 's autos which were It would take a Fitzpatrick travelog of crowd arrived in port at 10 P.M. , de­ used for transportation. The home tours superlatives to describe the scenery. barking rather reluctantly as this super­ were an interesting experience and Rounding Bainbridge Island , the finale closed the 1971 convention. once again , the gracious chapter mem­ ship headed for Kiana Lodge on the Special mention should be made re­ bers prov~d that western hospitality is Kitsap Peninsula. Upon docking at the garading this cruise and other unusual still practiced to the fullest degree. lodge , relaxing A TOSers debarked and events. Genny Whitting sparked much At 3: 30 in the afternoon everyone were greeted with cups of clam nectar of the arranging. Russ Evans , Marilyn converged on the Salmon Bay Fisher­ (steamed clams in broth) in seemingly Davis , and of course Marilyn and Dick mans Terminal for a spectacular trip unlimited supply . Surrounded by stately Schrum were everywhere doing every­ aboard the "Good Time, " a charter evergreens, lush Begonias, and brilliant thing. These people have been singled boat. Leaving the terminal the boat Fuchsias, the Salmon Bake was served. out for mention with the realization that cruised across freshwater to the Hiram The delectable fish dinner , under the they would not have accomplished as M. Chittenden Locks, where the boat influence of outdoor dining, could not much without the help of the entire was lowered by the lock system ( a la have been improved upon. chapter. It is regretted the roster of the Panama Canal) to the salt water of Upon concluding the feast, the chapter cannot be published due to Puget Sound. "Good Time" was re-boarded. She limited space.

23 theatre organ Gaylord Carter is heard at the Seattle Paramount where he played regularly early in his career. Official convention photographer Bill Lamb re­ Besides his engagement at the Los Angeles Forum for sporting events, his Flicker Fingers presentations laxes during the forty-five minute ferry ride have gained in popularity throughout the country. Gaylord's accompaniment to the Harold Lloyd across Pudget Sound. film "Grandma's Boy" was a fitting climax for the Sweet Sixteenth. Dick Schrum (left) talks with - Photo by Dick Schrum conventioneers after the final concert.

Dick Kline missed his first conven­ Puget Sound chapter chairman, tion in thirteen years. Too bad, Dick! Harry Harkness, reluctantly resign­ Another absentee was Dick Loder­ ed his office during the meeting. A hose. The rumor spread around new job in Southern California de­ Long Island that cigars were ver­ manded his presence in Los Angeles boten in Seattle due to a fight against on Monday, July 12. It is a loss to air pollution. This may explain Puget Sound, but will be a gain for Dick's failure to appear. Among the Los Angeles chapter. His duties other perennials very sorely missed during the convention were taken were Stu Green and Peggy, and also over by other chapter members and Grant and Dottie Whitcomb. proceeded smoothly.

Heated discussions occurred almost everywhere. Gaylord Corter and Lloyd Klos get engrossed in arm-to-arm verbal combat.

Among those attending Friday afternoon Board meeting were Don Lockwood, Mory Bowles, Lloyd Klos, Harry Harkness and George Johnson. Non-voting members shown are George and Yi Thomp­ son and Mildred Rice.

Other Board members and chapter repre­ Newlyweds, the Jonas Nordwalls spent their sentatives were Dick honeymoon at the convention. Simonton, Bill Rieger, Judd Walton, "Tiny" James and Dewey Cagle. 26Charter Members Attended theAnnual Meeting inSeattle

august, 1971 24 The need for an organ for pro­ gram use at the banquet brought the assistance of the Myers brothers from Oregon and the Taylor family. The hardworking folks moved the Rodgers from the showroom to the ballroom and back. Incidentally, the electronic organ industry was officially represented by Rodgers and Thomas.

Enjoying the cruise back to Seattle from Bremerton are Steven Irwin, Gaylord Carter, Lloyd Klos, the Judd Waltons and Bill Brown.

Steves Gay 90's, a Tacoma landmark, provides excellent food amid a sizeable collection of coin operated pianos, Tiffany lamps and most of the woodwork from a long-gone municipal building. The 3/8 Wurlitzer is not fully installed yet.

Norman Ray and President Stillman Rice share A definite theatre sound comes from the 19 ranks a seat on the monorail ride to the Seattle Center A Hammond was put aboard the of Kimball-Wurlitzer in the Calvary Temple. Food Circus. (Don't let the new Balcom and Vaughn console "Good Time" for entertainment fool you.) during the Puget Sound Cruise. Open console prevailed. Many members including Gordon Kibbee, Ashley Miller, Lee Erwin, and Bob Arndt ( of spare parts fame) were noted at the keydesk. The power supply on Two pianos flank the console of the 4/32 the boat was not too well regulated, Wurlitzer at the Gra­ causing the organ motor to slow nada Organ Loft Club. down. This provided some weird effects and the slowest tremulant yet heard.

Bus #6, piloted by driver Bill Mc­ Kail of Auburn, Washington, was deluxe equipped. It contained an air whistle the sound of which faintly resembled a European train whistle. Judd Walton argued the point, stat­ Bob Balfour and Sec­ ing it was in truth an authentic or­ retary-Treasurer Mary gan stop known as a Bussenfiefe, Bowles purchase rec­ tuned celeste. Steve Irwin of "Dic­ ords from Puget Sound Chapter member Les tionary of Organ Stops" fame did Lawrence. not agree. The argument will prob­ ably never be settled. However, this whistle provided much fun for the riders of Bus #6 and was the envy of the others.

25 theatre organ 1971 HonoraryMembers dropped his membership in the Classic '*************************** Car Club and the National Model Rail­ {!{. Sweet s·ixteen C onvention. ~* road Association when our society was Souvenir PrograID~ ~ formed to devote his full time to the t pursuit of theatre organ . t Available ~ George became hooked on theatre t Pictures of the organs and artists ~ organs while an apprentice projection­ :g featured in the 1971 ATOS Na- ~ ist, early in his nearly twenty-five years -tx tional Convention. * {I * in theatres during which time he learned :g $2.00 Postpaid ~ all facets of theatre operation , from :g ATOS 1971 National Convention * backstage to marquee, which served :g P.O. Box 7422, Bitter Lake Station i him well in later years as theatre man­ :g Seattle, Wash. 98133 i ager and owner. With the decline of ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ · theatres in the 1950's , George became manager of pifinos and organs in a music store. Prized, among his many recordings , is a nearly complete collection of Craw­ ford 78's. George has a wide reputation as the world 's worst organist , for although he owns Wurlitzer, Opus 1900 (Style 165 with two ranks added) , he is a graduate of the Pointer System , Book One. Vi Thompson has been Circulation Manager ( and solely the often referred George and Vi Thompson to "Circulation Dept. " ) of THEATRE ORGAN magazine since 1963-64 when George and Vi Thompson were the this operation was gradually phased unanimous choice of the Board of Di­ over to her from her predecessor , Ida rectors to share the title of Honorary James. She devotes nearly full time to (above) Lee Erwin, Allen Rossiter and Don Lock­ Member for 1971 in appreciation of the problems attending circulation. wood enjoy the cruise across the sound. (below) Al and Betty Mason receive a standing ovation outstanding contribution in the preser­ Vi has a keen interest in theatre or­ vation of theatre organ. This marks the at the banquet in recognition of their work on gan music although she does not play the magazine. first year in which the award has been herself. A Navy wife during the sec­ given to two recipients. ond world war , she worked with George George Thompson has ably served as in their the atre in the 1940 's and until senior editor of THEATRE ORGAN closing in 1956. magazine for the past ten years. Among The Thompsons have three children the first charter members of A TOE , he and two grandsons.

:g,** ***MUGS!********************** MUGS! MUGS! ~ (above) The only way to travel. Comfortable busses and congenial drivers made program-hopping a i SWEETSIXTEEN SOUVENIR MUGS i pleasure. (below left) Gaylord Carter shows appreciation of all conventioneers to Marilyn Schrum as Dick promises not to watch. (below right) Del Castillo, writer of Dinny's Colyum, at the Food :g WHY NOT ORDER SEVERAL? * Circus Wurlitzer. {I * {I *

{II :lili-~ I* {I - -~- * {I * {I {I 111■■1 I■■■ * {I Dishwasher safe. White with blue ATOS * :g symbol. Mfd . by Scio Pottery Co ., Scio, ~ {I Ohio. l} :g $2.00 Each, Postpaid ~ :g ATOS 1971 National Convention ~ {I P.O. Box 7422, Bitter Lake Station l} t . Seattle, Wn. 98133 ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ august, 1971 26 1971 Hallof Fame

Warm sunshine greets conventioneers as they prepare to leave for another program from in front of the Olympic Hotel. Whether on foot or by bus, getting there was half the fun.

Don Baker Andy, Jr. has several outfits to wear when A surprise , but always welcome , guest Andy Crow (Sr.) dis­ plays him at many at the banquet was Don Baker , unani­ concerts. mously elected by the board of directors - Photo by as the 1971 member of the Theatre Claude V. Neuffer Organists Hall of Fame . Established last year , the Hall of Fame recognizes organists who have made an outstand­ ing contribution to theatre organ as an art form. Don began his theatre organ career when , as a pianist in a Flushing , L. I. theatre , he was asked to sub for the organist who failed to show one eve­ ning. His active career has included playing engagements in New York G.C.-Superstar City 's Rialto , Rivoli and Paramount theatres , the latter for 14 years. Since leaving the Paramount , Don 's activities have included radio and tele­ v1s1on appearances , recordings , elec­ tronic organ demonstrations and as fea­ tured artist at ATOS Conventions in Chicago in 1965, Detroit in 1967 and New York City in 1970. Don has no plans to retire and still has a varied concert schedule which has included several ATOS Chapter sponsored programs. It is with pride that we welcome Don Baker , whose New York gave Puget Sound a check last year for $200 toward the 1971 convention. Puget gracious cooperation with ATOS is Sound decided to 'go one better' so Dick Schrum deeply appreciated , to the Hall of presented George Johnson of Potomac Valley Fame. a check for $201 toward the 1972 <:onvent{on.

Master of Ceremonies, Featured Artist and Board member Gaylord Carter says good-bye until next year after an action packed week in Seattle .

27 theatre organ Shean cap. Some clever kidding on July 1929 (D) All Washington thea­ slides brought down the house, and tres have been wired for the talkies, but NUGGETS after the alternate organ and orchestra the organists have been retained. The from the work, they finished to great applause. orchestras, however, have been dis­ GOLDEN D.A.-Y-S Recently , Dick did an organlogue tri­ missed. bute to Col. Lindbergh, and the orches­ tra finished with him to big returns. GOLD DUST: Now, we'll do a little HARRY CAMPBELL is alternate name-dropping of Washington, D.C. organist at the Palace. organists and the theatres in which they performed. 1/25 ROBERT RODWELL, Aug. 1927 (J) MADLYN HALL is playing all the big houses in Washington Crandall's Tivoli 3/ 10 Wurlitzer . . . 4/ 25 OTTO F. BECK , Tivoli ... 5/ 25 for vacation work, while MABEL Mr. ARRIN, Ambassador; GLEN ASH­ CLARK is relief organist at the York Theatre for the , summer. LEY, Apollo; STANLEY RHOADES at the 2/ 10 Wurlitzer in the Avenue Sep. 1927 (J) DICK LEIBERT puts Grand; W. E. THOMPSON, Crandall; over some orginal slide novelties at the HAROLD PEASE, Tivoli 2/ 10 Wurlit­ Palace. In one show, he used "Yankee zer; MIL TON DA VIS, Metropolitan Rose ," first as old home week, then as . . . 6/ 25 HARRY J. BARKER at the Scottish. Then "The Clock Shop," using new Park ... 8/ 25 KURT HETZEL, Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos chimes and bells. Next, a comedy takf'­ Earle; JOHN SALB, Rialto's 2/ 8 Wur­ ofj on the Glen Echo carousel as heard litzer; CHARLES WORTHY and WAL­ This time, Jason and I travel to at Wu Ling' s Laundry, and for a finale, TER SALB alternating at the Colum­ Washington, D.C., a good theatre or­ as the U.S. Marine Band from PP to a bia; CARL HINTON, Metropolitan; gan town in the Golden Days. Refer­ grand finale with entire orchestra. It GEORGE EMMONS, Avenue Grand; ences were Diapason (D) and Jacobs was a riot! ROBERT MACHET is NORMAN STOCKETT, Rialto ... ( J) magazines. associate organist, playing morning and 11/ 25 ROBERT E. MACHA T, Park; Oct. 1926 (J) HARLAN KNAPP of supper show shifts which are solo stints. GLEN ASHLEY, Crandall's Apollo the Rialto Theatre, spent a week in Oct. 1927 (J) HAROLD T. PEASE , . . . 12/ 25 KURT HETZEL, Chevy New York and stopped at the Philadel­ otherwise known as "Harold Tease," is Chase . . . 1/ 26 HAROLD PEASE is phia Sesquicentennial Exposition on the using song slides at Washington's Old first organist at the Ambassador; ALEX way back. Didn't care for the Sesqui Colony Theatre. ARRONS at the Earle's Kimball organ as it was "too highbrow" for him, Oct. 1927 (J) NELL PAXTON was 2/26 ROBERT MACHAT, Park .. . but he enjoyed the Philly theatre or­ the music feature at the Washington 3/26 HARLAN KNAPP, Rialto .. . gans, however. Auditorium when Will Rodgers and 7/26 GERTRUDE KREISELMAN, Oct. 1926 (J) GEORGE EMMONS his troup appeared. Savoy; GEORGE EMMONS at the is offering Sunday afternoon concerts Dec. 1927 (J) STANLEY WAL­ new Colony; IDA CLARKE is asso­ on the Colony Theatre's organ, a special LACE opened the organ in the new ciate organist at the Tivoli ... 9/26 unit , built last winter by Harry Sim­ Fox Theatre , but when his solo work MARGARET LIBBY, Avenue Grand's mons, the Stanley-Crandall "organ doc­ on the Wurlitzer didn't stand out, he Wurlitzer ... 2/ 27 MARIBEL LIND­ tor." left for Chicago. WALDO NEW­ SEY is featured organist at Crandall's Jan. 1' 27 (J) DICK LEIBERT re­ BERRY and WALTER SALB are house Ambassador; IRENE JUNO subbing cently murried a Congressman's daugh­ organists on the Wurlitzer 260. for NELL PAXTON at the Metropoli­ ter. HAROLD PEASE substituted for Mar. 1928 (J) The Washington Col­ tan; OTTO F. BECK, Rialto; GEORGE him at the Palace while the newlyweds lege of Music is advertising "A com­ EMMONS , Tivoli ... 8/27 RUSSEL honeymooned in New York. plete course for theatre-organ playing H. HINES at the Auditorium Theatre's Feb. 1927 (J) Organist GEORGE on a modern Wurlitzer with screen pro­ Moller ... 9/27 ARTHUR THATCH­ EMMONS, recently at the Colony, has ER, Chevy Chase . . . 10/ 27 OTTO been transferred to the Tivoli as first jection." Booklet and information upon request. F. BECK, Tivoli; HARLAN KNAPP organist. at the York's Wicks; GERTRUDE Aug. 1927 (J) The Washington Col­ Apr. 1928 (J) Things are moving KREISELMAN, Rialto; MARY HORN, lege of Music announces the opening fast in Washington. Remember when Princess ... 12/27 Mrs. MILTON of a school of theatre organ playing, the Keith-Albee was the big-time house CHEYNE, assistant organist at the Am­ with two large W urlitzers being used on Fifteenth Street? Well, it has gone bassador, MABEL CLARK doing Week­ for teaching and practice. The college into vaudeville and pictures now, and end relief work at the Apollo; GLEN will have an affiliation with the House a 2/ 10 Wurlitzer plays the moans and ASHLEY, associate organist at the of Wurlitzer for placing competent pu­ groans for the pictures. Tivol under OTTO F. BECK ... 2/ 28 pils in positions. WALDO STARR NEWBURY, Fox Aug. 1927 (J) A 3/15 Wurlitzer is ... 4/28 HERBERT HENDERSON, being installed in the new Fox-Roxy GET THE GUYS Fox; VIRGIL HUFFMAN featured Theatre to open in the fall. A Fox TO VOCALIZE Tuesdays from Homer Kitt Studio over Movietone, one of the highest develop­ WRC; ROBERT MACHAT at the ments in talking pictures, will be among WITH"SING-ALONG SONG SLIDES"!! Palace. the many novelties the theatre will offer. Send for National's FREE Catalog Aug. 1927 (J) Tom Gannon's orches­ of all-time hit songs-for as low And so, we say good-bye to our tra and DICK LEIBERT at the Palace, as 50¢ a tune. Projectors too. nation's capital. In October, Jason .md recently did a squib on Gallagher and I will have some goodies taken from Shean which was a knockout. Cannon NATIONALSONG SLIDE SEIVICI INC. the rocky soil of the Mother Lode. So directed, wearing straw hat, and Dick 42 I. 48tbSt. Newtork, N.T. 10036 long, sourdoughs! was at the organ in the well-known LLOYD & JASON

