TheatreOrgan Bombarde

JOURNAL of the AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN ENTHUSIASTS

Volume 11 Number 4 August 1969

1969 CHICAGO CONVENTION COVERAGE Wurlitzer Theatre Organ

The modern Theatre Console Organ that combines the grandeur of yesterday with the electronic wizardry of today. Command performance! Wurlitzer combines the classic Horseshoe Design of the immortal Mighty Wurlitzer with the exclusive Total Tone electronic circuitry of today. Knowledge and craftsmanship from the Mighty Wurlitzer Era have produced authentic console dimensions in this magnificent new theatre organ. It stands apart, in an instru­ Partial list of features ment of its size, from all imitative theatre organ • Dual system of tone generation • Authentic Mighty Wurlitzer Horseshoe Design designs. To achieve its big, rich and electrifying • Authentic voicing of theatrical Tibia and tone, Wurlitzer harmonically "photographed" Kinura originating on the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ voices of the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ to • Four families of organ tone serve as a standard. The resultant voices are au­ • Two 61-note keyboards • 25 -note pedal keyboard with two 16' and thentic individually, and when combined they two 8' pedal voices augmented by Sustain blend into a rich ensemble of magnificent dimen­ • Multi-Matic Percussion ® with Ssh-Boom ®, Sustain, Repeat, Attack, Pizzicato, and sion. Then, to crown the accomplishment, we Bongo Percussion incorporated the famous Wurlitzer Multi-Matic • Silicon transistors for minimum maintenance Percussion ® section with exclusive Ssh-Boom ® • Reverb , Slide , Chimes, and Solo controls • Electronic Vibrato (4 settings) that requires no special playing techniques, • Exclusive 2 speed Spectra -Tone ® Sound Pizzi ca to Touch that was found only on larger pipe in Motion • Two-channel solid state amplifiers , 70 watts organs, Chimes and Slide Control ... and dozens total distributed output of other features that no other organ can offer. • 8 speakers (two rotating) • Theatre furniture styling in walnut or See ... hear ... play this magnificent organ today. antique white and gold URLI ZER means Music to millions ® pianos • organs • electronic pianos • band instruments • DeKalb, Illinois 60115 THE COVER PHOTOS TheatreOrgan Top row: (1) WGN Studio, (2) Chicago Sta­ dium, (3) Indiana Theatre. Bottom row: (4) Hoosier Theatre, (5) Mont Clare Theatre, (6) Mundelein. Bombarde - Convention coverage starts on page 19. - Vol. XI No. 4 Photos 1, 3, 6 by Bill Lamb. August, 1969 Photos 2, 4, 5 by Tom Yannitell.

A.T.O.E. National Membership is $7.00 per cal­ endar year, which includes a subscription to In This Issue THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE, the official pub­ 3 Editorial - Al Mason lication of the American Threatre Organ Enthu­ 4 An Acre of Seats siasts. Single copies : $1.25. Make check or 5 Theatre Organ on Campus money order payable to A.T.O.E., and mail to 6 The Rose Diamond Story P. 0 . Box 2329, Livonia, Michigan 48150. 8 Syracuse Keith's Finds a New Home OVERSEAS Membership: $8.00. 11 Utica-Rome Organ Activity 12 Music of the Silents ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION 14 Nuggets from the Golden Days EXCEPT ADVERTISING SHOULD BE 15 Pipe Dreams, Chicago, USA (Conclusion) SENT TO A.T.O.E. PUBLICATIONS 19 Eleventh Annual Meeting and Convention P. 0. BOX 2329, LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48150 29 Resume of National Board of Directors Meeting ADVERTISING ADDRESS: Dewey Cagle, 3291 29 Resume of General Membership Meeting Guido Street, Oakland, California 94602. 31 Accidents Will Happen 32 New Music for Theatre Organ * * * 32 Chapter Sponsors Gordon Krist Record A.T.O.E. National Officers 34 Repairing and Rewinding Wurlitzer Magnets (Conclusion) Albert T. Mason, President 35 Eddie Dunstedter a Sensation in Los Angeles Allen W. Rossiter, Vice President 36 Hollywood Cavalcade Dorothy Whitcomb, Secretary-Treasurer 36 For the Records Betty Mason, Executive Secretary 38 Ray Brubacher at the Virginia 40 Vox Pops A.T.O.E. National Board of Directors 42 Chapter News Lee Erwin 46 Letter to the Editor Ben M. Hall 47 Lee Erwin Plays for AGO Fred Kruse 47 Classified Ads Dorothy Whitcomb Gaylord Carter W. "Tiny" James Allen W. Rossiter EDITORIAL Richard Simonton Richard H. Schrum, Past President Friends; table ruling from the IRS. The Shaskin A.T.O.E. Honorary Members CATOE has delivered again. More organ has already been donated to them 1959 - Jesse Crawford organs, more artists, more organization. and word was just received that the 1960 - Famy Wurlitzer RKO-Stanley Warner people have a­ 1961 - Mel Doner The smoothest convention yet is a tri­ bute to the ability of CATOE to pro­ warded them the Style H Wurlitzer 1962 - Leonard MacClain from the State Theatre in Waterbury. 1963 - Eddie Dunstedter duce interesting shows. Let us hope I think this offers exciting prospects for 1964 - Reginald Foort this will inspire more chapters to make 1965 - Dan Barton theatre organ available to the general the future of our King of Instruments. 1966-W. "Tiny" James public. With the growth of our organization 1967 - Erwin A. Young, Jr. Thanks, CA TOE, for another chapter to 33 chapters and five more in the 1968 - Richard C. Simonton in our Theatre Organ memory book. throes of birth, our current membership 1969 - Judd Walton We are now the American Theatre is near 3,750 and will reach 4,000, I EDITORIAL STAFF Organ Society. With the S silent, we can. hope, by the close of the year. This Editor - George Thompson still be called A TO(s) and we should be soon will create an audience to listen Associate Editors - Ray Brubacher more enthusiastic than ever. to more performing artists and the or­ Lloyd Klos gans we restore will have a happier Peg Nielsen The change in our name and in our Editor-Emeritus - W. "Stu" Green By-laws reflects the desire of more life entertaining people instead of Publications Director - Don Lockwood chapters to investigate incorporating spiders and mice. Advertising Manager - Dewey Cagle under a broader section of the Internal We have come a long way with the Circulation Manager - Vi Thompson Revenue Code. The National office will name our founders chose. It is like THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE (title registered cooperate in every way possible if re­ losing a child to change the name but U. S. Patent Office) is published bi-monthly by quested. I anticipate our new title will help us the American Theatre Organ Enthusiasts, Inc., Connecticut Valley is the first chap­ to use the opportunities our previous a non-profit organization, Albert T. Mason, President. All rights reserved. Entire contents ter to receive an educational and chari- work has created. copyrighted 1969 by A.T.O.E., Inc., Office of publication is P.O . Box 2329, Livonia, Michigan 48150. Printed by Detroit Master-Craft, Livonia, Michigan 48150.

POSTMASTER: Second Ctass postage paid at Livonia, Michigan. IF UNDELIVERABLE, send form 3579 to A.T.O.E. Circulation Department, Al Mason, President Box 1314, Salinas, California 93901.

3 theatre organ bombarde By Bill Peterson- Number 16 in a series CARTHAY CIRCLE THEATRE- LOS ANGELES This lovely Spanish Colonial designed house opened on May 18, 1926, and became world famous due to the many premieres that have been held there. The theatre was designed by Dwight Gibbs with a seating capacity of 1510. The organ, now removed, was a 3/ 11 Wurlitzer. The beautiful paintings on the organ screens depict early California history. The exterior of the building is dominated by a huge mission style tower.

- Photo Courtesy - The Helgeson Collection

august 1969 4 When I arrived at Bloomington, Indi­ Earharty, a fellow student and experi­ ana in September last year, I barely Theatre Organ enced pipe organ technician. Alan im­ expected to be able to have anything mediately began organizing the work to do with theatre organs. I had enrolled needed to prepare the Estey for use. in the School of Music of Indiana on Campus Days became weeks of work for our University to begin studying classical crew of three. We gave tools to inter­ organ. After unpacking and spending a by Dennis James ested students who wandered into the few hours on the beautiful I.U. campus organ chamber in Studio 5, thereby I instinctively headed into town to initiating them to the mystical art of check the four local theatres, hoping organ building. to find an organ. To my dismay, all The organ soon developed a schizo­ four organs had been removed or de­ phrenic personality of its own evident stroyed years ago. by the fact that three ciphers cropped A few weeks later I happened to up for every one we fixed and dead meet William Bussell, a member of notes kept appearing and disappearing ATOE Central Indiana Chapter. He in the manuals. A new tremulant was was tracing the whereabouts of Bloom­ needed, the ancient rectifier was un­ ington's only surviving theatre organ . reliable and the traps ceased to func­ We "found" the instrument in Studio 5 tion. By Thanksgiving Day the entire of the I.U. Radio and Television Build­ project looked hopeless. ing located on campus. New York's organ savant, Ben Hall, stated in a At this point I decided to plan a letter that the instrument had been in­ concert for Sunday, December 17. Un­ stalled in the Princess Theatre on daunted by our numerous setbacks we January 15, 1923. The original was an set to work so that within two weeks Estey, opus 2672, with two-manuals the organ could be played. Alan built and six ranks: Tibia 8', Flute-Bourdon a tremulant employing the principle of 16', Open Diapason 8', Violin 8', Vox the Wicks balanced pedal valve. It was Humana 8' and Tuba 8'. a strange device but it had the capacity to shake the huge volume of low­ When the organ was being installed Alan Earhart, Dennis James, and William Bussell. at LU. an oboe was added, the Estey pressure air in the seven rank chest. vox replaced with a Wurlitzer vox and The little Estey began to sound like a Tambourine and Chrysoglott playing true theatre organ, so now, actually the tibia and string replaced with simi­ from the accompaniment manual; lar ranks of lower windage more com­ encouraged, we began adjusting mag­ Chimes, Xylophone and Glockenspiel nets, cleaning contacts and repairing patible to the peculiar acoustics of the from the solo; and Bass Drum on the studio. A 7 rank Klann direct electric the traps. pedal . chest and Reisner relays were substi­ The work lasted well into the wee tuted for the water - damaged Estey Bill and I got permission from the hours of the mornings preceding the parts and the console was electrified university to work on the organ. Al­ concert. By 4: 30 Sunday morning the with Reisner electric stop action and though the instrument was in working last rank was in tune. Then the old setter board. order it had not been used for several selenium rectifier burned out. The con­ Luckily, the original percussions sur­ years. Both of us soon discovered that cert was saved, however, by an auto­ vived consisting of Snare Drum ( tap we knew nothing about pipe organ mobile battery boosted by a charger and roll), Castanets, Wood Block, mechanics. We then contacted Alan thoughtfully provided by A TOE mem­ bers.

Closeup of right chamber at Princess Theatre. Note Estey console in lower left corner. The concert was a resounding success as evidenced by the audience of eighty­ - Photo by Steven Fink six enthusiasts who turned out on a bitterly cold afternoon. Many students and faculty appeared along with the chapter members. Many of the organ students who had never heard a theatre pipe organ were amazed. A typical comment was, "Im­ agine real drums hooked up to an organ!" Some even expressed a desire to find out about theatre organ playing technique. Tht: future looks bright for the little LU. Estey. With funds to be donated by the Radio and Television Depart­ ment and the Central Indiana Chapter of ATOE the necessary repairs can be made. Even more exciting is the desire expressed by numerous people on campus for the organ to be used as a part of the cultural life of the uni­ versity . Such are the prospects of a theatre organ in the world of today. D

s theatre organ bombarde like one of the passages, so I went over it. (Now-a-days you call this "an arrangement!") Nobody seemed to notice anything. It was a very Merry Christmas! As you know, Roxy built Radio City Music Hall and the Center theatre, both with the same policy. The "Center" has given way to what is known as "progress" - the steel ball. It had a gorgeous 4-manual Wurlitzer, similar to the one at the New York Paramount, but a few ranks smaller. My steady job was on a Hammond, at the "Gay Blades" Ice Rink in the Times Square section. They were running a special feature at the Center , and needed a third organist on the sixth and seventh days, besides nightly closing of the house. It didn 't conflict with the rink job so I was able to do it. To go back and forth from pipes to the electronic almost gave me ulcers. After playing the exit music at 1 a.m. at the theatre. I remained and played until 4 a.m. - it was heaven. The main organists for that engagement were friends, Alex Richardson and Betty Gould. In the "l"egit" theatre, Orson Welles originated the idea of "no scenery" on the stage for his production of "Julius Caesar". The brick rear wall of the theatre was all there was. His company was known as the Mercury Theatre Players as told to Peg Nielsen and had such names as George Colouris, Joseph Cotton, Vincent Price and Erskine Mansfield in leading roles. These Organist Rose Diamond is a quiet little woman great actors had not yet become as famous as they are today. The musical effects were accomplished by a Hammond who is seen at many southern California organ organ , trumpet, French horn and a tympanist with a thunder­ doings. At first we didn't connect her with the sheet suspended near him. The musicians were in the wings "Diamond" heard on New York airwaves in the to the extreme left of the stage and were not visible from the '30s, but she proved to be one and the same Rose. audience. Dissonant staccato chords in low bass registration Those cinemagoers who have seen "The Graduate" were played on the Hammond in the rhythm of marching feet. The trumpet and French horn had the battle fanfares saw Rose as the befuddled organist in the wedding and the tympani and thunder-sheet were used for the distant scene. In view of her continued organ activity over sounds of an oncoming army and volume increased as they the past four decades, we figured Rose would have came on stage with swords clashing in battle. a story worth telling. Here it is. At the Times Square Loew's State Theatre, Rose Diamond's assignment included broadcasting as well as playing for theatre audiences. Note the One of my early encounters with a theatre organ was at "carbon" microphone, the workhorse of radio from the beginning to the 4-manual Moller in the New York Loew's State in the the mid-'30s. early '30s. I was one of two organists that handled the organ solos before the acts went on (It was a vaudeville house). There was also a Sunday morning broadcast from the theatre which was part of my job. Later on I became connected with a local radio station which had no organ of its own so they contacted places that had organs, resulting in remote broadcasts, and in return the organ spots received free publicity. These instruments were all pipe organs, mostly in hotels. Two of the organs used were the 4-manual Moller in the ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and the 3-manual Moller in their "Peacock Room." The "Barbizon Hotel for Women" also had a pipe organ which we used. Another location for broad­ casts was the Kimball organ on the small balcony of the Roxy Theatre rotunda where I'd sit wearing earphones which monitored the program going on the air. The music was of great interest to the hundreds of people standing in the lobby below, waiting to get in to see the next show and it seemed to take their minds off their feet. I also "aired" the Roxy Broadcast Studio 3/ 11 Kimball. Once during a Christmas season one of the engineers at the station offered all of us some of what he said was "cider", just before leaving for the Roxy broadcast studio. It was really apple-jack, and quite potent. My reactions usually take a while to get going and after the drive to the Roxy and some rehearsing of a singer and my own numbers, the red light came on and we were "on the air." Suddenly I began to feel very relaxed. During one of my solos, I didn't august 1969 6 Came the scene after the assassination of Caesar. As down the aisle and said he'd like to play the organ. He the curtain rose, Orson Welles, as Caesar, could be seen wanted a full sound so I pushed down all the stops and was lying in his coffin. George Colouris as Marc Anthony stepped walking away when I suddenly realized that he was playing forward, and in the dramatic silence, proclaimed: "Friends, the Bach "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor," but he was Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears . . . " and paused. doing it in C minor! He· went into a Bach Two Part Inven­ Suddenly a tremendous rushing sound of water could be tion, also not in the written key. This obviously was being hea·rd from the opposite side of the stage from over the done by ear! In response to my amazed questions he said he switchboard. We heard repeated shouts of "lower the asbes­ had never studied organ or piano! tos" - and it came down with a bang. Since they use the asbestos curtain only in case of fire, the sudden "Niagara" A while later, Dustin Hoffman, the young star of the denoted just that. The "corpse" jumped from his coffin, picture, wandered down and said he'd like to play. He ran looked around wildly, and ran upstairs to the dressing rooms. through "Take Five" without missing a beat, and a Gershwin He finally found one with a chair in the middle of the room Prelude, and then a thing in nine-four (9/ 4!). I began to with many burned match stubs strewn around. The chair feel a little confused until he mentioned that he'd always was under one of the sprinklers in the ceiling. It seems that played piano. In fact, on a TV interview, he said that his two of the boys became bored while waiting for their call and great ambition had been to be a professional pianist until decided to pass the time by finding out whether the sprinkler­ he decided in favor of the theatre. system worked. It did! Orson told them off in no uncertain It was all so unexpected and so heart-warming. terms, rushed downstairs and appeared "live" in front of the curtain, before a tittering audience. He asked their When I left New York to live in California well over indulgence, the show would continue. They shut off the twenty years ago, I never thought I'd hear a pipe organ in water, hastily mopped up the flooded stage, raised the a theatre again. Then one day I was invited to a meeting asbestos and bravely started the scene again. At that pause, where an ATOE chapter was being formed. It was then that I it almost became a comedy. He didn't fire the two fellows. became aware of what ATOE really meant. The chairman They had that prank to live down until the end of the show's run. Then there was a radio program called "Good Will Court" which originated at station WMCA which fed the New England states and was later broadcast coast-to-coast on NBC. It was a human-interest program with people telling their troubles on the air and on this particular one real "live" judges were used to give advice. Another broadcast Rose is to be seen I played was definitely "for the birds" - singing canaries. wherever there is a gathering of or­ Dr. Norman Vincent Peal was the personality on still gan fans. Here another program and his interest in people was quite obvious. she plays at an LA The 2-manual Wurlitzer I used for theme and cue music on Organists Break­ these shows was a honey. Dave Barrett recently told me that fast Club session he always tuned in on these WMCA organ programs from for the other pro- New Jersey. Bud Taylor confided that he used to come to fessionals. Loew's State Theatre to hear the organ but never came down to say a word. Those were the bashful days long ago. But have you seen "The Graduate"? Bashfulness evidently still exists somewhere. Wonderful to see and difficult to believe. And so - to my movie "role." About this experience I had, playing as a helpless-looking, asked each person present to rise and tell about the type near-sighted organist in the final church-wedding scene of of organ he owned and how it was installed. I just couldn't the picture "The Graduate." If the portrayal causes a laugh, believe my ears at what followed. How could it be possible that's how director Mike Nichols wanted it. for a business man, or a white collar worker, or a pro­ fessional man, or a house painter, for example, to know An unexpected thrill came during the first day. This how to install an organ and yet not be able to play a note? scene was done on location and much hammering and setting What did he .need it for? up of the huge lights was in progress. I was playing anything I could think of, mainly to keep awake (I'd been up since Then I noted the affectionate tone in the voice of each. 5: 30 a.m.). During the waiting period, Mike Nichols came They spoke with much pride in acquiring a pipe organ. It was then, too, that I learned that a garage isn't necessarily a place to park a car. And from the "organ talk" I could visualize the poor wife being told, "It may be a little drafty in here for a while, honey, but I really must knock out this wall - - - ! " Here is Rose as she appeared in But for all inconvenience it may cause temporarily, what "The Graduate". ,a wonderful goal for an organization to have - to preserve and cherish the sound of the magnificent theatre pipe organ! On that day, to my way of thinking, the people at the meeting who expressed themselves so eloquently in behalf of pipes, they became the stars. □

