JOURNAl OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY Orbil ID™e eclronic 1yn~e1izer pu1 ~ -~ohJre01pinel organ equo1...

~e newe;I woy lo mo <.emu1ic ~romWur i~zec Now with the Orbit III electronic synthesizer from slowly, just as the theatre organist did by opening and you can create new synthesized sounds in­ closing the chamber louvers. stantly ... in performance. And with the built-in Orbit III synthesizer, this This new Wurlitzer instrument is also a theatre organ, instrument can play exciting combinations of synthe­ with a sectionalized vibrato/tremolo, toy counter, in­ sized, new sounds, along with traditional organ music. A dependent tibias on each keyboard and the penetrating built-in cassette player/recorder lets you play along with kinura voice that all combine to recreate the sounds of pre-recorded tapes for even more dimensions in souud. the twenty-ton Mighty of silent screen days. But you've got to play the Orbit III to believe it. And it's a cathedral/classical organ, too, with its own in­ Stop in at your Wurlitzer dealer and see the Wurlitzer dividually voiced dip.pason, reed, string and flute voices. 4037 and 4373. Play the eerie, switched-on sounds New linear accent controls permit you to increase or of synthesized music. Ask for your free Orbit III decrease the volume of selected sections suddenly, or demonstration record. Or write: Dept. T0-872 WURLilzER® The Wurlitzer Company, DeKalb, Illinois 60115. hOHthe "·ay cover- Photo ...

Top row, left to right - newly elected President Erwin Young; Man of the Year, "Stu" Green; Past President Stillman Rice. Bottom row - Richmond Mosque; Convention Chairman Woody Wise. Convention coverage begins on page 23. Journal of the American Theatre Organ Society (Cover Photos by Bill Lamb)

Volume 14, No. 4 • August 1972

ATOS National Membership is $8.00 per in this issue ... calendar year, which includes a subscription ta THEATRE ORGAN, the official pub­ lication of the American Theatre Organ FEATURES Society. Single copies $1.25. Make check or money order payable to ATOS, and mail 5 Robinsons' Cipher Hill .... Lloyd Klos to P.O. Box 1314, Salinas, 93901. 11 Harvey Bids His Wurlitzer "Good-by". Stu Green Editorial Address: 13 Sioux City Women Raise $25,000.00 . Lee McGinnis THEATRE ORGAN P.O. Box 1314 , 19 "All Things Considered" Salinas, California 93901 22 How to Behave While Practicing ...... • John Muri Advertising Address 23 Convention Coverage ATOS Advertising 2231 North Burling Street 39 Hall of Fame , Illinois 60614 41 Visitors ...... • ...... Bette Peterson ATOS National Headquarters 43 Board of Directors Annual Meeting ATOS P.O. Box 1002 DEPARTMENTS Middleburg, Virginia 22117 47 Chapter Notes Phone(703) 554~321 8 Letters to the Editor 21 Snippets from 14 Hollywood Cavalcade 42 Dinny's Colyum 55 Classified Ads ATOS National Officers 15 Vax Pops 42 Closing Chord Erwin Young, President 20 Nuggets from the Golden Days Duane Searle, Vice President 44 For the Records Mary Bowles, Secretary-Treasurer Nina Young, Executive Secretary ATOS National Board of Directors pr-esident~s messaae ... Mary Bowles Allen W. Rossiter SWAN SONG: Dick Schrum Al Mason As defined in Websters Dictionary "THE LAST Allen Miller Judd Walton ACT." Stillman Rice, Past President As President of the ATOS, I wish to take this ATOS Past Presidents opportunity to thank the National Officers, Board Richard Simonton Feb. 1955 - Oct . 1958 of Directors, Editorial Staff, Publishers of the Judd Walton Oct. 1958 - July 1961 Tiny James July 1961 - July 1964 THEATRE ORGAN, Art Director, Advertising, Carl Norvell July 1964 - July 1966 Circulation Managers, Membership Secretary, Ex­ Richard Schrum July 1966 - July 1968 ecutive Secretary and Chapter Chairmen for their Al Mason July 1968 - July 1970 Stillman Rice July 1970 - July 1972 cooperation during my two year term of office ATOS Honorary Members and I am deeply greatful for having had the honor 1959- 1966-W. "Tiny" James and privilege to have served as President of ATOS. 1960-Farny Wurlitzer 1967-Erwin A. Young,Jr . My congratulations to Woody Wise, Chairman, 1961-Mel Doner 1968- Richard C. Simonton 1962-Leonard MacClain 1969-Judd Walton Marvin Lautzenheiser, co-Chairman, Jean Lautzen­ 1963-Eddie Ounstedter 1970-Bill Lamb heiser, Chairman of Potomac Valley Chapter and the Chapter Membership for 1964- 1971-George and Vi Thompson another outstanding National Convention, "In Tune for You In 72." 1965-Oan Barton 1972-Stu Green During my term, three new chapters have been added, and at this writing, EDITORIAL STAFF our membership is over 4500. Editor-George Thompson Associate Editors - Ray Brubacher Many thanks to the retiring Board Members, Lee Erwin and Ron Willfong, for Lloyd E. Klos their assistance during my term. Peg Nielsen Congratulations to the newly elected officers and Board members, also to Editor-Emeritus - W. "Stu" Green Publisher-Al Mason Honorary Member W. "Stu" Green. - 1972 - 1973. Editorial Assistant - Don Lockwood A passing word in regards to National ATOS - I.R.S. Exemption; A member of Advertising Manager-Len Clarke Conn. Valley Chapter has made arrangements for a donation to Conn. Valley Circulation Manager-Vi Thompson Chapter and National ATOS - this I hope will be the start of a Fund which will THEATRE ORGAN (title registered U.S. Patent Office) is published bi-monthly by help in furthuring the purpose for which our Society was formed. the American Theatre Organ Society, Inc., This is the last time I will have use of this page of THEATRE ORGAN. a non-profit organization, Erwin A. Young, Mildred and I wish to say thanks to all who have helped to make this an interesting Jr., President. All rights reserved. Entire contents copyrighted 1972 by ATOS, Inc., and enjoyable two years. Let's keep the good work going and let's support our Office of publication is P.O. Box 2329. new officers. Livonia, Michigan 48150. See you in Portland, Oregon 1973. POSTMASTER: Second Class postage paid at Livonia, Michigan. IF UNDELIVERABLE, ATOS Very..,best wishes, ~- jJ send form 3579 to ATOS Circulation De­ ABCBIVES/ LIBRARX ~ /{. 'I~ partment, Box 1314, Salinas, California 93901. Stillman H. Rice, Past Pres.

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4 AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN Robinsons'Cipher Hill

by Lloyd E. Klos

The late Ben Hall once said in Theatre in Fairport, N.Y. Rochester, Schine's Monroe, and the describing theatre organ enthusiasts: He specifically remembers ac­ Piccadilly, starring as one of the "con­ "There are many, including some of companying the Saturday afternoon sole twins" with Hugh Dodge. the hobbyists themselves, who think kid shows which starred cowboys, Ken "When the sound came to the the whole bunch are just plain nuts!" Maynard and Hoot Gibson. After gain­ theatres," Dean says, "it eventually Perhaps, but you could never label ing more experience, he filled in as put me out of business." He changed Dean Robinson and his attractive wife relief organist for the silent print of occupations and went to work for Merle, who live in Himrod, near Seneca the Colleen Moore picture Lilac Time. Eastman Kodak. Lake in Upstate New York, "nuts". At about that time, Schine's 886- Then, the war came, and Dean They are as normal as any dyed-in-the­ seat Temple Theatre opened in the served in the South Pacific with an wool theatre organ lovers. same town, boasting a 2/4 Wurlitzer. anti-aircraft unit. When he returned You see, the Robinsons are the Dean worked as relief organist there home in December 1944, the urge to proud owners of an excellent installa­ until the advent of the talkies, and play a theatre pipe organ manifested tion called "Cipher Hill", and it has stayed on to play exit music between itself. "I took the telephone directory been a gathering place for lovers of shows for another three years. one evening, and literally called about the big sound for a long time. But, As for othe1 movies which he ac­ a dozen theatre managers in Rochester let's go back a bit. companied, his memory is dim. "Titles whose houses I knew had organs, Dean was hopelessly hooked on the escape me, but I can still see Dolores asking permission to practice. I pur­ theatre organ at an early age. He was del Rio's face in many, as well as posely left Loew's Rochester (5/24 born in Sodus, N.Y. in the heart of Gilda Gray and Janet Gaynor." M & C) and the Palace (4/21 Wur­ the Lake Ontario orchard belt and His teacher was the late J. Gordon litzer) for the last. As expected, the at the age of 12, he had his first ex­ Baldwin, an excellent musician and answer from Loew's like all the others perience with a pipe organ; the 2/5 instructor who was featured in several was a resounding 'No!' This was the Marr & Colton in the 410-seat Rivoli theatres in Rochester, including Loew's season to be jolly, peace on earth to

THEATRE ORGAN AUGUST, 1972 5 "When we first laid eyes on the organ, the console was in terrible condition. The manuals had been re­ moved and sent to Loew's Theatre in Richmond for that instrument's restoration. There were no console pneumatics, no stop tablet contacts, no swell shoes and no crescendo pedal. The cable had been cut with a hacksaw. The pipe work, however, was in first­ class condition, even though air-condi­ tioning ducts had been installed in the chambers." Six trips were required to transport the organ to Himrod, involving station wagons, U-Haul trucks and trailers, plus fellow members of the ATOS, without whose help, Dean would have been in trouble. For example, three sections of the relay stacks had to be loaded simultaneously, as they were connected with cables which could not be detached. Six men worked out the problem of loading these parts. With the organ safely home and in storage, a big task confronted the Robinsons before one pipe could sound. The barn had to be cleared of animals and completely renovated, cleaned and painted. Did you ever clean a barn? Did you ever convert a barn into an organ studio? You recall that we said R KO Palace drapes frame the console at Cipher Hill. The 100-year-old piano was rescued the Robinsons were not "nuts". We from the dump. Above the beams, which once supported a hay mow, hangs the $11 chan­ prefer to lab el them "extremely delier. - (Floyd Tillman Photo) dedicated." your fellow man, remember. organ to dim into oblivion. He wanted In January 1964, Dean began build­ "Figuring I might as well be re­ to own one, a wish he had nurtured ing the chambers for the pipes, a job fused by the best, I called the Palace. since childhood. As a member of Dean poses with solo chamber pipe work, With no hesitation, Jay Golden, the ATOS, he had made contacts with Chimes and Toy counter. Cymbals and manager, invited me to the theatre key members through the years, ex­ Drums had been "removed" before the the following morning. Repeating the pressing his desire. Thanks to Dick organ's purchase. - ( Dan O'Toole Photo) process for several days, I thereby had Kline of Frederick, Md., who had one of the best furloughs a soldier contacts with the Loew's people in ever had. This experience really ed­ his area, Dean was tipped off to the ucated me on the difference between availability of the 3/ 11 Wurlitzer, opus phony people and sincere people." 1256, in the Loew's State Theatre in After four years in his country's Norfolk, Va. In November 1963, Dean service, Dean began playing the Ham­ purchased his "beast for the barn." mond as a solo artist in the Buffalo A week was spent in Norfolk in area until about 1950. Then, for two removing the instrument. "The the­ years, he toured with the Cromwell atre manager was something else," Trio, a group similar to the famed says Dean. "We worked under very "Three Suns." unusual circumstances; only when the It was about this time that Dean theatre was in operation from noon purchased the property in Himrod, until 11 P.M. Yes, I could write a N.Y. which was to spawn Cipher Hill. book about this phase of the operation. It is a lovely location on a gentle slope One day, we arrived on the scene a with unobstructed view of Seneca bit early, so knowing we couldn't Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes, work, got the idea to check up on The property included a good-sized who played the instrument when it barn which housed chi:ckens, cows and opened in 1926. We found the answer other farm animals. in the microfilmed Norfolk newspapers. All this time, Dean never allowed The first organist was Harry Zehm. the thrill of playing his own theatre Anyone ever hear of him?

6 AUGUST, 1972 Dean's office and is impressed with Robinsons the courtesy of advanced the wall displays of framed pictures, knowledge of your coming. This should posters and clippings relative to his be the first commandment an en­ installation. A room off the office thusiast should employ - always. serves as a combined workshop and Of their experiences with their voicing room. magnificent undertaking, the couple The organ at present (Nov. 1971) say that they have learned a lot, totals eleven ranks: 3 strings, Vox, especially concerning people with Diapason, Clarinet, Flute, Tibia, Tuba, whom they have come in contact at Kinura and Oboe. The toy counter Cipher Hill. includes auto horn, steamboat whistle, Dean says, "I make no bones about fire gong, bird whistle, drums, cymbals, the fact that I have been directed out castanets, marimba, glockenspiel and of or kicked out of more theatres xylophone. during my life than anyone else,

Re-constructed grilles from the R KO Palace However, our "extremely dedicated" simply because of my desire to play front both the main and solo chambers at man has ideas for enlarging the organ. the theatre organ. the opposite end of the room from the He has another Tibia; a Kimball from "For example, when 18, I was in console. - (Floyd Tillman Photo) a theatre in Waverly, N.Y., a Marr & , and one morning I was passing Colton French Horn from the Palace the side door of a theatre on Fourth Theatre in Jamestown, N.Y., a Vox Avenue when I spotted the organ which took six months alone. All from the Family Theatre Wurlitzer console. I went in, turned it on and electrical wiring he did himself. Re­ in Batavia, and an Oboe from the late started to play, In no time, two burly member that while this project was Austin in Rochester's Eastman The­ janitors lifted me from the bench and under way, Dean had other jobs - atre. What's more, Dean's wife does carried me outside. (It is doubtful if operating a fruit and vegetable stand not say "That's enough!" She is not a they could do this today; Dean is not during the summer, teaching organ, long-suffering Wurlitzer widow, but exactly a living endoresment for Ry­ handling electronic organ sales, and has contributed immensely to the in­ Krisp ). playing at the Hilltop Inn in nearby terior decoration of Cipher Hill. "When I acquired the organ, I Penn Yan. The name "Cipher Hill", was be­ further learned how genuine folks The Robinsons can be very proud stowed on the project by Jim Webster were when they offered assistance to of their installation. You enter the of Penfield, N.Y., also a Wurlitzer our cause. There were so many that I main studio from the side, are im­ owner. He walked up the road to its couldn't risk not naming everyone mediately impressed with the warmth junction with Route 14 and planted a were I to list the names here. Needless of the decor. To the left are red sign to that effect. It guides invited to say, Mrs. Robinson and I are ex­ draperies from Rochester's former visitors to the site today. But, please tremely grateful to each and every RKO Palace, plus a large curtain made don't drop in unannounced. Give the one of them." by Mrs. Robinson, covering the wall behind the mahagony 3-manual con­ sole is situated on a fringe-decorated Dean poses with console as it looked after its arrival in his barn from Norfolk ·in 1963. platform. Horizontal beam is the present location for bottom of swel I shades. - ( Dan O'Toole Photo) Hanging from the ceiling is a home­ made chandelier which would fool anyone. Only the glass beads came from the RKO Palace, the rest was made from scraps of this and that, the whole fixture costing the munif­ icent sum of $11 ! To the right, is the grill work for the chambers, more draperies and the original stage telephone all from the Palace. Besides the Wurlitzer console, is a Hammond and a grand piano in the studio. The piano is at least 100 years old, and how Dean acquired it is amusing. While having lunch one day in Penn Yan Academy, Dean over­ heard instructions to the janitors to "throw that piano into the dump." Before anyone could move, Dean cried out, "The dump is my home; I'll take it!" Thus he acquired a lovely addition to his studio. One walks down three steps to

THEATRE ORGAN such a subject, I investigated the • normally encountered aspects from both a theoretical and practical point . ~. of view. This included over a year of experience with the various tuning ~ devices, using each in turn to tune the ~ ...... ~ same instruments. It was hoped that this would provide the fairest basis ~ I for judging the relative merits of each tuner, and I thank the manufacturers TTT";rTTT whose products I tested for generously supplying me with technical infor­ Letters to the Editor concerning all mation and units for evaluation. aspects of the theatre organ hobby During the testing period, I over­ are encouraged. Send them to the The Cipher Hill console. When Dean bought came a prejudice against one type of the organ, parts of the console were missing, editor concerned. Unless it's stated tuner to the extent that I eventually including swell shoes and crescendo pedal. clearly on the letter "not for pub· bought one for my own use. My They were replaced by shoes from an Allen lication,,, the editors feel free to electronic. - ( Floyd Tillman Photo) article presented the facts as I observed reproduce it, in whole or part. them, as unbiased as I could present Address: P.O. Box 1314 them for the benefit of ATOS mem­ To me, the Robinsons represent Salinas, Calif. 93901 the ideal theatre-organ-loving couple. bers, who could not normally expect They have a beautiful piece of property to try each of the tuners for several with a panoramic view, a fine in­ months before buying one. stallation, enough work to keep busy. To the Editors: I have long been aware of in­ Yes, they even have a peppy Labrador I wish to reply to Mr. Zabel's £.Om­ harmonicity in naturally vibrating Retriever called "Tibia." Dean con­ men ts about "Painless Tuning". The bodies. Piano strings are a prime of­ tinues to keep his hand in as an intent of the article was to acquaint fender, and only within the past few organist by playing a 3-manual Conn the reader with the necessity of tuning decades have experts, such as William at the Dresden Hotel in Dresden, N.Y., an organ, and the basic principles and Braid White, explained this phenom­ and does an occasional concert for problems involved; so that he could enon in connection with "stretching his ATOS brethren. What more could evaluate the methods and devices avail­ octaves" when tuning pianos. This a couple want? able to assist him in tuning with a inharmonicity, or tendency for the No, indeed, the Dean Robinsons reasonable degree of accuracy. harmonics to be slightly sharp of the are not "organ nuts". Just "extremely The Editors are undoubtedly aware fundamental and each lower harmonic can be seen in the strobe pattern. In dedicated." □ that before attempting to write on tuning a piano, the problem is most prominent in lower notes, and is less

Pipe work in main chamber of Cipher Hill organ. - (Dan O'Toole Photo) pronounced the longer the piano is. While many professional piano tuners are not aware of the reason for for stretching octaves, White explains that in actuality, the fundamental of a given note is being tuned to the most prominent harmonic of the note an octave lower. The strobe pattern usually shows up with greatest clarity or contrast on the band representing the strongest harmonic, so it is quite simple to tune the note until the most prorqinent pattern remains stationary. The problem is almost non-existent in organ pipes as seen in a strobe pat­ tern, and to include it in a discussion of tuners merely confuses the issue because no one tuning system is su­ perior in dealing with the phenomenon. In reality, unsteadiness of speech,. and unsteadiness of wind pressure present tuning problems of greater magnitude than the inharm onicity problem. Neither strobe nor audible tuner ex­ cells here. Mr. Zabel somehow has the im-

8 AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN pression that the Peterson 400 "Image trap he writes against, by taking a he now heads a University or college Clarifier" eliminates all but the funda­ physical truth and misapplying it " ... music dept. Mr. Ramsay's musical mental from the strobe pattern. This to inductively 'formulate' erroneous career spans a wide field including could be no further from the truth. theories in order to explain the trouble not only church and theatre organ No simple filter could eliminate all he experiences in tuning ... " with a playing, but broadcasting, orchestral but the fundamental frequency. This strobe tuner. conducting and dance band work switch merely cuts the intensity of the Most respectfully, (pianist with Ben Bernie and organist upper, and weaker harmonics which Allen R. Miller on tour with Paul Whiteman) as well. tend to confuse the pattern, and make He has also published many com­ the strong harmonics easier to see. Dear Sir: positions. It must be realized also, that the Thanks so much for printing John Whilst writing, may I express ap­ strobe pattern only shows those har­ Muri's "To the Ladies." Although I preciation of John Muri's most in­ monics which are coincident with always enjoy his writing, I could really teresting, out-of-the-usual-organ-rut ar­ "octaves" of the fundamental. identify with the ideas expressed in ticles. Long may he continue to write My experience using the Schober that article. them. Electronic Tuning Fork led to my Granted, there are fewer female Also whilst writing, perhaps I may using it with a tight-fitting earphone, organists, and even fewer who play take a general invitation to anyone although the article suggests using the with authority and without fear of visiting England to get in touch with earplug type. In my experiments, I our beloved monsters. But as Mr. us here, not only with regard to was able to hear the beats clearly with Muri mentioned, there are female or­ matters organical, but also for any an apparent location in the center of ganists who have definitely made a help he might need in connection with my head, much as listening to a stereo mark in what seems to be a man's his trip. The address below is actually recording with headphones creates the world. There will always be outstand­ that of my parents, which I use for illusion of the orchestra being located ing organists. But included in that permanency at present, and usually inside your head. Upon plugging the famed group will always be female all­ for overseas correspondence. It is about open ear, the beating stopped because time greats. 93 miles from London, however, so I could no longer hear the pipe being Right on, Mr. Muri! my office telephone number is also tuned against the sound emanating Sincerely, worth giving to anyone interested: from the earphone. My studies in Shirley Hannum 01-580-4468, extensions 5362/5193. neurology go no further than college House Organist, Lansdowne Theatre As well as my details, you could also psychology, and the physiology of give the address and phone number sound and hearing, so I can't dispute of Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Rawle at Wur­ the ability of beats to occur in the Dear Editors All: litzer Lodge, 47, Doncaster Drive, brain . . . or in the head, as I stated I was interested to see the reference Northold, Middlesex, England, tele­ . . . or not. I experienced these beats in last October's THEATRE ORGAN, phone: 01-422-1538. Their home is with no strain, so if such beats must in John Muri's article, to Harold Rams­ only about 13 miles from the center occur acoustically, and their location bottom and Harold Ramsay. Mr. Muri of London, and is in fact, near my appeared to be "inside" my head, did not say, however, that both were normal place of residence, which I well ... ? one and the same gentleman. Clearly, refer to as my "London Area Address." In writing these technical articles, the name change occurred about 1925- Au revoir for now. My best regards which I feel are a much needed, and 26. Harold R. was born here in England to you all. important aspect of our organization, at Great Yarmouth. His parents Yours sincerely, I do not pretend to be a sole source emigrated to Western Canada when Michael Candy of information. I am fortunately sur­ he was about 9 years old. 9, Warren Close, rounded in my work, by men who Harold held a number of Church Ringwood, have a wide range of experience in the appointments and toured Western Hampshire BH 24 2AJ, England field, who are willing to share their Canada as a boy recitalist before being knowledge and expertise in an effort to appointed chief organist at Broadway's help the amateur, and I hope to con­ Rivoli Theatre in 1923. He toured for Dear Sir: tinue to tap this wealth of information. Paramount-Publix, playing in many In the June 1972 issue of your I sincerely wish that more of our cities across the . He magazine, the article on Dessa Byrd professional members would share their came to England for the summer of mentions that she had made four technical knowledge with ATOS 193 2, and returned here in the winter LP recordings. Could you tell me through THEATRE ORGAN. of 193 2-33 to the Granada Theatre, where they may be obtained?Especially Mr. Zabel clearly shows his ability Tooting, London. Several years later, the number "The World is Waiting for to explain technicalities in his writing, he was appointed musical director for the Sunrise". and hope he will share more of this the Union Cinemas chain here, and Can you give me any information with us. As for his own strong pref­ was responsible for quite a number about several of the records that George erence for audible tuners, I only wish of Wurlitzers and Comptons being Wright has made. I think he recorded he had taken a closer look at those installed in their theatres. for: "HI-Fl RECORDS", somewhere strobe patterns before pronouncing He remained on this side of the in Hollywood, California. I do hope them less useful than audible tuners. 'pond' until after the 1939-45 war, you can furnish the complete address As a convert to the strobe pattern, I and in the later forties, returned to the for me. note that Mr. Zabel has fallen into the Calgary area of Canada. I understand Anson C. Jacobs