august, 1971 28 pected, they became merely suggestion you saw was the ball bouncing over sheets, for Bradford used mainly stock the words. In the theatres I worked in, Fact movie-music, and resourceful organists the reels were unsuccessful, for audi­ would substitute their own choices at ences would not sing to the accompani­ the appropriate cues. The film ex­ ment of a phonographic device. There and changes supplied the cue sheets to are probably a lot of those reel~ lying theatres along with advertising mater­ around in Paramount vaults; I know of ials as a regular service. a couple that are on the rental market. But there is one thing for sure: the Fiction Another item that has been messed bouncing ball was not a device com­ up in our discussions is the bouncing monly used by theatre organists. by John Mud ball. Silent movie organists had virtu­ ally no experience with this device. In Misunderstandings can make the 1926 the Irving Berlin music publishing world seem crazy. People usually have The subject of today's dissertation, company released a unique five-minute good reasons for acting as they do, but friends, is false belief and ignorance in film to organists in which the ball was their motivations can be hidden. It is the theatre organ game. It's a good one, used to plug their new tune, "Oh easy to understand the unresponsiveness because there is plenty of material. The Mabel." It may be that organists who of some theatre managers to our efforts things people believe about theatre or­ had more funds available for produc­ to unearth and revitalize organs. Be­ gans and organists you wouldn't believe! tion purposes than most of us had some sides those who have been burned by The passing of time magnifies historical special film items created for them; I pipe-stealing and vandalism there are errors and there are some people who know that Jesse Crawford did, for I those who are afraid of lawsuits for would rather lie than tell the truth. saw some of them at the Chicago Thea­ injuries in old buildings full of decaying There is a current story about the way tre between 1924 and 1926. He even wood, masonry, metal, rope, and elec­ the silent movie people used to prepare had one film made in which he ap­ trical equipment. A special case oc­ musical scores. Many people today peared with the theatre musical direc­ curred recently in Detroit when a young have visions of organists being given tor, Nathaniel Finston, making prepar­ pipe-organ explorer got perm1ss1on large books fu]l of music which were ations for the "Syncopation Week" from a manager to photograph the prepared solely for a single film. Actu­ extravaganza that the audience was theatre on a fo1lowing Saturday morn­ ally this assumption calls for too much about to see live on-stage. The ball ing. When he arrived for his appoint­ faith in the ability of organists to read came into prominence with the sound­ ment he was confronted by a surly music and watch for film cues at the movie. Paramount Pictures attempted theatre owner who brusquely told him same time. Relatively few organists to help fill the void created when or­ that there would be no picture-taking. had more than rudimentary training in ganists were banished by producing The crestfallen photographer departed, music. It didn't take much to make one community-sing films. No organists or only to find out later that the owner eligible for a theatre job; Chicago alone musicians were visible in the films. All had been frightened into thinking that used about 350 organists between 1925 photographs were being sought for the and 1927. We improvised a great deal use of the city health department! and we made transcriptions of every­ Elusive as the truth may be, it doesn't thing that would suit our purposes - pay to be too skeptical or hopeless. symphonies, opera, oratorio, vocal solos, That way you miss a lot of the fun, instrumental pieces - and people gen­ BIN DE RS and you miss lots of good opportuni­ erally liked to hear them. But it was TO ties for profit. Wishes are surprisingly asking too much of most organists to fulfilled; all you have to do is to keep read a score at sight for a full movie. PROTECT looking. During the past three years I There were scores for some of the big have been advertising for some rare films, but the only ones I was ever YOUR pieces of theatre projection equipmenJ, asked to play were those for Mary Pick­ only to find a store of it for the taking ford's "Rosita" and H. B. Warner's ISSUES within blocks of my home. Need some "King of Kings." There were others ("Birth of a Nation," for example) but OF organ traps? I have it on good author­ ity that there is an organ man in central I never saw them. Ohio who has accumulated a barn full What some people confuse with a THEATREORGAN of percussions. He bought theatre or­ score is the "Thematic Music Cue This durable casebound cover will bind gans and sold them to churches minus Sheet," a two- or four-page listing of one full year's issues of THEATRE ORGAN. drums, bells, etc. There is a farmer Imprinted in gold on black, the binder near Detroit who has two five-rank changes in screen-titles and pieces of becomes a permanent reference volume action, together with the number of that protects issues from damage and chests full of trumpets, a stenterphone, minutes and seconds that the action keeps them in perfect order. and a horn diapason - the loudest pipes takes. A piece of music is suggested for Magazines are held securely in place and he could get - in his attic. The shutter­ each sequence. The sheets were pat­ can be inserted in only a few seconds. areas are only five feet square; so he ented by M. J. Mintz on July 31, 1923 A special pocket will enable you to easily gets his swell' effects by using the cre­ label and identify the year of any volume. and were produced in great quantities scendo pedal and adding trumpets. In for several years. Since about 520 films • 3.50 (including postage) the barn he has three organ consoles were produced every year, the work of Make check or money order in which chickens are roosting. Pipes making up the cue sheets was done by payable to: and eggs are lying all over the place. Michael P. Krueger, Ernst Luz, and ATOS BINDER So a word to the wise: don't overlook James C. Bradford. Bradford did most P. 0. Box 306 the out-of-the-way regions. You might find an organ in somebody's cowbarn. of the work, producing hundreds of North Haven, Conn. 06473 sheets every year. As might be ex- □ 29 theatre organ the exotic silent screen star during her J930's vaudeville tours. * * * ~ool 1'!:view SELECTED SHORTS ... Insiders who know swear that Jane Withers TWO CENTURIES OF AMERICAN earns $150,000 a year from her "Jose­ ORGAN BUILDING, by William H. phine the Plumber" TV appearances Barnes and Edward B. Gammons. Pub­ . . . In January 1921 more than 700 lished by J. Fischer & Bro., Glen Rock, children were working in films in the New Jersey. Price $5.50 postpaid from Los Angeles area . . . King Vidor told Two Centuries, 1530 East Spring Street, interviewers that he did work as an Tucson, Arizona 85719 (Dept. T). extra in "Intolerance" . . . Prints of This book, written by two distin­ "Evangeline" (1929, UA, Dolores del guished architects of straight organs, is Rio) still exist and are shown by col­ indicative of the revival of interest in lector groups . '. . Mail to Mary Pick­ the theatre organ: 15 of its 142 pages Directed by ford has zoomed to such proportions are devoted to a brief history and dis­ Lyle W. Nash that two secretaries are needed to an­ cussion of the theatre organ. Mr. swer it. The Pickfair address is 1143 Barnes' previous book, "The Contem­ Summit Dr., Beverly Hills, 90210, porary American Organ," written years NORMA Talmadge films (51 starring Calif .... Doris Kenyon is mourning ago, is considered by many to be the roles from 1915-1930) are being re­ the loss of her son, Kenyon Sills (fath­ definitive work of its kind. Yet it makes stored and renovated for possible re­ er was Milton Sills, the Gregory Peck short shrift of the unit organ and its issue. Historians and collectors think of his era) . * * * practitioners. Apparently the worm has that such Talmadge hits as "Smiling A SMASH is best word for the Frank turned. Our member, Jack Bethards Thru," "The Dove," "Eternal Flame," Capra autobiography "The Name A­ was commissioned to prepare a chapter "Secrets," "Kiki" and "Camille" will bove the Title" (Doubleday). The story on the theatre organ for this book. be among those earmarked for showing bristles with names, events, battles and But before going into that matter once again. Not many of Norma's films problems of film making from 1921- let's examine the book as a whole. It seem to be floating around and I can­ to-1971. The best book out of Holly­ traces church organ history from colo­ not recall seeing any but "Forbidden wood in years. It will warm your heart nial days but the fascination sets in City" ( 1918) of the woman some writ­ with its inspiration, patriotism, loyalty near the middle of the last century ers called "Hollywood's most accomp­ and dedication. when familiar names start to appear. lished actress." It'll also be nice to see * * * The text becomes even more engrossing handsome Eugene O'Brien on the screen "Yes" I would return to films if a when the personal reminiscences of the again. good part in a good movie were offer­ authors begin to color the history of * * * ed me." So spoke Mae Clark at a re­ the present century. Men whom we had SOME fans contact Anita Loos at cent interview. "My semi-retired status known only from their engraved names 171 West 57th St., New York City, does not extend to turning down a on organ nameplates are fleshed out 10019. good acting job," Mae explained. She and take on dimension as human beings. * * * looks as trim and energetic as when Such names as Jardine, Pilcher, Skin­ EVELYN Brent ( 1904 Manning James Cagney was pushing her about ner, Kilgen, Roosevelt and Kimball be­ Ave., West Los Angeles, 90025) scorns in "Public Enemy". She prefers to get come people, and in so doing they the sordid sex dramas now cluttering up her fan mail via the Screen Actors enrich our understanding of the organ the movie screens. "I thought 'Patton' Guild, 7750 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, world they pioneered. was excellent ... but see few films be­ 90046, Calif. cause they do not interest me." For example, we catch a glimpse of * * * an aged Ernest M. Skinner, long after * * * FAMED motion picture director his days of idolization had passed, wan­ QUESTION: "What ever happened Mitchell Leisen, Carter DeHaven, Dor­ dering about at AGO conventions won­ to that Prince David Mdivani who mar­ othy Devore and Blossom Rock are dering why his wisdom was no longer ried Mae Murray?" A. He was last re­ happy to hear from friends at their sought by the cognoscenti. He was still ported living in Los Angeles but rarely beautiful estate, The Motion Picture trying to sell orchestral organs in a seen at film functions. Country House, 23388 Mulholand pro-baroque era. We find out how * * * Drive, Woodland Hills, 91364. Walter . Holtkamp was conned by three CLOSE-UPS ... Silent screen play- * * * org~nist friends into building the "ex­ er Lane Chandler is going strong and CARTER DeHaven had some caus­ posed plumbing" type of organ which may be reached via the Lu Irwin A­ tic comments about today's films when is associated with his name (perhaps gency, 9165 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, I talked with him last month. Did he unfairly). We learn the rules applied 90069 . . . More than a few fans write enjoy the current crop? "No ... not at to the voicing of residence organs: Zsa Zsa Gabor at 938 Bel Air Road, all. I think films will get dirtier and make the stops all sound as much alike Los Angeles, 90024 . . . A recent ad­ more loose than nowadays . . . There's as possible, so the unmusical million­ dress for Buster ("Flash Gordon") hardly a film showing today that doesn't aire you sell it to can mix the stops in Crabbe was 150 Theodore Fremd Ave., have a couple in bed . . . Yes, I think any fashion and still not wander into Rye, 10580, New York ... Dame they will become more objectionable." any unpleasant combinations. Judith Anderson's California address is The only comment I can think of is: We learn of the great feud between 808 San Ysidro, Santa Barbara, 93102. HOW? organbuilders Ernest Skinner and G. * * * * * * Donald Harrison, a jockeying for top MILTON Berle said it recently: Q U EST IONS, contributions and spot which finally forced Skinner out of "Pola Negri was the most exciting comments are welcomed to P. 0. Box woman I ever met." Berle worked with 113, Pasadena, 91102, California. (continued on page 36)

