TheatreOrgan Bombarde

JOURNALof the AMERICANTHEATRE ORGAN ENTHUSIASTS

august 1968

1968 CONVENTION ISSUE

Pages 5 thru 9-Pictures pages 16-17 New Wurlitzer Theatre Organ

The modern Theatre Console Organ that combines the grandeur of yesterday with the electronic wizardry of today. Command performance! Wurlitzer combines the classic Horseshoe Design of the immortal Mighty Wurlitzer with the exclusive Total Tone electronic circuitry of today. Knowledge and craftsmanship from the Mighty Wurlitzer Era have produced authentic console dimensions in this magnificent new theatre organ. It stands apart, in an instru­ ment of its size, from all imitative theatre organ • Dual system of tone generation • Authentic Mighty Wurlitzer Horseshoe Design designs. To achieve its big, rich and electrifying • Authentic voicing of theatrical Tibia and tone, Wurlitzer harmonically "photographed" Kinura originating on the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ voices of the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ to • Four families of organ tone serve as a standard. The resultant voices are au­ • Two 61-note keyboards • 25-note pedal keyboard with two 16 ' and thentic individually, and when combined they two 8 ' pedal voices augmented by Sustain blend into a rich ensemble of magnificent dimen­ • Multi-Matic Percussion ® with Ssh-Boom ®, Sustain, Repeat , Attack , Pizzicato , and sion. Then, to crown the accomplishment, we Bongo Percussion incorporated the famous Wurlitzer Multi-Matic • Silicon transistors for minimum maintenance Percussion ® section with exclusive Ssh-Boom ® • Reverb, Slide, Chimes , and Solo controls • Electronic Vibrato (4 settings) that requires no special playing techniques, • Exclusive 2 speed Spectra-Tone ® Sound Pizzicato Touch that was found only on larger pipe in Motion • Two-channel solid state amplifiers, 70 watts organs, Chimes and Slide Control ... and dozens total distributed output of other features that no other organ can offer. • 8 speakers (two rotating) • Theatre furniture styling in walnut or See ... hear .. . play this magnificent organ today. antique white and gold URLI ZER means Music to millions pianos • organs • electronic pianos • guitars • stereos • band instruments. DeKalb, Illinois 60115 AMERICANt nu". •~ :::- • .... -A..4cTY THE COVER PHOTO -ARCHIVESLIBRARY

GEORGE WRIGHT, our cover subject for this issue , certainly needs no introduction to organ buffs nor, more surprisingly, even to most of TheatreOrgan the general music-loving public-such is his sta ­ ture in the music world. In appreciation of his two concert appearances at the 1968 Conven­ tion , TOB salutes George Wright with this color cover portrait , taken at the Rialto Theatre con­ Bombarde sole following his concert there . As the lady from the balcony put it that evening, "We love you , George ." Volume l 0, No. 4 - PHOTO : Bill Lamb

A . T . 0 . E. N ational Member ship is $7 .00 per year , which includ es a subscription to THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARD£, the official publicati on of the American 'SWAN SONG' - SCHRUM Theatre Org an Enthu siasts. Single copies : S 1.25 . Make check or money order payable tO A. T. 0. E., We have a new chief, and a good one, too. We are sure to expect a and mail to P. 0. Box 2329 , Livonia , Mich . 48150 . continued forward thrust under the leadership of President ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION Al Mason, with the assistance of two outstanding officers: EXCEPT ADVERTISING Vice President Richard F. Kline, Jr., as fine a right arm as could SHOULD BE SENT TO A. T. 0 . E. PUBLICATIONS P. 0 . BOX 74 04, BITTER LAKE STATION be desired; and Sec'y-Treas. Dorothy MacClain, the "Second Time SEATTLE, WASHINGTON 98 13 3 Around" in this office, which speaks for itself. The excellent staff will ADVERTISING ADDRESS : Dewey Cagle, 3291 remain the same with the exception of the new l st Sgt., Guido St . , Oakland , Californ ia 94 602 . Betty Mason, National Secretary. (See masthead for new National Hq. Address.) Congrats, Kids! The Board of Directors election was an extremely tough one for A. T. 0. E. National Officers everyone. The slate of nominees was gratifyingly large, but each Albert T. Mason, President nominee was well qualified for the post of National Director. Richard F. Kline, Jr., Vice President Our hearty congratulations to the new Board members: Fred Kruse, Betty Mason, Secretary Ben Hall, Lee Erwin, and Dottie MacClain (re-elected). Our Doroth y MacClain, Secretary-Treasurer heartfelt thanks to all who demonstrated their interest and concern for A. T. 0. E. National Board of Directors ATOE by appearing on the ballot. Lee Erwin Congratulations also to the Honorary Member for 1968-69, Dick W. "Tiny " James Simonton, whose name was the only one offered and consequently Richard F. Kline, Jr. Frederick J. Kruse passed unanimously. Dick's contributions to ATOE have been, to put Ben M. Hall it mildly, many-fold. Dorothy J. MacClain Last, but not least, thanks from everyone to the Los Angeles Chapter, Allen W . Rossiter the 1968 Annual Convention host; Dick Simonton, Chapter Chairman, Erwin A. Young , Jr. and Bob Carson (01' Weary), Convention Chairman. This was an Richard H. Schrum , Honorary outstanding festival of organ music. A. T. 0. E. Honorary Members This is the last time that my mug and prose will show up on this 1959- Jesse Crawford page. Marilyn and I wish to thank all of the staff, officers, and 1960 - Famy Wurlitzer Directors, along with the many, many members who have 1961 - Mel Doner assisted us throughout our two years as National President and 1962 - Leonard MacClain Secretary. We have seen a spectacular growth in membership and 1963 - Eddie Dunstedter chapters. Just as important is the surge of interest by the general 1964 - Reginald Foort 1965 - Dan Barton public in our activities and goals. 1966-W. "Tiny" James It seems obvious to me that there is only one direction in which to 1967 -Erwin A. Young Jr. move: forward. We must not bog down in an apathetic, 1968 - Richard C. Simonton introverted state. But moving forward costs money. Our finances EDITORIAL STAFF have to keep pace with the national economy. Expenses fluctuate Publications Director-Tom Kaasa from year to year, depending largely upon convention-connected costs. Advertising Manager-Dewey Cagle With our present dues structure, the treasury remains at an average Circulation Manager-Vi Thompson even zero. Some stop-gap cut could be made, but not enough to THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE provide for adequate service to the membership and chapters Editor - George Thompson and exploration of new avenues of promotion so vital to our aims. It would be tragic to compromise our excellent publication, Theatre Associate Editors -Ray Brubacher Lloyd Klos Organ Bombarde, which is our only concrete representative. ATOE Peg Nielsen has gone through infancy and adolescence and, despite being in Editor-Emeritus-W. "Stu" Green its teens, is now facing maturity. Let's all support our new officers and GO! ;:.. ::- ::- It has been a great two years. Thanks. THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARD£ ( title registered u. s. Patent Office) is published bi-monthly by the Amer­ ican The atre Org an Enthu siasts, Inc ., a non - profit organization, Albert T. Mason , Pre sident . All rights reserved. Entire contents copyrighted 196 8 by A . T . 0 . E., In c. Office of public ation is P. 0 . Box 74 04, Bitter Lake Station , Seattle , W as hington 98 133. Printed by Univer sity Print ing Co., Seattle . POSTMASTER: Second Class postage paid at Seattle, Washington. IF UNDELIVERABLE, send form 3S79 to Dick Schrum, President A.T.O.E. Circulation Dept., Box 1314, Salinas, Calif. 93901.

3 theatre organ bombarde By Bill Peterson, Number 11 in a series RIALTO THEATRE-JOLIET, ILLINOIS Another fabulous theatre from the drawing boards of Rapp and Rapp of Chicago, with a capacity of nearly 3,000. Leo Terry was featured at the 4-manual, 21-rank Barton organ at the opening in late 1926. One of the outstanding features of the Rialto is the beautiful lobby rotunda. The house is still operating, and the Barton organ has been used for many concerts.

august 1968 4 CONVENTION DIARY 1968!

LOS ANGELES, 13-16 JULY

Selection of the Ambassador Hotel as headquarters for ATOE's National Con­ vention in Los Angeles was a most ap­ propriate location for an organization such as ours. This sprawling edifice was built in the middle 1920's as a posh social center for Grove and s e r v e d there many years. tions without j am m i n g any one at a the glamorous stars and satellites of the ( This organ was later moved to Radio time. On the whole it worked well, al­ silent screen. At the time of construc­ WHEC, Rochester, N. Y., and then be­ though one bus driver made a wrong tion, the area surrounding the hotel came the property of Dick Hull. (See turn and would have ended up in Ba­ property was covered by homes of the Volume VII, No. 4 of Theatre Organ kersfield, a hundred miles away, except movie colony ( this was before the Bev­ magazine, Winter 196 5. ) The other in­ for an alert member who, knowing the erly Hills section was built up) and the strument was a 2-5 Morton, installed in area, pointed out the error. This group hotel, upon opening, became the "place the hotel's small theatre. The disposition received a grand tour of the extensive to be seen." The bungalows on the hotel of this instrument is somewhat clouded. Burbank-Van Nuys area, but heard very gr o u n d s were designed as \fesidences, The theatre itself was probably the first few theater organs on their initial with hotel service, and housed many of true "Art" house in the country. "crawl." the big names of the movie industry. Without a doubt many ATOE con­ The annual banquet, held at the Co­ At one time a private zoo was located ventioneers, especially the younger mem­ coanut Grove on Sunday evening, nearly at the Ambassador. The zoo contained bers, were unaware that practically all filled the famous room. many trained animals which were used of Hollywood's silent stars were habitues Ben Hall was official M.C. of the pro­ by the producers of pictures. of the Ambassador. While the famous gram with his usual good humor and The swimming pool and diving people were making news at the hotel, appropriate remarks. ATOE's President boards have been used hundreds of times their movies were being accompanied Dick Schrum conducted the business for sequences in movies. Other facili­ throughout the w or l d by the instru­ portion, announcing the newly elected ties, such as the lobby, arcade, and the ments we, the A TOE, are now striving National Direcrors, Lee Erwin, Fred Cocoanut Grove have also appeared ex­ to preserve. Kruse, Ben Hall, and Dorothy MacClain. tensively in movie sequences. It was upon this scene of nostalgia President Schrum then n a m e d the The Cocoanut Grove has been the and glamour that the A TOE descended honorary member of the year as being scene of many of Hollywood's most on July 13, 1968. Richard Simonton. This statement lit­ glamorous parties which were h i g h l y Arriving at the Los Angeles Chapter's erally brought down the house with ap­ publicized by the nation's press. The registration desk, it was soon evident plause. Simonton was one of the organ­ most auspicious occasions were the many that Bob Carson, Convention Chairman, izers of National ATOE ( the initial Acade~y A ward presentations held at had planned well and chosen his staff charter meeting was held in his home) . the Grove. Of these, the awards of 1938- carefully. The entire meeting of four His assistance and advice was instrumen­ 1939 in which Gone With the Wind days was tightly scheduled and worked tal in placing ATOE on the road to suc­ won nearly all categories, no doubt out smoothly. Twenty busses were char­ cess. The assemblage at the annual ban­ marked the highlight in the history of tered ro shuttle registrants around the quet, realizing Dick's devotion and efforts this world-famous room. sprawling Southern California area. The in behalf of the organization, showed its The A m bass ad o r at one time con­ bus routes were plotted out in such a approval with a generous ovation. The tained two theatre organs. One, a Wur­ manner that e v er yo n e would see the National Board of Directors had chosen litzer 235, was installed in the Cocoanut most possible studio and home installa- Mr. Simonton by unanimous vote.

5 theatre organ bombarde CONVENTION (Continued) The new National Officers were then Action ~ A ~ards introduced. These include Dottie Mac­ Clain, Secretary-Treasurer; Dick Kline, Vice President; and Al Mason, President, I I MEN OF THE YEAR- Old, New, Honorary with his wife, Betty, acting as National Secretary. The roll call of chapters indicated that the largest representation ever accom­ plished at a national meeting was pres­ ent. Of the 36 chapters listed, 30 were polled as having members present. In­ troductions also disclosed that ATOE members from Japan, Hawaii, and Great Britain were present, as well as several from Canada. Most of the top names in Theatre Organ performing and record­ ing were also seen at the banquet. After concluding the formal business, retiring President Schrum cur n e d the Schrum Mason Simonton rostrum over to Ben Hall, who began by asking pipe organ owners co stand as the WA I Tl NG - for Buses, for People, for Action v a r i o us "brands" were named. This proved to be very informative, as over 2 5 different m a k es of theatre organs were represented. Wurlitzer and Robert .., 111111111111111 Morton led the field by a clear majority. 11111111111111 1llltfflfltu,u. Ben made several of his inimitable announcements, some bona fide, others designed for laughs. In the humor de­ partment, he proved once again his abil­ ity to place the meeting in a gay mood. The members were treated to a per­ formance by the George Carl Duo, assisted by organist Don Lee Ellis, who also played background music during the banquet. The Duo opened with a panto­ mime routine that embodied elements of BOARD - but not boring! 'MY WIFE SAID ... ' all the greats in chis comedy form. It was enthusiastically received . The bal­ ance of the act consisted of typical night club jokes, although well done. The pan­ tomime portion will be remembered as the best part. This act was followed by a surprise appearance of Martha Lake, well-known organise from the Northwest . Miss Lake played several standard tunes, continu­ ANNUAL BOARD MEETING sessions kept hard­ RON PIGGOTT of Toronto, Canada, producer ally improvising, making key changes, working members and attending chapter chair­ of the organ film premiered at the Convention, and using deft registration changes to men from some Convention events. An account poses with two of the film's bit players: organ­ enhance the numbers. She then teamed of the lively proceedings will be carried in the ist Gaylord Carter and Ben Hall, and Burton October issue of TOB. Ford, Ontario. with Ben Hall, who sang the famous "Orphan Annie" radio show theme. Ben has promised to learn another tune some day. The banquet, always an annual highlight, was enormously successful, mainly due to the hard work of conven­ tion chairman Bob Carson and his com­ mittees.

MORE CONVENTION ~, WELCOME, ATOE!-The Wiltern marquee an­ KEYBOARD ENTERTAl NMENT'S Bob Arndt (sec­ PHOTOS and CONVEN­ nounces 1968 Convention's big finale, Harold ond from left) makes pitch at firm's exhibit in TION VOX POPS Lloyd's 1923 classic "Safety Last" with Gaylord Ambassador lobby. A long-time TOB advertiser Carter's organ accompaniment. This last event, of its Howard seat reproduction, the company pp. 15-19 the only one open to the public, packed the surprised many by the variety of other organ 2,400-seat Wiltern. parts it also produces (see page 8) .

august 1968 6 Convention Artists and Organs ~ Artists ~ The 1968 National ATOE meeting HELEN DELL 2-15 Wurlitzer, Tubes Inc. Warehouse (Chuck was beyond a doubt the most compre­ Baker)

hensive ever held, from the standpoint JOHN DUFFY of the number of topflight organists and 3-26 Wurlitzer, Bob Carson Residence organs. EDDIE DUNSTEDTER 4-37 Kimball, Wiltern Theatre Space is too limited co describe each BILL FIELD program and the details of the instru­ 3-19 Wurlitzer, Iceland Skating Rink

ments used. Instead, we have listed the TOM HAZELTON artists who entertained the ATOE mem­ 4-61 Robert Morton, Elks Lodge bers and the organs they used. Needless GORDON KIBBEE 4-36 Wurlitzer, Dick Simonton Residence co say, every performance was first-rate, LYN LARSEN and the instruments were in the best 4-37 Kimball, Wiltern Theatre possible condition. ANN LEAF 4-37 Kimball, Wiltern Theatre DON BAKER DEAN· McNICHOlS 4-34 Robert Morton, Lorin Whitney Studio 2-8 Wurlitzer, Friends Church, Bell, Calif.

DWIGHT BEACHAM JIM MELANDER 3-13 Wurlitzer, Haven of Rest Recording 4-27 Wurlitzer, Harvey Heck Residence Studio ROSA RIO PAUL BEAVER 4-61 Robert Morton, Elks Lodge 3-16 Robert Morton, Universal Pictures BILL THOMSON Studio 2-10 Wurlitzer, Rialto Theatre, Pasadena

GAYLORD CARTER GEORGE WRIGHT 4-37 Kimball, Wiltern Theatre 2-10 Wurlitzer, Rialto Theatre, Pasadena Universal Movie Studio Tour The Univ er s a 1 City Movie Studio real beer was served in plastic "glasses" Tour was a hoofbuscer ( despite the par­ ( which all were scowing as souvenirs; tial transportation by crams) , but the Kay Chenoweth packed away the six studio Morton was worth the effort. It glasses emptied by Stu Green). At one point the conventioneers were confront­ has the d ea d es t surroundings of any ed by an 8-fooc tall Frankenstein, who organ heard on the tour, but the subtle was more interested in s i g n in g auto­ artistry of Paul Beaver made it really Kraphs than spreading terror. The con­ sing. The tour through the studios and ventioneers were bussed back to the Am­ around the back lots was climaxed by a bassador late in the afternoon, many shore stop at a hilltop restaurant where with tired ( if not sore) feet. , ,, ''My Wife Said, 'That's Enough, On the agenda of the ATOE annual volunteer crew rehabilitating an organ meet i n g an "American Premiere of a in a theatre. His production covered the Theatre Organ Movie" was listed as one theatre organ ho b by very completely, of the events. This turned out co be a and his unusual camera angles and bits delightful color film, titled "My Wife of subtle humor enhanced the film. It is Said, 'That's Enough! ' " made by Ronzen a well-done, smoothly edited picture, and Productions, Toronto, Canada. Ronald while it may not be a sensation as a gen­ Piggott was the producer. eral release, it is a wonderful documen­ The picture featured Bernard Venus tation of our hobby, and should certainly of Buctonvilie, Ontario, Canada, and his manage co get prime time booking on trials and tribulations of fitting a theatre the non-commercial TV channels as well pipe organ into his home. The movie as playing time on the better commer­ couched on the history of ATOE via an cial channels. The film has enjoyed wide interview with Dick Simonton. A brief distribution viewing in Can ad a with review of theatre organ history was in­ good notices. cluded, with Gaylord Carter shown at the Ron a 1d Piggott, the producer, has Brooklyn Paramount Wurlitzer, cueing promised to give THEATRE ORGAN a cowboys and Indians silent movie s~­ B0MBARDEa complete story concerning quence. Producer Piggott managed co the making of his film. This wilI be pub­ Dell Hazelton further include a sequence showing a lished in a future issue.