THEATRE ORGAN AUGUST, 1972 9 Dear Sirs: I was glad to see the article in the June issue of THEATRE ORGAN NOTICE - WE HAVE A NEW SYSTEM! concerning the Centre Theatre in Mil­ waukee, Wisconsin. I was disheartened StartingNOW though to find that the boys from Addressall communicationsregarding. . . • MEMBERSHIP Minnesota who sort of invaded Dairy­ • CIRCULATION land Country could not relate the • PUBLICATIONS whole story of the Centre organ. In 1962 after many years of silence , TO: THEATRE ORGAN NOTE : Warner Bros. offices in Milwaukee gave P.O. BOX 1314 Be Sure To Send new memberships here-they SALINAS, CALIFORNIA 93901 permission to Norm Burzlaff, Pete will get their magazine quicker ... Townsend, Paul Quarino and myself to work on the organ and to play it after the show while the cleaners work­ time digging through the stuff stored land Chapter also through the efforts of ed through the night. For about a year in the dressing rooms and the lockers many members has rebuilt the Wur­ after that we were there almost every in the basement. Most of what was litzer organ at the Avalon Theatre in Friday , Saturday, and some Sunday done was through the efforts of Fred Milwaukee. These are the three last nights. The organ was cleaned, some of Hermes, Jr. organs in the city in theatres. The the water damage in the right chamber I am still gone much of the time for organ from the Elks club is now at the was repaired, and the lower chest in Aeolian-Skinner having just finished a Schnitzel Haus restaurant and is played the left chamber was releathered. 3 /46 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. nightly except Monday. This is a 3/10 Broken pipes were repaired, some Maybe someday when I am back in Wurlitzer which is presently under­ missing ones replaced. The flute in the Milwaukee permanetly the Dairyland going some additions and changes. left which was water soaked was re­ Theatre Organ Society will get to­ Our policy has been to service the placed with a Barton Tibia. All in all, gether and take up on the complete organs in the theatres free of charge many hours , much material, and time restoration of this fine organ. as long as we can have access to the was spent fixing up the Kimball. We rebuilt much of the Wurlitzer organ for both working and playing. Norm got busy at home with his at the Riverside Theatre in 1965 and Sincerely yours, own organ , Pete got transferred to this organ is available most any time William Klinger, Jr. by his company and Paul for playing in the mornings. The Dairy- Owner , Klinger Organ Service got married and moved to Minneapolis. As I do not play the organ I would make occasional visits to see that what was working still did and with the NEW RELEASEFROM exception of Good Friday Noon each year the organ was silent again. I was l\~RRf~ always available to take visitors down to see the organ and many people "INTERMISSION TIME" came to town and played it after the TINY JAMES show . DORIC STEREO 1210 In 1969 Gary McWithey , a local THEATRE PIPE ORGAN organist , started playing the organ regularly again. This time even for the Originally recorded in monaural at the Fox Oakland Theatre Wurlitzer Organ intermissions on Friday and Saturday Now reissued in stereo by popular demand. evenings. Some work was started again and Gary cleaned and painted the Selection includes: MacNamara 's Band • We Just Couldn 't Say Goodbye• Body and console white with gold trim. Soul • I Believe In Miracles • Will You Remember • Ecstacy Tango • Old Time One evening in March of 1971 while Favorites Medley • Wedding of The Painted Doll • Valse Bleue • I Wonder What's Become Of Sally • I Guess I'll Have To Change My Plan • Diane • Victor Herbert I was home for the weekend, a call Medley came in from the Minneapolis men Price $4.95 postpaid that they were in town and wanted to Other stereo records still available postpaid • $5 .50 for one• $9 .95 for two • see the Centre organ. I was working in • $14.45 for three Chicago at the time installing a new Doric 1401 "Pipin' Hot From The Cap'n's Galley"-Vic Hammett organ for Aeolian-Skinner Co. A week Doric 1402 "Who? The Key Masters "- Frank Denke, piano and Everett Nourse , organ " Farewell To The Fox" series-Everett Nourse and Tiny James at the Fox later they called again and wondered Theatre Wurlitzer Organ if I would have any time to work with Fantasy Stereo 85013 -Volume I them in doing some more restoration 'Fantasy Stereo 85014-Volume II on the organ. I was so tied up with Fantasy Stereo 85018-Volume 111 out of town work it was almost im­ Fa ntas y Sterw 839fi- possible. Since then, they "discovered" C.\:\" GB l' STEJ{S & LOLLIPOPS Send Check or Money Order to: the organ, made a record, got hired to Bill Langford ,Lt the \\'arfield \\"url it­ zer, San Franci~co as in!,ta lled a t Ye DORIC RECORDS SALES COMPANY clean the theatre and the office Olde Pizza Jcn-111. S,111 Lore nm , Ca lif. Post Office Box 605, Alamo, California 94507 building next door and spent a lot of

10 AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN Harvey Bids His Wurlitzer '"'"Good-by.,.,

by Stu Green

It was a southern California in­ with the opening of Grauman's Holly­ Harvey noted what looked like an stitution; buffs and organists came wood "Egyptian" theatre in 1922 with organ bench protruding from a pile from all over to Tarzana to play and Fred Burr Scholl at the console. The of junk backstage. The two started hear "The Harvey Heck Wurlitzer". film was Douglas Fairbanks' "Robin digging and uncovered a 3-manual No ATOS convention or gathering of Hood". It was then a 3/14, style 260. console with markings associated with organ enthusiasts in missed Some 30 years later lifelong buff the Hollywood conception of the opportunity to experience Harvey's Harvey Heck was looking for an organ "Egyptian" Hieroglyphics! 4-manual console and 27 ranks of to install in his Tarzana home. While The name "Egyptian" was the key choice pipework. Visitors were always examining the 3/18 Wurlitzer in the to the mystery of the console without welcomed by Harvey and wife Dorothy. Los Angeles United Artists theatre, an organ. At that time Harvey con­ The basic instrument started life aided by organist Gordon Kibbee, sidered the United Artist organ too large (Buddy Cole acquired it much The original style 260 Wurlitzer console. Harvey maintained the 'Egyptian' motif as long as he used this console. When the organ nearly doubled in size and a larger console was later), so the two made tracks to the installed, the hieroglyphics were phased out. - (W.H. Wilde Photo) Hollywood Egyptian theatre. They had a little difficulty "getting through" to the manager, obviously a product of the "talkie" era, but he gave them permission to explore the house. High in the proscenium they found it; 14 ranks of pipework in mint con­ dition. Unlike the tombs of most Pharoahs, the vandals and treasure hunters had never discovered the Egyptian's pipe lofts. That was in October 1954. A deal was made and Harvey spent the next 5 months dis­ mantling the chamber contents and lowering same by the bucketful 60 feet to the stage. The entire instrument was moved in Harvey's station wagon. He had only one regular helper, a neighbor, Mark Carelli. Most trips were made on Saturday mornings, when Harvey, Mark and the theatre were free. To accomodate the bass pipes Harvey dug a pit under the 20' x 24' addition to his Tarzana home . In that way the large basses could stand up­ right, yet the roof would be no higher than the building codes allowed. The console was located in Harvey's former rumpus room, next to the addition. The organ was operating in 1955 and Harvey started the long procedure of refining the sound to home volume levels. He horse-traded large scale ranks for lighter ones, learned how to revoice others. Then he started expanding,

11 Toy counter in the crowded Main chamber. This photo could be made only after swell shutters had been removed. - (Stufoto) to realize the organ was dominating him more and more, claiming all his spare time to keep it maintained. Then "civilization" started encroaching on the former rural area. Traffic noise increased. Harvey and wife Dorothy decided to move to a quieter area. But Harvey cringed at the thought of moving "the beast." Reluctantly, he passed the

A 1955 photo of Harvey and son Ronnie adjusting a Tibia stopper in the Solo chamber. word around that he would sell his (W.H. Wilde Photo) beloved instrument. The buyer was Bill Brown of Phoe­ adding a Posthorn, a second Tibia, control more than 28 ranks of pipes. nix, Arizona. Bill already had the for­ more strings, a Dulciana (used for Harvey acquired the console and wired mer Chicago "Paradise" 5/21 Wur­ mutations) and a Serpent which he it in while the 3-manual was still litzer installed in his home ( the in­ fashioned after much study of reed operating, giving him 7 manuals and strument on which pipes. Each set was voiced to main­ 64 pedals to control his instrument. gained fame), but the Heck Wurlitzer tain tonal balance in the compact The 3-manual console was later discon­ will be strictly for business; it is acoustical condition. nected and sold. The 4-decker did the planned to install it in a pizza parlor Expansion continued until the cham­ control job nicely alone. to be named "The Organ Stop," now bers would accomodate no more pipes. The huge home installation brought being built especially to show off the The ranks numbered twenty-seven. The recognition to Harvey Heck and his chamber content to best advantage. expansion created another problem; former rumpus room became a Mecca Harvey was full of remorse when the original 3-manual console could for buffs who marvelled at the fine Bill's crew came to remove the organ; not handle the additions. So Harvey balance of the instrument. Concert and a "sympathetic" back ailment started a search for a larger console. Recording recorded it in the early ( which waned after the removal) kept The perfect solution was discovered in '60s with Al Bollington at the console, him away from the scene. If and when St. Louis, where the Missouri theatre and again in late 1971 with Byron he acquires another organ, it won't ex­ was to be razed. The theatre was Melcher playing. ceed 10 ranks, the most he feels one equipped with a rare Wurlitzer style The love affair covered a period man can handle and still find time to 285, its 4-manual console designed to of 17 years, then Harvey Heck began read the evening newspaper. □

Harvey plays a final tune on his treasure. Bill Brown (left), with helpers Allen Tury New owner Bill Brown plays before the Clothed in a bathrobe, he left a sickbed to and Howard Piercefield, packs pipes for final shutdown to get the feel of the play a tearful 'We Just Couldn't Say Good­ the 'U-Haul' trip to Phoenix. - (Stufoto) instrument. - (Stufoto) bye," - (Stufoto) 3/13 Wurlitzer Saved SIOUXCITY WOMEN RAISES25,000.00

by Lee McGinnis

My romance with worthy instru­ Company, owners of the building. full time assistants my wife, Marie, ment goes back many years, to the It was the wish of I.P.S., as well as the and Rick Darrow (a recent graduate era when it was in regular use as an City Council of Sioux City, that this from Morningside College with a major integral part of the entertainment then venerable instrument should be pre­ in organ) and several other people in vogue in this area, however, this served, however, no funds were avail­ doing part time work making pneu­ episode had its opening in May of 1968. able and there was no available storage matics and other odd jobs. We have The Orpheum Theatre, in which space to house this quantity of material the organ completely dismantled and this organ was a part of the original and keep it safe from damage. It was at this time we are in the process of installation, was a magnificent R.K.O. finally agreed that we would remove releathering all the pneumatics in the Orpheum Theatre, completed in 1927 the console, as the orchestra pit was main chests, offset chests, percussion at a cost of $1,750,000. Extensive to be covered; the balance of the organ instruments, relays, switches, etc. It is remodeling of the theatre eliminated then could be left intact in the cham­ our hope that the installation can be 4 stories of balcony, but most of the bers until funds could be provided to completed some time late in 1972. spacious lobby has be·en retained. This, complete the job. This, I believe, is a unique situation though, is not a story of the theatre. During the fall of 1970, the Sioux in the history of the theatre organ. I am a full time organ technician. City Womans Club, an affiliate of the The Sioux City Womans Club is a In May of 1968, I received a call from National Federation of Women's Clubs, single club with a membership of 900 the manager of the Sioux City Munic­ took on the job of raising $25,000 to and the "SAVE THE ORGAN, INC." ipal Auditorium requesting immediate remove the organ from the theatre, project is a civic undertaking which, action. Work was already in progress restore its working parts and re-install when completed, will be a part of the and it would be necessary that the in the Sioux City Municipal Audi­ City of Sioux City and will place this organ be removed before completion of torium. This fund raising task was the remodeling job, or it would be engineered by Mrs. Donald D. French, lost forever. The Wurlitzer Pipe Organ President of the Club; Mrs. R. Nason had been donated to the City of Friend, past President and currently Sioux City by the Iowa Public Service chairman of the Community Improve­ ment Committee, and Mrs. William Lohry, Chairman of the "SA VE THE ORGAN" campaign. When the kick­ View of pipe chamber including Kinura, off meeting was held in February 1971, Trumpet, Tibia, Tuba and Orchestral Oboe. $12,500 had been pledged to the fund and at this writing, the goal has been reached. I have been working on the re­ storation of the console in my shop since November 1970 and since this project has to be worked around a schedule of church organ maintenance contracts, which my wife Marie helps me to operate, the progress has been slow, At this time, the ivory keys have been sanded and polished to give them their original brilliance, the black keys have been sanded and repainted; 112 stop tablets have been polished; new felts installed throughout and new silver contacts have been installed. 283 primary pneumatics; 224 stop tab pneumatics; and 31 piston relay pneumatics have been releathered and reinstalled. As of, August 1971, I have two

13 historic instrument in its rightful posi­ tion in the cultural life of the com­ munity. This project was assumed by the Womans Club after several other organizations had failed to obtain com­ munity support. During the early l 930's, the period in which vaudeville was being phased Directed by Lyle W. Nash out in this territory, I was a profes­ sional musician and it was my privilege to have performed both on stage and ESTHER RALSTON TALKS: "Dif­ of the eye. " Nanook the hero of the ferent films pleased me in different 1922 Flaherty production eventually ways. Which did I prefer? 'The Case starved to death in the far north. of Lena Smith' gave me my first ~ big chance to be an actress. Von Stern­ ALTHOUGH the odds are 100 to berg created some fine films at Para­ 1 it won't come to pass, a brash mount. Old Ironsides was enjoyable. young college film maker thinks he I felt honored to head the cast of might talk Mary Miles Minter into American Venus Paramount turned sharing some of her thoughts of the out a lot of escapist fare during the last 50 years about Hollywood. MMM twenties. The films were fun to make. lives in quiet retirement but has been They served the movie public well. extra kind to a couple of young film It was a happy time for me." buffs recently. ACTRESS ER worked long and ~ hard. Between 1926 and 1929, when films were switching to sound, she WHO IS WHERE?-Readers Report appeared in 16 Paramount films. That's contacting Patsy Ruth Miller at Ocean about as fast as they could be produced. Drive West, Stamford, Conn. They PICTURES which fans of ER re­ write to Stepin Fetchit at 203 N. member include: Something Always Wabash Ave., Chicago, Ill . ... Irene Happens, The Prodigal, Lonely Wives, Rich used to live at 940 Monte Drive, Mighty, Wheel of Life, Fashions for Santa Barbara, Calif ... Singer-com­ Women, Quarterback, The Blind God­ poser Pinky Tomlin used to have an dess, Children of Divorce, Kiss office at 9889 Santa Monica Blvd., for Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Lucky Beverly Hills, Calif Devil. Not too many epics but films ~ that make for lasting happy mem­ HEDDA & LOUELLA by George ories. Eells is the biography of the two DEMANDING CRITICS found ER Hollywood gossip columnists. Here is worthy of attention. About "Figures powerful cinema drama you always Don't Lie" the reviewers said: " ... a thought might be true but never thing of charm ... a lyric of laughter imagined you'd see in cold print. Never . . . the gaily spontaneous action of has an industry been so harried as by ER ... the girl is good and improves these two illiterate, highly opinionated with every picture." When ER made Console during process of re-installing stop and vindictive women. One queen ac­ tablets - pneumatics have been releathered. The Betrayal with the great Emil Jann­ cented kindliness; the other cattiness. ings, the critics said: " ... she wins Both were repressed. They massaged sympathy as the erring wife and shows the egos of greedy executives. Film in the pit in the Orpheum Theatre. herself superbly fitted for heavy dra­ greats such as Chaplin, Welles and The organist, Pierce Wall, (now de­ matic roles all too soon." Brando mostly ignored the much­ ceased) was a personal friend and on LASTING FAME. The night I called feared gossip mongers. Eells says Lou­ many occasions, I have heard this N .Y. information and asked for ER ella will be 91 years old this autumn. grand old Wurlitzer fill the theatre the operator said in extra soft tones: ~ with sound before it was finally rel­ "You mean, that Esther Ralston?" egated to the forgotten past. This "Yes, information," "I replied," the ORGANIST Gaylord Carter, who is instrument was much on my mind as one who was in films long ago." The celebrating his 50th year as a motion I did not wish to see it destroyed and phone operator said she fondly re­ picture theatre pipe organ great, travels thereby a very important piece of called her. I had the number in a to Australia for a concert tour· in Sioux City's musical history lost for­ flash. September and October. ever. It is a rare privilege for me to be ~ a part of this restoration program and DOCUMENTARY film maker COMMENTS, contribution and also that it is a part of my regular Robert J. Flaherty summarized movies questions are welcome at P.O. Box profession. □ best when he said: "Film is the language 113, Pasadena, California, 91102. □

14 AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN anticipating her return to Rochester ;,iano which ·is so important to for her second appearance at the "Rhapsody." Casting caution to the •ex P9PI RTOSWurlitzer on October 12. Hubby wind Millie, garbed in a striking black Bill also is looking forward to this lace "see through" pants suit, an­ engagement as he hails from Kodak­ nounced she would improvise a "piano" ville. by mixing in some Harp, Xylophone and other percussions over carefully selected pipe combinations. The audi­ ATOS' ebullient secretary-treasurer ence indicated approval and Millie came Mary Bowles with husband Skip, went through with a "Rhapsody in Blue" on a 5½-week vacation trip in March which left her audience of several and April, which took them into hundred howling for more. Florida, Alabama, and Mexico. In Now she must face up to another Florida, they visited Terry Charles decision: the concert was recorded and ATOS "Hall of Famers" Reginald and she must decide whether or not Foort and Fred Feibel. Mary's search to include the bell-happy Rhapsody for silent movie material is progressing, on the record release. and she is acquiring tapes from willing "What went over during the life Conducted by Stu Green subjects. of that wonderful magic bond between audience and organist might not be Readers are encouraged to submit in­ felt by record listeners, "said Millie, teresting sidelights on the organ hob­ Pert Mildred Alexander is deeply her caution returned. by (exclusive of chapter news items) material they believe will be of general sensitive to the moods of her audiences. interest about local organ activities She sometimes changes her tune list and installations and the people who in mid-concert to better accommodate work at the hobby. We know "there's listener "messages" she seems to re­ VOX POPS in them there chapters" ceive by "brainwaves" - audience to and it only requires a 6(/ postcard to get it to VOX POPS Editor, Box artist, direct. It happened once more 3564, Granada Hills, California 91344. during her June 11 concert played If the contributor can afford an Be at the Fox Theatre under sponsorship stamp, why not include a black and of the San Diego (Calif.) Theatre white photo which need not be returned. Organ Group. During the second half of her concert she kept thinking, " ... Gershwin ... Rhapsody ... " Remember the item a few issues so she knew there were enough minds back about the possibility of Bill giving her the old ESP for that selection Thomson and Lyn Larsen playing an to get through to her. But there was an encore dual concert on the Bob Power obstacle; the 4/32 Robert Morton has Rodgers "260 Special" in Camarillo, just about everything - except the Calif.? Although the date hasn't been set, the concerts are a certainty, prob­ ably in September. Those interested LEW WILLIAMS - (Stufoto) in visiting the Power home to hear concerts played on the most elaborate Our correspondent-at-large,Lew Wil­ theatre organs may send a large self­ liams, has an encouraging report from addressed, stamped envelope to Lift Fort Worth, Texas, regarding the 3/ 11 Records, Box 884, Woodland Hills, Wurlitzer (Style 235) in the closed Calif. 91364, for information. Worth Theatre. A local enthusiast, Howard Walsh, purchased the instru­ ment for a reported $20,000 and donated it to the Casa Manana, a , described by CATOS theatre-in-the-round which stages as "the theatre organ world's answer Broadway musicals. Chambers are being to women's lib", was interested in the built around the periphery of the Rochester Convention story in the circular showcase and the opening April issue of THEATRE ORGAN, is expected to take place in August and especially regarding com men ts with a name organist at the console. made by John Hammond. "Few per­ All of which will be of interest to sons realize the amount of musical organist Paul H. Forster, now retired knowledge which a really first-class in St. Petersburg, Florida. Paul opened theatre organist must possess. John the brand new Wurlitzer with the Hammond was a terrific teacher and theatre's debut in the middle '20s. musician!" Rosa continues very activ­ Millie at the Fox. The black lace pants The opening stage headliner was ely on the concert circuit and is suit provided the visual obligato. - (Stufoto) banjoist Eddie Peabody.