august, 1971 30 was just a couple railins to pertect it from the people in the front row, and when he started to come down they was a kid who had put his feet over the railins and the elyvater broke both his DINNY'S legs, and I aint kiddin. Anci then another time, he was playin in a big theayter where they had built a second COLYUM console on a platform at the other side of the orchestry pit for organ duets, and when they rung a bell in his dres­ sin room that it was time for the duet, as transcribed by Del Castillo this organ player had been hittin the bottle as they say and he didnt pay at­ tention to the bell, so the other organ "The Elevator Shaft" which appeared When I called my old colyum The player he got panicky and he run over in JACOBS' MAGAZINE during the Elyvator Shaft on account I had been to the main organ on the elyvater and 1920's, was written by organist Del runnin the elyvater in Mr. Jacobs took it up and played the solo all alone. Castillo under the pseudonym of buildin, I hadnt caught on to how im­ Dinny Timmins, a semi-literate Bos­ But in the meantime the organ player portant elyvaters was to theayter or­ who had been hittin the bottle he finally tonian operator of a non existent ganists. Half the fun of the organ solo elevator who murdered the English come to, and he zigzagged down to the language. Lloyd E. Klos found the was seein the organ player come a­ door into the pit and it was summer column while researching old music shootin up out of the cellar in a big and the organ players had on white periodicals in 1967. blaze of light. I hear they got a organ suits and the organ had already gone up elyvater some place in New Zealand I Now Del Castillo once again re­ and he fell into the pit and got all think it is where the elyvater goes up covered over with black grease so he calls, for THEATRE ORGAN, the 35 feet and they have to use short or­ humorous sidelights of the world of got fired the next day. But then I heard theatre organ as seen through the gan players so they wont bump their that he got his job back after a couple eyes of Dinny Timmins. head against the ceilin. And then they of weeks because the manager said he got little short elyvaters made by the would rather have him drunk than any Gosh, what do you know , here I am Barton organ co. which dont have no other organ player sober. So I guess the in a nashional organ magazine with a special pit to come up out of but just moral is that if you get to hittin the colyum all my own along with big-time hoist theirselfs ups 5 feet on four little bottle as they say you got to be a pretty riters like Stu Green and Effie Klotz legs they call a four-poster like an old good organ player. and Elmer Fubb and Lloyd Klos and fashion bed. And now the Theayter Or­ Jason and Lyle Nash and John Muri gan Enthoosiasticks are gettin the the­ and people like that there. And I guess ayter organs goin again, they have to all because Mr. Klos found out I had dig up enough scratch to try to put writ a colyum a long time ago for the elyvaters in. Down to San Diego they Lee Meets "The Jacobs music magazines called The got so snarled up in red tape on account Elyvator Shaft , and when he printed it of the buildin codes it got so the ely­ Beloved Rogue" in this magazine it started my riting vater cost almost more than the organ. Present at the Grand Barton theatre They have to have a cement coffin 8 career all over again when I was fixin organ in Alexandria , Virginia's VIR­ to take it easy and jest lie out in the feet square all around the pit and they GINIA THEATRE to play the accom­ sun in California. So I guess once a even have to build the sides on a kind riter always a riter as the sayin goes. of a slant so the organ player cant get paniment for THE BELOVED I jest hope I can keep up with all these his foot caught. Over to San Gabriel ROGUE , a 1927 film dealing with the big riters like the fellers I mentioned they got all kinds of troubles puttin in adventures of the 15th century French above. I got me a new dictionary and the elyvater under the organ at the poet Francois Villon was Lee Erwin I'm goin to ask Mr. Stu Green if he Audytorium, with a 12 by 12 coffin 9 who by now needs no commentary won't go over what I rite and see if it's foot deep, and then another 15 foot from this writer as being perhaps the all right and maybe kerreck my English hole for the shaft that sends the organ finest exponent of film styling in the which I know I aint too good at. up. The whole thing was so deep they world today. The film was made avail­ was afraid they might of struck oil be­ able through the efforts of the Ameri­ I get kinda scared sometimes at the fore they got it dug. nerve of me settin myself up as a riter, can Film Institute and two perform­ especially after a letter I got awhile Then back East in Rochester Noo ances were given on June 16th. To back from a feller name of Gottfried York they got one where they wasnt no quote from a review which appeared in Swizzle which started out - I cant fig­ way for the organ player to get into the the Evening Star on June 17th, "After ger out how a iggorunt clod like you pit so he has to kind of sneak in acrost a couple more numbers, the picture gets to rite a colyum for a extinguished the orchestry pit and then when he goes "The Beloved Rogue ," circa 1927, with maggyzine. He goes on with a lot of up the platform is so small he cant the great John Barrymore, began and stuff about how I got my facts rong. stand up to talk, and one organ player the organist proved his ability; he was I cant put them in here because Mr. they had fell off~n the platform and Swizzle wound up by sayin this hear broke his leg and they had a big suit. immediately forgotten by the audience; letter is only for your privat inflam­ They was a good organist in Boston not his music fit the film so expertly that mation. This Mr. Swizzle he lives in mentionin no names who got into a his audience accepted it as if it were a Pasadena so maybe Mr. Green knows heap of trouble over organs. Oncet he part of one of those new-fangled sound­ him and maybe I can get both of them was playin in a small theayter where tracks." to help me. the organ was on a elyvater and they RAY BRUBACHER

31 theatre organ • thoughtlessness of one individual. Ray would combine one with a pipe Let's make this courtesy business a organ! Many of us have a Hammond . ~. two-way street! in our homes, but very few can have BEN LEVY both a Hammond and a 42 rank PIPE Ann Arbor, Mich. organ ! ! ! ! ! ~ Would it be possible to purchase a ~ Dear Sir: ~-...... recording of this organ? If so, I would I have just joined ATOS and find appreciate if you could send me com­ your publication most fascinating, and plete details and current price. Also I ~ I especially appreciate the high quality of am sure many would like to see photos TTT";rTTT your work at a very modest price - of how the Hammond drawbars were quite the opposite of normal trends combined with the organ stops. Also Letters to the Editor concerning all these days. description of the tone cabinets used aspects of the theatre organ hobby I am enclosing a copy of a photo of (Hammond or Leslie). are encouraged. Send them to tpe probably the most striking theatre I ED RICKS editor concerned. Unless it's stated have ever seen anywhere, taken from a Baltimore, Md. brochure on German architecture of clearly on the letter rrnot for pub­ the period. Well-Tremulated Amigo! lication," the editors feel free to The caption reads as follows: Reading about the reissue of two reproduce it, in whole or part. "Interior of the Titania-Palast Pic­ Ashley Miller discs on the Columbia Address: P. 0. Box 2329 ture Theater in Berlin-Steglitz (1927). label in the last issue of THEATRE The auditorium, one of the largest in Livonia, Michigan 48150 ORGAN came only a day after I'd Dear Sir: Berlin, strikes a new note. The organ heard them again at the home of friends is effectively built into the frames of the While looking something up in back here. We agreed emphatically with what arches which enclose the stage. Power­ issues I came across the article "Amer­ I was to read in the magazine when it ful lighting effects render the interior ican Theatre Organ Etiquette ," by Ray arrived the next day. The review gal­ particularly attractive. Designed by the Brubacher. I had seen it before; how­ vanized me into writing this and its associated architects Schoffler , Schloen­ ever, this time I was moved to comment way, way long overdue for my feelings bach and Jakobi of Dusseldorf." because of a personal experience. about those two albums I've carried for I am wondering if any readers of The gist of the article is that "mem­ several years . Certainly I don't want to THEATRE ORGAN can give any in­ bers planning a trip . . . should drop put any gravel into the craw of any formation concerning this organ : who a letter to the owner ( of a home T.O. other player who has recorded the built it, and if the theater still exists , etc. installation) asking if it would be con­ Radio City Music Hall organ in the (Steglitz is in the Western sector of Ber­ venient for them to see the instrument past in expressing an opinion in this lin). Note the unique location of the in question. Enclose a self-addressed letter. However , if some of your read­ console , at the foot of the center aisle, envelope for a reply , especially if you ers have not heard them or , possibly , and the simulated pipes in the arches , do not know the person. " have forgotten how fine they are , then apparently concealing the actual ones. This is only proper of course , rather I'd like to chirp loudly in urging them A most spectacular effect , and "Art­ than dropping by unannounced and ex­ to "go gettem' tiger!" pecting the owner to drop anything Deco " at its classic best! he has planned and show the slob At any rate , I thought this might be In the writer 's opinion they are so around . But I'd like to remind the of some interest and serve to uncover beautifully played and the recording of recipients of such notes that it would further history of this fascinating in­ the organ so wonderfully balanced that be courteous of them, too , to reply to stallation. they simply are the finest recordings we same , even if they have to say the visit Z. HANSEN have from the largest of all Wurlitzers. won 't be convenient at that time. 1626 Sherwin Ave. In the playing and in the sound they On visiting my old home town a Chicago , Ill. 60626 have an elegance seldon encountered couple of years ago, I did just as Mr. and every element of musicianship to Brubacher suggested , addressing a letter be heard is of the highest order. The to a prominent T.O. enthusiast there, reissue of these makes me hope that it who I had good reason to believe would will be possible eventually for Ashley be in town and working on his large to arrange a reissue also of the one he home installation over the holidays. I recorded at the Music Hall on the enclosed the self-addressed envelope , Cabot label which that company found and even had a couple of local phone itself unable to afford releasing. Only a numbers where I could be reached in few copies were pressed, if my informa­ case he didn't feel like writing. I ex­ tion is correct. I've heard one and, if plained that I never had met anyone in possible , it has an edge on the two now the local T.O. hobby, and would appre­ in reissue. To me these recordings are ciate any courtesy he or anyone he the definitive ones on this great organ chose to hand the letter to could give and anyone who hasn't the gumption to me. get copies while they are available will I never heard a word out of him, and live 'to cry some well-tremulated tears returned home without learning a thing in years to come. Now, please be quite about theatre organs there or having Gentlemen: clear about just one thing more: As spoken to a single person connected I very much enjoyed the article "In­ they say in television, "This is an unso­ with the ATOS there. My feelings tegration Accomplished" on page 18 of licited commercial!" about the entire group in that city no your February 1971 issue. Being a BILLY NALLE doubt suffer because of the apparent Hammond fan I was thrilled that Mr. New York, N.Y.

august, 1971 32 And for Dessert, Gaylord Carter Stan Todd's Shady-Nook by Hubert S. Shearin

Good food, the promise of surprises, organ music. It is located 40 minutes and the opportunity of hearing the drive north of downtown Cincinnati on largest Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ in US 27 just south of Oxford. Stan begins Ohio brought out a record attendance playing at 8 p.m. of the Ohio Valley Chapter to Stan and The organ is basically a Wurlitzer Virginia Todd's Shady-Nook Restaurant Crawford Special Plus, and was one of on the night of Monday, May 24, 1971. the WL W organs; the 4 manual console First the chapter members were is from the Chicago Theatre. When guests of the Todds at a bountiful and completed there will be 31 ranks, and excellent buffet that left everyone highly 27 are now in use with the other ranks satisfied and eager for the surprise that installed and being completed. When was to follow. So eager, in fact, that the pressed for an answer as to just how members passed probably the fastest large this organ actually will be, Stan's motion in the history of the chapter - charming wife Virginia shakes her bead Ohio Valley Chapter Chairman George Eaglin to dispense with all business! Following doubtfully that it ever will really be proclaiming "On with the show" from the stage complete, for growing pipe organs are of Shady-Nook Restaurant at May 24, 1971 appropriate introductions, Chairman meeting. George Eaglin proclaimed "On with the what organists' dreams are made of. show!"; the house lights were dimmed This installation incorporates the gen organ in Louisville. Stan played at and the strains of "The Perfect Song" largest Peterson solid-state electronic the Paramount Theatre in Des Moines identified the surprise guest to be Gay­ relay system in use today. Stan states while a member of the staff of WHO. lord Carter as the console arose from that this system "saved the day" for With him on that staff was the present the pit. him, eliminating the need for a relay Governor of California, the Honorable Stan Todd has recreated all the flavor room about 15' x 12' and insuring low Ronald Reagan. of the golden age of theatre organs in maintenance. In its original home at The Todds have owned and operated his restaurant. Customers who come for WLW, the specs for that installation the Shady-Nook for 11 years and this the first time sometimes wonder if he were drawn by the late Pat Gillick who organ has been in use for the past two has made a theatre into a restaurant or played this organ for many years on years following one year spent in in­ a restaurant into a theatre. Actually it WLW. At that time it was a 17 rank stallation. Dave Junchen did the voic­ is mostly the latter. All tables of this installation. ing and regulating and is Stan's chief intimate restaurant have an excellent Stan's Howard seat has its own inter­ organ engineer. view of the console which rises from esting history. This came from the Para­ Following the show members tarried a pit inside a curved bar. Behind the mount Theatre in Des Moines, Iowa. to talk with Mr. Carter and to watch bar and the console is a stage, with cur­ Under the upholstery are the signatures as well as be part of the picture taking. tains which open on a screen used for burned into the wood portion of the The evening only ended when a thun­ showing both silent and sound movies seat, of such organ greats as Jesse derstorm turned off the lights in the projected from a well-equipped booth. Crawford, Doc Lawson, Preston Sellers whole neighborhood, and Shady-Nook Mr. Carter played a number of selec­ and Herbie Koch. The latter became took on an additional charm as candles tions before the house lights were dim­ well known in the Ohio Valley through were lighted including those of the large med and the console brought down to his years as organist at the WHAS Kil- candelabra that graces the stage. D picture level as the feature presentation of the evening began, Laurel & Hardy in "Putting Pants on Philip." As is his custom, following the picture Mr. Car­ ter brought the show to a close with some "sleepy time" music. Monday nights Shady-Nook is usually "dark," so for this event Chapter mem­ Stan Todd, Gaylord bers had the restaurant all to them­ Carter and Virginia selves. Todd at Shady-Nook Restaurant, Millville, The Shady-Nook as it is today is the Ohio, standing in culmination of a dream for Stan and front of the 4/28 Virginia Todd as they have built a res­ Wurlitzer. taurant with intimacy, excellent food, and the professional playing of Stan himself. Cincinnatians looking for something different as well as theatre organ buffs are constantly making this spot more popular, as it takes its place as one of the few good restaurants in the country featuring live theatre pipe