7 theatre organ bombarde CONVENTION (continued) Blower Failure Harold Lloyd Tops Convention Forces Program At Final EventMovie-'Safety Last' , Cancellation The 1923 Feature Comedy "Safety Many of the 1600 persons in the audi­ Last" starring Harold Lloyd, has been ence were surprised to find out that Mr. described by students of the silent screen Lloyd used no "doubles " in the making A highlight of the recent National as the finest of Mr. Lloyd's many ex­ of his pictures and that the office build­ Convention was to have been a presen­ cellent efforts. ing sequence was actually photographed tation of George Wright at his studio It is fast-paced throughout with each in downtown Los Angeles. Mr . Lloyd 3-30 Wurlitzer organ. Unfortunately, the situation allowed to build, creating the captivated the audience with his easy blower motor burned out shortly before maximum of merriment and suspense. manner and friendly way of speaking. the convention date , forcing cancellation The timing of each gag is flawless. The He was obviously delighted with the of this eagerly awaited event. film is ageless since the comedy seems reception given "Safety Last." From time to time Wright had noted as fresh as it was 45 years ago. And the At the conclusion of this presentation, that the voltage supply from the power famous scene in which Lloyd is on the the 1968 convention was adjourned. All company had been below normal. He face of a tall office building has the participants left the Wiltern Theatre had brought this to their attention . same nailbiting effect on the audience with memories never to be forgotten. However , in preparing the instru­ today as it did then. Special mention is due the following ment for A TOE presentation the organ "Safety Last" is an ideal film to ex­ cha peer committeemen - Chairman, was on for long hours to permit regu­ ploit a theatre organ in its purest form . Robert Carson; Registration, Louis lation , tuning, and other adjustments. Gaylord Carter took full advantage of Lynch; Program, Richard Simonton; Since the voltage supply was abnormally the film and the resources of the organ Transportation, William Exner; Publici­ low, the blower motor was subject to to involve the audience in an unfor­ ty, Stu Green; Finance, Jack Shemick; continual overload causing the windings gettable experience . and Printing, Tom B'Hend . Under the to burn out . At the conclusion of the picture, guidance of these chairmen, over 100 Valiant e f f o r t s were made by Harold Lloyd appeared onstage in per­ chapter members were active in the George and a crew of volunteers to son. He explained some of the tech­ preparation and conduct of the conven­ repair or replace the burnt motor, niques used in producing "Safety Last." tion. but time ran out before this could be accomplished. As all owners of Spencer blowers know, the motor shaft is a single shaft from the rear EXHIBITORSAT CONVENTION motor bearing clear through the blower fan blades. In the case of the Each year the electronic organ and Gulbransen Organ Company-dem­ Wright studio blower, it was found recording concerns take interest in onstrated by Skip O'Donnell. that this shaft was not of standard ATOE activities at convention time . This size and to replace the motor would Rodgers Organ Company - demon­ year, more than any other, this interest have required alteration of either strated by Andy Crow and Jack Rich­ manifested itself in several highly in­ the rotor s e c ti o n of the motor or ardson , using a 3 3E model. Rosa Rio teresting showings . We wish to acknowl­ modification of the blades and all was also furnished a Rodgers 3 3E for edge the following : support bearings. In other words, a the Music Workshop. Hammond was represented at the ban­ complete custom-made arrangement. quet with a model X 66 ably played An interesting exhibit by Keyboard Time did not permit the accomplish­ by Don Lee Ellis and Martha Lake. Entertainment Products Manufac­ ment of this task. Conn Organ Corporation - demon­ turing Co., of Des Moines, Iowa, was Another method was considered; that strated by Buzz Olson, Pliny Allen, set up in the lobby to offer parts for of rewinding the existing motor , which and Don Baker. Used a 641 from the theatre pipe organs, such as magnet would have required the dismantling of factory with Pipe Speaker attachment . parts, gaskets, name plates, and pneu­ the blower, removing the motor to a Thomas Organ Company - demon­ matics, among others. shop suitably equipped and then rein­ strated by Bill McCoy and Byron Mel­ Concert Recordings, specializing in stalling it. Again time was against the cher, assisted by Shin Tsukui of Tokyo. Theatre Organ music, Lynwood, Cali­ crew, since the blower had been installed Three models were used. fornia. and walls built around it afterward. The Baldwin Organ Company - demon­ matter of knocking out walls and then strated by Michael McLaughlin and Malar Recordings, Glenwood, Calif. proceeding with the mechanical work John Duffy. Relay Records, Seattle, Washington. proved to be too time-consuming to have the organ ready. The last-minute blower failure was a CONVENTIONEERS! bitter disappointment and a personal em­ Have you an anecdote or a photo of an artist or an incident at this year 's Convention barrassment for George Wright as he which is not covered in this issue? Follow-up coverage is planned for the October issue, had done considerable work on his stu­ so send any such contributions to: dio and the organ for the presentation A. T. 0. E. PUBLICATIONS and was looking forward to showing off P. 0. Box 7404, Bitter Lake Station the magnificent instrument to the ATOE Seattle, Washington 9 813 3 membership. august 1968 8 GeorgeWright Tells Off 'BadApples' atRialto Concert -Stufoto During his Rialro Theatre concert, rumormongers spread the word among devout church member). There was a George Wright said a few things to con­ conventioneers that the accidental burn­ moment of silence, then a female voice ventioneers which he felt should be clari­ out of George's studio organ blower from high in the balcony shrieked, "We fied regarding his former "non-appear­ motor was "just another cop-out in a love you, George!" ances" during "ATOE functions. It has long series." This reporter has seen the The roar of agreement which followed long been known that tactless approaches blackened insulation and inhaJed the was loud and long. It was obvious chat and brusk demands by those planning pungent odor of overheated and fused many in the packed house had heard the concerts have rended ro alienate him windings in the blower room and can false rumors and were glad to hear them from participation in organ hobby activ­ testify chat the damage is real enough. exploded. There also must have been a ities. Bue just before the closing selec­ Would anyone in his right mind ruin a number of red faces in the crowd-the tion of his first national ATOE conven­ valuable motor just for an "out? " · bad . apples,' as George described the tion concert he turned ro his audience in The "cop-out" lie was what caused willful minority in the otherwise good a serious demeanor and chose his words George to announce the reasons why he "barrel." When the cum ult died down, very carefully. He said that within the had been unavailable for ATOE concerts George turned to the waiting Wurlitzer last few days he had heard rumors that: on so many occasions. He did this in a and played his final selection. (1 ) he was broke, ( 2) his studio was straight-forward manner in language chat Undoubtedly, some of the assembled padlocked because of unpaid taxes, and was to the point and occasionally a bit conventioneers were puzzled by George's (3) he had been ordered not to leave the salty. He appealed to the conventioneers "sermon." What he said was a long time state on account of these "difficulties." to resist the propagation of unfounded coming and it consisted of things which Then George listed some of his assets, and oftentimes harmful rumors about were long overdue for an airing. It is which were considerable, and stated that artists. George made it clear that it anticipated that a new and better under­ he was "loaded." As for the order not to wasn't just for himself that he was pro­ standing between George Wright and his leave the state, he said that he must have testing, but for all artists who suffer at many admirers, especially those repre­ played those concerts in the Northwest, the hands of rumor-mongers and mali­ sented by hobby organizations, can now Detroit, and Rochester, New York, by cious detractors. He added that he for­ be realized. ''osmosis.'' gave his detracrors, in accordance with -Stu Green The unkindest cut of all came when the tenets of his religion (George is a Hollywood

GEORGE ON CAMERA-At the Annual Banquet, our photographer foriowed George Wright around tor a few minutes and recorded a variety of expres­ sions. Here he's seen (top left) with long-time friend and colleague, Gordon Kibbee- and an adoring onlooker. Top-right: A more serious George (his Burpsi-Booma gloss is empty!) poses with ATOE's new National Secretary, Betty Mason. Bottom-left: George accepts the handshake of two of the many well-wishers who button-holed him during and after the banquet. Bottom-right: George congratulates retiring Notional President Dick Schrum on Mar­ tha Lake's performance at the annual banquet (Schrum is Martha's exclusive agent), while Lyn Larsen looks on.

9 theatre orgaa bombarde Effie Klotz reviews as ... !MARTHA! LAKE rides again Effie

I was so thrilled when I heard she would play at the ATOE convention that I wearing pumps with very long downed an extra cream puff for lunch! Oh, my goodness, it was wonderful to learn spiked heels. Oh, that darling­ that the inimitable Martha Lake-the idol of all of us "pointer system"-type girl­ about to do exactly as teacher Millie well, lady organists (I'm just a little mature for the "girl" bit)-Martha would make Alexander insists-play pedals with a rare personal appearance during the annual banquet. I ran right down to Loy Lynch spiked heels! and purchased a ticket to the banquet in the Cocoanut Grove instead of my usual As always, just the sight of Martha procedure of attending by getting a job as a busboy for that night. Lake does something to people. Some Finally, the big night rolled around get so restless they just have to get up and I didn't do so well in the seating

There 's one especially interesting char­ acteristic common to all Martha Lake concerts ; it is never quite clear as co the tune she's playing. That's my Martha! She doesn 't trouble her audiences with details . As for the spiked heels, Millie Alexander 's advice no cw i chs cand ing, Martha kicked chem off ( one huge bro­ gan just missed a man seated near the stage) and played in her stocking feet. Of course, her feet are quite large and chis gives her a distinct advantage , in chat she can spread one sole over three pedals at a time. I'm certain chat all will agree that chis makes for a very inter­ esting bass line, and one bound to keep listeners guessing. She's so clever! Leaf and Helen Dell. The last three and Juliet seem like a couple of Being a feminist, I see in Martha listed were among. the artists who pikers. I figured they would sing a Lake an embodiment of a long line played for the 1968 ATOE conven­ famous love duet-perhaps the of outstanding women in history­ tion, a good female representation, "Liebestodt" from "Tristan" - but Joan of Arc, Florence Nightingale, considering that big, hairy men that great moment is yet to come. Carrie Nation and Margaret Sanger planned the whole shindig! But I'm Instead, the two ogled one another -all of whom carried the torch for digressing. for a moment, an electric moment! women down through the ages. In Martha played several selections of One could see the love sparkle in terms of female organists there are great beauty, although it wasn't clear their souls as they stood nose to nose, Ethel Smith, the aforementioned whether they were pops or classics­ peering into one another's eyes. Mildred Alexander, Rosa Rio. Ann just-tone clusters. She performed some There was dapper Ben Hall, man of wonderful two-footed cadenzas, even the world-debonair-commanding though the progressions invariably ended masculine. And the object of his af­ on the wrong note. (I'm certain she fection-lovely Martha Lake-coy missed her "Abyssinian Stringed Oboe." -cute-huge-and masculine. Martha backed her Finbucket Sportier Finally, the magic silence was broken over the delicate pipe strings so repairs as Ben said, "Martha-play the are being made. The mechanism is in intro." the custody of a plumber at the moment .) Martha broke away from her dreamy But that audience! They were terri­ love look and started the introduction to ble! They were laughing at Martha and some fine aria whose title escaped me her divine music! That fellow Wright until the first words ( sung by Ben in a sitting next to me was practically having rakish baritone ) clobbered the PA mi­ convulsions and that big , fat B0MBARDE crophone. Sure enough , it was the great editor, a few tables away, resembled a love theme from "The Saga of Daddy hogshead of palpitating Jello . Some guy Warbucks, " entitled "Little Orphan whose badge read "Eddie Dunstedter " Annie ." It was so romantic, especially kept shouting "Give her the hook!"_ where Ben encouraged the audience to which is possibly some show-biz term supply the "Arf! " where Annie 's dog, . of acclaim. And a personage named Sandy, has a word . The air was heavy "Bartlett " kept shouting "Hear! Hear! " with a chorus of "Arf s" - right on the like he was a member of Parliament, or beat! something. I was disgusted with the Naturally, there was a great ovation for Martha and Ben. There they stood, "ARF!" GOES SANDY-An expression of pure whole crowd because they were so im­ ecstasy on Martha's face reflects the moment polite to that wonderful girl. hand in hand, acknowledging the ap­ of passion as Ben, turned vocalist, reaches the The highlight of Martha's concert plause of some 800 ATOE convention­ climactic cadenza of "Little Orphan Annie ." on the beautiful Hammond X-66 eers in the world - famous Cocoanut That off-balance stance of Hall's was caused Grove-a truly great moment in a death­ by the immense shoe (lower left) kicked off by was when Ben Hall came on-stage Miss Lake in a moment of euphoric frenzy at and there they were-together-the less (I hope! ) romance. the console; he had just stumbled over it! immortal lovers who make Romeo -Effie Klotz, Hollywood

11 theatre organ bombarde Dick Ertel at RTOS Larri Ferrari at DTOC

by Lloyd E. Klos have had the original arrangement be­ by Esther Higgins cause it was practically letter perfect. Delaware Valley Chapter After the superb George Wright con­ "Ah, wonaful! Wonafulahm!" Larry Ferrari, East Coast concert, TV Next came a medley from Richard cert, sponsored by the Rochester Thea­ and radio organist, made his second ap­ Rodgers ' "Victory At Sea." "No Other tre Organ Society on May 11, one might pearance before the Detroit Theatre Or­ be led to believe that any recitalist fol­ Love" was the prominent selection , but gan Club on Saturday evening, June lowing George might come out woe­ also included was the sprightly 6/ 8 22nd . Once again Larry was very much fully second best. Such was not the case, "Guadalcanal March." Much of the hard­ at home at the magnificent Senate Thea ­ when on June 8, personable and talented ware department was used in this group . tre-Orbits organ, and this instrument Dick Ertel from Vincennes , Indiana Closing out the first half of the pro­ was, as always, in superb condition. The gram, Dick Ertel, the "Happy Hoosier, " presided over the 4-22 WurliTzer in t~e program opened with a rousing medley Auditorium in the final membership did a medley he called "An Indiana Hoe­ consisting of Broadway hit tunes, start­ concert of the season. down ," and this included "Little Brown ing with "This Could Be The Start of Immediately preceding the regular Jug '\ "Chicken Reel " and "Old Zip Something Big", and indeed it was. In­ program, the audience arose in silent tri­ Coon." cluded was, "I Could Have Danced All bute to the late Senator Robert F. Ken ­ This reviewer had never heard of Mr. Night "; here Mr. Ferrari made fine use nedy, whose body at that moment was Ertel , so following the lowering of the of the brass and bells, with interesting enroute to Washington for interment. console, managed to meet him. He was pedal work. Berlin's "The Girl That I The organist performed the National perspiring profusely , as the evening was Marry " had delicate tibia passages to en­ Anthem with trems off, giving proof quite warm , and the auditorium is not hance the melody. that the instrument is capable of serv­ equipped with air-conditioning . We (Continued on Page 13) ing as a church instrument with good learned that he has a B. M. and M. M. effect. from the Chicago Conservatory of Music, Rising from the pit, the artist per­ was in the Army for three years where formed the bouncy "Everything's Com­ he served as arranger for the Fifth Army ing Up Roses," in which the xylophon e Band, and also served as organist for was featured throughout. Dick seemed WGN-TV and the Mutual Radio Net­ to like the "woodpile " and it was used work. After military service, he was ac­ considerably during the program. He companist for the Svithoid Chorus, giv­ announced his program as he went along. ing several piano and organ concerts in Next was Von Suppe 's "Galathea Over ­ the process. In 1961, he became Chair­ ture ", highlighted by a haunting clarinet man of the Music Department of Vin­ Larry Ferrari solo. Gershwin 's "Somebody Loves Me" cennes University. Recently, with aid of was a sprightly tune with xylophone students, he installed a 3-10 WurliTzer "Makin' Whoopee ", "When I Take My again. in the school's auditorium, the institu­ Sugar to Tea", and winding up with a A medley of two Irish numbers then tion becoming the only Junior College rousing "Won't You Come Home, Bill included "Minstrel Boy" and "The Irish with a theatre organ, it is believed. On Bailey." The hardware department of Washerwoman " in which strings and May 5, before a sell-out audience, Dick bird calls, gongs, etc., was widely used. the pit piano played a prominent part . gave the dedication concert. The slow, ominous "Foggy Day in Both were fast-stepping. He told this reporter that he is "just London Town " simulated the atmos­ The familiar "And Then We 'd Row , starting out " in the field of the theatre phere in that European capital , high­ Row, Row " was cleverly interwoven with organ. If this "starting-out " phase is any lighted with chimes a la Big Ben. A snatches of other songs of a nautical indication, enthusiasts are in for some rollicking ''Casey Jones " showed off the bent- "Sailor's Hornpipe " etc. 'That 's treats in the future. sound effects again, interspersed with All," which is the theme of airline­ Dick came back after interm1ss10n, "Workin ' On the Railroad ." The simu­ sponsored programs on TV and radio playing the spirited "Jalousie. " For the lation of a steam locomotive was perfect, began quietly with tibias prominent, and next selection, the console was bathed in this being done with palm work on the closed with big , loud chords. an eerie "Kelly green " light, as "Ghost top manual. The artist was most grateful One of the highlights was Dick 's ren­ Riders in the Sky" was escorted through for ex-GI's in the audience not singing dition of "Holiday For Strings." Going the air with palm glissandos accomplish­ the famous World War II lyrics of the to the xylophone, he showed that this ing a weird effect. "Baubles, Bangles and first number. Amen to that! can really be a knuckle-cracker, and he Beads" came next. In view of the critical times in which commented that it could easily be named From Grofe 's "Mardi Gras" came the the country finds itself , Dick changed "Holiday For Organ ." "Sunset" from beautiful "Daybreak, " a number we re­ the ending of his program with two the "Grand Canyon Suite" by Grofe, was call being in the rop five on the Hit numbers of a patriotic vein: · This Is My a slow, quiet piece. Parade in late 1942, sung by Barry Country " with which Fred Waring quite Another highlight was in deference to Wood , and played by the Mark Warnow often ends his shows, and the ponderous those who enjoy the "Saturday night" Lucky Strike Orchestra . Dick really "Battle Hymn of the Republic. " brand of entertainment of Lawrence brought this off with a stirring climax . The audience gave the usual standing Welk . Though he confessed to not hav­ The theatre organ came in strong in ovation, hopeful of an encore or two, ing a bubble machine, Dick showed how the roaring twenties, so Dick did not but by that time, the artist was really a theatre organ can be made a one-man disappoint the music devotees of that drowned in perspiration , and so were imitator of an orchestra by rendering the period, playing "Charleston, " "Million a few of the 300 patrons, some of whom famous "Bubbles in the Wine. " He must Dollar Baby in a Five & Ten-Cent Store," waved their programs throughout.