THEATRE ORGAN AUGUST, 1972 15 'the Ham of the Hammond' in those during the five-day bash at the pic­ days." turesque seaside park. Eddie Weaver, the Richmond or­ How does a nice Jewish boy rate a Concert Record's prexy Bill John­ ganist with the ready wit for any name like that! son will display his electronic organ occasion, demonstrated this most aptly supplements, which will be demon­ during his concert in Rochester in strated by Bill Worral. Artists already April. He had a little trouble with the The entry of Rochester, N. Y. or­ signed are Rex Koury, Shay Torrent, console lift (Shades of Gaylord Carter's ganist Tom Lockwood into the realm Bill Thomson, Tom Sheen, Mildred trouble at the Oriental in Chicago of silent movie accompaniment was Alexander, Jonas Nordwall, Bud Iver­ last year), Afterward, he said that he a great success, judging from the en­ son, Tom Stark, Ralph Wolf, John had been labeled "one of the best thusiastic response of over 1000 {Xltrons McGlyn, Gus Pearson, George Knaedler organists in the country. It's when I of the Revival Cinema, a 200-seat and Tom Hazleton, with more to come. play in the city that I have my theatre of nostalgia in the Lilac City's Chairman Tiny isn't pinning down pro bl ems." downtown area. Tom's 2-year effort the possible twelfth brand of organ to procure the original score of but it's rumored that a sensational "Phantom of the Opera" came to new electronic church organ being From the east coast, Thomas J. naught so he composed a new score developed by organist Rex Koury for Stehle reports that theatre organist and during the one-week screening marketing late this year may be it. Lee Erwin returned on April 19th to of the classic at the Revival in April­ For further information about the play his fourth program at New York May, Tom played it on a plug-in. He Home Organ Festival, send a large Military Academy, Cornwal/-on­ also cued "The Great Train Robbery". self-addressed stamped (8¢) envelope Hudson, N. Y. on the Academy's 4/26 The theatre closed after his last per[or­ to Registrar, HOF, Box 248, Alameda, Moller, by popular request of the mance be[ore Tom came on the scene. Calif. 94501. cadets. Thus, 22-year-old Tom joined the ranks Lee has become a favorite of the of other organists who have closed young cadets, this year playing his theatres, one being Gaylord Carter who From Provo, Utah, Brigham Young original score for the John Barrymore shuttered a run of Los Angeles' Million University student Mike Ohman writes feature, "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". Dollar Theatre over 40 years ago. about a horrendous decision he had to make. The storage shed behind his His program also featured the Charlie ~ Chaplin classic, "The Tramp". How­ home contained a rank of Brass Trum­ ever, the cadets' favorite [Xlrt of the pets, a rank of Quintadenas and his program is the old time sing-along. wife's crystal and china - and the As Lee remarked "This is the first shed was enveloped in [la.mes! He time I played for an audience whose could save either the pipework or his singing drowned out the organ." wife's treasures, but not both. Nat­ The Moller, installed in the Acad­ urally, he rescued the precious pipe­ emy's chapel-auditorium in 1927, has work. been undergoing gradual restoration Mike Ohman admits now that sleep­ through the efforts of interested ing in the doghouse is a mite un­ faculty, cadets and members of the comfortable. New York Organ Society. It is used regularly for chapel services and as­ semblies, as well as for occasional jam Mike Ohman has also taken on sessions. some silent movie cueing duties at Cal Christensen's Arcade Theatre in , which boasts a re­ From Pompano Beach, Florida, Max cently completed 2/7 (Style E) Wur­ Schloss offers some insight on the litzer installation. Mike accompanied early career of Byron Melcher (see Keaton's The General on July 2nd For the Records): "I've seen people and 3rd and on the 28th and 29th lined up for four blocks waiting · to tackled Doug, Fairbanks' The Black Bud Iverson, a Festival veteran. He'll be Pirate. On August 18th and 19th he get into 'Davy Jones' Locker' in St. at the Festival this year for Conn. - (Pixehat) Petersburg to hear him play. They will cue the Janet Gayner starrer, would have kept him there permanently The annual Home Organ Festival Sunrise. Mike and Cal work to­ if he would have remained. Once to be held Sept. 19 through 24 at gether so well that they have in­ Byron caused a traffic jam on First Pacific Grove, Asilomar (near corporated for the next project, a Street North in St. Petersburg when Monterey) Calif., has signed eleven pizzery in Salt Lake City with a 3/ 18 mobs of people gathered in front of brands of electronic organ for display (style 260 Special) Wurlitzer, to be the Preston Music Co. to hear him and concerts this year, with a possi­ enlarged to 3/22 with Mike's col­ play a calliope. I've heard the very ible twelfth. Chairman Tiny James lection of extra ranks. best in my 51 years and Byron doesn't informs us that Allen, Baldwin, Conn, But Mike, where do you find time have to take a back seat to anyone." Gulbransen, Hammond, Kimball, to squeeze in college? Then the South Florida chapterite Lowery, Rodgers, Thomas, Wurlitzer, provides the stinger: "We called Byron and Yamaha models will be heard

16 AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN through - Friday stint, playing the judging from the stories appearing in former Oakland Paramount Wurlitzer. the local press about chapter activities. The item provided some Ralston his­ The May 16 issue of the Royal Oak tory, including the revelation that Bob (Michigan) Daily Tribune ran a story was once a trombonist with the Sal­ and three photos of the recent two­ vation Army Band. Yes, the famed evening Lee Erwin concert and movie Welk bubble generator would be on at the Royal Oak Theatre and credited hand to broadcast its soapy splendor, the chapter with restoring the Barton. concluded the item. A Detroit Free Press reporter and photographer were on hand when vet­ eran organist Lew Betterly dropped by Gary Connor of Wilmington, Del­ the Royal Oak to get re-acquainted with aware, informs us that the 3-manual his long ago mount. And a press team Kimball in the John Dickinson High visited the chapter repair crew at the School there, has been enlarged to Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor and 28 ranks, "hopefully as big as it will caught Tom Grant, Gordon Jewell, get. " In order to achieve better re­ Bill Graebel, John Minick, Bill Reiher ception of choir singing with the organ and Ben Levy in the act of putting accompaniment in the auditorium, a Dick Schrum. Shorn and "deblubbered", a polish on the 3/ 13 Barton the Motor but with more time for important things. 4-rank portable Kimball is being in­ City lads are restoring, their fifth. stalled on the stage, controlled by a From Seattle ATOS' ex-prexy Dick 3-manual Austin console. The stage Schrum, 15 pounds lighter and shorn organ, housed in a box riding on of facial shrubbery, has acquired sole casters and easily moved by three ownership of the bottle-emptying es­ persons, will also be wired to play tablishment where he played a plug-in 40 stops of the big organ, while the for years, ThePlaidPiper, a transaction 3-manual Kimball console will be wired he feels will give him more time and to control the stage ranks if desired. freedom to complete such projects as Sounds like an ideal setup with two a renewed concert career and the organs being available as circumstances installation of his 3/ 10 "snortin' Mor­ demand. ton. " Dick was recently inf or med by Yamaha that his taped bid for a crack at the Tokyo finals of their There is something about a theatre widely publicized organists' competi­ organ which seems to appeal to clerics. Jack Roberg fondles one of his well-pub­ tion was one of the top 10 received. The ATOS roster boasts a goodly licized pipes. Dick went to Chicago in June for the number of ministers and priests (Rabbis final US-based competition. are more difficult to spot on a roster Someone in the Connecticut Valley but we hope we have some). The Chapter is also hep to the value of Northern California chapter recently organ-oriented articles appearing in had a sample of what one clergyman non-organ pu blica tio ns. The Jan­ could do with a 3/14 Wurlitzer when uary /February issue of the Torrington their meeting was held at the Avenue Company's The Precisionist sported Theatre in San Francisco. According to a cover color photo of Jack Roberg, our reporter, Dewey Cagle, when Father one of the restorers of the Thomaston David Shaw finished his first selection Opera House /Kimball he turned to his audience and asked organ. Inside the bearing company's members "to dispel any preconceived house organ was a two-page spread notions due to my clerical garb." The about employee Roberg and five more priest then put The Stripper through photos. In the same area, the Sunday her usual bumps and grinds. Most of Magazine of the April 9 Sunday Re­ the rest of his selections were done publican devoted three pages and five in a swinging up-tempo style, says photos (plus a color cover photo) to Dewey. John Starr's home installation in We've often heard the expression Goshen, Connecticut. That's pro­ "God-given talent." Here's a servant motion! of "The Boss" who shares his gift.

BOB RALSTON. Bubbles and Trombones. ~ Vic Hyde, "The Musical Philos­ The San Jose (Calif.)Mercury News, Newspaper stories are still one of ophizer" and new ATOS member, June 25, announced that Lawrence the best methods of making our hobby reported in April prior to leaving Welk's organist, Bob Ralston would known to the public, a prerequisite for England, that he had located a appear at Ken's Melody Inn in Los to getting public support. Someone in theatre pipe organ "scattered all over Altos for a late June Tuesday - Motor City Chapter is aware of this, a farm near La Porte, Ind., the owner

THEATRE ORGAN AUGUST, 1972 17 dead, and the tenants stumbling all Also from Colorado, via a clipping in Doylestown, Pa., has been bursting over the pieces. I'm trying to buy it, from the Denver Rocky Mountain with pride over the accomplishments but no one knows anything about it. News, is a writeup about the 3/15 of her nephew, Syracuse organist Karl I'll have to find an expert to analyze style 260 Wurlitzer ( opus 2128) now Cole. On May 7, he was featured in what is what and somehow become being played in Denver's "The New Haven, Conn., representing Wur­ its proud owner." Twenties" restaurant by Bob Goodwin litzer, and the response was most With Vic in England .. . Hmm . .. and Lee Eddy. The eatery is the brain­ gratifying. On May 21, he performed Wonder what a ticket to La Porte child of owner Norman Markel, who at the New York State Fairgrounds costs? worked up an appetite for pipe organ 3/11 Wurlitzer in a benefit concert for music while associated with two other the American Cancer Society. Come pipe-equipped beaneries, Ye Olde Pizza September 25, Karl will do a benefit Joynt in Hayward, Calif., and the in support of leukemia research at the Three Coins Restaurant in Louisville Central Bucks East High School in (near Denver). According to the article, Doylestown. The school's auditorium the "Twenties" organ came from the has superb accoustics, and Don Baker Fort Wayne, Indiana, Paramount. The when performing there in 19 71, praised food policy is novel: pizza on one it "tops" of those he has played. level, family dining on another, thus ~ making organ music still a possibility for the growing army of anti-pasta organ fans.

In 1957, Sydney, Australia saw the beginning of construction of a new music and opera complex. Original cost was pegged at $7 million Australian dollars. Plans included a 2750 seat symphony hall, a 1530-seat opera house, a 420-seat chamber music and film theatre, a 150-seat recital hall, Ray Bohr at RTOS Wurlitzer. and several bars, all housed in a series (Dick Harold Photo) of concrete shells. Target date for completion was 1963. It is now 1972 Billy Nalle. Theatre organ music for the Radio City Music Hall's Ray Bohr, and it won't be completed for another greater glory. making his first Rochester, New York year and a half, the cost has climbed No one could deny that organist appearance before an RTOS audience, to $110 million! A 9300-pipe organ, Billy Nalle is an innovator, with many played for 970 in that group's final now being installed in Symphony "firsts" regarding promotion of the concert of the season at the Auditorium Hall, will cost $600,000. theatre organ to his credit. Now he's Theatre on May 12. Perspiring pro­ done it again. On Sunday afternoon fusely ("You have to put yourself July 23, the world's largest cathedral, into it"), Ray played selections which St. John the Divine in New York, The newly-restored 4/ 16 Barton at were popular in the first 40 years of was alive with theatre organ music the Coronado Theatre in Rockford, the century. played by Billy. No, Billy wasn't play­ Ill. has been mentioned several times ing the church's huge straight organ in this column in recent months. The but a Rodgers model 340 electronic theatre, every bit as clean and beautiful FromDurango, Colorado,Don Hart­ and the selections were mainly pops as it was when opened over 40 years ley is coming along nicely with the and standards. The church, under the ago, is well equipped to handle stage rebuilding and installation of a 2/8 liberal leadership of Father Rodney productions. Carousel, featuring John Robert Morton in his "Cat and the Kirk, inaugurated the policy of in­ Raitt, was being performed the evening Fiddle Bar and Lounge." Don says the cluding popular music in its concert of April 17 when a racoon crawled Morton was built for the "La Petite series with the 1969 Duke Ellington into a main circuit "bus tie" earring Theatre" in Ocean Park, Calif. about concert. Organist Alec Wyton is the 12,500 volts, and caused an 82-minute 1920 and was moved to the Visalia series' musical director. The sound of blackout of the entire area surrounding (Calif.) Theatre about 1927, with some Rodgers' most theatrical instrument the theatre. There was no panic as increasein ranks. He's getting technical sounding out in the non-confinement 2,000 patrons exited from the darkened help from Smith A. Gauntt, who of a great cathedral and played by the house. On May 4, all was in order for worked for Dan Barton during the South's favorite unreconstructed New the CATOE-sponsored Gaylord Carter Golden Era. Gauntt 's assisgnments in­ York-based rebel, is something we'll concert which attracted another 2,000 cluded work on the Chicago Stadium cover in detail in a forthcoming issue. 6/62 Barton. The console will be on a to the Coronado. lift for two reasons,. says Don: ( 1) ~ sheer drama, (2) to ward off drunks. For a hip New Yorker Billy Nalle 's Mrs. Russell Maguire,ATOS member "Suthin' "origins are apparent in a ~ and former theatre organist, now living number of ways. For exa.mple, at home

18 AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN he sips cocktails from containers in which Confederate money, in huge ~~All Tliinas Considered'' . .. denominations, has been imbedded in clear plastic sides. ''These will make me rich when the South rises again" drawls Billy in an ante-helium brogue dripping with enough molasses to make North Carolina's Millie Alexander sound like a "damyankee. " The drawl is most notable in phrasings conjured when he's loaded with enthusiasm, as he was on returning to Gotham after his recent concert at the John Dickinson High School Kimball for the JDHS Theatre Organ Society in Wilmington, Delaware. He was so pleased with the organ, the acoustics, his treatment by the club and audience enthusiasm, he described the group, including faculty advisor Bob Dilworth, as "Tiffany all the way. I just broke down and fell in love with the whole covey. They've done so much to es­ tablish the theatre organ in their area in the finest terms. " Catch Billy's theatre organ column in the straight organ's top monthly journal, MUSIC. ... Considered tlie Ann Arbor Barton

~ The 3/ 13 Barton pipe organ in Ann The thirty minute program from Theatre organ buffs of central New Arbor's Michigan Theatre was heard which NPR took its segment was York State are in for a treat during nationwide on July 14, when a five prepared by Shirley Smith of WUOM, State Fair Week, August 29 to Septem­ minute segment of a thirty minute the University of Michigan's 230,000 ber 5. John Muri has been designated interview about the organ's current watt public FM station in Ann Arbor. official organist, and will be featured restoration was included on National The program was produced in June as daily at the 3/ 11 Wurlitzer in the public Radio's nightly news show A fl part of WUOM's weekly Background Empire Theatre (Harriet May Mills Things Considered. The program orig­ series which is distributed to com­ Bldg). He will accompany Charlie inates in Washington, D.C. and is carried mercial radio stations in the United Chaplin's The Gold Rush nightly, and by over 100 public radio stations States and to the Armed Forces Net­ during the daytime will play concerts, around the country. work in Europe and Southeast Asia. provide background music for fashion Mrs. Smith interviewed Henry Ald­ shows, and music for intermissions. ridge, a candidate for the Ph.D. in Tom Anderson, the prime mover in at the Hawaii Theatre ( 4/ 16 Morton.) Radio, Television, Film at the Uni­ this effort, tells us that the console Between serving refreshments to his versity of Michigan , and a member of now is located on the stage, giving guests and conducting guided tours Motor City Chapter of ATOS which all patrons an unobstructed view of through the Wurli-Morton's innards, is responsible for the restoration work the organist. Roger was kept plenty busy. now being done on the instrument. Their conversation included a sound ~ tour of the organ, music, and a discus­ From Honolulu, Roger Angell re­ Baseball's bible, The Sporting News, sion of the theatre organ's role in the ports on the May 28 rededication in its June 3 issue had a few words new wave of enthusiasm for silent concert for his "almost completed" to say about the new Los Angeles films. home installation, the 7-rank Morton Dodger organist. Entitled "Dodgers This is the second program about from the Hilo Theatre (the console Have a Beauty", the item said, "The theatre organ music that has been was wiped out in 1960 by a tidal wave). Dodgers' best-looking player during produced by the University of Michigan The organ is controlled now by a the first month was Donna Parker. Broadcasting Service within the past Wurlitzer 2-deck console (reported to She is 16, and the new organist at year. In 1971, the University of Mich­ be from Jim Gaines "Echoing Antique Dodger Stadium. Nervous at first, she igan Television Center produced a Shop" in Hollywood). Hawaii's pre­ says she has made only one mistake. " thirty minute video-taped interview miere (and most durable) theatre or­ This gal is no stranger to these pages, with John Muri of Detroit. The tape ganist, John DeMello, played a brief as "Stufotos" of her have appeared included a short Chaplin film which concert followed by a surprise ap­ often during the past two years. Donna was accompanied by Mr. Muri on the pearance by Gaylord Carter who was plays first base on a girls' softball team DTOC Wurlitzer organ at the Senate over from the mainland for a concert when she isn't tinkling the ivories. □ Theater in Detroit. □