33 theatre organ movie musicals. Those who felt that the Style D Trumpet George loved so George's "declaration of independence" much. expressed in Let George Do It was the There's a sad note; the organ sounds best of the Wright way, will find this wonderful and the realization that recording just as exciting - good news there'll be no more is a sobering for organ buffs who shudder to learn thought. No more, that is, unless Es­ that George's bow to rock music ex­ sential re-releases Let George Do It! pressed in his final Dot disc, Now Is Oh happy day! The Time, is his best Dot seller since his Hawaiian platter. At the risk of John Muri's blood pressure, we'll rate this one a gasser. George wrote his own jacket notes and they tell much about the 3/ 30 * * * organ ( destroyed by fire in 1970, as PIPE DREAMS, Lloyd del Cas­ organ fans know), the registration and tillo playing the 4/32 Robert Mor­ the music; the frankest and most enter­ ton organ in the Fox Theatre, San taining comments we've yet seen ac­ Diego, Calif. No. CR-0084 companying a GW recording. (stereo), available by mail postpaid at $4.50 from Concert Recording, As might be expected, the treatments Manufadurers, distributors or individ­ Box 531, Lynwood, Calif. 90262. uals sponsoring or merchandising theatre are all different. George presents some Also on 4-track (7½ ips) stereo pipe organ records are encouraged to sly corn with You'll Never Know, goes tape at $5.95. send pressings to the Record Reviewer, solidly sentimental for The Way You Box 5013, Bendix Station, No. Hollywood, Look Tonight, and does a Marcel Lloyd del Castillo is one of the great Calif. 91605. Be sure to include pur­ Dupre-type treatment for part of Over names remembered from the "golden chasing information, if applicable. the Rainbow. My Old Flame conjures era" even to gaining the grudging ad­ a picture of Mae West (who can slink, miration of such a straight organ pro­ according to George, either walking or ponent as author William H. Barnes, GEORGE WRIGHT AT THE reclining), while I'm a Dreamer offers who credits him in one of his earlier MOVIES (formerly REEL "a large amount of sub-conscious Jesse books ( along with "Edward Dunsted­ GEORGE), ERS-OIW stereo, Crawford." The console riser is Let's ter") as one who performs artistically available by mail postpaid at $5.50 on the theatre organ. It's been a long from Essential Records, Box 3544, time since those salad days at the Fen­ Glendale, Calif. 91201. way and Met in Boston ( where Del The jacket photo of George kicking opened his own T.O. school) and the up his heels in front of the famous artist was swallowed by years or usually Paramount studio gate has a lot of anonymous scoring of radio and TV meaning. The tape of this recording programs out of Hollywood, mostly was made 11 years ago and was in­ with studio orchestras. But Del never tended as a second release to follow allowed his organ technique to dimin­ Let George Do It on George's own ish, nor his sense of humor (he made SOLO label. He had just finished the his console riser appearance at an installation of his own theatre organ ATOS early morning Wiltern concert and had declared his independence still garbed in woolen nightshirt and from A&R men, commercial record cap). company lackeys and execs - from Everything about this recording was everyone who tried to tell him what to a Del Castillo project, from the :;elec- play, and how - the latter including GEORGE AT HIS STUDIO ORGAN - Those were tape speedup and the continual over­ the happy days. dubbing of additional parts and effects, - Stufoto which he deplored. Having kicked up his heels in a mood of independent ex­ Face the Music and Dance with plenty huberance, George cut two recordings. of Posthorn punctuation. If I Had a But fate stepped in to mothball Reel Talking Picture of You is pure satire, George for over a decade when distri­ with a speeded-up voice track doing the bution problems proved to be too much punctuating (George!!!) . Listeners can for the fledgling SOLO label and slow the turntable to 16 rpm and hear George ended up with stacks of Let what George is saying between the in­ George Do It and no practical way of troductory and closing Paramount News selling them. fanfares. A mighty "thud" finally si­ But this album was recorded before lences the babble of the "talkies." that cataclysm, while George was feel­ Amen! Button Up Your Overcoat rates ing the oats of his emancipation from a big "feature picture" intro before hit­ Hi-Fi label, the thrill of owning his ting the rhythm and the many registra­ own pipe organ and the expected clear tion changes. Shadow Waltz is very sailing ahead. It's George at his most atmospheric, a bit foggy and indefinite flamboyant; the light touch of his flip­ the first time through, then perky via pant humor, expressed musically, is felt the "pizzicato relay" bite. A very dirty in many of the tunes, which reflect both Ain't Misbehavin' solos a Krumet/Sax­ the innocence and schmaltz of the '30s ophone melody and a bridge played on Lloyd G. Del Castillo.

august, 1971 34 tion of material to the cover photo of two re-releases recorded by Ashley above is "Pipe Dreams," the title of an ( which shows Del spelling out "Pipe Miller after his seven year stretch as album recorded by Bob Kates on a Dreams" with the smoke from a smold­ an RCMH resident organist some years 2/ 10 Wurlitzer then installed in his ering Tibia pipe). The music is re­ ago. Like its twin it is fascinating, a Bay Area home in the rnid-'50s. A fine laxed and easy going, like the man. It true collector's item but without the album it was. Now it's a collector's was recorded in one all-night session usual drop in technical quality some­ item. Perhaps the title will bring· good with Bob Lewis of the 7-man San Diego times noted in reissues. The presence luck to Del Castillo's new release. Next Theatre Organ Group standing by to is quite satisfactory even when played we deal with "Holiday for Pipes." Eddie silence the ciphers which never mater­ on one of those hypersensitive outfits Baxter - are you listening? ialized. The program is aimed straight which seem to concentrate on produc­ ing audible representations of finger­ * * * at the old school of T.O. fans and Del HOLIDAY FOR PIPES, Ralph prints on the surface. succeeds in recreating an "in theatre" Wolf playing the Old Town Music atmosphere on an instrument which is Hall 4/25 Wurlitzer. No. CR-0093 somewhere between a theatre and con­ (stereo). Available at $4.50 post­ cert organ. It is an early Morton and paid from Concert Recording, Box lacks a lush Tibia sound. The instru­ 531, Lynwood, Calif. 90262. Also ment is sparsely unified and there seems on 7½ ips 4-track stereo tape at to be no way to avoid the dominance of $5.95. string sounds. There appears to be a shortage of trems, as whole ensemble Ralph Wolf is something of a new­ combinations shake together at a slow comer to the theatre organ scene, but beat. These are all items which the he's been involved with music since the hard working Group will take care of age of seven. In recent years he has in time, but meanwhile Del Castillo been conductor - pianist - arranger for must work doubly hard to get the such entertainment world stars as Terry effects he wants. He does nobly in the Moore, Margaret Whiting, Marilyn performance of an ambitious program Maxwell and Mel Torme when they which included Kern's Waltz In Swing­ played the big time. Of course he had

time, Tchaikowsky's Sleeping Beauty ASHLEY MILLER - His grooves seem to mellow long ago locked horns with the elec­ Waltz, Gautier's fingerbusting Le Secret with the years. tronic organ, but recently he has shown and at last a Pomp And Circumstance - Photo courtesy of Dick Loderhose increasing interest in pipes and good besides that overcooked Land Of Hope comments on his concerts for the LA And Glory - the best of Elgar's suite The impeccable playing of Ashley ATOS chapter, the DTOC and Old of coronation marches, No. 4. Stan­ Miller is heard through a program of Town Music Hall have raised his pipe dards include an unhurried Ah Sweet standards and light classics with plenty stature. We listed a recent plug-in re­ Mystery Of Life (with a piano the or­ of variety in registration which is well cord he released in this column and gan doesn't have), a lush Drifting And captured in the miking of the 4/58 noted that the musician was better than Dreaming (shades of the long gone Wurlitzer especially the color reeds. his instrument, while tacitly wondering Paradise Island Trio!) for which Del Considering the massiveness of the or­ whether a musician raised on tone somehow cooked up a Vibraharp sound gan and the size of the hall, the closeups generators could ever make it big on which isn't on the stoplist, a faraway of Glock plinks and clarity of light pipes. We are happy to report that and long ago Forgotten Dreams, a fast combinations, without compromising Ralph Wolf has done that; there's not moving Midnight In Mayfair, Smoke the fullness of the big combinations, a trace of leftover electrons filtering Gets In Your Eyes and for pure nos­ adds up to some remarkable audio into his pipe approach. In fact, he talgia Indian Love Call and Just A work. Standards include Poinciana, A sounds as though he had been playing Love Nest. All are performed in a solid Foggy Day, Someone To Watch Over on pipes for many years. His style is theatre organ style, a credit to the un­ Me, Fascination, Non Dimenticar and occasionally old time theatre but more diminished talent for entertainment of Vienna City Of My Dreams. Light often contemporary. Either way it's a a veteran who hails from the glory days classics are Monti's Czardas, Chopin's fundamentally romantic approach. of the theatre organ. Minute Waltz, Musetta's Waltz, a med­ Many "transfers" from electronics to Oh yes, the phantom piano and vibes ley of mostly familiar Viennese waltzes pipes, organists used to playing on one were overdubbed back in the Concert and including a snatch of the rarely or two basic voices, fail to take advan­ Recording Studio, we learned, with a heard but lovely Count Of Luxembourg tage of the many tone colors afforded Thomas organ providing the vibra­ Waltz. The only misfit in the medley by pipes, but not Ralph; registration is phone sounds. It's well done. is Vienna Dreams which is a folk song one of his strong points. and doesn't quite fit in with the big He opens with a spotlight solo That's * * * Oompah Strauss and Lehar. Entertainment in rhythm and with THE FAMOUS RADIO CITY many color changes, then, after a mood­ MUSIC HALL ORGAN, Ashley The jacket bears a color shot of the setting intro, hits the color reeds plus Miller, organist. Reissue of Co­ RCMH marquee, a likeness of Ashley mutations to float a smooth ballad pre­ lumbia stereo disc No. CS-8230 ( with a boyish brushcut!) and some sentation of More Than You Know, available by mail from Milco notes on the theatre organist. Don't for­ which like most of the tunes on the Music Co., 66 Demarest Ave., get that both RCMH/ Miller stereo disc, is beautifully phrased - "Craw­ Closter, New Jersey 07624. $5.50 reissues may be ordered together at a fordian" without copycatting. Close To postpaid. saving - $10.00 for both. They belong in the collections of all theatre organ You is equally smooth but punctuated This recording is not to be confused aficionados. by a "rumty -tum" accompaniment pat­ with the recording of nearly the same * * * tern which characterizes so many tunes, title ( only the "famous" was lacking) We are experiencing a second gen­ with the acceniS played on the upright reviewed in our last issue. This is one eration of organ album titles. Reviewed piano. Time After Time is given the

35 theatre organ full Tibia/Vox treatment, beautifully BOOK REVIEW himself open to the slings and arrows gooey at first, then comes a rhythm of those who may disagree. Mr. Beth­ (Continued from page 30) chorus featuring a gruff Tuba and ards is what might be described as highly spiced reeds. A Man and a the firm which bore his name. The "Wurlitzer oriented." His preference Woman is heard principally on bright authors assess the "back to tracker" for that brand is made clear throughout strings with Glock/ Harp comments. movement with veiled distaste. the chapter - which is fine for other Brassman's Holiday is up-tempo novelty The plotting between Senator Emer­ Wurlitzer - oriented readers. Robert in the Roller Coaster tradition with a son Richards and organbuilder Seibert Hope-Jones is chronicled in about two few bars of Tibia sentiment midway Losh to get Atlantic City to okay the pages, so much of his story remains to through to break up the battle of brass building of a 455-rank behemoth for its be told, although the important areas and percussions. civic auditorium is explained. Although are covered. What bothers this re­ Ralph's emotionally charged intros a 100-rank Kimball would have been viewer is that Hope-Jones coverage is are very effective scene setters for tunes more than adequate, the senator in­ confined to the chapter on theatre or­ which depend heavily on mood, and his sisted on something larger than the gans - a development farthest from lead-in to The Touch of Your Hand nearby Wanamaker store organ. The "H.J.'s" mind when he conceived the is no exception. The very prominent authors question the wisdom of the plan for an orchestra organ, divided (unenclosed) percussions are evident plan, but it resulted in the largest of all into separate swell chambers according in the nostalgic Holiday, and there's a organs - although everyone connected to tonal family, and with most voices smidgeon of Buddy Cole in the arranl!e­ with it went broke - including the sen­ available at several pitches on all ment of Orchids in the Moonlight. The ator, the builder and Atlantic City. manuals and pedals. This was his con­ closer is a well done medley of Mancini cept of a radically different orthodox favorites, Charade, Moon River and There are many such vignettes, all organ before the turn of the century. Mr. Lucky. engrossing. The book has faults. It The theatre organ boom didn't start Playing is always clean, arrange­ needs a thorough editing to tie the frag­ until after the H. J. factory at Elmira, ments imaginative and registration tops. ments together. For example, when the N. Y. had been absorbed by Wurlitzer The instrument has the romantic sound text lapses into first person narration, ( 1910). Therefore , it must be stated of one of the Chicago broadcast studio there's no idication as to which of the that confining history of Robert Hope­ organs of the '30s in Ralph Wolf's authors is speaking. Much of the in­ J ones to the theatre organ chapter tends hands and the recording is good. Rec­ formation concerning the various organ to aid and abet those who seek to mini­ ommended. companies is fragmentary and some­ mize his contributions to the art. It * * * times exasperatingly incomplete. For would seem reasonable to assume that example, the one page devoted to Estey - THE PLUG-IN CORNER there can be hardly an organ builder company history, reveals not one given LIQUID SOUL, Eddy Hanson operating in the USA since 1900 who name of the four generations of Esteys playing the Hammond, stereo, hasn't used numerous H.J. tonal or who operated the company for more available at $5.25 postpaid from mechanical developments. H.J. de­ than a century. And only four lines Rollo Records, 788 West Foster serves wider recognition - positive are devoted to William Haskell, the Street, Appleton, Wisconsin 54911. recognition. tonal genius who invented not only As an album title Liquid Soul conjures reedless (labial) Saxophone, Oboe and The book could have done with a up a lot of thoughts, but not thoughts Trumpet pipes, but also the space­ better proofreading to eradicate the relative to what's in the grooves of this saving telescoped pipe which many too numerous typos and printing errors, biscuit. It's actually "easy listening" builders are using now that Estey is out such as the truncated T.O. stoplist by an old master of the theatre organ, of business. There are serious omis­ which had to be repaired by the addi­ one who has a claim to the title of sions: the Mormon Tabernacle organ tion of an unattached page. Chicago's first broadcast organist. A di­ builders rate no mention at all. For all our carping, the book remains rection among the jacket notes suggests, The theatre organ chapter is the best a treasure; more so because of Jack "Kick off your shoes, lean back in your organized part of the book. Mr. Beth­ Bethard's contribution. No other vol­ chair, close your eyes, and be carried ards writes with great clarity. Due to ume we know of covers the same into Eddy Hanson's world ... " In that space limitations he had to be brief. Yet ground with such good humor, nor context it really works; no fireworks, he covers the essential grol\nd. When with so many personal touches. Readers just pleasing and uncluttered renditions he is making with the facts he is ex­ will find themselves going back to it of 12 mostly memory teasers plus a cellent. It's when he starts mixmg in time after time. brand new original by Eddy which his personal opinions that he leaves STU GREEN

sounds like an old favorite. Eddy plays Received too late to review for this the tunes at a Moon River program issue: JACK LOREN AT THE LOS tempo , ballad style with occasional piano ANGELES SHRINE AUDITORIUM comments. 4/ 73 Moller. A program of pop-stand­ He effects as much registration var­ ards played on a large scale concert­ iety as his instrument allows , and often theatre behemoth ( remember the phrases with his swell pedal in those George Wright concert on it some years 4-measure groupings which were some­ ago?) This is a "first" - the initial re­ times both the blessing and curse of that cording of an instrument heretofore other organist who was his colleague deemed too huge and unwieldly for and contemporary - Jesse Crawford. effective recording ( its left and right It's an attractive study in soporifics, as chambers are a city block apart). For the jacket note suggests, but we'd have further information re availability write titled it Dream Along With Eddy Han­ to Artistry Records, Box 1356, Beverly son. Hills, Calif. 90213.