august 1968 12 Next, a Larin-American medley, using kinura and tambourine during "Jeal­ ousy." Mr. Ferrari's arangemen t of "Granada" had pedal passages that added force co the melody played left handed, YourProject-What Arethe Odds? plus treble embellishment by the right hand. The medley closer was a fast "Beer Barrel Polka." by Fred Hermes Next, a medley of "Songs of Love," including well-known standards; "Love Flames and heat sear unbe­ Or-go-nuts restore, rebuild, redesign, Is A Many Splendored Thing," and a lieving eyes. Graphic blend­ revoice, re-everything about their glori­ "baroque" style "Love Is Blue," using ings of a synthetic infer n o ous gadgets except reinsure. Trusting in the piano co a fine advantage. For a few painted on a drape by a Mas­ the 'home owners policy" with its insuf­ measures the pedals carried the melody. ter Brenograph? (See "Best ficient and limited coverage is riskier "You'll Never Walk Alone" closed Remaining Seats," Hall - p. than a concert in the dead of winter on the Medley and for an encore Mr. Ferrari 201. ) Ah , no.' Smok y clouds a high - pressure theatre organ with a gave his exceptionally jazzy arrangement boil against an authentic sky freezing water motor. Claim settlement of "St. Louis Blues." That completed the as the pungent odor of char­ can be as nearly disastrous as the loss first half of the program and Mr. Far­ ring leather, w ell shellacked itself. rari received a fine ovation. lumber , and celluloid tabs pen­ Maximum protection for a pipe organ etrate the air. Accompaniment: is achieved only through an "all risk" Ir was a warm evening and after Mr. ''Hearts and Flowers " on fast policy. The special insuring agreement Ferrari returned for pare 2 of the con­ melting Solo Strings. covers "all risk" of physical loss. Rates cert he removed his jacket ·and placed Scratch Opus 1926.' are usually low b e c a u s e the class is it on the organ bench beside him . This ".. . organs of an immobile nature .... " met with the approval of the men in the And riding the "lift which Valuation of the theatre organ pre­ audience who had done likewise . He never returns ," the soul of our beloved is united for ev er with sents special problems inherent solely to thanked his audience for their applause this colorful breed of pipes . Shuttered and introduced Don Miller who was in its creator, Hope-] ones, in the star - studded atmosph eric pal­ theatres no longer conceal in cloistered the audience, saying he regretted not lofts a prize had for little or nothing. having lived during chose wonderful ace of heavenly harmony where thieves do not break in and Prices are up, up, UP-well worth the days when the movies featured the fine paperwork required co snare a pretty golden-voiced theatre organs and artists. steal, and popcorn and vermin doth not corrupt. package of pipes. Tibias, fancy reeds, The second half opened with "Slaugh­ percussions, and other goodies are fast ter on Tenth Avenue, " wherein the var­ Yet we who are left behind, though soaring co Po$t Horn and Bra$$ Trum­ ious movements of this rhythmic classic saddened , can provide some measure of pet plateaus. The scarcity of remaining were sec off by use of the reed solo scops. consolation through financial protection material plus endless hours spent in res­ Then a medley from "Around the against losses. Damage caused by fire, toration more aptly designate our proj­ World;" "Do-Re-Me " played with light­ drownings from b r o k en water pipes, ects, "The Mighty InvesTment. " Further­ ning speed, hands jumping from manual leaky roofs, backed-up sewers, rape by more, no two whistle boxes are alike; co manual; "I Will Wait For You" in a Mid n i g h t Organ Supply, iron filings they vary from two-manual jobbies in lilting tempo for contrast; "Chinatown," tossed into blowers, and an endless en­ mint condition co the five-manual fire­ a fine choice for oriental effects and semble of other devilish delights pecul­ crackers of more noise than purity with bells. Then, "I Left my Heart in San iar co Pan's pipes can be covered. peculiarities between them greater than Francisco." that of their masters. Obviously, insur­ Another medley followed, including In Our Next Issue ... able value is difficult to determine. "Fascination," "Girl of My Dreams," Our insurance agency augments a fac­ "Desert Song," "Deep in My Heare," "Alas, Poor Herrick! tor of $2,000 per rank as follows: num­ "Vaya Con Dios," a favorite of Mr. Far­ We Knew Him Well !"-J.C. ber and type of rank, percussions, con­ -A biographical story on Dean Herrick rari's mother, who was in the audience. and his South African Wurlitzer sole size, state of restoration, 16' pedal He also played "Moon River," and installation. extensions, and replacement pares avail­ "Serenade," from "The Student Prince." "Crawford at the able. This factor is constantly revised up­ Following was "Espana Cani" in a fast, Chicago Theatre" wards, and values on some of the organs brilliant style with sharp, biting brass -A critique from the past , dug up by insured with us range from $700 ( un­ enhancing the dram at i c sections. Mr. ace prospector, Lloyd E. Klos . resrored) to $70,000 (operating). Ferrari was at his best when presenting ''A New England Organist Properly insure those organs whether the closing medley of hymns and spirit­ Reminiscenes" in homes, churches or theatres. It's just ual selections ( Mr. Ferrari always closes -The good old days come back good business! his programs with sacred melodies and once more. they sounded lovely on the Senate Thea­ "Let's Get Things Straight tre Wurlitzer.) Down Under ! " The final number, the always thrilling -Arthur W . Estgate gives names, ranks - COMING SOON - and-so-on concernin g the "America the Beautiful," was played Australian scene. · Another article on what insur­ "full organ." This was a fine choice co ance chapters should carry - by close the concert. Mr. Ferrari received a PLUS-Two Organ Features: -San Diego Fox Morton back in action ; one who knows: Fred Hermes, standing ovation from the approximate­ Blood, sweat and Elmer 's glue ly 750 persons present. do it again! owner of the former Michigan -Esther S. Higgins, -The Brooklyn Fox Crawford Special: Theatre (Detroit) Wurlitzer. A Stop Analysis . Dela ware Valley Chapter

13 theatre organ bombarde 9th Home Organ Empire State Museum Wurli Claimed Festival Plugs 'World's Most-Used Organ' During Fair The mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ parcment store. However, since the or­ Organists (Style 235) of the Empire State The­ gan 's reopening last fall at the New atre and Musical Instrument Museum York State Fair Grounds, it has become The emphasis this year will be on will again this year be a star performer a prime attraction not only during the artists, rather than on brands of organs, at the New York Stace Fair, August 27 Fair week but throughout the rest of the at the annual Home Organ Festival set through September 2. During Fair Week year, with many scheduled programs for for September 17 through 22 at Ho­ the organ has the claim of being the the museum members and ocher pro­ berg's resort in Lake County in northern most-used pipe organ in the world, with grams being p r e s en t e d for various California. The switch was made to pro­ approximately 12 to 14 hours daily of groups . The organ was 100 per cent re­ vide more variety in chat organists, in continuous use. Several organists will do built and its sound is truly breathtaking former years "tied" to the instrument of the honors, accompanying silent films, as the auditorium in which it is housed their sponsors, will be free to appear on playing concerts, fashion shows, etc. Last has excellent acoustics. o t h e r instruments as well. Thus, the year over 50,000 people heard the Wurli This year a display of automatic musi­ ninth stanza of the "Fest iv a 1 in the and many were turned away because of cal instruments, including Link, North Pines" will cake off in a new direction, lack of room. The auditorium which Tonawanda and See bury nickelodeons, one which will allow the stars more lati­ houses the Wurlitzer has had its seating will be exhibited and demonstrated . You tude in their presentations ·. capacity increased this year so chat more are all cordially invited to attend the Already signed up for the six-day ex­ Fair-goers will be accommodated. New York State Fair in Syracuse, New travaganza are Bud Iverson, Mildred Al­ The instrument was the former R-K-0 York (Aug . 2 7 - Sept. 2 ) and hear the exander, Norman Nelson, Lyn Larsen, Keith Wurlitzer from Syracuse, the the­ mighty Wurlitzer in action! Tiny James, June Melendy, Lee lees, atre being razed last year for a new de- -Paul Fleming Larry Wickersham, Van Welch, and Dorothy Coletti - all Festival veterans -plus Donna Jean Walker and Dick A BOMBARDE Technical Tidbit . .. Sederman. Veteran theatre organist Gay­ lord Career will make his initial appear­ ance at this year's Festival, and Festival Puget Sound Chapster Lee Bauscher regular Don Baker, who skipped last year's Festival in order co give his col­ Cleans Switch-stack Points by Blinker league, Don Kingston, a shot at the top Conn spot, is billed for a "triumphant Ever wait impatiently for enough peo­ added, "the first two are wired as before, return ." ple to drop by the newly reactivated while the third goes back and picks up The annual event is sponsored by the Wurli to help play the curse off some the other side of the power buss. Either Pacific Council for Organ Clubs, an out­ new switch-stack points? Puget Sound way, at this point you're in business!" growth and amalgamation of plug - in Chapter 's Lee Bauscher did, while in the Advantages of the operation are many. dealers' clubs in the Bay area. final stages of resurrecting the former First and most obvious, the points and Hoberg's becomes a crowded place 0 mah a (Neb.) World Theatre 3-11 contacts are cleaned perfectly in a mini­ during the Festival, and chose planning Wurlitzer ( Opus 1709, 1927). But he mum of time and on a one-shot basis, to attend should make reservations well couldn't wait that long, for not too many rather than by x-hours of playing time in advance. Registration fee is $7.50 per drop by to visit a still-ailing recovery­ d i s tr i bu t e d over several weeks. The person and may be mailed co Ida James, room patient. cleaning is especially thorough, inciden­ Registrar, Box 248, Alameda, California. An electrical engineer by calling-and tally, if the comm er c i a 1 preparation ever impatient to evoke a louder, clearer "Contaccine" is sprayed on the contact signal from "Old 1709"-Mr. Bauscher points from time to time wh.iJe the flash­ T. 0. Stars Set For soon came up with an idea which may er is in operation. Florida Concert Series be of interest to ochers faced with the Particularly if working alone at this Terry Charles, who has relocated his same problem, to-wit: point in your clean-up operations, use of former Ritz Theatre (Clearwater, Florida ) He first located the wire which comes this method is quite helpful, for it leaves 3-15 Wurlitzer in Kirk of Dunedin up from the hot buss to the common on you free to roam the stacks to adjust Church in nearby Dunedin, has an­ the tab switch- usually found at the magnets and other operating pares, and nounced a most ambitious winter con­ right-hand front of the console- and to cake note of ocher malfunctions, ac­ cert schedule co be held in the church broke the connection to the power buss. tual or potential, while every note in the between Sept. 12 and June, 1969. An His next seep was to raid the family organ speaks simultaneously with the "organ series" and "artist series" of cwo­ automobile of its automatic turn-signal rhythmic cadence of an electronic com­ a-month concerts are neatly intermixed blinker, which he then cut into the puter punching output. Bauscher left his to provide at least one organ event each circuit. lash-up running for about two and a half month. "If you have a two-terminal blinker, " hours, at the end of which time both Mr. Charles will play five of the organ Lee says, "simply wire it into the circuit switch - stack points and neighborhood concerts himself (one with the aid of a between hot wire and buss and push houses were completely cleared. Scottish bagpiper, another with silent down enough cabs to activate the blinker Oh, yeah! One final caution: be sure movies ). The remainder will be played, - the number required being governed to tell the wife co stay off the freeway according to present plans, by such lumi­ by the rated load of the blinker. In the until the blinker is returned to the fam­ naries as Ashley Miller, Richard Liebert, case of the three-terminal blinker," he ily car! -Tom Kaas a

Billy Nalle, Eddie Weaver and Larry A feature on the Bouscher organ, detailing many of Lee's electrical Ferrari. and mechanical innovations, will appear in the December issue . august 1968 14 among his concert selections, a reading roque-style!) conglomeration of moose Stu recalls from Eddie's Fast Freight call, s 1 id e whistle, crows, tiny temple days. Then, George Wright dedicated a bells and a thrusting "party favor" which tune to Stu during his stanza. He was reached for the ceiling with a hoarse going to dedicate lush life, explained squawk. That sequence was purely for George, in view of one of Stu's avoca­ laughs. tions but instead had decided to change it to Passion Flower, to cue a more re­ The Simonton, Heck and Carson cent development in the Green - tinted residences house the big home instal­ scheme of things. Both Billy Strayhorn lations (with the Lanterman home 1 tunes are favorites of Stu's, and by the 1 soon to join them). But whether one end of the convention he was walking heard Duffy, Kibbee or Melander, he nearly a foot off the ground. And it re­ heard playing with style, imagina­ quires quite a "lift" to elevate his 220 tion and much warmth. These men pounds that high. bring out the poetry locked in the Crawl enthusiasts who selected the music and instrument as beautifully Carson residence 3-26 Wurlitzer, were as it can be done. We are beholden greeted at the door by a bearded hippie to them and to the hosts who invited who some believed to be Bob Carson. us to their homes. Well, it wasn't Bob Carson (as they Admirer, to George Wright: "I have learned when he appeared during the One s t u d i o location on the Satur­ more of your records than any others." banquet) but it was a real hippie, one day schedule was the Haven of Rest re­ Eddie Dunstedter (kibitzing) : "You of Bob's neighbors who volunteered for cording studio. The almost fun ere al ought to have more of mine!" the "greeter" job to add a little Holly­ name pro b ab 1y scared away some of wood color to the crawl and also to those who worry about being confronted One of the pleasantest experiences guard the studio while Bob lived at the with a church organ, but the Haven of the convention was the perform­ Ambassador during the bash. Wurlitzer is anything but "churchy" in ance of Bill Thomson and the audi­ Speaking of the Carson W itrlitzer, the sound, surroundings or stop complement. ence's reaction to even his first choice of Johnn y Duffy to play it for Organist Dwight Beacham, playing his selection. The crowd was with him 11crawlers" was pure poetic justice. It is second public concert ( his first was re­ from the start and evidently the the instrument with w h i ch Johnny is cently held at the W iltern u n d e r LA contagion of the moment inspired identified in the minds of pipe enthusi­ c h a p t er auspices) explained that the Bill, in return. Whatever the rea­ asts because of the several recordings he 3-decker is a 12½-ranker, the half-rank son, Bill's performance on the Rialto cut on the instrument more than ten being a 49-note string celeste. Dwight Theatre's style 216 Wurlitzer years ago. 11I1m still getting royalties did a nice job of such non-church liturgy crossed over from his usual "excel­ from them," beams Johnny. as Cabin in the Sky, Speak Low and "the lent" to" great." Truly, a new image taxpayer's song," Everything I have Is of the Thomson charisma was born While Johnny was doing the hon­ Yours. Those who came mainly because on that night of July 15th. ors at Carson's, over at Dick Simon­ it was the one excursion scheduled on ton's 2-organ home Gordon Kibbee an air-conditioned bus, were happy with How young comedian Harold Lloyd was presiding at the instrument their choice after hearing the compact appeared when he stepped to the stage which has so much of the sound of but smooth - sounding installation and of the Wiltern Theatre following the Jesse Crawford in it (a number Dwight's attractive playing. showing of his 1923 comedy c 1 ass i c, of his combinations are still on the Safety Last/ Of course, he now requires pistons). Gordon's stylings have an Everybody looks up to Tony T ahlman, glasses (his 1923 hornrims were empty elusive beauty yet to be captured although those who can match Don f r a m e s ) bur his resemblance to the on recordings but which was quite Baker's elevation can look him straight "human fly" of the movie is still a strong apparent to the lucky people who in the eye. Ever since the ATOE con­ one. Of nearly 60 films he made, Lloyd voted the Simonton ticket at the vention in Chicago (1965), where Tony did his climbing bit in only five, and he registration desk. A visit to Dick's plays rink pipes, the riddle as to how can't understand how it came about that Bijou Theatre with its 36-rank Tony's name came to fit him so well has he is identified only with the "climbers. " special Wurlitzer (kept in perfect plagued the curious. Did possession of condition) is an experience not soon a name like 11T ahlman" cause a subcon­ forgotten. B0MBARDE Editor Stu Green was in scious effort on Tony's part to grow up 11 ecstasy throughout the convention as one Our at Harvey Heck's Tarzana home to be a tall man" in his formative years? happy incident after another befell him. a third group was sampling the subtle We found Tony ducking to avoid bump­ He would have been satisfied just with artistry of Jim Melander, a quiet man ing his head on door frames at the Am­ all the contacts made · with THEATRE with a staggering musical imagination . bassador du r in g the convention. He ORGAN-B0MBARDE readers who button­ Although the crawl was intended to be looked at least seven feet tall, but per­ holed him during the four days, but dur­ a "stand up " affair, the Hecks rented haps his beanpole construction amplified ing the annual business meeting he was folding chairs for the comfort of con­ the vertical dimension. Even so, he is nearly fioored when he was nominated ventioneers. The 27-rank Wurli seemed well over six feet. We finally blurted out for the presidency of ATOE. ''And it was to be built for the weaving harmony the question. Tony smiled, and replied, actually seconded ," cried Stu ( he de­ which characterizes Jim Melander's ar­ 11T ahlman is a professional name I picked clined because of his bachelor status; the rangements . A moment ago, we used the out to des c r i b e me; my real name is Prez needs a wife to be secretary) . Then , word "subtle," which a pp 1 i es except Czechoslovakian, and not easy to pro­ Eddie Dunstedter included his special when Jim demonstrated Harvey 's "Toy nounce nor remember." End of mystery. arrangement of Stu 's favorite , Chloe, Counter Positive," the unenclosed (ba- (Continued on Page 18)

