Orbil ID™e eclronic 1yn~e1izer ~UJ hJ-~o!Ured 1pinel orgon equo1...

~e newe;I woy lo mo synthesizer has been used only slowly, just as the theatre organist did by opening and as a recording instrument ... and it took hours to pro­ closing the chamber louvers. duce a few minutes of music. And with the built-in Orbit III synthesizer, this Now with the Orbit III electronic synthesizer from instrument can play exciting combinations of synthe­ Wurlitzer you can create new synthesized sounds in­ sized, new sounds, along with traditional organ music. A stantly ... in performance. built-in cassette player/recorder lets you play along with This new Wurlitzer instrument is also a theatre organ, pre-recorded tapes for even more dimensions in sound. with a sectionalized vibrato/tremolo, toy counter, in­ But you've got to play the Orbit III to believe it. dependent tibias on each keyboard and the penetrating Stop in at your Wurlitzer dealer and see the Wurlitzer kinura voice that all combine to recreate the sounds of 4037 and 4373. Play the eerie, switched-on sounds the twenty-ton Mighty Wurlitzers of silent screen days. of synthesized music. Ask for your free Orbit III And it's a cathedral/classical organ, too;with its own in­ demonstration record. dividually voiced diapason, reed, string and flute voices. Or write: Dept. TO-1071 WURLiizER® New linear accent controls permit you to increase or The Wurlitzer Company, decrease the volume of selected sections suddenly, or DeKalb, Illinois 60115. hns the ,Tay cover- Photo ...

The 3/8 Wurlitzer, opus 2203, was ship­ ped to the Granada Theatre, Woolwich. Journal of the American Theatre Organ Society London. England in November of 1936. Volume 13, No. 5 • October, 1971 Story on page five. JOHN D. SHARP PHOTO ATOS National Membership is $8.00 per cal­ endar year, which includes a subscription to THEATRE ORGAN, the official publication of the American Theatre Organ Society. Single copies: $1.25. Make check or money order payable to ATOS, and mail to P. 0. Box 306, in this issue ... North Haven, Connecticut 06473. ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION EXCEPT ADVERTISING SHOULD BE FEATURES SENT TO ATOS PUBLICATIONS P. 0. BOX 2329, LIVONIA, MICHIGAN 48150 5 The Granada Woolwich . . . . . • Ralph Bartlett 9 The Harry Blair Legend ADVERTISING ADDRESS: Dick Schrum, Box 7 422, Bitter Lake Station, Seattle, Wash. 98133. 16 Fred Feibel ...... Lloyd E. Klos 19 Popularity and Publicity .. John Muri ATOS National Officers Stillman Rice, President 23 Angevines Open Studio Lee Erwin, Vice President 25 Rahway Theatre Sold Mary Bowles, Secretary-Treasurer 28 Accent on Youth . . . . Allen Miller and Eleanor Weaver Mildred Rice, Executive Secretary 29 Two Organ Buffs ...... L.A. Peckham Barbara Hubbard, Membership Secretary 34 Gaylord Carter Goes Baroque ...... John J. Strader ATOS National Board of Directors 35 From Cloud 9 to Cloud 1009 in Two Years . . Bob Balfour Mary Bowles Gaylord Carter 35 Ten More Members in Hall of Fame Lee Erwin Allen W. Rossiter Allen Miller Richard Simonton Ron Willfong Judd Walton TECHNICAL Albert T. Mason, Past President 12 Toward Higher Standards in Theatre Organ ATOS Honorary Members Installations ...... Judd Walton and Jack Bethards 1959-Jesse Crawford 1960-Farny Wurlitzer 1961-Mel Doner 1962-Leonard MacClain DEPARTMENTS 1963-Eddie Dunstedter 1964-Reginald Foort 4 Acre of Seats 23 Closing Chord 1965-Dan Barton 1966-W . "Tiny" James 18 Hollywood Cavalcade 24 Nuggets from the Golden Days 31 Vox Pops 1967-Erwin A. Young, Jr . 20 Snippets from England 25 Dinny's Colyum 35 Chapter News 1968-Richard C. Simonton 21 Letters to the Editor 26 For the Records 39 Classified Ads 1969-Judd Walton 1970-Bill Lamb 1971-George and Vi Thompson HALL OF FAME pr-esident~s messaae ... Jesse Crawford 1971-Don Baker Eddie Dunstedter Mrs. Jesse Crawford Reginald Foort Fred Feibel Leonard MacClain Arthur Gutow Growth - one way of believing in theatre organ Don Miller Sigmund Krumgold is to help our society grow. The simplest way is to Henry Murtagh C. Sharp Minor Ray Shelley Milton Slosser send in your dues early. This cuts the cost and Arsene Siegal Sidney Torch lowers the burden on all our unpaid staff. For you Firmin Swinnen Oliver Wallace new members, the reason we are mentioning this 1970-Lee Erwin Lew White is that all memberships expire December 31st. EDITORIAL STAFF Editor - George Thompson Please help next year get off to a booming start. Associate Editors - Ray Brubacher If you are in a city with a theatre organ and no Lloyd E. Klos chapter, why don't you form one? There is a lot Peg Nielsen Editor-Emeritus - W . "Stu" Green more status as a member of an international society Publisher - Al Mason as far as a theatre manager is concerned, than as an Art Director - Don Lockwood individual. Keep those theatre organs alive. Advertising Manager - Dick Schrum Circulation Manager - Vi Thompson While we have lost a couple of chapters, several more have become active groups. This is natural growth . A music magazine editorial says in the last five years, AGO THEATRE ORGAN (title registered U. S. Patent Office) is published bi-monthly by the American lost 16 chapters and their members make their living from music. Theatre Organ Society, Inc., a non-profit organ­ When you buy a record or an organ, mention ATOS. Write a Jetter to the editor. ization, Stillman H. Rice, President. All rights Send A Vox Pops to Stu Green - send us pictures and a story of your installation. reserved. Entire contents copyrighted 1970 by ATOS, Inc., Office of publication is P. 0 . Box Write to your local paper and radio station. Stand up for the great sound because 2329, Livonia, Michigan 48150. it's great entertainment. POSTMASTER: Second Class postage paid at Livonia, Michigan. IF UNDELIVERABLE, send form 3579 to ATOS Circulation Department, Box ATOS 11 1314, Salinas, California 93901. ARC HJVP- TT .,...,...,.,nAny Stillman H. Rice, President

THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1971 3 an acue of seats in a palace of splenc)ou ...

By BillPeterson, Number 24 in a series

THE SEVENTH AVENUE THEATRE - SEATTLE Designedby Sherwood Ford, this house seats 2200. Originallycalled the Fox, and later the MusicHall, it was completely redecorated and restored about one year ago and renamed the Seventh Avenue.The nautical motifs on the organ grilleswere inspired by the fact that the originalname of the house was to be the Mayflower.The four manual Robert Morton organ in the Carl Greer Inn, Sacramento,California is from this theatre.

4 OCTOBER , 1971 THEATRE ORGAN the GRANADA Woolwich, London,England

1'the tnost rotnantic theatre ever built"

by Ralph Bartlett

John D. Sharp Photos

April 21, 1937, a wonderful new but slightly more refined in design, distant cathedral. In the old days one theatre with architecture by Massey: based on Italian Gothic, against Span­ could partake afternoon tea in the Uren and Komisarjevsky opened its ish Gothic for Tooting. foyer upstairs midst these surroundings, doors to the public for the first time Described on its opening as "the without having to enter further into the with a super pre-war screen and organ most romantic theatre ever built," but theatre. But today with Bingo in mind, presentation. The theatre is in the dock­ everyone working on the site in 1937 it's a short step thru the Hall of Mir­ land and arsenal and military area on was sworn to secrecy about its interior rors, into the balcony, where one notices the south bank of the River Thames design. To view the outside of this heavy arches are prominent either side some eight or nine miles southeast of theatre seating close on 3,000 gives no of the hall, plus stained glass windows, town center. The new theatre had taken indication of its exotic interior, for it paintings and diffused lighting, plus some nine months or so to construct has a plain curved brick frontage with magnificent ch and el i er s. Downstairs after removing old properties in Powis a large tower feature, a large canopy, there is a carved wooden balustrade on Street and High Street, Woolwich, con­ and the usual Granada lettering, so one two sides for waiting patrons, and also struction was in the hands of Bovis would possibly call the exterior "mod­ one at the rear of the stalls area. Ltd., and the main architects were Cecil ernistic." All this for the then admission prices Massey ARIBA and R. H. Uren ARIBA The shock of finding the theatre is of Stalls: 9d., ls.0d., and ls.6d. Circle: - the former was architect for the something different comes after paying ls.6d., 2s.0d. Loges: 2s.6. The opening famed Granada, Tooting, London. your cash at the entrance hall, for then show was a British film with Will Hay Theodore Komisarjevsky was the in­ one sees a sweeping staircase with in "Good Morning Boys" and an Amer­ terior architect, and once again he golden gothic arches lit with concealed ican film with Lew Ayres in "Lady Be produced a theatre not unlike Tooting, lighting plus paintings as from some Careful," plus British Sound News, plus

THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1971 5 one now in Canada - Harry Farmer, then came Nelson Elms, who has only of recent times retired from managerial side on Granada. The late Dudley Beaven then appeared followed by Eric Smith from the Bedford Theatre with Tony Lowery on piano ( musical direc­ tor at that time) . Next came a duet with Dudley Beaven on the organ and Clive Richardson on piano, followed by the late Reginald Foxwell at the organ, but by now the BBC were to broadcast the organ every bi-week on a Monday at 3: 15 p.m. commencing on August 16, 1937 by the late Lloyd Thomas and followed alternative sessions by Dudley Beaven, this was continued until the war, although the last one by Robinson Cleaver was cancelled thru a bomb cutting the lines from Woolwich to town. September, 1937, had Steffani and his show on the stage, and two weeks later the famed Bobby Howell WURLITZER Stage Show arrived, then another two weeks and Jack Fields with his stage show arrived, whilst in November, Troise and his Mandoliers were on the stage, for Christmas week, 1937, Bobby Howell came back with a super presen­ tation on the stage, whilst Boyd Oxford brought 1938 in on the organ; a few weeks later there was another stage show called "Music Hall"; then in January came the return of Reginald Dixon at the Wurlitzer, plus a broad­ cast; but the following week saw the master himself at the console, newly from the ill-fated Union Cinemas - Harold Ramsey with his "Radio Ro­ deo"; this was followed in March, 1938, with a stage show backed by Reginald Dixon and the announcement in the press that within one year 1,332,- 486 patrons had visited the theatre! The second year commenced with a "Kerbside Kabaret" on the stage, mostly of acts connected with buskers who normally play outside West End theatres and cinemas whilst the patrons await the opportunity of entering the choice of their evening's entertainment. August 5, 1938, saw the initial visit by organist John Madin, who a few weeks earlier had been playing for Gaumont CLOSE UP OF MANUALS AND STOP TABS. British Pictures Corporation. Septem­ ber brought "Big" Bill Campbell and his stage show, a bright and breezy Reginald Dixon at the advertised rubber, some 1,259 square yards of Western style show much enjoyed by "Mighty" Wurlitzer. linoleum, so that the opening film stars, young and old of that day and age. With RCA High Fidelity sound sys­ Glenda Farrel and Claude Hulbert, November saw Hughie Green and His tem it would be a good sound feature, really had no trouble in declaring the Gang on the stage, shades of Hughie but sufficient to say that there was 44 theatre open, but on the evening of today connected with TV. December miles of electric wire in the theatre April 21, 1937 at 7:30 p.m. the open­ brought organists Dudley Beaven and construction, some 2 miles of silk ing of the Granada, Woolwich, was Cyril Gell together on piano and organ, damask for stage drapes, over a million really something, if other openings by whilst January, 1939, had the famous bricks to build up the theatre, 558 gal­ the same group were anything to go by. Mantovani with supporting acts on the lons of paint for outside and inside the The second organist to appear was stage. January also brought for the first theatre, 59 tons of asphalt, one mile of the late Donald Thorne, followed by time - after many tours around the

6 OCTOBER, 1971 THEATRE ORGAN group, of organist Robinson Cleaver, who was followed a few weeks later by Reginald Dixon for the third time. April had the famous pianists Rawicz & Landauer together on the stage. This brought the second year to the amazing total of 2,675,657 patrons visited the theatre in two years. June saw a new venture in Bryan Michie's Discoveries on the stage, per­ haps it lasted more than one week, I should imagine so, as Bryan was im­ mensely popular. June had Horace Bagot at the organ, an organist which most British fans would recall playing at the Odeon, Llandudno - or Winter Gardens as it was known in those days. Famed Ronald Hanmer of post war musical arranging then appeared at the Wurlitzer in September, and Neville Meale in January, 1940 - a nephew of the late Arthur Meale of Westminster Central Hall fame, and with Reginald Dixon later in the same month, I would suggest that this was his last visit to the Granada, Woolwich, as the war was going strong, and shortly he, as most of his fellow players, would be in the various services. The theatre records owing to the war periods are scarce, but Robinson Cleaver stayed for a few months, as also did Jackie Brown, and other visiting organists from memory included Florence de Jong, Thomas Dando, Leslie Simpson, John Madin and Lloyd Thomas, whilst on the odd occasion there was a stage show, much supported by the army, as Woolwich is also an army center, and with foreign navies in the docks across the river, what show via stage or organ could go wrong? With some normal return to life, a stage show in January, 1961, was a pantomime - a British institution at Christmas - "Mother Goose" on the stage. Organists came and went, man­ agers moved from here to there, and staff continued to support their patrons, but with time, films went out, and Bingo also took over. The Wurlitzer organ is listed as num­ ber 2203 shipped November 30, 1936, but not opened until April 21, 1937, and with three manuals, and eight ranks consisting of: Diaphonic Diapason, Trumpet, Tibia Clausa, Clarinet, Violin, Violin Celeste, Concert Flute, and Vox This style was lost in an under-the­ style been sited, maybe those sitting • Humana. It was a repeat of instruments stage installation but suitable for a listening to the organ shows might not placed in theatres on the circuit at 2,000 seater such as Bedford, Wands­ have been so keen to sit under the con­ Bedford, Mansfield, Wandsworth, East worth and Greenwich, with side cham­ sole as they were apt to do in days of Ham and Greenwich. With a theatre bers, but East Ham, Mansfield and old. seating close on 3,000 surely the revised Woolwich suffer thru a decision in hav­ Whatever faults were created in specification of Diaphonic Diapason, ing this style rather than the revised earlier days, the organ has been a fav­ English Horn, Tuba, Tibia Clausa, specifications which came to he in Sep­ orite with organists for its orchestral Gamba, Gamba Celeste, Saxophone tember, 1937. One wonders what the tonal qualities, and the grand piano and Flute would have been more suit­ effect of say Clapham Junction would attachment of former days, it was a able? have been at Woolwich had a different little gem. It still is today, although its

THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1971 7 Tom - on second touch there are two at 8ft. plus Cathedral Chimes and Tri­ angle, with a Solo 4ft. to Accompani­ ment coupler. The Solo has four J 6s, eight 8ft., five at 4ft, two at 2 2/2 rds, two at 2ft., and Tierce at 11/sths. There is also Cathed­ ral Chimes, Xylophone (37 notes), Glockenspiel (30 notes), Chrysoglott ( 49 notes), Vibraphone ( 49 notes) and Vibraphone Damper, two couplers: Suh Octave and Octave, and on second touch Trumpet 16ft which rather cripples the effect trying to use second touch ... as such. The third manual, is a pure coupler, having Accompani­ ment Unison to Manual 3, Solo Unison to Manual 3, Piano 8ft., Xylophone (37 notes), Glockenspiel (30 notes) and Chrysoglott ( 49 notes). It would ap­ pear that Manual 3 is basically the best of both Accompaniment and Solo together, giving a larger body than OF WURLITZER would normally be used on either other manual department, effective, but how much better it would have been to have relays on the top third manual. The two chambers are large enough to take additional ranks, and one won­ ders whether it was planned to install ten ranks rather than the eight sited, as there was a story that once Granada did think of ten ranks, but owing to excessive import charges it was reduced to eight, and the only two to have a ten ranker was the Granada at Kings­ ton upon Thames in Surrey opened late in I 939 when the war was on, and Granada, Edmonton, London, opened 1933. The blower room is situated between both chambers so that there is ample wind to both main and solo, all-be-it there are five ranks in the main against three in the solo, however, there are four sets of swell shades, two in each chamber facing towards each other, so that the sound mixes away from the console towards the audience, which is not bottled up by an orchestral wall, hut open wood carved orchestral pit sur­ round. Why the criticism, and opinions, and SOLO CHAMBER OF WURLITZER much about the theatre? Well soon it will not be heard again in this venue, plans are afoot to create a new Bingo Trumpet could do with a little more The Pedal has two 16s and five 8s mecca with level noor so that the hall opening up, the Diapason is very effec­ plus one coupler, usual Bass Drum, can be used for dancing, wrestling, as tive on straight work, and the Tibia Kettle Drum, Crash Cymbal, Cymbal - well as now Bingo sessions. Hence the really throbs away, and with the two the 8s are effective hut the 16s really organ will either be covered up for time String ranks thrown in, it has a charac­ make it worthwhile plus coupler. The to make some future enthusiast wonder ter of its own. The Vox Humana and Accompaniment has three l 6s, and what became of the Wurlitzer, or alter­ Flute are nothing special, but add some eight 8s, six at 4, a Twelfth, and Pic­ natively to be saved and rescued for of that orchestral flavor already gained colo at 2, also available are Mandolin some project away from the theatre, to thru the other ranks, whilst the Clarinet ( from piano), Sleigh Bells, Chrysoglott be heard again in new surroundings, adds a little brightness, but it's really (49 notes), Snare Drum, Tambourine, and to be enjoyed by future generations. overpowered by the Trumpet. Castanets, Chinese Block and Tom □

8 OCTOBER, 1971 THEATRE ORGAN TheHarry Blair legend

PART I

This is the story of a wonderful guy , and his equally wonderful wife - two people who invested their lives One of the atmospheric slides Harry Blair in helping others. It also chronicles made for Rose Diamond while she was playing at Loew's State in New York City, an era, because our principals were Slides were photos of cards with hand ­ entwined in the aura of the golden lettered lyrics. Each color slide was hand - colored with watercolors. days of the theatre organ and show business in general. One doesn't spend much time in theatre organist who had crossed his the presence of a veteran organist be­ path. fore the name Harry Blair is mentioned. One organist who knew Harry Blair Harry Blair - a plain name , but one and much of the secret which endeared which is bound to trigger any organist him to organists is Rose Diamond who who once rode a console skyward in was playing Loew's theatres in New a beam of blinding light. The name York during some of the perhaps 25 conjures a warm and friendly expres­ years of Blair's operation. We asked sion in the eyes of the veteran. This Rose to write us an article about the has happened to the wri ter time after legendary figure whose name was on time; say "Harry Blair" and the re­ nearly every Gotham organist's lip s sponse is invariably "what a wonder­ in the old days. When the resulting ful man he was." article arrived , we learned that Rose Rose Diamond about the time ( 1967) she had gone far beyond our modest re­ started a new career as a film bit player With so many friends among organ­ in Hollywood, where she has lived for ists, it soon became obvious that here quest: she had enlisted East Coast many years. Her first role was a brief stint was a colorful story about a man who organist Rosa Rio in a search for links as a confused wedding organist in "The Graduate." had apparently made a friend of every in the story. Together they came up with documentation from the Blair' s The roster of the Blair-founded lunch club (usually held at Childs Cafeteria) was topped by this contemporaries which steadily built a show card (in blazing color) which all members signed . The informal club resulted in the start picture of a man and wife team in­ of the Blair music and slide service which helped many organists keep jobs in the bleak '30s. terested in people above all else. We'll never know how much Harry's hobby of helping people, mainly organists, cost him in earning time lost. But that figure wouldn't have interested Harry or Adele Blair in the least. Their profits were in much larger terms - the reward of service to one's feJlow man. We learned nothing of the Blair ' s beginnings, where they were born, religion, racial extraction, education , politics, how they met and feJI in Jove - and similar items which have little bearing on the big picture. We first meet Harry Blair when he switched from a career in already dying vaude­ ville ( early '20s) to the role of song plugger for a New York publisher circa 1925. We have not been able to locate a photo of the Blairs , and we have no solid information on the dates of their passing other than it was in the late '50s. But no matter; its what they did with their lives that counts and the evidence that follows builds to a story

9

'\ of devotion to friends and colleagues York City from my first theatre organ believer in pop organ music the country one rarely encounters in these troubled job in Moberly, Missouri, looking for has ever known. times. a job in the big city. As every organist, I've written a lot about myself but Our story consists entirely of the pianist and singer did in those days I each sentence pertains to a long and words their contemporaries have to say contacted the music publishers for happy relationship with Harry Blair in retrospect about them, drawing on their new "plug tunes." Happening and his sweet wife, Adele. memories which brighten many an into Shapiro-Bernstein (then situated Don Baker needs no introduction; aging eye in the telling. There is no in a walk-up building on Broadway) I here's what he has to say about Harry special order of letters and no attempt asked for copies of their latest songs Blair. has been made to place events in and the reception girl sent me to the chronological order. desk of a Jimmy Clark, then boss of First, a brief note from former NBC six or eight song pluggers and Jimmy organist Rosa Rio, who helped make introduced me to a jolly rolly-polly this tribute possible: named Harry Blair who, I soon found out, was truly interested in helping anybody and everybody. He sent me to a Mr. Luz at the Loew's Theatres music department who gave me my first job in New York City at Loew's Lexington. Professional copies and song slides were then, and continued to be for many years, the most important tools for a theatre organist. Harry Blair sup­ plied hundreds of organists in New York City and across the country with this material and it didn't have to be published by Shapiro-Bernstein, his DON BAKER employer. Whatever you needed he'd pick it up at Irving Berlin or De Sylva, I first met Harry about 1925 or 26. Brown and Henderson or others and He was then what was called a song bring it to you wherever you were play­ plugger. This often entailed sitting ing - always a warm, grinning, happy around a night spot where a band ROSA RIO man. was playing for a set or two and Many of us today are former mem­ Harry Blair's office at Shapiro­ talking to the band leader. In our case, bers of the Blairs "Noon Day Club" Bernstein was the mecca for organists as you remember, Rose, Harry would and since that time have gone up the who were "downtown" or "in town" drop by of an evening and give out ladder of success. During the period of for music slides or possible jobs. Often copies of tunes that his company was the pipe organ in the theatre, the eight or ten would go out to lunch currently pushing. Harry did this until Blairs supplied us with the necessary together discussing the organists' great­ the day that he talked Shapiro-Bern­ music and slides and rejoiced with us est need - a good ENDing song to stein into letting him start the organists' over the rewards of being theatre stimulate applause. Out of all this was slide service which was such a help to organists. Then suddenly the talkies born Harry's "Noon Day Club" which all of us. You will remember that he came in and the theatre organists were kept the pedal pushers supplied with went around to all the publishers every sitting along the sidelines wondering music and slides, so vital to continuing day or so and picked up copies of all what to do about their careers. Adele employment. Harry, Bernie Cowham their tunes which he passed on to us and Harry Blair came to the rescue; and I supplied organists with parodies, a weekly package. The cost to us was they gave positive words of encourage­ tongue-twisters and other special ma­ nominal, and included the loan of ment, fed many a hungry pedal pusher, terial written by Bernie, slides man­ such slides as he had available, plus any loaned money, and helped to secure ufactured by me and sold and shipped special material or parodies which we jobs. by Harry Blair, our own "Song Slide had written and were glad to give to Adele and Harry Blair's humbleness Service". him. His wife, Adele was a great help and their love for their fellow man As times changed (late '30s) and to him in this venture. was certainly a rare quality. I shall organists were no longer employed in On a personal note I remember always remember the Blairs with love. theatres (Don Baker at the Paramount him, Rose, as a man whose office it Rosa Rio puts the Blair's lives in and I at the RKO 86th Street - the was a pleasure to visit. He was an ex­ succinct perspective, but there is much last two organ-playing theatres in New vaudevillian, and as such was a tre­ more. Read what one of Harry Blair's York City) but worked night clubs mendo us audience for a pun or a joke; co-workers has to say. Ario Hui ts was and restaurants, Harry serviced these, dropping in on him was a high spot in for many years organist for the NBC not only with the music they needed a day. The cameraderie he created be­ afternoon "PDQ" broadcast. He ex­ but with personal visits, many out of tween all of us was a delight. I felt a plains the Noon Day Luncheon Club. town - Boston, Washington D.C., great personal loss when he passed I remember the first time I met Detroit; wherever organists played away. Harry Blair. I had just come to New Harry would show up, the greatest While organist Harry Jenkins didn't

10 OCTOBER, 1971 THEATRE ORGAN know Harry Blair personally , his com­ number of times when I had to have it was a tremendous boost for the men ts are indicative of reactions of slides in a hurry and he never failed organists as it gave them recognition. those who dealt with the Blairs by me! Used to sell plain black and Harry Blair was also instrumental in mail , as many organists far from New white (lyrics only) for 35¢ and illus­ helping the organists by placing them York did. trated 50¢; and he made up many in theatres through the General Man­ special slides for me. You could make agers of the various circuits. He also up a real good set of song-slides from gave valuable advice to them in their his material, much better than most problems. of the stuff the music companys would I was with Adele when she was in send. Flushing Hospital just before she passed Yes, Rose, it was wonderful to be away. As if it was yesterday, I still in Show Biz back in those days. It was remember what she said to me, - "Jack, always a thrill to me to ride the big I don't want to go, I have so many 4/22 Morton organ at Loew's Midland, fine friends and memories." Kansas City, up out of the pit to stage level, with the Crescendo pedal down We are indebted to Rose Diamond all the way! WOW, what tone! And for collecting and editing the letters Harry Blair's song slides added the which comprised our tribute to the finishing touch. Harry Blairs. She was assisted by Rosa Rio; Stu Green provided the In New York City organist John connecting lines. Gart remembers the Blairs. Having been a theatre organist for ./ many years I naturally knew Harry The legend of Harry Blair will be Blair and his lovely wife Adele. You concluded in the next issue. HARRY J. JENKINS just had to like and respect Harry Blair. I for one will always have fond While working for the Paramount­ memories of Harry and his "Noon-Day Publix chain in New England for many Club". Oneof the years I subscribed to the Blair song Gradually the picture begins to fill great talents slide sets to introduce new songs to the out. Radio City Music Hall organist public. I never met Harry Blair ex­ at the Jack Ward adds further information. cept through correspondence but was Seattle impressed by the completeness and Convention... quality of his work. I looked forward to receiving this song slide service with it's cue music - it was a means of assisting the organ­ ist to fill a niche in the program at his JONAS theatre after sound started, although I had been using them in the silent NORDWALL days as well. Slides became much more important in the bleak '30s be­ AT THE cause they were often the difference WURLITZER PIPE ORGAN between a playing job or none. ORIENTAL THEATRE, PORTLAND When that big box of slides arrived parcel post I would take it to my • room, sit down with the cue sheet in Theatre Organ Magazine says ... hand and go through the set, looking "recording is outstanding" at each slide. Seldom was I disap­ pointed. I wish I had known the man JACK WARD • responsible personally. ORDER NOW Another who knew the Blairs from Harry Blair had been a vaudeville SUPPLY LIMITED a distance was Billy Wright , an organ­ performer in the heydays of show ist who never stopped playing in the­ business. He and Adele were very fond • atres. He took managerial jobs in of the organ and they were responsible houses with organs after "talkies". for a great many organists reaching the 12" Stereo Album JN 101 Currently he 's playing a Conn Theatre top. He sold the idea of putting song $5.50 Postpaid model nightly between shows at the slides in Loew's, RKO and various Eastland theatre in West Covina, Calif. independent theatres throughout the order from ... Good old Harry Blair! Gads, I country. He persuaded the Motion haven't heard his name mentioned in Picture Herald to run full page articles years, but what would we old-timers on the activities of the organists 4993 S.E. 30th Avenue have done without his dependable through Ed Dawson. Ed would make Apt. 98 song-slide service? I never met the the rounds of the theatres and write Portland, Oregon 97202 guy but talked to him long-distance a about the solos being performed and

THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1971 11 Toward Higher Standards

• Ill Theatre Organ Installations

by Judd Walton and Jack Bethards

Owning a theatre organ is both a But such is not the case. In fact, the pipes on a production basis to meet public trust and an investment op­ statement can be bluntly and truthfully the tonal requirements that made portunity. The theatre organ era lasted made that most theatre organ reinstal­ Wurlitzer a leader in the field of the­ only a few short years, during which lations are nothing short of abomina­ atre organ sound, a position recognized time comparatively few organs were tions. even now. Also marveled at by today's built. Only a small fraction survive organ men is the lightning fast action today. Because of this, standards of and responsive wind system of the excellence in the restoration and re­ Most Theatre Organ Builders Knew Wurlitzer. installation of these unique instruments What They Were Doing The W. W. Kimball Company en­ ought to be established. Not only to A fortunate few of us have had the gaged R. P. Elliot, who guided the help preserve theatre organs; but also opportunity of inspecting original the­ company toward tonal and mechanical to enhance their future value as col­ atre organ installations, and most of standards that resulted in instruments lectors' items. Breaking up complete them were marvels of craftsmanship. of high quality still valid today. instruments for parts, poorly executing Each builder was unique, yet almost Even some of the smaller com­ reinstallations and ·additions, exorbi­ all strove for quality. This was neces­ panies, whose product designs under­ tant pricing, and other unacceptable sary because theatre organs were sub­ went almost constant changes to meet practices should be discouraged. Rec­ jected to the most rugged demands of the needs of their limited resources, ognition should be given those theatre endurance. The work of major builders still maintained a high standard of organ owners who meet high standards, is characterized by quality materials, quality. There were a few, of course, as is done in other hobby endeavors. first-class workmanship performed by who resorted to inferior materials, in­ dedicated experts, and a definite plan adequate pipe work, and a multiplicity To most enthusiasts, the purchase or concept of design - both tonal and of other faults. Either the company and installation of a theatre organ in mechanical. or the organ, or both, soon departed their home is a remote possibility. For instance, Robert Morton had an from the scene ( together with some of Over 5,000 members are enrolled in "orchestral instrument" plan of tonal the theatre owners' money). theatre organ clubs around the world. design which was highly developed Despite statements to the contrary, Yet of this number, probably not over over the years. According to the found­ it is known that Wurlitzer provided a hundred or so, about two percent, ers of the company, Guy, Niles and tonal finishing to their instruments have attained the dreams of the other Leland Jacobus, the orchestra concept after installation in a theatre. On large 98 percent - a theatre organ installed was natural in that their instruments instruments, this was done by a factory in their own homes for their own use! were replacing pit orchestras in many crew, while on the smaller organs the It seems natural to assume that such theatres. The Robert Morton mech­ finishing was performed by local ser­ an accomplishment would yield noth­ anism was successfully designed for vice people (It is possible that some in­ ing short of perfection in the physical rugged reliability. stallers may have collected pay for and musical characteristics of these Wurlitzer tonal concepts, originated tonal finishing without ever completing relatively rare instruments ... that an by Robert Hope-Jones, were carried the task. But at least the service was owner's own personal interest in his forward under the direction of Famy provided for.) Other builders also care­ considerable investment, to say noth­ Wurlitzer by the head voicer of the fully "finished" their important instal­ ing of his pride of ownership, would company, Tom Ruggles, It was he who lations. assure such perfection. researched and discovered how to build Again, all of this goes to prove that

12 OCTOBER, 1971 THEATRE ORGAN 1 the theatre organ builders knew what they were doing , that they carefully carried out their plans , and that as a result, they have left the beautiful instruments we hear today ... in­ struments that deserve far more care than too many of them are receiving. In view of all of the past effort and concern exerted toward achieving per­ fection , it is truly inconceivable that so many horrific examples of "rebuilds" or "reinstallations " exist today, as a result of the efforts of either an un­ informed enthusiast, or one who just doesn't care.

What Has Happened to Quality StandardsToday? Considering the fact that theatre organ builders established such high YES! - Observe the neat duct work instal ­ YES! - Note neat wiring runs and con ­ standards, resulting in easily recogniz­ lation in this blower room and space saving struction details on this installation. Ends able , well engineered, neatly install­ mounting of tremulants. All joints and of construction number have been sand ­ seams were soldered on this installation. ed and varnished. ed , mechanically reliable and tonally correct organs , it is with the utmost disgust , almost revulsion , that one re­ acts to the sight and sound of some of the home installations on display today. These installations demonstrate an abandon that borders on idiocy, with assorted sizes of duct work taped to­ gether with adhesive tape ; a wild scram­ ble of wires and a jumble of building supports and parts nailed together. It is very difficult to understand the motivation that causes such messes! If for no other reason , a prudent man should want to protect his investment. Certainly there is a standard of ex­ cellence that should be unmistakably clear to those involved in the theatre organ hobby. Such standards obtain in other hobby activities. How can misguided individuals assemble such monstrosities and expect the results to be considered good? It should make no difference whether the enthusiast is assembling a complete and original YES! - Pictured is the neat layout of windlines from the organ - a Wurlitzer, a Morton , a vertical wind trunk to the swell shade motor's action and the Kimball, or what have you - or is windline behind running to the percussion units. Note the felt padded support under the elbow of this windline. Most of putting together a carefully selected the elbows pictured were fabricated on the job by using a group of components from several 22 ½ 0 miter box and soldering up the elbows as was done builders. The job should be done care­ in the Wurlitzer factory. fully and correctly. And it can be. However, an "assembled" instru­ in pipe v01cmg, with the result that ment should not be simply a collection almost as nonsensical as installing five the original tonally correct sound of of components picked up over a period wheels on a Model "T". the ranks was unrecognizable. Certainly of time with no thought given toward Of course, an installation can be there are enough professionals and the ultimate tonal design of the in­ near perfect in theoretical design and knowledgeable organ "buffs" around strument, with ranks installed only physical characteristics , yet still leave to assist anyone who wants to do the because they happen to be available. much to be desired tonally. In some This is as bad as installing a complete instances , misguided and uninformed job right. Aiding and abetting the "crimes" organ and then making additions which "experts" have reamed the toes of the have no musical sense. Adding ranks pipes, altered the windways and per­ are the enthusiasts who applaud such efforts. These misguided and misin- simply because they are available is petrated terribly incorrect procedures 13 THEATRE ORGAN OCT OB ER, 1971 formed individuals see and hear these abominations and are lavish in their praise of the work and sound. Too often , these "critics" are happy with any sound as long as it is loud. Our hobby news media also un­ wittingly add to the problem by print­ ing glowing accounts of such musical monstrosities. To concede that they have no way of knowing any better does not resolve the problem which they create. But they could, and should , help raise the standards by being selective and discriminating in the installations on which they report.

The Crimes of Today It would take many issues of Theatre Organ to catalogue all of the "crimes" perpetrated against the theatre organ in the name of "rebuilding ", but here NO! - Note offset Tuba chest and off ­ NO! - Note sloppy wiring on the relay. are a few of the mistakes most often set String chest placed in front of Tuba Excessive length of 3 inch flex is obvious as and Bourdon chests , making it almost is misalignment of the 3 inch line to the committed , and some hints on how to impossible to service these units. String relay. Stacking components on top of pipes avoid them: pipes are not vertical and are secured as shown in the foreground is the ultimate 1. Failure to assess the financial , to a rack nailed to the Bourdon pipes. in sloppy workmanship. spacial and timing practicality of the project. Many an organ has been butchered by well-meaning but incompetent individuals who "got in over their heads" with insufficient money , space or time. The organ , as a result, is ruined as an entity , and ends up on the parts market. Don't bite off more than you can chew! A good, small organ is 100 percent better than a bad, large one. 2. Poor handling in removal. Im­ proper transportation and storage have ruined hundreds of priceless

NO! - Note crude lumber on the left, sloppy wiring, and poorly planned main air - 1ine supply to the reservoir trunk causing NO! - Note adhesive tape on the airline joints and cable looped over extensions on the reservoirs for the spring the windline which can also be seen hanging up the rear wall. No one loading bars. Observe the extremely crude component is plumb with another . methods used for these components shown in the center of the picture, one of which NO! - Building supports are made of ordinary 2' by 4' lumber, partly utilizes a piece of angle iron and the other nailed and partly screwed. The hanging chimes provide a good ref ­ of which is whittledfromapieceofbuilding erence for a vertical line and the misalignment of the parts is easy to material. observe. organ components. While expe­ something you may not be able 5. If one has only a collection of rience helps, it only takes com­ to finish. Avoid changing pres­ parts, a hybrid organ can be as­ mon sense to avoid most of the sures - the original pressure was sembled, but only with knowl­ unfortunate blunders made by adopted for a sound reason. edgable guidance, if musical re­ enthusiasts . . . blunders re­ 10. Lack of pride in good workman­ sults are desired. Organ design sulting in bent pipes, damaged ship. Throughout the work, try and building should not be under­ chests and bungled wiring. to enjoy a feeling of a job well taken without competent direc­ 3. Failure to re-build before re­ done, After all, that is the real tion and supervision. installation. Many organs have fun and feeling of accomplish­ An owner of a theatre organ has in been ruined by amateur re-builds ment that comes from the the­ reality assumed a public trust. That endowment should not be betrayed and then cost a fortune to re­ atre organ hobby. build. Quality materials and care through careless and selfish handling of a once beautiful means of artistic in workmanship should be used. expression. A theatre organ owner has Recommended Guidelines 4. Lack of planning. How often have within his grasp the opportunity to you seen pipes stuck through a For ATOS restore an instrument of which all And Its Members hole in the ceiling or mitered theatre organ enthusiasts can be proud. beyond recognition _because of If we are to preserve the theatre Consider that what you are attempt­ poor planning? If one is not organ as it ought to be preserved, the ing to recreate is an excellent invest­ working from a specification and following guidelines may help: ment possibility. A well-preserved the­ floor plan, the result - especially 1. Where at all possible, theatre atre organ can bring a high return to in a large organ - can be a organs should be left in their the competent enthusiast, whereas a disaster. original installations, un-altered, badly installed, poorly designed and 5. Incorrect and poorly executed carefully restored and properly un-musical job is junk. As such, it may wind line layout. Winding offers cared for. only be worth hauling away. And you a multitude of opportunities for 2. When an organ is purchased, will probably have to pay for that! amateurism. The friction tape counsel should be sought if one However else you view your theatre industry must claim 90 percent is uninformed. Many who have organ, take complete pride in your of its sales from organ hobbyists purchased an organ at a price too final results - and the other reasons taking shortcuts in winding. Wind high, and later try to re-sell, find for doing a good job with a remarkable lines should be run in logical they cannot recover their money. instrument will fall into place. patterns, soldered ( or in the case A prospective purchaser would of flex, clamped) securely and be wise to seek counsel before checked over for leakage. buying to be sure he does not Postscript: 6. Sub-standard wiring installation. acquire more ( or less) than he It is recommended that ATOS ap­ Wiring is more often a mess than bargained for. Nothing really point Regional Committees· of THE­ not. There is no excuse for slop­ needs to be said about the seller ATRE ORGAN STANDARDS. When py wiring. Here is a place to use who asks and receives more than invited, these Committees will assess a friction tape to advantage. Cables a reasonable profit - a con­ theatre organ installation and either should be laced, wrapped and temptible practice. As the old present the "owner-curator" with a run neatly. saying goes, "A fool and his certificate of merit, or make recom­ his money are soon parted." 7. The use of poor quality lumber mendations to him as to necessary and other materials. Wood once 3. If an organ must be moved, it changes required to bring the instal­ used in concrete forms is not should be set up as it came from lation up to the standards established suitable for organ work! No nails the factory with modifications in accordance with the principles of - screws only. Frames and other and additions made only along the ATOS bylaws. building supports should be made the lines established by the orig­ Sec. III - to: of good quality wood, and inal builder. One should try to ( a) Preserve the historical tradition of finished. discover the principles which the Theatre Pipe Organ in American guided the builder, and then ask, 8. Improper sequence of installing music and theatre by: "How would the factory men (1) Restoring, in their home the­ components. Untold damage has have done this?" If additions or been wrought through premature atres where possible, the re­ specification changes are made, maining specimines of the in­ installation of pipes just to "hear they should use original parts or the first whistles"! Don't install strument. copies - not parts from other (3) Arranging for removal, rehabil­ manual chest pipes until the rest makes of organs. If modern com­ of the installation is complete. itation, and reinstallation of in­ ponents are used (flex wind lines, struments no longer wanted. color-coded wire), they should 9. Abominable tone regulation. The issuance of a certificate of merit be installed to professional Take time to listen before would attest that the strict principles standards. changes are made in the pipe­ which the original builders held in­ work. Plan toward an authentic 4. A complete organ, no matter violate had been met in the restored theatre organ ensemble. Don't how small, should not be broken instrument, both to the eye and to butcher pipes before starting for parts if at all possible. the ear. □

THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1971 15 Fred Feibel at the console of the New York Paramount Studio Wurlitzer. This console has more combination pistons than any other Wurlitzer. It is now in Dick Loderhose's Renwick Studio. (Feibel Collection Photo)

FRED FEIBEL from Neighborhood Theatre to Ne""W" York Paramount

by Lloyd E. Klos

There must be some ATOS members under Joseph Laufenberg, and he console. He enjoyed sitting beside me who remember a radio program ema­ credits those years of instruction as on the organ bench while I played for nating New York City in the theatre giving him an excellent foundation in the silent movie." organ's heyday, entitled Organ Reveille. organ technique. Later, he would study Mr. Feibel later played theatres in The show was very successful, though arranging, orchestration, and conduct­ neighboring communities. Among these it used more than a dozen announcers ing with Leo Kempinski, and the com­ were the Monticello Theatre in Jersey plete Schillinger System of Comp­ during its lifetime. The organist? Mr. City and the Bronxville Theatre in osition under Jesse Crawford. However, Fred Feibel. Bronxville, New York which had a at 14 he became one of the organists Mr. Feibel was born in Union City, Welte-Mignon organ. New Jersey. "When I was nine, music in his church. was a parlor accomplishment, and At this time, came his first adventure Then, becoming affiliated with the since my sister played the piano, my in theatre organ playing. During sum­ Paramount-Publix organization, he mother thought I should be a violinist. mer vacation, he attended a matinee played the Paramount theatres in I went along with that for a few years, at the Colonial Theatre in Union City, Toledo, Ohio~ St. George, Staten Island, but the piano keyboard fascinated me. and noticed there was no musical N.Y. and the Rialto Theatre in New "Through my sister's study books, accompaniment to the silent film. He York City. I was well on my way as a pianist be­ wondered about this until he saw a His career in theatre-playing was fore I abandoned the violin for organ notice flashed upon the screen, adver­ capped by his becoming one of the lessons. Why organ lessons? Well, if tising for a pianist for afternoons. Fred organists at the famed New York the piano keyboard fascinated me, the leaped from his seat, made for the Paramount in 1928, a position he held organ with its multiple manuals abso­ office, and proclaimed he was the for 7½ years. His popularity at the lutely overwhelmed me. man for the job, but specifying he 4/36 Queen Mother of all Wurlitzers "I was the little boy who sat behind wanted to play the organ instead. He led to his doing an early morning the organist at the local motion picture got the position. radio program called "Organ Reveille" theatre in the days of the silents, of ten Another theatre in which he played for CBS. Fred started this program on sitting through two or three shows, in Union City, was the Summit. "The September 16, 1929, and the theme watching every move the organist organ was a Be·man Symphonie organ, was an original Feibel composition, made, and just drinking in the wonder­ built by the Beman Organ Co. of "Thanks To The Dawn." The show ful sounds. Sometimes , the manager Binghamton, N.Y. The elderly Mr. was broadcast from 7:30 to 8, six chased me out for occupying the seat Beman, a really fine gentleman and a days a week for more than seven years. too long." great organ technician, used to come "The first 5½ years were the hardest. Mr. Feibel studied piano with con­ to the theatre when installing major I was still playing a full schedule in cert pianist Hans Hanke, and organ additions, which once included a new the theatre, and had to be at rehearsal

16 OCTOBER, 1971 THEATRE ORGAN for the broadcast each morning at day, John Roblin was witness to a studio organ was not being used; it 6:30. This meant rising at 4: 15 to broadcast by his theatre organ idol. was still in the studio, though under commute to New York from New The organ studio was on the ninth lock and key." Jersey. I don't believe I averaged five floor of the Paramount Building, and From 1935 on, Fred Feibel devoted hours of sleep a night during that the organ was the famous 4/21 special himself entirely to radio broadcasting, entire period, as it was often midnight Wurlitzer, the Crown Prince of the mainly with soap operas. Among the when I left the theatre. Wurlitzers, which is now owned by radio serials for which he provided "But, that early morning radio show Dick Loderhose, ATOS member in the music were "Big Sister" with is best remembered of all the things I Jamaica, Long Island. Alice Frost and Dorothy McGuire; have done on the air. Because I tried Fred, earphones in place, was in "David Harum" with Craig McDonnel to fulfill requests, the program earned his shirtsleeves and vest, but no tie. and Bennett (Mr. Keen) Kilpack; "Lora one of the biggest volumes of fan mail The announcer, Jo:hn ·Reed King, was Lawton" with Jan Miner and Marilyn for CBS. The show had some very in the broadcasting studio on Madison Erskine; "The Goldbergs" with Gert­ well-known announcers: Mel Allen, Avenue, hence the earphones. rude Berg and Everett Sloane; "Rose­ later the Voice of the New York The program began with a trumpet mary" with Betty Winkler and Ed Yankees; Andre Baruch; Paul Douglas; solo of the familiar reveille, known to Latimer; "We, the Abbotts" with John Doug Edwards; Ralph Edwards; Bill soldiers, then a modulation into his McIntire and Betty Garde; "Nora From Goodwin; John Reed King; Bert (Miss beautiful theme. There was a period Nowhere" with Toni Darnay and James America) Parks; Kenneth Roberts; Bob of silence while announcer King would Kelly; and "Our Gal Sunday." Trout; and Fred Utall. There were introduce the number, and so it would Fred says that certain songs are others, but all became big names in go throughout the program. very dear to his heart, and especially radio, and later on television. It was a John Roblin says that one of Fred's "Red River Valley", which he played pleasure to work with all of them." presentations revolved around a novelty every day, Monday thru Friday for 10 However, Fred remembers well the number. For example, he'd take a song years on "Our Gal Sunday". "I love few times during these years of "Organ like "China Boy" or "China town", that song, and I made a lot of money Reveille" when the announcer over­ and would play it as a Russian dance, playing it." slept and, with a stout heart, he a Spanish tango, an Hawaiian hula, an That program involved an orphan undauntingly gave his own announce­ Austrian waltz, or Chinese theme. At girl who married an English Lord, ments. Somewhat more harrowing were the end, he'd turn it into a rousing and asked the question: "Can this the few times when the engineer over­ American jazz number. It was a very girl from a mining town in the west slept, and Fred had to turn on the colorful presentation. find happiness as the wife of a wealthy equipment, set the dials, and thus put At the conclusion of Fred's pro­ and titled Englishman?" The program himself on the air with the knowledge gram, who walked into the studio but used the talents of some fine actors that he must carefully gauge the vol­ the Mighty Mite herself, Ann Leaf, to during its run; Karl Swenson, Jay ume of his playing so as not to over­ whom John was introduced. (Mr. District Attorney) Jostyn, Carl­ load the equipment and thereby find John saw Fred six years later when eton Young, Van Heflin, Vicki Vala, himself no longer on the air. in New York. This time, the organist Santos Ortega, and Anne Seymour, ATOS member, John W. Roblin was using a Hammond in a studio at to name the more prominent. All went of Pittsford, N.Y. fondly remembers 485 Madison Avenue, playing themes on to bigger things in television. Mel the "Organ Reveille" broadcasts as he and background music for soap operas. Allen was an announcer. Frank and used to pick them up at his Niagara "He was meticulously dressed - quite Anne Hummert produced the program. Falls home. It should be pointed out a dapper young fellow, and he stated During World War II, Fred Feibel here that John was a dedicated theatre to me", says John, that "the Paramount served over two years in the army organ buff in his early youth, and combining that love with a love for electric railways, would frequently take the Buffalo-Niagara Falls high-speed trolley to North Tonawanda and see the mighty Wurlitzers being built and shipped. It was possible to combine two hobbies in those great days! Anyway, John recalls that the pro­ gram came over the air from WABC, the 50,000-watt station of the Atlantic Broadcasting Corp. in New York City. In July 1935, John and a friend made plans to visit New York, and wrote to Fred Feibel to see if there were a chance he could witness one of his broadcasts. He received a very nice reply, which he still treasures, in­ s tru c ting him to call Fred when arriving in New York. This was done and on the appointed

THEATRE ORGAN and entertained thousands of service­ FRIENDS report that Prince David men. He resumed his musical career Mdivani, one time husband of Mae in 1945. Murray, now lives in quiet retirement He taught for three years at Stein­ in Southern California. way Hall in New York, four nights a week, instructing students in the Jesse Crawford organ courses and the Fred SHORT TAKES ... Robert Ander­ Feibel Master Course in Popular Organ son has written a new book on Lon Playing. At the same time, he was Chaney (with an in-depth index) to be playing 11 radio and TV shows a week, published in October ... Mary plus privately teaching as many good MacLaren told newsmen recently she's pupils as free time allowed. about the only survivor of the 1921 According to Fred's own calcu­ Douglas Fairbanks classic "Three Mus­ lations, he has played on over 8,000 keteers" ... John Huston's address radio and television programs which / ~ Directed by overseas is: St. Clerans, Craughwell, is a record very few organists have I ■• Lyle W. Nash County Galway, Ireland ... Some achieved. fans used to write Patti Andrews at One of his major activities through "HAVE STORY, Will Talk" is the 17310 Rancho St., Encino, California. the years has been his arranging and philosophy of Minta Durfee Arbuckle, composing for publication. He has now a proud 82. Minta shuns Holly­ ~ been a member of ASCAPsince 1956. wood's chronic self-pity sadness be­ A READER says she contacted On arriving home from his vacation cause she's busy with films ("Willard"), Tom Drake at 8218 Delongpre Ave., in June 1970, he found his latest TV, radio and public appearances. Los Angeles, 90046, California. publication awaiting him, "Action At From a tape recording with Minta ~ the Organ In a Classical Manner," a recently we culled three questions. CALLS and letters have asked about book on arrangements. The first question was: "What come­ the proposed Harold Lloyd Founda­ The Feibel family moved to Vero dians of today would have scored in Beach, Florida about eight years ago, silent films?" A. "Well, Jackie Gleason tion/Museum. There's not much factual and Fred is organist and choir director was one. He's tops ... Art Carney I information - yet. Lloyd did will his of First Presbyterian Church. He finds think is a very funny man . . . I like mansion and the estate acreage for the great happiness in his church work and Jack Benny and enjoy some of Milton purpose of creating an educational gives two concerts a year for the Vero Berle's things ... All of these men are facility and museum for public view­ Beach residents. great because they think funny and ing and scholarly research into the Mrs. Feibel is a past president of amass funny thoughts." history of motion pictures in the U.S. the local branch of the American Association of University Women ~ which she helped found. Daughter QUESTION 2: "Is there any fun LLOYD wisely left the creation of Janet received her bachelor of arts factory, such as Mack Sennett's Key­ the museum, et al to the trustees by degree in music education from Florida stone studio once was, in which to saying they should have "the broadest Southern College in 1970, and was train new co mies?" discretion in achieving these purposes. " married in September of the same Answer: "I don't know. I think Trustees are empowered to raise an year. This was one wedding Fred actors then (1912-20) were more ded­ endowment fund for the project. icated. Famed vaudeville artists gave could not play; it was his great pleasure ~ to escort his daughter down the aisle. their everything when they faced the RICHARDC. Simonton, one of the To cover all his musical career camera. The traffic of today prevents guiding creators of ATOS, was named adequately would take a book. "I any great chases of those days ever a trustee of the "Harold Lloyd Foun­ wish 1 had the time to write that book," being made again. Today I note stunt­ dation Trust." It seems logical that he says. "Believe me, when I see the men getting $1,000, for stunts the ATOS know-how and talent will be pictures of the giant theatre organs old Keystone Kops did free as part of available when wanted. in periodicals which are devoted to their regular comedy routine." these wonderful instruments, it is dif­ ~ ~ ficult for me to realize at this date, QUESTION 3: "Had Mabel Nor­ HOLLYWOOD welcomed King Bag­ that I played the glorious New York mand lived for the sound era how got IV about four months ago. The Paramount Theatre Wurlitzer every would she have been received?" A. great-grandson of King Baggot I ( 1910- day for 7½ years. It was indeed a "I think she would have been very 1941), who was an early day matinee privilege and an experience which will cute. She had her own individual way idol, is the son of King Baggot Ill. The never be forgotten." □ of talking. She had a sharp impishness III is a TV cameraman (father King about her and a certain tearful wist­ Baggot II, was studio cameraman for Fred Feibel Publications for Organ, fulness that was catching. I think it is 25 years) and has no ambitions for a including compositions and arrange­ true that a humor halo hung over her. film career. ments, have been published by The Lucille Ball is her counterpart today. Boston Music Co., The Ethel Smith ~ Music Corp., Emil Ascher, Inc. and Lucille is beautiful and clever and so CONTRIBUTIONS, comments and Robbins Music Corp. among others. was Mabel. But remember Lucille is a questions are welcomed to P.O. Box tall girl and Mabel was petite." 113, Pasadena, California, 91102.