august, 1971 36 Mrs. Mabel Maguire of Boylestown, scheduled to play the 3/ 44 Balcom & Pa. , reports that on June 22, the Wan­ Vaughn at the University of Cincin­ amaker Store organ in Philadelphia nati, which was donated that institution passed its 60th birthday. The lady who by ATOS member, Jack Strader last played it for 55 years, Mary Vogt, year. died in a Philadelphia nursing home * * * on March 2 at the age of 86. Now A near capacity audience at the New playing three half-hour concerts daily York State Fairgrounds Auditorium on the 33,000-pipe instrument is a fine near Syracuse on June 12, heard Eddie young artist, Keith Chapman. Baker in his second appearance at the 3 I 11 Wurlitzer maintained by the mus­ * * * eum-backed T.O. group. He played Organist Lyn Larsen put on a fine some solos, accompanied a sing-along, show for Essex County (Mass.) organ and provided the musical background enthusiasts on May 8, playing the huge for two silent movies: "Hollywood concert organ in Hammond Castle, Kids" and "The Strong Man", starring Gloucester. Choosing his program to baby-faced Harry Langdon. Eddie who Readers are encouraged to submit inter ­ take full advantage of the orchestral has played the latter movie four times, esting sidelights on the organ hobby (ex ­ organ , Lyn leaned toward the classics knew Langdon personally. Both par­ clusive of chapter news items ), material (French, Norwegian and German ro­ ticipated on a New York radio show they believe will be of general interest about local organ activities and installa ­ mantic era music) plus a reading of in the thirties, "Famous Fathers". tions and the people who work at the Eric Coates' descriptive and more hobby. We know "there's VOX POPS in theatrical "London Suite." Earlier, he them there chapters" and if only requires presented film score selections. For a Sc postcard to get it to VOX POPS those who find this concert a bit off the Editor, Box 5013 Bendix Station, North beaten path for the young man who has Hollywood, Calif . 91605 . built such a fine reputation as a theatre organist, remember his solid straight "I suppose I'm just a guy who likes organ foundation dating from his boy­ a challenge" replied organist Jack Lor­ hood (he didn't decide to switch to en when asked why he had chosen the T.O. until the ripe old age of 20). "unrecordable" 73-rank large scale Mol­ That's why its difficult to put much ler in the Los Angeles Shrine to record. credence in persistent rumors that Lyn With pipework in chambers a block Larsen has retired from the organ con­ apart, there is indeed a time lag and cert field, as his friends insist. Lyn­ acoustics problem in the 6600-seat say it isn't so! house. But by many all-night trial and * * * error microphone placement sessions Jack has come up with an ear catching Rosa Rio, Connecticut's dynamic gal AFTER THE FINAL ENCORE, George relaxes organist, continues a full schedule of amoog his well-wishers - and poses for the record of pop-standards , using mainly first flash photo allowed during the 7-concert the theatrical voices of the monster, concerts, school appearances, funerals, series. which hasn't been much in the news teaching, and student recitals, reports - Stufoto since George Wright played a very her hubby and business manager, Bill successful concert on it in the mid-'50s. Yeoman. On May 14 and 15, she play­ George Wright ended his 7-concert Many efforts have been made to cap­ ed a Rodgers before sold-out houses at series at the So. Pasadena Rialto thea­ ture the sound of the giant in grooves the Huntington Congregational Church tre in a blaze of glory on a Monday in but this is the first to reach the release in Shelton , Conn. , and on May 23, pre­ June. It was a sentimental time for stage. Jack, a long time pipe enthusiast sented a program for the Dover, New both organist and the large audience (he had a 2/10 Wurlitzer in his Berk­ Hampshire Kiwanis Club on a Ham­ ( which wanted an assurance of another eley, Calif. home in 1938), released mond. On October 30 and 31, she is such series) . The series has been a an earlier recording played on a good fine showcase for George, who revelled quality electronic. Sales provided the in the fan mail and spiced his concerts bread to finance the Moller project. with impromptu interviews with mem­ "Here 's a case of a plug-in supporting bers of his audience. On one occasion pipes," beams Jack. During recording an 11-year old girl was invited to come sessions Jack did a lot of touchup work down front and play. Without ever hav­ on the organ. He enjoyed once again ing been near pipes before she knocked working in the chambers. Posing be­ off a passable "Alley Cat" to George's fore a row of pipes nearly as fat as and the audience's delight. Throughout ocean liner funnels, Jack pressed a the series George maintained a run­ ning commentary with ex-carney gal pneumatic to produce a deep-throated Blanche Ehat who was in the front row roar from the unmitered 32' Bombarde. for every concert. He led the audience "That's my Tyrannosaurus love call," through many a "Happy Birthday" for said Jack. We'll swear the huge pipe all who had natal days during the leaned over and snapped at him. The month, and musically, each concert record is scheduled for late summer was more appealing than the last. Al­ mail order release, complete with JACK LOREN. A 73-rank monster with Mesozoic rumblings. ways in the audience was George's Tyrannosaurus voice. - Stufoto mother, Lulu , intensely proud of her

37 theatre organ talented son who often kidded her for marked VOX POPS. So if your item the audience's benefit. It was a time to hasn't hit print yet, be patient. We'll get to know George, for audiences, and get to it. Meanwhile, keep those un­ to appreciate the insidious sense of dated shorties coming. humor transmitted most effectively * * * through his music. During his closing In Siloam Springs (Arkansas), all show he paid tribute to the venerable those pipe organ-equipped pasta em­ "40 plus" 2/ 10 Wurlitzer (increased poriums pictured recently in these to 14 ranks for the series), which he pages, the ones which advertise "pipes described as "real beat," then admitted n pizza", made reader Hugh Lineback he was about as old as the organ "but wonder. If these beaneries had found I haven't been rained on as much." The the wind-blown music makers such an theatre chain is willing to go along with attraction, weren't the more modest another series for an obvious reason: calorie merchandisers, ones boasting George fills up the theatre-the only only tone generated music, missing time it enjoys such patronage. Things some spinoff promotion by not taking look good for a new series, contingent advantage of the vogue? Perhaps with mainly on the pull of George's other ROSANNE. A good first concert peppered with 'un-Forgette-able' prose. a motto such as "Ham'n Organ?" myriad activities in music. - Stufoto * * * Byron Melcher took the news stand­ nearly did it in as an instrument of ing up: after several happy years in popular entertainment during the '30s. Southern California (including a term One of the young organists who made as the L.A. chapter's Program Chair­ a spring debut this year is Rosanne man) his company was moving his base Forgette, 16, a pupil of organist Carol of operations to Chicago. Moving is Jones. Rosanne did her own MC-ing a horror to contemplate for the owner and not the least of her talents is an of a pipe organ but Byron, aided by unconscious ability to come up with a bevy of friends and well wishers, dis­ combinations of words reminiscent of mantled the 4-rank Robert Morton and Jane Ace, the radio comedienne who crated its parts for the long journey. "I was forever stupefying her long-suffer­ had to tear it down even before I could ing husband, Goodman, with such frac­ make a test record on it" mourned tured sayings as "You could have Byron, aloud. His wail was not unheed­ knocked me over with a fender!" While ed. It was, in fact, overheard q_yhelper giving out the credits to all who had Harvey Heck, who asked "why not MORE TO COME? Could be. helped make her debut (played on a make the record on my little squeaker?" Rodgers "Trio") possible, she was es­ That's how it started. Inside of a week, "The difficult we do immediately; pecially beholden to audio expert Dick Harvey had the 4/ 27 Wurlitzer the impossible takes a little longer" is Stoney, who was there only as a mem­ "squeaker" in his Tarzana home ready an old military slogan which might ber of the audience. The organ needed for recording and Concert Recording have come to mind when the U.S. Air some adjustments so Dick was called moved in with a load of equipment and Force Dept. in Washington sent out on, and rose to the occasion. But he prexy Bill Johnson, who pledged to buyers in search of a pressing of Billy wasn't quite ready for the credit given "put some bass in this one" (he'd had Nalle's "Big, Bold and Billy" album, him by girlishly enthusiastic Rosanne: a previous bout with the big beast planning to use it for an Armed Forces ". . . and special thanks to Dick Stoney several years ago) . In all, enough tunes Radio Service program (to be heard who voiced the combination pistons for for two platters were taped. The first worldwide). The assigned buyers re­ me!" We know what you mean, gal­ all set for release. Meanwhile Byron ported back that 10 Sears stores in the but how's that again? worried about ( 1) his scheduled ATOS District of Columbia had sold out their * * * convention concert and ( 2) Chicago shipments of the disc in five days. It No one got a bigger lift from our weather. was no news to Billy because similar THE CIRCUS IS COMING story sellouts had already occurred in mid­ (June issue) than its subject, Col. Harry Manhattan record shops. Not wanting J. Jenkins-who offers one correction: to miss out on a "first" (the USAF air­ Cornetist Merle Evans, leader of the waves have apparently never before Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey circus been modulated by T.O. sounds), Billy band for more than three decades, re­ saved the taxpayers $4.79 by dispatch­ tired some months ago. ing a "complimentary pressing." Those * having similar difficulties in locating a * ~ * VOX POPS' editor thanks all the pressing, can mail that sum direct to thoughtful folks who have contributed Project 3 Records, 1270 Avenue of the items, and regrets he can't generate all Americas, New York 10020. Just ask the "thank you" mail contributors de­ for "the Billy Nalle record." serve; limited writing time ( and abil­ * * * ity!) must place articles for this mag Young artists continue to grasp the in the top priority box. It dosen't take torch and hold it high, thus insuring long for the circa 10 letters received the organ against the kind of disinterest, daily to pile up and we are even behind HARVEY & BYRON. The 'squeaker' came through with plenty of bass. neglect and abandonment which very on the reading of them-except those - Stufoto august, 1971 38 Youthful organist Mike Ohman was most organists had two feet-why not The driver repeatedly fed inane re­ about to realize the dream of all pipe use them on the pedals? No need to marks into his PA system, and the fans-to own playing pipes. He had wear out only one's le/ t sole and the occupants of the bus were in near finally bought an available 3-manual C and G pedals, chided the Harvard hysterics. For example, when ascend­ Wurlitzer and had collected enough alumnus--.turned-theatre organist. Ken ing the hill, the high school was point­ parts to assemble a 17 ranker. He had was impressed and started some right ed out. But the closer the bus got to the works stashed in a Montclair foot exercises but in the mag's next the top of the hill, the farther away (Calif.) garage. His employer, a music issue was an asbestos backed bit of from its destination it went. Several retailer, had approved installation of vituperation in the LETTERS column cruises about the block were necessary the organ in his Montclair store, and from a gal organist. She took Del to before pulling up to the door. On an­ things were looking up. Mike had al­ task for even suggesting the upsetting other bus, the driver had to pause most forgotten that application for a of one's "technique" by such an un­ momentarily to consult a street map. scholarship-until the letter came; he necessary idea as two-footed pedaling. Detroit had its restaurant problems, had been awarded a scholarship to To prove Del wrong she had demon­ New York its stalled subway train, and Brigham Young University in Utah. So, strated before a group of her students Seattle had its uncertain route up Queen the organ had to be disposed of, and and had, by her own admission, fallen Anne Hill. These are the little things rather hastily. After making numerous on her face. "See-it aint practical. For­ which make ATOS conventions mem­ attempts to sell it as an instrument get it!" She warned. What amused Ken, orable and entertaining. (no takers), Mike was forced to sell it who now plays a Conn 605 a.s WKY­ for parts. TV's staffer in Oklahoma City, is the * * * gall of the gal in admitting to all the * * * mag' s readers her own shortcomings. A cute twist marked the Andy Crow As Ken remembers, her name was concert at the Calvary Temple. Like It couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Liberace, who features candelabra atop Just as he finished the final segment of A velyn Kerr-probably the same dizzy dame who authored the reprint of "A his piano, Andy brought out a stuffed his triple play concert at the Old Town crow to display atop the organ console. Music Hall in El Segundo, Calif., Tom Woman's Place in the Theatre" in the June issue of this mag. Meanwhile, Del As he explained, one of the students in Hazleton learned that he had been his school decided that he should have selected to concertize for Rodgers Or­ Castillo is still traversing the pedal­ board as a biped with good efject-45 something to identify his organ playing. gans at the Annual Home Organ Fes­ His father went out and gunned down tival to be held at Asilomar ( near Mon­ years after being warned "it's no good!" Some guys never learn. 4 crows with one 12-gauge shot. One terey), Calif., Sept. 26 to 30. A few of them was processed by a taxidermist, .miles away in his Woodland Hills home, * * * provided with a standard, and given to Bill Thomson was beaming over a sim­ A recent NET playhouse TV biog­ Andy. A little costume of top hat, ilar invitation. Meanwhile Stu Green raphy of British composer Frederick diamond-studded tie, and. coat adorns and bride Peg Nielsen had accepted the Delius reveals that two organists the bird, and Andy says there will be assignment of writing and publishing strongly influenced the man and his several changes of costume for Andy the Festival's daily "Parlor Organ Of­ music-and one was a theatre organ­ Jr. ficial Press" (P.O.O.P. Sheet, for short) ist. As a youth Delius was shipped to * * during Festival week. Information Jacksonville, Florida, by his music­ * about the Annual Home Organ Festiv­ hating father, to learn the citrus fruit Emil Velazco, who once played one al, including a registration blank, may business. But Frederick quickly found of the triple consoles in New York's be had for the price of a postcard a teacher, a church organist named Roxy, now works and lives in Buenos addressed to H.O.F., Box 248, Alam­ Thomas Ward, who did much to shape Aires, Argentina. It is possible that Mr. eda, Calif. 94501. the lush and moody Delius style of Velazco might know the whereabouts orchestral composition. Toward the end of former New York organist, Raoul of his career, a blind and paralyzed del Toledo de Galvao, who was known Delius was aided by youthful theatre professionally as Paul Brass and played organist Eric Fenby (he is first pictur­ such houses as the Grand Opera, the ed in the teleplay cueing a Laurel and Cedarhurst, the RKO Chester and Hardy comedy on a drawknob straight soloed for the Keith circuit in the New organ). Delius dictated some of his York area. He sometimes substituted finest compositions ( e.g. "A Song of for Mauro-Cottone at the Capitol. Brass Summer") to Fenby between 1924 and once shared a lunch of cold turkey legs 1934, when the composer died. Thus a with organist Eddie Baker, eating them theatre organist can be credited with in a nearby cemetery, because "the transcribing music which has enriched place is the quietest around here." many a symphony concert, music which without his 10 year devotion to * * * Delius, might have been lost. The one­ time theatre organist is now a professor Midwest theatre organist, John Muri, at London's Royal Academy of Music. between concert dates, is busily engaged TOM HAZLETON.Good news is worth a smile. in collecting information and photos * * * necessary for the writing of his biog­ - Stufoto The charter bus- drivers at the con­ raphy which will appear in these pages. vention were a superb lot-courteous, He informs nugget-snatcher Klos that Organist Ken Wright was just start­ knowledgeable-and amusing. The trip it will be a big one, as he kept a diary ing as a movie cuer when he read an up Queen Anne Hill for the High of his activities, complete with dates, article in a mid-'20s music magazine School program turned into a laugh during the Golden Era of the theatre by Lloyd def Castillo suggesting that riot, especially for those in bus #21. organ.