15 theatre organ bombarde TheConvention ThatWAS! r LOSANGELES • 196B Photo Coverage bg BillLamb July 13-16

GAYLORD C ' fop off Co ARTER, DICK . end.of n.,,ention's f; SIMONTON ·convention SrtJi/ell~: even_,. The sh~No HAROLD LLOYD Port10/fy .,,; . 0 w of Con show h s1b/e beh; l'ention Ch . t ree srn;/ nd Corfer 's . 01rrno11 Bob es to right shoufd Carson's er, . I 'Thomson l(N\GH'T-B,1 ond tie, D 'THE WHl'TE in block tu\obY top CK &Aln AN d to the nin~'sLet's see Lyn· en-never I &LA \eH), drape 'f thinking'-• onwhi\e, Lorsbondoned {top I os ' 1" ,.,e -o t smiles sly y, w morning. ortoriol oren 0 t his conc~rh "[HIS tomor~o ted in the s trodernork o whites w1~ to be es block ,ox . ice-cream . might e o~e troditionol d oppeored ~ncidentolly, ,t perb con· his m. on just ,n I ed su Tuesday o. shirt-front . . ts o\so p oY d \ace b th 0 rt1s ru ff\ e_ d that 0 ment1one certs\ t'A/ ,, ...... l'LL BET y .270,,, OU DON'T . · exc/ 0; weigh foced BOMB rns Dottie M o 90//on o.,, ARDE Ed· OcLoin t er ifor Stu G o ow/_ reen .

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N BAKER- Ab ove, the organist's FRIENDLY DO . I TOB Associate Editor Peg "solo orm" enc,rc es f tuol smiles. At left, of O variety Nielson-to the tune o mlud to be caught on MC BEN ~AL~ modsel~h~;eone from the 0 looks start e copocity at however, on. . r pose with his '"'U'T GROVE to d r Hotel. of usher~ unh1~ohr~e~ppeored through­ camera in ~ s1m11a rm" around COCOA"' d Arnbosso o Wiltern) "' w ". N NU'TS PACK . LA's fame out the Convention events. " accompaniment a R' QRGA I Sonquet ,n Convention Artist Roso ,o. Annuo

16

17 Asked why he failed to include there in answer to an urgent "SOS" from quieter material, such as Deems Taylor's his famous arrangement of "Nola" Bill Thomson , who was having trouble Dedication. in his convention concert, Eddie getting into his tuxedo. Lyn is the rec­ Dunstedter explained that he had ognized local authority on tuxes, white Organists Lloyd del Castillo and intended to play the memorable ties, tails and patent leather shoes, be­ Harry J. Jenkins had their own pri­ Felix Arndt fingerbuster, but that cause they comprise his usual concert vate record counter at the foot of the Kimball just wouldn't respond "uniform." So he hurried over and shoe­ the grand s t a i r w a y in the Elks fast enough. He said, "My 71-year­ horned Bill into the "monkey suit" and building, and both offered records old fingers are still faster than this tied his tie. On the way out Lyn also played on the 4-61 Robert Morton 45-year-old organ." made a decision,- no black formal clothes up in the ceremonial room. There for his concert-too common. So, when was quite a reunion when Roland Rosa Rio sure made a striking appear­ Lyn appeared next morning at the Wit­ Pomerat (Houston, Texas) walked ance at her Elks Temple concert. She tern for his concert, he was outfitted in in. All three knew one ·another when sparkled from head to toe as she came a cream-white suite. But he retained the they played for silent movies in New on stage after MC Ben Hall announced, black patent leathers, just for contrast. England theatres more than 3 5 years ago. "The lovely, talented Rosa Rio "! Even the frames of her glasses glittered. At One of the best-kept secrets was Speaking of record merchandising, no the four manuals of the 61-rank Morton, the name of the "theatre organ one could argue that the "Organ of the she produced some surprises. Her Blue movie" scheduled for presentation Month Club" (Concert Recording) was Skies was graced with some well - con­ during the convention. Its title ap­ not the most well-stocked record seller at ceived jazz variations. In registration she peared at no time in the pre-conven­ the convention. Prexy Bill Johnson set seemed to favor the fat brass, with which tion advertising, mainly because the up shop in a little cottage in the garden the instrument is loaded . And she ob­ convent·on planners didn't know the of the Ambassador Hotel and soon had tained the most theatrical sound yet in title; it had never appeared in any the place crammed with records and rec­ her registration for Edelweiss, ending on of the corespondence from its Cana­ ord hunters. He had dozens of pipe soft Voxes alone. The Eastern charmer dian (Toronto) producer. In fact, organ releases to please the fans and the made her point and the full house made the title was known only after the cuties who rang up sales had a salutary known its approval. Her encore was a film started to roll at the Elks Build­ effect, too. dirty, lowdown St. Louis Blues. ing on Saturd~y night. First, Doc Lawson appeared on the screen and Next to the registration desk was the We caught only the tail end of the gave a diagnosis title: MY WIFE Convention's "official record sales" table. Jam Session late Saturday afternoon SAID, 'THAT'S ENOUGH!' And Here one could buy records by the artists at the Elks Temple. We entered we all understood. Basically its the playing for the convention, a cost-free while Frieda Benz Oakley was coax­ three-year struggle of one man to service extended the convention artists ing a wildly impassioned "Cumana" install a 3-10 Wurlitzer in his home. by the LA chapter which allowed the from a normally dignified beast, fol­ The man is Bernie Venus and his artist a larger slice of the "take." lowed by Van Welch, who stated ''laugh of triumph" when he finally musically that he'd left his heart in completes the chore is something to Despite the well - publicized ban on San Francisco. Then, a "mystery remember. Bernie just "erupts." shooting fiash photos in the concert art­ guest" was announced, to follow a Also appearing are Gaylord Carter, ists' faces ( especially while they were brief intermission. Immediately Dick Simonton and Ben Hall - all playing), the rule was too often disre­ a pair of the "guys who fixed the in pancake make-up. The film, pro­ garded. For example, George Wright , organ" (remember?) dove for the duced by Ronald Piggott of Toronto, who objects to fiashbulbs because they console and started resetting combi­ will be the subject of a story to ap­ disturb his audiences, was greeted by a nation pistons. What mystery guest pear later in this publication. Prints blinding series of fiashes nearly every was so all-important that he rated of the film will be available soon on time he turned to his audience. This special piston settings? The answer a rental basis to interested chapters. being his first convention concert, he wasn't long in coming. Soon Bob Car­ was a special prize for the shutterbugs, son stepped to the microphone and Tom Hazleton introduced a happy as was Eddie Dunstedter , who dismissed announced "Mr. George Wright." novelty into his concert - a beautiful, the barrage with a wave of his arm and George then made his first of several short-skirted page turner who stood by 11T hey're my fans out there." And Gay­ appearances during the convention. and anticipated all page turnings with lord Carter, who has built up an immu­ Stung by the forced cancellation of stunning charm. No, Tom didn't go out nity to sudden fiashes of white light, his studio "crawl," George was de­ and hire a model. When asked "Who says, "I'll start to worry when they stop termined to fulfill his commitment was that Hollywood starlet turning pages shooting me." to Bob Carson in other ways. Thus for you?", Tom picked up the cue and the Jam Session appearance. He replied, "That was no Hollywood starlet; Next to Chairman Carson, pho­ didn't play long, but his Heat Wave, that was my wife!" Zoe had no trouble tographer Bill Lamb was the "mov­ Over the Rainbow, Misty and Ja­ anticipating the page turnings because ingest" guy at the convention. Bill, lousie brought to many their first she's also an organist. Tom opened with who drove from his home in Prince­ sample of George Wright "live." a dazzler, Wagner's Introduction to the ton, Ill., spent the four days chasing Third Act of Lohengrin, during which around with nearly 50 pounds of Organist Lyn Larsen was observed he played the big massed trombone mel­ photo equipment hanging from his coming out of the stage door of the Ri­ ody on the pedals-yes, with his feet! shoulders. He shot just under 3 00 alto Theatre just before the Monday eve­ Li k e w is e, London Bridge Is Falling negatives and the choice ones illus­ ning festivities were scheduled to start Down during the Elmore Fantasy on trate this issue - cover photo in­ and our man in Pasadena buttonholed Nursery Rhymes while his hands made cluded. Bill has been ATOE's offi­ him. His presence proved to be some­ a two-part invention of Three Blind cial convention photographer since thing of an ''errand of mercy." He was Mice. But he is just as effective with the Portland convention ( 1966) and

august 1968 18 these pages have been the richer for "When Day ls Done"). Lew and George that Bill's hair would be white by his careful craftsmanship and co­ parted in front of the Rialto Theatre the time the convention was over operative spirit. long after the rest of the ATOE'rs had came to pass. Of course, there were departed, and as Lew stepped into the some who said it was that color long car waiting to take him back to the hotel, before the convention. No comment. George waved to him, then turned to Outside of one bus which took off newshen Peg Nielsen with a faraway for San Francisco enroute to Harvey look in his eyes and said, 111 was fifteen Heck's home installation, all went once." smoothly. And there's absolutely no truth to the rumor that one busload "Crawlers" who thought they of conventioneers is still missing. were seeing twins when the gal who announced the Johnny Duffy stanza The place with the most natural re­ at the Carson residence looked just verb was easily "Tubes, Inc.," a huge like the gal who introduced Paul steel warehouse where Chuck Baker has Beaver at the Universal sound scor­ installed his 2-15 Wurlitzer. Andy Rim­ ing stage Morton may be interested mer was there to greet the "crawlers" to learn it was the same gal both and to introduce petite Helen Dell. times-Ruth Carson, wife of Chair­ Helen, a looker, sounded great on such man Bob. Things happened so fast novel tunes as One Morning in May, she doesn't remember too much de­ t'HOTOSNAPPER BILL LAMB, atop ladder, Step to the Rear, Love Locked Out, Jim­ and subject. tail about the two shows, but recalls mie and a specialty tune, entitled Dainty -Stufoto that her favorites were Duffy's own Miss ( which one wag described as 11Diz­ Stevens Irwin is always working, even tune, "Cross Country" and "Pigalle" zyfingers played sideways!") Helen is a when he's apparently just sitting and en­ and Beaver's "Swingin' on a Star" doll! joying organ music. Steve is a compiler ( with the J. S. Bach intro) and of organ tonality descriptions, and trans­ "Tara's Theme" from the Max Stein­ As we went to press, Chairman Bob lating sounds into words isn't easy. So, er score to "Gone With the Wind." Carson was slowly recovering his senses Steve listens and weighs words, all the after two gruelling months of prepara­ 11 time he's supposed to be simply "enjoy­ The coolest spot in town" on "con­ tion plus the impossible - to - anticipate ing"-but he's doing that, too. It sounds vention Sunday" just had to be the Ice­ emergencies which never fail to come as though Steve Irwin "has it made, " and land Rink in Paramount. It was a very up during a meeting of 850 people from that's true, too. A retired educator with warm day but the large expanse of ice all over ( including England, Hawaii and an overpowering interest in all kinds of covering the skating area provided a very Japan) . The only big disaster was the organs (he's preparing a dictionary of welcome atmosphere as Bill Field played burn-out of the b 1o w e r maror in the electronic organ stops ), he travels from the 3-19 Wurlitzer assembled over the George Wright studio, and that upset gathering to gathering, wherever there's years by the late Truman Welch. The the bus schedules for two days. But there 11 an organ to be heard where he can ab­ crawlers" visited during regular skating were plenty of minor catastrophes ( like sorb information for the latest revision sessions so they heard the organ and Bill "whatever happened to the technical 11 of his best-selling "Dictionary of Pipe perf arming a duty rout in e ," a stint symposium?") to lighten Bob's hair a 0 r g a n Stops," published by Schirmer. which proved most encouraging to the shade or two. He expects to recover fully That's how Steve Irwin spent the four Wichita delegation, one of whom ex­ in about a month. Bob and his staff did convention days - mainlining sound - pressed the hope that their New Yark a fine job in organizing the organ bash. word juxtapositions for later publication. Paramount 4-36 11dowager empress" in­ There wasn't a dull moment. stallation will be as pleasing. Only two It's a pleasant discovery to learn that ATOE'rs braved the ice, a couple from one's hero is the wonderful guy in per­ Canada, reports Ross Farmer. He hosted son we knew he would be long befor e the show. meeting him. That 's the way it was with youthful (15) Lew Williams, who lives The MC at the swingin' Bell Friends in Louisiana. Lew's hero is George Church, Bill Exner, reports that the stop Wright, an attachment nurtured by lis­ enjoyed a brisk business -five perform­ tening to his collection of Wright re­ ances, in all. Dean McN ichols started cordings and reading about the organist his program with Bach's Air for a G in organ magazines, ever since he was String ( described as "schmalzy Bach") 11. The lad came to the convention just and revealed that the 2-deck Wurli has hoping to catch a glimpse of George and "seven and a half ranks." He explained hear him play. Lew got more than he the "half rank" as a full set of Dulciana bargained for. Before he left on his re­ pipes that are inaudible except when turn trip to his home in Lafayette, Lew played alone "during quiet moments in had ( 1) shot photos of George (posed church services." The general reaction with Eddie Dunstedter and Stu Green), was one of amazement that a small organ (2) had a private interview with George could sound so impressive.' That "Wel­ "MR. CARSON, YOU'RE WONDERFUL!" says the concerning music instr11,ction (George come ATOE" banner put up by church admiring look of a conventioneer, obviously recommended piano lessons), (3) heard members was impressive, too. amazed at the energy of the Convention Chair­ man. But Carson's mind is miles away-obvi­ George play a tune on a pipe organ just ously dwelling on some unfinished Convention for him (after the Rialto concert), and Speaking of Bill Exner ( bus trans­ business. ( 4) had the opportunity to play a tune portation schedule and logistics -PHOTO: Bill Lamb on pipes for George (a Crawford - style man), our preconvention prediction (Continued on Page 31)