18 OCTOBER, 1971 THEATRE ORGAN The December 3, 1923, Times article on Christmas music in the theatres gave PopulARiTyANd PubliciTy details only on orchestras and singers, with only a brief reference to Sisson. by John Muri The full-page ad for the film "The Covered Wagon" had not a single Time rolls over us and brings for­ continuous. An organist doubling on word about the musical accompani­ getfulness. It is saddening to think piano could also fill the day's musical ment. The December 16, 1924 Times that in only forty· years the history needs working alone. By 1921, shows piece about "Music of the Movies" did of the theatre organ has become so were longer and performances were not mention a single organist; it dis­ remote that it leaves much room for continuous; so something had to be cussed only orchestras and stage spe­ speculation and guesswork. Exactly found to make music while the orches­ cialties. When the Colony Theatre when, where, and how did the theatre tras were not on duty, and the theatre opened on Christmas Day with "The organ come into being? I don't have organ was the perfect substitute. Thief of Bagdad," its half-page spread any definitive answers, but I have mentioned only Edwin Franko Gold­ Popular as it was, the theatre organ some theories and a little information. man's orchestra. In 1925, Frederick never got much advertising. The Detroit The first American theatre organs (up Smith and Dr. Percy Starnes were News of January 3, 1915 mentioned until 1912 when Wurlitzer began in­ publicized as closing the show at the the pipe organ currently in use at the stalling instruments in theatres) were Strand with organ solos. Organists Washington Theatre. On January 1, practically indistinguishable from Harold Ramsbottom and Frank Stewart 1916 the same paper advertised Ed ward church instruments and were used to Adams at the Rivoli and John Ham­ Benedict ( who later went to Chicago provide music during orchestra rest­ mond at the Piccadilly were featured to become a prominent teacher of periods and to cut expenses. playing classical transcriptions such as theatre organ) at the Broadway Strand Until the nineteen-twenties, despite Von Suppe overtures. Classical music where he gave half-hour organ recitals the advent of the theatre organ, orches­ was extensively featured in New York at noon and 5:30 p.m. The Majestic tras were the standard medium for theatres between 191 7 and 1922. In and Regent Theatres were advertising theatre work of all kinds - legitimate 1926, Harold Ramsay was being fea­ their pipe organs and orchestras. The vaudeville, and motion pictures. The­ tured "in an organ novelty" at the Washington had a 40-piece orchestra atre advertising of the early nineteen­ Rivoli. hundreds shows that the earliest movies for the film "A Daughter of the Gods", Then Jesse Crawford moved into had little effect upon the prosperity of and the Detroit Opera House had a the New York scene on November 19, stage shows. They seem to have had 25-piece orchestra for 'The Birth of a 1926 and got himself a unique fea­ still less effect upon the entertainment Nation." An organist might get some tured spot, although it seems that he scene in big cities like New York in advertising in 1919. At the Adams did not get the publicity there that he Theatre Robert G. Clark gave an "organ which, according to present-day stan­ had gotten in Chicago between 1922 recital at every performance", Clarence dards, the number of stage offerings and 1926. The advance advertising Reynolds was giving featured numbers was enormous. The movies were a for the opening of the Paramount at the Broadway Strand, and Wendell bonanza largely to the small town and included a full-page ad (Times, Novem­ Phillips was being featured at the city operators who offered a fifteen ber 14, 1926) expressing the Publix Colonial, but the Madison advertised to thirty-minute film-show for a nickel Theatres Corporation vice-president's merely "organ music." or a dime. The pioneer movie houses delight with "the great organ, one of had a quick business turnover; after New York theatre men apparently the largest in the world," but not a each performance the lights were turn­ never came around to advertising their word about the man who was going to ed on and the house emptied to let the organs and organists. On January 1, play it. During opening week, the ads next group of 200 or more that had 1923 the Rivoli, Capitol, Strand, and said nothing about the current show. been waiting outside. By 1915 the Rialto Theatres were advertising their One quarter-page ad mentioned only three-reel show ( which consisted of orchestras but they made no mention the magnificence of the theatre and the three separate subjects usually a drama, of organs, while in Chicago Jesse Craw­ fact that 30,222 people had attended a comedy, and maybe a travel picture) ford was noticed by Variety in March during the first two days. On December had been supplanted by the eight-reel of that year as being the strongest 23, 1927 Publix splurged with a short performance running approximately draw of the several permanent features mention of "Jesse Crawford Special two hours, with two or maybe three of the Chicago Theatre. It was only the Xmas Organ Concert with Mrs. Craw­ performances a day. A small orchestra Lexington Theatre in New York City ford." The December 25 ad had a brief was usually employed; often only a that regularly advertised "organ re­ line: "Jesse Crawford at the Mighty piano player was used. These musicians citals" and "organ solos" by Herbert Organ." were paid forty dollars a week or less, Sisson. The orchestras got all the I think it safe to say that the and they might be asked to accompany advertising in a year when movie adver­ theatre organ was considerably more a live singer who would perform with tising everywhere became steadily larger valuable to movie-theatre success and song slides, al though this custom was and more flamboyant. Victor Herbert revenue than the managers of that day passing out by 1915. and his orchestra were featured as they understood or appreciated. They de­ So far as the movie theatres were accompanied "Under the Red Robe" stroyed it along with their business concerned, a small orchestra could at the Cosmopolitan in December, and their buildings. It must have been easily provide all the music for a day's 1923, and the Capitol Theatre adver­ ignorance that prompted them. It performances if the show was not tised their "Capitol Grand Orchestra." couldn't have been anything else. □

THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1971 19 ~nipptt~from ~nglanb / rnNv BERNARDsMITH

We don't exactly have a Top Ten conducting the oompah merchants The big theatre organ renaissance of British organists but each year mem­ from time to time. in Britain has drawn out of semi­ bers of one national group hold a All in all, there is no wonder that retirement a few shy performers who ballot to choose a patron for the year. he's the tops with English fans this thought they had ridden their last Which amounts to much the same year. console elevator. thing, I guess, when the results get announced. Belgium's few theatre organs have Anyway, the patron of the Theatre now all gone the way of "progress". Organ Club for 1970 is Charles Smitton Some are residence jobs, some have - by popular acclaim. He's a North just disappeared without trace. Country man and master of the lush One man seems to be making a bit type of Wurlitzer noises. Unlike most of a last ditch stand to keep the Northerners, he's not a great one for Wurlitzer name and style of playing the pint of beer (known locally as alive, though. His name is Eddy Green "wallop") but has the reputation of and he was for many years organist at being a good eater. the Roxy, in Antwerp. He· hails from Liverpool and it was Later, he moved to the Palace, hearing Reginald Dixon play which Brussels, and it was in that city, at decided him initially on a theatre the Cap Nord bar in the Place Rogier, organ career. He became a "boy that I found him. wonder" in his home city, getting the Every night he plays there, using an solo job at the Liverpool Curzon at early model Wurlitzer electronic with the age of 16. plenty of amplification in a nice big Later, he moved to the Gaumont, room with hard acoustics. The re­ Manchester (Wurlitzer 4/14) and after sulting sound is not far removed from touring the circuits was the last resi­ that of pipes. GEORGE WELLING - Back to pipes (in dent organist at the Odeon, Manchester "I've been here seven years now," this case, the Granada, East Ham, London). (Wurlitzer 4/20). he told me. "It's different from cinema One of these is George Welling who This is the Crawford Special which work, but it does bring you more in still lives in the Eastern part of London is now lovingly preserved by the contact with your audience." where he did most of his solo playing. Lancastrian Theatre Organ Trust who And tests your musicianship, since I remember him telling me that have recently issued an LP with Charles requests range all the way from Bach one of his earliest jobs was at the featured on one side and Trevor to boogie and bop. Eddy's ability to lovely little 2/7 Wurlitzer of the Rex, Willetts on the flip side. cope with them all no doubt accounts Stratford (East London - not on­ N owday s you will mostly find for the large personal following he Avon, which is where Will Shakespeare Charles playing electronics in the clubs has built up. That, plus his nightly was top of the bill). but he gets back to the big Wurlitzers reminder to his audience of a sound wherever possible. And he has another From time to time, he must have no longer heard live in the land of handled most of the installations in musical sideline - he's a great lover of Belgium. Britain's brass bands and can be found those parts and he was children's organist at the Granada, East Ham (Wurlitzer 3/8) in the days after this, one of the last bastions of stage-show plus films, had become an all films house. Came the doldrums and George could be heard from time to time tickling a Hammond but it took a few persistent and knowing folk to get him performing on pipes. He has now been heard on several preserved and transplanted installations and is much in demand as a recitalist. Oddly enough, he lives less than a block away from the Roman Catholic church of St. John Viam;1ey, Clayhall,

CHARLES SMITTON - Voted the most popular. And seen here at the Town Hall Ossett Ilford, which houses the beautiful (Compton 3/13). Compton 3/6 of the Rit'z, Nuneaton

20 OCTOBER, 1971 THEATRE ORGAN (I wrote about this previously you • it was with particular interest that I may recall). read on Page 21 that Gerald Shaw is at Sooner or later, George had to .~. last abandoning the kilt and he is still find his way to this console. playing. Finally on Page 30, the news "I'm afraid I don't know any pious that the 3 / 13 Compton from the music," he told parish priest Fr. Gerard ~~ ~ Finsbury Park Astoria is going to Kerr...... Aylesbury is indeed good news as the "Nor do I," replied Fr. Gerard town of Aylesbury must have been the stoutly. "Just play." ~ I only one of its size that never had an organ in a theatre. Now, after all these TTT-a;rTTT years, this mistake is being rectified. Letters to the Editor concerning all E. MacPherson It certainly could not happen in Vancouver, B.C. England, but in Holland a hitherto aspects of the theatre organ hobby forgotten theatre organ has turned up are encouraged. Send them to tf,e still in its original location. editor concerned. Unless it's stated Dear Sir: It's in the Grand Theatre, Breda, clearly on the lett,er rr not for pub­ In reply to the letter to the editor in the south of the country and is a lication," the editors feel free to by Z. Hansen of Chicago, in the Au­ small two-manual Standaart - some­ reproduce it, in whole or part. gust 1971 issue of THEATRE ORGAN, where between four and six ranks. It Address: P. 0. Box 2329 I submit the following. The organ in this theatre I believe to be Wurlitzer could even be playable and some of Livonia, Michigan 48150 my Dutch friends are itching to get Opus No. 1875 shipped on May 4, their hands on it. 1928. I have heard this theatre was Dear Sir: known as the Kristall-Palast Theatre. Cor Standaart, son of the organ I want you to know how thrilled I So far as we know, all trace of this builder, says this was probably put was to receive your letter, informing organ has disappeared and in our new into the independently-owned cinema me of my being selected as a name in updated Wurlitzer list it is therefore in 1933 or 1934. the Theatre Organist's Hall of Fame. I coded "XX". This is from information Cor himself can be found in Arnhem cannot tell you how pleased I was to be supplied me by Reginald Mander of where he plays Hammond in the chosen to join the company of theatre Leeds, England in 1967 and amended Rembrandt theatre. organ greats already in the Hall of in 1970. Fame; such a good feeling to know Judd Walton that all the years of being part of the STACCATO SNIPPETS - Scots wonderful entertainment offered organist Bob Leys is also music master through the glorious theatre organs at an Aberdeen school and city caril­ is so well-remembered and recognized. Mr. Editor: loneur. His school boasts an organ My most sincere thanks for your con­ I read your review of the Barnes­ from a local cinema and Bob was gratulations and I wish you would Gammons book, "Two Centuries of recently able to present his pupil convey these same thanks to other American Organ Building" (August Alison Will (12) to the public ... members of your committee for me. 1971) with much interest, especially French composer and classical organist Thank you ... regarding the chapter about theatre Oliver Messiaen won the 1971 Erasmus Most sincerely, organs. As an old timer who installed Prize ... Gis who happened to pass Fred Feibel 3 2 organs in west coast theatres and through the British military HQ town Vero Beach, Fla. auditoriums in the 1920s, I have some of Aldershot may recall the Ritz the­ observations to add concerning that atre. The Wurlitzer 3/7 ( complete with Dear Editor: particular chapter. illuminated surround) has now been I should like to compliment you on I must disagree with the first state­ sold and is being rebuilt as a residence the very fine standards that your pub­ ment of Chapter VI. The theatre organ job on the Isle of Wight ... Latest of lication normally maintains but I was was not intended to be "a specialized the many small local groups to open startled to see in the June issue, Page type of organ" etc. The theatre organ up is the North Lincolnshire Theatre 38, how Jim Roseveare had altered in was the logical step-by-step develop­ Organ Preservation Society based at appearance from that of his photograph ment of the ideas of Robert Hope­ Scunthorpe. They didn't even have an on a record cover I have of him play­ Jones, beginning in 1886 in Birken­ organ preserve on starting up: first ing at the Oriental, Portland. A closer head Parish Church, England. Hope­ priority was finding one . . . The study revealed that the handsome J ones felt that an organ developed Compton 4/22 in the AVRO broad­ bearded player on the bottom left of along orchestral lines would be a better casting studios, Hilversum, Holland, is the page must be Ray Frazier at the organ. When the many tonal, electrical scheduled for re-opening after a major Kilgen, as I see Jim sitting at the con­ and mechanical ideas of Mr. Hope-Jones overhaul in late October ... Also on sole of the Oriental at top right. were developed, most of the so called the October diary - the 50th anni­ Until 1939 I lived in England and "modern" theatre organ characteristics versary of the Tuschinski Theatre, Scotland, then after six years overseas were complete - by 1890. Amsterdam. Jan Mekkes and/or Rene in the second world war, I eventually It is an oversimplification to say de Rooy will be prominently featured settled in Canada. I still have very that the theatre organ first appeared in at the 4/ 11 Wurlitzer/Standaart for vivid memories of the outstanding 1910 when it is realized that most of the festivities. □ British organists of the thirties and the characteristic tonal advances had

THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1971 21 already appeared in the Hope-Jones failure of the Elmira plant Hope-Jones listed were repossessed or repurchased "straight" church organs in England and his entire staff of experts were then rebuilt and resold as new in­ years earlier. Incidentally, 41 organs transferred to the Wurlitzer Company struments. Mr. Meekin Jones' list shows that I could confirm were built by the of North Tonawanda, N. Y. Mr. Hope­ many "C.O." ( consigned organs) and Hope-Jones Electric Organ Company Jones there made the final modifica­ "broken down" organs. These are re­ which was later (about 1898) to be­ tions of his original Unit Organ into installations or expansions of existing come a division of Norman & Beard, the Unit Orchestra that he had en­ instruments, mostly shipped to foreign a long-established firm in England. In visioned way back in 1891 ! countries. fact it was Norman & Beard, Wm. Hill I object to the extreme term "frying On page 54 the writer says that and Sons that built the famous Cinema bacon strings". Mr. Hope-Jones' strings Wurlitzer built the best organs because organ named after one of the firm's were near duplicates of the Viol de of Hope-Jones men staying at the directors - Mr. Christie. Many large Orchestra strings on the Michelle and factory after he died. Actually there European Cinemas used Christie organs Thynne Exhibition Organ at Liverpool was a mass exodus of Hope-Jones' and it's not strange that they resembled in 1887. Mr. Michelle, Mr. Hele and craftsmen out of Wurlitzer in 1914. Hope-Jones organs in construction and Mr. Whiteley also made many of these James H. Nuttall, Joseph Carruthers, action. "etherial strings" according to one of John J. Colton, David Marr, Fred Digressing briefly, let's dispel] an­ the reviews of the Exhibition Organ. Smith, Robert Pier Elliott and many other falsification that has been around Mr. Hope-Jones always explored the other expert craftsmen easily found for decades - that of Hope-Jones being useful limits of a new type of stop, but jobs all across the United States after simply an "electrician" - and a poor to his overlasting credit he had an leaving Wurlitzer. For example, Robert organist. Mr. Hope-Jones was Chief open mind and did abandon many of P. Elliott went to California and joined Engineer of the Lancashire and Ches­ the extreme scales, both large and the Robert Morton Co., where (in hire (later National) Telephone Com­ small, during his lifetime. 191 7) he developed the first unified pany. He served his apprenticeship in I personally have a list of Hope­ organ built by that company, a 3- the firm of Laird Brothers, Engineers Jones improvements that resulted from manual circa 17-rank instrument. In and Shipbuilders. In the telephone developments of "the men who were 1920 he went to W. W. Kimball and field many English patents bear the Hope-Jones" and Mr. Hope-Jones him­ presumably did the same unit layout; name of Robert Hope-Jones. self. They number nearly 100 ideas that during the next 10 years 80% of Mr. Hope-Jones (born Feb. 9, 1859) never before were used by organ­ Kimball's output was unified theatre was a member of the British Institute builders in the centuries-old art. He was organs. of Electrical Engineers. He was also really quite a guy and the entire Nor can I agree that the Tibia is the an organist at Eastham Parish church modern organ building art is deeply foundation of the theatre organ, al­ at the age of 9! Later, he became a indebted to him, al though too few though it is an integral part of the member of the Royal College of Organ­ are willing to admit it. I have in my theatre organ sound. Of all Wurlitzer ists and later yet a member of the possession many documents covering number styles only two have no Dia­ American Guild of Organists. These Mr. Hope-Jones career given me by pasons and only one of the "letter" points are rarely stated in print. James H. Nuttall, Hope-Jones long styles has no Diapason (3 rankers; In 1903 Hope-Jones left England time friend and chief tonal developer. Flute, String and Vox). A Diapason for the United States. He was then 44 I can't agree with the conclusion was optional for the 4-rank style B. years old. He worked with three estab­ of the writer on page 53 where he Many had a Trumpet instead. From lished firms in this country: the Austin states that the leading builders of style 260 up Wurlitzer supplied 2 Organ Co., the firm of Harrison and theatre organs were Wurlitzer, Robert Diapasons. For example compare the Harrison and the E.M. Skinner Co. Morton and Kimball, and in that order. pedal foundation you would get from In 1907 he had backing enough to He has already mentioned the high­ a Tibia Profunda with that of a 16' or form the Hope-Jones Electric Organ powered promotion and sales forces 32' Diaphone! Hope-Jones usually spec­ Co. of Elmira, N. Y. He then sent for maintained by theatre organ builders, ified two Diapasons and two Tibias, the skilled men who had been asso­ yet he fails to recognize a solid effect one Tibia Clausa and one Tibia Plena ciated with his plants in England. On of that setup; Wurlitzer was obviously (H-J style 2 and up). The Tibia might Feb. 3, 1907 the Unit Organ, as such, No. 1 in the promotion field, but better be described as a "characteristic" became a reality. This is not to be that has no bearing on product quality voice rather than a foundation stop. confused with a Unified Organ, al­ or numbers of organs built. For ex­ Of course, the chapter has many though electric "borrowing" was used. ample, Robert Morton craftsmen, when good points, but I have rambled on The unit organ consisted of five tonal the firm was called Murray M. Harris, long enough on the exceptions and families in independently controlled installed the first large film accom­ extensions. In all, Mr. Bethards did swell boxes: (1) Foundation = Dia­ paniment organ in Talley's theatre in well considering the space limitations. pasons, Diaphones; (2) Woodwind Los Angeles in 1908. It was a 4-manual It is indeed quite a welcome indication = Flutes, Oboes, Clarinets; (3) String 54-rank instrument! of the theatre organ's growing stature = VDO, Gambas, Dulcianas; (4) Brass From that time until 1932, when that Mr. Barnes, whose field is the = Trumpet, Cornopean, Tubas; (5) the receivership ended, Robert Morton orthodox organ, would be moved to Percussion = Tympani, Gongs, Chimes, finished over 5000 organs, something include a chapter on theatre organs Chrysoglott, Drums etc. like 1800 more than the Wurlitzer at all. That is indeed progress. Some 38 organs that I could con­ total. J. Lee Haggart, firm were built at Elmira using vari­ Even the Wurlitzer total may be Organbuilder and Voicer ations of this plan. Upon financial deceptive. Many of the Wurlitzer organs Granada Hills, Calif.

22 OCTOBER, 1971 THEATRE ORGAN Ange-.,ines

Authentic reproduction of the 1927 WALTER BENSON, retired Vice opening night program of the GET THE GUYS President, Marketing, of the Wurlitzer Seattle (Paramount) Theatre. You TO VOCALIZE Company, passed away on August 31, at the age of 66. Mr. Benson was a cannot tell this from the original. 11 WITHSING-ALONG SONG SLIDES"!! long standing member of ATOS and $2.00 Postpaid Send for National's FREE Catalog helped at every opportunity to pro­ of all-time hit songs-for as low mote our aims through Wurlitzer deal­ ATOS 1971 National Convention as 50¢ a tune. Projectors too. ers and personnel. P.O. Box 7422, Bitter Lake ATOS will miss the presence of Station, Seattle, Wn. 98133 i N4TIDNALSONG SLIDE SEIVICI INC. Walter. Condolences are extended to ~------'"'"'~ 42 I. 48thSt. lew Tork,N.T. 10036 the bereaved family. THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1971 23 NUGGETS October 1925 (D) Work on the delphia, opened the 4-manual Moller from the $200,000 improvement of the Robert in Jersey City's State Theatre ... 3/23 Morton plant at Van Nuys, Cal. is New organs are being installed in Gem GOLDEN D.AY-S half completed. The Berkeley plant Theatre, Centralia, Ill.; Capito! Theatre, will be merged into the new factory Clearwater, Fla.; Liberty Theatre upon its completion. (Wurlitzer) in Jonesboro, Ark.; Rose­ Nov.1925 (AO) Six large Wurlitzers land Theatre, Omaha; Capitol Theatre, have been ordered for theatres in the Victoria, B.C.; Eagles Theatre ($12 ,000 Denver area, the deal consummated by Estey) in Wabash, Ind., and the Oatka George E. Levy, Wurlitzer western Theatre (M&C) in Warsaw, N.Y .... representative. 6/23 Natick (Mass.) Theatre gets 2- Dec. 1925 (D) Three new 3-story manu al Hillgreen-Lane; Fox's Lyn­ buildings have been started at the brook (Long Island) a new Kimball; Wurlitzer plant in N. Tonawanda, N.Y. E.C. LEGGE opened a 3-manual Kim­ They will be used for expansion of the ball in Tulsa's Alhambra ... 10/23 organ departments, which have out­ PAUL H. FORSTER opens M&C in grown the space allotted for expansion Liberty Theatre, Carnegie, Pa.; Keith­ Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos when present buildings were completed Stanley Theatre orders new Kimball in last year. The company will then have Phila.; Victoria Theatre in Mt. Carmel , Again, we have found some choice a total of 475,000 square feet of floor Pa. to get new Moller ... 5/24 Sunshine nuggets relative to the builders of space. Theatre in Albuquerque to get new theatre organs. References were Amer­ April1926(D)S.L. Rothafel(Roxy) Hillgreen-Lane as in the Front Street ican Organist (AO), Diapason (D), has just awarded a 5-console, 3-organ Theatre in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio ... and Jacobs ( J) magazines. contract to the Kimball Co. for in­ 2/25 GEORGE LEE HAMRICKopens Aug. 1923 (D) A Kimball Unit struments in his New York theatre. 3-manual Robert Morton in Winter­ Orchestra will be installed in the new Included will be a 3-console organ haven, Florida's Williamson Theatre Elrae Theatre in Philadelphia. It will for the auditorium, a 3-manual organ ... 11/25 Metropolitan Theatre in be a duplicate of the Stanley Theatre's for the rotunda, and a 2-manual organ Boston has installed a 4-manual Skinner Kimball. for the broadcasting studio. . .. 3/26 Mack Theatre in Port Angeles, Jan. 1924 (D) Marr & Colton again April 1926 (D) A welfare plan for Wash. getting a 3-manual Robert have remembered their friends with an benefit of more than 1,000 employees Morton; ROY L. MEDCALFE opens engraved desk calendar for 1924, its has been announced by the Wurlitzer Wurlitzer in the Imperial Theatre, Long artistry suggesting the same good qual­ Co. A complete dispensary and rest Beach, Cal. ... 4/26 Victory Theatre ities inherent in the product of their room are features. An annual medical in Tacoma packing 'em in since in­ factory. exam will be required of all personnel. stalling a $10,000 Wurlitzer. MARION Feb. 1924 (D) The third Kimball Two physicians are retained by the G. OLLERENSHAW is organist; orchestral organ for Alaska is being company. GRANT LINN opens 3-manual Wur­ litzer in Winston Salem's Colonial. installed at Ketchikan. The others are May 1926 (D) The movie organ is in Anchorage, built in 1917, and in CARL HINTANT is regular organist making progress in Germany. The ... 5/26 HARRY SIMMONS,Crandall Cordova, built in 1919. Walcker Co. has sold 46 theatre organs May 1924 (D) A luminous-console Theatres' "Organ Doctor" installing to the largest film company which has a new organ in Washington's Colony Estey organ was installed in Chicago's opened its most palatial theatre in Ashland Theatre in April. ... 8/26 PERCY BURRASTON, re­ Berlin, described as the "eighth wonder garded as Oregon's finest organist, June 1924 (D) The Marr & Colton of the world." Co. is enlarging its Warsaw,N. Y. plant opens 4-manual Wurlitzer in new the­ with a two-story, 60'xl44' addition. Oct. 1926 (D) The Stanley Theatre atre in Elsinore, Wash .... 11/26 The company's business the last few Co. has placed an order for 8 organs H.C. FERRIS will be at the new months has been the highest in its with the Kimball Co. They include Pantages Theatre's Robert Morton in history. instruments for theatres in Pittsburgh, Portland, Ore. . . . 1 /27 HENRY Oct. 1924 (J) A piano, organ and Baltimore, and the Colonial, Desmond, FRANCIS PARKS opens new 2/8 talking machine department opened Norwood and Orpheum theatres in M&C in Warsaw, Indiana's Centennial August I in Chicago's C.H. Taylor Philadelphia. One theatre in Phila­ Theatre ... 3/27 JOHNNY DEVINE & Co. J.C. Cox, ex-sales manager for delphia and another in Frederick, opens Patio Theatre Barton in Chicago. Page Organ Co. of Lima, Ohio, will Maryland have not been named. Forty Theatre is Moorish-Spanish motif with serve as a distributor for Page organs. organs have been bought by the Stanley atmospheric ceiling; LEO TERRY Sep. 1925 (D) A very1 handsome firms. opens Chicago's Piccadilly; A new style booklet, "Building America's Finest Nov. 1926 (D) The Marr & Colton F Wurlitzer will be installed in the Organ", has been issued by the Marr Co. is erecting two more buildings to Rialto in Bremerton, Wash., replacing & Colton Co. In observance of the handle its increased business. Sales an Estey. WILLIAM ROLLER & company's 10th anniversary, it shows for the first 8 months of 1926 equaled GEORGE WERNER are organists snapshots of the era[ts men, the work­ business of its biggest year, 1925. there. shops and equipment of the factory. That's it until next time. So long A picture of the first shop in 1915 is GOLDDUST: 1/23 FIRMENSWIN­ sourdoughs! also shown. NEN of the Aldine Theatre in Phila- LLOYD & JASON