THEATRE ORGAN AUGUST, 1972 19 feature over Minneapolis' WAMD, play­ His father, OSCAR FREY, is his ing a Wurlitzer. teacher. The boy's feet barely reach NUGGETS Feb. 1927 (J) AL MELGARD is the pedals. from the broadcasting from WLS, in addition Jan. 1929 (D) LEW WHITE on GOLDEN to his duties at the Barton Organ Christmas night, broadcast an hour School in Chicago. recital from his studio for the Eveready Feb. 1927 (J) /DA V. CLARKE is Hour over WEAF, New York on a playing a series of recitals over WRC coast-to-coast hookup of 26 stations. on the Tivoli organ in Washington. Heard in South America and Europe, Feb. 1927 (A)) The Heathman NBC says it was the greatest tie-up Hotel in Portland, Ore. has a movie­ broadcast an organist ever made, with type organ in its lobby. The organist 10 million hearing the program. is described by the radio announcer as May 1929 (Local Press) WADE and a "concert organist", though his ren­ HOWARD HAMILTON broadcast over ditions are in prevailing theatre style KVOO, Tulsa, using two consoles, with all embellishments. These con­ comprising 7 manuals. The second certs are broadcast nightly, and was "devised" by WADE and called "legitimate" organists are worried that a "junk console." It includes parts Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos the public will accept the renditions from washing machines, vacuum clean­ as "straight" organ playing. ers, typewriters, old theatre seats, a May 1927 (D) Wisconsin News parasol, sewing machine and an electric Again we dedicate this column to Station, WSOE, Milwaukee, is installing sign flasher. those who broadcast during the a 3-manual Marr & Colton, said to be halcyon days of the theatre organ. one of the largest used for broadcasting GOLD DUST: Dropping the names References were American Organist in the country. The instrument features of organists who once broadcast: 12/25, (AO), Diapason (D), Jacobs (J), Melody a full trap department. BOB LAWRENCE at Takoma, Wash. (M), and Metronome (Met.) magazines. May 1927 (D) When the Admiral ... 1/26, GERTRUDE SMALLWOOD June 1924 (AO) RALPH WALDO Theatre in Chicago is opened, its Marr & GEORGE WILSON ROSS over WRC, EMERSON is alternating with other & Colton organ will be featured on Washington from the Homer Kitt organists in broadcasts from Chicago's special broadcasts over WBBM. Studio . . . 12/26, LOUIS POTTER, Barton Studio over WDAP every May 1927 (D) LARRY JEAN WAHG, Richmond Hill, NY and JEAN Tuesday. FISHER has just concluded a series of WEINER, WPG, Atlantic City ... Apr. 1926 (M) DICK LEIBERT special broadcasts over WJA Y, Cleve­ 8/27, THEODORE STRONG, KFRC, soloed on the 4-manual Moller at land, using the Kimball in the East San Francisco ... 9/27, QUENTIN Washington Auditorium during the Ninth Street Theatre. Mr. Fisher con­ LANDWEHR, KMTR, Santa Monica auto show recently. He alternated tinues as organist at the Cedar Lee from the Casa Del Mar Club ... 12/27, with an orchestra in furnishing con­ Theatre in Cleveland Heights. AMBROSE LARSON, Saturdays over tinuous music, and an hour program Aug. 1927 (AO) On the radio: WGN, Chicago ... 3/28, JACQUINOT each night was broadcast on WCAP. FRED BECK & HOWARD L. PETER­ JULES over KMOX, St. Louis weekday Aug. 1926 (M) Experts from W.W. SON, WJJD in Moosehart, Ill.; ED­ mornings and afternoons ... 1/29, Kimball Co. of Chicago have installed WARD S. BRECK, WRNY in New MAUD SANGREN & KENT GAN­ a 3-manual $50,000 organ in the York; CHARLES HEINROTH, KDKA NETT over WOC in Palmer's School of $400,000 Coral Gables ( Fla.) Theatre. in Pittsburgh; VINCENT PERCY, Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa; WADE EDWARD BENEDICT, the noted or­ WT AM in Cleveland; ARSENE HAMILTON, KVOO from the Ritz ganist who broadcasts on WGN in SEIGEL, WEBH in Chicago; LOUIS Theatre, Tulsa ... 3/29, WESLEY Chicago, gave recitals during the initial WEIR, WBZ in Springfield, Mass. and TOURTELOTTE, KHJ, Los Angeles week. MARSH MC CURDY, WHN in Ridge­ on an Estey; C. SHARP MINOR, who Nov. 1926 (Local Press) A favorite wood, New York. plays the Wurlitzer in the United radio program of WBZ, Springfield, Dec. 1927 (Met.) DEAN FOSSLER Artists Theatre, Los Angeles, heard Mass., is the weekly organfest from is Chicago's busiest organist, playing daily on the 3-manual Robert Morton the Capitol Theatre, featuring RENE the Chicago Theatre's morning and in his studio over KMTR ... 6/29, DAGENAIS at the 3/30 Austin. Rene's evening shows, plus radio concerts. WILLIAM DE WITT BROWN, long­ teacher was another Springfield fa­ Feb. 1928 (Local Press) EDWARD time Keith's Palace organist in Cleve­ vorite, HARRY KELLOGG. C. MAY is featured at the Liberty land, is turning to broadcasting . . . Jan. 1927 (J) OITO F. BECK. Theatre Wurlitzer in Rochester, NY, 11/29, HENRY FRANCIS PARKS is for two years featured at Crandall's using a new over chief announcer and assistant program Tivoli, and a weekly feature over WRC WHEC. director of WCFL, Chicago while in Washington, has gone to the Rialto Mar. 1928 (J) JOHN CART played KARL BONAWITZ of the German­ to do novelty organ recitals with slides. a very successful recital on the Loew 's town Theatre in Phila. is playing Sun­ Jan. 1927 (J) WILLIAM WEIST, Metropolitan Theatre's 3-manualMoller day evenings over WIP; after a two-year hiatus~ is broadcasting recently over WBBC in New York. over WLWin Cincinnati. Dec. 1928 (J) Six-year old organist, That should do it until next time. Jan. 1927 (J) FRANCIS RICHTER, EUGENE FREY, broadcasts on St. So long, sourdoughs! blind pianist and organist, is a regular Paul's KSTP daily children's show. LLOYD & JASON

20 AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN ~ntppttsfrom QEnglanb / rnNv BERNARDsMITH

A couple of years or so ago, the on taking over the reins. Since previous Thomson and ( only 16) nationally networked radio show The forays have enabled him to unearth with Peter Jebson. Organist Entertains first hit Britain's some rare delights there could be good Basic encouragement, apart from air waves. A young producer named listening ahead. tuition and practice, has come from Chris Morgan was detailed off to pre­ spots in recitals. But they have been pare about 13 shows, and ex-theatre able to promote Peter Jebson a mite organist was per­ more. He has made an impressive suaded to act as MC. Even in Britain, where the Golden broadcasting debut recently and his Age of theatre organs carried on right playing can be heard on the Trust's up to l 939, most sixties star names second LP, Side by Side. On one are now in their sixties or retired from side, Reginald Liversidge, a popular full-time playing. Where are we going veteran, does the honours. Peter plays to get a new generation of Tibia­ the other and both were recorded on ticklers and Bombarde-bashers from? the Gaumont's 4/14 Wurlitzer, Opus One group who have an eye to this 2189. problem are the Lancastrian Theatre He is a native of the North of Organ Trust, who cosset the two England and, though still only 21, lovely Wurlitzers in Manchester's Odeon combines a church organist's post with and Gaumont. playing plug-in in a Blackpool hotel Secretary John B. Potter put it to and studying for his musical diplomas. me this way: "I foresee in ten years, He is somewhat of a protege of Ernest 20 or so preserved organs, with but Broadbent, resident at the Tower, three or four organists capable of Blackpool, Wurlitzer. He introduced playing them decently, unless some­ young Peter to pipes and, of course, thing is done." a whole new world of sound opened His solution is for the big names up for him. to pass on their expertise to the His playing has all the assurance of youngsters. The current LTOT stable youth and, on first hearing, sounds Robin Richmond at the BBC Theatre or­ of bright young hopefuls is Michael just like the best of the good old days gan - now he is producer of his own show. (BBC Photo) all over again. Listen a bit closer, though, and you'll detect some highly individual styling and harmonies right Well the show has just kept running, in there. bringing all sorts of instruments and You want me to stick my neck performers to the ken of a delighted right out? Here goes: after Reginald public and maybe being influential Dixon at the the Tower, Britain's top in persuading the BBC to have their Wurlitzer appointment, came Ernest own theatre organ once again (the Broadbent. When - and may the day Wurlitzer 3/13 from the Empress be long distant - he retires, Peter Ballroom, Blackpool which is now Jebson could be a shoo-in if they in their Manchester studios). want to keep the Blackpool style Chris "Organ" Morgan (yes, the going. And if Peter tires of a planned Welsh really do nickname people this teaching career. way, it wasn't Dylan Thomas's flight Other people are encouraging new to fancy in "Under Milk Wood") went talent of course. Father Gerard Kerr, to other shows and a successor was of the church of St. John Vianney, in appointed - Charles Clark-Maxwell. Ilford, East London, has given practice Now he's been posted elsewhere facilities to a number of youngsters. and in a rare fit of logical thinking, Since they have a fine preserved the powers that be have made Robin Compton 3/6 plus Melotone (and the Richmond producer of his own show. occasional visits of star Andrew Fenner) Since he has made his living by pro­ to boost their endeavours, somebody ducing radio shows since the golden may emerge here. days, who better? And at a recent meeting of Essex "In the coming months I hope to Peter Jebson at Manchester (but not at the Hammond Organ Society, Billy His­ Gaumont, which he has just recorded. This cocke made his first public appearance. get out and about a bit more among is the Wurlitzer 4/20 of the Odeon, just all the clubs and things," he promised across the road). he is not yet 12!

THEATRE ORGAN AUGUST, 1972 21 beauty if it is played faster than a normal dance tempo. See what happens to Chopin's "Minute Waltz" when it is played too fast: its melody and grace disappear in a rat race. Marches should be played at march tempo. Recently I heard a fellow play one so fast that you'd have to run to keep lmw To bEltAVE wltilE pRAcTiciNG time with it. There is no sense in that kind of playing. When you have a piece almost by John Muri finished, ask yourself: am I playing this work intelligently? I heard a performance of Ferde Grofe's "Day­ In the elementary stages of musical fatigue; just play them over slowly break" in which the player had in­ practice the goals are independence in but correctly once or twice each ses­ serted many left-hand scale-runs, all the use of hands and feet and facility sion. In a week or two you will be descending. Is that the way the sun in the production of beautiful tone. amazed at the improvement that seems comes up? I think those scales should If you want to get your hands working to come almost by itself. Short periods have ascended, just as light rays do for you - not against you - you can't in pedal studies performed daily over at daybreak. Descending scales remind avoid the regimen that every com­ a period of months will show similar me of sunset. I have heard players do petent player has followed through wonders. These suggestions are merely "Ebb-Tide" fortissimo. Is that the the excellent exercises of teachers application of an educational rule that way water sinks and departs? Only like Hanon, Czerny, and Bach. Primary has been around for fifty years, namely, when the bottom of a bucket falls out. among the early goals is the develop­ that spaced learning ( that is, frequent I never heard of a tide like that except ment of correct fingering habits. Here and regular review of material) gets the one at the Bay of Fundy. No tide many of our players fail. Countless better and faster results than short­ ever ebbed first pianissimo, then fortis­ beginners insist on playing scales with term intensive attempts. simo, then pianissimo again. I think wrong fingering, thereby producing a Some time should be given to sight­ it should start relatively loud and rough, uneven progression of tones. reading of materials that will extend sink gradually into peace and silence. Others insist on using the same fingers your skills. This work may be done at As Marshall McLuhan would say, the to play repeats of a single note, pro­ the piano. I prefer duets, since one music should fit the message. ducing a choppy effect and tiring out player pulls the other along. There Take the right foot off the swell­ the forearm muscles. Some players are all kinds of good duets available at shoes once in a while, and play a few hold the fingers out too straight and music stores. Don't fall into the trap notes with it, so as to avoid the strong stiff, again producing inefficient and of playing things you like to hear and tendency to pump the shades open tired muscles. Fingers curved into al­ calling it practice. What some call and shut. Many theatre organists of most half-moons usually create the practice is often self-indulgent playing­ the old school (and a number of the strongest positions, provided that the around with tunes that have already current one) have kept the shades wrists are kept low. As for pedaling, been learned. Nothing is gained in flapping in time with the melody. I you don't have to be able to play with that kind of session. Instead, make guess that's what some people call your right foot, but it's a good show note of those passages in which you "expression", and it doesn't mean a if you can cut loose with a two-foot falter or play wrong notes; these are thing. In an earlier article I called at­ pedal cadenza. The flashier organists the only ones you should play at tention to the sudden and meaningless usually have one or two of these solos practice sessions. A regular part of the switches from loud to soft and back in practice with which to knock au­ work should include some memorizing again as "musical lunacy." Alternation diences out of their seats. Actually, and self-testing of previously mem­ of violent ranting and soft romanticism pedal technique for theatre organists orized material. is representative of nothing less than is not demanding. Speaking of effi­ the schizophrenic or the manic-de­ Many players want to play fast too ciency, avoid gyrations at the console soon. All pieces should be played pressive. I don't think that most organ­ unless you want to make things look ists who play this way are mentally quite slowly at first. Problems in ele­ hard or unless you can't help it. The sick, but the music certainly is. A mentary technique will then show up. more you throw your body around, unified musical composition has to If you can't play a run slowly, the the more you tire yourself, the jerkier move in a definite direction. It is not chances are that you can't do it your playing becomes, and the sillier "a tale told by an idiot, full of sound rapidly either. A piece should never you look to people who know what and fury, signifying nothing." organ playing is about. Don't be a be played at a tempo faster than All this comes down to the idea console jockey. that in which all the notes can be cor­ that you have to go into a pract-ice Every practice session should have rectly played. Later you may gradually period knowing what you need to do a warm-up period during which scales increase speed until it is the right and what you intend to do. This means and arpeggios are played. Some effort one. planning, sticking to your plan, lis­ should be made to master short pas­ Make sure that your choices of tening to yourself, judging your work, sages that have d~fied your efforts. playing speed or tempo are suitable and practicing in the light of intel­ Do not work at these to the point of and correct. A waltz will lose its ligent self-criticism. □

22 AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN A PICTORIAL REVIEW ... 197~ ATOS CONVENTON "you~ltouU kave be.en, t-'11M1l/'

Story by Editorial Staff - Photos by Bill Lamb

Our 1972 annual meeting was held Twin Bridges Marriott Hotel, the lobby of the occasion. in Washington, D.C., a location rich in began to buzz with conversations con­ The Potomac Valley Chapter mem­ history. The surrounding countryside cerning the relative merits of Wurlitzer bers, acting as hosts, were on hand to is no doubt among the most eye­ vs Robert Morton, stoplists, ranks, and assist all visitors. They were extremely appealing in our nation. all other subjects completely foreign efficient in giving a helping hand to Although the official opening was to non-ATOS members. anyone needing help. Monday, July 10, by Saturday night, Convention Chairman Woody Wise The official proceedings got under­ ATOS badges had blossomed out and had done his preliminary work well, way at the Virginia Theatre in unofficially, the meeting was on its and as a result, the five days allotted Alexandria on Monday as petite Jean way. to pipe organ activities were fun-filled Lautzenheiser moved to center stage With headquarters set up at the with almost no ciphers in the harmony to introduce Convention Chariman

INTERMISSION AT THE TIVOLI ... The only theatre in town, the Tivoli in Fredrick has been tastefully refurbished to preserve its original charm, The 2/8 Wurlitzer is the last remaining in-theatre pipe organ in the state of Maryland. Woody Wise. Woody traipsed very gingerly into the spotlight because he was caught by his intro with his shoes off. After a few words of greeting, he introduced the first artist for the afternoon. Up to that moment, there had been no sign of a console, not even an orchestra pit in the house. But, a blast of music indicated the presence of turned-on pipework and in a moment, a Barton console slithered out a-la Radio City Music Hall, with Dick Smith riding it in high spirits. From the first blast of martial brass, Dick performed in his own colossal style, opening with an emotion-packed and thunderous patriotic medley which set the tone for the remainder of his program, right up to his walloping closer, "Granada". Dick never told his audience about an injury the day before which was still causing much pain in his right leg, although he managed to floor the crescendo pedal THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT at will. •.. ATOS Circulation Manager Vi Thompson Next at the console was cute little makes Tony Tahlman of CATOE look even taller by comparison. Jean Lautzenheiser who has often played shows at the Virginia. Jean's style contrasted sharply with that of Dick Smith. Jean prefers to explore the romantic tone colors of the organ's more subtle voices, a true theatre organ style, amplified by the warm personality she projects while MCing her performance. Her program was spiced with standards and light opera tunes, plus her own arrangement of hoe-down music. Particularly pleasing was her "music for a nudie movie" "All of Her" which was a play on "Oliver". Ed Welch is the current resident organist at the Virginia and he likes the big organ sound. Opening with "That's Entertainment", Ed displayed a good technique, spiced with imag­ ination which he applied to all tunes played. Ed doubled as vocalist for one selection and left his audience wanting more. It was only a short walk to the cavernous Virginia Arena, the roller rink which boasts the former New York Radio City Centre Theatre 4/34 Wurlitzer which now resounds sans expression in the very live accoustics of the vast expanse of the arena. The resident organist, Jimmy Boyce, open­ ed his program with an arena-filling "Amor" during which we noticed that ribbons attached to the fronts of the

CAMEO PERFORMERS

VIRGINIA THEATRE RONNY TEDLEY

TIVOLI THEATRE JIM CONNOR SHIRLEY HANNUM

MOSQUE JONAS NORDWALL DON THOMPSON LYN LUNDE BOB GULLEDGE STAN WHITTINGTON JOHN FERGUSON KARL COLE

Tibia offset pipes were actuated by the wind to wave a merry "hello" to conventioneers. Jimmy continued the program using his ability to show off the organ with romantic numbers, big brassy rhythm selections, and a boogie­ woogie with a roaring pedal melody which wouldn't quit. Jimmy made his point many times over. Monday evening's performance was played by Radio City Music Hall or­ ganist Ray Bohr at the arena organ. Ray is said to have worried some about the absence of expression on the organ, because his technique employs judicious use of the swell pedal. But, if that were a handicap, it was not apparent to listeners. Ray played his familiar arrangement of" At Sundown" on a mighty phalanx of big-organ voices, then simmered down to Tibia and Vox for "Love Letters". "Talk of the Town" was large in volume, but sweet and a novel arrangement of "I Surrender, Dear" employed a gen­ erous array of rhythmic "clackers." One of Ray's stunners was a tune composed by Dick Leibert. "Come Dance With Me" was often counter­ pointed with fragments of other tunes. Always popular Ray Bohr survived the heat of the balcony where the console is located, but must have lost a few pounds through perspiration. He was off to New York as soon as his con­ cert was finished.

Members wanting photos of con­ vention contact: BILL LAMB P.O. BOX 174 PRINCETON, ILL. 61356

On Tuesday morning, the conven­ tioneers enjoyed listening to the organs in the demo rooms until 10 A.M. when buses departed for the Lautzenheiser home for a bout with "Genii", a computer which plays an organ with 40 fingers. Or, one could attend Lloyd Klos' seminar "Promoting Our Cause", a detailed course in how to make the theatre organ known to the general public, by the national ATOS organi­ zation, chapter or individual member. Members of Lloyd's audience were encouraged to add their suggestions concerning newspaper, radio, TV and magazine publicity - a most valuable session. At 12:30, buses departed for Frederick, Maryland, and the Tivoli Theatre with its beautifully restored 2/8 Wurlitzer. The town where flag­ brandishing Barbara Fritchie screamed defiance at the invading Confederate columns ("Shoot if you must this old grey head, but spare your country's flag", she said) is little-changed from Barbara's day in its architecture. Red brick facades still line the streets where mini-skirted girls now perambulate. Entering the Tivoli is also a trip into the past, but the more recent past of the silent movie era. It's a well­ maintained vintage theatre with such recent accoutrements as air-condition­ ing and a soft drink machine which The official "wand-of-office" , a Tibia pipe, is given to newly elected President Erwin Young broke down at the most inconvenient by outgoing President Stillman Rice during the moment. banquet. After Woody Wise introduced Ray Brubacher, Ray jumped onto the bench before the brightly tinted console (very red) and played a fast "That's Enter­ tainment", then qui( But, with a reason. The day before, the blower motor had burned out some wiring and immediately, the Tivoli was a beehive of activity. It was decided to try to rewind the motor over night, and the possibility of suc­ cess was very "iffy". It turned out a complete success but the happening had taken its toll of Ray's practice time, not to mention his frayed nerves. So, Ray used his misfortune to in­ troduce an artist new to the theatre organ world, diminutive Hector Olivera, an experienced church organist, but also a dry comedian in the Desi Arnaz tradition. With a South American ac­ cent he explained each selection in fractured English, then proceeded to make his points perfectly clear with an entertaining style of music which re­ vealed an ability to improvise and develop a theme. He is also an accurate imitator. "Have you Met Miss Jones?" was a close approximation of the Buddy Cole recording. One adjective which describes the Olivera approach to a tune is "florid". He closed with an improvisation based on a folk tune given him on the spur of the moment by Ray Brubacher - "Pop Goes the Weasel". Needless to say, Hector ran the weasel ragged to the delight of his listeners. He's a good comedian in the Jose Jimenez manner and a fine musical entertainer. Following a brief intermission to give the audience time to locate a working soft drink machine, President Stillman Rice called the general mem­ bership meeting to order. He listed the accomplishments and condition of ATOS and explained some of the decisions made during the Board of Directors' meeting which had con­ sumed six hours on Sunday· evening. MARACCAS, CAT'S MEOWS, LAMB BLEATS AND President Rice was much more CRACKER JACK .•• "Brother Charlie's" contribution to an evening of fun at the Mosque with Eddie Weaver. concise. After the club had approved the decisions, the formal meeting was adjourned and cameo performances at the console followed. One par­ ticularly appealing performance was played by Shirley Hannum of the Delaware Valley Chapter. Then the group split into three sections and each was bused to a restaurant for a late afternoon meal. Each section was taken to Dick Kline's sylvan home on a lake, at staggered hour-and-forty-minute intervals for con­ certs by John Steele, playing Dick's 4/28 Wurlitzer. John's selections leaned

Conventioneers marvel at the big sound of the 4/34 Wurlitzer in the 65 foot high Alexandria heavily on Walt Disney movie scores. Arena. Originally from the Center Theatre in Rockefeller Center, and now unenclosed, the The music was presented in a pleasing, Wurlitzer is used daily to accompany skaters. The Alexandria Arena was the site of the uncomplicated style which made good founding of the Potomac Valley Chapter in 1959. use of the organ's well-integrated fa­ cilities. Listeners crowded into the music room and spilled over onto the terrace where Dick had placed a hun­ dred folding chairs. As we gazed into the clear waters, of the abandoned rock quarry beyond the terrace a monstrous, ugly snapping turtle pad­ dled his way to the surface, took a deep breath, caught a sight of Stu Green leering down at him and re­ treated underwater with an expres­ sion which might have said, "Look at the head on that one!" Spontaneous ciphers were heard from the ducks and geese who also reside on the water.

Frederick,Maryland, rich in colo­ nial history, greetedthe ATOS jun­ keteerswith a displayof ''Welcome ATOS" signswhile the changeable letter sign on Routzahn'sOn-the­ SquareDepartment Store, proclaimed ''WelcomeAmerican Theatre Organ Society." THE FREDERICK NEWS & POST carrieda story concerning our visitto the Tivoli Theatre,all of which madeour group feel extremely welcome in this picturesquecom­ munity.