19 theatre organ bombarde The only time the "rink player " in Theatre where Lyn was staff organist for Bill shows is when he's playing a rhythm several months. The instrument has a tune; chat very even, slightly heavy pedal. mellowness and big theatre sound hard And he's at his best playing tunes with to beat. On it, Lyn plays "Spin a Little a beat, such as "Chicago. " He takes a Web of Dre ams" ( with just a touch of fresh rhythmic tack for "Charade " (which Jesse,) a most sophisticated "Foggy Day ," is marred by a "palm schmear "), cap­ a happy "Me Too " in a style which re­ tures the spirit of the '20s with "Glad flects Lyn's favorite period in history, the Rag Doll " and brings out the lush M&C 1920's, and another of his concert "regu­ Tibias for a fine ballad treatment of lars," "Song of the Wanderer. " "Once in a While ." Bill reaches "way The perform ances are all top-flight, as back" for his ricky-cick treatment of we have come to expect of this remark­ "Me and the Boy Friend," complete with able young man. Recording techniques , 1926 jazzband (Poschorn ) riffs, but sup­ instruments and acoustics may vary with plies a sweet treatment of "Please Don 't the location , yet the artistry of Lyn Lar­ Talk About Me" throughout the verse. sen has a " homogenizing " effect; he Then it changes to bright rhythm chorus makes each instrument reflect the subtle in old-fashioned "spotlight solo" style. artistry that is his. Malar is apparently Also heard are a soulful "Non Dimenti­ economizing on jackets ; neither the de­ car ( mellow reeds ) , "Petticoats of Por­ sign or liner notes approach the quality tugal " (a variety of reeds take turns with The BOMBARD£ reviews organ record­ of previous Lyn Larsen releases ( both of ings for official A TOE publications . the melody ), a typical " intermission­ which are still available ) , but that is of Manufacturers, distributors or individu­ scyle" rendering of "So What 's New ?" little import. The music is better than als sponsoring or merchandising theatre right down co the cinpan piano , ~ ever. pipe organ records are encouraged to rumpty-tum "Something Stupid, " and a * * * send copies (Monaural, if possible) to soporific "Moonlight in Vermont. " Inci­ the BOMBARD£ , Box 5013, Bendix Sta­ dentally, "Our Direccor " gets the most THE PARAMOUNT SOUND, Bill tion, N. Hollywood, Calif 91605 . Be effective brass band treatment we've Floyd playing the 4-17 Wurlitzer sure to include purchasing information, heard captured in grooves to date. in the Byrd Theatre, Richmond, Va. if applicable . CR-0034, stereo, available by mail If there 's any critical comm ent to be at $4.50, postpaid from Concert made , it's on the technic al side, probably Recording, Box 5 31, Lynwood, Calif. JUST PLAIN BILL, Bill Blunk at in dubbing; the cues are at different vol­ 90266. his 5-manual 'Marr & Colton Theatre um e levels. Mose are even, but a few are Bill Floyd's most recent previous ap­ Organ, Sound City label No. 1801, much louder. Surface tends to have a few pearance on Records was on a Cook stereo, available by mail, $ 5 .2 5 post­ pops , bur that could be j use on our re label disc released nearly ten years ago paid, Sound City, 4136 N. E. 28th view copy. ("The King of Organs ," Cook, # 1150). A venue, Portland, Oregon. * * * He played it on the 4-36 NY Paramount The story of Bill Blunk 's quest after LYN LARSEN-COAST TO Wurlitzer and it was a good one-stand­ the 5-24 Marr & Colton which once COAST-MAS 1004, stereo, avail­ ards in sleek theatrical arrangements . graced Rochester's (N.Y. ) Loew's and able by mail for $5.00 postpaid from Bue on this current release we meet a how he rescued it from a Schenectady Malar Productions, Box 3 3 04, Glen­ far different Bill Floyd. The "Paramount (N.Y .) music store is well documented . dale, Calif. 91201. Sound " title is a misnomer so far as side Now safely installed in a Portland build­ During 1967 Lyn Larsen was heard one is concerned . In the interim, Bill has ing and the object of affection to both across the land wherever he could locate obviously become very interested in ar­ local A TOEers and the Portland Theatre a suitable theatre organ . One byproduct ranging music for the organ . Arrange­ Organ Club, it's a monument co Bill's is this record which showcases the sounds ments are often just this side of "way love of the theatre instrument. But what of three excellent instruments. On the out " and occasionally "out there ." There of Bill? Is he really one of those players Carson studio 3- 26 Wurli , he offers is no such thing as an "ordinary arrange­ who play trap-happy "thrump-boom " "Doin ' the New Lowdown " (one of his ment " on this record. Bill uses dissonant style so often associated with rink styl­ concert staples ), "Londonderry Air ," harmony, altered melody lines, thumping ings (because skating rinks have often "Minute Waltz, " "When You 're Away" p ercussions , metallic arpeggios and a lot been Bill's bread and butter- and he and a devastating "If He Walked Into of imagination-occasionally in the style originally bought the M & C for his My Life." of Paul Beaver 's "Round Midnight " disc. rink)? He has often played it for skaters . Larry Bray's "Organ Loft" 5-33 Wur­ Dear old "Tangerin e" shows up newly Does chis mean we are to be confronted litzer in Salt Lake City is the vehicle for with a Ken Griffin on pipes? garbed in a beguine tempo with a veri­ "I'll Take an Option on You " (Richard table "woodpile " accompaniment . "Blue Not at all; Bill Blunk 's approach is a Purvis ' radio theme when he played the­ Skies" starts sweetly enough, but by sec­ pleasing one, based mainly on traditional atre organ as "Don Irvine " ). The same ond chorus the brass is punctuating in theatre organ stylings, but with plenty of instrument supplies the pipes for a syncopation, sometimes brutally. "Time surprises. There 's lots of variety; Bill's somewhat maestoso "My Hopeful Heart " Was " is done in drag tempo on a reed selections range from South Sea island and a sophisticated "Washington Post mix, then comes the grand piano vari­ magic ( "Adventures in Paradise " ) to March " which only now and then de­ ation-weird but beautiful in a "Beaver" Herb Alpert ( "Music to Watch Girls scends co the slambang of a real brass sort of way while the pedal marks the By" ) to military marches ( "Our Direc­ band . steady tempo . "Bees Knees " is 1: 05 min­ cor") . And he has a great time demon­ The instrument which comes off best utes of fast paced, jazzy novelty music, strating the many distinctive voices of on this record ( a purely subjective reac­ too soon over. "Stars in My Eyes" suffers the M & C, which is especially rich in tion, of course) is the smallest, the 3 -13 from some melodic myopia and rather reeds. Wurlitzer in San Francisco's Avenue coo "close" harmony. The "clackers" are august 1968 20 back ro keep "The Lamp Is Low " ALSO OF INTEREST. .. cause of the efforts of its promoters, (Ravel's "Pavanne ") well oiled with Hathaway and Bowers, to sell a stock of some insistent rhythms which suddenly "1927," RCA Victor LPV-545, automatic "Jazz Orchestras " through ads become boldly reminiscent of another availabh on dealers' racks, $3.88 to in such unlikely papers as the Wall Ravel tune, "Bolero." A colossal closer $4.95. Street Journal. The ad said they were for side one. This is a reissue of "sounds of the suitable for any public place- restau­ "You Walk By" enjoys a more "nor­ rimes" relative to the year 1927, the rants, laundromats, supermarkets and mal" ballad treatment and along with early days of radio network broadcasting similar gathering places. The roll-playing "Beautiful Love" captures the most en­ which often featured the dance bands of instrument differs from most orchescri­ chanting music on the record. These George Olsen, Fred Waring, Paul White­ ons in that it has an accordion as well man, Jean Goldkette and Roger Wolf tunes could be classed as "Paramount as some organ ranks (plus an off-speech Kahn ( all represented). But sandwiched Sound," and also "The Song Is You." [et of hooting whistles ), and traps, craps, All three have an intensity about chem in among runes sung by such memory craps! teasers as "The Revelers" (male quartet ) which catches and holds the listener's The perfected roll presents the correct attention. "When Day Is Done" takes and Gene Austin, is one priceless organ alignment of tracker holes to bring about the prize as the most off-beat treatment gem, the incomparable Jesse Crawford hurdy-gurdy scylings of such tunes as rendition of "At Sundown. " This cop­ of a familiar oldie. Pares of it are exqui­ "Never on Sundays," "Winchester Cathe­ drawer example of the Crawford arr has site, but not the parts which rake liber­ dral, " "Merry Widow Waltz, "' 'Valencia, " been ignored by nearly all the latter day ties with the melody. The massed sering "Mona Lisa"- abou c 2 5 tunes in all. Crawford recreacors. Listening to the ex­ intro is gorgeous and much of the Tibia While the accordion adds a certain air of "ooh-hooing" is pleasing-but that frac­ cellent dubbing (from 78 rpm, naturally ) sophistication, the rest is largely merry­ of this imaginative treatment of the tured melody line! go-round music, with much emphasis on Walter Donaldson "smash hit " of 1927, over-prominent traps (volume adjustable The closer is a rhythmic "Sarin Doll. " one can't but wonder why it has re­ to suit the location when installed, of This is the most unusual record we've mained in limbo for so long. 'It's a high course ). The instruments sell for around reviewed in ages. Lots of surprises, no price for one organ piece, but the quality $5,000 and would certainly attract atten­ dull moments, and some gorgeous organ of the Crawford treatment makes it a tion at any location. However, as a re­ sounds. good investment. The other material on cording instrument the heavy-handed * * * the record is, of course, dared, but has drums, blocks and similar noisemakers lots of nostalgia value - especially the dominate the scene to the disadvantage RECEIVED TOO LATE Paul Whiteman concert treatment of of the accordion and pipe-produced mu­ TO REVIEW IN THIS ISSUE "When Day Is Done, " with the choked sic. As recorded here , the novelty wears crumpet sound of Henry Busse. off before the grooves have been fully BILL DALTON AT THE CON­ * * * traveled by the stylus. Mainly for collec­ SOLE, Loew's Ohio Theatre, Colum­ THE FANTASTIC JAZZ ORCHES­ tors of automatic instrument sounds and bus, Ohio; stereo, Amherst SLP- TRA, CR-M030, available by mail a gem for its kind in that category. 1202. at $4.5 0 postpaid from Concert Re­ On May 5th, veteran organist Bill cording,. Box 531, Lynwood, Calif. Dalton paid a return concert visit co an 90262. old friend, the 4-22 Robert Morron in In the last issue we promised a review Loew's (Columbus) Theatre, recently of this particular orchestration disc be- Aroundthe ATOE Beat restored by a ream of ATOErs headed by Carlos Parker and Tom Hamilton. One Those organ addicts who tuned in result of that well-received concert re­ ABC TV's "General Hospital" to hear union was this privately produced George Wright play the incidental music recording, which we'll review in the next NOW on a piano, Hammond, celesce and issue. For those who can't wait, write for Chamberlain, were surprised co see an­ purchasing information co Central Ohio AVAILABLE other name credited for the music dur­ Chapter, ATOE, 5567 Crawford, Colum­ ing the shows seen late in August-Lyn bus 24, Ohio. an exact Larsen. Lyn cook over during George's duplicate vacation. Lyn soon learned that the room of the with the musical instruments is tucked away from the "Hospital " sets; he saw ! MARTHA! FAMOUS chose pretty "nurses " and received his MARTHA LAKE, famous relic of the cues via a TV monitor. Foiled! twilight zone of theatre organ music, has finally gone and done it! Recorded HOWARD * * * on her specially voiced pipe organ with Abysinnian Stringed Oboe. Spe­ "WONDER" SEAT In Seattle, ex-Pres Dick Schrum 's 4 ½ ­ cial Voicing suggestions by Auburn year-old daughter, Gini, saw a load of Springs. Sele~tions Include: F.O.B. sewer pipes being unloaded across the MARTHA'S THEME • SATISFACTION DES MOINES, IOWA ZO VOT'S GNU $16000 street and asked mama Marilyn what they CLIMBIN' OUT OF MY BED Also Howard seat replacement castings were. When told chat they were pipes, and Wurlitzer Black Cap magnet coils . 45 rpm E-P STEREO ... $1.50 Gini exclaimed loudly, "They don 't look Price includes Postage like organ pipes. Mama-you mean there RELAY RECORDS KEYBOARD ENTERTAINMENT are ocher kinds of pipes? " Dick's only PRODUCTSMANUFACTURING CO. comment was, "Brainwashed-at 4½ !" 8606 35th N. E. • Seattle, Wash. 98115 2117 40th SI., DES MOINES, IOWA 50310

21 theatre organ bombarde Feb. 1924 ( D) : From an ad in the GOLD DUST 1908-Adolph Zukor Oakland, Calif., Tribune - "Wan red : hired a church organist co play for the Pipe organise who can also fill the posi­ three-reel "Passion Play" in a Newark, tion of auto mechanic, or stenographer and typist, or building cu s to d i a n or N. J., theatre; 1910-The Hope-Jones handy mechanic or undertaker. A good, Organ Co., Elmira, N . Y., was closed in steady position." April because of financial difficulties. In May, a receiver was appointed; 1911- Oct. 1924 (AO): SIGMUND D. The Rudolph Wurlitzer Co., purchased ROSEN , organist, while playing in a De­ troit theatre , was shot and killed by his more than 20 acres adjoining the fac­ wif e from whom he'd been separated. tory in North Tonawanda, N. Y., for erecting additions. In February 1912, a Dec. 1924 ( D): In connection with $150,000 addition was completed; 1914 N"U"GGETS publication of the plans for a 6-manual New York 's 3,500-seat Strand Theatre from the organ for the Kindt Theatre in Daven­ became the first big theatre devoted to port, Iowa, perhaps it is more than a GOT ,DEN" D.A-Y-S coincidence that the organ is being pur­ feature pictures, an orchestra and huge chased by the son of the founder of chi­ pipe organ being featured; 1915- ropractic treatment. It will take a chiro­ GEORGE L. HAMRICK playing the Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos practor-organist to play the instrument organ and directing the orchestra in the -one who is expert in the laying-on of new Grand Theatre, Columbus, Ga.; hands. Th is month , Jason and I have fo und WILHELMINA WOOLWORTH at the some humorous and some offbeat gold Beman Symphonic Organ in the Allen­ nuggets which we hope will ease the April 1926 (AO): 'Mr. and Mrs. reader through the hot w eather. The y're JESSE CRAWFORD are proud par­ dale Theatre, Buffalo, N . Y.; T. S. JOHN­ from American Organist (AO ), Diapa­ en ts of a baby girl. A novelty in the SON at the new P i e d mo n t Theatre, son (D) , Jacobs (]) and Melody (M) . Chicago Theatre was devoted to this, Greensboro, N. C.; EDWARD A. HAN­ via a parody to the song, I Wonder CHETT opened the Hilgreen - Lane at Where My Baby Is Tonight , entitled June 1918 (M): San Francisco is I Wonder Why My Baby Cries All the Grand, in Ennis, Texas; HERMAN paying about $17,000 a year for F. SIEWERT at the Empress Theatre's recitals on its exposition organ, but Night. the receipts are about $ 5 0. Organist finely voiced Kimball, Grand Rapids, (J): EDWIN LE'MARE's salary is $10,- Oct. 1927 Richmond, Va.-The Mich .; CLARENCE EDDY , billed as the local here attempted co call a strike 000. Some newspapers are protest­ "World's Greatest Organise," opened the ing, saying a better drawing card be because the theatres were using organs instead of four-piece orchestras. All or­ 2,000-seat Empire Theatre in San An­ put in his place. tonio, Texas, by playing Handel's Mes­ (Served him right ; Lemare was openly ganists were supposed co give up organ contemptuous of theatre organs.-ED.) p 1a yin g and, perhaps, start digging siah on the Wurlitzer. ditches or slinging hash, while fiddles, drums, pianos and ocher i n s tr um e n ts Oct. 1918 (M): ARTHUR GEIS, A reader whose home town is Spo­ played away to the utter distraction of kane, Wash., wonders who played in that almost 7 feet call, is organist at a leading all present . Happily, someone saw the picture theatre in Canada. His very long city's theatres in the good old days. Well , light , and the organists were notified to at the big Kimball in the Clemmer , were fingers are well adapted to playing the stay on the job. Hope-Jones Unit Orchestra. ESTHER STAYNER in August 1923 , FRANCES TIPTON in March 1926, and Nov. 1935 (D): The Philadelphia ESTHER BODE in May 1926. In 1927 , Aug. 1919 (J): LLOYD G. DEL Inquirer says: "A pipe organ, one FRANCES TIPTON was broadcasting , CASTILLO, well-known Boston or­ would imagine, would not be the having played 500 numbers in seven ganist, has composed a march in 2/ 4 easiest thing for a thief to walk months and getting mail from all over time, Near Beer, in observance of away with. Few objects, other than the U.S. and Alaska , Canada and Mex­ the new prohibtion law. an elephant or a suspension bridge, ico. At the Libert y, DON ISHAM was would be more difficult to conceal. there in August 1926 , and at the end Feb. 1920 (M) : Singer Nora Bayes Nevertheless, according to police, a of the year, FRANCIS SPECHT. WIN­ does not care for pipe organ accompan i­ gang of thieves has sprung up, spe­ IFRED RHODES played the three-man­ ment to a musical show, so to earn his cializing in organ pipes. Smaller ual Robert Morton in December 1927. salary, WALTER STEELEY , organist at valuables don't interest these pilfer­ Chicago 's Cort Theatre , where Miss ers, but if you have a pipe organ in In October 1937, MAURICE Bayes is appearing, plays a 3 - minut e your home, look out! This apparent COOK, the "Jovial Console Master," number while the orchestra rests be­ vogue for carting away big things returned to Rochester's Loew's The­ tween acts. may have startling consequences. atre 5-24 Marr & Colton for an ex­ We may yet see second-story men tended engagement. Maurice later October 1923 (AO): FORREST taking moving vans with them ... had a memorable stint in Loew's GREGORY of Rochester, NY, is on to concentrate on hauling out grand State in Syracuse, New York. the Pacific Coast this summer "to pianos and coal furnaces. escape from the prison life of a the­ We 'll be back with another load of atre organist." Up to this time, he Nov. 1935 (D): Sign of the times: nostalgic treasure in Ocrober, partners! has kept clear of organs with high The Center Theatre of New York has hopes of maintaining the record. installed a Hammond Electric. -Lloyd & Jason