39 theatre organ also repainted black. The other manual will be repainted in the summertime. The reversible is on its final stages of operation. The nine pistons were HighSchool Organ Speaks Again cleaned of the tarnish on their contacts. Closing the school year , Dan is checking and patching minute airleaks The 2/ 13 Rosary Hour Organ at St. and eliminate the heavy burden of cart­ and sometimes rarely, a cipher. To help Francis High School in Athol Springs , ing the pipes to and from the chamber. get the organ in its final stage of per­ New York, is once again "piping out" The Oboe was more "oboe-ized" while fection , a technician from a local organ its beautiful voice. The organ was orig­ the diapason (swell) was increased in company came to get the organ in PER­ inally installed in the Gothic styled volume. The chimes (tubes) were taken FECT tune. Dan has many plans for Chapel by the Hall Organ Company in down , polished , and then put up back the future which will enhance the size 1928. This organ was heard by many to the position , orginally set. The air and quality of the organ. radio listeners of Father Justin's Rosary pouches required work as did the con­ Hour. In recent years, however, the sole chime setterboard and contacts. So, the Rosary Hour Organ speaks program moved its broadcasting facil­ The swell shades are undergoing repair again, not only with a dignified and ities to a new location. and repatching work. Nine are now solemn church voice , but with a fairly working, contrary to the one when Dan sharp theatrical voice . D Dan Tenerowicz, a freshman at the started. high school, became interested in the The last chamber in the chest is the RANK ANALYSIS organ. He asked for permission to sub-chamber. This chamber is below the undertake this restoration project. When 1. Tibia / Flute 55 pipes pedal, 16' & 8' swell and great chambers and contains 2. Bourdon 73 pipes pedal and the permission was granted, an inspec­ the two reservoirs , a tremulant , three (pedal is an ext. from swell) swell, 16' tion of the organ took place. Air leaks , offsets, and a combination action box. 3. Diapason (swell) 73 pipes swell, 8' 4. Viole Orch. 73 pipes swell, 8' ciphers, dead magnets, a dead tremu­ This chamber , like the others , was lant, "pretzled" pipes, out of tune pipes, 5. Viole Celeste 61 pipes swell, 8' never cleaned throughout its 42 years 6. Gedeckt 73 pipes swell , 8' silent chimes, loose contacts, a non­ of existence, so as a result accumulated 7. Flute Harmonic 73 pipes swell, 4' (metal) working combination action box, and the most dust. Thus work was extreme­ 8. Oboe 73 pipes swell, 8' (reed) 9. Diapason (great) 73 pipes great, 8' one out of the ten swell shades work­ ly dirty and difficult. After everything ing were the problems facing Dan. Still 10. Dulcianna 73 pipes great, 8' was cleaned up , the tremulant's air 11. Clarabella 73 pipes great, 8' he continued his ambition to work on pouch was releathered , also its speed in­ 12. Gamba 73 pipes great, 8' the organ. The Great chamber was creased . The Tibia Flute volume was 13. Octave 73 pipes great, 4' completely dismantled after two weeks increased slightly to add the depth need­ + 29 exterior pipes = 948 pipes TOTAL of removing all the pipes and their rank ed. Age and other factors have taken Couplers holders out from the organ itself. The their toll on the combination action box. pipes were cleaned inside and out, the Great / Pedal - 8' Electrical work and releathering is Swell / Pedal - 8', 4' magnet units each tested, and the needed to make it work once again. Swel l/ Swell - 16' , 4' chamber itself was cleaned and pol­ Since some of the air pouches still work Swell / Great - 16', 8', 4' ished. It was anything but clean on the Great / Great - 4' when some of the pistons are activated , outside of the organ chest. Pews were Dan has made use of them by adding Percussions occupied by pipes of every size and Chimes - 20 note, A to E percussions to them. These include a *Train Bell shape. After the pipes and the other train whistle (two shrill sounding pipes) , materials were back inside the organ , *Castanet a whistle, a bell, and a castanet. A crash *Train Whistle tuning was attempted. Since Dan was cymbal is well on its way to being add­ *Whistle Crash Cymbal - on way the sole worker , tuning was extremely ed on to the 2/ 13 organ. difficult and perfection could not be *operated via piston achieved. The console was rejuvenated by re­ Divisions finishing and by necessary repairs. The Swell - enclosed , 7 ranks, Diapason Now the Swell chamber was tackled. console itself was repainted black by Great - unenclosed, 5 ranks and 1 offset Pipes were cleaned and revoiced right Dan and accented with a brass trim. The (low CCC to FFF) Offset - unenclosed, 3 ranks; Tibia, Flute in the chamber so as to speed the work upper manual and pedal sharps were and Diapason FFF# to BBB

Great chamber. father Xavier Nawrocki and Dan Tenerowicz. Swell chamber.

august, 1971 40 to the wall of a club should we want to use it on a job. (Exterior siding and interior walls of a club could be re­ moved leaving the 2 x 4 studs intact to provide swell opening a.ccess - relatively easy to replace if the job were to end.) A rustic chalet was built for the console and piano across the garden and grove from the pipe cham­ bers. This was a start, but it was slow going as Ken worked full-time as an Engineer at Mare Island Shipyard. We play organ and accordion duos every Saturday and Sunday at Kleist's Heidel­ burg, a restaurant and dance hall north of Santa Rosa. So time to put her together was limited. by Doris Ensele Gerald Carver, our son-in-law, had from the beginning shown interest in Everyone, no doubt, has some kind discovered we had really laid an egg! the project. Gerry, being musically in­ of pipe dream and Ken's dream was to Circumstances now necessitated him clined, has played the trombone with own a pipe organ. We never thought selling his home. We started looking for the Army Services Orchestra in Ger­ there was the remotest possibility of another storage place which was then many, and so understood our desire to this dream coming true but when Bob urgent as the buyers of his home put "humpty-dumpty back together Jacobus reluctantly decided to sell the threatened to haul the Wurlitzer, bag again." He converted credulous interest Wurlitzer pipe organ (Opus 1334, and baggage, to the dump if we did not into donated energy, painted the cham­ Style F) he had tenderly extracted from act with haste in removing her. As it bers, helped build the redwood chalet, the State Theatre in Monterey, Califor­ was then the middle of winter and too taped and textured the walls and then nia, Ken jumped at the chance and muddy to get a large truck in, we topped it off with a shake roof! This bought her. were in a dilemma. effort is interspersed with visits to the Heidelberg with his parents from Spo­ We very soon discovered that it is Then came the offer from the owner one thing to own a Wurlitzer and quite kane, Washington, and, more frequently of Lund's Nursery in Napa. They had with friends. another to find a place to put her. We storage space where we could put her. then had plans of remodeling and en­ With their help and use of their pick­ larging our home, in Napa, California, ups, she was again uprooted and moved but this was a long way off. to a shed in the nursery, another 14 Our friend suggested a storage place miles. You can't expect anyone to store in a defunct food market building which such a massive accumulation forever, was being leased by his relatives as a and as they had planned some renova­ storage place for furniture. He assured tion, it became obvious that the huge Ken that it would be quite all right to heap must be moved again. move the Wurlitzer in, as they used only a small portion and did not need What to do? Our poor Wurlitzer was the extra space. Everyone was willing getting her pipes battered and bruised and enthusiastically helped move the and beginning to feel insecure with no monstrous pile of pipes and parapher­ permanent home. This had to stop and nalia from Bob's place in Vallejo to we decided to make a place for her at the market in Napa , a distance of about our home where she belonged. At first, 15 miles. All was fine except for one we thought of building a storage shed minor detail. The friend had inadver­ large enough to house her. But when we Son-in-law, Gerry Carver, putting the finishing touches on the roof of the Console Chalet. tently forgotten to ask his relatives ' noticed some cupolas nearby, we had a permission and when they encountered brainstorm. Why not have an outdoor Others whose efforts were helpful the bowels of the organ piled in a organ? We could build outdoor cham­ were John Northern, Loren Stratton, mountainous heap they hit the ceiling bers so constructed that they could be Ed Hall, John Hall and Andrew La­ and demanded its immediate removal. put on wheels and moved if desired. On our three acres , we had a beautiful Casse who were hired to lend their skills Upon hearing of our predicament , grove of redwood trees, complete with in this work, wiring, console refinishing the owner of an airport in Sonoma a running brook, in which the organ and building. Our friend Don Ventur­ about 14 miles away , said he had a could be located. Using redwood lum­ ino, a local organist, graciously lent us chicken house and no chickens at his ber , Ken built two chambers placed end his pickup and help in our mad home and would be glad to let the Wur­ to end. The shutters for Main and Solo scramble to get the organ settled. litzer move in. With the help of several chambers were placed side by side and Our task was complicated by the fact friends the move to Sonoma was ac­ are also covered in rough sawn redwood that many of the pipes could not stand complished, except for the console to match the rest of the structure. The the gaff and had become mutilated in which was moved into our house. whole assembly is mounted on 4 x 12 their frequent travels, some so badly All seemed to be well for awhile, but beams and can be raised and mounted bent they resembled hula-hoops. There when the owner built a new airport we on wheels , to be towed and placed next was much straightening and soldering

41 theatre organ The Console Chalet. Note that the console is on a movable platform so A view of the Solo chamber looking from the shades back over the main that it can be wheeled forward. Note gas heater behind console - organ chest. piano is to the right behind the folded doors.

Main chamber showing offset Flute and Diaphone in the background. A view of the organ chambers through the garden and picnic area. Main Blower is located just beyond the door. chamber on the left and Solo on the right.

to do but we finally completed this task The large pipes then were lugged in partly put back together again. without getting stuck in the pipes. They and planted in their proper sockets To connect the console to its innards were then stood in long rows, held by where they stood mutely at attention in the other building we had to go ropes to facilitate washing off the dust, waiting for their turn to speak. Then underground. First there were nearly grime and cuss words. followed the planting of scores and 800 wires, 85 feet long to be stretched Partly from old age and partly from dozens of smaller pipes of all sizes and out and marked, which constituted a lack of TLC when moved, the skin on shapes. They ranged from the obese 12½-mile hike back and forth; about her chests had become dried and tubas to the skinny violins. 770 times hurdling several unmovable wrinkled. So once again she was on In the meantime, our console was objects. the move like "Alice in Wonderland." ailing and in order to console her a Then came the ditch digging, burying The chests were sent by C-Line truck check up was arranged. This revealed of waterproof cable conduit and wind to Richard S. Villemin in Porterville, that she needed numerous operations line and tugging the bulky wire through California for re-leathering and repair. and several transplapts. Also, her upper the conduit. Then we got going great After the operation was completed, Ken and lower rows of teeth had to be re­ (soldering) guns to connect the hun­ pooled expenses on a U-Haul truck and capped. We carted poor Alice away to dreds of wires. drove to Porterville, hauling some of restore her to top condition. Unfor­ A huge snake of wind line spiraled Joe Chadbourne's Wurlitzer (Myrtle, tunately her convalescent location was from the blow hole of the blower into Opus 909-see THEATRE ORGAN, near a river which sprung its banks and the chambers, where it branched out Vol. II No. 2) down for repair and lapped its murky waters against her and the enormous nostrils were firmly hauling back Alice's revived chests, sides and bottom. She literally went to affixed to the chests. There was air to which were installed in the waiting Solo pieces and arrived home in sad shape. the pipes. They could breathe again. and Main chambers. She had to be re-screwed and glued and Tubas snorted, flutes piped and violins