7 theatre organ bombarde established the first step in the come­ back of the organ with several mid­ SYRACUSE KEITH'S night-to-dawn renovation sessions. Big­ gest problem was deteriorating leather. The artists for the concert were Carle­ FINDS A NEW HOME ton James and Allen Mills, and the program lasted until well past 3 A.M. For Mills, it was the first time the Schenectadyan had touched a theatre Story by Lloyd E. Klos Photos: Tom Anderson Collection organ before the public. The Nineteen Sixties can be justly pedals, a cat was walking across Further work involving the finer entitled "The Decade of the Trans­ them. Ironically, Doug Fairbanks, a points of restoration was done when a plant." We have transplants of eyes, commercial photographer, was in the group of Syracuse enthusiasts, led by kidneys and hearts, some of which theatre, and succeeded in getting a pic­ Harris Cooper and Al Grant, worked haven't been the success the medical ture of the organist and cat. Tuesday night for about a year and a profession had hoped. In the Renais­ Paul H. Forster, following his en­ half , releathering the relay. sance of the Theatre Organ, now in its gagement at the Eckel Theatre, took According to his colleagues, to Paul second decade, transplants of these in­ over in the period 1932 to 1936, play­ Fleming must be awarded the accolade struments have been overwhelmingly ing song slides. Luella Edwards Wick­ for saving the Keith's organ. He was successful. ham, though not a regular organist at really devoted to it, spending more time Three installations in upstate New Keith's , did substitute work there dur­ than anyone else on restoration work. York are cases in point - all having ing vacation periods. This grand old He worked alone when almost everyone been relocated from theatres. The Audi­ lady played the Eckel for seven years, else had lost interest. Bill Hubert and torium Theatre 4/ 22 Wurlitzer in and also was featured at the Crescent, Frank Plante helped him whenever Rochester , the Roberson Center 3/ 17 Hippodrome, Regent, Savoy, Strand, possible. Link in Binghamton, and the New York Temple and Tivoli theatres. The author remembers the day in State Fairgrounds 3/ 11 Wurlitzer in Byron Severance, according to Mr. October 1963, when he, in the company Syracuse attest to the determination and James, might have played Keith's for of ATOE'r John Roblin and his wife, skill of devoted enthusiasts who have a 6-month period, but as to dates, he Fanny, visited Syracuse for the purpose saved three organs for posterity. is uncertain. Severance was featured of seeing the remaining organs in the at the Paramount. Salt City's theatres. After getting a few On January 26, 1920, Keith's The advent of sound, plus the de­ bizarre tunes out of the Loew's State Theatre in Syracuse was opened. Boast­ pression, caused the cessation of organ 4/20 Wurlitzer, we walked down Salina ing 2,514 seats, it was billed as "The music in the theatres. With the original Street to Keith's. Most Magnificent Theatre in the Uni­ cause for the organ's existence gone, verse." From 1920 until 1925, however, Through the graciousness of Mr. and the hard facts of economics pres­ Keith's was strictly a vaudeville house. Dave Levin, the manager, though the ent, the Keith's Wurlitzer, like most It had an orchestra, but no movies or movie was in progress, we were given others, gathered dust in murky silence. organ . The theatre's 3/ 11 Wurlitzer access to the console which was situated In 1961, a crew composed of Tom came onto the scene in 1925, as the to the left of the orchestra pit. Desiring Anderson, Harris Cooper, Bill Purdy, Wurlitzer list identifies Opus #1143 as to get a stop list, we sat on the organ Frank Swann and Rochester's Danny having been shipped from the North bench, and throwing the dusty cover Schultz, succeeded in getting the Keith's Tonawanda plant on August 27. over our head, managed to get the list Wurlitzer into playing condition to be with the aid of a flashlight. Shades of A girl organist, Ruby belle Nason of used in a midnight concert on June 27 World War II Army night problems! New York City, played the organ dur­ in conjunction with the regional con­ We were invited to tour the chambers, ing the first three months after its vention of the AGO. The restorers had but access to them could be gained installation, with Carleton James as relief organist. He became featured organist until 19 31, accompanying the silents until 1929 when the talkies took over the screen. Mr. James recalls three memorable events during his tenure at Keith's. On March 17, 1928 while playing, two gunmen robbed the theatre of over $4,000. The film rolled on, his music rang forth, and no one realized that the theatre was robbed until he read it in the papers. In 1931, on the death of Thomas A. Edison, the theatre lights were put out for a minute, and Mr. James had to play a memorial number in the dark. The third incident occurred while he was playing a noontime 45-minute interval. Suddenly, there was a great Bong! Bong! Bong! He was as startled as the audience and exclaimed, "I didn't do it!" As he looked down at the Original home of 3/11 Wurlitzer, Opus #7143, RKO Keith's Theatre, Syracuse, N. Y. august 1969 8 only via high steel ladders up very Removal of bracing and other sup­ narrow shaftways. We could have ac­ ports came next, as well as many of complished the venture, but only at the the smaller items which could be easily risk of getting our clothes ready for the damaged, such as portions of the toy dry cleaners. A Stu Green NEVER counter and percussion sections. Then, could have made the ascent! to the blower and relay room where In November 1964, newspaper head­ 3,500 electrical connections were un­ lines announced that Associated Dry soldered, identified, and carefully pro­ Goods Co. had taken over the property tected from damage in transit. on Salina Street which included both The heavy electrical cables, which the Howard and Keith's theatres. Plans enabled the console to control the were underway to demolish the block pipes, had to be snaked ac~oss the of structures and erect a modern store. high, treacherous steel work at the top Enthusiasts rallied to save the Keith's of the theatre. These coiled cables, organ and find a home for it. some weighing 1,000 pounds, had to In the Spring of 1965, the Syracuse be carefully lashed together to obviate Theatre Organ Society was formed and damage to the fine copper wires in launched an ambitious program to them. Large items had to be left in raise the necessary funds to remove position until the organ was moved, the organ from the theatre and relocate ( due to lack of storage space. it. Under the leadership of Paul Flem­ About this time, the blower and ing, who had completely re-leathered generator were disconnected, and res­ the organ a few months previously, the Luella Wickham at her March 23, 1965 concert. ervoir springs packed, each labeled. informal, non-chartered, non-officered RKO Keith's Theatre, Syracuse, N. Y. Aching muscles were the order of the group handed out pledge sheets at its day, the result of many climbs up and James, Luella Wickham and Paul For­ concerts, asking for donations. Dr. down the ladders in the narrow shaft­ ster. A silent movie and 12 acts of Charles Kaelber, who got the "organ ways to the chambers. vaudeville, including the Pompeian bug" while associating with organist Players, filled out the bill. It was the Then came the big problem. Origi­ W. Stuart Green in the golden days last time that the organ sounded for nally, the organ was built into the in Syracuse, also was a prime mover in the public in its original home. theatre and then bricked up. To get the project. the organ out, a hole had to be cut The State Exposition Committee of In six months, Keith's Theatre was through a 21" brick wall at one side the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Com­ closed, the sad day coming on January of the theatre. This took a couple of merce met with the STOC to discuss 5, 1967. Just as the theatre's counter­ weekends with the aid of an electric the possibility of saving the organ for part in Rochester, the RKO Palace, hammer, similar to those used on street future generations. Through investiga­ had a final fling in the headlines dur­ pavements, though smaller. ing its demolition ( a workman was tion, it was learned that other related On the weekend of January 7, 1967 pinned between girders high above the instruments and artifacts were slowly and finishing the following weekend, stage, drawing a huge crowd), so did being lost to time and that the majority large truck loads moved the instrument Keith's, though with more tragic re­ of them were in the hands of private to its new home. Many of the larger sults. On May 26, 1967, the rear wall collectors. The idea of a museum was items, such as chests, console, cables, collapsed into Clinton Street during born in this meeting. relays and blower, weighed well over the noontime traffic rush, killing one In March 1965, it was learned that 1,000 lbs. each. With devoted Syracuse and injuring three others. a west coast organ broker had bought volunteers giving unselfishly of their the Loew's State Wurlitzer , which The removal of the organ from time during these two weekends, the stunned the restoration crew of that Keith's is a most interesting story by entire instrument was moved without instrument. This misfortune served as itself. First task, involving five months any damage, except a mark on one a spur to those wanting to save Syra­ of evening and weekend labor, was small pipe. cuse's last theatre organ, Keith's. On spent marking, tagging and identifying Through the co-operation of the March 23, Luella Wickham thrilled a the thousand parts of the organ. Blue­ organizations mentioned previously, a Sunday morning crowd of 1800 at prints were drawn of the original in­ perfect location was found for the Keith 's and on June 27. Dean Robin­ stallation, and all parts carefully noted organ in the second floor auditorium son, former theatre organist from Him­ and scaled so that they could be evalu­ of the Harriet May Mills building on rod, N.Y. , lent his talents in another ated, and locations figured for the or­ the New York State Fairgrounds. Res­ enjoyable and well attended program. gan's new home. toration and installation were done by In June 1966, the New York State Disassembly began in the fall of about a dozen volunteers. Board of Regents approved the charter 1966 with the packing of over 1,000 On January 22, some of these volun­ for the Empire State Theatre and Musi­ pipes. Each had to be individually teers went out to survey what they had cal Instruments Museum. It was an wrapped for protection by being laid wrought in the area where the organ historical first, and through the Expo­ carefully into long cardboard boxes parts were stored. It was a sad looking sition Director, Harold L. Creal, and which were filled with shredded paper. sight, the parts scattered over a 3,500- other state officials, museum space was Paper was fitted around each pipe to square-foot area, most of them covered obtained. assure its not hitting its neighbor. Then with a 42-year layer of grime. The A "Glimpse of the Past" program came the removal of the wind lines. casual observer would wonder what was given at Keith's on June 14, 1966. A label was affixed to each duct, indi­ one was going to do with all this dirty Well - attended and money - producing cating its position, and the screws put looking ":firewood," piles of ductwork, for the organ fund, the program con­ into plastic bags, sealed and taped to one large blower, an organ console sisted of music by Karl Cole, Carleton the duct. with faded white paint, and many boxes

9 theatre organ bombarde Console of the Wurlitzer in the Music Museum as it looks today, restored to original mahogany finish. Solo chamber (left) and main chamber (right) show the care used in installing the former Keith's organ. of pipes. The job which must be done According to genial Charles Schu­ sole and stop-key pneumatics, a well­ looked hopeless. bert , now organ maintenance chief attended concert presented Carleton A total of 3,500 electrical contacts since Paul Fleming moved to Kansas James again. He played a singalong, had to be cleaned of their old solder City , the crew literally "sweated blood" then accompanied a silent comedy and and reconnected. Seventeen hundred to get the organ playing. The mahog­ some early film cartoons. The program magnets had to be cleaned, tested and any console was originally painted was such a success that it was decided adjusted. Over 1,000 pipes had to be white with black trim. This was re­ to present monthly shows of this type. carefully cleaned, tested and tuned. moved, and the case beautifully fin­ During New York State Fair Week Over 2,000 pneumatics had to be re­ ished in its natural wood to blend with in August, the organ was in almost moved from the chests, old leather the interior of the auditorium. The constant use during daytime and night­ sanded, new leather cut and glued, re­ console is located to the left of the time shows, with Carleton James play­ installed and adjusted. The large blow­ stage , though not on an elevator. ing for silent movies. So popular was er, weighing almost a ton, had to be The new home for the organ is prov­ this feature that people were standing disassembled, cleaned, and the genera­ ing ideal. The 400-seat auditorium is along the back and sides of the audi­ tor completely rebuilt. The console equipped with a stage and complete torium, which caused frowns on the with its many coats of white paint had projection equipment-indeed, a small­ part of fire officials. to be refinished, its combination action theatre atmosphere. The two pipe On November 17, Eddie Baker (Dr. completely releathered and many new chambers flank the stage, and access is Edward J. Bebko) played before a contacts installed because the years had easily gained by a corridor surrounding near-c apa city audience, doing a sing­ taken their toll. this area. Relays, blower and motor along and accompanying two silents. The chimes, chrysoglott and harp are housed in a separate soundproof The Musical Instrument Society, would require many hours of patient room behind the stage. The sound of most of whose members were auto­ and careful work to restore them to the organ amply comes directly from matically transferred into it following their original polished beauty. Every the chambers through grilles and into the disbanding of the Syracuse Theatre piece of wood, every rack, every brace, the auditorium. Organ Society, is now sponsoring every chest, had to be completely In July 1967, the organ first sounded monthly programs involving the organ. cleaned, then tested for leaks and finally in its new home, and on August 13 Sometimes it is an organ concert; other reassembled. it was dedicated, with Carleton James times, silent movies with accompani­ This is what the volunteer saw, and appropriately playing his old organ. ment. A singalong is part of the show. he knew he had less than six months Following the opening ceremonies, Mr. A few programs are of an educational to complete this task. A work schedule James played the accompaniment for nature such as the one dealing with was set up; Tuesday and Thursday eve­ three silent comedies: "High and Diz­ movie-making at Ithaca, N. Y., which nings during the week, and Saturdays zy" with Harold Lloyd; "The Mas­ featured such stars at Pearl White and all day. querader" with Charlie Chaplin and Milton Sills, between 1912 and 1920. Paul Fleming and Charles Schubert Fatty Arbuckle; and "Casey at the Bat" In time, the use of the organ will be were leaders of the restoration - instal­ with Wallace Beery. broadened, featuring various playing lation project. The crew included Tom In the fall, Luella Wickham again styles and different types of music. It is Anderson; Arnold Biggs, who refin­ performed on the instrument in a pro­ hoped that additions to the organ itself ished the console; Mary Helen Cava­ gram from Mozart to "Tico Tico," and will be made, a piano being an early llero, who cut leather; Dick Johnson; included World War I songs in a sing­ goal. Don and Ren Johnson; Frank Plante; along. Though in her 70's, this lady Paul Fleming adequately defines the Charles Rich; Lloyd Stevens; Bob Van­ can still excite an audience. aspirations of this organization. "The derhoek, who rebuilt the blower; and On March 23, 1968, following com­ total Muse um concept goes far beyond Charles Wainwright. plete re-leathering of the entire con- theatre organs as such, but will ulti-

august 1969 10 A REPORTON THEATREORGAN ACTIVITY IN THE UTICA-ROME, NEW YORK AREA

by Donald Robinson

Theatre Organ activity in this Central local organ enthusiasts have formed a New York area of the Mohawk Valley group and have undertaken the task of has reached a new and challenging level. dismantling and removing and to re­ The organ in the Stanley Theatre in build and install the organ in its new Utica, New York has been donated to home. The offer of the organ and the The success in finally getting a unani­ final acceptance of the instrument by mous approval of accepting the instru­ the City by RKO-Stanley-Warner Inc. Utica was the result of much effort. It ment may be accredited to several fac­ The organ, a 3/13 Wurlitzer which is represents three months of leg work, tors, principally the salesmanship of the being removed, will be rebuilt and in­ searching for a suitable home for the basic principles of ATOS and its stalled in an arta high school auditorium instrument, letters, telephone calls, ap­ effect on the national scene, the rise and with a seating capacity of 1,300. pearances before City subcommittees, success of theatre organ activity in our Area members of ATOS plus other full committees and board of directors. own neighboring upstate New York cities: Syracuse, Rochester, as well as our own Rome project in the Capitol Theatre and last but not least, the Ni­ mately encumber the total picture of we will be in a position to offer to agara Frontier Chapter headquartered the American contribution to the field both hobbyists and groups doing re­ in Buffalo, which might be looked upon of music from classics to talking pic­ search, information into the fields which as the "Mother of theatre organ activity tures. Within this broad scope, we will the museum will cover, technical assist­ in upstate New York." Now in her tenth get into the mechanical aspects, such ance, lending of books and films and year of activity, she might smile ap­ as projection equipment, the develop­ other help. The scope is broad, and provingly at her "offspring" so to speak, ment of sound on film, mechanical we are feeling our way to assure that that have blossomed over the years out­ musical instruments, records, sheet mu­ we have a solid foundation upon which side her Buffalo boundaries, having cer­ sic, and even the classical side of the the museum will be built. tainly been an indirect influence at least family, including early American track­ "As a personal note, I have never on their successes. er organs. What we have installed now worked with such wonderful and en­ The acquisition of the Stanley Theatre is the first phase. During the 1968 Fair thusiastic individuals, all the way from organ as a restoration project comes Week, a second phase was examined officers to our loyal and important after a ten year effort in trying to bring as to public acceptance. This was a Museum Society Members." this instrument out of "moth balls". limited display of historical musical One thing worries Charles Schubert. The final sounds of this instrument instruments, nickelodeons and antique That is air pollution which has killed came forth on the morning of Saturday, projection equipment dating back to the leathers of many organs in the January 25th at the hands of the area's 1908. With only three nickelodeons, New York- New Jersey area. A nearby two active theatre organists, Carl Brush 3,403 nickels went into them in seven plant spews pollutants into the atmos­ and John Seaton who are both organists days. phere which could be a real organ­ at the Capitol Theatre in Rome. Dis­ "To Mr. Harold L. Creal, president killing proposition. mantling of the instrument began of the Museum, goes much credit for So, another 'organ transplant" is do­ February 1st. expansion of facilities. This is a per­ ing exceptionally well. Through perse­ In our next report from this location, manent public museum. As we grow, verance and hard work, Syracuse's last we'll briefly summarize the dismantling theatre organ has been preserved for and removal. This report would be very posterity; just one more notable con­ much incomplete without mentioning tribution to the Renaissance of the our activities in the Capitol Theatre in Theatre Organ. D Rome. The organ is featured regularly on week-ends, Fridays and Saturdays. RANKSOF THE 3/ 11 WURLITZER The instrument is also used during stage OPUS#1143 shows and community programs. The opening of the United Fund Campaign NEWYORK STATE FAIRGROUNDS Program held in the theatre a few SYRACUSE,N.Y. months ago featured Carl Brush at the 8' Harmonic Tuba 3/7 Moller. 8' Diaphonic Diapason Finally the Organ Loft Program 8' Tibia Clause ( which celebrated its seventh anniver­ 8' Clarinet 8' Orchest -rnl Oboe sary April 20th) continues to serve the 8' Kinura FM listening audience with the best 8' Viol d'Orchestre sounds in organ music over Utica's FM 8' Viol Celeste Stereo Voice, WUFM, 107.3 on the 8' Salicional 8' Concert Flute dial, every Sunday evening with the Carlton James at the console, Music Museum. 8' Vox Humana writer as host. D

11 theatre organ bombarde Furioso No. I by Harry Norton (1919) arr. by Harry J. Jenkins Am---======vamp til readyj ~

r r

-- _Public . Domain august 1969 12 MUSie OF G£HB 8ILBNG£8 EDDIE DUNSTEDTER'S NEW ALBUM FURIOSO No. I Requests from friends and fans of Eddie have been many and varied. They accumulated over the years to the point where Eddie felt obliged After the two-measure introduction to record these "most asked for" (which helps set the scene), the This is the third in a series on selections, music which covers a silent film cue music with special melody is an exercise in chromatic attention to "action" music, com­ scales, first descending, then ascending. wide range of appeal wh~ther one's piled and arranged (usually sim­ There are no special elements of diffi­ preference is in "teen pops" or plified, in the process, for key­ culty in this tune, although some or­ board duffers) by Col. Harry J. ganists in the novice class may find it Wagnerian opera. The very range of Jenkins, whose experiences as a difficult to play the accompaniment the music covered in this album (left hand) as written; one finger ( the silent picture organist in the 20's would be a challenge to any master are his credentials. pinkie) holds down whole notes while the other fingers chop away at '8th of music, even with the facility of a notes. If the feat seems well nigh versatile orchestra. Yet Eddie Dun­ This time Colonel Harry has come impossible, play the whole left hand stedter, playing but one magnificent up with a wild one - a "furioso" - chord "chop-chop" wherever the 8th which is just what its name implies. notes prevail. pipe organ, creates soaring orches­ Even in simplified form it pictures Try the melody line alone, first. It tral sounds that stagger the senses. violence in the grand manner - chaos looks formidable but most of it is chro­ matic, so only the first and last notes galore! All of the film's buildup of sus­ of the chromatic phrases must be read, This, then, is Eddie's answer to pense is over and this is the climax - the starting and stopping points. his many wonderful friends, many perhaps a medieval battle with armor Then try the left hand and pedal who remember him from his "Fast crashing an "over the wall" mass parts alone. If fingers tire because of prison break; crowds running headlong the continued staccato chording, pity Freight" broadcasts in the '20's, before a huge, stupid Brontosaurus the poor silent film organist who once and also many more recent "con­ which doesn't dig London traffic; did a four to six hour trick at the verts" to the Dunstedter brand of Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg; close­ console. up of a tornado; French Patriots storm­ When the solo and accompaniment music - the young people who ing the Bastille; the Keystone Kops have become familiar, put them to­ crowd around the console each running after ( and passing) their run­ gether, and don't be discouraged if the time he plays in public. away squad car; Egyptians pursuing first try adds up to more devastation Israelites across the desert - until the than the music describes. Practice is Red Sea caves in and sinks their chari­ the answer. Note the left hand "sharp" Eddie plays requests for you! ots. The music will fit any intense trills near the end. Trill on B and C activity with overtones of approaching for the first one, E and F for the calamity. second. The effect is more prominent when performed on the same manual Because this is the "big spectacle" as the solo. For copies write to: scene, the music should be played fairly Tempo depends on the pace of the loud, once it has been learned. Action violence being accompanied, or imag­ EDDIE music is one area where sobbing tibias ined, as well as the skill of the player. Carl Greer Inn and heavy tremulants do not fit, so set Take it slowly until it has been learned, 2600 Auburn Boulevard up for a "solid" sound, dominated by then build up to the d,esired speed. Sacramento, California 95821 8' and 4' diapasons, strings and fat After all - it is a "hurry!" reeds. · And, perhaps a 16' bourdon. And keep in mind that this is only Trem should be minimum. For this a fragment, a few notes which the • particular selection the accompaniment picture player used as a basis for Enclose return address & $6.00 manual should be only a little softer in improvisation. It sounds just as effective postage included volume than the solo manual. in any other key, but none is simpler Only six chords are required to create than A minor. the mood of unmitigated disaster: A So, here's your opportunity to go • Minor, D Minor, E Major, A Dimin­ musically wild in a fury of cinematic Cheques Payable To ished 7th ( which slithers into a B7 for clangor, combat, Comanches, crisis, Eddie Dunstedter two beats) and B Diminished 7th, all cataclysm, catastrophe - and conse- in simple positions. quences. □ 13 theatre organ bombarde Apr. 1926 (D) Station WBPI in War­ July 1934 (D) JESSE CRAWFORD, saw, N. Y. has begun a weekly program who has taken charge of the Kilgen from the Warner Theatre. This is one in the open-air theatre at the Chicago of several stations in the country fea­ World's Fair, has been broadcasting turing Marr & Colton organ shows - over the NBC Network. Detroit; Long Beach, Cal.; Harrisburg GOLD DUST: May 1924; A 4/28 and Allentown, Pa. Marr & Colton has been installed in New York's Piccadilly Theatre and will Oct. 192 (J) AMBROSE LARSEN be used for broadcasting; KARL BON­ is heard nightly over WGN, Chicago, A WITZ is heard Tuesdays from the on the Wurlitzer Company's 4th floor Germantown Theatre, Philadelphia, studio organ. Larsen should be given over WIP; W. REMINGTON WELCH the credit for developing the famous on the McVicker's Theatre Wurlitzer train effect, for after he had used it in on Wednesdays over KYW, Chicago demonstrations, others were quick to ... June 1924, HOWARD R. WEBB adopt it. His bagpipe effect is startling on the Ritz Theatre 2/ 30 Kimball, - so original, so different! Ambrose is Mondays over KDKA, Pittsburgh, fat and thirty. while PAUL FLEEGER on the Cameo Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos Aug. 1927 (J) AVELYN M. KERR Theatre Wurlitzer broadcasts over the plays the huge Marr & Colton daily same station on Fridays; LAURENCE For this month, Jason and I have from the studios of WSOE in Mil­ H. MONTAGUE on the Hotel Statler found nuggets in the Mother Lode per­ waukee. Ballroom Wurlitzer Sundays over WGR, taining to organists who broadcast in Buffalo ... Dec. 1924, ROBERT J. the halcyon days of the theatre organ. Sep. 1927 (J) The West Coast once BERENTSEN and HAROLD OS­ References are American Organist boasted such theatre organists as BORN SMITH broadcast daily over (AO), Diapason (D), Jacobs (J) and CRAWFORD, DAMSKI, LEAF, Rochester's WHAM, using the 4-man­ Melody (M). KEATE.S, MURTAGH, HAUP~ ual Eastman Theatre Austin; On Tues­ Jan. 1923 (D) Through the courtesy MANN, SANTAELLA and GUTER­ days, they play the 2/7 Wurlitzer in the of the Estey Organ Co. and the Radio SON. All except the last two are now theatre's fifth floor studio; ALEX F. Corp., Westinghouse Station WJZ in radio stars. TAYLOR on the Grand Theatre's 2- Newark, N. J. will broadcast twice­ manual Wurlitzer Tuesdays over weekly recitals, using the organ in the Apr. 1928 (J) HAROLD PEASE, KDKA, Pittsburgh, while RALPH company's office at Eleven W. 49th who is such a success at Washington's WALDO EMERSON is heard over street, New York. Colony Theatre, has started his Music WLS on Wednesdays on the 2/6 Bar­ Jan. 1925 (M) LLOYD G. DEL Memory Contest again this year. He is ton in the Mallers Bldg., Chicago ... CASTILLO, at Boston's Fenway on the air one hour at noon from the Feb. 1925, Los Angeles organists are Theatre, and composer of the barcarolle WRC Homer Kitt Studio. playing daily noon concerts from the "Slumber Boat", has a weekly program Wurlitzer studio over KNX, Holly­ June 1928 (D) WESLEY B. TOUR­ on WEE/. EDITH LANG, another wood ... July 1925, HUGO GRIMM TELLOTTE opened the 2-manual 16- Boston theatre organist, recently played broadcasts from the WL W Studio, Cin­ stop Estey in the Don Lee second-floor the organ in the Boston City Club audi­ cinnati while JOHN HAMMOND uses studios of KHJ in Los Angeles. Lee, torium over WN AC. the Piccadilly 4/ 28 Marr & Colton on distributor of Cadillac and La Salle Mar. 1925 (M) ALBERT F. Tue sdays over WGB.S, New York ... automobiles on the first floor, has an BROWN, demonstrator for the Geneva Dec. 1925, WAHG, New York an­ organ which is rare in stations on the Organ Co., presides at the organ in nounces a series of 36 programs using West Coast, and is used to augment the Fargo Theatre in Geneva, Ill., and its Skinner . . . May 1926, RENE small orchestras or for solo work. broadcasts nightly, using the 3-manual DAGENAIS on the Capitol's 2-manual (Later, GAYLORD CARTER played Estey over WBZ, Springfield, Mass .... Geneva in the WJJD studio, Moose­ this beast, and upon its removal to heart, Ill. Apr. 1927, the Milwaukee Journal has Forest Lawn Cemetery, commented that purchased a Wurlitzer for its station, Apr. 1925 (M) OTTO F. BECK uses it "found its proper home!"). the Wurlitzer in Crandall's Tivoli in WHAD . . . May 1927, Milwaukee Washington on a weekly program over July 1928 (D) LEW WHITE is the News Station WSOE is installing a 3- WRC. first organist to broadcast for NBC, manual Marr & Colton. Said to be the Sep. 1925 (M) WENDELL C. doing this and making Brunswick largest for broadcasting in the U. S., GLOVER, teacher at the Wurlitzer records from his studio in New York. it features a complete trap section ... school in New York, performs over A member of "Roxy's Gang," he is Oct. 1927, W. D. WEIST heard over WJZ and also demonstrates organs. heard Sunday afternoons and Monday WLW, Cincinnati. Feb. 1926 (D) A unique broadcast evenings on W JZ. We're off to find nuggets on organ occurred in Chicago recently. RALPH manufacturers for the October issue. WALDO EMERSON, at the organ in July 1928 (D) LLOYD G. DEL See you then, sourdoughs! the Barton Studio, and GLENN ROW­ CASTILLO and Mr. DUNHAM are -Lloyd & Jason ELL at the WLS console, played a doing unique duets over WNAC, Bos­ duet, although the organs were blocks ton. Mr. Del Castillo plays the 3- apart. A mixing board was a factor in manu~l Estey in his studio in the State THE EDITOR GOOFED DEPT. this venture. Theatre Building and Mr. Dunham In the Last issue of Theatre Organ Mar. 1926 (AO) REGINALD E. uses the 3-manual Wurlitzer in the Elks' Bombarde your editor credited the WEBB is broadcasting on a 3-manual Hotel, two miles away. Each artist is Northern California Chapter News to Marr & Colton in the Martha Wash­ equipped with earphones, enabling him Bob Schmalz. Actually the material ington Theatre over WJR, Hamtramck, to talk to and hear the other while the submitted was written by Dave Sauer. Mich. radio audiences listen in. We're sorry about that. august 1969 14 the Mart. Jesse Crawford was one of he could do, and so she accepted. Very PIPE DREAMS the last to move. He did not like the few words were exchanged in the coffee new organ. The higher frequencies of shop. He did. manage to say finally, CHICAGO, USA certain pipes did not meet with his "You love that organ very much, don't approval, and it was necessary to install you?" With this, she actually, for the by L. R. Clarke acoustical absorption panels in the first time, looked at him very carefully areas of the pipes involved. The room and was surprised to find him excep­ The last of two installments on was actually too small to do justice to tionally well groomed and with a very Chicago's Radio Pipe Organs. the instrument. The pressure was most kind face. His next few words, "I evident, and the sound deafening to would like for you to come to my (TOB June, 1969) a studio listener. The final installation, office; I have something to show you," however, was considered to be one of got a very unfavorable reaction which With the completion of the Civic the finest examples of unification by" he sensed. But he assured Miss Harvey Opera Building , station WENR moved the Wurlitzer Company. that his secretary would be there. When they finally approached his office, she (from the Straus Building) to new Even before WENR moved from the was most embarrassed to see the name studios on the 42nd floor. The unusually Civic Opera Bldg., the studios were "Samuel Insull" on the door. What he large studio was equipped with a 3/ 13 busy most of the day. All programs wished to show her was a contract all Wurlitzer. When NBC purchased both were live at that time. When Dean ready for her signature to remain as WENR and WMAQ, the theme for Fossler was required to play "The Per­ organist for his new station which fect Song" for the West Coast, the "Amos & Andy" (heard over WMAQ) would occupy the very studio she was studio was busy up to midnight. Some leaving. The terms of the contract were was transferred to the WENR organ. who wished to practice at the organ too good to pass by, and her fellow found it necessary to practice after workers advised her to sign the con­ midnight or very early in the morning. tract. Of the many organ programs feat­ ured at that time, Irma Glen had one of Jane Harvey was one of these. As Irma Glen, Larry Larson, Lew Webb, the most popular on the air. She had a often as required, she would arrive at Helen Westbrook, Dean Fossler, Jane tremendous following and is remem­ the studio in the early morning hours Harvey, and others helped to make the bered by so many today as if it were to prepare for the day or to practice. organ studio a busy place, regardless It wasn't too long before she was aware only yesterday. if it were the Civic Opera or Merchan­ of a white-haired little old man sitting dise Mart Studio. The Chicago-orig­ One loyal listener to her program in the control booth. Although a little inated children's show, "Little Orphan discovered Irma Glen missing from disturbing, her co-workers convinced Annie ," was broadcast locally by WGN her favorite listening time. After con­ her that it was probably a janitor and with Len Salvo at the organ; then the siderable contact with the station offi­ the best thing was to try and overlook cast would move to NBC where Irma cials by letter , phone , and a personal the whole thing. They all knew that Glen took over on the studio Wurlitzer visit, the fan found the only way to soon they would be moving and, since for the network show. The "Amos & correct a personal grievance was to the little old man was behind glass and Andy" theme followed, with Dean sponsor a program and at a time most at a safe distance , it would be best to Fossler at the console. Jesse Crawford suited to her. For almost two years , igr followed on the same organ after the this anonymous sponso r paid the "card acoustical changes were made to his rate without discount ," and Irma Glen satisfaction. Between the opening and was heard one night a week for 15 closing theme for "Amos & Andy," minutes. Irma Glen knew who her you usually found Jesse Crawford either benefactor was, but part of the arrange­ changing combination settings or pre­ ment was that at no time would her paring for his program. name be made public. At one time, the "Quiz Kids" orig­ Almost immediately after NBC pur­ inated from the Mart studios . The chased WMAQ , the station was moved sponsor was willing to pay the extra to the Merchandise M-art. However , $35 fee for the pipe organ on the now tha t NBC had the use of a pipe opening number. The organist, Howard organ , they transferred some of the Peterson, found it necessary to run music to the organ , especially theme from the organ studio to the "Quiz songs. Kids" studio where he continued on the Hammond. Studio rent , cross-town switching, The Smith Family, first family on radio, seen plus rehearsal problems behooved NBC here at the WENR 3/13 Wurlitzer in the Civic Howard Peterson was also staff or­ to obtain a pipe organ at once for their Opera Building. Irma Glen was Betty, the daugh­ ganist for WLS; but, since the station 19th floor Mart studios. Several offices ter, and doubled at the organ for music bridges. was not full time, it was possible for were vacated, and a new studio was him to accept other engagements and built which eventually housed a 3/ 13 The day arrived when it was required he took full advantage of the situation. Wurlitzer. Evidence seems to indicate to turn in all keys. On entering the This was almost necessary, as one week that Wurlitzer put the organ together elevator, she was surprised to find the you were staff and the next week you on a rush basis using many parts from little old man behind her. When they were hired for only specific programs. cancellations, etc. Several chests were reached the first floor, he finally spoke rebored and restamped with ranks not and asked her to join him for a cup Back in 1927, the Barton Organ originally on the chests. As soon as of coffee. She mumbled to herself that Company installed a new organ in the possible, all programs were moved to after all the annoyance it was the least WLS Washington Blvd. studio. The