Back to the buses and a return to the Marriott for a round of visits to the Baldwin, Rodgers and Yamaha rooms which were filled with music lovers well past midnight. The annual banquet was held Wednesday in the Marriott's Persian Room. Since the business meeting had been held previously at the Tivoli in Frederick, the banquet was devoted

Woody Wise ( A.) makes a Convention Chairman's Award to Tommy cameo appearance at Landrum who maintains all three in-theatre Richmond instruments. to giving awards which included Hall of Fame recipient Lloyd G. Del Castillo, honorary member W.S. Green and a special convention chairman award to Tommy Landrum as out­ standing chapter member for his work on preparing instruments for the con­ vention. The balance of the banquet was given over to socializing and listening to the Yamaha organ which featured John Seng, assisted by Karl Cole, Bob Dove, and Turley Higgins. The conventioneers were bused on Thursday morning to a most impressive During registration, Ray Brubacher and author Stevens Irwin find time to discuss a favorite edifice, the George Washington Masonic topic ... theatre organ, WHAT ELSE? Memorial, where Ray Brubacher was scheduled to play a concert on the 3/40 Moller player organ in the mem­ orial's large indoor amphitheatre. Ray appeared at 9:30 and this time, really played his concert. The Moller produces the typical big church organ sound

Any member attending the Wash­ ington Convention wishing to comment on the Marriott should write: WILLARD MARRIOTT 5161 River Road Washington, D.C. 20016

from three divisions above the stage; it is a clean-sounding organ, well balanced in its ensemble. He used many changes of registration, mostly untrem'd. His most imposing effort was an arrangement of music from Gone With the Wind, just as he per­ formed the Max Steiner score on the Tivoli 2/8 Wurlitzer for his current recording. The Moller was especially effective during the climactic passages, and Ray performed with great sen­ sitivity to generate a magnificent sound. Before completing his program, Ray turned the playing chore over to the roll player for a stirring performance of the William Tell Overture which effectively demonstrated the automatic equipment. (An eerie experience to many.) The next concert was scheduled at the Virginia Theatre. The hot, soggy weather, plus occasional sprinkles, had affected the instrument to the extent that Don Thompson had to fight it throughout his afternoon concert. Hardly had Don gotten through his opener, "I Feel a Song Coming On", when whole ranks of pipes seemed to go out of tune in unison. In other ranks, it was single notes which went out, usually on a note on which the melody lit for a few beats. Then, the trems started to chop. Despite the handicaps, Don made the dissonant "March" from the oldie movie Things to Come seem both dramatic and commanding. For years, Don has been playing "Butterflies in the Rain" with a slight melodic error. He did it again, but this time, we felt so strongly about his ''man-versus-machine" struggle that the melodic misadventure became a trifle. At no time did Don allow the misbehaving organ to throw him or divert him from giving his very best. One of the Cameo performers was radio organist, Dr. C.A.J. Parmentier. (Cass informs us that he never liked his given names so he uses only the initials). Now in his ?O's, the veteran organist plays as effectively as he did over the CBS network in the 30's, and radio listeners of that era will agree, he was one of the best. Dr. Parmentier, with a recent record release to his credit (from masters cut in the 30's) had the appearance of a much younger man as he approached the Barton console. His playing enhanced this impression; the improvisation often drew on the latest harmonic diversions. Then came the curse of the theatre

Media coverage for the ATOS Bash was good with all four T. V. outlets filming at the Virginia at the Lautzenheiser "Genii" dem­ onstration. Stations WTTG, WMAL, WRC (NBC) and WTOP Potomac Valley members sort the various tickets and schedules in the convention package participated. This coverage was prepared for each ATOS convention member. Some 750 were registered. set up by member Doug Bailey. Fridays issue of the Wash­ ington Evening-Star carried no­ tices regarding the meeting.

organist - a cipher! It was a low­ pitched bassoon-type honk; it never phased Parmentier. He played simple themes which centered around the miscreant tone ( e.g. "Three Blind Mice" and "Goodnight, Ladies") until the Woody Wise organ-fixers thundered to the door beneath the ciphering right chamber with the speed, grace and enthusiasm of a volunteer fire depart-

In Richmond, the Mosque's impressive facade seems to welcome ATOSers from all points of the globe.

The convention chairman must be involved in every phase of the convention from planning to actual operations ... Here, 1972 convention chairman Woody Wise prepares identification badges during registration. ment. In a moment, the honk vanished and Dr. Parmentier continued with his fascinating improvisation, no longer bound by deference to a single deter­ mined note. After a roundtrip by bus to the hotel for dinner, it was once again to be an evening at the Virginia Theatre, this time for a full concert by network organist, Rosa Rio, whose stunning white and pink pants suit and gem­ encrusted eye glasses were indeed an eyeful in the bright beam of the spotlight. But, what about that mis­ behaving Barton? Never fear; in the three hours between concerts, the Woody Wise Vigilantes had not only tamed the bucking trem, but had also West Coast organist Helen Dell chats with tuned the whole thing - all eleven East Coast C.A.J. Parmentier. ranks. Rosa Rio's program was nostalgia- tinted but it also acknowledged such current musical phenomena as "Jesus Christ, Superstar" and "The God­ father." She recreated the "Organ-plus-po- etry" radio broadcast by accompany­ ing two short verses, "A Hundred Years From Now" and "Jenny Kissed Me." Read by local chapter member Tom Gauger of WMAL Radio. On stage, Rosa presented the two "Joy Boys" (Ed Walker and Willard Scot) from the local NBC radio station in an episode from their continuing soap opera As the Worm Turns, complete with manually-produced sound effects. Also on Rosa's musical menu was a

Thomas Warnell of Kingston, Jamaica said, "With no theatre organ in the West Indies, I have to travel a bit to hear one." rare Will Rogers silent movie, Don't Park Here in which the comedian found the mounting problems of park­ ing a horseless carriage a headache, which started in the early twenties. Naturally, Rosa's score included "Crazy Over Horses" in deference to the means of transportation the "tin lizzie" was even then replacing. Rosa's deft handling of the movie score and her organ solos made conventioneers forget the heat and humidity which had invaded the theatre because the air conditioner wasn't working. Friday was a truly "colossal" day. The buses for the two-hour drive to Richmond, Virginia, left at 7:30 A.M. In some of the buses, songleaders sprang up and led the congregations through all the old chestnuts which could be covered during the journey. Others were quiet so riders could

Many excellent home installa­ tions were visited, these included:

DICK KLINE LEM KELLER MARVIN LAUTZENHEISER GEORGE JOHNSON ED WELSH BOB LANE GEORGE MERRIKEN WARREN THOMAS WALTER MILLER

continue their night's sleep in peace. The first stop was at the Byrd Theatre in Richmond, the most elab­ orate neighborhood house imaginable. It's a large house with a 4/ 17 Wur­ litzer, the console rising through a hole in the center of the covered-over orchestra pit. It's a proud theatre, well maintained by manager George Stitzer and retiring manager R.H. Coulter. The artist was northern California's Tiny James, long a welcome fixture at Bay Area theatre' consoles during the era when organs were used chiefly for intermission music. Tiny's big, broad style, which often features a lefthand tuba melody embellished with engaging frippery in the righthand accompani­ ment, was best illustrated by such vintage tunes as "Baby, Where Can You Be?" and "Hindustan". "Chestnut Time", as Tiny called his program, sometimes simmered down to a pretty waltz such as "On Miami's Shore", but his closer, a rousing "King Chantileer" was more characteristic.

THEATRE ORGAN Tiny liked the house, the organ and his enthusiastic audience, and they let him know they liked his music in his only ATOS Convention concert since the very first one in 1958. The buses then perambulated the crowd downtown to Loew's Richmond for a session with TV and radio personality Doug Bailey, playing the 3/13 Wurlitzer. This is a smaller house than the Byrd but it is just as im­ maculately maintained. Doug was in­ troduced by youthful staff organist (yes, staff organist) Bob Gulledge, and as the console rose, he played a smooth "While We're Young." In fact, LONG Tl ME, NO SEE •.• Fourth National president Carl Norvell flew in from Corsicana, "smooth" describes Doug's style as Texas for ONE day of the convention applied to such tunes as "One Morning •.. Business committments had kept him in May" and "How Long Has This from attendini:i since 1965. Been Going On?" One of his novelties was an original, pieced together from fragments of several standards. And from a telephone number, he im­ provised a selection he called "Tango Very Much." Doug is a fine enter­ tainer with an audience-pleasing line of patter and music to match. The instru­ ment is a very good one. Next on the schedule was Lee Erwin, playing the 3/ 17 Wurlitzer in the Shrine-built Mosque, a large audi­ torium with two balconies and brand new, comfortable seats. Like the other Richmond houses visited, it was in top shape and the organ flawless. The outstanding moments of Lee's show were those devoted to a recreation on the old WLW(Cincinnati) late-night soporific mix of organ music and poetry, Moon River. The poetry was fed into the PA system from a small tape deck Lee operated from the organ bench. Memorable organ solos were "Cabaret", a Gershwin-Berlin medley, "Promises, Promises", and his finale, the overture he composed for the The Dick Kline residence offers a sumptuous repose for countless busloads of ATOSers. Two Valentino film, The Eagle. His slide­ of the chambers are in the gallery to the left above the console. accompanied sing-along was another highlight. Lee handled the big Wur­ litzer as though he had been playing it for years. His audience approved of him and his music. The closing concert was played on Friday evening at the Mosque by that sly showman, Eddie Weaver, whose method of mounting an organ bench must have been practiced on a gym­ nasium "horse" (hands flat on the middle of the bench while legs go around each end in quick succession). Newly elected ATOS President Erwin Young introduced Eddie who opened his show with a rousing ar­ rangement of that old warhorse

THEATRE ORGAN "Veradero". Eddie's "brother", Charlie, amused with his carefully orchestrated gourd solo, reading every "swish" from the music on the rack. Then, he provided "meows" for "Alley Cat" and sheep bleats for the "Whiffenpoof Song." When he tipped his hat during his applause, it became obvious that his taupe was attached to his hat, not his head . An impressive operatic medley fol­ lowed, then the "Archie Bunker Theme", with a realistic imitation of Edith Bunker's pitch-innocent voice. A presentation of the rare two-reeler Haunted Spooks fol­ lowed with plenty of mirthful re­ actions apparent. Later, Eddie counter­ pointed "Secret Love" with "Dancing Tambourine" for a somewhat mind­ boggling effect. The second silent comedy was an POTOMACVALLEY CHAPTER early Laurel & Hardy with Jimmy Committeesfor Finlayson as the impatient command­ AnnualMeeting and Convention ing officer of a company of soldiers containing one mo st incooper­ ative rookie - Stan. Chairman: Woody Wise, Jr. During Eddie's pop medley, he was heckled by brother Charlie's selling Co-Chairman: Home Tours: of Crackerjacks in the aisles. Marvin Lautzenheiser Jerry Cunningham The closer was a stirring "Granada" Artists: Registration: which used the full resources of the Jean Lautzenheiser Bob and Margie Lane Transportation: Maps: Wurlitzer. Eddie Weaver always "leaves George Johnson Russell and Anna Wilcox 'em wanting more" and this was no Banquet: Store: exception. Norman and Frances Thiebeault Ray May and Jean Fairbank Closing remarks were made by Brochure: Recording: Ray Brubacher and Doug Bailey Lucien Phinney and Richard Neidich President Young and Jean Lau tzen­ Information: Gatekeeper: heiser, chairman of Potomac Valley Doug Greene Bill Alexander ATOS Chapter. Then, the conven­ tioneers boarded buses for the two­ Namedabove are the "Chiefs': the assisting"lndians"are to numerusto mention. hour ride back to Washington and a return to reality from the magic of five days escape to the incomparable Ed Welch at the Virginia world of the theatre organ. D

1972 CONVENTION SOUVENIR BOOKS $2.50 EACH

Makecheck or money order payablet~ Potomac ValleyTheatre OrganSociety

Mail to ... Woodrow W. Wise, Jr. 6014 St. John Drive Alexandria, Virginia 22310

THEATRE ORGAN POPULAR CONVENTION SPOT

There was music downstairs in the director , managed the Yamaha show­ offshot of the now legendary re­ Marriott Hotel convention headquarters room, and he was assisted by organ­ creation in electronics of the Wur­ during the week of the annual bash. ist Danny Brown and Turley Higgins. litzer style 260 theatre pipe organ Yamaha, Rodgers and Baldwin ex­ Again, able conventioneers usually took built for Bob Power of Camarillo, Cal. hibited their finest models in spacious over the instruments. One was veteran Jonas Nordwall represented Rodgers as rooms which just couldn 't seem to radio organist , Dr. C.A.J. Parmentier, product specialist. He was assisted hold all of the interested and curious. who improvised some remeniscences by district manager, Joe Goodwin and Eddie Osborn brought two Bald­ of his CBS radio days with the practiced Richard Torrance. wins and a talented young man named skill of an old pro . It was the first exposure of the Jack Doll Jr. to play when guests The Rodgers Company had only model in the Washington area and it weren't crowding the consoles. one instrument in its showroom - the generated not only much interest but Bob Dove, assistant sales training new custom model 340 which is an several orders for the model. Manufacturer showrooms were well populated whenever there was time between buses and at night into the wee hours. They fitted into the scheme and intent of the convention perfectly and were visited over and over by conventioneers because the "floor show" was always changing. One fast check found Luella Wick­ ham of Syracuse, N.Y. {She admits to at least 80 winters), thrilling her Bald­ win listeners with the kind of silent movie music she played 45 years ago at the Syracuse Rivoli. Next door in the Rodgers salon, Dennis James was thrilling his listeners with a brilliant rendering of current pops. In "Yamaha­ land", college student (music,of course) Lew Williams was titillating the longer memories with his well-constructed recreations of Jesse Crawford classics. The presence of these three top­ rated builders was a welcome addition to the ATOS convention. □

The electronic exhibits are always a popular spot to congregate ... Dottie Whitcomb entertains Jack Doll Jr., Eddie Osborne, .. one of Tiny James, husband Grant, and Ashley Miller (seated) on one of the Baldwin organs displayed. ERWIN YOUNG NAMED ATOS PRESIDENT

Long time member Erwin Young was elected as president of ATOS during the annual board meeting in Washington, D.C. July ninth. Erwin has a strong background in ATOS affairs, having served on the national board, vice president (3 terms), A stunned Stu Green accepts his award from George Thompson on behalf of Elmer Fubb, G, Bandini, Hal Steiner, Effie Klotz, etc. - (Bill Lamb Photo) and has performed on a number of committees in the interest of ATOS. A charter member of the Potomac Valley Chapter, he was voted national honorary member in 1967. W. '•Stu" Green Prexy Young is an airline captain serving United Air Lines with 27 years seniority. "Cap" Young lives near Middleburg, 1972 HONORARYMEMBER Virginia with his wife, Joyce. The Young's have a son, Glen, and daughter By unanimous vote, the National for ATOS including Record Reviews, Nina who will serve as executive Board of Directors bestowed the Vox Pops column, Special Features, secretary for National Headquarters. □ honorary member award, upon W. and as co-editor of THEATRE ORGAN­ "Stu" Green. BOMBA RDE, and editor of BOM­ His accomplishments have been BARDE, would take pages to list. many mostly through his written con­ Stu also published, at one time, tributions. his own informative magazine known as Post Horn. He suspended this pub­ He has collected, researched, and lication upon joining the ATOS mag­ documented theatre organ history for azine staff. Stu's devotion and personal a period of over 22 years. Ten of these integrity are best summed up in his years have been devoted mainly to closing remarks: ATOS and its offical publications. "Whatever I've done to deserve As "Stu" stated in his impromptu this honor, I couldn't have done it remarks during the presentation, "you without the help of my wife, Peg. could have knocked me over with a Not only has Peg ghosted for me and fender"! my staff of zanies, but everything He also said, "I share my hide with I've ever written for ATOS has passed such alter egos as Elmer Fubb, Effie through Peg's typewriter where the Klotz, Guano Bandini, and several misspelled words and bad grammar others who emerge from time to time got corrected." - my staff'. "In all humility, for Peg and for ATOS takes to the air. The amount of work he has done me, thank you for the honor". □

38 AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN d-/terglow A post-convention afterglow at Dickinson High School in Wilming­ ton, Delaware, on Sunday, July 26, proved to be a potpourri of professional HALL and semi-professional talent. Included in 20-minute spot performances were Syracuse's Karl Cole, who had ac­ companied the tinkle of silverware and dishes at the convention banquet and OF played a noteworthy cameo at the Mosque; Lansdowne (Pa.) Theatre staff organists Jim Connors and Charles Kolbik, and house organist Shirley FAME Hannum; recently appointed assistant organist for Wanamaker's behemoth in , Biff Claflin; and 12- year-old Lance Luce from Warren, Mich­ DON BAKER igan, who made such an impression at BUDDY COLE the "plug-in corner" during the con­ JESSE CRAWFORD vention. Chicago's Dennis Minear and Delaware Valley Chapterites Woody MRS. JESSE CRAWFORD Flowers, Greg Stellmach, Glenn Hough, EDDIE DUNSTEDTER Al Hermanns, and Lee Bounds, among LEE ERWIN others, also tickled the ivories. GUS FARNEY Despite the 102° temperature and FRED FEIBEL humidity that soared, the 3/28 Kimball was in miraculously good tune and REGINALD FOORT playing condition. A special eighth­ ARTHUR GUTOW note of thanks go to the John Dick­ SIGMUND KRUMGOLD inson High School Theatre Organ So­ LEONARD MacCLAIN ciety, Theatre Organ Society of the QUENTIN MacLEAN Delaware Valley, Inc., and especially ._' •I ALBERT HAY MALOTTE to TOSDV member Betty Kouba who maintained a constant efficient vigil F. DONALD MILLER for registrants (who came from as far C. SHARPE MINOR away as Los Angeles and Pasadena) HENRY B. MURTAGH from 1 :30 to 9:00 P.M. □ RAY SHELLEY ARSENE SIEGAL MIL TON SLOSSER 1972 HALL OF FAME FIRMIN SWINNEN ENTRANTS DEZSO VON D'ANTALFFY LLOYD G. DEL CASTILLO, was OLIVER WALLACE unanimously selected by the ATOS Board of Directors, at the recom­ LEW WHITE mendation of the Hall of Fame com­ mittee for the 1972 honor. Inactive, organists chosen were: 1972 BUDDY COLE ORGANIST OF THE YEAR GUS FARNEY ALBERT HAY MALOTTE QUENTIN MAC LEAN LLOYD G. DEL CASTILLO DEZSO VON D' ANT ALF FY

Noted on the Bulletin Board Music Exhibit of the Smith­ sonian Institute "WELCOME ATOS."