august 1968 22 CONTINUATION - PART II DON MILLER Theatre Organist

"Anyway I had played-before I re­ things going and progressing. Then, tired in 1962-at the Dearborn Inn for they've got you, Claude, on publicity eleven years on Hammond (concert) . and experienced as a theatre manager. Then I retired and I said to myself, 'I've When they suggested someone inter­ got my home, and I've got a nice plug-in view me I suggested you because you In Part One of this taped interview set up here, and I've got a nice stereo know show business and you feel it. with Claude Sheridan of Detroit 1 Don for my tapes.' I thought I would just sit You also know of my background in Miller recounted his early years as a here and listen to ochers play, but it Detroit." theatre performer-from theatre pian­ turned out chat wasn't to be. Some Claude: Tell about some of your ra­ ist in Perry1 Iowa 1 at age 12,· through people just insisted that I make an occa­ the formative years and the golden sional appearance which I have done, dio programs you did? da')Jsof the theatre organ/ up to the and my last one was the 1967 National Don: "I'll start with the sidelights do°tdrums of the early 30 1s. It is from A TOE Convention at the Senate Theatre first. While I was in the Hollywood the mid-30 1s that his story continues ... on the 4m-34r Fisher Orbits Wurlitzer. Beach lfocel (Florida), one day a lady I didn't want to play the opening con­ came up to the organ and handed me "About this time the Hammond organ cert. George Orbits, who is the owner had come into being and a competitor, a typewritten piece of paper . She said, of the organ and a real organ buff, pres­ "This is a poem chat I have written the Orgatron, also made its appearance. sured me to open it and he kept at me. The Orgatron was being sold by Hud­ about your playing. I have been a guest He wanted me to play in the afternoon, here for some time and it's called Rivers son's in Detroit. They engaged me to and I hate to play afternoon concerts. demonstrate this new electronic 'marvel'. of Sound. I have it in my scrapbook and I'm a nighthawk-I don't gee awake I cherish it very much. You can just sort I demonstrated from 1: 00 to 5: 00 each until the electric lights come on. So char afternoon and became involved in their of imagine how it moved my soul when was one strike against me. It was 88 ° she had finished it. selling. I was not there too long, as I that day, of all days, and the theatre is proved to be rather poor as a salesman. not air-conditioned yet. That and "Then in Detroit there was the fa­ I was more concerned selling my music. coupled with, shall we say, 'advancing' mous restaurant where all the musicians As you can see, I had been very active years ( you'll notice I'm not saying the and theatrical people used to go - the and after the electronic plug-in came, I word 'old'), but for the good of the Bungalow Restaurant. They had a menu played everything. I had to take two, cause I finally consented. I can honestly there with the different local artists' three, or four jobs to make money. I was say that I received the greatest ap­ names on it. They had me down as playing five jobs all during the week. preciation, recognition and acknowledg­ dessert-'a Ia Don Miller.' Probably I was on call from the funeral home in ment of my career." double-dipped. Then here is really about Detroit. I was playing a twenty-minute the tops. Once in my life I was featured spot solo at the Fisher on Friday nights Claude: You were an outstanding hit over the picture which was a silent and I did that for five years in the early of the entire convention and the ap­ movie. The movie featured Richard Bar­ SO's. I was staff organist on WJR. I plause was appreciatively sincere and thelmess in New Toys in August, 1925, played the dinner shift at the Dearborn well-deserved. at the Franklin Theatre in Saginaw, Inn, and I played all the wedding recep­ Michigan. I have the newspaper clipping tions I could find." Don: "I am one of chose musicians to prove it." Claude: 1 remember you returned to that feels very strongly and I wouldn't 1 1 Claude: That was where the picture Des Moines during the 40 s1 didn t you? give you a nickel for a player that can't accompanied the organist? Don: "Yes, I went our there to gee make me feel as well as see and listen. our of Detroit. It was pretty crowded I want to feel what they are doing and Don: ''I played that time the Light during the war. My wife owned a home I felt the air was charged that afternoon. Cavalry Overture. That was my solo. I in Des Moines, so we lived there seven It was just snapping and the sweat was used to do a lot of overtures." years. I did radio work on KRNT and rolling down the aisle; I was wringing had a fine church position. I had been wee. Bue it's one of those things and, Claude: Overtures were very popu­ organist at our church in Perry, Iowa, now that it's all over, I am very graceful lar during that time? when I was a young man. That is very for the whole experience. It's wonderful Don: "Oh yes-Poet and Peasant1 valuable experience for a theatre organ­ that we have the Detroit Theatre Organ Orpheus-and it took technique to play ist. For instance, Ashley Miller made a Club and it is very successful. The mem­ them. The theatre organ brought them recording recently for the Detroit bers have pitched in wherever needed our. In fact, John Muri played a Joe of Theatre Organ Club and his closing and they are bringing the finest artists them down at the DTOC and so does number was 'Y ou1 ll Never Walk Alone 1 here. The Motor City ATOE Chapter Mark Koldys, who is a young genius. It and he gave it a 1religioso 1 treatment .are for the most part members of DTOC has been gratifying to see the mail that which was simply out of this world. He and they are an up-and-coming bunch. has come in regarding the ATOE Con­ studied in New York. Some of the It's amazing what they're doing there. vention concert. One letter said that it theatre organists have nor been able to Al Mason is a go-getter and a wonderful was one of the few times that she cried have that experience, but to me it was fellow. He and his wife, Betty, are real through sheer emotion at hearing organ the highlight of his record. I have talked organ lovers. Between that couple and music. That I prize because she got what with several ochers and they feel the George and Muriel Orbits they've got I was crying to do. The number that same way. quite a combo of material to keep probably moved her was Debussy's The

23 theatre organ bombarde Girl With the Flaxen Hair ... very ethe­ on Thanksgiving morning and I played applause. I said, Tm like you. I like soft real, you know. The number before that the Doxology, Old Hundred Hymn. music and I like loud music, but I don't was Ritual Fire Dance-everything but There are four Voxes on that organ so like it loud all of the rime.' That is not the plaster fell off on that one. Those are I started off the first stanza with chimes a criticism. I am just saying these things wonderful experiences and it sort of for four bars and an answer with the because it might mean something to leaves me speechless but, since this is an Vox Humana for four bars and more somebody and it might not. But there is interview, I feel that the publishers want chimes and more Vox until the first no ego in any of these remarks that I am to know . In fact, I have had letters from stanza was finished. Then I went into the a very humble and grateful person for publishers of the magazine and they second stanza-the cathedral part of it. all of this. Of course, I will admit when want to know these little personal things No tremolos and all diapasons with I was a dashing juvenile and my picture because it is just something that a good some reeds. Then I changed keys from and name were all over this town of many of the organists have dropped out G to C which naturally built up and I Detroit that I was tempted ro think that of the picture because there just wasn't started with the crescendo pedal clear off I was pretty good, but I soon got that the work and they ended up in some but I kept building up to the most gor­ knocked out of me. It all came so quick funeral home. That was about it , or geous, thrilling, majestic climax I have that I can understand why these people reaching." ever heard completing the third stanza . who are made overnight can't help it Claude: Regarding y our theme , It is a crime the way theatre organs are going to their heads. They're in a whirl WATERS OF THE PERKIOMEN, I certain­ being treated ." and they simply go from 50 bucks a ly remember it, and I am certain other Claude: I am glad there are groups week into the hundreds. " people in the Detroit area remember the like the DTOC and ATOE restoring Claude: Success never spoiled you broadcast 20's. It was customary for the these organs to playing condition. even back in the late 20's during the circuit to have the different organists on peak of your career. You were one of different nights of the week at midnight Don: "They try to tell you they are the nicest fellows a person could know after show , and I especially remember not in the nostalgia business in the the­ and certainly were very nice to me when during the depression years- '32 and '33 atre organ world. But I am afraid they I would come down and sit on the rail at -when so many of the theatres were are, because it is the organ of the early night when you were practicing. When picture days that is the inspiration for closed that you were playing on WXYZ I was courting my wife in those days, it from both the Capitol and State The­ the players of today and don 't ever think was really a cheap but pleasant day to they are not getting ideas from the play­ atres at one time or another. One of my come down and hear you broadcast. We fondest memories is of going over to the ers of the older days. Of course, the new really enjoyed it. State to hear you playing personally on players are real wonderful. There is Billy Nalle, and George Wright has had lots Don: "I would like to say a word for some of those programs. You had a little the California theatre publications. They fishing shanty built over the console in of theatre experience, and Lyn Larsen played wonderfully here recently. Then are doing a lot of good. It's amazing, but the dead of the winter and had an elec­ I counted one day nearly forty places tric heater in the corner. speaking of this nostalgia business, the August issue of the Review of the that are really organ-conscious our Don: "In those days we played about Organizer, a magazine from California, there." three hours . There were two organists. said that there were two silent movie Claude: That is true and I hope the The other organist, Margaret Werner, veteran organists that literally 'stole the whole country will become that way. played about three half-hour shows a show' and if anyone wants to know who Don: "Maybe if they do, some smart day sustaining, and I did about three ." they are they can get the August issue theatre operator will get an organ, get a Claude: I can remember your playing of the Organizer. One of them was Don wonderful artist and feature him. He'll fifteen minutes, then off for half an hour, Baker. You see, there is nostalgia yet in make some money. Now I know what and then play for another fifteen, and the theatre business. " I'm talking about because when I was at so on. the Fisher in 1956, the stage hands and Claude: You have had a marvelous the operators struck for a raise. We were Don: "That's right. There was no re­ career and certainly an interesting one. putting on productions there complete hearsal time and commercials hadn't There is no question about that. You with effects, changing lights, and cur­ taken over radio yet." have brought a great deal of pleasure to tains that had to be snapped opened and Claude: Also I remember that you a great many people throughout the closed just so, and all this and all that. years. I think it is most interesting and played the Fox over WW J for a year. The General Manager of the Publix Cir­ most appropriate that even now you are Don: "I broadcast the Fox organ over cuit disliked unions. So he said, 'I'll fix able to thrill and entertain audiences in WXYZ at 7: 00 o'clock in the morning them.' He cut out the organ solo and a way that many of them never knew when there was no one in there. There out I went! The theatre manager, Jack be/ ore because they were not around in was a big reverberation in there. It is a Sage ( a real organ buff), personally told the days when the theatre organ was so big barn of a theatre, but a beautiful me that he showed the figures to the popular. house . I was recently down there after General Manager concerning the drop the convention at the invitation of Don: "I am a devotee of the style of in business. I had played there on a Motor City Chapter President Henry organ playing where on ballads you Friday night for about a twenty-minute Przybylski . He had been after me to play make the organ sing. Leonard MacClain spot. He showed the figures of the drop so I went down and played for about was a great artist at that. When you put of intake for two months on Friday three hours. There were about twelve those words on the screen that organ had nights trying to get him to put it back, other professionals and we all got up to talk those words- sing it- flow it but the circuit wouldn't do it . Jack and did our bit . I've got my tape of that through . It was just wonderful on bal­ moved to California and has since passed Fox and I'm glad I did-it is magnifi­ lads. The tendency of today's new play­ on. There was a neat little difference cent! It 's funny. When I sat down at ers is that they play awfully loud all the between when they had the organ and the console they expected me to rear off the time and too fast. Now I remember when they didn 't have the organ. They some snappy number to open with, but when I played a soft number for the could hire a good name organist, pay I happened to remember a number that July concert at the convention that at him a good salary, feature him, and they I had broadcast in the early 30's. It was the end I received quite a wonderful could really go to rown."

august 1968 24 Claude: Well certainly in those years FAIRBANKS always regretted he since you were the only organist playing did not have a cameraman film this in the theatre in Detroit you, yourself, action, for the actor in the humorous did a great deal to keep the interest alive little tableau was Charlie Chaplin. because many of the people who are RICHARD Barthelmess, Richard Dix, members of ATOE and DTOC made it Adolph Menjou, Lon Chaney, Rudolph a habit of going down to the Fisher on Valentino, John G i l be r t and Douglas Friday nights just to hear you play. Many Fairbanks were beloved by millions of folks who weren 't around in the heyday film fans and generated gigantic box of­ of the organ in the 20's and 30's and fice business. Yet they were never hon­ weren't familiar with it were able to go ored with an Oscar. down to the Fisher and hear Don Miller at the Mighty Wurlitzer. It created a lot WHO Is That? by Warren B. Meyers, of interest in a lot of people. is a book of 613 photographs of the best Don: "The Detroit Theatre Organ actors and actresses ever in films. It is a Club has made me an Honorary Member perfect guide to the late-late show on and I think there is just one other-Don TV when you ask: ''Who ... is that old Baker. There may be three. I am also geezer? . .. I know him but ... " These players were the fiesh and blood who Honorary Member of the Motor City ~ DIRECTED BY carried the paper-thin story lines on "B Chapter of ATOE. It's a nice gesture W. NASH _,...... 11\.YLE stinkers ," many of which starred a sex­ and very much appreciated . "I did want to mention how these bomb who could not act her way out of publications are digging up all this a negligee . Faces you will recall fondly material on organs. It started out about include Patsy Kelly, Charles Lane, Regi­ twelve years ago in St. Paul and now A READER asks "What famous nald Owen and Fritz Feld. they have over 3,000 members of ATOE. film personalities of long ago are ELEVEN Valentino films will be Then there is a new magazine of the still missing from the Hollywood featured at the 1969 Berlin film fes­ A.G.O.-Music / The A.G.O. Magazine, Walk of Fame?" tival. Pictures to be shown include published in New York. Billy Nalle has a such rare ones as: The Cobra, Four column in that called "Leave It to Billy." A. Many. There are now over 1,600 Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Mon­ The renaissance of the theatre organ names implanted on sidewalks a I on g sier B e a u c a i r e, Camille and T be needs souping up. I hope the DTOC will Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street . Sheik. get him very quickly here. I think they're New names are added at infrequent in­ FORTY-FIVE years have slipped by negotiating for him now. He 's been at tervals. There is room for about 1,400 since The Covered Wagon plodded Rochester and he pulled in 1,500 people more names . Some notables have stars across the nation's silver screens in 1923. at $3 a seat. I claim that's a good draw­ at several locations . Gene Autry and Ernest Torrence and Tully Marsh a 11 ing power." Tony Martin have four stars each. Char­ proved in this classic that great acting (Ed. note: Billy Nalle has since played lie Chaplin is sadly missing. His son, is timeless. Recently a young critic saw a smash concert for DTOC. See April Charles, Jr., once failed in a court action the Paramount vintage hit and declared: issue.) to force placement of his father 's name "Torrence and Marshall would outclass Claude: Don, it has been pleasing in one of the 36-inch squares of charcoal most of today's crop of unwashed, unclad talking to you and reminiscing about terrazzo. the wonder/ ul career you have had, and characters. They were noble actors." I anyone reading what you have to say MISSING names include May Allison, agree. I saw the film recently and think Torrence was one of the great film char­ will share with me the feeling that there Betty Bronson, Billy Bevan, James Kirk­ acter actors of all time. will be for many, many years a Don wood, Dorothy Mackaill, Frances Mar­ Miller at the console to entertain all ion, Shirley Mason, Patsy Ruth Miller, TOM MIX has been dead for 28 years theatre organ bufjs. Ned Sparks and Florence Vidor. but his fans recently dedicated a museum Don: "God Bless all my listeners and of Mix memorabilia in Oklahoma. Bob readers." FICKLE fate laughed when the Birchard, Mix research expert, says it is stars of W. C. Fields, John Barry­ an ex c e l le n t collection, well worth DON MILLER turns as neat a verbal more and Errol Flynn were all viewing. phrase as he does a musical one, placed almost together in front of a ROY D'ARCY, whom fans will recall viz the following: cocktail lounge entrance. as the dashing Count of the 1925 Merry "Two standing ovations in one Widow , with Mae Murray, lives in quiet program, I've never had in my life IN 1921 - 22 Douglas Fairbanks was retirement in Redlands , Calif. before. Sometimes the good things making Robin Hood. Hundreds of vis­ POSITIVE information about come late in life. I don't know if itors filled the United Artists studio Cinecon III to be held in Hollywood you read the paper or not, but I'll grandstands daily. One morning Fair­ Sept. 1 and 2 is not available. This be 71 in September. You know­ banks staged a rare treat. As the entire gathering of movie fans of the silent there are three things I'm sure all crew and v isitors watched , the draw­ era ( collectors, too) is scheduled but of us want, we long for ... we bridge of the castle slowly lowered, then a program of events was not avail­ need it. That's Appreciation, Rec­ a slight figure dressed as a tramp walked able when deadline time came. ognition and Acknowledgement. nonchalantly out carrying a cat. He You have given me all three this crossed the drawbridge , put the cat down , PERSON AL NOTE - It was heart­ afternoon, and I thank you. And picked up a bottle of milk, the morning warming to meet scores of A TOE dele­ God bless you." newspaper , looked around and then calm­ gates at the big meeting, July 13-16, in -1967 National Convention, ly strolled back into the castle as the Los Angeles. I've always felt ATOE peo­ Senate Theatre, Detroit giant drawbridge closed. ple were great - now I know.