15 theatre organ bombarde original organist again was Al Melgard. famous Barton organ installation in the Eventually WJJD was purchased and However, Ralph Emerson took over Chicago Stadium.) The old theatre-type moved to 201 N. Wells St., Chicago. and remained until about 1937 when he console was removed but the pedal The new owners brought . a 3-manual left for radio station KOY, Phoenix. board was left behind. It was still there Wurlitzer from the Drake Theatre, and Howard Peterson took over for what in a dark corner many years later when by 1935 the installation was completed. was to be a temporary stay, as Ralph they vacated the studio. One section of the 21st floor was re­ Emerson said he planned to return as moved, and this area became Studio soon as his wife's health improved. His WCFl., - Chicago Federation of "A". The final installation was ideal. wife, Elsie May Look, also served as Labor - was started in 1926. The orig­ Two chambers were built at one end of organist on WLS from time to time. inal studio was at 826 S. Wabash the studio, and the console was placed Things did not work out too well at Avenue in the Brunswick-Balk Bldg. at the opposite end. KOY, and considerable friction de­ Here we find a studio complete with a During the interim from Mooseheart veloped in the studio. Ralph announced 2-manual semi-unit Barton, consisting of one 6-rank chest plus 4 unified ranks. to 201 N. Wells, WJJD continued to his own programs as usual, and one find a way to offer organ programs. In day at the end of the program told his This studio was used for only p.m. pro­ the beginning, daily broadcasts came listening audience that he enjoyed play­ grams. All day broadcasting came from the Arcada Theatre in St. ing for them and also how nice they from a Navy Pier studio, the space Charles. Some of these were one hour had been. He then added, "but for my being leased from the City of Chicago long, both in the morning and in the associates here in the studio," and pro­ for one dollar per year. in exchange, afternoon. In addition, the Uptown duced a tremendous crescendo on the they extended free mike facilities to Theatre organ was also heard with Ar­ organ, mouthed an equally hearty City Hall. Al Carney was the organist sene Siegal at the console. After a time, Bronx cheer and closed the show. from the start and continued with WCFL when they moved to the entire the line charge from St. Charles was 20th floor of the Furniture Mart, 666 excessive, and other facilities were Lake Shore Drive. eventually secured in Chicago. The Barton Organ Co. moved the One enterprising organist, Fred Beck, organ to the new studio where it con­ rented a studio, complete with a pipe tinued to be heard until WCFL's recent organ, in the Wurlitzer Bldg. He used move to new studios in Marina City. it not only for teaching but also sup­ Eddy Hanson took over after the death plied the complete package to WJJD of Al Carney and is probably better whenever required. Actually, Fred Beck remembered as the WCFL organist be­ rented three different locations from cause of the many years Eddy was asso­ time to time to supply WJJD with pro­ ciated with the station. grams they desired until their new studios were ready. Fr-ed did not like to It seems like WJJD was always wear earphones and so, as often as pos­ around serving the Chicago area. Years sible, his close friend, Hannah Jacobs, ago, the studio was in Mooseheart, Ill. wore the earphones to receive instruc­ It had a small Geneva organ which tions from the control room across was used for broadcasts occasionally. town and gave Fred the signal - a tap However, most of the radio programs on the shoulder - to continue with the actually came from the Fargo Theatre in next number. Geneva. Here also a Geneva organ was Howard Peterson at the Barton organ in the Hannah Jacobs, hired as WIND or­ WLS Studio. used which by comparison was more ganist using WJJD's organ, received desirable since it was a larger organ word on rather short notice that the or­ with a modern electric action. The studio did not take this lightly, gan was ready and she was scheduled to and he was given notice. Whether he broadcast early the next morning. Hav­ had actually planned to return to Chi­ ing never seen the organ before, she cago is not known, but POY and WLS turned to Dean Fossler for expert ad­ were owned by the same group and he vice and assistance. She was delighted found his old job was no longer avail­ that Dean helped her even though he able. So, instead of a temporary job, had finished the closing theme for Howard Peterson stayed on for 20 "Amos & Andy" the previous midnight. years ~ntil the organ was discontinued. Of the several former theatre organ­ Around 1944, WLS decided to invest ists heard over WJJD, one was the most considerable money to revamp the capable Harry Zimmerman, who is still studio. They also invested in a new very busy in the musical field. You organ console and four additional sets still see his name as musical director of pipes. During the next four months, on some of our bigger TV programs. programs came from the Eighth Street WJJD eventually moved from 201 Theatre using a Hammond. For the N. Wells to Michigan Avenue. The pipe next four months, the new console was organ was left behind and acquired by used without any workable pistons. a church. In its place, we find another Once completed, it was no longer a electronic organ. theatre-type but a regulation church­ Prior to the electronic, only a pipe type console. Walter Golnick, formerly organ was available and it was even with the Barton Organ Company, did Fred Beclc supplied WJJD with pipe organ music then considered strictly a matter of the work. ( He was also in charge of the from a rented studio in the Wurlitzer Building. economics. As one owner put it, "It

august 1969 16 was just a matter of good business; for organ in the Royal Palm Room at his about the excellent condition in which the price of 0ne organist, I got the Liggett's Holiday Inn, replacing a small he found the parts he purchased. Even­ equivalent of a 10-piece band." Wurlitzer. After he finally acquired the tually, he plans to install the organ in organ, conditions had changed and he a new home, one built especially for Those of us who love good organ deferred installation of the Insull organ the organ. music recall the pleasure it affords. and, meanwhile, had it stored in a Here in Chicago even the electronic However, one dear lady somewhere trailer. Fortunately, it was resold and had a different opinion. This lady, and organ has practically disappeared from given a new home in St. Louis where it the radio picture, as live shows have no doubt many others, had lived quietly is presently installed in mint condition. and probably very peacefully in the almost been abandoned. Granada Hotel on the North Side. The second "Amos & Andy" organ Radio station WLS was sold and the Little did she realize that directly -Merchandise Mart studios of NBC­ studios on West Washington Blvd. were below was a pipe organ in working did not fare as well. NBC donated the closed. The organ was acquired by a condition just waiting for someone instrument to the United States Air well-to-do farmer in Indiana. As far to find and use. Leave it to an organ­ Force Academy, Colorado, for the as is known, it is still stored in an old ist - this one being Bob Rhodes - to chapel. A committee from the Academy railroad station along with a few others discover the excellent little Wurlitzer. inspected the organ before it was ac­ he has acquired. Although he has a He promptly moved into the hotel with cepted. However, they obtained the pipe organ in his living room now, he the definite understanding that he could opinion of an expert, Walter Holtkamp. must have some plans for the other use the organ if he paid for any neces­ He inspected the Wurlitzer which by organs he has acquired. sary repairs, etc. The dear lady may then was in a Denver, Colorado ware­ In the basement of the Wrigley Build­ have liked organ music, but having it house. Since the organ had been used ing, we no longer find a pipe organ. directly below her bedroom was not daily and was always properly main­ Originally, a Kilgen was installed there appreciated. Also, the hours a profes­ tained it is difficult to understand an for radio station WHT. WHT replaced sional musician found convenient to estimate of $42,818 for the rehabili­ this organ with a 4-manual Page which practice and record were not exactly tation of the organ. The word "rehabili­ was removed when WHT ceased oper­ the same. tation" may be the clue. The organ was ations. Then WBBM moved into the Problems arose. To leave the organ in excellent condition. True, it was not same basement studio and had its Bar­ in place would mean an empty hotel - a church organ. Mr. Holtkamp also ton organ moved in from the Stewart except for one guest. The crowning quoted $51,000 to "reproduce the organ Warner Bldg. In due time, additional blow may have been the day Bob in kind." To further justify Mr. Holt­ stops were added along with a new Rhodes and Hal Pearl moved a Ham­ kamp and his report, the following is a console. quote from his letter of February 23, mond into the hotel. With this topnotch Later, the publicity arrangement with duo - Hal and Bob exchanging places 1951, to the Department of Procure­ ment, United States Air Force Academy: WBBM was terminated and Barton re­ at either the Wurlitzer or Hammond - moved the organ which they promptly no one could escape the music. The "The musical worth. or suitability sold. WBBM replaced it with the 3/ 9 obvious solution for the hotel manager of the 'movie organ' for use by .Wurlitzer. was to sell the organ and get his long­ the USAF depends, in my opinion, time residents back. Back in the 30's, CBS purchased upon: WBBM and in recent years closed the THE DECLINE Wrigley Bldg. studios. The 3/ 9 Wur­ ( 1) A USAF entertainment setup litzer was donated to the Glenview 0~ ~ oo~ ilie ~~ o~am d~ like or similar to that unique Community Church where it replaced appeared from the radio picture. The theatre conditions and era for a Hammond. Believe it or not, they convenience of the electronic organ which this type organ was es­ liked the Hammond better. The Wur­ was creating considerable soul search­ pecially designed. litzer was finally traded in on a Moller, ing by management. The portability ·of ( 2) A reasonable assurance of and many were led to believe that parts the electronic and its compact size were of the Wurlitzer pipes were incorpo­ disti nct answers to the overcrowded present - day USAF audience approval. rated in the new organ. The Moller studio facilities. Even if a station was people state that they did not use any fortunate to have a specific organ ( 3) The availability of an organ­ portion of the old Wurlitzer. studio, the new electronic organ solved ist possessing the special mu­ When CBS purchased the Chicago many problems. Soon there were sev­ sical aptitude and showman­ Arena Bldg. for the new TV-radio stu­ eral per station in place of the one ship necessary to exploit the dios, they acquired the existing 3-10 pipe organ. For soap operas, it proved unusual tonal resources of the Wurlitzer. It was auctioned off and to be actually more suitable. instrument. went for $600. When CBS pressed the new owner for quick removal of The original "Amos & Andy" Wur­ As an architect and builder of or­ the organ, he seemed surprised that he litzer was located in the WENR studio gans, I cannot recommend the in­ stallation of the subject organ for had to act immediately and stated that on the 42nd floor of the Civic Opera he would get a truck and a friend and Bldg., 20 N. Wacker Drive. The studio the very limited (and questionable) use for which it is suitable." be there the next day to remove it. was directly below the penthouse of This statement made them ask just Samuel Insull. The organ was his pride Thus, the organ was put up for sale. what he meant, and they soon realized ar.d joy. that he actually thought the complete Various people purchased parts of organ was the 3-manual white console. For many years after his death, the the organ. The console, Englist horn, He was bewildered to see what was in­ organ was not for sale. Finally, it was oboe, krumet, glockenspiel, and xylo­ volved, having no idea it was so much. sold to Mr. Liggett of Burlington, Wis­ phone were purchased by Robert Castle This is the organ that the "one and consin. He fully intended to install the of Denver. Bob has often remarked only" Mildred Fitzpatrick played for

17 theatre organ bombarde years with unmatched precision. Herb ing what happened to it. After all these If you were to look into the chamber Shriner came to the rescue and pur­ years, these "gone" organs are of no containing the chimes, you might notice chased the organ, whereupon it was concern to Dan Barton but he is con­ the mike directly in the middle of the promptly moved East and given a new soled by the famous Stadium organ, room. Since the chimes are mounted home. (It is now in a church. Ed.) the $120,000 installation. It is used on the rear wall of the chamber, they The Barton Organ Co. had a rather every day. do not sound out sufficiently. The con­ unique arrangement with the radio sta­ trol room is always advised in advance tion installations. They furnished the when the chimes are to be used. Only organ and also had the option to name ranks in the opposite chamber will then the organist. However, organists were be used, and as Harold Turner signals always paid by the station. Dan Barton the control room they will open the called it a "publicity arrangement." mike which permits a distinct clear For this, " ... at the Golden Voiced pickup of the chimes. Barton Organ" was continually heard Sunday morning, we hear "Pipe over the air every time the organ was Dreams," a half-hour WGN program used. which, however, is far too short since Most major organ companies were many commercials are also aired. The invited to bid on an organ for the new studio is basically a TV studio; a Chicago Stadium. One by one, their very modern and efficient room with bids were received and all were asked the latest type of equipment for flexibil­ where they planned to put the pipes. ity in moving scenery, etc., for the vari­ They suggested lofts in various loca­ ous types of programs originating from tions, mostly the four corners. . They this studio No. 3. When the organ is not were reminded that this meant they The only other pipe organ heard over the air in in use, it is difficult to locate. Very few would be a city block apart and out of Chicago was this Kimball organ at Moody Bible Institute (station WBMI). It was used for dinner would realize a pipe organ is located the question. Super-salesman Dan Bar­ hour programs and featured religious music. in the room unless they happened to ton was one of the last to be ques­ notice and realize they were looking at tioned. When asked, he immediately When the Chicago radio pipe organs pipe organ shutters. The busy schedule said, "I will suspend the entire organ seemed to be at an end, we had a re­ of the studio limits the availability of from the ceiling, and it will be like prieve. Headlines read, "WGN to build the organ. Even if there was a demand music from Heaven." This clinched the new studios on the North Side." This for organ programs, it is doubtful that deal, and they gave him a $90,000 news became a reality in 1961 when the full schedule would permit either deposit. A crew of 36 men were kept they occupied the new building at 2501 a radio or TV organ program. At pres­ busy installing the organ. When the W. Bradley Place. Space was again ent, a •Jive pipe organ program is out first carload arrived, they laid all the designated for the pipe organ. of the question. Only additional taping parts out on the stadium floor, wonder­ would permit more, but this would have ing where it was all going. Little did Once again, after a complete over-· to be accomplished on a very tight they realize that 16 more carloads were haul by the Wichlack Organ Co. - new schedule or at a very late hour. to follow. The Barton Organ Company magnets, new leather, etc. - the organ was paid promptly and in full for the was installed in a new 40 x 70 ft. studio. Yes, except for a very few brief organ, although rumors were that Bar­ The console is now on rollers so it can moments, it has been a "Pipe Dream." ton had trouble collecting and even­ be moved to any part of the new studio. Than ks to WGN and the artistry of tually settled for $60,000. Off-white now replaces the previous Haro ld Turner, we are still able to hear ebony finish. The horseshoe and manual When the talkies arrived, it killed the occasion aily the pipe organ and all its blocks still show the original wood. theatre pipe organ business overnight. beauty. D The Barton Organ Company was no The new installation is now in two exception. They had any number of chambers, whereas previously it was all installations which had been purchased in one. A new chest was required to on a 10% down, 10% on delivery, separate the ranks into the two cham­ NOW AVAILABLE and payments over a 30-month period bers as suggested by the Wichlack Or­ at 6%. Theatre owners just stopped gan Company. The clarinet was moved in sheet music for organ paying for the organs, and one by one to the new chest, and the old clarinet they were repossessed. They were taken rack remained vacant. back to Oshkosh where they were ''NOCTIJIINE'' stored, practically all over town. Barton A casual conversation between Har­ BY stopped repossessing them after tbey old Turner and his 'close friend, John filled five warehouses. Barton tried to Peters, resulted in the recent addition fiA1lOR/JCARTER make a few changes on the .repossessed of the 11th rank. One day Harold Tur­ • Key of D flat organs for use in churches but this was ner received a set of metal open flute • Tranquilly beautiful unsuccessful. The remaining installa­ pipes as a gift. The gift was the result tions were just abandoned, and the of a remark that a soft flute would be • Not Difficult publicity arrangements with radio sta­ helpful for the church music he is also tions was ignored in most cases. Tech- required to play. The new stop - nach­ $1.00 . nically, the stations did not have title thorn 8' - is only available on the Solo Order direct from Publisher: manual and at present controlled by a to the organs, but at that point no one Jack Loren Organ Studios wanted them, least of ail the Barton previously unused English horn 4' tab. P. 0. BOX 1356 Organ Company. The WCFL organ is The empty clarinet rack now holds the BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF. 90213 gone, and they hav~ no record indicat- new nachthorn 8' rank.

a u gust 1969 18 - Photo by Bill Lamb ATOE ANNUAL MEETING 1969 QUOTABLE QUOTES From early afternoon, July 3rd to "One of the best conventions we late evening, July 7th, Chicago could have ever had." be considered the true capital of the "I loved the chartered buses. You theatre organ world as CATOE hosted didn't have to worry about parking and the annual ATOE conclave. I met so many interesting people on the The officers and members of CA TOE buses I might not have otherwise. A can be proud of their efforts as the great idea!" careful planning and good scheduling "Oh, those darned Steak and Cheese was evident throughout. No doubt the Sandwiches (in the Fairfield Inn, the responsible officers suffered many anxi­ Marriott Coffee Shop open 24 hours). ous moments and sometimes felt the I ate three yesterday alone!" world had caved in. However, the gen­ "You know, these conventions are eral happiness and friendly repartee getting better every year!" amongst the conventioneers indicated all was running smoothly and everyone "It only took a few trips on the buses was having a joyous time. to realize that the ones with the longest It is difficult for any group to sustain hoods had the thickest and softest seats. or improve the quality of ATOE meet­ The newer the bus, the harder the ings and it is to the credit of CA TOE seats." that our 1969 gathering maintained the "Chicago certainly has a lot of short high quality of the past and introduced nights ... especially on Saturday." innovations which heightened the gen­ "No one can complain about the eral enthusiasm. - Photo by Tom Yannitell accommodations at the Marriott.n

- Photo by Tom Yannitell - Photo by Bill Lamb Judd Walton was ;ust another conventioneer when this picture was tak~n Bob Arndt (left) and his father (right) displaying items from their portable while talking with Bill Lamb, Stan Hendricks and Lee Erwin. (See page 29) "Pipe Organ General Store," Keyboard Entertainment Products Co., during registration in the Marriott lobby.