39 THEATRE ORGAN AUGUST, 1972 (C0)NVllENllflllON ,vo)X JIPl0)Jl())S Tk It happened during the Eddie Weaver special praise for convention concert concert. Brother Charlie, who resembles artists Rosa Rio, Ray Brubacher, John that character on "Hollywood Steele, John Seng, Don Thompson, W~~B* Squares", heckled brother Eddie when Lee Erwin and Tiny James, "because On the Dick Kline tour, each bus Eddie complained about Charlie's sell­ they didn't play none of them hand carried a tour guide, who, as a Potomac ing refreshments in the aisles during schmear glissandos on pipes." He says Valley committeeman, was assigned the concert. about all the rest did, "including some to see that each bus arrived at des­ Eddie: Has the manager seen you? old pros who shoulda knowed better." tinations on time and to assist the Charlie: Has he heard you? Old Elmer can't stand the sound of a passengers. Straight out of Vaudeville, and so palm's scraping over ivory. Bus A-1 will be remembered by old, it's new. its passengers as the one which had • Jerry Cunningham as "den mother." • Jerry came on strong as a carnival One guy observed an honor, be­ barker, touting the advantages of the Dick Simonton advises us that the stowed on him under most unusual restaurant which would be visited. Harold Lloyd Foundation Museum in conditions. When Tiny James an­ He then became a guided tour spieler, Beverly Hills, Cal. will be ready to nounced Stu Green's "Once in a describing the historical points of in­ open in mid-August, barring unforseen Dream" during Tiny's Byrd Theatre terest. obstacles. It will be seen during tours concert, the 1972 "Man of the Year" His ability to continually pace the of sightseeing buses. There is still the was nowhere to be seen in the aisle of the swaying bus amazed all job of transforming one of the build­ auditorium. It's unfortunate that the riders until it was discovered that ings into a 200-seat movie theatre for organ can be heard in the men's room Jerry is a long-time electric railway the showing of silent classics with pipe from whence Stu listened to his tune. fan. His motions brought back mem­ organ accompaniment. The organ will "The accoustics are excellent in there ories of street car conductors collect­ be the late Ben Hall's "Little Mother'.' - all tile. I heard every gorgeous note." ing fares. 2/5 Wurlitzer. In his role as troop leader, he Dick tells us that the grounds are required all passengers to know each now neatly manicured and that all the • other which was accomplished quickly. dozens of fountains now work. Jarring Note Dept.: The ATOS Bus A-1 was scheduled from the convention was followed at the Twin Tivoli in Frederick to Dick Kline's to • Bridges Marriott Motor Hotel by a the Peter Pan Restaurant, then back Correspondent Elmer Fubb had national teenage weightlifters' con­ to the hotel. vention. The place was alive with However, after dinner, a side trip HE HUFFED AND HE PUFFED AND was arranged to visit Warren Thomas' ... Stu Green finds this pillar at the bulging biceps which somehow look Masonic Memorial no easy push-over. kinda funny - on a girl. 3/8 Robert Morton home installation. Equipped with a map and a list • of landmarks, the bus ventured out into the night. With Jerry's competent There was considerable grumbling guidance and a cooperative driver, the about service at the Marriott an es­ group were lost only three times. tablishment run so loosely that one Finally, with the help of a pilot car, department doesn't seem to be aware the Thomas residence was found another exists. For example, early somewhere in Maryland. arrivals were a bit shocked to learn that The Robert Morton performed well, the personnel on the registration desk sounding big and full in spite of had not heard about the ATOS con­ boasting only eight ranks. Bob Foley vention being held there. of Wichita, peing quite familiar with But, the most frustrating experience Robert Mortons, put the little gem was reported by an exasperated con­ through its paces. ventioneer who was informed that Somewhat later, the "Wayward there was a standard complaint form Bus" moved into the Marriott Hotel issued by the hotel, and there should parkinglot and discharged the happiest be one in every room. Search as he group one is ever likely to see. might, he couldn't locate one, so he It is our understanding that this finally phoned the Housekeeping Of­ was not the only "Wayward Bus". fice to hear a voice tell him: Others had similar experiences, in­ "We're fresh out of complaint forms. cluding night tours of our capitol, Had a run on 'em this week. I've getting lost, and a variety of fun guys ordered a new batch. Should be here as fearless leaders. The spirit of the in a week or so." No further comment. convention was enhanced by these □ ad lib events. □

AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN VISITORS!

by Bette Peterson

Holding up a picture, the music teacher at our local Junior High school in Melrose Park asked, "Does anyone know what instrument this is"? My 12 year old daughter Cheryl answered, "A pipe organ ... We have one at home." And that's how it all started. What could I say when she asked if she could bring her music class home to see our pipe organ? Until that point, the music teacher Students enterting house after the two block walk from the Junior High School. had acted quite skeptically when Cheryl mentioned having a pipe organ at home. To protect her image, I gave old 2/7 Estey theatre pipe organ. harp, bird whistle, snare drums, and permission to invite the class to see Originally it was one of the 13 pipe ah-ooga horn. After switching places, the organ - all the while thinking to organs installed in the Masonic Temple the groups got back together for a myself that this idea would never get building in the Chicago Loop, home question and answer session. Several off the ground. Was I ever wrong! A of the famous Oriental Theatre. were courageous enough to try the few days later the head of the music Masonic Lodges used the instruments, "beast". department telephoned to ask if we several of which are now located in "Cool", "Neat", and "Wow" were really did have a pipe organ, and if private homes. some of the comments heard later the students would be welcome to In order to show the various parts back at school. Now, hardly a week view it. of the organ, we split each group, and goes by that I don't get a telephone Arrangements were made for Cheryl would take half of the young call or meet someone at the store Cheryl's class of 25-30 to tour the people to the basement where they asking, "Aren't you the lady with the installation ... the only catch was could view the blower, air regulators, pipe organ . . . my son or daughter that it wouldn't be fair to the other and most of the percussions. From just raved about the monstrous jig-saw students unless ALL the other music there they could look up to the first puzzle ... Is it really as big as they classes could visit ... So-oo, all 800 floor pipe room through the cut-out said"? students in the school came to visit in the floor beneath the chests. Our efforts were more than repayed during a 6 day span. I remained at the console and in knowing that there are now 800 Over and over I reminded myself of activated the percussions, and sound more young people who know a pipe the ATOS goal of promoting the the­ effects for the youngsters, who seemed organ is not just a piece of furniture atre pipe organ, and this was certainly to enjoy seeing the Drums, Glock, with grinning teeth. They left us, in an untapped field. and Xylophone apparently working awe of all the work involved, so all As each group entered the living "by themselves". you technicians out there in ATOS­ room where the console is located, I The other half of the group would land, take heart. You '11be appreciated told them the history of our 46 year view the pipe room, containing the yet. □ they was a song Phil Harris sings about Thats What He Likes About the South, and one thing he likes is Ham Hocks and Grits. And then they was a old C!Clo~tngC!Cborb Southern song about a guy whose mouth watered when he sang about Kidney Stew, and how Pork Chops RUTH CARSON, wife of Malar was divine, but what he liked most Records president Robert Carson, died was Lamb, Lamb, Lamb. And for on July 1 in a Los Angeles hospital that matter they was Lawrence Tibbett of an apparent embolism. Private and Nelson Eddy a-bellerin about burial services were held in Los Angeles. "Shortenin Bread." Ruth Carson was well known to And then they is the songs about organ buffs for several reasons. For what people DONT like. For instance, the past decade the Carsons have "Mama Dont Like No Peas or Rice or lived in the 3 /26 Wurlitzer organ­ Coconut Oil." Even in the old song equipped Hollywood home built in Time was when you could go into called "A Cup of Coffee, A Sandwich the early '50s by the late Joe Kearns. a nice restorang and a feller or a girl and You", the guy says he dont need They moved west from Chicago. The organ player would be playing nice no Lobster or Wine. But the guy who Carson home was the scene of many quiet music on a balcony. But them really went all out was the guy who recording sessions, concerts, jam ses­ days is gone now. If you wanna hear was nuts about coffee and nuthin sions and focal point for visting organ music while you eat you have else. He rote a piece called the Coffee buffs, including 1969 ATOS conven­ to go into a restorang with a bar where Song and about how in Brazil they tioneers. Ruth wrote occasional articles they is customers a-drink.in it up and got to drink a lot of coffee on acct. for this publication and the BOM­ most anybody can grab the miker­ they got an awful lot of coffee in BARDE, one being her impressions phone and sing whether they can sing Brazil. So No No No on tea or tomato when Reginald Foort came to record or not, and then they is some of them juice or potato juice or cherry soda, his Reader's Digest disc. She was also Spanish gimmicks like morakkers and and then it winds up with a sad story a record luminary in her own right, like that they can bang at, and the of how a Politicians daughter got operating the Essential Record com­ good old days is gone. One of the fined 50 bucks for drinkin WATER, pany. funny things that's happened is that for gosh sakes. But it is for the boost she and Bob they are puttin pipe organs in the Well, us fellers got a-goin and we provided for the theatre organ career of Pizza Parlors, and the old gag about couldnt stop. They was "Everything Lyn Larsen that she will be best Have you had a Piece lately means is Peaches down in Ga." and "The remembered. The Carsons promoted have you heard the organ player play Peanut Vender" and "If I Knew You Lyn from the beginning and made Let The Rest Of the World Go By Was Comin Ida Baked a Cake", and possible his first recording, in fact, or the Hawaii Weddin Song. "The Hostess With the Mostest" that most of his recordings. Ruth managed I was gassin it up with some of the Irvin Berlin rote about how she had boys a little while ago and we got to a great big bar with Good Caviar, And wonderin how many songs they is another of them Rodgers songs from about eatin and drink.in and we got Carousel about "That Was A Real to makin a kind of a game out of it. Nice Clambake." We thunk up a lot of song titles that But its when they get to drinkin had food into them, but most of them that they really get enthossiastick. is just drug in to show how much I dont mean Hard Licker, mostly tea a feller's girl is like some food. Like and coffee and beer and wine. But we for example "Your the Cream in my couldnt think of no songs about Milk Coffee, your the Salt in my Coffee, and the only one about Hard Licker your the Salt in my Stew" or "Ida was "Cocktails For Two", but that Sweet as Apple Cider" or like that dont count on acct. the Principal there. Or "Life is Just A Bowl of Ingredient was Intoxicatin Kisses. Fine Cherries." Rodgers and Hammerstein thing. But startin with How Dry I Am they rote a song in So. Pacific about and There Is A tavern In The Town and Cant Get You Out Of My Mind, but them Foreign Students singin Drink in it there idea was that Life was Just Drink Drink, mostly its about Tea and a Bowl of Jello. 0 Well, maybe Cherry Coffee, with "Tea For Two" and Jello. "Coffee Time", and then some beer I guess maybe the all-time song and wine like the Beer Barrel Poker about food would be "Yes We Have and the Champagne Waltz and like No Bananas" on account the man that there. So thats all the songs we sellin the groceries says hes got String could think of about eatin and drinkin, Beans and Onions and Tomatos and and the whole subjeck has made me so Scullions and All Kinds of Fruit and hungry Im goin to knock off and buy hes got Tomatos and Potatos. Then Ruth Carson enjoying her 'garden'. me a two inch steak. D (Stufoto)

42 AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN his concert bookings under the pseudonym "Nora Peters." Her photo, made up to look like a fictional old maid aunt of Lyn's appeared on the cover of one of his early albums. The role was not her first. Ruth had en­ joyed a career as a stage actress in the '30s in the eastern "legit" theatre.

Conducting the board meeting. Left to right - Al Mason, Past President; Stillman Rice, President; Mary Bowles, Secretary-Treasurer ; Lloyd Klos, Associate Editor and Donald Lockwood, Editorial Assistant.

ATOS BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNUAL MEETING JULY 8, 1972

Action taken: 1. Combined membership with circu­ 8. W.S. Green named honorary mem­ lation to one location, to be ad­ ber. dressed to Box 1314, Salinas , Calif. 9. Lloyd G. Del Castillo named or­ ganist of the year. 2. Committee formed to investigate Ruth as Lyn Larsen's album cover old maid aunt. The 1920's setting was built By Laws change to allow for student 10. Schedule of expenses approved. around the console which dominates the membership and scholarships. 11. Mary Bowles reported "Sound of Carson living room. 3. Initial funding for obtaining prints Silents " library increased consider­ of old movies from Library of ably during the year. It was while accompanying Lyn on Congress to come from Ben Hall 12. Portland , Oregon designated annual his around-the-world playing tour a fund . couple of years ago that Ruth was meeting site for 1973, Detroit 197 4, first stricken. Th e overseas trip was 4. Pipe organ, piano, rolls , and musical and Northern California 1975. cut short and Lyn rushed Ruth home artifacts from Ben Hall estate to go Directors elected : Richard Schrum , for hospitalization and surgery. It was to Harold Lloyd Museum. Albert Mason. while Ruth was undergoing current 5. New chapters: Joliet Theatre Organ Directors re-elected : Mary Bowles, hospital treatment that the fatal em­ Society and South Arizona Theatre Al Miller. bolism occurred. Organ Society. Directors held over : Richard Simon­ The memory of Ruth Carson will ton , Allen Rossiter, Gaylord Carter , be a bittersweet one for the many 6. Dues increased to $10.00 effective Judd Walton. friends she made during her Hollywood 1973. Officers: Erwin Young - President , decade. □ 7. Bill Lamb designated official ATOS Duane Searle - Vice President , Mary photographer. Bowles - Secretary-Treasurer.

Among those attending the National Board of Directors meeting held Sunday evening are : George Krejci , Dick Simonton, George Thompson, Vi Thompson, Ron Willfong, Bob Foley, Betty Mason, Lee Erwin, Tim Needler, Don Lockwood, Dave Dillon, Duane Searle, President Erwin Young, and Jean Lautzenheiser. Concert Record's prexy Bill Johnson did the taping personally and he has captured all the subtle beauty which Harvey Heck built into the instrument in 17 years of evolution. Far The next time the Heck organ is heard it will have undergone a The metamorphosis. Missing will be the array of soft accompaniment voices Rea:ards H<,trvey added (he wired a Dulciana with mutations from top to bottom, a gorgeous subtle voice) and the Wur­ litzer will emerge with the brilliant brassy plumage of a pizza parlor organ at the "Organ Stop" in Phoenix. Which makes this platter of its final per­ formance as a studio organ, with years of TLC obvious, all the more a treasure. Byron Melcher at the Harvey Heck studio A glance at the tune list indicates style 285 Wurlitzer console. - (Stufoto) Manufacturers, distributors or indi­ that Byron Melcher, with some ex­ viduals sponsoring or merchandising ceptions likes to play old chestnuts, rhythm. It's a lively reincarnation of theatre pipe organ records are en­ but not exclusively in the style of a forgotten top pop of the day. couraged to send pressings to the their eras. The final tune is the soporific theme Record Reviewer, Box 3564, Granada Side one opens with a low-keyed, from Love Story, a recent film which Hills, California 91344. Be sure to easy going "Call Me Irresponsible" smacks strongly of the sentimental include purchasing information, if played on a very Crawfordish com­ film romances of the '30s, a fitting applicable, and if possible a black and white photo which need not bination. Oldie "Margie" is played with closer played in full tear-jerking style be returned. gusto (and a couple of clinkers) in a by a master of that style. mostly 1920's spoof style on bright The recording is good, with just registration. "Come Touch the Sun" enough added reverb to liven the less PIPE POWER, Byron Melcher playing is probably the most beautifully played than theatrical acoustics of the Heck the 4/27 Harvey Heck studio Wur­ ballad on the record. Fine registration studio. The record is well packaged. litzer. No. CR-0099 (stereo). Available and phrasing, plus a subdued approach The color cover photo is a closeup of at $4.89 postpaid from Concert Re­ bring out the full beauty which Harvey another style 285 Wurlitzer console, cording, Box 531, Lynwood, Calif. Heck achieved during his years of the L.A.Metropolitan/Paramount's, 90262. work on the instrument. which now controls the Coffman & "Thanks for the Memories" is a Field Old Town Music Hall organ in It has been a long time between pleasant bit of nostalgia reminiscent El Segundo, Calif. Apparently concert pipe organ records for Byron Melcher of the long ago movie duet sung by Recording is ashamed of the pictures (we listed his recent plug-in con­ Shirley Ross and that ski-nosed comic. and jacket notes; only those with re­ tribution in the last issue). His mid­ "Rambling Rose" and "Red Roses markable eyesight will be able to '50s "Gorilla in the Garden" (as the for a Blue Lady" are both played in determine the names of the fotog and late Bill Huck called his studio Wur­ a gently swaying tempo with much writer (me :). We'll never tell. litzer) for the Replica label is re­ variety in registration, all of it in­ membered as one of the best of that teresting and satisfying. Harmony is company's many organ records. The mostly traditional with an occasional INTERMISSION TIME, Tiny James long wait makes one wonder why touch of the modern. "Chim Chim playing the 3/14 Wurlitzer in the Fox­ Byron has not been recorded in the Cheree" is given a jazz waltz treat­ Oakland Theatre. In "electronic ste­ interim, in view of the wide appeal ment and "Gettin' Sentimental Over reo." No. DO(s)l 210. Available from of his stylings on pipes as evidenced You", another memory teaser, makes dealers or clli:ect from Doric Records by this release. The disc, is also exemplary use of the punctuation Sales Co. Box 605, Alamo, Calif. the swansong (in its Tarzana, Calif. brass ( e.g. Serpent, Posthorn) associated 94507. $4.95 postpaid. home) of the Harvey Heck 4/27 mostly with the swing style of the big band Wurlitzer which started out in life as era, a Melcher specialty. Byron is This recording was first issued in the 3/ 14 in the Hollywood Epyptian especially adept also in the march monaural in 1957 and persistent de­ theatre. Over the years, Harvey, a department and in a brief span of mands for long out-of-stock pressings skilled organ tech., switched and re­ 1 :32 minutes the whole brass band moved Doric prexy Frank Killinger placed ranks, added pipework and the passes in review with the bells and to reissue it in "studio stereo." This style 285 console from the St. Louis cymbals clanging a metallic punctuation process in no way impedes, improves Missouri theatre, always refining to to the big brass for "Pass Me By". nor interferes with the music when match the instrument .to the smaller Byron really dipped low in the barrel compared with the 1957 original. The area of his home-based studio. to dredge up a mid-'20s tune called recording is a gem, both technically A previous effort to record it left "Barney Google" which he plays with and musically. Tiny James, long a lead­ much to be desired, but not this time. probably crossed fingers and a bouncy ing theatre organist in the Bay Area of

44 AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN California, offers a program of well­ One of them reveals that the Fox­ companied by a String/Flute mutation selected standards which avoids oft­ Oakland organ has found a good home. mix. Next an upbeat Dixielandish "Way repeated ones (with the exception of It now reposes in an especially built Down Yonder" with all the impro­ "Diane"). The organ (long gone) is a studio in the home of John Leininger visational frippery that style demands. style 235 Special Wurlitzer (according in Shingletown, Calif. A frequent visitor The "Colonel Bogey" march is heavy to Judd Walton's jacket notes), opus is Tiny James, who can't resist the with drums which are obviously played 1890. It has the attributes of a good siren call of an old love. by a second musician. A chorus of recording organ, with bitey Strings, ethereal Strings, plus Harp arpeggios, mellow Vox, sharp Posthorn, wailing mark "Green Dolphin Street", which Brass Sax and an especially lush Tibia. GANGBUSTERS AND LOLLIPOPS, Bill describes as a "pretty lollipop" Bill Langford at the mighty Warfield hinting he'd like to get onto the more Wurlitzer.Fantasy (stereo) 8396. Avail­ lively stuff. This opportunity comes able at local dealers. Autographed with a fast and bright "Cabaret': with copies by mail from the Pizza Joynt, an interpolation of a Glock/Xylophone­ 19510 HesperianBlvd., Hayward,Calif. studded "Bye Bye Blues", to close Postpaid price not stated but we side 1. suspect $5 .50 will do it. Uncle Billy's Wild West Show is 7:25 minutes of the wildest collection Ye Olde Pizza Joynt has been of carnival, hurdy-gurdy and side show mentioned often in these pages. It music we've yet heard. Lots of off-key was a pioneer in the use of pipes to calliopery over the "Entry of the sell pasta, and a profitable credit to Gladiators", "Man on the Flying Tra­ its originator, Carsten Henningsen. The peze", "Billboard March" and hootchie­ organ was recorded effectively many co o tc hie music, played as only a years ago (as a 2-manual) by Bob barker's mentally retarded offspring Gates when it was in his Bay Area might memorize them. To make sure studio, but this is the first released we recognize the bass melody "elephant taping in its pasta parlor setting with music" Bill throws in a few random Tiny James (shown here at the 'Pipe & its 3-manual console from the San trumpetings. Then there is the Indian Pizza' console). - (Stufoto) Francisco Warfield Theatre. The present attack and the U.S. cavalry charge, size of the pipe complement is not and a merrygoround which really breaks Playing is tops throughout. Tiny stated but it was a 3/12 last time we down. Great fun and nonsense. successfully recreates the period dropped in. (roughly 1930 through 1945) during Those who have never heard Bill which the theatre organ was used for Langford are in for a unique treat. intermission music. It had to say a Long a radio and TV organist ( e.g. lot in a spectacular manner in a very Tennessee Ernie, Steve Allen and few minutes. There was no time for Rowan and Martin shows), Bill has busy arrangements; playing was usually made a new career of his pizza parlor simple and straightforward. ·playing and his showmanship is largely Changes in registration on the disc responsible for the successful com­ are ample but not overdone. While the bination of novelty music and gas­ jacket claims it to be an "easy listening" tronomic satisfaction enjoyed by the album we found it to be of fascinating Joynt. interest to the organ buff, with solid What the unprepared listener will musical values as well as an introduction find surprising on hearing this re­ (unless one has 1957 version) to a cording is the range of styles and fine theatre organ. moods it encompasses. It starts with Selections are "McNamara's Band", a very literal "Chattanooga Choo Choo" "We Just Couldn't Say Goodbye", with a realistic steam train takeoff BILL LANGFORD "Body and Soul", "I Believe in Mir­ thrown in for the benefit of anyone acles", "Will You Remember"?, with a memory long enough to recall This rough musical horseplay is "Ecstasy Tango", "Old Time Medley", the iron horse. It's typical rough­ followed by a thing of rare sensitivity; "Wedding of the Painted Doll", "Valse hewn "pizza" music, played skillfully Bill gives us a shimmery "Moon River" Bluette", "I Wonder Who's Kissing in chop-chop boogie woogie style with as seen flowing by the Taj Mahal, a Her Now", "I Guess I'll Have to train whistle accompaniment and lots lovely oriental setting, finely selected Change My Plan", "Diane" and of crossing and locomotive bells. Bill registration and faultless phrasing; a Victor Herbert Medley. informs us that the train air brake rendition worthy of Dick Hull. Next The 15 years which have passed sound was produced by exhausting moment he's off on a rhythmic "Sam have only enhanced the value of the the air from an inflated beer keg. So, the Old Accordion Man"which features music on this recording. It has been it's another slambang record? Not at the console-played accordion for some repackaged with a color photo of all; the very next tune, "Flamingo", musical moments accordianist Charlie Tiny and the console plus additional is given a finely phrased subtle treat­ Magnante would enjoy. jacket notes to bring us up to date. ment with a muted Tuba melody ac- Telephone bells distract from the