25 theatre organ bombarde the block was being torn down but that Ben then introduced Air Force Cap­ the theatre would remain for the time tain Jack Moellmann who was leaving being. for a tour of duty in Germany the next The console was opened to the mem­ day. Jack is an unusual individual who bers and guests, and all who graced the had a 4-36 WurliTzer in his home for bench seemed unusually inspired. years before he discovered A.T.O.E. After playing"Everything's Coming Up Roses," June Busts Out in Bethany Jack explained chat he had gotten per­ The June meeting of the Connecticut mission co take his 1800-lb. plug-in with Valley Chapter, A.T.O.E. at the home of him, but he was trying to get enough Harold and Eleanor Weaver has become extra weight to cake the WurliTzer ••••••• ••••••• a tradition. The Weavers must really instead. live right, as they always manage perfect After playing a group of numbers to weather, and June 8 was no exception. show off the hardware department to -.-.,a-.....vIll Ill June was busting out all over the hills of Secretary Carmen Charette, he played a Bethany. tribute co the lace Senator Robert F. •CHAPTERNEWS• The afternoon was spent with a jam Kennedy with the Lord's Prayer. Be sure you mail all Chapter News to: session, and a chance to renew old ac­ Ben Hall then recalled reading "Tom A. T.O.E.-P.O. Box 7404, Bitter Lake Sta­ quaintances and make new ones. After a Swift and His Electric Grandmother," tion, Seattle, Wn. 98133 short business meeting the members and and intrcxluced Al Miller. Al introduced guests departed to area restaurants for "Roller Coaster" and began co play. Just dinner. as he finished the "Over the Waves" in­ Shortly after 8: 00, guest Master of troduction, Ben and Harold Weaver be­ CONNECTICUT VALLEY Ceremonies, Ben Hall welcomed the 60 gan to remove the bench. Al moved away enthusiasts present co the "Weaver's from the console and wait . . . "Roller The Connecticut Valley Chapter Wonder Marr & Colton Palace." The or­ Coaster" continued on without him. A. T. 0. E., Connecticut Valley Theatre gan, he explained, was a three manual, Al then unveiled the Austin Quadru­ Organ Society, Inc., celebrated its 7th nine ranker which was removed from plex Player situated in a cabinet just to birthday on April 20, 1968. the Princess Theatre in South Norwalk the left of the console. The player had The business meeting was held in in 1963 and was playing in its new home been installed for the meeting, and the Clinton's Music Store in Hartford. Chair­ in 1964. roll of the "Roller Coaster" he explained, man Stillman Rice conducted the meet­ Ev Bassett was introduced as one who was one he had made at the home of ing. After a discussion about the forth­ had worked hard on the installation, and Bill Petey in Fort Defiance, Virginia, coming Gaylord Carter Concert at the was invited co the console. Everett be­ where the Quadruplex Perforacer is New Haven Paramount, and a pep talk gan with "You Do Something co Me," located. by Concert Chairman Mike Foley, the then played a tune several members have Al played a roll recorded by Ray Bru­ meeting adjourned and our birthday was been trying co identify for two years; ic bacher in January, which consisted of "A celebrated with "goodies" and a shore was identified as "Try co Forget." An­ Second Time Around" and a "Medley jam session on the Wurlitzer plug-in do­ other stumper was "Who 's Making You from Gone With the Wind. " nated by Clinton's. Forget Me?" Ben had a chance to sing As an encore, Al played a roll recorded At about 11: 30, the group departed to his favorite song about the seventy-five­ by Bill Fearnley in 1931 which featured the Allyn Theatre where Al Miller gave year-old girl with the ciddly-wink eyes, five popular songs of the time. le was a short concert. Not-ing that very few and it isn't Martha Lake either. We just noted chat the rolls were actual perform­ · organists were still in a position to make know his favorite line is "ARF! says ances of the artists, accurate in every a living playing theatre organs he played Sandy." detail. "Nice Work If You Can Get It." Al's Everett concluded with a tribute co A short intermission followed, after arrangement of "Whispering" featured the memory of the Marr & Colton Fac­ which Ben Hall introduced the featured the Oboe, Harp, and Jazz Cymbal, fol­ tory in Warsaw, N. Y., "After You've artist, our own Rosa Rio, who began the lowed by Gaylord Carter's arrangement Gone." program with a light, romantic version of "Charmaine." Again borrowing an arrangement, Al played the George Wright "Quiet Village" which demon­ strated the various colors of the organ with and without tremolo. Remarking that even in this era of "pop" music, song writers usually come up with beautiful music when they write about love, Al played his own arrange­ ment of "Love Is Blue" which had bits of "Greensleeves" wound about the mel­ cxly. Cole Porter's "At Long Last Love" was a beautiful arrangement lifted from the grooves of George Wright's latest ,platter, and was followed by the Bush- DeLugg "Roller Coaster." Both the 3-12 Austin and Al were at their best, and fears that the theatre was STARS OF THE SHOW-(Left) Harold and Eleanor Weaver's "Wonder Marr & Colton Palace" 3-9 about to come down were alleviated M & C. (Right) ROSA RIO accepts roses as MC BEN HALL looks on during swinging ConnValChap somewhat when it was announced that meeting . -PHOTOS: Al Miller

august 1968 26 of "With a Song in My Heare." Rosa rn­ LAND O'LAKES For the unique housing, the Matsons troduced "Love Is Blue," a baroque-like Another in a series of "can you top purchased an 80 - acre farm, put their contemporary tune based on the Dorian this" meetings was held on June 9 in thinking processes to work and came up Scale. This was followed by a group of Spring Valley, Minn. Hosting the meet­ with a gem. Using the hayloft of the popular tunes in which her musicianship ing were Dr. and Mrs. Roland Watson barn for the console and seating area, was flawless. and offering two main attractions: their the construction necessary was for the The arrangement of "Moonlight Sere­ 2-8 Special E Wurlitzer and the home organ. They opened the north wall of nade" was Rosa's own, based on Beetho­ they have designed for it. The organ was the barn and added on the chambers, ven's four-pare Sonata construction. This originally purchased for $15,000 and in­ using concrete construction. The south arrangement published by Robbins, is stalled in 1926 in the Garrick Theatre, wall ( what were the hayloft doors) well worth a trip to the music store. Minneapolis, since renamed the Century. boasts stained glass windows, artistically Commenting on the importance of In 1952 it was installed by Ray Steffens arranged by Marilyn Matson. Seating is lyrics to good music, Rosa Rio then read in St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Preston, church pews. A candelabra is from a the verse of "It's a Lazy Afternoon" from Minn. When this congregation merged now-razed church and a massive gas the Golden Apple and then played the with another, the organ was for sale. To street light alongside the organ is from beautiful tune. the astonishment of his wife, Marilyn Scotland. Rosa, who makes her programs most ( who soon became a die-hard enthusi­ Introduced by Dr. Matson, an accom­ enjoyable and educational by explaining ast) , Dr. Matson purchased it. For some plished organist himself, his six-year-old the music she plays, talked about Edvard time it remained in the church and was son, Alan, demonstrated the organ sound Grieg, why his songs were about love, used for concerts for select audiences (in­ effects - wailing siren, surf, auto horn, and polytonality ... "that's playing in cluding chapter meetings). Eventually steamboat whistle, cymbals, snare drum, two keys at the same time." Grieg's "A word came that the organ must be re­ bird call. Eight-year-old Andrea Matson Dream" was an appropriate example. moved. During the time it was stored, gave a concert best described when her Following a group of songs which mice and crickets went to work - de­ mother said she is up at 5: 30 a.m. to Rosa said she played on a four manual stroying the leather bellows. start practicing. Morton in New Orleans "when I was six Featured organist was Bob Arndt, who years old" she played "The Battle Hymn opened his concert with Hello, Dolly­ of the Republic" as a tribute to Robert later, Beyond the Sea with the surf really F. Kennedy. rolling; selections in the Jesse Crowford During the applause acknowledging style - some reminiscent of Don Sim­ the approval of those present, Eleanor mons - all great but equally so, the Bob Weaver presented Rosa with a lovely Arndt style. Exceptionally adept in the bouquet of roses. use of the organ sound effects, there is never a dull moment in Bob's concerts. Summing up- everything's up-to-date KAW VALLEY in rural Minnesota! Members of the Kaw Valley Chapter, -Irene M. Blegen, Lawrence, Kansas, decided in January to Secretary continue meeting through the summer months, except in August. The June 23rd meeting was in the ANSWERED s. o. S.-Bob Arndt of Des Moines, home of Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence Bee. Iowa, guest soloist for Land o' Lakes June LOS ANGELES Chairman Luther Corcelyou announced meeting, is shown here at the Smith organ, Now that the National Convention is that three members of the chapter, Frank Palace Theatre, Laverne, Minnesota. over, members are getting their affairs R. Green ~nd Mr. and Mrs. Howard L. After arranging for a location for the back to normal and catching up on sleep. Reedy, plan to attend the ATOE Na- organ, an SOS was answered by Elme~ A 1a r g e number of chapter members tional Convention in Los Angeles in July. and Bob Arndt of Keyboard Entertain- served on committees to assist in assur- Mr. Green, sales representative of Reuter ment Products Company, Des Moines, ing the success of the convention. The Organ Co. of Lawrence, and vice-chair- Iowa. They rented a mob i 1e home, results of their efforts are described else- man of the chapter, will be the delegate. moved into Spring Valley and proceeded where in this issue. The convention com- Featured on this Sunday's program to prod u c e an installation worthy of mittee, separate from the chapter board, were Mrs. Bee at the piano and Jerry envy. is wrapping up affairs and closing the Jennings, a high school student and the The organ is housed in two chambers books. A summary final report will be youngest member of the chapter, at the -Solo with 195 pipes and Main with made to the chapter board. organ playing piano-organ duers. The 389. There is a 3 7-note Glock, 18-noce It is planned to provide convention combination was delightful c0 hear. Chimes, 49-note Metal Harp, 84-note planning data to the National President Marvin Smith, a very talented guest Piano w i t h expression and Mandolin, for the use of other chapters considering organist from Kansas City, demonstrated sustain. It has a 3-hp. plower, 30-amp. spon~orship of an ATOE National Con- his unique style as he played old-time rectifier to supply lOV DC. The piano is vent1on. and recent hits on the Bee's Baldwin a Steinway Pianola, diode - keyed for Juse prior to the convention, on June electronic organ. piano action which leaves room for fu- 30, over 500 chapter members and guests Other chapter members also played, ture expansion on regular relay. The enjoyed a fine concert on the 4-37 Wil- rounding out a most enjoyable afternoon piano has two stages of expression and tern Kimball by British organist Vic of music. sustain. Hammett. No August concerts are

A. W. 0. L. CHAPTERS !-Maybe it was the summer vacation doldrums, but if YOUR Chapter didn't swing in the August issue, make us know it loud and clear for October by sending full reports to the Editor, co/ P.O. Box 7404, Bitter I Lake Station, Seattl~, Washington 98133.

27 theatre organ bombarde planned. The fall season will commence quite amazing. The console is located to Mr. Hammett's style was very remi­ in September. Both the Elks Building the right of the stage directly under the niscent of his long-time friend, Sidney 4-61 Morton and the Wiltern Kimball main chamber, which contains the Con­ Torch, well known to theatre organ buffs continue to be maintained, with appar­ cert Flute, Viol d'Orchestre, Tuba, and by his many recordings in the '30s. Im­ ent success, as evidenced by the absence Diapason. The solo chamber on the left mediately recognizable were the lo n g of failures despite the heavy usage dur­ contains the Kinura (a wild one!), Vox and complex modulations, considerable ing the convention. Humana, and a gorgeous Tibia. The per­ use of short, attention-getting passages A new ATOE / LA chapter informa­ cussions are located in both chambers. of full organ without cremulants, and a tion brochure has been printed for pre­ Add to this a tremendous amount of re­ tendency to group numbers in medleys. sentation to prospective members. It de­ verberation in the 5,000-seat Hall and He exhibited great agility in sever a l scribes ATOE, the LA Chapter activities, quite a sound is the result. The Kilgen, numbers, playing left-hand melodies benefits of membership, and explains which was installed in 1929, is played combined with complex figures and "hot how to become a member. Other chap­ three times weekly for events by Jim licks" on the brass by the right hand ters who may be interested can obtain Ryan. At the meeting over one dozen a l t e r n a t i n g between the two upper a copy by writing to the LA ch apter members played the organ, while others manuals. secretary. strolled the boardwalk, enjoying the The artist's technique was demon­ -Philip Ray Bonner, beautiful day, after a week of frightful strated to the full in Song of the Flutes, Vice Chairman weather . featuring almost continuous arpeggios with both hands using ( what else?) MOTOR CITY After lunch the group transferred to Flutes against Tibias; this was very en­ the Ocean Grove Auditorium to hear the Formula for a Perfect Spring Tonic joyable. Musical humor reached a peak very famous 4-22 Hope-Jones. Our in a "busted Bach" number composed 1 Sunday afternoon (May 5) thanks go to Mr. Ferd Rassmann, for his 1 3-10 Barton in Redford Theatre by his pseudonymous alter-ego of BBC diligent work during the week tuning days, "freddie f-fruger." Dramatic pauses 1 Crowd of people ( 7 56) the high pressure instrument under very and inept registration changes kept the 2 Short Comedies, W. C. Fields and cold, uncomfortable conditions. Dennis audience in stitches right down to the Laurel and Hardy James, noted young organist, opened the last bird whistle. 1 Sing-a-long afternoon program with several lively Several encores were demanded by the 1 Medley of Spring tunes and Gersh­ popular selections and a sampling of appreciative audience, including innu­ win songs Bach. Many others took their turn at the merable choruses of a swing thing remi­ 1 Charlie Chaplain "The Gold Rush" console, which is a bit tricky to operate niscent of Glenn Miller, each chorus in silent movie because the organist must control the a different key and continuous chromatic 1 Gaylord Carter volume of the four chambers separately, progressions in the left hand all the 1 Motor City Chapter of A.T.O.E. as the master expression pedal is inoper­ while. To the Sunday afternoon, gradually ative. During the meeting, Mr. Rass­ The Avenue Wurlitzer never sounded add a crowd of people and the 3-10 mann took several members down into better, being in excellent tune as re­ Barton in the Redford Theatre. Sit in a the concrete chambers for a closeup view quired by the untrem'd passages used dimmed auditorium and listen to the of the pipework, which turned out to be frequently by the artist. The formerly strains of the "Perfect Song," watch a a most interesting visit . The session rough pedal stops appeared to have been W. C. Fields chase movie, hear a medley closed with a very talented artist, Jeff smooched out considerably, and the jazzy of spring tunes, join in the fun and sing Barker, who was the high point of the Posthorn recently installed really imparts the old songs and laugh with Laurel and afternoon. He presented a spectacular needed power co the reed section, as re­ Hardy. Relax and listen to several Gersh­ medley of patriotic songs, because of quired for this type of program. Bay win favorites. Take time out for refresh­ Memorial Day, ending with "The Star Area fans are very fortunate to have this ments and visting with friends. Settle Spangled Banner," with the electric flag organ available and in such excellent back in your seats and enjoy a silent waving overhead. His parents were pres­ shape. movie "The Gold Rush" starring Charlie ent in the Auditorium. Also attending -Fred Clapp Chaplin with its famous "Dance of the the meeting was a former New York Rolls," "Dinner of the Boiled Shoes" and Chapter Chairman and his wife, Mr. and "The Teetering Mountain Cabin." Add Mrs. Howard Day, now of Lisle, Illinois . PUGET SOUND to this the one and only Gaylord Carter -Eric Zeliff Sunday, June 9, about fifty members at the Barton Console, brought to De­ of the Puget Sound Chapter crossed the troit by the Motor City Chapter of Cascades to Apple-capital Wenatchee A.T.O.E. for a visit to the Liberty Theatre and YIELD: One deliciously tremendous NORTHERN CALIFORNIA its 2-11 Wurlitzer. It is a 2-chamber 2 ½ hours of organ entertainment! British organise Vic Hammett showed installation including four straight sets DOSAGE: Given at least twice a year. in the left chamber. This theatre is In other words, Gaylord took com­ NorCal members a few new tricks at the famed Avenue Theatre Wurlitzer in unique in that the owners provide in mand of Detroit, as he always does the lease that the organ be maintained, wherever he appears. San Francisco on July 6. Some 600 per­ sons appeared and were intrigued with and it has therefore never been allowed to deteriorate. Chapter member Dave NEW YORK his different treatments of a great vari­ ety of music. Gellatly has had much to do with its New York Chapter members met on maintenance. June 1 at two New Jersey shore commu­ The artist showed himself to be not Playing chores were divided among nities for a day of theatre organ music merely a musician, but a showman as chapter members, with resident and host on two unique installations. well. His many humorous stories and Dave Gellatly leading off at 10:30 a.m., In the morning the members attended asides during the program kept the audi­ followed by Don French, Dan Adamson a jam session at the Asbury Park Con­ ence in a lighthearted mood and made accompanying a Keystone Kops comedy; vention Hall's 3-7 Kilgen. For a small him a man one would like to know as then Tom Kaasa ( who practiced on this organ, the sound from this instrument is well as listen to. organ as a boy), Don Meyers, and august 1968 28 Woody Presho. Dick Schrum squeezed in one number before we had to evacu­ Resolution in Memory of ate the theatre in favor of the scheduled ALLEN ARTHUR STRAUSS movie. Qllnaiug QI~nrh (1945-1968) Members then adjourned to dinner at the Cascadian Hotel, followed by a busi­ WHEREAS, be it resolved that we the members of the Connecticut Valley ness meeting; this being climaxed by Theatre Organ Society, Incorporated; American Theatre Organ Enthusiasts (A.T.O.E.), the appearance on his own Hammond of were saddened by the receipt of the news that on May sixth, in the year of our Lord new Wenatchee resident Barney Gugel, Nineteen Hundred and Sixty-Eight, our beloved friend and fellow member, ALLEN who delighted all with his get-up-and-go ARTHUR STRAUSS,was killed in action while fighting for the preservation of free­ style. dom as a member of the Armed Forces of these United Scates in the Republic of Coming up - another International Vietnam. Holiday hosted by our Canadian con­ Allen was a splendid example of the true, young American. He was born in tingent m Vancouver, B.C. over Labor Memphis, Tennessee, on May 5th, 1945. His advanced education was when .he Day. graduated from Ward Technical Institute of Hartford, Connecticut, with honors. He -Genny Whitting was gifted with the innate ability for working with his hands and he will be par­ Secretary ticularly remembered for his contribution of time and ability in the restoration of the Organ in the Garden Theatre in Greenfield, Massachusetts, along with the tire­ less efforts in helping to restore the Wurlitzer Organ at the Paramount Theatre in WESTERNRESERVE New Haven, Connecticut. May Meeting ... We can only say the Allen was a quiet, courteous and clean-cue young American gentleman who Bill Dalton concert Sunday, May 5, in believed that all men are born to be free and for that cause he was willing to lay Columbus at the Loew's Ohio was a su­ down his life to preserve that enviable right for the oppressed peoples of this far-off per show done by a terrific organist. Bill, country. No man could have contributed more than Allen in this respect. who has been playing professionally WHEREAS, our Connecticut Valley Chapter has not only lost an outstanding since the young age of 12, opened the member but each of us has lose a dear friend and no finer epitaph can be written organ at Loew's Ohio on May 5, 1928. in Allen's behalf than co say that- He was only 18 then. Forty years later to 11Hewas one who left this world a little better place in which to live 1 the day, month and time, he performed by having been with us.11 again and made you feel he was reopen­ The Resolution Committee hereby requests that the Resolution be entered into ing the organ. the official minutes of the Connecticut Valley Chapter Records and that the original His selection included such tunes as draft be forwarded to Allen's parents, copies thereof to be forwarded to his fiancee, "Along Came Bill," Richard Rogers se­ Joan Bedford, and the National Headquarters Editor of Closing Chord. lections, "The Song Is Ended," "Fantasy Respectfully submitted, on Carmen," "Broadway After Dark," Conn. Valley Chapter Bits of Hits, Popular Medley, "Anna," Allen Miller John Angevine Stillman H. Rice Jazz a la Nero, "Caravan," "Battle Hymn Everett Bassett John Heavens, Jr. Conn. Valley Chapter of the Republic," "Overture co Orpheus Chairman, A TOE in Hades," as well as Hungarian Rhap­ sody No. 2 which Bill played for a re­ cital when he was only 12 years old. WOLVERINE Henry Cincinoe, who was a member Seventy-five members of the Wolver­ of the original theatre pit orchestra at ine Chapter assembled at the Michigan Loew's Ohio, played a trumpet solo with Theatre, Lansing, Michigan on Sunday Bill accompanying on the organ. It pro­ morning, March 31, to play and enjoy vided a delightful duet and was really the organ music. The Butterfield theatres something out of the ordinary. And, of throughout Michigan make their theatres course, the sing-a-long was enjoyed by and organs available to the chapter for everyone. its periodic concerts. Eight organises, including Bryan Grin­ We understand a record of the con­ nell, who plays regularly at the Michigan cert will be available soon and if you'd Theatre, were featured in Sunday's pro­ like one, send a check for $5.00 to Neil gram. The concert was a blend of such Grover, 5567 Crawford Drive, Colum­ oldies as 'TU See You in My Dreams'' bus, Ohio 43224. If you would like to and "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" and receive announcements of future con­ current favorites like "Cabaret," "Born certs at Loew' s Ohio, please drop a note Free," and "Impossible Dream." to Neil Grover at the above address. At One of the benefits to the theatre for present no capes are available for the Bill playing host to these organ buffs is that Dalton concert; however, if you would their technicians give its pipe organ a like one drop a note co Neil Grover and thorough overhauling before the concert. perhaps if there are enough requests, Warren 0. Wardwell, city manager tapes can be produced. for the Butterfield Theatres, reports that We wish to thank Scott McKeon for several experts worked all night Friday being such a gracious host also that after­ on the Michigan Theatre's Barton organ and most of Saturday night. He says noon. That Moeller sounds better every BILL DALTON, featured artist at a recent West­ time we hear it. Scott had quite a gang ern Reserve program at Loew's Ohio Theatre Grinnell was amazed at what an im­ in and everyone thoroughly enjoyed on May 5, opened this theatre the first time provement their labors had made on the themselves. around on May 5, 1928, at age 18. organ's tone.