19 theatre organ bombarde cago area, including the "Farewell to the Oriental". The success of this show astounded all concerned, including the theatre management which had taken a dim view of the idea when it was first suggested.

July 4, P.M. -Elm Skating Club The afternoon tour took several bus­ loads of enthusiasts to the Elm Skating AU Club to see and hear the 4/ 24 organ. The instrument contains components from several organs - a Geneva con­ board! sole, the 10 HP Orgoblo from the South­ town Theatre, Barton ranks from an Oshkosh theatre and so on. To say that this organ produces "the July 4, A.M. - WGN Studios Catoe Seminar on Presentations big sound" is putting it very mildly. A visit to hear the WGN 3/ 11 Wurli­ Included in this year's schedule of Four post horns do more than their Kimball began the tour of installations. events, was an informative seminar con­ share in keeping the pipe organ sound Due to the size of the studio, attend­ cerning the planning and execution of reverberating to all corners of the spa­ ance was limited to three groups of 100 events, especially those designed to at­ cious skating rink. Two chambers con­ apiece. tract the general public. taining exposed percussions and 16 The instrument, originally installed Bill Benedict conducted the meeting, ranks are situated over the rink, while in the Drake Hotel in the late Twenties, which was well attended by chapter the remaining 8 are on a balcony near has been moved several times until representatives, he explained in detail the elevated console. today it is located in a TV studio. the necessity of acquiring the respect Tony Tahlman, the house organist, Staff organist, Hal Turner took his and trust of theatre managements. To do this, Bill pointed out that a gave a fine demonstration of the or­ audiences on a tour of the instrument, gan's capabilities in performing selec­ and played several selections which strong, practical and honest approach is a must, and contracts with theatres, tions of varying tempo. Personable highlighted the interesting voices. All Tony has been responsible for the or­ agreed that the program was too short, unions, and artists must I?e carefully worked out with all details included. gan since its installation in 1956. He but the organ can be heard weekly on was going strong without a break, up WGN-TV's Channel 9, with Hal Turner Benedict also stated the requirements for getting adequate newspaper pub­ to the time of our leaving, a truly de­ at the console. Over the years, other voted performer. well-known organists served as staff licity. organists, such as Len Salvo and Pres­ CATOE is in position to give advice One of CATOE's innovations at this ton Sellers. on the subject since it has produced a session was the offer of free skates to number of "sell-out" shows in the Chi- join in the skating fun.

- Photo by Bill Lamb

(Upper left) Inside of the WGN south chamber not seen by our groups. (Lower left) WGN Kimball console in new television studios on Chicago's rorth side. (Above) Tony Tahlman and ATOE'rs at the Elm Skating Club.

august 1969 20 July 4, P.M. - The Aragon Affair The specially prepared program at the Aragon Ballroom effectively trans­ ported the membership back to the roaring twenties and early thirties. CATOE having arranged for a 15- piece dance orchestra under the leader­ ship of Frankie Masters and Hal Pearl at the 3/ 10 Wurlitzer, played music of the era in which the Aragon flourished . The atmospheric decor of the famous ballroom seemed well pteserved, and with the use of the many lighting effects available, the era of the big band was effectively re-created. Again, CATOE introduced something new for annual meetings by encour­ aging people to get on the floor and dance. After introductory remarks by Master of Ceremonies, Ben Hall , Hal Pearl opened the program at the console of the 3/10 Wurlitzer and very effectively - Photo by Bill Lamb demonstrated the tonal qualities of this In a little Spanish town? No ... Hal Pearl and ATOE'rs in the organ balcony amid the Spanish beautiful instrument. At the conclusion decor of the Aragon Ballroom. of Hal's segment, the stage curtains parted to reveal the dance band of chestra pit. Ben Hall spoke briefly As late as 1942, the organ was used Frankie Masters which then took over, about the theatre's accoutrements and for special events. playing danceable music which enticed history, and then the theatre's youthful Artist for this two part program was many ATOErs to the floor. Those seen manager took over to tell about how he Jack Hadfield, a personable chap who on the floor included President Al is trying to get the house back to its most adequately demonstrated the ex­ Mason and wife, Betty. Following the once proud physical condition so that cellent voices of the instrument, with orchestra's stint, Hal returned to the perhaps live shows can be re-instated. his style so reminiscent of Lew White console for a set of numbers. This pat­ An example of the kind of problems and Jesse Crawford. tern was repeated throughout the eve­ faced is the number of light bulbs for After intermission, John Mallow, a ning, as was the custom in the banner which there are sockets in the house­ famous WGN personality, did a words­ years of the opulent ballroom. over 200,000. And most of them need and-music stint which took his attentive to be replaced. listeners back to the golden days when many radio stations employed an an­ July _5, A.M. Mont Clare Theatre nouncer with organ music in the back­ After a lively evening at the Aragon ground to present a "Thoughts For Ballroom, a sizeable group of enthu­ Today" type of program. It was another siasts was "up and at 'em" the following original idea for this convention which morning for a most interesting program was germinated in the fertile "Idea De­ at the Mont Clare Theatre. The organ partment" of CATOE. This session, in this house is a sweet-sounding 3/ 10 indeed was a high point on the con­ Barton, opened in 1929 by Al Melgard. vention schedule.

- Photo by Bill Lamb

"Shall We Dance?" . . . Frankie Masters or­ chestra at the Aragon Ballroom. July 4, P.M. Uptown Theatre Those who attended the Aragon Ball­ room-Hal Pearl show were afforded the opportunity to view the interior of one of Chicago's most lavish and huge (over 5000 seats) vaudeville-movie houses, the Uptown. It was only a short walk from the Aragon to the Uptown and Mr. Manzell, the theatre's man­ ager, held the house open for nearly an hour following .the end of the film show to allow hundreds of c'onventioneers to wander among the many aisles and cor­ - Photo by Bill Lamb ridors, thr::mgh the large pillared lobby John Mal/ow, announcer for WGN, reads poetry selections accompanied by Jack Hadfield at the and to inspe::t the elevator-equipped or- Mont Clare organ.

21 theatre organ bombarde July 5, P.M. Chicago Stadium Nine busloads of enthusiasts were on hand to hear the 6/ 62 Barton in the Chicago Stadium, and if they came to hear the super-big sound of the organ, they weren't disappointed. Al Melgard put the giant through its paces as only he can. After a spectacular beginning via the National Anthem, sung by Ber­ nard Izzo, Al played numbers symbolic of about 25 states, with those from these states, standing as their favorite theme · was heard. After about an hour, Al turned the huge console over to the assistant organist Ron Bogda, followed by one of Al's students, Walt Strojney, age 13. The two-hour session was ended by the entire house rising to sing "America, The Beautiful" with Mr.· Izzo leading the singing. ~ - Photo by Tom Yannitell ATOErs are amazed by the over-whelming sound of the giant Chicago Stadium Barton.

flocked to the Indiana to escape, for a backdrop, effective lighting throughout few hours , the smokey haze. Thanks to the theatre, and hear the music, the the staging skills of Fred Kruse , Paul singing, the humor , and the audience Lewis, and Fred Wolf ( whose dad pro­ reactions - the irresistable magic of jected slides for Muri's "organlogues" "show biz" . at the same theatre 40 years ago), con­ ventioneers were treated to an authen­ Performers were the Vargus Broth­ tic pops concert, sing · along , silent ers, a harmonica duo with humorous patter and a spectacular mastery of - Photos by Bill Lamb movie , and top-notch vaudeville show. The concert was "typically Muri " at their instruments , and the "Ivy Five" , a Ron Bogda Walt Strojney his best which means unlike anything vocal group with a · distinctive tonal you are apt to hear elsewhere . blend. The latter , three men and two July 5, P.M. Indiana Theatre very pretty girls, performed with en­ The Indiana Theatre, nestled among After intermission, John accompa- · thusiasm , a fine sense of staging and a the forest of smoke stacks of East nied an early "Our Gang " comedy and thorough familiarity with their mater­ Chicago and its nearby neighbors in missed no opportunity to milk laughs ial. Most impressive was John Muri 's this industrial area just south of Chi­ by supplying the appropriate musical precision work at the organ during cago, was the scene Saturday night for effects to supplement the visual impact these acts. He was always "on cue" in a gala show featuring the artistry of of a well produced silent comedy (even a welcome revival of the almost lost John Muri at the 3/ 11 Wurlitzer. John to a realistic frog croak). art of underscoring vaudeville acts. couldn't have been more at home for Then came the vaudeville acts . It was Pro bably very few present were a ware it was here , over 40 years ago , that wonderful to see live entert ainers that the factor which is so import ant John played for crowds that daily framed by a proscenium arch , colorful to a live pre sentation- timing-was at

- Photo by Tom Yannitell - Photo by Tom Yonnitell Original song slides in John's "Serenade to Air Fred Kruse (extreme left), CATOE Cuties and vaudeville acts applaud John Muri at the close of the Pollution" were as humorous to ATOErs at the gala show at the Indiana Theatre. Indiana Theatre just as they were 40 years ago. august 1969 22 all times in the control of the organist, John Muri. He is truly one of the great ones.

July 5, P.M. Hoosier Theatre Only 30 minutes after the nostalgia of a vaudeville show , Eddie Weaver , master musician - showman , was pre­ sented at the 3/11 Wurlitzer in the newly decorated Hoosier Theatre in Whiting , Indiana. (Details of installa­ tion on page 20 of June 1969 issue.) Eddie played his show on about 1/ 5 of the planned installation and if he felt in any way handicapped, it never show­ ed. He spiced his performance with novelties and skits. During his "Those Were the Days" medley which in­ cluded "Chloe" , there appeared a roly­ poly (who looked like Stu Green) blub­ bering through the audience with a flashlight looking for "Chlo--eee" and beseeching her to come back ("Where are you?-You old Bat!!"). Many a titter ran through the audi­ ence when Dottie MacClain was draft­ ed by Eddie to turn pages during his 'unmemorized' "Tiger Rag ". He played it so fast the turning pages were a blur and the problem was to "hold that Dottie". Eddie achieved a dramatic peak dur­ Buses 'depositing' sleepy-eyed conventioneers at - Photo by Bill Lamb ing "The Impossible Dream" when the the Oriental after the shortest night during the Eddie Weaver performs in the newly decorated curtains opened to display the 4/ 28 entire convention. Hoosier Theatre late Saturday night. Wurlitzer Console which will one day - Photo by Bill Lamb command up to possibly 61 ranks of pipes. The Wurlitzer from Chicago's magnificent Uptown Theatre now has a home.

July 6, A.M. Oriental Theatre It was a flock of sleepy-eyed enthu­ siasts who stumbled out of the buses at the Oriental Theatre on Randolph Street to hear young Tom Sheen at the 4/20 Wurlitzer. The theatre maintains its far eastern splendor in spite of its 30 years plus. It was always considered one of the top houses in the Windy City. Rumors are rife that the theatre will be double-decked, thereby ending the full sound and sweep of which the Wurlitzer is capable. The draperies have been removed from in front of the chambers , and the big sound is made even bigger in the process. Young Sheen deftly put the organ through its paces in ballads as well as the rhythmic selec­ tions. Much credit must be given to the crew which made it possible that the organ could be heard; they literally sweat blood for weeks to restore the instrument to playable condition so that what might have been the last big audi­ ence to hear it, could carry memories of its great voice for years to come.

23 theatre organ bombarde Chicago as well as hotels. Eighteen *********--t:rk****--t:rk*******{{ ** years at the Aragon Ballroom, he also {{ has starred in WGN network broad­ {{ {{ casts. {{ {{ i i

Photos by Phil Gorden ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HAL TURNER majored in music at the University of Nebraska. He then studied abroad for a couple of years, joining WGN as staff pianist in 1934. He left for Navy duty in 1943 and JACK HADFIELD was hooked on upon his discharge in 1945, he re­ the theatre pipe organ when, at an early age, heard the Oriental Theatre Wur­ joined WGN, becoming staff organist. litzer. At 16, he was given an old pump organ, rebuilt it, learned to play it, and was given the chance to perform on it in a small theatre for two years. Music director and staff organist for Seiter Broadcasting, and featured at Soldier's Field in 1967, he does occasional guest shows and teaches. TOM SHEEN began piano lessons at 6, and at 13 began classical pipe organ studies. Becoming interested in theatre organ during his college days, he later made a record on the New York Para­ mount studio organ. He has played night clubs and industrial shows in Chi­ cago, Milwaukee and Washington. TONY TAHLMAN, having studied Heard at the 1964 ATOE convention, piano, nevertheless pref erred the pipe he concertizes and teaches. organ. He nurtured a desire to play in a skating rink, even while playing piano in Chicago restaurants and lounges. That dream was realized in 1956 when the Elm Skating Rink was opened. A charter member of CATOE, he per­ forms for Elm club members in comedy AL MELGARD, native of Denmark, and dance. started piano lessons five years after his family located in Chicago. He attended the American Conservatory of Music, and later accompanied films on a piano. Through his radio programs and recordings, he has become a famous personality. Staff organist at the Chi­ cago Stadium for almost 40 years, he has headed the organ school for the Barton Co. JOHN MURI got his start as accom­ panist of silent films at 17 in the Temple Theatre at Hammond, Indiana. He later played at the Hoosier at Whiting, Ind. and then came in 1927 to the Indiana where he created such a following that Biographies have been taken from he stayed until the end of the organ's the convention brochure publish­ use in theatres. A radio artist on ed by CATOE. WW AE and WIND, he also was or­ HAL PEARL studied piano, major­ ganist for the Hammond Civic Center. ing in music at the University of Illi­ Featured in several ATOE conventions, nois. He acc;ompanied films at the Mid­ he gives frequent concerts in the mid­ west, Sheridan and Granada theatres in West.

august 1969 24 graduated from Vander Cook College ************************* .with a music degree. After advanced study, he taught band and chorus in Joliet, Ill. schools for 10 years. At present, he is organist at Martinetti's Restaurant in Crystal Lake, Ill. i i b and Tom Yannitell. t* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

JOHN GRUNE started playing bari­ tone horn in the school band at the age of eight. He started piano at eleven and organ at fourteen. John attended the American Conservatory of Music and University of Chicago. He has given concerts in the Chicago and Detroit area , is organist and choir master of St. KAY McABEE, a lover of music Mark's Lutheran Church in Chicago, from youth up , determined to make it and is associated with Villa Park Music. a career, which began in 1951 when he became staff organist for the Kimball Co., and organist for Kimball Hall. Then came concerts about the country for the Conn Organ Co. In 1954, he and other organ buffs reouilt the 3/14 EDDIE WEA VER studied piano Wurlitzer in Aurora 's Paramount with his Mother, attended Rochester's Theatre. This was followed by restora­ Eastman School of Music, and got his tion of the 4/ 22 Barton in the Rialto first theatre job at 17 at Batavia, New in Joliet. A past performer at A TOE York's Lafayette Theatre. He later took conventions, he also records , concert­ advanced lessons from Henry B. Mur­ izes and is organist at St. Peter's Church tagh, and then played theatres in New in Frankfort, Ill. York and Florida for the Paramount chain. After studying with Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Crawford, he moved to Rich­ mond, Va. where he held long engage­ ments at the Byrd and Loews theatres. NORM NELSON began his musical career when he studied accordian at age 5. He has appeared on radio and television and is a former director of music for the Gulbranson Organ Co. He now has his own organ store in La Grange, Illinois.

JOHN SENG's piano lessons began when he was 6, and at 11 began pipe PEARL WHITE began classical organ training. Although he studied at piano training at 7 . and started pipe the American Conservatory of Music organ lessons at 9. At 13 she began in Chicago, most of his technique is accompanying silent movies and song self-taught. At 18, he became staff or­ slides with the B&K circuit and other ganist for NBC in Chicago. He tra­ prominent circuits in Chicago. At 14, veled , and arranged for the Wurlitzer she was making player piano rolls for Co., has made several records. He is 4 companies, and then played over now concertizing for Hammond, and WBBM and WCFL. Featured at several his spare time is devoted to maintaining ATOE conventions, she entertains LARRY ROOU took piano lessons the organ at Mundelein. nightly at a Chicago restaurant. at 4 and organ studies at 11. He was

25 theatre organ bombarde - Photo by Bill lamb - Photo by Bill lamb Pearl White and admirers in the Patio lobby following her show. CATOE Chairman Bill Benedict welcomes guests July 6, A.M. Patio Theatre July 6, P. M. Ben Hall Seminar, at the Annual Banquet. "All aboard" was the cry after the Marriott Hotel Oriental session, as the buses made their Our Master of Ceremonies, Ben M. July 6, P.M. Annual Banquet way to the Patio Theatre to hear the Hall is noted as a lifelong student of Marriott Hotel 3/ 17 Barton handled by that mistress the era of the Golden Age of the Movie Putting on their best bib and tucker, of the console, Pearl White. Having Palace, as his history of that subject, over 500 ATOErs gathered in the created a sensation at the Buffalo con­ "The Best Remaining Seats" will show. main ballroom of the Marriott for the vention in 1964, and a year later in This event on the convention sched­ annual banquet and meeting. John Chicago, this sensational performer did ule was perfectly timed, as the weather Grune did a tremendous job of playing not disappoint her vast following this became rainy, making it disagreeable the 3 manual Conn electronic organ time. Known primarily as a rhythm if we had to travel to a session. The during the cocktail hour which preced­ and fast-jazz organist, not only did she affair was labeled "From Movie Palaces ed. the banquet. Following dinner, MC perform the numbers associated with to Popcorn Parlors," and was illustrated Ben Hall took over his familiar post the theatre organ in the Twenties and by slides as well as a movie, synchro­ at the head table amid considerable Thirties, she did a great job in ac­ nized by a tape from the old David horseplay concerning his newly-acquired companying a short Mack Sennett Brinkley Journal TV show of 1964. moustache. After things settled down, comedy. For this reviewer, her stint at the annual roll call of chapters enabled the console was much too brief. Her one to see the representation of each. fast playing, coupled with the inter­ Australia and Canada were also rep­ weaving of melodic strains was some­ resented this year. thing to behold. Let's hear more from Bill Benedict, chairman of arrange­ this gal! ments for CATOE then mentioned the names of the prominent members who had labored long and diligently to make the convention a success. Next, Al Mason, A TOE President told of the changes which the maturing organiza­ tion had caused to be made. The propo­ sition to alter the name of ATOE was voted upon by the membership as pro­ vided for in the by-laws. By a vote of 156 to 128, the name American Theatre Organ Enthusiasts will become American Theatre Organ Society, Jan. 1, 1970. And what a wealth of information Last order of business was the nam­ this session revealed! Exteriors and in­ ing of the Honorary Member. By unan­ teriors of the large theatres were lav­ imous vote of the Board of Directors ishly shown, both in color and black charter member and past president: and white. A rare series showed the Judd Walton was added to the dis­ Poet of the Organ, Jesse Crawford at tinguished list of honoraries. his first recording session in Chicago. Following the adjournment of the This was even before the days of his meeting, Norm Nelson took over the Victor recordings. Gulbransen theatre organ for the It is easy to see why Ben's services evening. as a theatre historian and lecturer are Keyboard Entertainment Products - Photo by Bill lamb so in demand, both by the general pub­ Mfg. Co. provided prizes given away Pearl White at the Patio Barton before bringing lic and the newspapers, magazines and at the drawing during the banquet in the console up for her opening number. TV and radio media. the Marriott Ballroom. august 1969 26 - Photo by Bill Lamb

Board members and publications staff look very serious contemplating business at hand.

July 6, P.M. Annual Banquet Hall's 'Cookieduster' a Sensation · Each convention has its running gag and MC Ben Hall is a master at cooking up fresh ~•outrages" each year. This year he wiped out a running gag of - Photo by Tom Yannitell several years (his "romance" with Mar­ Round tables make for easy conversation over tha Lake) and instituted an undernose - Photo by Bill Lamb a delicious meal of Prime Rib. project which might still be around next convention time. Larry (Abe?) Coleman, active CATOE member. Ben did this very simply; he just did -· "no applythe blade of his 1926 Gillette to his upper lip each morning as he had done in the past. Then he made refer­ ences to the hirsute growth during his MCing chores. The result was that he divided the conventioneers into two factions-the Pro-and Anti-Upper Lip Fuzz Fans. Controversy raged through­ out the convention and there were rum­ ors of a couple of "brannigans" in the bar , but Stu Green denies it. Martha Lake dropped Ben via a telegram: "Don't think me fickle but mustaches - Photo by Bill Lamb - Photo by Tom Yannitell tickle!" . Ben even divided his bevy of admirers, the four mini-skirted usher­ CATOE members Tom Yannite/1, "Abe" and CATOE CUT/ES ettes who followed him everywhere " Mary Todd" - sorry - Fern Coleman. in servile captivation. These shapely "CATOE Cuties" (as Ben called them) had definite opinions as to the advis­ abiltty of upper lip adornment and whether they approved or not , all ad­ mitted that bristles tickle . There were even posters in evidence just before the annual banquet- mostl y in favor of Ben's "soupstrainer ". . The climax came during the banquet when Ben admitted that the "smooth tippers " had influenced him most , so right before the assembled eaters , he lathered up and applied Gillette to lip. But when he wiped away the "best re­ maining lather ", - the mustache was still there! The pro-fuzz group had stolen the blade!! When the conven­ tion ended , Ben had not located an­ other blade to fit his vintage razor so he took the bristles back to New York Lloyd Klos, Eddie Osborn, Leon Barry and Cap. for a subsequent run in Gotham. Quimby in front of the rest of the directors and - Photo by Bill Lamb circulation staff. -Effie (fuzz-lip) Klotz, Chicago

27 theatre organ bombarde July 7, A.M. Pickwick Theatre In what could be described as the ideal setting, the final day's activities opened with a concert by Larry Roou at the beautiful neighborhood theatre, the Pickwick. Architecture of this excellently-main­ tained house and its decor can be described as modernistic. Suffice to say, the theatre is a jewel box. The big gem in this jewel box is the late-model 3/ 10 Wurlitzer. The console was refurbished to an attractive cream with gold trim, and the entire instru­ ment has been completely restored to top condition. Larry Roou did a superb job for his attentive listeners. Much of his music - Photo by Bill Lamb was devoted to the gay tunes of the Crystal Lakes High School vaudeville team perform at the Pickwick. Twenties, interspersed with present day showtunes and ballads. An innovation There was something for everyone of a modern pipe organ differs from to the program which was a pleasant surprise was an amateur vaudeville act in his program. Ballads which used the the average theatre organ both in voic­ from Crystal Lakes High School - 4 beautiful tibias, show tunes which used ing and unification. He leans toward a girls in roaring twenty costumes with percussions, and some classic numbers brassy ensemble rather than the more megaphones, and 5 boys with ukeleles. which showed the true dynamic range conventional tibia-based organs. Normally, the group is augmented by of this instrument. A particularly ap­ John opened his program with a new 21 others, but with the vacation sched­ ule, those remaining carried the ball. propos medley included "Stardust," application of the unit orchestra in a And a fine job they did! "Indian Love Call" and "Smoke Gets most unexpected simulation of an un­ In Your Eyes" which was perfect as see_n orchestra tuning their instruments. After the concert, someone said: "Boy, that was the ideal combination­ the stars overhead twinkled, and wisps At the close of his first number, pro­ beautiful theatre, excellent organ, and of clouds floated by. gram music arrangement of "Pagean­ an organist who really knows his The artist was rewarded by a thun­ try", the curtains opened revealing the business." We can't improve on that derous ovation, which in turn was re­ ebony console on the stage. His newly­ comment! warded by encores. Let's hear more installed, console-controlled grand piano July 7, P.M. Patio Theatre from Kay McAbee. was featured through out the evening Nine buses of conventioneers returned in a variety of arrangements from jazz to the atmospheric Patio Theatre, this July 7, P.M. Mundelein brass to baroque, interludes. A tribute to time to hear the artistry of Kay Mc­ John Seng is one of the few con­ his friend George Wright, "Dizzy Fing­ Abee. The listeners were not disap­ pointed. Kay did a superb job on the temporary organists who has had the ers" came out all Wright. Selections 3 / 17 Barton to create the really big opportunity to create an instrument in from his new album closed the pro­ sound. line with his own needs. His conception gram.