THEATRE ORGAN AUGUST, 1972 45 opening and closing of a beautifully Tibias and later ensemble reeds. charm in the able hands of Jonas played ballad entitled "The Old Party "Tantalizing" is an upbeat finger-twist­ Nordwall. Line". It isn't until we realize that ing novelty of "Dizzyfingers" genre Miking emphasizes big auditorium it's the old Lum and Abner radio with plenty of Posthorn comments. acoustics which puts the listener in a theme that we fathom the reason for "If' is a current ballad admirably mid-balcony seat. Engineering is good the phone bells which so often marked suited to theatre organ presentation, throughout. Lum and Abner's chief means of com­ and Jonas wrings all possible romantic sentiment out of it, then administers munication. It's the one time Bill's - IBE PLUG-IN CORNER insistence on stark realism misfires. a soothing liniment to the first chorus The closer is a majestic "Battle Hymn of "Black and Blue" which thereafter THE INVISIBLE BRASS BAND, of the Republic." becomes pleasingly raunchy and then Johnny Kemm at the Lowery "Ci­ There's much evidence that Bill big and lively, even a little dirty. To tation" with "Brass Symphonizer." Langford had help from uncredited close side 1 it's that pentrating pop CR-Ell2 (stereo). Available at $4.89 instrumentalists, especially in the which could become a standard - postpaid from Concert Recording, Box "skins" and effects areas, but this in "Didn't We"? Rarely has the question 531, Lynwood, Calif. 90262. no way challenges the organ's dom­ been asked more hauntingly. inance nor the artistry of versatile It shouldn't happen to a nice guy Bill Langford. "Entertaining" is the like Johnny Kemm. Yet it's the result word that describes the content of of a condition most organists who this disc. work for manufacturers face; the firm Good miking overcomes the prob­ develops a new model (in this case lems of recording an organ spread it's a "Brass Symphonizer" connected over walls and ceiling. to a model called "Citation") and the company wants a demonstration re­ JONAS NORDWALL PLAYS THE cord which will include enough shock PARAMOUNT WURLITZERPIPE OR­ effect to separate the prospective GAN No. JN-102 (stereo). Available customer from his upper plate; on postpaid at $5 .50 from Bill Peterson, with the extremes, no matter what Gamba Records, 4993 S.E. 30th Ave., happens to the music. Thus Johnny's Apt. 98, Portland, Oregon 97202. selections are spiked with intentional JONAS NORDWALL - (Bill Lamb Photo) pitch variations (called a "Wow-Wow"); There are few sounds more Side 2 opens with another current the "Lara" melody sounds like a fly satisfying to the theatre organ en­ hit, "Joy to the World", a lively trying to buzz itself off the flypaper thusiast than that of a big Wurlitzer rhythmic pop which has nothing to do until the chop-chop takes being expertly played in the acoustical with Christmas. Again, Jonas has over, and "Alley Cat" comes on strong environment of a 3000-seat Rapp and selected a natural for theatre organ with a horrendous "meow". "Night Rapp theatre. That's what we have presentation. It's big, bouncy and Train" is marred by a purposely wobbly here. . presented in colorful registration. Mem­ melody pitch. "Ebb Tide" and "Ha­ Jonas Nordwall is one of that tiny ories of Buddy Cole are rampant during waiian Wedding Song" melodies are band of organists equally at home on "Don't Worry About Me" with the carried on a nondescript sizzly "Reed" theatre pipes or the straight concert tune carried initially on a fat untrem'd and "76 Trombones" boasts a "Tuba" organ. Like Ray Brubacher, whose Diapason chorus, then on ensemble pedal bass that might benefit from a current record we reviewed in the and color reeds salted with a wealth dose of bicarbonate of soda. On the previous issue, Jonas is able to prevent of Flute mutations. "Down by the plus side the Harp, Drums and Chimes the more obvious accoutrements of Riverside" gets a big combination up­ are quite realistic and there are brief each mode of playing from coloring tempo treatment, with some calliope passages on solid and pleasing Flute the other in any but a plus way. and hurdy gurdy thrown in between and Diapason combinations. The tunes Jonas is well known for concerts in choruses. Only trouble is, it ends too played without grotesque voices ( e.g. both areas up and down the west soon. Subtle is the word for the first "March of the Toys," "One of Those coast. Teaming up with producer Bill run through of the tango "La Com­ Songs" and Indian Love Call") bring Peterson ( a stickler for perfection in parsa". Carried initially by a single out the fine qualities of the basic all aspects of a record release) for Tibia melody line, it moves to color instrument. Johnny's playing is tops this second record release, Jonas pre­ reeds before a more emphatic later throughout; its the exploitation of sents a program of current and recent chorus. It ends as it started, on soft the more garish effects which bug us, pops, novelty tunes and standards registration, a fi!'}e example of ef­ and they predominate. Buy this for well-suited to the Portland Paramount fective understatement. "I'll Never Fall laughs, perhaps, but not as organ "Crawford Special" ( 4/20 Publix No. in Love Again" gets a humorous garb music. Believe us, Johnny Kemm is a I). with audible "oohs" and "ahs" and fine musician, despite some of the He starts with a rhythmic "Baby some Kinura-spiced backing. "Giv ·e distortions heard on this platter. Face" in all-20's mood replete with Post­ Me a Moment Please" harks back to Other tunes heard are "South Ram­ horn riffs (a Posthorn was added just the'30's when it was the radio theme of part Street Parade," "Hoe Down," for the recording session). The cur­ Rubinoff and his Violin and much "Wave," "Trumpeter's L ullabye ," rent "For All We Know" follows, later the broadcast theme of a well­ "Bugler's Holiday," and "St. Louis an expertly phrased ballad, perfect for known organist. It still has the old Blues." □

46 AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN cued movie music. To give credit where credit is due we would like to clear up a possibl; misconception about CATOE publi­ city. The flyers for each CA TOE event are generally designed by the people who are most involved with that particular show. The Chaplin show and Tom Hazelton flyers were put eHAPTERNOTE~ together by Nancy and Tony Tahlman, with the assistance of Betty and Doug Christensen. The Rockford members composed the Coronado/Carter sheet; Nancy and Tony Tahlman did the Skating Party advertising, and Doug ALOHA discouraging, then: Christensen took care of producing the Melcher flyer. These flyers were As he has all over the country, One Sunday morning, June 25, at mailed, using the extensive CATOE Gaylord Carter came to Hawaii to ~he Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City, mailing list by dedicated volunteers. present Barbara Worth at the Hawaii 1t all seemed so very worth-while. Press releases are prepared by publi­ Theatre. On May 30, the 4/16 Robert Members and guests of the Beehive city chairman Bill Benedict, and are Morton performed flawlessly for an Chapter were delighted with the guest distributed by him to appropriate audience of almost 600, a new record appearance of Gaylord Carter. recipients in an effort to obtain free for theatre organ program attendance He turned-on the adults and teen­ publicity through available channels. in Honolulu. Mr. Carter was competing agers alike with his style and per­ The "piece de resistance" in May with a formidable adversary, a benefit sonality, but mostly with the sound came on the 8th, when Tom Hazelton performance of Cabaret at another which filled the theatre. How can one presented a CATOE-sponsored con­ nearby theatre. who has been in show business for cert at the console of John Seng's Carter's previous appearance here fifty years stay so young? Apparently pipe organ at Mundelein. An almost was last July for the AGO Regional he keeps up with the times. He was full house heard a dazzling program Convention when he played a mid­ in town to accompany silent movies at the Arcade Theatre. which included such diverse items as night concert and movie. This time music from Sesame Street, The God­ the hour was a bit more reasonable When he played on the Capitol's father, an "Alley Cat" to end all 7:30 pm. We are assured that there' 2/ 10 Wurlitzer, he combined the old with the new, making the old "Perfect Alley Cats, and as an encore, "Lara's will be more similar shows, but none Theme." will, as did this, celebrate the fiftieth Song" sound as up-to-date and ap­ pealing as the new "I Don't Know How On Sunday afternoon, May 28, anniversaries of both Carter's career CATOE members and guests were in­ and that of the Morton he played on. to Love Him". The organ was installed in, the vited to hear Kay McAbee play the As part of the pre-concert publicity, 4-manual Wurlitzer at Chicago's beau­ he joined John DeMello, staff organist Capitol Theatre in July 1927. It has been played by many of Salt Lakes tiful Temple Sholom, the Temple on for the theatre chain, in re-dedicating favorites, including Ethel Hogan Hines, the Lake. Kay's tasteful program ex­ the ex-Hilo Theatre Morton 2/7, now Gus Farney and Emma Street. hibited the capabilities of the organ installed in the Angell residence in MAXINE V. RUSSELL very effectively. This unique instru­ Honolulu. ment has a horseshoe console and in­ The next public event scheduled cludes theatrical voicing, but is at the Hawaii Theatre will be a Labor CATOE separated into divisions more in the Day concert by John McCreary, ex­ The CATOE contingent in Rock­ manner of a concert organ. theatre organist and now organist/choir­ ford had rolled up their sleeves and A combined Skating Party and master at St. Andrew's Cathedral. worked like crazy to promote Gay­ Organ Concert was presented by ROGER G. ANGELL lord Carter's "Return to the Coronado?' CATOE on June 12 at the Elm Skating Many thousands of flyers had been Club in Elmhurst, featuring Tony BEEHIVE handed out, a banner was hung across Tahlman and Paul Swiderski at the It seems to be the same old story, the main street of Rockford and console of the Elm 4/24 pipe organ. that of a faithful few who get up early advertising was placed in the' local It was a very warm but very enjoyable on Sunday mornings, work in steam­ papers. evening behind the green doors as ing hot overhead chambers chase mice A smashing success resulted, with only to repair again and again th; about 2000 in attendance on May 4. Our apologies for omitting credits damage they cause, work on magnets An ebullient Gaylord Carter enter­ and releathering at home, ruin clothes tained a very enthusiastic audience to Laura Thomas for the photos and shoes with soot and dirt. Some with a well-paced program that was from her collection used in the had even stood in knee deep water topped off by his organ accompaniment Famy Wurlitzer article which diverting the treacherous flood as it of The Winning of Barbara Worth. appeared in the June 1972 THE­ headed for the precious console. At Also, the Rockford newspaper ex­ ATRE ORGAN. times it had seemed futile, at times pressed approval of Mr. Carter's well-

THEATRE ORGAN AUGUST, 1972 47 Tony and Paul took turns at the ties. When the rink closed, Alexander on Thursday, May 4th when the Cedar console. CATOE on wheels was a Jordan of Spring Green's House on the Rapids, Iowa Chapter presented Dennis sight to behold, and somehow every­ the Rock became owner of the organ. James. This was the fifth Silent Movie one survived. Ultimately, Mr. Jordan became the Nite program sponsored by CRATOS. Paul presented a well-prepared con­ owner of several more organs, and the We have had John Muri twice, Gaylord cert program which included a stirring Riverview Wurlitzer was put up for Carter and Lee Erwin once. The Para­ rendition of "Amazing Grace." Tony's sale. As a result, the pipework, chests, mount seats 2,000 and we believe concert touched a lot of bases, in­ and blower from Milwaukee's River­ that Cedar Rapids has set some kind cluding some nostalgic melodies, the view rink will soon be incorporated of record for silent movie and concert McDonald's commercial, and selections into the Elm Skating Club pipe organ, promotions. from "Jesus Christ, Superstar." "Taxi," including a very distinctive English Promptly at 8 P.M. Dennis brought a current pop tune, was presented as Horn voiced on 20" of wind. the 3/ 11 Wurlitzer up with "If My a recitation, and a powerful "2001" CATOE is currently knee-deep in Friends Could See Me Now". The provided a cataclysmic encore. active projects. The newest one, the audience reaction on hearing this youth­ On June 25, CATOE returned to the Genesee Barton in Waukegan under ful performer for the first time was friendly confines of Downers Grove direction of George and Joan Geyer is overwhelming. After a delightful mini­ North High School to present Byron well under way. Barney King's crew concert, a good old-fashioned sing­ Melcher at the console of the 3/ 10 is keeping the Montclare Barton in along, complete with vintage hand Wurlitzer. The crowd at this concert tip-top shape, and a diaphone may be painted song slides, was featured. discovered that even though Byron in its future. The big Opera House This was followed by the film, Shoulder is employed by an electronic organ project continues under supervision of Arms with Charlie Chaplin. The organ manufacturer, he is a true friend of John Peters, while Andy Ha ban's group accompaniment played by Dennis the theatre pipe organ and knows is giving loving care to the Patio Barton. seemed to draw his audience into the how to handle one with true artistic An all-hands emergency crew has re­ action with brilliantly executed musical understanding. sponded to the Pickwick Wurlitzer's climaxes. Several CATOE members traveled need for cable replacement after a After an intermission Dennis again to Milwaukee to hear Chicagoland winter wipe-out. Crew chief Fred Kruse made more beautiful music on the favorite Kay McAbee in a Dairyland hopes to have the organ playing again Wurlitzer before treating us to another Chapter "Nostalgia Night" show at the soon. Bill Barry, Doug Christensen, exhibition of his talent for playing Avalon Theatre on April 25. The large and their crew are making progress the silents by presenting Two Tars crowd thoroughly enjoyed Kay's with the Arcada Geneva in St. Charles. with Laurel and Hardy. The audience dynamic stylings at the three-manual The Oriental Wurlitzer rests quietly, loved every moment of the film and Wurlitzer. Afterwards came a visit with the console boarded over by an the unbelievable artistry of our or­ with even another three-manual Wur­ extended stage constructed for their ganist. litzer at the Schnitzel Haus restaurant. ill-fated all stage-show policy. The It is our understanding that young On May 3, Bob Montgomery brought Chicago Theatre project under direction James has been touring the country Dick Smith back to the three-manual of Chairman Bill Rieger continues to for just a few years with these silent Wurlitzer at his Hoosier Auditorium work toward a target date of a fall film organ shows. He certainly added Theatre for a super multi-media event. show. Gary Rickert continues to co­ another milestone to his rapidly ascend­ Arnold Tweeton, who sings the Star­ ordinate the work on the Lyons Town­ ing star at Cedar Rapids. Spangled Banner at the Chicago Sta­ ship High School, while Paul Swiderski To make the evening even more dium, joined up with Dick to provide and Tony Tahlman stay with the outstanding, member Howard Adams the musical portion of a show that struggle with the Elm pipe organ. brought a calliope to the Paramount included many spectacular visual ef­ George Smafield and the Rockford lobby. It added a feeling of merriment fects. crew are doing a beautiful job with before the show. CATOE member Raymond Nicoud the Coronado Barton, while Jack Smith As Chairman Charlie Albrecht and also is president of JATOE, a group and the Motley Crew operate as a Secretary Pat Marshall report: when of devoted theatre organ enthusiasts roving task force helping here, there, the show is over and it is a big success, in the Joliet area caring for the 4/21 and everywhere. Jack also works with we get our reward to compensate for Barton in the Rialto Theatre. JATOE Bill Barry to keep the Wurlitzer at weeks, days. and hours of hard work, has requested an ATOS chapter charter. Downers Grove North in first-class frustrations and problems involved in After consulting with the CATOE condition. CATOE members Terry putting on a " Nite". Let's board, chairman Bill Rieger was able Kleven and Dave Junchen maintain the hope that future shows turn out as to tell ATOS president Stillman Rice magnificent Mundelein Wurlitzer for well. Although each seems better than that the majority were in favor of John Seng on a professional basis. the last, this Dennis James show is giving the necessary territorial clear­ The busiest home installation these going to be hard to top. ance. CATOE will continue to offer days seems to be the Lechowicz Barton, BYRON F. OLSEN friendship, cooperation , and assistance where Byron Melcher got "discovered." to even another new ATOS chapter, TONY TAHLMAN CENTRAL INDIANA JATOE. On Friday evening May 12th the Probably the last .super high-pres­ CEDAR RAPIDS CIC-ATOS presented a benefit con­ sure rink organ to be built by Wur­ ert in the auditorium of the Emerich litzer was the 3/8 for the Riverview in The Paramount Theatre was again Manual High School in Indianapolis, Milwaukee, installed in the early thir- filled to capacity for the fifth time Indiana. Nationally known artist

48 AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN Johnny Kemm presented a delightful to our building project. the concert instruments. evening of organ music on the Lowrey The Ohio Theatre in Columbus, Chapter members and friends were theatre organ, furnished by the Wilking formerly Loew's, and the scene of a the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Rudy Music Company of Indianapolis. Mr. cliff-hanging effort to save the theatre Bartlet for the June meeting. Mr. Kemm played music that was known a couple of years ago, is now solidily Bartlet has a Wangerin pipe organ he by both old and young, giving a in the black and will be the setting installed in his home. It is a very neat rousing end to the evening with his this year once again for a series of and pleasing to listen to installation. rendition of "South Rampart Street summer movies. These are classic films, PETER J. CHARNON Parade." with a straight one doliar admission, This benefit performance by Mr. that includes about a half hour of DELAWAREVALLEY Kemm was successful and has brought music on the Mighty 4/20 Morton. closer the dream of having a theatre Local COTOS members Tom Hamilton, pipe organ installation in Manual High Frank Babbitt, Paul Noblitt and Mike School. Williams do the honors at the console Adding a touch of enjoyment to the for a total of 40 performances through­ evening was the sixty-voice mens chorus out July and August. of the Murat Chanters of Indianapolis. Tom Hamilton's Rodgers-Morton is This group of gentlemen always bring about ready for shipment from the a delight to any musical event in which Rodgers factory and should be playing they perform. by August. This will be a first, and The lighting on stage was excellent will be a much modified Rodgers 340 and was all made possible by students housed in a Morton console with of Manual High School under the Morton and Rodgers percussions. direction of ATOS member and audi­ FRANK BABBITT torium manager, Mr. Carl Wright. On Sunday May 21st our monthly business meeting was held at the home DAIRYLAND

ofMr. and Mrs.Frank May in Kokomo, Dairyland Chapter had an election in Organist Shirley Hannum, who rides herd Indiana. It is always a pleasure to hear April of this year and the following on a stable of young male organists at the and play the May's 4/18 Barton-Wicks persons were elected to office. Chair­ Lansdowne (Penna.) Theatre to maintain a continuous flow of intermission music, is installation, and as usual the May's and man, Fred Dove; Vice-Chairman, John now the offical correspondent for the Del­ their co-host Mr. Fred Erwood made Hill; Secretary, Ray Bodendorfer; aware Valley Chapter. it a most enjoyable afternoon. Treas., Robert Luetner; Board Mem­ Following the business meeting a bers -Pete Charnon, Roger Wetteroau, Although it's been some time since short program was presented by David Jim Benzmiller, Fred Hermes and Bill The Delaware Valley Chapter has been Ashby. Originally from Indianapolis, Klinger. mentioned in these pages, we've been Dave is now a resident of Chicago and Kay McAbee played an outstanding quite active. April, for example, saw Bob Mack works for the Wurlitzer Company in program at the Avalon Theatre in make the trek from Virginia Beach various capacities and as a demonstra­ Milwaukee on April 25. The organ is to the Landsdowne Theatre, which tion artist. a 3/8 Wurlitzer the club has been houses a 3/9 Kimball and is located In July we will have met at the working on for over a year. Chests just west of Philadelphia. After Shirley home of Mr. and Mrs. David Roch in have been releathered, chambers clean­ Hannum, house organist, opened the Indianapolis. They have a 2/7 Geneva ed and painted, pipes washed and installation in their home. tallowed, couplers have been added RUTH HAWKINS to the console and the console has been refinished. A Trumpet voiced CENTRAL OHIO by J.B. Meyer has been added in place The Central Oho Theatre Organ of the Barton Kinura which replaced Society has the former RKO Palace the original Wurlitzer Clarinet. A 16' 3/16 Wurlitzer about ready for in­ Tibia Bourdon is being added. stallation when a suitable location can Work is rapidly progressing by the be found. It has been completely re­ clubs sub-chapter in Wausau. They built in its present warehouse location. are rebuilding a 3/6 in the We are still looking for a permanent Grand Theatre. The chambers have home and the site committee is cur­ been cleaned and painted, pipes, chests, rently exploring the idea of building etc. washed and refinished, additional a large concrete block structure to swell openings cut in the chamber house the beast. Armed with a 4000 walls, and the console has been re­ name mailing list of organ devotees, finished. Additional ranks are now used for shows that we put on, we being added. plan to offer certain privileges in con­ A mini-convention is being planned nection with the organ, as well as the for the first weekend in August using satisfaction of preserving a great in­ this organ and the Moller in St. strument, in return for a subscription Stanislaus Church, Stevens Point as BOB MACK

THEATRE ORGAN AUGUST, 1972 49 house, Mr. Mack shared some nostalgia, his concert was "The Lord's Prayer", both by music and by "I remember dedicated to the late Famy R. Wur­ when's," with his audience. litzer. In May, the chapter visited the On Sunday morning June 18th, Rex 19th Street Theatre in Allentown, Pa., Koury presented a concert for the for an early-morning concert by mem­ largest crowd of ATOS members and ber Robert Leyshon, an up-and-coming guests we've seen in a long time at the teenager performer, followed by an in­ Wiltern Theatre. A special feature of formative tour of the Allen factory the concert was Rex's accompaniment in nearby Macungie. of a short Charlie Chaplin comedy September will find us in co-sponsor­ and a vignette in the life of George F. ship with the New York Chapter in Handel, composer of the "Messiah" our yearly confab in Surf City, N .J. Highlights of Rex's concert were, In October, we plan to visit Atlantic "When the Saints Go Marching In", City (N .J.) Convention Hall for a try "I'll Walk With God", "Stardust", and at the Ballroom Kimball. October 21st a superb medley of "The Songs of will also mark the beginning of John Paris". For a grand finale, Rex played Dickinson's third season, with Lyn his "Rhapsody Americana", commis­ Larsen kicking off the new series of sioned by the Salvation Army con- concerts. We have a busy few months ahead and hope to continue to be active. Helen Dell reflects on the phenomenon of pasta and pizzeries - as related to pipes. SHIRLEY HANNUM (Stufoto) LOS ANGELES cert Band of Los Angeles. The Los Tom Hazleton was the artist at the Angeles Chapter feels very fortunate Wiltern Theatre Kimball on Sunday in having outstanding artists such as morning, May 21st. He is well known Tom Hazleton abd Rex Koury available throughout the country for his con­ for these ATOS activities. certs and is especially well known in Following each of these Sunday the where morning concerts at the Wiltern The­ he appears regularly at the various atre, Sunday afternoon Jam Sessions Cap'ns Galleys. He was originally were held at the Elks Building in Los scheduled for a Wiltern concert in Angeles. These Jam Sessions give mem­ January but it was necessary to cancel bers the opportunity to try out the that one due to water damage in the 4/58 Robert Morton Organ. In ad­ organ. His program included both the dition to the Jam Sessions, practice new and the old - the new, "Summer time on the big Morton is available of 42", "Theme from Love Story", during weekdays for a nominal fee. Bob Hill handles the scheduling of the practice sessions and Dick Stoney and his crew keep the organ in good playing condition. Rex Koury won an audience-pulling long­ An additional break for chapterites shot when he was scheduled for two pipe was a Sunday evening stint by member concerts in the same area only a week apart. He attracted a sizable audience · at Helen Dell playing the Pipe & Pizza the LA Wiltern (above) and a week later 2/10 Wurlitzer on Staffer Bob Garret­ did the same (including one packed house) son's night off. It was on the same during his three performances at the Old Town Music Hall in nearby El Segundo. date as the Rex Koury concert so the (Stufoto) LA enthusiast could make a day of