29 theatre organ bombarde is at the cop with Crawford and the Dear Sirs: • ocher Well-Tremulated Saints. I would It was with deepest sympathy to the say what an honest singer would say fol­ many people involved with the NY Para­ lowing either Frank or Ella, "That's a mount Wurlitzer, that such was to be an .~. hard act to follow!" Undoubtedly this is end (almost) to the most beautiful what the other players felt at the 1967 sounding Theatre Organ, I have ever ~ co n v en c i on for his performance was heard. ~ ...... ~ remarkable. I may be prejudiced, even though the Most likely the account of his career first time I was ever exposed to the will no more than hint at the ocher side sound of this magnificent instrument, I ~ I of the man, his personal greatness . I was hooked, and as far as I am con­ TTT--;rTTT wasn't to know this until chis past Feb­ cerned (since 1935) there is NO com­ ruary in Detroit when my first chance parable sound. However, I am speaking Letters to the Editor concerning all as­ came actually co meet the man and co be with the overall help of the acoustics of pects of the theatre organ hobby are en­ around him at length. Since you are pay­ the original Paramount Theatre audi­ couraged. Send them to the editor con­ ing tribute to him on the professional torium. cerned, Box 7404, Bitter Lake Station, side, this Wurlitzer Waif would like to I must point out for the benefit of Seattle, Washington, 98133. Unless it's pay equal tribute to his personal great­ anyone, IF there was arson involved ... you may destroy this monument co the stated clearly on the letter "not for publi­ ness. It is the biggest single secret of all chat's fine and alive and communicat­ theatre organ world, but you can NEVER cation," the editors feel free to repro­ ing in his musicmaking . It may be chat destroy the memory of the pleasure this duce it, in whole or part. I never have known, either in the the­ mother of theatre organs has left in the atre organ world or the "outside world, " hearts of everyone who has heard her. I one human frame who is so open, com­ would like to know just what did these To the Editors, Staff, and All ATOE 'rs, pletely open to music and people and all people accomplish? If ever there was a step beyond a sacrilege, this, co me, is it. THEATRE ORGAN B0MBARDE else in daily living around him . He car­ ries no barnacles in his attitude, he has I hope in the future, chat chis incident Dear Friends : no fear of or prejudice against music or is a warning co us, that a little more se­ Please accept my sincere gratitude for people just because they are not totally curity is essential co avoid any such repe­ your Appreciation, Recognition , and Ac­ familiar and his good will towards all tition co this case. knowledgment as expressed by you in kinds of music language and people is Once again, may I congratulate you the June 1968 issue of THEATREORGAN shown in his t a k i n g each on its own on your tremendous work in bringing to B0MBARDE. I never dreamed I would terms. This man doesn' c cake the new all of us, the pleasure we have known ever receive such national recognition . and different in life as things which will ~ince the inception of Tibia , The atre Or­ It is a g t of God and I am m o s t if give him indigestion; he takes each sight gan, and Bom barde, etc., etc. grateful. and sound as a new adventure. While Best of health, and success, I remain It is nice co receive one's flowers while most of us are hesitating and "standing Sincerely yours, he is still here to smell them. afar off," he is busy enjoying what plain­ George Toth Very sincerely, ly is made to be enjoyed . Be he listener Don Miller or player, there is not even one single 3 Christine Court person in the theatre organ area who Dearborn, Michigan 48124 The Editors will do less than profit greatly if he has THEATRE ORGAN B0MBARDE Magazine the wisdom and gumption to cake inven­ Box 7404, Bitter lake Station tory of this man 's example and whole Seattle, Washington 98133 approach co living, much less music The Editors Gentlemen: within it! If I wore hats , I'd doff chem THEATRE ORGAN B0MBARDE I felt chat I just had co write, to say all and couch my pointed head co the Dear Sirs: "Thanks" co all people concerned chat ground for the total of his contribution. What a whopping pleasure it is seeing have worked on the theatre organ in He has made me and many ochers hap­ a player like Don Miller receive story Ironwood, Michigan. pier and prouder co be a part of the coverage in a presentation worthy of his While vacationing in Upper Michi­ great musical tradition made possible by top-drawer career! This is richly deserved gan I stopped in co play the organ, and the theatre organ . and I want to add my appreciation to all all that I can really say about it is chat -Billy Nalle I'm sure you're receiying from all points it's just great. It's wonderful to know of the compass. His concert at Detroit 's that there are so many people that are Senate Theatre at the ATOE 1967 con­ as dedicated co the preservation of these vention not only was a show-stopper, it Dear Sirs: fine instruments as I am. would seem since that it also was a peo­ I have a gripe! Why do our present I also wish co thank publicly Mr. Al ple-stopper and with great good reason. recording artists favor a toned-down vi­ Wright, the manager of chis fine the­ In large measure it revealed the musical brato? I have some gorgeous original atre, for extending such a gracious invi­ greatness of the man co those who had records of the Paramount organ ( Craw­ tation co me, by phone call, and co all not known him and followed his career. ford ) and you really hear that vibrato! ochers chat would like to play the organ. I had known of him for several years In 1932 I sac at a little Morton, pushed I spoke co him, and found chat he is but had not been acquainted directly, the vibrato cab and was sent to heaven a truly dedicated and interested person . either with the man or his playing . Hear­ with the throb of it. After all, the trem­ Again a personal thanks from me co ing the official convention cape of his ulant is the heart of theatre cone-why all who have kept this organ from being concert really brought me up short. The not adjust it co sound as it was meant a broken part of the past. essential message was that here truly is co in the '20s? Sincerely yours, one of the very few a 11- c i m e greats Thanks, -Glenn Peiffer, whose proper and rightly earned place James O'Connell Port Washington, Wisconsin

august 1968 30 A TOE Publications Gentlemen: Recently various items have appeared in Theatre Organ Bombarde and The CLASSIFIED ADS Console concerning the disc recording - - produced by the Detroit Theater Organ FOR SALE: ALL WURLITZER!!! Chryso­ WANTED: Wurlitzer tremulants-send de­ glott, completely re-leathered, $250; 25 note tails to DEWEY CAGLE, 3291 Guido St., Club, entitled "For Members Only," fea­ chime set, completely re-leathered, $150; four Oakland, Calif. 94602. turing Ashley Miller at the console of 6-blade sets of sh utters ( measure 5' x' 8' the Fisher-Orbits Wurlitzer installed at each), $25 per set; large toy counter, in­ FOR SALE: Five Wicks direct electric re­ lays. Immaculate condition . $500, cash or the DTOC. cludes bass drum in need of new heads ( crash cymbal missing), $150; one 6-note trade. BOB NYE, 330 No . 9th Street, Read­ At the time this recording was made and one 7-note 8' off-set diapason chests, ing, Pa. 19601. (Phone: 375-5649.) the Board of Directors of the DTOC neither has magnets, $20 each; 12-note 8' FOR FUN - The "GREATEST ORGAN hoped to be able to make copies avail­ off-set flute chest with pipes, completely re­ SHOW ON (or off) THE EARTH" takes a able to non-members. However, after a leathered, $50; 24" x 30" reservoir, modified "Trek To The Stars" September 17th through careful review of the Federal regulations for use in main air line as wind stabilizer, 22nd. For brochure, write: H. 0. F., Box $25; seven 8' diapasons, CC-FF ( 15" pres­ 313, Berkeley, Calif. 94602. which apply to non-profit private clubs sure) with chest, $30; 16' ophecleide, 12 such as the DTOC, the Board has most notes with chest (some pipes badly dented FOR SALE : "Consoling the Console" in com­ reluctantly come to the conclusion that but playable), $100; assorted orchestral oboe, patible stereo, with HARRY J. JENKINS at clarinet and tuba pipes, $5 per pipe. Crating the console of the Los Angeles Elks 4 / 61 any such distribution, even to recover and shipping extra. Cannot guarantee that all Robert-Morton. $4.00 postpaid. H. J. JEN­ costs, would be in violation of these magnets work. PHILIP STOCK, A.I.A., 1224 KINS, Box 343, Pacoima, California 91331. regulations and would seriously jeopar­ Farmington Avenue, West Hartford, Connec­ ticut. FOR SALE: Aeolian Am pico Chickering elec­ dize the Club's legal status. tric REPRODUCING Grand Piano, perfect Therefore, it is with the most sincere FOR SALE: White, 3-manual Wurlitzer Con­ playing condition, 5'5", $1475. Reasonable regret that we must inform you that sole with combination action. Phone: ( 206) offer may be considered. J. PICCARI, 363 copies of this recording cannot be made ME 2-9235. Warren Boulevard, Broomall, Pennsylvania. available to non-members. Furthermore, individual members may purchase only a reasonable number of copies for their CONVENTIONVOX POPS (Continued from Page 19) own use or disposal as they see fit. We would like to emphasize that Eagle-eyed "tape police" were probably should have called the 196$ these actions are being taken only for most efficient. Organized to prevent bash "the 10th annual convention in the the reason stated; nothing would please illicit tape pickups during conven­ 13th year of ATOE." But that sounds so us not-so-"well-heeled" Detroiters more tion concerts, ATOE's "secret clumsy, Lloyd. than to have this recording receive the agents" were aided greatly by the Another guy who was deeply honored wide distribution among theatre organ "no recording" warnings which ap­ by being nominated and seconded for the lovers we feel it deserves. peared in all convention literature. presidency of ATOE was Easterner Grant We regret any inconvenience our ac­ They report only one "arrest" during Whitcomb (Delaware Valley chapter). tion may have caused ATOE members the entire convention, and if the guy But Grant begged off for the same rea­ or readers of your excellent periodical. who ran headlong out of the Wiltern son which stymied Stu GreenJ: no wife To avoid misunderstanding, a ruling has when he was accosted will come to be secretary. We understand that at been made stating that all communica­ back, he can pick up his $9.95 tape least one of these guys is taking steps tions with news media in the future recorder. toward improving his eligibility. must be made with the approval of the "Nuggets" columnist Lloyd Klos takes Organist Dave Barrett ( who partici­ Board of Directors. us to task for referring to the 1968 con­ pated in a short-lived attempt to bring For the Board of Directors, fab as the 13th annual national conven­ back silent movies with organ accompa­ Ben Levy tion when there have been only 10 con­ niment to a commercial LA theatre in Secretary ventions. To avoid confusion we counted the mid -'50s) and "fuzz" Eric Reeve from the beginning of ATOE and we ( the law in Minot, N. D.) got together (Announcement of DTOC's decision to talk over old times when they lived was made in an earlier issueJ but the closer together ( Dave is playing the complete text of Mr. Levy1s letter is in­ cocktail circuit in Northern California). cluded here so that the many persons No doubt, the topic was often Eric's re­ who wanted to purchase copies of the calcitrant Wurlitzer 2-5 home installa­ Ashley Miller record may understand the tion, which he works on when he isn't reasons behind the decision.-Ed.) out rounding up hoodlums, depositing drunks in the "tank" and generally up­ b b Mr. Dick Schrum holding law and order in Minot. Seattle;Washington Dottie MacClain looked lovely, as Hi, Dick! GET THE GUYS always. She has been very active in "BRA VO" for your editorial on p. 3 ATOE work and other activities to of the June .i_ssueof T.O.B.! I'm not as TO VOCALIZE help erase memories of the loss of affluent as many in A.T.O.E .... but I'd WITHNATIONAL'S DANDY Leonard. She has been instrumental gladly scrape up the $10 annual National "SING-ALONGSONG SLIDES" I! in the reorganization of the Dela­ dues to promote A.T.O.E. Imagine a big Sendtor free cataloe of all-time hit sbnes ware Valley Chapter and hopes to T. 0., well-miked, on national TV!!! available in slide form for as low as 50c a tune! find a home soon for the Sedgewick Need a projector?Let us know ... we'll save you Moller, now in storage. Beautiful! real dough! Paul Callahan In the next issue, VOX POPS will re­ 8 Fletcher Ave. HTIDl&LSIii SLIDISHVICI , INC. turn to its "Short Shots from Every­ Lexington, Mass. 02173 U I. Htb St. 111 Tork,N.T. lOOU where" policy.

31 theatre organ bombarde ■ Three 61-note keyboards ■ Sweet singing tibias; decorous diapasons; delicate strings; ■ 32-note concave and radiating BEHOLD! sonorous reeds; biting brass pedal board ■ Piano ■ Harpsichord THE EXCITING ALL NEW ■ Double Touch Combination Action ■ Harp ■ Carillon ■ Organ Mute ■ Sforzando ■ Tambourine ■ Cymbal ■ Reverberation ■ Bass Drum ■ Chinese Block ■ Magnetic Pedal Keying ■ Metal Bar Glockenspiel ■ Home Entertainment Center: Stereo Headphones/ Instant Tape Slide onto the bench and get acquainted Replay with that big beautiful sound that wraps For the name of your nearest Rodgers Trio dealer, write: itself all around you. RODGERS ORGAN COMPANY, 1300 N.E. 25th Ave. 1300 N.E. 25th Ave./ Hillsboro, Oregon 97123