august, 1971 42 RayBrubacher: Manof Many Talents

For the past dozen or so years the name of Ray Brubacher has been seen often in the pages of THEATRE OR­ GAN. As one of the associate editors, Ray has been responsible for major ar­ ticles on many important organ installa­ tions and some of the most factual and accurate reporting in the journal. Few people know that Ray is also a concert artist in our area. So after much anx­ Ken and Doris Ensele on the job at the Kleist's ious waiting, December 13, 1970, fi­ Heidelberg on the Old Redwood Highway north nally arrived and the chapter, together of Santa Rosa, California. The organ is an Artisan built up by Ken. with the general public, had the oppor­ tunity and pleasure of hearing him pre­ celested! We were in business, complete sent his third annual Christmas program with cipher, as one tibia screamed a at the George Washington Masonic protest and refused to be squelched. National Memorial in Alexandria, Vir­ Cats scampered and horses galloped ginia. The organ in the spacious main away but she screamed on. She had auditorium of the memorial is a Moller, some kind of problem and was letting three manual of forty ranks built in 1953. is the last such instrument to the world know about it. A close in­ It Ray Brubacher be equipped by the factory with an ar­ spection revealed that she had swal­ After awarding Ray a much deserved lowed a spider. The culprit was re­ tiste roll player which sees frequent use for visitors to the memorial. standing ovation, an appreciative audi­ moved and she ceased her complaining. ence recalled the artist to the console. Playing but ailing would best describe The purpose of this review is not to They just hadn't had enough. All in all, Alice at this point in time. Now came comment on every selection performed, his presentation of a program is one the painstaking detail work of adjusting but rather to make mention of the ver­ which makes the listener feel as if he contacts, replacing magnets and pneu­ satility of both organ and artist. The were an intrinsic part of it. His witty matics, building the parts to convert the instrument while of a concert organ in and interesting introductory remarks piano to organ current action, and so nature nevertheless contains all of the and comments do much to make a pro­ on far into the night. But she's coming necessary celestes, strings and tremu­ gram far more enjoyable than the usual . around - her convalescence is nearly lants to make music of a lighter nature straight-forward way most players offer over - soon now she'll be singing away playable on it. Ray's versatility as an their material. through the redwoods to the sounds of artist more than amply demonstrated Ray is active in recital and teaching the babbling brook! Judd Walton and this. For a program opener, Ray chose work in the Washington, D. C. area. Bob Jacobus provided invaluable coun­ Suppe's Light Cavalry Overture and Pupils have been on his waiting list as sel ("do it right the first time and do then followed with appropriate music long as a year and some travel a great it only once!") and much needed parts for the Christmas season by Pachelbel, number of miles for their lessons. This as they gallantly marched into action at Dupre, and Brahms. His improvisa­ speaks for itself. In addition to a very the slightest hint of difficulty. tions on familiar Christmas carols are busy schedule, he found time this past Great plans are in store as Alice soon most inspiring to hear. Then to please summer to head the rebuilding project joins the horses, cats and Ken and the younger listeners, he performed on the Wurlitzer organ in the Tivoli myself as a fun loving musical family! Leibert's ever popular Under the Christ­ Theatre in Frederick, Md. He is as mas Mistletoe or "Unter den Weinach­ □ much at home on the theatre organ as ten Mistel," Jessel's Parade of the he is on the classic instrument and feels Wooden Soldiers, and the most beautiful that the demise of the romantic organ and poignant setting of the Little Drum­ is a sad and needless waste being per­ mer Boy one could ever hope to hear. Moving. ? petrated by modern organ builders anx­ After a brief intermission to reset ious to please a small minority of so pistons, Ray returned to the console to called baroque enthusiasts who in all perform the Fantasy and Fugue on 'Ad probability have never heard such in­ PLEASESend Change nos ad salutarem undam' of Franz struments in their original settings. Liszt, a work of more than half an Besides writing for THEATRE OR­ of Addressto hour's duration and one which, as Ray GAN, Ray finds time to ride steam explained in his introductory remarks, locomotives, drive steam traction en­ ATOS Circulation Dept. could beautifully fit a good silent film gines and grow hybrid iris. We, the as it makes use of the organ in all Potomac Valley Chapter, and others Box 1314 modes from bombastic fire and brim­ from surrounding areas are looking for­ stone force, to lush and quiet passages ward to more programs and our mag­ Salinas, Calif. 93901 for celestes and tremulants and chimes, azine is indeed most fortunate in having all of which demand topnotch virtuoso the talents of this fine young man, Ray playing. Brubach er, at our disposal. D

43 theatre organ also helped arrange various T.O. events the A.G.O. in early July. About a dozen and concerts. ATOS members accompanied the con­ After much work by Aloha Chaps, vention to Honolulu. Among them were the first sounds were heard from the Al and Betty Mason, Dick and Helena organ in late May-after a two year Simonton, Dr. and Mrs. Phil Olson, silence-and they were welcome indeed! Sam and Charlotte Dickerson, and Gay­ Now, the usual adjustments are being lord Carter. made to get it in good shape for all to Informal concerts were given on both enjoy. Already , it's often being played Hawaii's T.O. 's and a morning Chapter before the show in the morning. reception drew about 50 people, includ­ With the organ's completion there ing many A.G.O. members. A surprise ••••••• ••••••• are, once again, two organs in theatres event was an impromptu hula by Olga in Hawaii-both 4/ 16 Robert Mortons. DeMello while her husband John, Ha­ There's also a 2/ 7 Robert Morton in waii's resident organist, was playing a VIll ~&"1..VIll the home of Aloh'a Chap Roger Angell. medley of Hawaiian numbers on the His organ probably has the distinction organ. •CHAPTERNEWS• of being the only T.O. in the world The highlight of all the activities was to be partially destroyed by a tidal Gaylord Carter's "Flicker Fingers" pre­ All news must be received at Box wave! ... but that's another story. sentation of Harold Lloyd's "Safety 2329, Livonia, Michigan 48150, by the In addition to working on an organ Last" at the Waikiki Theatre. In spite 1st of the month preceding publication. installation, Chapter members have been of the midnight showtime, the event busy fixing up a club-room. The Chap­ drew over 650 people. ter was given use of a large room back­ It's not often that the Aloha Chapter ALOHA CHAPTER stage on the second floor of the Hawaii can show its Hawaiian hospitality to The most ambitious chapter project Theatre. Located in what was once the other ATOS members, but when we yet has been occupying every spare chorus girls' dressing room , the room can , we enjoy it! So any ATOS mem­ moment for the last few months. Final­ was a real 'ugly duckling' when the bers who find themselves in Hawaii are ly, the reinstallation of a 4/16 Robert Chapter came upon it. It had been the invited - and urged - to look us up. Morton into the downtown Hawaii theatre chain's Art Department and was We'll "organ-ize" your vacation in the Theatre is nearing completion. Many covered with "spare" paint from floor islands. Aloha! of the chapter members have been in­ to ceiling-and then some! But a lot of LOWELL ANGELL volved continuously with the project, dedicated hands, elbow grease, and a putting in 10 to 12 hours a day. Head­ few material benefactors, have trans­ DAIRYLAND ing the entire effort has been Larry formed it into a comfortable, colorful McPherson, Aloha Chapter Chairman; meeting place , complete with some .:i.t­ Dave Olson , as always, played a stel­ assisted by Phil Walters. tractive second-hand furniture and the­ lar performance at the home of Mr. atre carpeting installed "wall-to-wall." and Mrs. Roger Wetterau in Menomo­ The organ was removed from the nee Falls, Wisconsin. It was Sunday , Princess Theatre ( where it was installed It's sure to be the scene of a lot of activity. April 25th and the monthly meeting of in 1922) shortly before the building's the Dairyland Theatre Organ Society. demolition in May, 1969. Since then, One of the first such events was con­ Among selections Olson played were problems with everything from the size nected with the Regional Convention of his ever popular "Tea for Two," a ren­ of the chambers ( too small!) to termites dition of "Tropicana" which Olson in the relays ( too many!) held up its stated Kay McAbee had just recorded installation. and some selections from West Side But Consolidated Amusement Co. , Stor y . Probably the greatest of the day owners of both the Hawaii and the old was when the artist did "A Time for Princess, as well as the Waikiki , came Us, " theme from "Romeo and Juliet. " to the rescue. Through the efforts of Dave Olson is a member of DTOS Bob Weeks , Director of Theatres, and and is always ready to play a concert John Traut , President , the company has when called upon. This, however , was been giving much assistance to the something different from the usual , the organ effort. Not only financial help , organ was a Hammond X-66 electric but also providing carpentry, ducting rather than the usual pipe organ. The and electrical work and much needed organ · which is the current pride of Aloha Chapter's new club room. material. The Aloha Chapter has been Hammond is capable of semi-classical, fortunate to have the help and co­ classical , as well as the jazz and enter­ operation of the theatre owners. So tainment in night clubs and restaurants. often, such is not the case in other In the Lake Geneva , Wisconsin area cities. It's also thanks to Consolidated many restaurants have the instrument Amusement that theatre organs are still for entertainment. It uses a 200 watt heard publicly in Hawaii. Through their tone cabinet containing horns and speak­ interest in keeping the T.O. alive, they ers to cover five channels of sound from feature John DeMello, Consolidated's which emerge the sounds of brushes, long-time staff organist, at the Waikiki maracas, cymbals and blocks. Some of Theatre every weekend evening. He's the sounds were not used in the type of undoubtedly one of the few staff theatre music Dave Olson played, among them organists in the country still employed the arpeggiator. The sforzando has the on a regular basis. The company has full-organ response. august, 1971 44 Century Organ Co. Tour holders poured into the theatre, the line appropriate parts of the ailing bearing On May 23rd at 2: 56 p.m. the Dairy­ at the box office continued to grow. (with many excursions to the 'head') land Theatre Organ Society were guests Some got tired of waiting and left their until John sounded his final chord, of Century Organ Company at their names in the lobby (for our mailing NEARLY 30 MINUTES AFTER 'new'* plant in Geneva, Ill. Peter Char­ list) and went home. THE MALFUNCTION WAS FIRST non and John Hill, owners of Century Shortly after 8 o'clock, as John Muri DISCOVERED. Organ, led a tour through the factory brought the Royal Oak Theatre's Bar­ Our gratitude and sincere thanks go demonstrating various facets of organ ton Pipe Organ up from the pit with a out to Mert Harris for his dedication construction, maintenance and rebuild­ rousing march, the box office opened beyond the call of duty in a situation ing. The group was highly impressed and some 73 standing-room tickets were which could have spelled disaster, but by John Hill's ability to slant his ideas sold to the first public concert of this resulted instead, in a seemingly flaw­ and suggestions to a theatre organ direc­ instrument in almost 40 years. less program that was enjoyed by the tion and explain some rather technical As indicated in the program, "The first standing-room-only audience the problems and solutions so they were Phantom of the Opera" began follow­ Royal Oak Theatre has had in many completely understood by everyone. ing intermission, with John Muri pro­ years. After the plant tour the chapter mem­ viding a musical introduction to the DON LOCKWOOD bers drove to St. Charles, a mile away. film. John's introduction, however, soon At the St. Charles Hotel Kay McAbee turned into a full-blown overture, as NIAGARA FRONTIER anxious chapter members awaited the played a program on the three-manual Personable Larry Ferrari's return beginning of the film, unaccustomed Geneva Organ followed by other mem­ visit to the Riviera on May 26 pub­ ( as are John Muri fans, but not the bers in an open-console session. This licly initiated our twelfth rank of pipes general public) to long film overtures. Geneva Organ was tuned by Century - 16' wooden diaphones. His program Organ especially for this program and Only after the picture finally ap­ consisted of many popular movie and the atmosphere of 'Old English' archi­ peared on the screen, was it learned by show tunes as well as traditional fav­ tecture was charming. some that the projection booth was in orites such as "Stars and Stripes" played Following the St. Charles program dire need of fuses, which the portable with :fife and drum. Larry's beautiful the group again returned to the factory 16mm arc projector ("The Phantom" renditions of "Roses of Picardy'' and for refreshments and a question and is available only on 16mm) was expir­ "Red Roses for a Blue Lady" found answer session. ing with great rapidity. Carol Piazza and your reporter dressed During a change of scene, shortly in floor-length gowns and picture hats * 'new'-this is the original Geneva Or­ after the film began, the screen remain­ handing roses to members of the audi­ gan Co. factory in a lovely wooded ed dark for what seemed too long a ence with one of our new and elegant setting. time. Although no one in the audience backdrops onstage. objected, another fuse had blown in the On June 16 Chicago's Tony Tahlman MOTOR CITY projection booth, and to put the picture performed at the 12-rank Wurlitzer back on the screen, the fuse controlling console for the first time. His reper­ The weather cooperated ( which in the lights in the booth itself was pressed toire was interesting and varied and was Michigan is unpredictable) for our into service, leaving the projection comprised of such unusual numbers as mid-March banquet with the Wolverine booth in near-darkness. Meanwhile, "The Green Door," "Quiet Village" Chapter at Cregar's Pickwick House in ushers were dispatched to the nearby ( complete with birds and mysterious Detroit. Bob Lilleyman provided dinner Washington Theatre to obtain emer­ sounds), and a terrific medley from music at the Conn theatre organ. gency fuses. "Jesus Christ Superstar." Tony, who is Bothered by a somewhat tipsy organ With intermission past and people also a railroad buff, gave us an extra bench during the first concert at the again settled in their seats, the final surprise - he accompanied a silent Royal Oak Theatre in February, Lew reel of the film proceeded, seemingly movie about trains in .Colorado. His Betterly made the surprise announce­ without incident. However, dirty work program contained several current pop­ ment that he had ordered a Howard was afoot far beneath the throbbing ular hits for the younger set. Seat for the Barton as his contribution sound emanating from the Royal Oak's SHIRLEY COLE to our restoration project. long silent pipe chambers. Lee Erwin returned to the Redford Theatre on April 20 for a presentation Well into the second reel, Bill Mur­ OHIO VALLEY of "My Best Girl." People are still talk­ dock notified Mert Harris that perhaps Climaxing the Ohio Valley Chapter's ing about the combination of Lee and all was not well, for he smelled some­ busiest year, the following officers were the Mary Pickford film. thing hot in the direction of the base­ elected June 29, 1971 at a dinner meet­ The organ at Christ Church Cran­ ment where the blower is located. Upon ing held at the Lookout House, Coving­ brook and the 2/ 7 Barton in the Cran­ investigation, Mert found the organ's ton, Kentucky. brook School Auditorium were heard power generator severely overheated, George V. Eaglin ...... Chairman played by chapter members the evening so much so that when he applied lub­ Leon E. Papenhaus ...... Vice Chairman of May 11. Recently adopted by the ricating oil to the generator bearing, it Glenn E. Meriam ...Secretary-Treasurer chapter as our fourth official restora­ went up in a puff of smoke. Sensing the The restoration of the former RKO tion project, hours of work by hard impending danger, should the bearing Albee 3/ 19 Wurlitzer and installation working members, including releather~ become so overheated that it might in its new home, Emery Auditorium, ing the reservoir, have made this instru­ freeze-up and cease to function, Mert has been the prime project of the chap­ ment playable once again. made for the nearby "head" and return­ ter during the past year. Meetings thus The line began forming at the box ed with water to pour over the laboring far in 1971 have featured genuine office of the Royal Oak Theatre long bearing. theatre backgrounds. before 7 o'clock the evening of May 25, Not knowing how much longer the The first of these was held at Mr. 1971. The program was scheduled to program was going to last, Mert con­ Fred Baum's Alpha Cinema in the begin at 8:00 P.M., and as ticket- tinued to pour water and oil on the Northside section of Cincinnati in Feb-