1

50 AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN it - Koury (morning), Jam Session Street Rag" and "Temptation Rag." (afternoon) and Dell (night). A more serious turn included "A Time SAM DICKERSON for Us" from Romeo and Juliet. The Godfather theme and "Legend of MOTORCITY Glass Mountain." Faced with the prospect of another Again in the serious vein we heard sell-out for a public pipe organ and "Museta's Waltz" and the Love Duet silent film program, the Motor City and Prelude from The Pearl Fishers. Chapter decided on two nights for our "The Doges March" from the Merchant presentation of Lee Erwin and The of Venice Suite concluded the first General with Buster Keaton. A good half of the concert. decision it was too, for on Monday, Rising again from the pit to the accompaniment of "Canadian Capers" May 15, 1,200 people crowded JEFF BARKER - (Herb Frank Photo) into the Royal Oak Theatre, with Jeff put the R-M through its paces, another 1,300 attending the following with a No, No, Nanette medley follow- · night. The theatre was comfortably NEWYORK ed by music in the contemporary vein filled each night and we surpassed our On Tuesday evening, May 23rd, the which included "Put your Hand in previous attendance record (house Loew's 175th Robert Morton sprang Mine" and "I'd Like to Teach." capacity) by some 800 people. to life under the talented fingers of "Anitra's Dance" and a new version, The audience cheered as Lee Erwin Jeff Barker. Rising majestically from of "Greensleeves" was followed by a brought the 3/10 Barton up with "But the pit, the ornate golden console song fest medley. The console sank Not For Me." Lee's imaginative styling brought into view our artist for the into the pit all too soon to the bars reigned supreme during the evening evening, resplendent in a blue velvet of "Those Were the Days." program, which included a sing-along jacket , playing "Down the Mall." The organ was in great shape, thanks and expert cueing for the delightful Highlights of the evening's con­ to the untiring efforts of Fred Boness. Harry Langdon comedy-short, Saturday cert featured "Soldier's Dream - Blaze Nary a cipher was heard that evening. Afternoon. Lee's superb accompani­ Away" a Fats Waller medley including Our thanks to Mrs. Pat Alexander ment to The General was enhanced "Honeysuckle Rose", "Ain't Misbe­ and the Reverend Ike for making us even more by an excellent 35mm havin' " and "Alligator Crawl." welcome at 175th. In this day of the print of this masterpiece of Keaton­ Another medley, ragtime this time, swinging ball and the battering ram it comedy. featured "12th Street Rag" , "Bond is a thrill to find a theatre maintained Sunday morning, June 11, was the "sneak-preview" of the 3 / 13 Barton ',. ,.)~'.-~; in the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor ,\ ~ : : for chapter members and friends. Rick Shindell did the honors by playing the ...,..,,~._.' .. -~·~ ---· . ; . ·~\,·;i,, . I' ;i;I I first "official" program on this, our '.. I ·.· I l i i , t i I i 1 fifth and latest restoration project. - . . I •. ,·'.. ' . ! l ) l A year of hard work has gone into the restoration of the Ann Arbor '(, . . . ' instrument so far by our Michigan Theatre work crew under the leader­ Dual Treat - a wide-ranging concert pro­ ship of Ben Levy and John Minnick. gram by Baltimore's Dick Smith capped Happy aftermath - after an extensive ovation Working as many as forty hours a week, off the first open console session in years for his concert, Dick shared the limelight at Loew's Kings Theatre in Brooklyn for with the theatre's manager, Mrs. Dorothy the major jobs are now completed, members of the New York Theatre Organ Panzica and NYTOS officers (from left to but many more man-hours will be Society last April 23rd. The carefully pre­ right) Allen Rossiter, secretary-treasurer, Art spent refining the organ to opening served 4/23 "Wonder" Morton responded Cox, chairman and Claude Miller, vice chair­ to every command and amazed him with man. Both Dick and the chapter lauded night perfection. its tonal brilliance and power. her for the theatre's sparkling condition. DON LOCKWOOD (Herb Frank Photo) (Herb Frank Photo)

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THEATRE ORGAN AUGUST, 1972 51 as the architect dreamed it would look menu - something for everyone." in this show were a silent movie and as he transformed his imagination into The highlight of the show came when sing-along. A special appearance by stone, mortar and plaster. We look Rosa introduced her husband Bill, Luella Wickham at the 2/6 console forward to many more occasions when who told the audience of her career in concluded the entertainment. once again we can lose ourselves in the radio and narrated the theme songs Mini-convention guests were treated grandeur of sound which is the Robert of the shows Rosa accompanied in the to home tours of the Gilbert and Morton. past. This was a most interesting and Hontz Wurlitzers and the Thomas Wur­ unusual treat. litzer-Marr & Colton. NIAGARA FRONTIER The attentive audience loved Rosa, SHIRLEY COLE On May 1 and 2, the Riviera in and the chapter presented her with a North Tonawanda officially reopened bouquet of roses. Her terrific encore NORTH TEXAS its doors as a movie house. To celebrate of "I Got Rhythm" and "St. Louis Our May meeting was another great the occasion, His Honor Mayor Wiater Blues" brought down the house. success with a visit to the home of was on hand to express his thanks and The "Shuffle Off to Buffalo" mini­ Dale Flanery at Garland, Texas. Dale appreciation to the theatre manage­ convention on June 17 and 18 brought has a modified 3/10 Wurlitzer, Opus ment and our chapter on behalf of the in about 200 people from all over the 260. The Wurlitzer came from the people of his city. Eastern United States - Connecticut, Harding Theatre in Chicago and Dale Frank Olsen performed a few tunes Pennsylvania, Ohio, and more. has done a fine job of fitting it into on the beautiful 3 / 12 Wurlitzer, after The event did bring Larry Ferrari his home. Entering the foyer the first which the Marjorie Blakely Dancers to the Riviera for his third concert, thing that you see is the console, built tapped and pirouetted their way into which was played to a sold-out, stand­ into a neat alcove, with draperies and the hearts of the audience. Sixteen­ ing-room-only, full-house crowd. His cover cloths on the ivory console, year-old Frankie Scinta and his sister talent knows no bounds. Larry gave much like the theatre installations of Christine sang out their happy melodies everyone a fair share of every type of the days of yore. Behind it is the to the strumming of Frankie's . selection, utilized each rank to the "music room" with the organ speaking Mr. Olsen played another tune before fullest extent, and initiated our new from the far end. Shutters are installed the regularly featured movie began. marimba in the orchestra pit. at floor level, with the pipe chambers On Sunday, May 7, Frank Olsen At one point during the concert, and ranks recessed at a lower level. presented a concert on the 2/6 Wur­ eight-year-old Gordon Hegfield Standing at the music room level one litzer in the Hollywood Theatre in of Ashtabula, Ohio, joined Mr. Ferrari can gaze down at all the goodies, Gowanda, N.Y. Several hundred per­ at the console for a rendition of watching the tambourine, wood block, sons attended this interesting and "Edelweiss." glockenspiel, etc. tapping out the varied program of selections. The following day, Frank Olsen rhythm and the tune behind their Rosa Rio made her Riviera debut gave another well-received performance glass enclosure. Dale has also added on May 17 and played "a musical at the Hollywood Wurlitzer. Included some reverberation via some remote

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52 AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN microphones and a hi-fi system which ment to Casa Manana, Fort Worth's the console of a Conn 3-manual Style produce a real "big theatre" effect. Theatre in the Round. 650 theatre organ at the RKO Albee In all, it is a very neat and effective Jim Peterson, active in organ circles Theatre in Cincinnati the night of home installation. here for many years, and one of the April 23rd. The event had a special Our main performer for the day last to play the Wurlitzer in the Worth nostalgia as, according to information was Alta Faye Schlaudroff, presenting Theatre, is working on the relocation. in the press, this theatre may give way a real theatre program, playing a lot of Needless to say, he has plenty of to· a new high-rise office building in the old favorites, and adding just advice and assistance, not just from the next year. With local audiences' enough "mod" to make our younger those immediately involved, but from demonstrated fondness for comedies, members just as happy as the old chapter members, Organ Majors from Mr. Carter accompanied a group of timers. Faye, while not included in the several area universities, and others. silent pictures including Buster Keaton John Muri's "To the Ladies" com­ Mel Dacus, business manager of Casa in The Navigator plus a Harold Lloyd ments in the JuneTHEATREORGAN, Manana, says that the instrument, short and a Keystone Comedy. In ad­ is really in the same group. She was hopefully installed by early fall, will dition to sing-alongs, Mr. Carter ap­ organist at the Capri Theatre in be played at least 114 times a year, propriately included in his "sleepy­ for a considerable time and demon­ as pre-show concerts for the various time" music section two Ohio Valley strated that she really knows her way stage productions of the Casa. It will favorites, "My Old Kentucky Home" around the console of a theatre organ also be available for specific concerts and "Beautiful Ohio." and other functions. With such organ through her performance on Dale's "A surprise was given Mr. Carter enthusiasts as Dr. Boner, acoustical modified Opus 260 Wurlitzer. The after intermission when chapter Chair­ and organ expert from the University chapter hopes to hear a lot more of man George Eaglin sounded the West­ of Texas, and others of similar caliber her kind of theatre organ music. minster Chimes on the organ and rose actively interested in the installation, From the technical activity stand­ from the pit to stage level playing we should have a real theatre organ point, settling the fate of the Worth softly the "Anniversary Waltz," all to showpiece in the North Texas area. Theatre 3/14 Wurlitzer in Fort Worth celebrate the 50th anniversary of Mr. And there's plenty of good talent was probably the best news of the Carter in show business. Toastmaster right in our home chapter to make year. Preparatory to tearing down Bob Jones of WKRC-TV;Jack Strader, the theatre building, everything, in­ this great instrument speak better than past chapter chairman; Leon Papen­ it ever did. cluding the organ was auctioned off. haus, vice-chairman of the chapter; Mr. F. Howard Walsh of Fort Worth JOE KOSKI and George Eaglin, chapter chairman was the successful bidder on the or­ joined in presentation of a cake be­ gan, and in a true philanthropic gesture OHIO VALLEY fitting the occasion." which will benefit both the North In his sixth visit to Cincinnati as The excellent organ installation for Texas music world and the theatre star of a show sponsored by the Ohio the show was made possible through organ enthusiasts, donated the instru- Valley Chapter, Gaylord Carter was at the courtesy of the Schooley Piano

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THEATRE ORGAN AUGUST, 1972 53 & Organ Co. The 3000-seat Albee on Gilbert Ave. in Cincinnati in De­ beautiful rendition of Journey into Theatre was almost filled to capacity cember. With Eddie Osborne and Paul Melody. for this show. Mooter as hosts, guests were treated On request of the organist, a Wur­ The Albee show was a climax to a to the console artistry of two of Bald­ litzer Post Horn was installed in the busy winter for the chapter. On March win's own stars. Bob Reed played 20th, chapter members had a special a number of classic selections climaxed treat at the home of Mr. and Mrs. by the always thrilling Toccata in F John Strader where Dr. Searle Wright from Widor's 5th Organ Symphony. appeared at the console of their 3/ 18 Frank Stitt followed, playing an ex­ Wurlitzer playing an evening of classics cellent program of popular selections. and theatre organ music. Dr. Wright And not the least, Eddie Osborne con­ is now organist and choirmaster of tributed several selections as only Christ Church in Cincinnati. Those who Eddie can play them. attended the 1970 national convention Work is continuing on the rebuild­ will recall hearing Dr. Wright present an ing of the former RKO Albee Wurlitzer. outstanding concert on the Brooklyn When completed this organ will not be Paramount-Long Island University Wur­ just a refurbished or rebuilt organ, but litzer. In addition to his talents in will be in new "factory" condition. Jim Roseveare at the Paramount 4/20 Publix classical organ, theatre organ, and HUBERT S. SHEARIN No. 1. - (Photo by Genny Whitting) choral work, Dr. Wright is considered PUGET SOUND one of the outstanding classical com­ Solo Vox Humana holes. Terry Hoch­ posers of the country. Program Chairman, Don Myers came muth, Steve's Gay 90's organist was Three other meetings were held up with the perfect combination for good enough to loan the set for a during the fall and winter. In November the April 16th meeting. Jim Roseveare, week. All in all the Paramount just the chapter met at the Hyams Piano from San Francisco was presented in never sounded better. The concert concert at the Paramount "Crawford & Organ Co. for an evening· of fun was followed by a business meeting Special" Wurlitzer. As many of you and entertainment. In December and excellent buffet at the Century probably know, Jim is possibly the another meeting was held at the Heath­ House restaurant. closest duplicate of the "Poet of the kit Electronics Center for an "open On June 4th, a special concert Organ" to come along. Some of the console" meeting where members were was held at the Paramount Theatre, many Crawford transcriptions heard free to "do their thing" at any organ featuring Ron Baggott of the legendary were, "I Love to Hear You Singing", Ron and Don team. The later being of their choosing. "High Hat", "Masquerade", "Waltz of Ron's late partner Don Moore. Ron The third meeting was held in the the Blue Danube" and many others. and Don were the first organists to auditorium of Baldwin Piano & Organ Jim is a great fan of English composer play at the Paramount. Ron rode the Co. in their administrative headquarters Robert Farnan, so we were given a console up playing "Smiles", the team's

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I • \,~,, oonrnomPson __;.•-.~,.:;,i ~ IIIJIIIJII ,,,,,, ~ America's fastest-rising organ star. ._-;:;,_;;. ~ Honored to appear at the Convention. -,,,, ... •o .., ~ -· ~ , ~ - - - - Concert tours every Spring and Fall. - '~ ~~------..... 305 The Corners,351 Kiely Blvd., SanJose, Calif. 95129 Telephone(408) 247-2811 ' · Management Ted Creech. 306 East 15th St. New York.NY 10003 .

54 AUGUST, 1972 THEATRE ORGAN and Louella Presho's 2/6 Wurlitzer­ finished the day dining to pipe organ Morton, with Woody presiding at the music at Big Bob's Pizza, in Federal console. Way. To end all this many members EDDIE ZOLLMAN, JR. CLASSIFIED ADS Classifiedads are carried at 20 cents per word, per insertion. No chargefor first ten words for members.

FOR SALE - Famous residence theatre FOR SALE - 3-manual; 9 rank Barton the­ pipe organ now available. Recently custom­ atre pipe organ with complete percussions, built for 8' ceiling in Pasadena home. Con­ including 2 Xylophones, Glockenspiel, Ron Baggott at the Paramount Wurlitzer. tains 12 beautiful ranks, many percussions, Chrysoglott, Toy counter, etc. 80% re­ (Photo by Eddie Zollman, Jr.) roll player in separate cabinet and new stored. $6,000 or best offer. Robert Rop­ walnut 2-manual console. Write for brochure polo, 1511 N. 16th Ave., Melrose Park, theme song. The program consisted or phone Newport Organs, 846 Production Ill. 60160. Phone: (312) 344-1348. primarily of tunes reminiscent of the Place, Newport Beach, Calif. (714) 645-1530. twenties, such as "Blue Skies", FOR SALE - 1 Rodgers 33-E organ. 3- "Hindustan", "Whispering" and "My FOR SALE - Wurlitzer parts - will sell en­ manual theatre style, antique white com­ tire lot to interested party - Pipes, con­ plete with 2 Rodgers external speakers and Blue Heaven". Ron also played ex­ soles, chests, Toy counters, Percussions. 1 large Leslie, 32-note pedalboard setter cerpts from Beethoven's Sixth Sym­ Bernard Blum, 434 Ruscomb St., Phila., board, toe stubs, 3 expression pedals. Two phony. To sum it up, a job well done Pa. 19120. years old and Ii ke new. Cost new was and well received. $15,000.00. Will sell FOB price $7200.00 Following Ron's concert we were FOR SALE - From Chicago's Senate The­ cash, Robert R. Strickler, Sr., 203 N. atre: 3-manual Kimball console, very ex­ Franklin St., Red Lion, Penna. 17356. given a medley of roaring twenties tensively unified; Piano; 15 H.P. Blower; Phone: (717) 244-4431. tunes by Dick Schrum, who then ac­ Misc. parts. To be sold at auction by companied Woody and LouellaPresho, Chicago Area Chapter, August 19, 1972. FOR SALE - Best offer takes 15 church doing a great Charleston on stage. Console and blower at National Lamination ranks, two blowers, 4-manual Roosevelt Corp., 555 Santa Rosa Drive, Des Plaines, Ill. console. Painless terms, free lodging during This was followed by a good jam at 2 P.M. Piano and misc. parts at 4345 N. removal. Fred Nitzschke, 52 Clark St., Hermitage at 5 P.M. Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201.

FOR SALE - Marr & Colton 16' metal FOR SALE - 3-manual Marr & Colton diaphone w/chest ; 8' diapason, 24 pipes single rail, horseshoe console; $750.00 or w/chest; other 24 note offset chests; 4- best offer. 8' Aeolin - perfect $50.00. ¾ manual chests, 49 and 61 note; 3 trems, 3 H.P. motor for Spencer blower - Single regulators, trap actions, swell shutters. Wur­ Phase. Primary boxes. Kilgen style chest litzer, 5 regulators; 1 trem; 2-manual key­ parts. Contact Gary Rickert, 4121 Blanchan board w/contacts; horseshoe stoprail; swell Ave., Brookfield, Ill. 60513. shutters. Roy Davis, Rt. 6, McMinnville, Tenn. 37110. Phone: (616) 668-4396. FOR SALE - Custom made "Allen The­ atre Deluxe" organ, like new, 2-manual, FOR SALE - 3-manual Artisan Imperial walnut console, 3 external decorative wal­ theatre organ, 32 pedal, 65 stops, 4 gen­ nut speaker cabinets; 32-note pedal board, erators, 263 oscillators, 15" and 12" Altec two independent expression pedals for Flute speakers plus walnut speaker cabinet and Reeds and Strings. Owner moving out of wall speaker panels. Two 40 W cabinet and state. Originally $9,700 wi 11sell for $5795. wall speaker panels. Two 40 W amplifiers. A.R. Johnson, 147 Walrath Road, Syracuse, Roaring Twenties Trio, Woody, Louella Make offer. Mrs. Roy E. Quanstrom, 708 E. N. Y. 13205. Phone: (315) 469-1273 or and Dick in the lobby of Paramount. Florence Ave., Inglewood, Calif. 90301. (315) 834-9370. (Bill Campbell Photo) Phone : (213) 677-2826. FOR SALE - 3-manual 14 rank highly session played by, Eddie Zollman, Sr., FOR SALE - 1 set Wurlitzer swell shades, unified dream specification Peterson elec­ Mahon Tullis, Don Myers and Mike complete with action. 5'5½" wide, 8'6" tronic theatre pipe organ relay. Any reason­ Koons. high, 2¼" thick. Best offer. Roy Wagner, able offer considered. Contact Jay Himes The June 11th home tour was the 4308 Meadow Cliff Dr., Glen Arm, Mary­ 5511 Sunnyslope Ave., Sherman Oaks, Calif. land 21057. Phone: (301) 592-9322. 91401. making of a very enjoyable day. Starting with La Veile McLaughlin's 3/9 Marr FOR SALE - 3-manual, custom, Allen HELP WANTED - Organist for sales train­ & Colton plus, the console was open Theatre Organ, specially designed for Ashley ing. Victor Pianos & Organs, 300 N.W. 54th to all. Don Myers played for members Miller. Call (201) 768-4450 or write Ashley St., Miami, Florida 33127. Phone: (305) at Lee and Ann Bauscher's 3/ 11 Wur­ Miller, 66 Der;iarest, Closter, N.J. 07624. 751-7502. litzer. Lee explained basically how FOR SALE - 3/15 Wurlitzer, Chest, Pipes, INFORMATION WANTED - concerning the new keying system in his organ Switches, Relays, Trems, etc. Write Randy Robert Morton organ removed from Colonial works. It has reduced the number of Piazza, 230 Jewett Ave., Buffalo, New Theatre, Beach Haven, N.J. 3 years ago. wires from console to chambers to a York 14214. Contact: H.V. Gale, 20 E. 33rd St., Beach mere twisted pair! Next on the tour Haven, N.J. 08008. FOR SALE - Theatre organ, Thomas, was Bill and Mary Carson's 3/10? Lawrence Welk model, $1,500.00. Norman WANTED - Recordings of C. Sharpe Minor, Wurlitzer, with one Dick Schrum at Tabler, Rt. 1, Floyd Knobs, Ind. 47119. E.A. Link, 10 Avon Rd., Binghamton, N.Y. the console. The last stop was Woody Phone : (819) 944-8909. 13095.

THEATRE ORGAN AUGUST, 1972 55