- Photo by Bill Lamb - Photo by Bill Lamb John Seng informally chats with the audience during his Mundelein concert Kay McAbee talks to the crowd assembled at the Patio for his concert. - last scheduled event of the convention.

august 1969 28 HONORARY MEMBER ·1999

1969 HONORARY MEMBER: JUDD WALTON Resume of the National Board of Directors Meeting July 3, 1969 The meeting was called to order by President Mason at 8 p.m. with 5 elected The selection of Judd as Honorary Board members and 22 chapter representatives present. Minutes of the previous Member was very likely the easiest task two meetings were read and approved with corrections. The financial and projected at the Board meeting. statements were read showing a deficit of $4300 at the end of 1968 and projected Judd was the spark plug in organiz­ deficit of $2555 at the end of 1969. ing ATOE. He not only worked with Dues were raised $1.00 making a total of $8.00 due for 1970. Dick Simonton, Tiny James, Mel We are to print a National roster as of November 1, 1969. Anyone who does Doner, and other charter members, he not wish to be listed in this b:,ok must notify National Headquarters by October also did much of the organizational 1, 1969. work, such as by-laws, arranging for A hard cover binder will be available soon that will hold six issues of your setting up of chapters and handling magazine. (More about this in the October issue.) legal details. In fact, most of the early The convention for 1970 will be in New York City with headquarters at the spade work was done by our Honorary Commodore Hotel. Tentative dates are July IO through 17. Member. The suggested By-law changes were approved subject to legal advice as to A TOE has many highly dedicated California laws. people who have helped in the growth The election made Albert T. Mason, President, Allen W. Rossiter, Vice-Pre­ of our hobby, but it would be nearly sident, Dorothy (MacClain) Whitcomb, Secretary-Treasurer and Betty M. Mason impossible to select a person more was appointed Executive Secretary. worthy than Judd Walton. By unanimous vote, Judd Walton was made Honorary Member for 1969. The Los Angeles Chapter situation was discussed and voted closed. One new chapter this year-Canton (Ohio). The chairma~, Craig Jaynes, Congratulations,CATOE! announced a contract has been signed with Billy Nalle along with the Canton The National ATOE congratulates Chapter of the AGO for a concert at the Palace Theatre on October 14, 1969. the members of CATOE who worked A letter was read cancelling the Kaw Valley Chapter. This was held up so diligently to make the 11th Annual pending further investigation. Meeting and Convention in Chicago It was voted to send a letter to the Los Angeles Chapter requesting they use the success that it was. the same calendar year for membership as the other chapters to eliminate confusion. The connection between the Northern California chapter and the magazine CATOE BOARD OF DIRECTORS "Tabs aqd Drawbars" was discussed. An official letter requesting elimination of a William T. Benedict ...... Chairman subscription to this periodical from the dues will be sent to the chapter chairman and the result will be taken up at the next annual meeting. Paul Lewis ...... Vice-Chair man It was voted that we change our name to American Theatre Organ Society William Reiger ...... Secretary with all changes to be completed by January 1, 1970. Jack Smith ...... Treasurer Meeting adjourned at 2:30 a.m. July 4, 1969. Charles Peterson ..... Membership GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING JULY 6, 1969 Chairman President Mason opened the meeting at 8: 15 p.m. following the banquet by Kenneth Shirey ... .Vox CATOE Editor introducing the new officers and board members for the coming year. The approval of the members was requested to change the old rule of 20 William F. Barry ...... Board Member chapter representatives to the board of directors to one from each chartered chapter as we now have 33 chapters. Welcome to our newest chapter Tiny James made a resolution, seconded by Judd Walton, to retain the name of American Theatre Organ Enthusiasts. After a full discussion, this motion was CANTON CHAPTER defeated and the majority agreed to become the American Theatre Organ Society. Meeting was closed at 10 p.m.

29 theatre organ bombarde July 8, P.M. Hermes Residence To a hard core of conventioneers, five days of activity was just not enough TOB EDITOR - AND and Tuesday afternoon found nearly CHIEF. TOB's Senior one hundred die-hards at Fred Hermes, Editor George Thomp­ currently 5/ 30 Wurlitzer residence in­ son, and wife, Vi stallation near Racine , Wisconsin. (who is the mag's John Muri played a group of selec­ entire circulation de­ tions which showed off the organ 's partment) chuckle at many resources; then accompanied a a Ben Halt witticism Laurel and Hardy comedy in the Muri during the Al Mel­ manner. John dedicated "The Lost gard session at the Chord" to the greats who have passed Chicago Stadium. Al honored Vi with Hap- on and "from whom we, who are left, py Birthday. learned so much - Jesse Crawford , Arthur Gutow (who played this organ - Stufoto while still in the Michigan Theater in Detroit) , Buddy Cole, Ray Shelly and Leonard MacClain". "Stars and Stripes Forever" concluded his scheduled pro­ gram. After intermission, Fred Hermes an­ swered questions about the installation then Fred , Jr. played several numbers while the Hermes' "new" Brenograph wove artistic patterns on the screen be­ hind the console. Kay McAbee, one of those organists whose music is always an adventure, is incapable of dullness and the post-con­ vention session at the Hermes residence w,as a good example of the kind of ex­ citement he stirs up. His overture was a wild "Fandango" during which it it - Photo by Bill Lamb safe to say that all 30 ranks spoke CATOE recording crew headed by Jim Stemke simultaneously. Then came a tender (left) at the Stadium making master tape. "Where or When" which featured sweet Tibias. In complete contrast was that old warhorse, "Poet and Peasant Over­ ture" with its contrasting moods and (LEFT) tempos. In the able hands (and both Bill Lamb, our congenial offi­ feet) of Kay, it was something wild. cial convention photographer. These three have been singled out to show the contrast in material which (RIGHT) Kay can perform expertly. CATOE transportation co­ ordinator Alden Stokebrand The "Patio-ettes", lyricists Sandy Ellis muses over what would hap­ and Shirley Cole, plead with Ben in pen if the buses ever failed song to keep his mustache. to appear. They didn't. - Photo by Bill Lamb - Photo by Bill Lamb

GAMBA INSPECTOR - TOB's Editor Emeritus Stu Green, drinks in the music of Al Melgard at the Stadium from a reclining position - the better to watch the passing parade. - Photos by Tom Yannitell

august 1969 30 movie. She sprinted up to the booth, made her own loud speech ( which all ACCIDENTSWILL of us heard), and fired the mouthy offender. The next day she hired him back. I think they liked each other HAPPEN in a kind of oddball way. One is not expected to make noise by John Muri while a performance is going on, and old professionals like L. F. Steinert, now of Birmingham, Michigan, knew The reason so many of us older pipe I was up in the spotlight one night it and observed it. Steinert was archi­ organ buffs like to keep the vision and at the Palace Theatre in Gary, Indiana tectural engineer on such theatres as sound of the theatre of the twenties about five years ago, when I was the Chkago and Oriental (Chicago) alive is that we remember the vitality shocked to have someone tap me on the and the Fisher and Hollywood in De­ and activity of the time. Theatre was shoulder. The lift was up at stage level, troit. He smelled trouble when he a buzzing enterprise, with a large reser­ but the conspicuous position didn't helped an organ purchaser remove an voir of talent to draw upon and usually phase this character, who asked if I organ backstage during a matinee per­ enough customers to keep the doors would be able and willing to play the formance. The pipe chambers were open year in and out. Today's picture "St. Louis Blues." I didn't have time to quite high, and the entrance doors to theatre suggests a mausoleum with its explain anything to him at that busy them opened onto the stage, about closed balconies, its lonely ticket taker moment, but I did succeed in shooing four stories up. It was the intention to and pop-corn girl, and its perpetual him off while playing up a storm of remove a five - rank Hillgreen - Lane darkness that mercifully hides the music at the same time. At the Hoosier chest by swinging it out and lowering decay. Theatre in Whiting, Indiana in 1924 I it to the stage floor with a block and There were dangers, however, in the had to play some unplanned exit music tackle. Steinert warned the fellows that "good old days." Most theatres were because the theatre-building was on fire. they should not use any of the stage crowded buildings, and one could get There wasn't much danger, for the fire lines or ropes, because the old hemp into someone else's way in a hurry. was in a remote spot, but smoke was had lost its spring and was in all proba­ I remember a night in 1928, when I billowing through the house and I was bility very brittle. Ignoring Steinert's was due to relieve the house orchestra alarmed. I was afraid that my job was advice, they tied some old stage-line at 10: 30 p.m. in the Indiana Theatre going up in smoke with the theatre. around the huge chest and pushed it at Indiana Harbor, Indiana. I had lain Actually, we shut down for only one out over the stage. Away she went! The down backstage and gone to sleep (for night. rope broke instantly, the chest hit the I was feeling miserable with a flu attack We had vaudeville and movies at stage floor with a crash, bounced and had virtually crawled to work that the Hoosier. One Sunday we had an around four or five times, hit against night) when suddenly I came to with animal act made up in part of five the back of the picture screen and rico­ a start, realizing that there was no bears. At rehearsal, the bears got loose cheted while falling to pieces. There music playing in the theatre. I looked from their cage and they emptied the was nothing to take home but a heap at the clock and panicked; it was quar­ Hoosier stage of personnel in nothing of kindling wood. The dirt and grime ter to eleven, and none of the house flat. The rehearsal crew was chased out of forty years billowed up and out of staff had been able to find me. I hurried of the theatre - with the act right after the picture screen, sending a cloud of up through the orchestra pit and was them. Combined efforts of the trainer, dirt into the auditorium. The audience, making my way through the drummer's policemen, firemen, and t~eatre em­ first petrified and then terrified, made equipment when it happened. I dumped ployees rounded up the loose bears, for the exits. They thought that the over his set of orchestra bells in a quiet some of them roaming happily in the theatre had been bombed and that it theatre with two hundred people pres­ back yards of homes in the vicinity. was now on fire. The manager ran ent. The bells fell into a couple of You had to be quiet in most theatres around the auditorium trying to calm cymbals and set up a clatter that when the show was on and you were the people. He had a tough time getting seemed to last an age, although the waiting your turn to perform. Noisy anybody to come back in. episode was probably all over in a few conversation backstage or up in the One of the more lasting misfortunes seconds. It created a big laugh, and I projection booth was not the accepted would occur when a manager would got a bawling-out from the manager. thing. It was understood that no pro­ hire an organist merely on hearsay There was a danger in going up into fessional would disturb an audience; without an audition. I worked for one the spotlight on a lift. You became in those days mothers with crying a beautiful target. There was a bald­ babies were requested to take the child­ manager who needed an organist for headed organist at the Fisher Theater ren out to the lobby. Nevertheless, a vacancy in his finest theatre. I wanted in Detroit who was the delight of the some employees would occasionally get the job myself, but he wanted to bring small fry who liked to shoot gum-wads out of line. In one theatre, the janitor in an outside name, an organist from at his head to see if they would stick. got drunk periodically, and he would the eastern part of the country. He Another organist at the Fisher, Don then go up to the projection booth and found a man who had worked for Miller, got his the day he was riding start cursing the lady-manager of the Stanley and Publix theatres, but he did up on the lift and was frighteningly theatre. One night his timing was not take into consideration the fact bombarded with a multitude of small wrong, for I had just stopped playing that the man had moved about from pellets that rattled all over him and the organ and was going out for a job to job frequently. the console. Don didn't stop playing scheduled rest period. The janitor was while his rapid inspection revealed that delivering his customary high-pitched When the new man got to town and someone had thrown a bag-full of jelly­ uncomplimentary and vulgar descrip­ played his first performance, the man­ beans at him. After the solo, Don tions of the lady to the projectionist. ager was very upset. The organist's hauled the young culprit into the man­ It was all heard down in the auditori­ playing was stiff and amateurish, and ager's office for a severe dressing down. um, in which the lady was watching the I was called over to the big theatre for

31 theatre organ bombarde a midnight conference, at which I was A group of outstanding performers, ordered to play the organ so that the active in A TOE, have been asked to new man could get an idea of what NEWMUSIC FOR contribute original materials for inclu­ kind of sound was desired and required. sion within the book, which will be The poor fellow just couldn't give what under the general editorship of mem­ was demanded; he got his notice the ber Lee Erwin. following evening and the management -THEATREORGAN Already contributing are Don Baker, had to eat crow because of the big During the past 40 years very little Al Bollington, Jeff Barker, Allen Mills, buildup that had been given the new original music has been composed for Lee Erwin, Eddie Weaver and Rosa organist in the press. That experience the theatre organ. Thousands of ar­ Rio. Manuscripts have also been prom­ taught me that one should never buy rangements of popular tunes and trans­ ised by Ann Leaf, Ashley Miller, Gay­ a pig in a poke - particularly when criptions have been printed, but pub­ the pig is an organist. lord Carter and Lyn Larsen. lishers will give a "researched" opinion Liquor would bring about accidents concerning any original organ com­ ATOE members have long been in our fraternity. I know of at least positions: "It won't sell." two well-known organists who used to asking for a collection of compositions Early this year one of the major by stellar theatre artists, members. So get so full that they would fall off the publishing houses in New York City organ seats. Both of them did it by many times they have asked for those approached Lee Erwin with the idea identification marks, styles, sounds of taking their bows and not remembering of putting together a folio of theatre to come up again. One of them landed the organists heard in person and on organ music. Mr. Bernard Kalban, records. This new folio, to be published in the orchestra pit. He just bowed Director of Publications for Edward until he disappeared. in September, affords the opportunity B. Marks Music Corp. had read a to play 'like the artists, in a variety With all its vicissitudes, the theatre­ review, in The New York Times, of of moods. organ period was a good one in which an A TOE event at the Academy of to be young. There was individualistic Music Theatre on 14th Street where President Al Mason has announced opportunity, innocence and joyfulness Lee had performed his score for the that this publication "will broaden ex­ ( call it naivete if you like), and cre­ Valentino silent film "The Eagle,"' and posure for the renaissance of the big ativity on a small but eminently satis­ Mr. Kalban had come to the conclusion music makers." The Edward B. Marks fying scale. Even if things went hay­ that it was time for some original organ Music Corp. feels that the folio will be wire; at least you had something to material to be published. · an important contribution to its 75th talk about afterward. What's a hippy As a result of considerable negotia­ Anniversary Year. We are all glad that got to talk or laugh about? tion with Lee and A TOE President, Al Mr. Kalban read about Lee Erwin in P.S. In those days we found the Mason, E. B. Marks is embarking upon the New York Times. Let's hope that organs complete; they had all their the publication of the first theatre this folio will only be the first of many pipes and parts in them. D organ music folio. yet to be published! D

LAND O'LAKES CHAPTER PRODUCES RECORDTO HELP GORDON KRIST

"Just for the Fun of It" is the name mum of conversation from adjoining of a record produced by our Chapter. tables. Spontaneous applause from When Gordon Krist attended his first diners was commonplace. meeting with our Chapter, members who Gordon, who is self-taught, credits · knew of his unusual ability at the organ his success as a musician to being a urged him to play the 2/ 5 Special B good listener! Hoping to be on an out­ Wurlitzer at the home of Don Peterson. patient basis in July he will resume Fortunately the tape recorder was on teaching, hopefully full time. and it is from this tape that the record "Just for the Fun of It" will sell for was made. When Gordon first heard the $ 1.00 plus postage. It is a 7 inch, record he asked Don Peterson, who's 33 1/ 3 record with two numbers. idea this was, how they dubbed in the "Spanish Flea" and "The Way You drums - Don replied, "We didn't - this Look Tonight". The U A Recording "My sincere admiration for the superb music is all your doing". Studio in Minneapolis, where Gordon that Gordon Krist has created throughout the The reason for making this record is is known, offered, at no cost, the use years. I had occasion to hear him perform on my Fall tour. It was an experience not soon a most unhappy one. A few months of their studios and equipment for to be forgotten." JOHN SENG ago, while in Chicago, Gordon suffered cleaning the tape and the work of cut­ Stricken with paralysis of the left side follow­ an aneurysm resulting in brain surgery. ting the record will be done for us at ing brain surgery, it will be a long time before His left side is completely paralyzed. cost. The Chapter members are as­ Gordon Krist is heard again ·. The 7 inch 331/3 R.P.M. record is the only The final outcome is hopeful but he suming the job of gluing the gloss cover theatre pipe organ recording of Gordon Krist faces many, many months of therapy. to the cardboard sleeve. The entire pro­ now available. Features "Spanish Flea" and As mentioned on a local radio show, ceeds, after cost, will go to Gordon. "The Way You look Tonight". Gordon was without insurance. Gordon, With modern technology the recording Send $1.00 plus 25c for postage and han­ dling to: who is 30, had been playing organ at is good. Gordon's unique styling and Land O'Lakes Chapter, ATOS versatility at the organ are proudly pre­ the Ranch House Restaurant in Minne­ 16925 Linden Drive sented by our Chapter. "Just for the apolis, in a dining room reserved for Minnetonka, Minn. 55343 organ music devotees, where one could Fun of It" is available from the Chap­ All proceeds from record sales will help to enjoy Gordon's playing with a mini- ter secretary. ·□ defray expenses of Gordon Krist's rehabilitation.

august 1969 32 LYN LARSEN pla'Jj the 3-MANUAL, 30-RANK THEATREPIPE ORGAN

• IN CONCERT • SING-A-LONG • SILENT MOVIE

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER12th AND 13th 8 P.M.

SPARTA THEATRE 203 E. DIVISION • SPARTA, MICHIGAN 10 miles north of Grand Rapids

SPECIALOFFER LON CHANEY ON ADVANCED-SALE IN TICKETS- $1.50 11 THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA11 WRITE: BOX 188 SPARTA, MICHIGAN 49345 Pfud~JJeJ ~ffracfion:

CHARLIE CHAPLIN TICKETS ORDERED AFTER SEPT. 6th IN WILL BE HELD AT BOX-OFFICE 11 IN THE PARK11 Regular Admission $2.50

33 theatre organ bombarde TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT crank, getting a layer wound in less than a minute. When you get near the end of the coil form or down to the collar, guide the wire until it crosses over the last Repairingand Rewinding turn and starts off in the reverse direc­ tion. Immediately reverse the guiding direction so that the wire winds evenly in the opposite direction toward the WurlitzerMagnets beginning of the first layer, again mak­ ing sure no spaces or cross-overs are by Ben Levy allowed. Stop winding the second layer three or four turns from the end of the first layer, cross the wire over again and start down the third layer. Follow this Conclusion winding in the reverse direction. In procedure throughout the ten layers, either case, reverse the direction of stopping each layer three or four turns before reaching the end of the pre­ Soak the defective coil in alcohol, cranking , letting the tension motor un­ ceding layer. This eliminates the need pull off the wire and let the paper coil wind the coil until the flaw is removed, for flanges or coil-form ends, and re­ form dry a few minutes. Leave the and then start forward again. Try not sults in a neat, precise job. The fin­ lower paper collar in place. Mount a to allow any spaces between turns. ished coil has a spindle-like shape with 5 /32" drill in the chuck of the egg With just a little practice you will be beveled ends which will not unravel b~ater and slip the coil form over it, winding as fast as you care to turn the easily. the end with the paper collar going on first. It will be a loose fit; to keep it Wind ten layers in this fashion; you from turning on the drill , slip a short will of course find yourself back at the piece of string or wire into a drill end where the first layer began. Try groove from the chuck end , letting the not to allow any spaces in any layer; end stick out toward the chuck . Push if you do, you will have trouble at this the coil form toward the drill shank / spot in each succeeding layer. Small until it binds on the string or wire . A kinks in the wire or dirty wire are the layer of Scotch tape will also work. chief cause of spaces that can't be re­ moved. Try pulling the wire between With the tension motor turned off, your fingers to straighten it. pull some wire off the spool and fasten When you get to the end of the the end with a bit of tape to the coil tenth layer stop winding but do not turn form about 1/ 4" from the end near the off the torque motor. Put a tiny dot of drill tip. Now wind 5 or 6 turns around household cement at the point where the coil form, keeping the wire tight the wire leaves the coil. Also remove by hand and the turns touching each the tape and similarly cement the first other. The wire must come onto the turn of the first layer to its neighbors top of the coil form where you can and the coil form. Wait a few minutes see it. for the cement to dry. Ref er again to Fig . 5 for the gen­ While you are waiting , strip the eral arrangement. Take all the slack enamel from the end of the wire and out of the wire and turn on the torque from about 1/2" of the wire leading motor. The motor will pull on the off the last layer, at a point about 2" wire, but will not break the wire , nor from the coil. Measure the coil re­ will it unwind the coil, if the tension sistance with the ohmmeter. It should has been adjusted correctly. Take a be about 90 ohms , of course . Turn off comfortable seat and start turning the the torque motor , clip the wire in the crank. middle of the bare spot and your coil is There is only one proper way to wind finished. After installing it on the mag­ the coil, and this is also the easiest way. net and connecting up, dip the whole All turns must be laid smoothly beside length in lacquer. Do not dip the each other , from one end to the other, Bakelite. for all ten layers. This is surprisingly Don't try random-winding the coils. easy. While turning the crank, guide It results in a sloppy-loqking job, takes the oncoming wire gently with a finger up much more space ( you may not be to make a slight angle "against the able to get enough turns on the coil and grain"; in other words, slightly back still be able to install the coil on the toward the beginning of the winding. pole piece beside the other one), and Don't grasp the wire; remember that you have to count turns. There are the t~nsion is being furnished by the about 2700 turns, and it's much easier motor. Just use a fingertip. If the angle to count ten layers! is too shallow, space will appear be­ If you must make a new coil form, tween turns; if too acute, the wire will Figure 6. Photograph of a new magnet coil cut a soda straw to length with a razor cross over the previous turn and start wound on an original coil form. blade. The plastic ones are about the

august 1969 34 DUNSTEDTERA SENSATION IN LOS ANGELES by Stu Green

Los Angeles-By 9:00 A.M. on June 22, the line waiting to get into the Wiltern theatre stretched far down Wil­ shire Boulevard. It was a warm Sunday morning and the crowd was in a good humor; this was to be something very special, a rare concert by Eddie Dun­ stedter. More than 950 attended the show, the largest Sunday morning crowd in the history of the LA Chapter's spon­ sorship of its concert project. EDDIE IN THE SPOTLIGHT - His supply ol his At the appointed hour of 9:30, the new recording (Over 200) was sold out ten PA announced "Mr. Pipe Organ-Ed­ minutes after the end of his concert. "And I'll die Dunstedter"-and the magic started. bet I autographed them all", claimed Eddie, Eddie came up on the big white console indicating a slight case of writer's cramp. playing his familiar theme of many He closed the "first half" with selec­ years, "Open Your Eyes," and the first tions from "My Fair Lady." phrase generated a burst of applause. The "second half" was composed of Figure 7. Photograph ol repaired Wurlitzer There would be lots more within the selections from Eddie's latest recording, magnet having one new and one original coil. next two hours. "Eddie Dunstedter Plays Requests," Eddie sailed into "Brazil" still accom­ which is discussed in "Record Reviews" right inside and outside diameter, but panied by the bird whistle which he had so we will not duplicate here. Needless are too flexible and tend to dissolve in used during his theme, and he had a to say, Eddie put the same craftsman­ lacquer. The can be used, however. few anxious moments trying to shake ship and loving care into his tunes at Paper ones are much better, but in the bird. After that, "Brazil" was the Wiltern which make the recording this area at least their outside diameter straight ahead, spirited and rhythmic. a joy. When the last majestic chords of is too small. Wind the straw with The rhythm with which Eddie backed Wagner's "Pilgrims' Chorus" had Scotch electrical tape (black) to correct "Poinciana" started as a slow and sinu­ thundered out, the audience very un­ this. Wind the tape edge-to-edge with ous bolero which soon segued into an derstandably wanted more, even though no overlap. If you use the straw as is accompaniment device of the type one time was running out (the theatre was without correcting the diameter, the associates with "Wagon Wheels," then getting ready to open). Eddie offered an number of turns will be correct but back to the bolero. Eddie is an organist encore of Gershwin selections, closing the wire length will be much shorter, who prefers a rich mix of voices, and with an upbeat "I Got Rhythm" which resulting in a coil with a lower than he found them on the Kimball. When brought down the house. There was no normal electrical resistance, which he finds a combination he likes, he's time for more but on his way down into might tend to burn contacts. in no hurry to change it before a half the pit, Eddie made a melodic prom­ chorus goes by. ise, "I'll Be Seeing You." There was an The described winding technique is audible, many-throated sigh as it ended. crude for this mechanized age, but it is effective and if you are like most of □ us you don't have sophisticated mach­ inery in your basement. It isn't par­ ticularly tiresome; I wind 8 or 10 coils at a sitting, and this supply lasts for many months, because it is not neces­ sary to replace coils very often. To measure the tension of the torque motor, extend the shaft of the motor with the reel of wire on it over the edge of the table and hang some coins from the wire, putting them in a light plastic sandwich bag. Four 25c pieces plus one penny is an ounce, so the load which should just counterbalance the motor's pull is $2.02 ( 8 quarters and two pennies) . A final word: Experiment on a few magnets until you get the hang of it - Stufoto - Stufoto before you go into the repair business A WELL-FILLEDTHEATRE - The large audience wholesale, because if you are like me enjoys the rare treat of hearing Eddie "in per­ EARLYBIRDS- Part of the crowd lined up along you'll ruin one or two to start with. son". The 4/37 Kimball responded beautilully famed Wilshire Boulevard for the Dunstedter Good luck and happy windings! D to his manual and pedal caresses. concert.

35 theatre organ bombarde May . . . Philadelphia businessman George Robert Macfarland , who claims to be the original ".Spanky" of Our Gang, says an imposter is on the loose ... Wm. Collier, Jr. in 1968 could be reached at 2261 Jackson St., San Fran­ cisco, Calif. * YOUR August 1919 "Photoplay" says that the "Q" in Anna Q. Nilsson's name stood for Querentia. * "THE COMIC" may be on your Directed by movie screens when you read this. Dick Lyle W. Nash Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney star in the sad story of the rise and fall of a LONGSHOTS . . . Charlie Chaplin silent film comic. Preview audience plans to produce a film, tentatively found it cold, rather unfunny. Rooney titled "The Freak," starring three of his The Bombarde reviews recordings for of­ is great. Historians will claim story ficial ATOE publications. Manufacturers, children ... Betty Bronson (1338 La has a dash of Arbuckle, Stan Laurel, distributors or individuals sponsoring or Solano Dr., Altadena, 91001, Calif.) Keaton, Chase and Langdon. · merchandising theatre pipe organ records made a personal appearance at a recent * are encouraged to send pressings to the N.Y. Museum of Modern Art for a THIS Hollywood Wallace Beery Bombarde, Box 5013, Bendix Station, screening of her 1925 "Peter Pan." No. Hollywood, Calif. 91605. Be sure to legend has a "green tinge" to it. He . . . Because her mother worshipped include purchasing information, if applic­ kept ample currency on hand. In his Norma Talmadge, Marilyn Monroe was able. wardrobe of scores of suits, coats, top named Norma Jean. MM was baptized coats, etc., he sewed a few hundred in Dec. 1926 _by Aimee Semple Mc­ dollar bills. After Beery's death, his Pherson at Angelus Temple, LA. . . . clothing went to charity outfits. The EDDIE DUNSTEDTER PLAYS The 54-year-old "Birth of a Nation" rugged old character actor helped the REQUESTS (on the 4/15 Robert Mor­ controversy flares again. Lawsuit filed poor whether he knew it or not. ton Organ in the Carl Greer Inn), Dun­ in N.Y. courts asks decision on who­ stedter label No. 33766. Available by owns-what in matter of copyright. Film * GILBERT Roland was among the mail· send check or MO for $6.00 to epic could land in public domain by Eddie Dunstedter, c/ o Carl Greer Inn, 1971. 34 people who attended the quiet fun­ eral for Natalie Talmadge in Holly­ 2600 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento, Calif. wood. 95608. OUR GANG'S Joe Cobb (now 53) * For several years Eddie Dunstedter lives at 3744 Clarrington Ave., Culver ACTING styles in some India films has been accumulating requests, both City, Calif., 90230. He is gracious and is of the 1920 vogue such as Douglas solicited and unsolicited. This platter, happy to hear from fans of long ago. Fairbanks preferred. "Three Muske­ which also launches his own label, takes * teers" wowed 1969 audiences when care of the first batch. What can one QUESTION: "A radio show MC shown recently in the land of teeming say of Eddie's music other than "mag­ said four women had a great in.fluence people. nificent!" He plays with the same on Hollywood from 1917 until 1966. * sparkle and verve which earned him the distinction of being one of the three I missed their names. What four women CLOSEUPS . Kay Francis left a major label recording organists of the did he mean?" Answer: The MC could big bundle when she died . . . Spencer '20s (the others: Lew White, Jesse have named screenplay writer Frances Tracy b~lieved Lionel Barrymore the Crawford). If one may have reserva­ Marion, actress Zasu Pitts, actress best actor ever in films ... Author Bob ti·:ms about an instrument installed in Marie Dressler and columnist-actress Thomas (he did "Thalberg") is finish­ subterranean chambers and subdued for Hedda Hopper. The four were devoted ing a biography of David 0. Selznick restaurant background music - forget friends and ever helping each other. . . . Mitchell Rhein, a movie extra for them. Engineer Bill Robinson placed his They proved that enduring true friend­ 50 years, has worked with director Nor­ microphones directly in the tone chutes ships can thrive even in Hollywood. man Taurog on 261 productions dating for a presence which sometimes in­ * back to 1919 . . . Basil Rathbone, con­ cludes the "bump" of combination ac­ CHOICE reading is "Norma Jean­ trary to reports , did make at least one tion and the "chuff" of tremulants. Biography of Marilyn Monroe" by Fred silent picture - "The Masked Bride", Robinson has successfully captured the MGM , 1925. Lawrence Guiles (McGraw-Hill). Best Dunstedter charisma in grooves, and definitive book on MM yet written. In­ * this time it's Eddie playing solo (no timate data superbly researched and CONTRIBUTIONS, comments and sidemen, as often required when he handled. MM was not a suicide. For corrections are welcomed to P.O. Box made major brand records) . The stereo MM fans this is must reading. 113, Pasadena, 91102, California. effect is there but not overdone. * One of the wonders of a Dunstedter WHO IS WHERE . . . Funnyman The headline on page 7 of the arrangement is its timelessness. Tunes Clyde Cooke was last reported living Feb. 1969 issue is in error. Shir­ he played as spotlight solos in the Min­ in Carpinteria, Calif. . . . Billie Rhodes, ley Hannum presented a full scale nes:)ta theatre in Minneapolis (circa who played in the first Christie comedy concert for RTOS. She plays in­ 1929) sound as fresh 40 years later. But in 1916, lives in North Hollywood, termissions at the Lansdowne the­ the only concessions to that distant Calif. ... Famed English director of atre, Lansdowne, Pa. past heard on this recording are his silent films George Pearson was 94 in oft-requested radio theme, "Open Your

august 1969 36 Eyes," and the "Pilgrim's Chorus" The first tune is "new wave," an up­ judging from the constant train whis­ (with which he "laid 'em in the aisles" beat (and appropriately titled) "Who tles, encounters lots of "honky-tonks" at the dedication of the Minneapolis Am I?" during which the 3/26 Wurlit­ on the tracks ahead. "Come Back to Civic Auditorium Kimball). Many of zer is assisted by an unidentifiable elec­ Sorrento" is played to charm the Nea­ the grooves are devoted to show tunes, tronic instrument with good effect. Let politan heart while U.S. tradition gets a "Bali Hai" from "South Pacific," and us hasten to state that the majority of boost from a somewhat subdued "Scar­ medleys from "Porgy and Bess" and tunes are played in the style which we let Ribbons." "Andulusia" is given a "Kismet." The remainder are current normally associate with Lyn-"People," bolero setting with Posthorn riffs and pops or pop standards such as "Holiday "Sadie the Cleaning Lady," "My Way "Bells of St. Mary's" gets the chimes. for Strings" (a gasser!), "The Girl from of Life", "Here's That Rainy Day" and Jack has taken some liberties with the Ipanema", "On a Clear Day" and "I "As Long as He Needs Me." "The melody during "American Patrol" but Can't Take My Eyes Off You." All but Good Ship Lollipop" gets a hilarious, his brass band sound is a thriller. Also "Pilgrim's Chorus" show evidence of tongue - in - cheek "rock" arrangement heard are "-Espana Cani" and a rousing meticulous Dunstedter-style arranging. (Shirley Temple in a miniskirt, as Lyn oldie, "Jolly Coppersmith." "Pilgrim's Chorus" was played "from puts it), while "The World We Know" It adds up to a good debut for both the Book" except that Eddie transposed has a strong touch of "now." Yet, the organist and instrument. If this sample it down a half tone so composer Wag­ reprise of "Who Am I?" is played in is typical, there should be many more ner's embellishments wouldn't run off solid theatre organ ballad style. Especi­ recordings for both. the high end of the manual. ally lovely is "People"; Lyn's arrange­ * * * Eddie's registration is worthy of ment does much to redeem that bat­ tered tune. THE ORGAN PLAYS GOLDEN study. Although he leans toward full FAVORITES, a four-record set starring combinations, there are brief touches We don't know what Lyn is up to Dick Leibert, Billy Nalle, Paul Mickel­ of Tibia and Vox, and other solo voices. (other than making a pitch for an en­ son and Richard Purvis on a variety of Especially interesting is his use of the tirely different audience), but we pre­ large and excellent theatre and concert "clackers" and traps. They are used dict it will never be dull. Our hope is organs. Because this set was not yet frequently in the ensemble but are that he won't try to play to both audi­ available as we went to press, we have ences on a single platter too often. never obtrusive. He gives full combin­ delayed reviewing it until our October ations added brilliance through use of The organ is the 3/26 Bob Carson issue. It will be available soon from the re-iterating Xylophone which gives studio Wurlitzer. The stop list is in­ Reader's Digest, Pleasantville, New the effect of a prominent fast-trem'd, cluded in the jacket notes. York, 10570. $7.99 monaural or $8.99 chirpy Tibia at 4'. • * * * stereo (plus postage). JACK AND THE PIPE ORGAN, It's "Fast Freight" Eddie but there * * * Jack Gustafson at the 3/ 12 Wurlitzer is nothing dated in the Dunstedter THE PIPE ORGAN AT THE CROSS­ in the "Cap'n's Galley Pizza Parlor," sound. His music speaks in terms of ROADS, Leroy Lewis at the 3/ 27 Wur­ Santa Clara, Calif. TAB No. TBS-101, today. Organ tech Don Zeller's instru­ litzer in the Panama Hilton hotel, stereo. Available by mail postpaid for ment sounds magnificent and recording EARSA 1004-S, mono or stereo avail­ $5.20 (check or MO) from Jack Gus­ is first rate. A "must." able by mail for $5 .90 postpaid, from tafson, 21230 Homestead Road, Cuper­ Earsa Records Corp, 240 Dunrovin * * * tino, Calif. 95014. Lane, Rochester, N. Y. 14618. PEOPLE, Lyn Larsen at the Wur­ A new artist and organ arrive on litzer Organ, Essential label No. MS- records. One of the highlights of the Organ enthusiasts have been aware 1006, stereo, available by mail post­ 1965 A TOE convention was visiting of a Wurlitzer in a Panama City hotel paid at $5 .00 from Essential Records, Chicago home installations. One of the for several years and, in fact, this first Box 3304, Glendale, Calif. most pleasing was one assembled by record of it has been around for some time, too. Released by a small com­ With this album, Lyn Larsen switches Jack Gustafson in the basement of his pany, it has been difficult to locate. labels (Malar will continue under Bob parents' home (mostly Kimball, as we Carson) and makes a try toward switch­ recall it). Everything on it seemed just The artistry of Leroy Lewis has been ing his established image. The jacket right. That was our first meeting with recorded previously, a release we found notes for one of his previous albums Jack Gustafson. This recording is our very musical and entertaining was stated of Lyn's ability to recreate the second. Now a resident organist at the recorded on the Surf City (New Jersey) organ sound of the '20s that it was as Cap'n's Galley, Jack has applied the Hotel Wurlitzer which, like the Panama though Lyn had been quick frozen then same fine workmanship to his playing Hilton organ, was installed by Lewis and thawed out to recreate the sounds and registration on this disc. and Ted Campbell. However, Mr. Lewis of those days 40 years later. Now Lyn First, let it be said that the organ was so thoroughly dissatisfied with the apparently wants to change that image sounds great. It has all the accoure­ results that he asked ·us not to review and identify more closely with the "now ments of a "mighty Wurlitzer" (it was it, to please wait for the Hilton record. generation." once a showroom model) and the mik­ It was a long wait but well worth it. This album is a mix of the type of ing and mastering do it full justice. At the outset, it must be said that renditions Lyn is noted for plus some Jack is a guy with lots of musical the considerable artistry of Mr. Lewis semi-rock material which introduces imagination and a flair for contrasts. manages to filter through a recording some of the electronic instruments as­ He avoids overripe and hackneyed made muddy by the addition of exces­ sociated with "now" music. Even the tunes (with one possible exception). sive reverberation, so much that it is jacket reflects Lyn's try for a "meta­ He is adept with traps, percussions and difficult to get a good idea as to how the morphosis," both in the liner notes and the Posthorn. His "Under the Double crgan really sounds. The sound is in the uncharacteristic, almost glowering Eagle" is all "marching band" while the turn massive, shimmering, thundering photo of Lyn staring from the front very next tune, "Smilin' Through," is and ":floating" but never sharp and clear. cover (see the photo on page 15 of pure ballad. After polka-ing his way Despite the technical flaws, the imagi­ the April 1969 TO-B for a much more through a glock-pocked "Beer Barrel," native arrangements register. For ex­ representative photo of Lyn). Jack lights into "J.G.'s Express" which, ample, "I Love Paris" is introduced by

37 theatre organ bombarda a snatch of Bach as it might sound in Notre Dame cathedral. Much emphasis RAY BRUBACHER is placed on Panamanian Carnival AT THE VIRGINIA THEATRE tunes, Tamboritos, Tamboreras and Merengues, and these have added per­ by Ed Marlowe Chimes, was followed by "Michele" cussions, sometimes a bit too loud but The latest of the Virginia Theatre's with an unusual accompaniment utiliz­ generally with good effect. Leroy seems public presentations of silent motion ing the Glockenspiel and Chrysoglott. At this point Ray extolled the vir­ to like to do steam engine effects; he did pictures with pipe organ accompani­ tues of the Howard Wonder Seat, but one on his previous record and this ment was "The Mark of Zorro" with implied that it was best for the time it's a driving boogie-woogie "Loco Douglas __f ajrba.nks_ Ray Brubacher experienced theatre organ pilot. (He Locomotive" in "Honky Tonk Trainl•- a-c~"ampanied the film May 25 with lamented the omission of a seat belt.) style. It provides work for the xylo­ carefully chosen selections and ar­ "Talk to the Animals" was sprightly, phone. One of the outstanding numbers rangements and with a well-rehearsed and punctuation was in the form of is a bolero treatment of Lecuona's "The performance. Ray composed introduc­ jabs on the Post Horn. "I Have Breeze and I" which would have pleased tory music and new themes for two of Dreamed" began with a lush Tibia-Vox Ravel. It builds in suspense to the fo­ the characters. One could have been combination. "Dear World," ending the sistent beat of big drums in much the from "Die Meistersinger," but wasn't. concert , was moody at the beginning same way as the French composer's The other, the heroine's theme, was so and grew to a climax with full organ, celebrated "Bolero" develops, but with very familiar, yet unidentifiable - and and melody being followed by staccato chords on the brass chorus. considerably more variety along the sweet! His playing featured note ac­ The console remained in view during way. It's a gasser. curacy, good dynamics, good cueing, the intermission so that those who "All Because of Spring" is given a and excellent emotional match between wished to do so could admire the sexy ballad treatment to enhance an music and picture. golden console and wonder at the engaging and unusual melody. Principal themes were played and Howard Seat. □ explained before the picture. At the External rhythm sets the beat for a first appearance of the Caballeros on glock-spiced "Mack the Knife" and NAMEOF MAGAZINE their black horses, the music stopped there's evidence of some fine reeds suddenly. Ray commented that the TOBE CHANGED carrying the tune. The "big band" riff good guys were on black horses and effects are toe tappers. The closer is The February, 1970 issue of our of­ that the bad guys were on white horses, a solo "S'Wonderful" which is pure ficial journal will once again bear the and resumed playing. The importance Broadway of the '30s, an arrangers' name "THEATRE ORGAN". The of the musical accompaniment to the National Board of Directors, at the arrangement. total experience was strikingly demon­ Annual meeting in Chicago, voted to Technical shortcomings not with­ strated by the organist's pause. Indeed, drop "BOMBARDE" as of January 1, standing, the arranging and performing the impact was so great that members 1970. excellence demonstrated by Leroy Lewis of the audience, who had never before Since the inception of ATOE in make this a disc worth having. It's one seen a silent picture in a theatre, volun­ 1955, the name of our magazine has changed four times. Our first journal of those rare discs in which the listener tarily commented about the emptiness hears something new each time. was known as "TIBIA" and was pub­ they felt when the music stopped. lished by Raclio Magazines, Inc. It soon Prior to the picture Ray played a STANDING ROOM ONLY, Jess Par­ became evident that production of the pops concert, opening with "Every­ magazine by our own members would ker playing Hammond models B-3 and thing Is Coming Up Roses" as the be more convenient, and in the Spring, X-66. CR-E048, stereo, available by · gilded console emerged from its alcove. 1959, publication of the magazine was mail at $4.50 postpaid from Concert A short tour through the percussions moved to the West Coast and retitled Recording, Box 531, Lynwood, Calif. was followed by a demonstration of "THEATRE ORGAN". This change of 90262. their artistic use in "Georgy Girl," name was necessary as Radio Publica­ Pops and standards well played on played up-tempo. Two Beatles numbers, tions held the copyrighted name "TIBIA" which has since been re­ two styles of Hammond. Included are played in a lyrical, ballad style fol­ linquished to us. Girl Talk, Love is Blue, Satin Doll, lowed. "Yesterday," with its plaintive As "THEATRE ORGAN", the mag­ Tijuana Taxi, It Was A Very Good melody interspersed with right-hand azine was published four times a year. Year and Strangers in the Night. countermelody with 4 ft. Tibia and In 1964, we decided to publish eight issues a year, and a second magazine called "BOMBARDE" came into ex­ istence. As costs rose it became neces­ sary to reduce the number of issues ENGLAND per year from eight to six, and in 1966, "THEATRE ORGAN" and "BOM­ Keep abreast of the theatre organ hobby in England through the 'Journal of the BARDE" were combined into one Cinema Organ Society,' four issues (or equivalent) annually plus monthly news­ magazine, "THEATRE ORGAN-BOM­ letters. Current organ events in the British Isles, history, photos, stoplists, com­ BARDE". mentaries, technical articles, organists' biographies, news from overseas, record When we drop the name "BOM­ reviews, and more. $5.00 (£1. 15s. Od.) yearly. Send money order to Herbert BARDE" with the publication of the December, 1969 issue, there will still Quaddy, 23 Davenport Rd., Catford, S.E. 6, England. be six issues per year and all current features will remain intact. D august 1969 38 - on a mountain top - amid the pipes - in ttlndian Summer"

• Classes • Parties • Workshops • Dancing • Jam-sessions • Concerts

Hear fop organists: John Allair Don Baker, Glenn Derringer, Tom Hazleton, Bud Iverson, Don Kingston, Bill Lattislaw, Gus Pearson, Gordon Tucker, Larry Yannucci, Van Welch and a host of others!