45 theatre organ ruary. Chapter member "Tote" Pratt the 2/ 8 Wurlitzer that was restored working on it have reason to feel proud furnished the console artistry for the last year by a crew of chapter mem­ of their accomplishment. The movie occasion on the Gulbransen Premier bers. Our guest artist was Lin Lunde, was preceded by a concert by Gaylord organ which was installed by the Bar­ a 16-year-old student of Eddie Weaver. and a Sing-A-Long. On the practical nett Organ & Piano Company. At times he has substituted for Eddie side, we made enough money to pay off A preview of "things to come" after on the Wurlitzer in the Byrd Theatre in our debts and have some left in the installation of the ex-Albee Wurlitzer Richmond, Va. Lin presented an inter­ organ fund for future contingencies. is completed, was given in April when esting program with several encores. The second event of note was a con­ members gathered for a Sunday after­ Open console concluded the meeting cert at the Portland Paramount on May noon of organ entertainment at Emery just before the afternoon feature. 23 at 10:30 a.m. Dick Schrum, our Auditorium. For this occasion Mr. Jack On April 14th at the Virginia The­ neighbor from Seattle, was the artist Schooley of the Schooley Piano & atre on Woody Wise's 3/ 11 Grande this time and he made himself right at Organ Co. had installed a 3 Manual Barton, was Ga3/lord Carter. The fea­ home on the console, playing a concert Conn Custom, a Conn Caprice spinet, tures were Harold Lloyd's "Sailor Made of familiar popular melodies. and a piano. For the Custom, the Man" and "Never Weaken." I believe We hope to have a large contingent speakers were placed in the balcony in Gaylord must have played some pipes at the convention in Seattle and to see the exact spots where the chambers that are seldom used-two cyphers-oh many familiar faces there. are to be built for the Wurlitzer in­ well, just play in the same key, zap on RACHEL ZENK stallation. Guest artist was organ pro­ the post horn and tuba, but it sure is ject manager, Herbert Wottle. Chapter hard on old dad's ears. 'Nuff said. Pub­ Chairman George Eaglin had hinted lic response was great. Several new SOUTH FLORIDA Herb had some surprises up his sleeve. members joined as a result of ATOS Ground breaking took place on May George himself turned out to be the being mentioned as helping hands. 19th, 1971, a momentous occasion, in surprise, joining Herb in some fine On April 30th a milkman's meeting prelude to the building of a "Little organ and piano duet work. at 11 p.m. Following a short business Florida Theatre" by South Florida The final meeting of the spring was meeting at the Virginia Theatre, we had Chairman Bob Andre, a builder and reviewed elsewhere in THEATRE OR­ Charlie Keaton as our guest artist at contractor. The location in southwest GAN and was held at Stan Todd's the Grande Barton Theatre Pipe Organ. Miami will be quite spacious and is ac­ Shady-Nook Restaurant in May. Gay­ To my knowledge he is not related to cessible from all directions. It will be lord Carter was the guest artist. Buster Keaton. Charlie is a man of erected as a facility to house the former HUBERT S. SHEARIN many talents having performed as a Jacksonville Florida Theatre Wurlitzer staff organist at various times for most style 260, with the addition of an en­ of the major networks on radio and larged four manual Kohl console POTOMAC VALLEY TV: at present a teacher whose talents which Mr. Andre has been rebuilding On the weekend of February 28th are in great demand in the Alexandria, for some time. The entire facility is we found several members in Bedford, Va. area. owned by Mr. Andre, but will be a Va. where a Hillgreen & Lane Theatre On June 13th an open house meeting Chapter project at organ time. The Organ was located in a church. While was held at the studio of Doug Bailey, building will also be able to handle there, member Norman Thibeault's in­ our assistant at the console of his 2/ 11 group gatherings of any sort. spection convinced him this was the Moller. Mrs. Bailey and daughter served G. w. GERHART instrument in his home. Purchase com­ as hostesses. A short business meeting pleted, it was moved about 225 miles was held which evolved into a 1972 r.orth to Bryan's Road, Md. convention meeting. I might say that On the night of March 5th and 6th plans are proceeding. Several artists about a dozen members of Christ have agreed to perform and a number Methodist Church, Newport News, Va. of instruments have been promised for moved their 2/ 9 Lewis & Hitchcock feature parts of the program or open Organ from storage in the Virginia house. Theatre. While the loading was going on Jimmy Boyce and Edith Evelyn At the Virginia Theatre on June 16th took their turn at the console of the was a silent movie entitled "The Be­ Grande Barton Theatre Pipe Organ loved Rogue" starring John Barrymore which is installed in the Virginia The­ with Lee Erwin at the console of the atre. Has anyone ever heard of an Grande Barton Theatre Pipe Organ. instrument being moved with live pipe GEORGE R. JoHNSON organ music? Installation was made by about seven or eight church members who had never worked on a pipe organ OREGON CHAPTER before, supervised by chapter member The first six mCnths of 1971 were .?. K. Johnson. Three months later on notable for the Oregon Chapter of June 6th the organ was presented to ATOS for two events. First, the dedi­ Chapter Chairman Bob Andre and wife Vivian the church by the Methodist Men's cation of the restored Benson High break ground for new building to house Wur­ litzer 260, formerly in Jacksonville's Florida Club and was played for the first time. School Kimball Pipe Organ on Sunday, Theatre. It would be hard to say who had the March 28. We had the old pro, Gay­ biggest smile-the members who did the lord Carter, playing for what had to work or the congregation. be two of Harold Lloyd's funniest SOUTHEASTERN Saturday morning March 20th Chap­ movies, "Sailor Made Man" and "Never Dolton McAlpin, celebrated organist ter members arrived at the Tivoli The­ Weaken." The organ sounded wonder­ and recording artist, presented a special atre in Frederick, Md. to see and hear ful and those who spent many hours concert at the Atlanta Fox, Sunday,

august, 1971 46 May 23, for the Southeastern Chapter meeting. The free concert was enjoyed by almost 100 enthusiasts - many of whom traveled from other states for the - CLASSIFIEDADS - event. Classified ads are carried at 20 cents per word, per insertion. "Georgia On My Mind" began Mc­ No charge for first ten words for members. Alpin's concert at stage level in the cavernous atmospheric house. The first WANTED - All Wurlitzer: Oboe horn, Don't buy my Wurlitzer 2M/ 6R organ un­ half of the presentation was marked brass trumpet, brass sax, post horn, and less: you've always wanted the real thing , with a sentimental vignette of two tra­ top 3 octaves of standard large scale toys and traps, incl.; you're handy; you've ditional American ballads, "Swing Low, tibia. Mike Foley, Box 66, Buckland Sta­ space for her. Mostly releathered. A buy Sweet Chariot," and "Shenandoah." At tion, Manchester, Connecticut, 06040. at $2,000.00 you carry. Charles E. Drexler, 203-646-4666. 22 Watson Lane, Setauket, New York times the Fox Moller, under McAlpin's 11733. 516 - 941-9315. deft touch, sounded much as the Radio WANTED - Late model Wurlitzer "235," City Music Hall Wurlitzer when Rich­ "260," or 4-manual - complete. T. Gor­ FOR SALE-Everything for large tube ard Leibert is in command. don Young, 5106 Manning Drive, Be­ type Artisan Organ. Too much to itemize . After a brief intermission , the or­ thesda, Maryland, 20014, (301) QL 4-6627. Please send for list of sacrifice prices. Also a 1863 Decker, Square Grand Piano. W. ganist played "Begin The Beguine" - FOR SALE: Rodgers Theatre Organ, Trio Norman, 1734 Kaweah Dr., Pasadena , rendered in a fascinating rhythmic 321. Two years old. New cost $8,420, Calif. 91105. treatment and altogether new to that sell for $5,500. F. W. Mann, 9517 Central composition. The essence of the Rd., Des Plaines, Illinois 60016, (312) FOR SALE-Moller 3/ 16 Theatre Organ 296-2608. No. 5214. Complete with 7 percussions. "conga" that swept thirties dance lines Recently playing, now stored in Florida . into orbit was the musical setting for Newport Organs, 1593 Monrovia Ave., the Cole Porter romance. Included in FOR SALE - Theatre Organ Rodgers Newport Beach, Calif. 92660. (714) 645- 33-E. Perfect condition. Save $8,400. 1530. the program was a good sampling of Write R. G. Otto, 618 Eberwhite Blvd., the Jackson, Mississippi native's favor­ Ann Arbor, Mich. 48103. FOR SALE-190 Kimball 6 Rank church ites, many of which have been recorded pipe organ in reasonable condition-needs on two issues for Concert Recordings FOR SALE-Wicks' ORGAN BUILDING some work. Electrified modern console . ( at the Baton Rouge Paramount's FOR AMATEURS. 287 Pages. $10.00 $2,600.00. G. M. Crosby, Box 513, Wal­ postpaid. Organ literature Foundation, lace, Idaho 83873. Robert Morton organ). Braintree, Mass. 02184. "Till There Was You ," the Music FOR SALE-100 Wurlitzer magnets com­ Man hit, closed McAlpin's stint on the FOR SALE-MORTON, 2m/ 5r, chimes, plete even with nails. 25 Robert Morton Fox Moller. Audience response was harp. Call G. Armerding, Los Angeles, magnets-complete. Packed in styrofoam 213-670-5534. case. Will not break whole lot. $55.00. marked with generous applause as it William D. Manley, RFD 1, Box 657, viewed the instrument and heard a new Stockbridge, Georgia 30281. master of its 42 ranks as he descended FOR SALE-Demonstrator theatre pipe organ, 2 manual five ranks. Built 1968. into the Fox pit. Johnson Organ Co., Inc., Box 634, Moor­ FOR SALE-One Kinetic Blower with "Just Like the Old Days" head , Minnesota 56560. Serious inquiries motor: Cu. Ft./min-500 at 4"; RPM- only. 1165; 110 volts; Style-204 M $50.00. One Although Lee Erwin's presentation Simplex Organ Blower with Robbins gen­ of "Wings" at the Atlanta Fox on May erator and motor HP-¾; RPM-1750; FOR SALE-Residence Pipe Organ-3M/ Pressure 6". $50.00. George R. Smith, R.R. 6 was not an ATOS event, the South­ 19 rank-chimes, Resiner console, comb. 1, Box 139 C, Vincennes, Indiana 47591. eastern Chapter was allowed exhibit action, relay and switches. Organ in excel­ space in the theatre lobby for a huge lent condition-is in storage. Best offer UNIQUE RECORD available! 7", 33 billboard of blinking lights proclaim­ over $4,750.00. J. H. Doyle, 149 N. Seneca RPM, Stereo record of 3,200 people sing­ Road, Oak Ridge, Tenn. 37830. ing the American Theatre Organ So­ ing along with Roger Garrett at the Mighty Morton 4/22 in Columbus' Ohio ciety. RECORD - "Midnight At The Centre", Theatre. Fund-raising effort to provide May Ireland, chapter chairman Paul Wesley playing the 3/28 Kimball at funds to restore 3/13 Wurlitzer from Col's Tommy Teaver, Charles Walker, John the Centre Theatre, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Palace Theatre. To cover purchase, post­ McCall, and Bobby Clark were on hand $4.95 Stereo only. Send check or money age, tax, send $2.30 to Central Ohio order to: Paul Wesley, P. 0. Box 8442, Theatre Organ Society (ATOS), 4642 Mus­ to welcome Fox patrons, to sell records Minneapolis, Minnesota 55408. ket Way, Columbus, Ohio 43228. for Erwin and former Fox staff organ­ ist, Bob Van Camp, and to distribute 1,000-plus handouts on information Following many weeks of effort de­ theater to produce a most awesome about the club. voted to the restoration of the 4/ 36 effect. The greeters - some tuxedoed for Crawford Special, Wolverine chapter The audience of over 500 enthusiasts the occasion - were unexpected by members were elated to hear a magni­ a warded John a standing ovation in most, causing many to remark, "Well ficent concert played on an equally recognition of a highly impressive just like the old days!" magnificent instrument. John Muri has experience. JoHN CLARK McCALL been termed a Dean of the Theatre Later on, Wolverines adjourned to Organ, and the skill which he displayed the Detroit Theater Organ Club where Chairman Gary Montgomery had re­ on this occasion testified to the authen­ WOLVERINE served the facilities for the afternoon. ticity of the title. He has mastered the The ancient adage which informs us Its 4/ 34 Wurlitzer was introduced by that Anticipation exceeds Realization technique of playing one chamber John Muri, and then placed in the was disproved on Sunday morning, against the other for a true stereo effect; hands of capable members who added May 23, when John Muri's Victory at he orchestrates as much as any sym­ a series of encores to a day of musical Sea became a Victory at the Detroit phonic conductor; and he takes advan­ memories. Fox. tage of the tremendous reverb in that BETTY HEFFER

47 theatre organ BILL'S RODGERS

This is Bill Thomson.

This is Bill's new Rodgers.

Bill bought a Rodgers Custom 340. He plays it in his home.

Play, Bill, play.

Hear Bill play his new Rodgers Custom 340. Buy his new record, "Moonlight Sonata", just released by Lift Music (P.O. Box 663, West Covina, CA 91790). Then, buy a new Rodgers Custom 340 for your very own.

ORGAN COMPANY 1300 N. E. 25th Avenue, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123