~~ HOME ORGAN FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 16 - 21, 1969 HOBERG 1 S RESORT

$I'd r rltee'Zi'~.- Box 313, Berkeley,Calif. 94602

39 theatre organ bombarde ATOE at the Wiltern theatre, plus an We learn from a non-organ-oriented engagement during the annual Home source that the organ in the Akron Organ Festival starting September 16th (Ohio) Loew's (now the Akron Civic) at Hoberg's in Northern California. is used fairly of ten for special events. * * * * * * Lloyd Klos has learned some more The Carl Greer Inn, Sacramento, about the fate of the 3-manual Kohl Calif., continues its "organ music while organ removed from the Monroe thea­ dining policy" with a variety of artists tre in Rochester, N.Y., and now the in addition to the "regulars." Clyde property of Bob Andre in Coral Gables, Derby, one of the regulars, reports that Florida. It seems that Mr. Andre has Colonel Harry Jenkins dropped in for a 2/ 5 Morton and a 2/ 6 Wurlitzer in a few sets when the circus he was his home and the Kohl made things a "Hammondmg" music for played near­ little crowded. So, Mr. Andre decided by, and was "at home" on the 4/ 15 to do something about it and evolved plans for a 2-story office building with Morton in no time. Clyde writes, "I both living quarters and an auditorium really enjoyed Harry. He has that suitable for about a 4/16 organ; he'll Readers are encouraged to submit inter­ 'something' that just fits and makes the combine all three, and then some. Klos esting sidelights on the organ hobby (ex­ crowd tap their feet." Later, Bob Rals­ reports that Andre would like to con­ clusive of chapter news items), material ton , seen on the Lawrence Welk TVer tact an able finisher; he may want some they believe will be of general interest pumping a Thomas plug-in, did a Sun­ voicing changes in the completed in­ about local organ adivities and installa ­ tions and the people who work at the day-Monday stint at the pipes. "He did strument. hobby. We know "there's VOX POPS in a fine job," says Clyde. It might be * * * them there chapters" and it only requires added that there are no flies on Clyde, Al Bollington reports that he is cur­ a 5c postcard to get it to The BOMBARDE, either , when it comes to pleasing the rently on a "pipe kick" and will play Box 5013 Bendix Station, North Holly­ fans who flock to the Inn to mainline for the Niagara Frontier Chapter (pre­ wood, Calif. 91605. pipes. sumably at the Riviera theatre 3 I 11 * * * Wurlitzer) around September 15th, and Tony Fenelon was well on his way then on to the Toronto Orpheum Things are looking up for the theatre (3-deck Wurlitzer) for Terry Harvey in to becoming a scientist in the medical organ in Holland according to Ian field and a concert pianist , too, in his October. And Al is dickering for a con­ Sutherland's "Cinema Organ Society (of cert at Buckingham Town Hall (3/ 1 a native Australia-until he heard a thea­ Britain) Newsletter ." A correspondent tre organ. The medical electronics en­ Wurlitzer) late in September. This writes in the May issue that the City would be his first trip back to Britain gineer would never be the same; the Theatre in Amsterdam has spent 6300 instrument intrigued him. But he didn't since he "took the colonies" single­ British pounds ( equivalent) refurbishing handedly back in the late '40s. give up science nor the piano to go on its 4/ 17 Standart which is played daily a theatre organ binge. Instead he be­ by resident organist Harry Klompe, * * * came a "triple threat man" and added who also broadcasts it bi-weekly. Also In the October 1968 issue of TO-B, the T.O. to his string of accomplish­ in Amsterdam, the famed Tuschinski we ran a VOX POP about the military ments. After racking up many successes theatre has decided to put its console "breaking up ..that old gang" who were in Australia (the Regent in Melbourne on a lift for greater exploitation pos­ about to embark on a restoration job in and the Dendy in Brighton) he decided sibilities (after dispensing with its pit the Chicago area. And "old Uncle" has to try his luck in the USA. Under the orchestra just 42 years after the advent done just that to the "Theatre Organ management of (American) Dean Mit­ of "talkies"). It is played by Rene de Presentations" group . Dick Sklenar is chell , Tony has already lined up a Rooy and Jan Mekkes. Radio AVRO enroute to Thailand, Mark Noller is number of important concert engage­ continues to broadcast its Compton playing a Lowrey spinet aboard the ments, among them a concert at the (Amsterdam) and the Vara station at USS Columbus, a guided missile carrier San Francisco A venue theatre (October H ilversum has decided not to sell its now bobbing about in the Mediterran­ 11 ), another for the LA Chapter of 3/ 13 Standart. Instead, the organ will ean, while Pat Chambers is an Air get an overhauling. The Colosseum the­ Force electronics instructor at Keesler atre in Rotterdam has been persuaded Air Force Base, Mississippi. While he to put its 2 I 4 Standart back in use, was stationed at Fort Gordon, Dick after being silent since 1959, and the .Sklenar found two theatre organs in Arena theatre (Standart 3/9) may fol­ nearby Augusta (Georgia) theatres, one low suit. Also, the 3/ 14 Standart in the in operating condition and used for Passage theatre in Schiedam is to be put special shows. It's doubtful he'll be that back in operation as an attraction. Big lucky in Thailand . news from a small country. * * * * * * Bill Floyd, former New York Para­ A Warner Brothers "global con­ mount organist, likes to experiment with the musical tastes of his audiences at clave," which brought 500 movie pro­ the Surf City hotel where he plays a duction and distribution toppers from 3/ 14 Wurlitzer nightly, according to all over the world to the Beverly Hilton Eric Zeliff, who reports that a most in Los Angeles on June 11, was enter­ unlikely selection brought down the TONY FENELON - Success 'down under' led to tained by Helen Dell playing a Baldwin house one night last year-"Onward a foothold 'up over'. theatre-type plug-in. Christian Soldiers." august 1969 40 Bob Balfour was probably surprised otic fireworks in anticipation of July Koyama. Bob Chatteron narrated a W. to learn that he had become the man­ 4th. Then the lights lowered and, to C. Fields program which he assembled. ager of the Rahway theatre in Rahway, Luella, it must have been like being New Jersey, as stated in a previous is­ back at the Rivoli; she cued the 1925 * * * sue. He really isn't (our goof) but he Western, "Tumbleweeds" and helped Niagara Frontier Chapter's "Silent does manage the ebb and flow of or­ steely-eyed William S. Hart chase the Newsreel" reports a very active spring ganists who supply the intermission "sooners" ofj the Cherokee Strip. season for the Buffalonians, with con­ music there. * * * certs by Alan Ross, Colin Corbett and Lowell Ayars (all at the Riviera thea­ * * * Like many an organist retiring to the warm sun of Florida, Reginald Poort tre's 3/ 11 Wurlitzer) supplemented by When organist Howard Burton, who just can't keep away from music. The excursions to Rochester to attend the now lives in Marion, Ohio (with a home non-denominational Ocean Chapel at full of playing pipes), scanned our series George Wright (April 19) and Ann Fort Lauderdale ran a newspaper box "Where the Bartons Were," the entry Leaf (May 20) concerts produced by ad announcing its prize "catch" - none about the Willard theatre, Creston, RTOS. other than Reginald Poort "F.R.C.O. Iowa, having a Bartola "3-1 I 2" (Bar­ * * * and A.R.C.M., organist." Appropriate­ ton's original organ-like attachment for Although the Hammond company ly, services are being held temporarily a pit piano) stirred up memories. Burton doesn't suscribe to the "theatre organ" in a Fort Lauderdale theatre, "Cinema was the organist at the Strand in Cres­ concept in designing its instruments, it 1, Sunrise Shopping Center." ton during the "best years" and occasi­ did turn to artists whose names loom onally did relief work at the Willard. * * * big as pipe organists when it planned He recalls the little treble keyboard Ex-ATOE president Dick Schrum its spring publicity campaign. 'Midst a above the piano keys vividly, but was in the midst of recording the Seat­ flurry of such ballyhoo props as pre­ doesn't know what finally became of the tle Paramount Wurli when the boys arranged press releases and broadcast "minimal" Bartola. In 1929 he left from Balcom and Vaughn came and interviews at the local level, Hammond Creston to take a course in "spotlight took out the Posthorn. Dick grumbled sent forth its champions during the solos" and "sing-along playing" (the but there wasn't much he could do but spring months to plug the latest in its "new wave" emphasis caused by "talk­ complete the rest of the platter less the tone-wheel line, Tom Thompson to the ies") at the Knauss School of the Thea­ searing bite of Posthorn emphasis. It midwest and John Seng to the south and tre Organ in Allentown, Penna. He was all according to agreement. The east coast centers of population. And returned a year later-to total disaster. Posthorn pipes were loaned to the Shay Torrent was part of a team which Not one organ was still in use in a Cres­ Puget Sound chapter until they could canvassed the west. All three are known ton theatre. "Vitaphone" had wiped be sold. They were purchased for in­ for pipe organ work and it was no sur­ them all out. The little Bartola in the stallation in the LA chapter's Wurli prise to learn that they leaned heavily Willard had disappeared completely. going into the San Gabriel civic audi­ on "sure-fire" devices from the silent Scratch one "3-1 I 2 ." torium, so B&V came an got 'em. It film era to earn the sponsor's praise. left Dick Schrum speechless - in the A Hammond press release called the * * * Posthorn department. barnstormfest "their most successful Eddie and Carol May are a rare * * * tour . . . from the viewpoints of at­ father-daughter organ duo, both as per­ Billy Na/le credits "tomcat curiosity" tendance, attention, and merchandising formers and teachers. In June they pre­ for the big turnout for his Longwood support." The "golden era" props used sented 19 of their students in concert Gardens (Pennsylvania) concert of im­ were the sing-along (Thompson), the and the instruments were theatre-style provisations on the 4/ 169 Aeolian (the silent movie accompaniment (Seng), plug-ins. That's because Eddie is a first "pop" artist ever in that dignified and humorous slides and a routine called former theatre organist (Rochester, atmosphere), but it would seem more "Great Themes from Screen Gems" N.Y.) and one of the busiest musicians reasonable to assume that it was the offered by Torrent (who was teamed around Miami, Florida, where he and reputation Billy has built around having with Axel Alexander). It's nice to know Carol now live. On June 25th he open­ fun with music, as exemplified by his the ancient routines still pull in the ed at the Miami Americana hotel for "Liebe und Hochzeit" by Jimmy Van crowds, or as Gaylord Carter puts it a series of conventions ( he's an old Heusen ("Love & Marriage" in the (with regard to his own efforts), "I'm hand at playing for conventions. too), Mozart gavotte style) and his now fam­ glad that corn still pays off!" then an August stint at the Old Baldy ous "Alles Was Du Bist" by Jerome Club at Saratoga, Wyoming. On Sep­ Kern (A Bach trio treatment of "All * * * tember 5th Eddie will be back in the the Things You Are"). The loss of the Paramount doesn't Cirano Room at Miami's Deauville leave Phoenix organless, reports a Hotel for six weeks. ''Those years of * * * The A venue theatre in San Francisco former Valley of the Sun chapter chair­ cueing silent films gave me lots of en­ has struck a rich vein of silent films as man, Karl Warner. Work is progressing durance" smiles Eddie, who holds down toward the installation of a 2/ 11 Wur­ a church job to keep him busy also on well as the many talents of film histor­ ian Bob Chatterton. During five silent litzer in the Phoenix College auditorium Sundays. film showings in May ( one each week), by Warren Bechhoefjer and his , crew, * * * the house ran consecutive episodes of the Max Bray residence 3/ 14 Wurlitzer The Empire State Theatre and Musi­ "The Perils of Pauline." Features run is playing, and Bill Brown has com­ cal Instruments Museum (whew!) pre­ in May included the Fairbanks film, pleted the installation of the former "The Black Pirate", "The Navigator" sented veteran theatre organist Luella Vaughn-Chicago Paradise 5/ 21 Wurlit­ Wickham in concert on June 21st, play­ with Buster Keaton, Fairbanks "The zer in his home and is working on addi­ ing the former Syracuse Keith's 3/ 11 Gaucho," and Gloria Swanson in "Man­ Wurlitzer now in its permanent home handled." Organists appearing were tions. Tom Hazleton and Jonas Nord­ on the New York State fairgrounds. Van Welch, Gene Gaynor, Bob Vaughn wall have recently played concerts on it. Luella started her show with a salute to plus special concerts by ex-Roxyite "But the Paramount was home base to June brides then performed some patri- George Robinson and young Stanley us," sighs Karl.

41 theatre organ bombarde since he is in the business of renting 4/ 37 Kimball in the Wiltern drew over them along with other electronics. John 900 members, their families and guests. has a Leslie speaker plus a separate A unique aspect of the concert involved reverb cornered at the side of the organ. large display cards illustrating various The organ is placed facing the room South American rhythms. Bill described and, as John says, with the bench each rhythm, then played a number against the wall you get a cheap ver­ which illustrated it. At the conclusion sion of a Howard Seat. of his encore, and to his surprise, Bill Following this meeting we adjourned was pulled to stage center by Program to Clyde's home for a first look and Director Andy Rimmer while the entire demonstration of the new three manual audience sang "Happy Birthday," with Conn. This is quite an instrument if organ accompaniment by Del Castillo. pipes are out of the question. At the jam session that afternoon many members took their turns at the Elks We are sorry to report the loss of 4/ 61 Morton console. The San Gabriel member Frank Rogers. Frank died on Mission installation (3/ 14 Wurlitzer) June 7th. He had won world acclaim is progressing in fine style, and re­ for his skill in designing effects and leathering has been more than half his use of the Brenograph Effects Ma­ completed. A chapter member who chine. wishes to remain anonymous has do­ Discussions pertaining to the Chap­ nated $5000 to the project. Meanwhile, ter recording of Gordon Krist were back at the Wiltern, Maintenance Chair­ DAIRYLAND held during our June meeting at the man Ross Farmer and his crew have home of Charlotte and Bill Eckley . We relocated the Kimball toy counter closer Members of the newly-formed Dairy­ also had a supply of two other records to the solo chamber swell shutters for land Chapter herded together at the of Gordon's for members who wished more distinct effects. The members' Mini-Michigan Theatre in Racine , Wis­ to purchase them. While done on elec­ playing plan for the Elks Morton is consin for their organizational meeting tronics , several phone calls have been still enjoying good response from the and elected the following officers: received from members who purchased membership under coordinators Bob Fred Hermes , Chairman; Robert them, just to say how much they like and Ruth Stratton. On June 22 members Leutner , Vice-Chairman; Lowell Mc­ them. We had our first meeting with a and guests were treated to an extra­ Neil!, Treasurer; Karen Steinke , Sec­ Schober organ and Bill Eckley did a ordinary concert by the famous "Fast retary , and Dan Barton , Honorary Life­ great job in building it. Complete with Freight Eddie" Dunstedter, "Mr. Pipe time Chairman and Honorary Member. a great percussion section, it was shown Organ ." Eddie's concert is reviewed elsewhere in this issue. Immediately after the business meet­ off at its best with Don Taft at the key­ The summer and fall series of events ing, the new chapter members were board. In describing the program he would play , Don said he had one pre­ is now being planned, with a local organ entertained by David Olson of Mil­ pared but having read that certain num­ crawl being studied. Conn artist Don waukee as he buttered them up with bers were played and recorded too Baker is set to play a concert on the some fancy new sounds from the 5/ 30 often , he, one by one, crossed off all Wiltern Kimball on Sept. 9. Preliminary Wurli. Fred Hermes , Jr. , then rode of his selections. Taking suggestions of planning is in progress for a joint the console and churned out a creamy his wife, Ethel , Don prepared a new concert meeting at Fresno this fall in arrangement from the "Sound of Music" program of operettas and show tunes, participation with NorCal and Sierra score against a lavishly lit backdrop starting with the old and working up ATOE chapters. from the Brenograph. Fred's dad then to the new, showing that the tunes that - Ray Bonner , Chairman horned in with a Laurel & Hardy silent survive and are loved all have a lovely with only a few sour notes after which basic melody. It was a beautiful , in­ the organ was turned over to the MOTOR CITY teresting program, thought provoking as chapter members. Ordinarily , Motor City Chapter does we tried to remember the names of old not schedule events for the summer Following the entertainment, every­ familiar tunes which we don't hear months , but a notable exception took one hoofed it over to a local restaurant often enough. place on July 11 at the Senate Theater , for dinner. - Fred Hermes -Irene Blegen, Secretary home of the Detroit Theater Organ Club and the 4/ 34 Orbits Wurlitzer. LAND O'LAKES LOS ANGELES Members of Motor City, the DTOC , Clyde Olson was featured organist at On May 2 at a general membership and a sizeable number of members of the home of Betty and John Zetterstrom business meeting, recommendations for other chapters who had delayed their at our May meeting. We have described revisions to the National By-Laws and homeward journey from the National Clyde's ability at the console frequently Uniform Chapter Charter Agreement Convention in Chicago in order to be and all we have said still holds. With a were formulated. The joint American present , heard an informal program by mirror placed above the organ we had Guild of Organists (AGO) / ATOE that spectacular young California art­ the additional treat of watching Clyde organ crawl on May 24 proved to be ist, Tom Hazelton. play . It bears repeating that watching very popular with A TOE. The AGO Tom was in Detroit to demonstrate his adeptness at finger substitution is an had to charter an extra bus, and, due for the Allen Organ Company, and was event of its own. His version of "There to the interest, two additional pipe made available through their generosity, are Smiles" done in a perky patter style chamber visits were included. We are personified by "Gus" Gustafson and was just one of the highlights of the enjoying a very fine relationship with the cooperation of the DTOC. concert. the local AGO chapter. Another crawl Since the demonstration for Allen John has a Conn Theatre organ is planned tentatively for August. The took place earlier that same evening , which Clyde is thoroughly familiar with May 25 Bill Thomson concert on the poor Tom had to finish that and then august 1969 42 made a mad dash to the Senate, where There was an extra chapter concert festivities with a swinging duo of Os­ his second audience had been hearing by Colin Corbett at the Odeon-Carlton born at the organ and Tolleson at the a discussion of some of the Convention Theatre's Hillgreen-Lane organ on Sun­ piano. The chapter was very grateful highlights by President Al Mason and day, April 27 in Toronto, Canada. to fellow members Eddie Osborn, John M.C. Ben Hall, mustache and all. Colin is an excellent musician, and he Tolleson, and the Baldwin Company But if Tom's prior labors had wearied plays the only remaining theatre organ officials for an evening of fun and him , there was absolutely no evidence in Canada. music. of it as he bounded onto the stage, took Mr. Corbett also performed at the The month of October saw everyone the 34 ranks enthusiastically in hand, Riviera's Wurli on May 21 for over in the chapter working hard toward and treated the crowd to some of the 850 people. His selections for the eve­ promoting the concert given by Gay­ most spectacular playing ever heard at ning included many favorites. Among lord "Flicker Fingers" Carter at the the DTOC; and a good deal has been them were "mood music," show tunes, Albee Theatre. For details on this con­ heard there , to be sure. blues numbers, Latin tunes, and the cert refer to the February 1969 issue Tom claimed to have "set pistons the score of the fabulous movie "Oliver!" of Theatre Organ-Bombarde. The Albee previous evening and spent 30 seconds Two Chopin waltzes and a silent movie Wurlitzer was not in condition to be practicing". If so, this must have been and sing-along slides completed the eve­ used for this show so the Gulbransen the most profitable 30 seconds ever in­ ning's repertoire. Colin was a real hit Rialto Theatre Organ took its place and vested at this instrument. with the audience. many people in the audience with Gay­ His mastery of the organ and of the At the time of the Rochester concert lord Carter himself commented on the music was complete. He has the ability an exclusive interview was arranged wonderful performance of this instru­ to immerse himself completely in the with George Wright by your corres­ ment. Gaylord Carter presented a most mood of a selection, and his style is pondent and we found Mr. Wright to enjoyable evening of entertainment. crystalline in its crispness and clarity. be very cooperative and from him we The November meeting took the On top of this, his registration was discovered that he began organ playing group to Vandalia, Ohio - about 60 colorful and varied , and perfectly suited at the age of eleven, studied harmony miles north of Cincinnati to the home to such various items as "Stripper" , "If with Jesse Crawford, has a liking for of a 3/ 15 Barton Theatre Organ origi­ He Walked Into My Life", "By The all kinds of music ( if well done), has nally from the Paramount Theatre in Time I Get To Phoenix" , and a stun­ produced at least 26 records, is at the Hamilton, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Louis present time working on a disc that will ning medley from "Fiddler on the Waldsmith hosted the chapter for this feature "rock and roll", and has been Roof". meeting which took place on a dreary doing the music for T.V.'s General Hos­ This was an unusually fine program rainy evening; however, the weather pital for seven years. George stated that played by one of the finest of artists in didn't dampen the spirits of any organ he has enjoyed the TV scoring very the peak of form, on an outstanding enthusiast. This meeting was well at­ much. organ. tended by over 100 persons. The eve­ -Shirley Cole At the end, Tom announced that his ning's program was presented by Van new recording, made on the Bob Car­ Jones, a student at the University of son Studio organ, would be released OHIO VALLEY Cincinnati College Conservatory of soon. If it is anything like what was Music. heard at the DTOC on July 11, fair Our news in this issue is a report on The officials of the City of Vandalia, readers, get it. FAST! the year 1968-69 - July through June Ohio were on hand to greet and wel­ -Ben Levy respectively. The July meeting greeted come our chapter to their city. the newly elected officers and board NIAGARA FRONTIER members namely: Chairman - George The January meeting marked the ab­ V. Eaglin; Vice-Chairman - Jack E. sence of our Chapter Chairman George On April 19, a large group of mem­ Tarr; Secretary-Treasurer - Glenn E. Eaglin. George and his wife Thelma bers from our chapter made their way Merriam. Board Members in addition were visiting in Portland, Maine. Vice­ to the Auditorium Theatre in Rochester to the aforementioned officers are: Chairman Jack Tarr presided at this to hear the one and only George Spencer Avery, John J. Strader and January meeting which took place in Wright. This was his second concert for Ed Wuest. the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Doll the RTOS, and those who've heard him The September meeting was held at and Jack Doll, Jr. in Price Hill, Cin­ will agree that Mr. Wright is really de­ the Baldwin Organ and Pjano Com­ cinnati. Host Jack Doll, Jr. described serving of his fame because of his pany plant in Cincinnati. The group of his basement installation that consists of command over the organ and because over 100 persons was treated to a a 3 manual Wicks Horseshoe Console his personality "outshines every star" demonstration concert on the new Bald­ with 10 ranks of Casavant pipes, plus ( to take the words from a song). win Theatre Organ, Model PR 200 by accessories, including a Baldwin cabi­ Rochester organist Alan Ross played the fabulous Eddie Osborn. Eddie pro­ net player. Jack demonstrated both the Riviera Wurlitzer on April 23. The ceeded to show us the many capabili­ "Live" and piano roll renditions for the disagreeable weather didn't hurt attend­ ties of this professional instrument, group and many attendees accepted the ance; the theatre was almost full. The using current hits as well as more tradi­ invitation to take a turn at the console. program was a collection of medleys tional theatrical type selections. Follow­ This installation is a very interesting that took us back through time - back, ing his stint at the PR 200, Eddie did one, since the organist is surrounded by in fact, to the swinging 1920's. Every a few encores and then introduced John open pipework. sort of music - show tunes, Hawaiian Tolleson who indeed is a professional The April meeting was held at the music, big band numbers, popular hits, musician in many respects. He is also Ohio College of Applied Sciences, the and even a light classic - was per­ a member of the Baldwin staff. John new home of the Albee Theatre Organ. formed by Mr. Ross with the greatest proceeded to dazzle his listeners with Present plans call for this organ to be amount of ability and ease. A silent several numbers, not only at the organ installed in Emery Auditorium of movie and sing-along rounded out this but also at the Baldwin piano including OCAS. The business part of this meet­ wonderful evening of entertainment. vocals. Both performers topped out the ing was brief and dealt mainly with the

43 theatre organ bombarde Albee Organ project. The individuals 50's. The group then journeyed to Big We journeyed to Olympia and Cen­ who have been working on the removal Bob's Pizza Place in Federal Way tralia on May 25, 1969 . The session of the organ from Albee Theatre were where Bob Koons , owner, has installed began in Olympia at the Olympic Thea­ recognized by Chapter Chairman a 2/ 5 Robert Morton. Members were tre with a jam session for members and George Eaglin who expressed his ap­ invited to try out the mighty little or­ a concert by Andy Crow. Andy did preciation and thanks to those persons gan and a good time was had by all. most of the work in restoring this organ who have been doing a remarkable job . Val and Lee Bauscher were hosts for several years ago. A dinner and business George also gave personal recognition the March meeting. George Peterson, meeting was held at the Nor'Wester to Bob Ridgeway for the splendid man­ who has played many theatre organs in Restaurant in Centralia. Eddie Zollman ner in which he has guided this restora­ his time , was the artist. Members were was presented in concert on the Fox tion project . For this meeting Jack invited to try their hand at the 3/ 11 Wurlitzer in the afternoon. He opened Schooley of the Schooley Piano and Wurlitzer and among those accepting the Centralia Fox just 39 years ago Organ Company provided their new 3 ·were Eddie Zollman , Jean Galyean, playing the opening concerts and inter­ manual Conn Theatre organ. The artist Dick Schrum , Lou Wells, Tom Hobbs , mission sessions at the console. Eddie was Herb Wottle who of course , al­ Dan Adamson, Warren Doolittle and is retired now and it seemed right that ways does a tremendous job. Herb pro­ many others. he should play the closing concert as vided a variety of tunes during the The chapter sponsored a program the organ has been sold to Tom Solberg course of his concert. Vickie Cribbett, for the students at an assembly in the of Olympia who will install it in his one of Herb's music students also per­ Queen Anne High Schoo l in Seattle home . At the business meeting, Tom formed at the Conn Console and did during March. Solberg presented a plaque to Eddie an excellent job. The high school auditorium has a showing him at the console of the Fox very fine eleven rank Kimball Theatre Wurlitzer when he was playing there. OREGON Organ which has not been used for This was a thrill for Eddie and his Artist Don .Simmons returned to the several years. It was found that the fu­ family. Oaks Park roller rink to give the ture of this organ was in doubt, there­ fore some members of the chapter felt Oregon chapter a rousing concert on the organ should be heard by the stu­ June 15th. Don featured some of the dent body to create interest. big band sounds that he popularized in Dick Schrum played a program of two recordings on this instrument. His mu ic slanted to teenagers which of technique with the rink organ brought course was received with great en­ cheers from the members. The organ is thusiasm. Dick's playing introduced a a 4/ 17 Wurlitzer formerly installed "New" sound to the audience, most of in the Broadway theatre in Port­ whom had never heard the sound of a land. It features all the "goodies" such real live pipe organ. As a result of this, as Brass section, post horn and com­ another concert was planned. plete percussion section. The installa­ The second concert, given on May tion is somewhat unique in that the 2 by Jonas Nordwall, was an ex­ organ is exposed and suspended from citing experience. Both organ and artist the ceiling of the rink directly over the The signing of the agreement with Haller Lake were very impressive. The enthusiasm Improvement Club on June 5, 1969. Seated, Mrs. skating floor. This arrangement makes and support shown by Puget Sound Paula Beauchamp, Past HLIC President, Les for interesting listening in that one can Lehne, Chairman Puget Sound Chapter. Stand­ walk about under the organ and hear Chapter were heartening. We now hope to help establish a ..,orking club within ing, Harry Ha'rkness, HUC Co-ordinator, William different sounds accentuated from the the school that may function in pro­ R. Ross, present HLIC President, and Russ Evans, various corners of the rink. ATOE Co-ordinator . After the concert we adjourned for a ducing silent movie programs as well as business meeting followed by a very concerts and develop musical talent for The most important event for our interesting slide show giving some of playing theatre organ and accompany­ chapter was finding a home for our ing silent movies. the details of the Oriental theatre organ. organ . On June 5, an agreement with Chairman Bob Burke photographed the the Haller Lake Improvement Club was console and chambers of this organ and signed and our organ will be installed in assembled the slide show that was en­ their club building. Sunday, June 29, joyed by all the members. was open house at the club and mem­ Following the meeting , open house bers saw where the organ will be in­ was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. stalled . Installation will begin the first Gerald Duffy for any members wishing of July and should be finished by the to try their hand at the newly installed end of summer. The Haller Lake Im­ Aeolian Theatre organ. provement Club is most enthusiastic -G. Dufjy, Secretary about the installation and they will have the privilege of renting the organ for their functions, as several members PUGET SOUND of their club are also members of our Our chapter has been very active in chapter. the past months. On February 2, Don Our annual trip across the border to lsham was presented at the console of Canada will be on July 20, when we the Paramount Wurlitzer organ, bring­ travel to Vancouver, B.C. for the day, ing back memories of the early 20's meeting at the Orpheum Theatre for a when he played in the Seattle theatres. concert by Don Stagg, lunch at Stanley Don was owner of the Aurora Roller At the Centralia Fox (left to right) Tom Solberg Park Clubhouse and visiting home in­ Bowl and played for the skaters before and Andy Crow, both of Olympia and Eddie stallations in the afternoon. it was destroyed by fire in the early Zollman of Seattle. -Virginia Lawrence, Secretary august 1969 44 ST. LOUIS sounded much like a very loud band­ eluding new wind lines. A different organ with very heavy brass. Don Zeller method of tuning was employed. Approximately 120 members and then took the floor to make a pitch for Next we were favored by the pres­ guests of ATOE were present at the Eddie Dunstedter's new record, re­ May Midnite meeting. Stan Kann, Dale ence of Reggie Foort who previously corded on the Greer Inn Morton. As had promised to play for us. This of Zieger and John Ferguson played the could be expected, the record is Eddie excellent program. After the program, course had been long anticipated and at his best. A jam session followed. no one was disappointed as Reggie is members and guests played the organ, Our twelve year old member Harry inspected the console and some of the plainly enough the wizard of any con­ Weeks, did an outstanding job. It al­ sole. He presented several selections pipe chambers. Many guests were AGO ways amazes me to see these youngsters members. We hope they will come back which were recognized from his many seat themselves in the maw of the big recordings. often. instruments and unconcernedly play Stan Kann has sold his house and is lovely music. Over 70 members and guests were moving at the end of June. This means I forgot to mention an uninvited able to enjoy this fine evening with our we must move the console, relay and guest who obviously enjoyed the pro­ favorite music maker - a real live piano . Yesterday Al Baum put a hole gram thoroughly. A bird sat atop the theatre organ. Cal and Mildred Jureit in the concrete floor of the basement in T.V. antenna and sang lustily every outdid themselves again as our genial the Kirkwood Auditorium in prepara­ time the organ played. Someone really hosts. Sincere thanks to them and tion for the installation of the lift for should have played "Quiet Village". everyone else for a successful gathering. the console. The relay will be moved Who needs a bird whistle on the organ - G. W. Gerhart into the basement within the next three with the real thing available? weeks. Ned Lustig has volunteered -Bob Longfield KAW VALLEY storage for the piano. We now need work space for the console and other An especially enjoyable afternoon work which is to follow . The space SOONER STA TE was spent, Sunday , May 25, in the beautiful , new home of Bud and Ruby needed is roughly equivalent to a single The Sooner State Chapter gave the car garage. Jennings and their two sons, Jerry and 3/ 10 Robert Morton at the Chris~ian Tom. The Executive Board of the Chapter Crusade Auditorium in Tulsa quite a will meet the first Monday of the work out during May. On the 13th, we As the members and guests arrived , month. This will provide an opportunity were host to the local chapter of the they were treated to a tour of this to take care of business between regu­ American Guild of Organists. Phil Jud­ lovely home, then a short business lar Chapter meetings. kins, who maintains the organ, talked meeting was held, and a decision was on the history of theatre organ and made to ask a professional organist SIERRA demonstrated theatre organ stops and to perform at the June meeting in voicings. Chapter Treasurer, Joe Crutch­ Chairman Luther Cortelyou's home. A beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon, field, played a diversified program then found Sierra Chapter members and After the business meeting, Jerry AGO guests were invited to try the guests enjoying a picnic lunch at Ancil Jennings, who is the youngest member organ. Hoffman Park in Carmicheal, Califor­ of the chapter as well as one of the nia. Having satisfied their appetites, the Bob Foley from Wichita was the most talented, delighted his guests by group drove a mile to the home of Hal guest artist on the 16th for our first playing pop tunes of today and yester­ silent movie program. Special thanks to and Betty Wilmunder where installation day, creating a variety of pleasant im­ Bob for an excellent job of improvising of the former San Francisco Fox mez­ pressions as he entertained on his background music for the films, zanine Moller had just been completed. Thomas organ. A highlight was his - Joe Crutchfield As we entered the studio beneath a rendition of an arrangement of "Battle sign stating "Home of the Beast", Stu Hymn of the Republic," which was es­ Boyer, cocktail organist at Carl Greer SOUTH FLORIDA pecially appropriate since it was only Inn entertained us at the console and a few days before Memorial Day. May 25 presented a new twist in the organ sounded beautiful. The 3/ 12 Five other members and a guest each South Florida as a meeting of the re­ Moller is located in a studio that was played several selections which added cently appointed board of directors formerly a large shop and garage. The up to an afternoon of contrasting styles took place at the Calvin Jureit resi­ very ornate console is located between and fine entertainment. dence preceding a gathering of the two triangular chambers at one end of During the social hour, any mem­ the studio. Directly behind it stands a membership. Purpose of this Board meeting was to discuss plans for the bers who wished to try out the organ cabinet containing the player-roll at­ were encouraged to do so. tachment. The rest of the studio is oc­ ensuing season and create a calendar cupied by chairs for the guests. The of events thereby eliminating the erratic The Jennings were most gracious console is lighted by spotlights con­ nature of meetings in the past. Except hosts. - Lucille Underwood cealed in the ceiling. At the present for May 25, programs were never pre­ time, the studio is unfinished, but Hal viously planned. plans to panel the room in rosewood. It was decided that a program chair­ Two large double doors can be opened, man would be appointed who would Attend the 1971 enabling guests to sit on the patio under contact artists to play at scheduled AGO Convention the lime trees and enjoy the music. Chapter functions for a fee. Highlights In addition to Stu, George Seaver of the evening took place as Chairman also played for us. Following George's John Steele started the musical portion HONOLULU, JULY 2 - 8 with several selections on the Jureit concert, Hal played a tape made just Details in October before the organ was removed from organ, ·always a genuine treat. John the theatre. A player roll of "Nola" explained to everyone that a few Theatre Organ-Bombarde brought roars of laughter. The organ changes were evident in the organ, in-

45 theatre organ bombarde Many church organists USED to sit gadget virtually fires every key holder • to hold keys - my very dear old friend, all over the world and once for all the Great Harry Hall of New Haven - time. .~. died some years ago - used to tell me I had key holding troubles too during of one Harry Smith who was at one the many years I have had this organ time curator - ( now they call it curator growing from 16 to 25 to 35 to 42 ~ of organs) at that time Smith was just ~ ~ ranks over the period of years. And it ...... an organ repair man at Yale University. being a hobby more than anything else, To augment his meager earnings at I loved to tune it often. Wife was good Yale, Harry Smith used to take outside ~ ~ for a while on that job - she is still an jobs and tuned a lot. In those days, excellent wife - but as a key holder, TTT-a;rTTT maybe even now, organ builders pro­ she would rather not. My daughters vided a very useful facility for the Letters to the Editor concerning all grew up and one by one they came into convenience of the organ tuner. In the their turn to hold - and if you have not aspects of the theatre organ hobby center of the chests and hung from a seen the disgust on the little face of a are encouraged. Send them to tpe rafter in the ceiling, was a stout rope little girl who would rather play, you editor concerned. Unless it's stated with a big knot on the end of it. The have seen nothing. Finally it came ... tuner grabbed this knot and thus sup­ clearly on the letter rrnot for pub­ my last remaining daughter, now of lication," the editors feel free to porting and swaying himself over the center pipes - the upper ends mostly, asserting age, declared she was not reproduce it, in whole or part. tuned to pipes with a wand in his other going to do it any more. And little did Address: P.O. Box 2329 hand. I blame her for it - but the organ still had to be tuned! Livonia, Michigan 4815 0 It so happened that Harry Smith was on one of these jobs one day, and Harry Being of electrical bent, I tq_ok paper May 16, 1969 Smith was not much in love with upper and pencil to draw up what I eventually Mr. George Thompson ends any way. This day, the key holder called Adelle. Now of course this is a Editor - BOMBARDE was an old timer - an Ichabod Crane girl's name and I named it so for Dear .Mr. Thompson: character doubling as organist of the another incident which I shall not now Your April 1969 issue of the Bom­ church. Now, Harry knew that every relate. The eventual design called for a barde, on page 20, - here a charming time he yelled NEXT, IF the organist telephone stepping relay of 61 contact young lady, makes like she is bored to did not let go the note, it meant auto­ points, a little rectifier, a long three wire tears with holding keys and is making matically that the organist was not satis­ cord, a little hand held box with two the chore more tolerable by reading. fied with the running of that note - switches on it. With this thing, you can While this picture was perhaps posed and Harry would do a little better until set up whatever stops you want to tune for the article, the young lady's plight the old man let go the key. Things were - and as you press the switch one at a could not be truer expressed - for the apparently progressing pretty good, time, the NEXT, NEXT, NEXT, is art of key holding and the act of key when on one of the upper end notes obeyed without question and without holding is perhaps the world's greatest Harry yells NEXT and the note holds grumbling and without girls reading useless chore, wasteful of precious time. . .. NEXT! Harry yells - the note is books in between. There is nothing more trying than to still there and a few times more of Thus, I have once and for all fired find a "willing" key holder. Ah, yes, I Harry bellowing . . . no change the every likely candidate (?) for the hold­ know of many a dutiful organ techni­ note holds ... God Dam it ... NEXT! ing of keys ' in this organ - with 42 cian's wife, his squirmy little girl or and as Harry's stentorian voice re­ ranks, I would probably wear the knees boy - indeed even janitors of churches sounds through the edifice, the high­ off my pants begging for some one to often have found themselves glued to pitched note stops. hold keys - but I have been independ­ the organ bench, unable to get off. It Quietly, Harry ventures ... next ... ent of this for a long time now - I can is more like a man who grabs the lion's no response from the console - he waits tune anytime without beholding to any tail and has to go round and round a little more and then lets go the knob, one. Thus I have also eliminated the be­ with it, unable, indeed, fearful of letting straightens up his now well kinked holding in keyholding. go. backbone and gets to where he can see There it sits - the organ key holder, the console . . . no Ichabod there . . . I thought perhaps you would get a holding down one key and then the but as he looks a little beyond, there is boot out of this and maybe you can stir other, while the tuner in the hole, di­ Ichabod, with long frague coat and hat, some interest for your readers to do rects with a Next, Next, Next, etc., and with the crooked handle of a black something like it. I shall be pleased to when the tuner is making like the real umbrella over one arm . . . going out supply details when asked. thing, he does not innunciate all the of the door. letters in the word NEXT, but he saves Yours sincerely, wear and tear on whatever it is that he Obviously the organist was a per­ Garo W. Ray is trying to save wear and tear on, by fectionist and one who knew what he Barton Drive, Orange, Conn. giving out with a curt NEK . . . NEK wanted but leaving Harry Smith hang­ . . . NEK. ing by the knob and walking out . . . There can be no argument - key well, these are some of the things that holding is a waste of time - the grossest qualify man for some of the nomencla­ tures which we attach to them - like waste - there is no need for it, no­ The Organ Literature Foundation of body likes to do it, nobody wants to Ichabod - for who knows what his real 45 Norfolk Road, Braintree, Mass. have pay much for having it done wither - name was. you see, it is an unnecessary bi-product Now, if Harry Smith had a gadget announced two addendas to their cata­ of tuning which because of no other like the one in my 42 ranker at home, logue "E". Copies will be furnished alternative, becomes necessary and that he would need no one at the console free to ATOE Members upon receipt is hard to bear. for tuning - as a matter of fact, my of a self addressed stamped envelope.

augu.'it 1969 46 LEE ERWIN PLAYS FOR THE AGO - CLASSIFIEDADS -

The "generation gap" between the FOR SALE - Marr & Colton 2/5 Theatre FOR SALE - WURLITZER THEATRE A TOE and the AGO is not quite as Pipe Organ - natural wood finish. Well PIPE ORGAN ALBUM - Century Long wide as it was back in the early days unified TIBIA, VOX, TRUMPET, Play "Souvenir of Niagara Falls" as adver­ of the theatre organ. Lee Erwin played FLUTE, SALICIONAL, XYLOPHONE, tised in October Theatre Organ Bombarde. HARP and CHIMES, $2,000. Dr. Ray­ Original musical description of Falls, plus an evening of theatre organ music on mond K. Bradt, 1211 No. 22nd, Ft. 6 popular standard favorites. Jacket is July 1st at the Beacon Theatre for the Dodge, Iowa 50501, (515) 576-3326. full-color aerial view of Niagara, suitable AGO regional convention in New York for framing. Mono or Stereo, $5.25 post­ City; and next summer he will play paid. Composer, organist, recitalist CARL­ FOR SALE BOOKS - The RECENT TON FINCH, 266 Sweeney, North Tona­ two concerts during the AGO National REVOLUTION IN ORGAN BUILD­ wanda, New York 14120. ATOE member. Convention in Buffalo. ING by Miller. Beautiful reprint of the Limited number of records still available. 1913 edition. 190 pages jammed with There was a time when such events photos and information about Hope-Jones would have been all but impossible to and all the great builders. Hard cover. ORGAN OWNERS, BUILDERS and contemplate. During the golden age of Only $5.95 postpaid. We have many other TECHNICIANS. We sell new and used books on organs and automatic instru­ consoles, electronic kits, m~nuals, pedals, the movie palace, we are told, most ments-ask for catalog. VESTAL PRESS, speakers, reverbs and percussions. Buy "serious" organists would not admit VESTAL 15, New York 13850. direct and save. Write for catalog. NEW­ that the theatre organ was even a legi­ PORT ORGANS, 300 West Coast High­ timate musical instrument. That preju­ way, Suite D, Newport Beach, California WURLITZER STYLE-235 with Barton 92660. dice ( which probably was never as -4/ 17 Console Relays and additional wide-spread as we have been led to Style D Wurlitzer chests, console, percus­ sions and relays, professionally restored. FOR SALE - MOLLER DELUXE 3 believe) has certainly been diluted by MANUAL THEATRE ORGAN No. many recent events sponsored by the ROBERT MORTON - 2/6, using Style D Wurlitzer Chest-with Morton pipe work 5351. Complete and in excellent condition. ATOE and the AGO. Billy Nalle is still and percussions. ROBERT MORTON - Direct from original installation. Critical receiving compliments from people who 2/5 organ complete including percussions. and minute inspection invited. Extremely Contact Ralph L. Martin, Public Admin­ easy first floor loading. Contact: Harry P. heard his performance at the Atlanta Long, RFD-1, Mt. Crawford, Virginia. Fox several years ago. The theatre or­ istrator, Jackson County Courthouse, 12th and Oak, Kansas City, Missouri, Tele­ gan can indeed be a legitimate musical phone No. 1-(816)-421-6214. FOR SALE BOOKS: Hope Jones Unit instrument! Orchestra, $3.95. Wurlitzer Unit Organs, Earlier this year Lee Erwin invaded FOR SALE-Wurlitzer 3 manual console $4.50; Wurlitzer Fact Book, $2.00; Whit­ the camp of the "classical" organ field style 235. Joseph B. Sammut, 432 Chest­ worth: Cinema and Theatre Organs, nut Ave., San Bruno, Calif. 94066. $15.00; Williams: European Organ, $20.00; by playing a theatre organ concert on Wurlitzer Church Organs, $2.00; Audsley the Roosevelt - Skinner at Calvary ART of Organ Building, $15.00; Norman: Church, Park Ave., in New York City. WANTED - Bench and music rack for Organ Today, $7.50; Sears: Reed Organ, The New York Times music critic, Wurlitzer console. ED RANEY, 6211 $2.00. THE ORGAN LITERATURE Temple Hill Drive, Los Angeles, Calif. FOUNDATION, 45 Norfolk Road, Brain­ Allen Hughes, wrote: ". . . well, the 90028. Tel.: HO 9-9181. tree, Mass. 02184. church didn't fall down; the Victorian Gothic interior of Calvary Episcopal Church rang merrily with the cheerful new voices, to name but a few. It has strains of the great Gershwin music, r:Bool1{ eview even been suggested that the actual arrangements of Beatles songs, selec­ author of this book was Hope-Jones tions from "Cabaret" and "The Apple himself, writing under a pen name. His Tree," "The Sound of Music," and a The Recent Revolution in set of variations on the principal theme Organ Building name appears in 31 % of the book's pages. from Michel Legrand's score for "The George Laing Miller, 1913. Umbrellas of Cherbourg" . . . The ex­ Included are a biography of Hope­ periment was interesting and a credit to Reprint by Vestal Press Jon es with autographed picture, the imagination and enterprise of all Vestal, N. Y. 13850 Price $5.95 numerous drawings and specifications concerned . . . " Toward the close of the 19th Cen­ of representative organs of the period, including one in the Paris Theatre in It was an experiment, and with more tury, there occurred a drastic revolution than a little risk involved, but an ex­ in construction of pipe organs. There Denver. Mention is made of the organs periment that has brought Lee more were four men whose work was largely Hope-Jones installed in the days of his compliments than anything he has done responsible for freeing the King of Elmira company. Beautifully copied as in a good many years; and requests for Instruments from centuries-old bounds only the Vestal Press knows how, the similar concerts from all over the of tradition. They were Charles Spach­ book is highly recommended as an country. D man Barker, Henry Willis, Aristide asset in any theatre organ entht1siast's Cavaille-Coll and Robert Hope-Jones. reference library. In reading through the Miller book, - Lloyd E. Klos SEND ALL MATERIAL AND one is led to believe that Hope-Jones INQUIRIES FOR ADVERTISING towered over all his contemporaries in TO the art of pipe organ development. The Dewey Cagle theatre organ enthusiast is greatly 1970ATOS CONVENTION Advertising Manager familiar with those innovations which led to this revolutionary instrument­ 3291 Guido Street unification, electric action, horseshoe NEWYORK CITY Oakland, California 94602 console, stop tabs, slanted manuals,

47 theatre organ bombarde g~@o'f'':f~:. ., The wOrld's );JEJ.rnesttelectr?p: .ic theatre 'Gee,Dad, 6rgan .•.is unci~t .~onstruction '"at the Rodgers .,, Orgar1 Company. Now, another private party 1 sa ... has ordered one jµst)ike.it.tMore details will be released soo~. · · - 1 Rodgers? Meanwhile, wlte for information on what else Rodgers is doing in the theatre organ world. ' It's a long story.