24 OCTOBER, 1971 THEATRE ORGAN RAHWAY THEATRE SOLD!

DINNY'S Former N.Y. Chapter chairman Bob Balfour's heart stopped for about 2 minutes on Thursday eve, June 17 at 10 pm, when he received a phone call COLYUM that the Rahway Theatre, in Rahway, N. J., home of his beloved "Biggest Little Wurlitzer, had been sold. as transcribed by Del Castillo Many close to this unique neighbor­ hood house knew that business was go­ ing from bad to worse and that the fu­ Del Castillo once again recalls, the humor­ call saloon organ players on acct. they ture looked very grim, indeed. We were ous sidelights of the world of theatre play organs in bars in restorangs turn fearful of the house closing. The sale organ as seen through the eyes of Dinny out to be pretty handy with both feet, was a bolt out of the blue. Timmins, a semi-literate Bostonian oper­ if that aint mixin up hands and feet Bob recovered from his "seizure" ator of a non-existent elevator. in one of them metafors like they say. rapidly, however, as he learned that They's one thing always gets me So you lump them all together and the new owners were quite enthusiastic kinda mixed up, and that is when is a they are all organs, is what I say. The about the organ and it's crew. A meet­ organ not a organ. If anybody ast me only ones you have to stretch a point ing with the new owners a few days I would of said that anything with at to call organs is these little one key­ later allayed all fears. The theatre will least two keybords for the hands and board deals you can carry around like be preserved and slowly restored to it's an extry keybord for the feet was a a acordeen that they use in these little original grandure, and to capitalize on organ. Of course thats not tryin to be combos that play a lot of rock and the current nostalgia kick, it has been smart and say a organ is a part of the stuff like that there. When I first re-named The Old Rahway Theatre. body of a gland-like in a animal or a started tryin to learn about organs I The organ's future is safe and bright, hooman bein. Or like sayin a house found out that some of the first organs and the new policy will be family organ is a organ played at home, only back beyond the Middle Ages was pictures with $1.00 admission. they tell me a house organ is a mag­ organs like that they called Positifs. I azine for some especial interest like spose a Negatif would be one you The new owners, the Wood Plaza this here Theayter Organ magazine couldnt carry around. But anyways Corp. of Linden N.J., have imple­ or one about Sychology or like that organs got bigger and bigger until they mented many new ideas and programs there. But since I started messin a­ had 1000s of pipes and up to 7 key­ to rejuvenate the sagging box office, round with ritin about organs I find bords so it took a basketball player since taking over on July I. Some out that they is a rite wing of organ to play one. But then when the elec­ redecoration and renovation has al­ players that play classic music like tronicks got to goin, they went to the ready taken place and attendance has Bach and people like that on a organ other extreme and put in two short key­ increased almost tenfold over the past with a lot of pipes, and a left wing bords that didnt match and foot pedals on both weekdays and weekends. that is called left foot organ players that was good for only the left foot. To all of this, Bob and his crew that play what they call plug-ins. And But I guess you got to admit one have pledged their fullest support. as near as I can make out a plug-in thing. They got an awful lot of people The "Biggest Little Wurlitzer" lives on. organ is a kind of a insult like callin interested in playin the organ. Every □ a broken down horse a old plug. year they got new gimmicks. They can Now that dont seem quite rite to imitate bells and drums and castanets me. I get to hear a lot of organ players and guitars and mandolins and pianos. since I become a riter, and I got to They can give you a short echo or a admit I hear good organ players and long echo. They can give you cords in bad organ players on pipe organs, and the rite hand when all you play is a good organ players and bad organ single note. They can lite up the keys players on plug-ins. Only I aint goin to show you which ones to push down to use that word no more, on acct. the for the different cords. They can give rite word for them kind of organs is you a fast shake or a slow shake. But electronick organs. And the fack is one thing they cant give you. They that I get to hear more pipe organs cant give you that big roarin sound in that has been took out of movie a big audytorium that makes the shivers theyters and put into peoples homes, run up and down your spine. So I and so far as that goes a lot of electron­ guess what it amounts to is that a good ick organs that has been put into organ player is again to sound good on churches. And some of them organ a pipe organ or a electronick, and if he players in churches is left foot organ aint a good organ player it dont make players, and some of the ones they much difference anyways. □

THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1971 25 comes to arrangements, even to altering him the 4/73 Moller in the huge ( 6600 melody lines to match his harmonic seat) Shrine auditorium was unrecord­ treatments. In one word - unorthodox. able, the more determined he became The selections are well chosen from to "show 'em." This platter is the end the variety viewpoint. They range from result. such standards as a sometimes "mod" Jack Loren is a west coast music "Danny Boy" and "Song of India" to lover, music teacher, composer, organ­ "Acquarius", "Let the Sunshine In" ist, wit and raconteur (not necessarily and "Spinning Wheel", with Paul obvi­ in that order) who cut his first records ously more at home in the latter back in the days when they had to mode - the mod sound. He conjures move Hammond speakers to a tiled up some classical registration for men's room to obtain liveness in those "Whiter Shade of Pale" (based on lo-fi 78 rpm grooves. His last previous Bach's "Air for a G String", it says) disc was played on a Conn electronic and his "Poinciana" has a novel setting but his heart has always been with with repeated counter figure. "Green pipes - since he installed 10 ranks in Manufacturers, distributors or indi­ Eyed Lady" offers a jazz improvisation the Berkeley home of his parents in viduals sponsoring or merchandising in a rhythm which is often difficult to 1938. theatre pipe organ records are en­ describe, with melody and beat some­ The Moller, installed when the couraged to send pressings to the times loosely coupled. Shrine was built in 1925 is essentially Record Reviewer, Box 5013, Bendix Recording quality and miking are a straight organ (8' stops with upper Station, No. Hollywood, Calif. 91605. and lower octave couplers) but is Be sure to include purchasing in­ mostly okay, although sometimes the formation, if applicable, and if pos­ solo covers the accompaniment. Sum­ equipped with some theatrical voices, sible a black and white photo which ming up, we would like to hear this percussions and traps. A major problem need not be returned. artist and instrument recorded after was the reverb in the huge empty hall. the Kim ball has been more com­ Mu ch experimentation with micro­ pletely restored. With Paul working phone positioning overcame the worst at a mechanical and tonal disadvantage, effects of echo and the time delay MIDNIGHT AT THE CENTRE we feel this recording doesn't do him encountered in recording an organ - Paul Wesley playing the 3/27 or his instrument full justice. with chambers so widely separated. Kimball in the Centre, Theatre, (The house is 197 feet wide at balcony Milwaukee. L. C. Whalen label, No. level). Jack uses the echo to advantage 9445-0571 (stereo), Available (price on some numbers with staccato chords not stated) from Stephen L. Adams, JACK LOREN AT THE LOS AN­ which are allowed to die away naturally 4519 Drexel Avenue South, Edina, GELES SHRINE AUDITORIUM - before the next chord, but fast orna­ Minnesota, 55424. Available in stereo at $5.00 post­ mentation tends to run together. For­ paid from Artistry Records, Box tunately, Jack leans toward ballads Here's an organ and organist new to 1356, Beverly Hills, Calif. 90213. so only a couple of tunes suffer from records. The taping was done under reverb inundation. He has done a less than ideal conditions, according to Jack Loren must like challenges. creditable job of getting theatrical Steve Adams who helped. The organ The more people "in the know" told sounds from the giant. Not that the needed more restoration than the week classical accountrements are neg­ available before miking allowed, so lected; some of the tunes have a more the remaining dead notes, off-voice brilliant treble than is normally heard pipes and the usual syndromes of on T.O. records, and whenever a mas­ neglect kept Paul Wesley from doing sive sound is called for (as in "Granada" all he planned. and "Sound of Music"), those fat The instrument is a typical Kimball Diapasons are in there backing up the theatre organ - strings and reeds with theatre voices. treble emphasis predominate and the Outside of "Granada" and a medley big Flutes (heard in chorus only once from "Sound of Music" the program during "When Day is Done") have the is distinctly offbeat. Jack takes advan­ sound of Stopped Diapasons. Even so tage of the reverb overlap during a the massed string sound is gorgeous, rhythmic "Mambo-J ambo" then uses and the pedal is full and round. Don his best theatrical sounds for a languor­ Peterson's jacket notes quote Paul ous "Hawaiian Wedding Song" and Wesley describing the organ as a "com­ slow tango "Rosita". He preferred bination of theatre and classic organs, the Moller's Stopped Diapason as a simultaneously." And there's the rub. Tibia voice over the organ's squat, The absence of variety in registration widemouthed Tibia and this voice handicaps the artist by limiting him to carries the melody on Jack's one clas­ full combinations which help cover sical offering, a charmer called "Entry Jack Loren and the Moller console: "The resource deficiencies. beast is housebroken so far as recording of the Little Fauns" by Pierne, during Paul Wesley is his own man when it is concerned." which the Musette and French Trumpet

26 OCTOBER, 1971 THEATRE ORGAN converse. Blues moods are represented Rex Koury's registration shows a by an old Don Redman tune, "Save it preference for color reed-topped com­ Pretty Baby", and there's anxiety in binations, but never to the exclusion "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" which of the flues and mutations. If there's comes off as a nervous whistling ex­ any criticism of registration indicated ercise. Jack throws caution to the it might be said that there's a little wind for his fast moving "Java", and overexposure of the Kinura; its heard even conjures up a "wah-wah" trumpet frequently, sometimes as a mixer, some­ effect. "Mr. Sandman" is just as times topping the melody combination. bouncy but is soon settles down into "Quiet Nights" is a brief rhythmic a ballady "Dream". Jack included interlude with lots of registration vari­ "She Called Me Baby Baby All Night ety preceeding the current pop, "Love Long" because my wife likes it and Story" (which rates a snatch of finished off the tune list by taking Tchaikowsky's 6th Symphony for an advantage of an opportunity to plug intro). Mr. Koury's rendition is in his own tune, "Lullabye", which is turn dramatic and pretty. The closer played on the best Tibia/Vax mix is a brassy "March'' from Camelot, heard on the record. with parading knights and much heraldry. In summing up, it must be stated Recording is clean and the jacket that the big Moller is still a straight notes tell us Rex was once billed as

organ and the continuous use of the REX KOURY the world's youngest professional few theatrical voices doesn't provide organist during an RKO theatre tour in a wide variety of registration, although the '30s, also that he studied with some of the solo reeds are used briefly Jesse Crawford. However his style is but effectively for color. From the the excitement generated among at­ his own and his playing is impeccable acoustics viewpoint there is some tendees. in technique and warm on the emo­ blurring of fast passages, although Jack The program offers variety in style tional scale. It's a good one. allows for and uses the reverb well. The and selection. The brisk opener is a playing is clean (including some lus­ memory-tweaking "Yours Sincerely" cious rolls) although we disagree with (Rodgers and Hart) followed by "What some of Jack's phrasing (he often are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?'; MAGIC MOMENTS - Jesse Craw­ stops cold between phrases, apparently both tuneful but generations apart, ford, the Poet of the Organ, Voc­ to separate them). Yet, considering yet both are provided with effective ation (Decca) VL 73908, "simulated the odds against any success, this is showcase treatments. Mr. Koury has stereo," $1.98 at record counters. a landmark recording (the Moller's literally thousands of his compositions As we all know, all new Crawford first) and its merits outweigh its faults. floating around the ether as cue music releases must be rereleases. To date, on TV shows he has scored. The short Decca has done an abysmal job of "bridges" and underscorings have ab­ grouping the many fine selections Jesse sorbed much of his composing effort left us, mixing plug-in and pipes hap­ but he also writes pop tunes and an hazardly. This one drops to a new low. YOURS SINCERELY-Rex Koury especially tuneful one is heard on this Somewhere in the mid-'50s the re- playing the 4/24 Wurlitzer in the recording "Someday My Love" (no, Old Town Music Hall, El Segundo, its nothing akin to "Lara"). Next its Calif. NCR 12-994, stereo, available "Fascinating Rhythm" with piano pas­ at $5.00 postpaid from Rex Koury, sages and very prominent xylophone 630 Robin Hood Drive, Reno, pecks (the percussers are all unen­ Nevada, 89502. closed), then a ballad treatment of Frank Loesser's "Warm All Over". Rex Koury is one of the most under­ Side 1 closes with an understated rated organists; perhaps neglected is a "Serenata" (Leroy Anderson). The better word. In matters musical every­ Kinura does a lot of commenting thing he does comes off beautifully throughout "Au tum in New York", yet his concerts are rare. Not that he contrasting with the lush combinations needs the work; he's well ensconsed in which carry the ball. The tune is studio and TV work ("Gunsmoke" equipped with a Gershwin-type intro has used the theme he composed for and coda. Gunsmoke gets a concert l 7 years). Yet, the theatre organ hob­ treatment with only a suggestion of by is largely unaware of his immense clip-clops but a very effective saloon ability on pipes. A recent concert at piano sequence. "Love is Here to Stay" the Old Town Music Hall was a start in is heard partly as a ballad, partly in the right direction ( thanks to the in­ rhythm ( even as a bright waltz) but A smiling Jesse Crawford about the time he sight of proprietors Coffman and Field) its the sentimental moments which recorded the album reviewed. Such happy and th is recording recreates some of stand out. pictures of the poet are rare.

THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1971 27 cording company and Hammond mer­ chants apparently conspired to deal the organist a joker, probably without .,4cceid malice. We'd like to have seen the expression on Crawford's face when he was approached about making an en­ Ok f1outll tire LP - playing a chord organ! The June 12 meeting of the Con­ At the time it was first released the necticut Valley Chapter was an Accent disc was avoided by most record re­ on Youth at the home of Harold and viewers, mostly embarrassed ones, be­ Eleanor Weaver, in Bethany. cause the enormity of the low blow It has been a tractition to have dealt Crawford was apparently lost on open console in the afternoon, with a its originators. Here was a musician concert in the evening, and even more who had earned his "poet" designation of a tradition to have excellent weather, over many years of making music on and this year was no different. the finest theatre organs reduced to The evening concert featured per­ the facilities afforded by one truncated formances of three of the 1970 Scholar­ manual of Hammond flutes, a self­ ship winners, and a concert by Bob contained "Solovox," a mess of fixed Fazzino, one of our young members. chord pushbuttons and two (count 'em) Russell Hubbard made his debut as a Left to right: George Bell, Linda Lovallo, bass pedals! Russell Hubbard. full-fledged scheduled performer, al­ (Allen Miller Photo) The original disappeared from deal­ though he has treated us with his er's racks years ago but here it is back playing for several years. A pupil of Bob played a variety of selections ( with no reference to the type of Rosa Rio, Russ works out his own demonstrating his wide musical tastes instrument) to haunt us - and Craw­ arrangements. "Why Was I Born?" ranging from current ballads, to ford's memory. There is little of the was an excellent example. "Oldies-but-Goodies", to the classical Crawford that organ fans appreciate in Linda Lovallo, a pupil of Eleanor themes the professional theatre organ­ these grooves, I ittle of the "real Craw­ Gaines Smith, included "On A Clear ists always drew heavily upon. ford"; perhaps an intro or a phrase Day" and "Acquarius" in her selec­ Bob Fazzino proved to be a person­ here and there but the severe limita­ tions, and George Bell, another student able as well as proficient showman, tions of the toy prevent the organist of Rosa Rio, demonstrated his talents and was well received by the Conn­ from expressing himself adequately, on "That's Entertainment" and "Jean". ValChaps. although it's evident he's trying. Reg­ It was noted that each of these "Accent On Youth" was reassuring. istration facilities allow a solo played on three musicians is just about the same The interest and enthusiasm these four some setting of the Solovox ( one note age as ATOS itself ... Sixteen. young performers showed for theatre at a time) and an accompaniment Our special artist, Bob Fazzino, at organ, as well as their skill in perform­ played on Hammond button-grouped the age of 20 years, is already a ing on the instrument, was obvious chords, plus a "pedal" consisting of seasoned performer and organ teacher. proof of ATOS' success in not only the root or 5th of whatever chord Bob is expanding his 11 years of saving the actual instruments, but also button prevails. Occasional contrasting study at the organ learning theatre sparking a resurgence in the popula,rity counter phrases suggest overdubbing. organ technique under the skilled of its music among todays youth. It is a terrible snubber to put on an guidance of Frank Konitz, well-known ALLEN MILLER organist of Crawford's reputation and New Haven theatre organist. ELEANOR WEAVER potential. And we fail to see any reason for "simulated stereo" for a one­ speaker chord organ . Surface noise and distortion are most audible on the outside tracks, diminishing in the in­ side tracks. Tunes are "Around the World", "Catch a Falling Star", "Sail Along Silvery Moon", "Magic Moments" (early Bacharach), "Gigi", "Witch­ craft", "A Very Precious Love", "Ar­ rivaderci Roma", "Fascination" and "Whose Sorry Now" - any or all of which we'd love to hear Crawford play - on an organ. But in this form they do nothing for the Crawford charisma and our prayer to Decca/Voc­ al ion is: please reissue some of those wonderful cuts JC made on the Lorin Whitney and Dick Simonton organs. □ 28 TWOORGAN BUFFS. ♦ ♦ fromthe some fomily tree

by L.A. Peckham Most articles published in THE­ the Methodist Parsonage! ATRE ORGAN magazine related to In 1942, he purchased the 2/4 Wur­ "home installed" theatre organs have litzer from the Harvard Theatre in similiar points. The happy owners of Syracuse and later installed it in the basement Wurlitzer installations usually Methodist Parsonage at Chittenango, got the bug at an early age while N. Y. The ladies of the Parsonage Com­ listening to theatre organs in the 1920's mittee weren't enthused with wind or early 30's. They made secret vows lines going through hard wood floors to own such a beast some day. Per­ to the second floor organ chamber sonally , I got hooked before I was (former guest bedroom). The problem Aeolian player mechanism sits atop the born! was solved by exchanging the furnace the Peckham console. (O'Toole Photo) It really all started when my father , heat run for an 8" diameter air duct Augustus Peckham , was a boy growing from the blower , located in the cellar. up on a farm in Madison County , New In 1947 , my father was considering built my first player piano when I was York State. At age 15 he was the proud a move to another Methodist Church a junior in high school. owner of a Mason and Hamlin reed and it was decided that the Wurlitzer By the year 1959 I was married organ "installed" in his bedroom. By should be sold , lest it be worn out by and living in a small bungalow in Horse­ the time he was 25 years old and a the many moves of a Methodist preach­ heads, N. Y. My main occupation was junior at Syracuse University studying er! The organ was bought by a church that of an electronics technician with for the ministry , a one manual tracker in northern New York State and I got the Westinghouse Co. On the side I was installed in an upstairs hallway in my first practical experience in pack­ was repairing and tuning player pianos. ing, moving , and re-installing a theatre My pride and joy was a Wurlitzer A look at the organ chamber showing two pipe organ at the age of 12. groups of Marr-Colton chests of five ranks Mortuary organ plus an Aeolian Orches­ each. In the background from left to right: We installed the Wurlitzer 2/4 con­ trelle. The Mortuary organ was an over­ M&C Tuba, Aeolian Free Reed Clarinet, sole and relay , but a Marr and Colton sized upright player piano with a rank Wurlitzer Tibia, Aeolian Vox. (Steere & Flute, String and Diapason were used Turner Salicional added after photo was of Flutes and three octaves of very made). Foreground shows from left to instead of the Wurlitzer Flute/Bourdon, soft Salicional pipes. right: M&C Diapason, M&C V.D.O., M&C Salicional, Vox and Trumpet. My father Through the efforts of Dave Teeter Concert Flute, M&C Kinura, (Steere & figured that the Marr and Colton pipe­ Turner orchestral Oboe has since been in Elmira , I obtained a pedal Bourdon , added. (O'Toole Photo) work was better suited for church plus Diapason, Oboe , free-reed Clarinet , services, plus he liked the simple and and Vox from an Aeolian residence lighter M.&C. pipe chests. An opening organ. Putting my player piano ex­ recital was played by C. Sergisson of perience to work, I built a chest to Newark, N. Y. in January 1948. convert the Mortuary organ tubular­ For a time I was out of touch with pneumatic action to electro-pheumatic theatre organs. Meanwhile , my father operation. The Mortuary organ became taught me how to tune pianos and I a "console" to play the four Aeolian later discovered the player piano. I re- ranks. With the encouragement of Dave

Rank : Manufactured by : Original Installation : Teeter, we began to attend theatre Flute/Bourdon Marr & Colton MadisonTh ., Oneida, N.Y. organ activities sponsored by the newly­ Diapason Marr & Colton MadisonTh ., Oneida, N.Y. formed Niagara Frontier chapter of Violin Marr & Colton MadisonTh ., Oneida, N. Y. Harp Marr & Colton MadisonTh ., Oneida, N.Y. ATOS Concerts at the Roosevelt and Vox Humana Aeolian Whittier res., Elmira, N.Y. Lafayette Theatres in Buffalo rekindled Clarinet (free reed type) Aeolian Whittier res., Elmira, N.Y. our interest in the theatre organ sound. Kinura Marr & Colton KeeneyTh. , Elmira, N.Y. Dave Teeter, Bob Oppenheim and Tuba Marr& Colton CivicTh ., Syracuse, N.Y. myself decided about this time to re­ Tibia Wurlitzer Strand Th., Elmira, N.Y. build the 3/20 Marr & Colton pipe Orch. Oboe Steere and Turner Cornell Univ., Ithaca, N. Y. organ installed at the Elmira, Theatre Salicional Steere and Turner Cornell Univ., Ithaca, N.Y. N. Y. (See Summer 1963 issue of Oiaphone (metal) Wurlitzer WebsterTh ., Rochester, N.Y. THEATRE ORGAN.) Relay Wurlitzer WebsterTh ., Rochester, N.Y. In the summer of 1960 I was able Console Wurlitzer HarvardTh ., Syracuse, N.Y. to buy the Wurlitzer-Marr & Colton Chimes Wurlitzer HarvardTh ., Syracuse, N.Y. that my father and I had installed 12 Blower Kinetic-4 stage RivoliTh ., Syracuse, N.Y. Piano Fischer (Ampico grand) years before. The Wurlitzer console

OCTOBER, 1971 29 and relay were installed in the basement and the three M.&C. ranks were added intriguing job! to the four Aeolian ranks. By this time my wife Joyce had learned to trace out cables, recover pneumatics, and help with tuning. Fortunately for me, Joyce is very interested in theatre organs and player pianos. As a math­ science major in college, she has been able to gain a good understanding of electro-pneumatic actions. By 1964 my wife and I were tired of entertaining fellow organ "buffs" in the basement, so we purchased a large three-story home in nearby Brees­ port. The organ was set up in the former parlor on the main floor. The swell shades were reduced to 1/3 their original size to keep the paper from being shaken off the walls in the adjacent listening room! No attempt has ever been made to come up with an "in the theatre" sound with artificial reverb or over­ ( Laura Thomas Photo) sized chambers. I feel that a theatre Nick Pitt, whom many will recall hearing at Loew's Richmond Theatre at the 3/13 Wurlitzer organ in the average sized home should during the second Eastern Regional Convention, in 1966, is taking a hiatus from his Combo be classed as a studio installation. The engagements in the Richmond area. real theatre organ sound is certainly His summer engagement is far from the ordinary as organist for a traveling burlesque show, complete with strippers, the usual baggy-pants comic, straight man and chorus line. available at Radio City, the R.T.O.S. The show was part of the Hamburg County Fair, in Hamburg, N. Y ., a suburb of Buffalo, Auditorium Wurlitzer, D.T.O.C., etc. and is the oldest County Fair in the country. My own installation includes pipes from theatre, residence, and church organs. All ranks have been voiced to produce a nice ensemble suitable to the A NEW LYN LARSEN RECORDING size of the house. Needless to say, the FROM ESSENTIAL RECORDS twelve rooms and nine foot ceilings help too! The installation is presently composed of ten ranks played from the Harvard-Wurlitzer two manual console. I built two automatic players - one uses regular 88 note player piano rolls JOY TO THE WORLD and the other is a re built Aeolian CHRISTMAS MUSIC "short roll" residence job for classical with music. The 88 note player is a real hair raiser when all ten ranks and grand piano are turned loose with "Sousa's King Cotton March". How­ Lyn Larsen ever, having had the use of Al Miller's at the pilot model Austin Quadraplex player WURLITZER PIPE ORGAN for a few weeks last fall, I can see reason for the addition of a third Some of the most poignant and majestic music of all time, played player! I am looking forward to the on a favorite recording organ - 3/26 Wurlitzer, Carson Studio, day when the Quad is available in kit Hollywood, California. form. Needless to say, the fine Quad rolls being produced by Bill Petty at SLEIGH RIDE • CHRISTMAS SONG • WINTER WONDERLAND Fort Defiance, Va. will make the CHRISTMAS MEDLEY • ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH ultimate organ player a reality. SILENT NIGHT • SCOTTISH CAROL • WE THREE KINGS Things return to T.O. normalcy CRADLE CAROL when John Muri, Dennis James, Don Kinnier, or Dean Robinson happen to Direct Mail e'-1"1entiaL record'-' drop by. Stereo - ERS 1009 po4't oHice boJi 3544 Thank goodness for automatic play­ $5.50 pp (Plus $1.00 - Canada) ers and a stereo tape deck - I can't 9le11aale, caliiorHia 91201 play a note! D

30 OCTOBER, 1971 THEATRE ORGAN ist Dean McNickols was frantic. Next ing has been made on it. (See "For Bill Brown shipped in from Phoenix the Records"). his historic Krummet (San Francisco, California theatre, Hope-Jones No. l, 3%/32, 1917 vintage) for complete reconditioning and revoicing. As word spread across the land of Lee's avail­ ability, the St. Louis Chapter's van­ dalized Wurli Brass Trumpet and Kim­ ball orchestral Oboe arrived. The Trum­ pet proved especially interesting; it was an early Wurlitzer, factory-equip­ ped with Clarinet shallots. "No wonder it sounded lousy" said Lee, reaching down into his collection of accu­ Readers are encouraged to submit in­ teresting sidelights on the organ hob­ mulated parts - and coming up with by (exclusive of chapter news items) a full set of genuine Wurlitzer Brass material they believe will be of general Trumpet Shallots. interest about local organ activities and installations and the people who ~ work at the hobby. We know "there's VOX POPS in them there chapters" Gaylord Carter pauses for Times -Union cam­ and it only requires a 6i postcard to eraman Jim Osborn during practice session at the RTOS Wurlitzer. get it to VOX POPS Editor, Box 5013 (Jim Osborn Photo) Bendix Station, North Hollywood, Calif. 91605. If the contributor can We nearly missed a newsworthy afford an Bi stamp, why not include a black and white photo which need event regarding a certain organist's not be returned. drawing power last Spring, but it's still newsworthy. Gaylord Carter, "Mr. Organbuilder Lee Haggart's new Flicker Fingers", attracted about 1800 voicing shop, in operation in Granada devotees of the theatre organ art to Hills, Calif. only 3 months, is already the Auditorium Theatre in Rochester, knee-deep in orders. Lee, whose spe­ N. Y. on April 10. He accompanied cialty is the very difficult voicing of two Harold Lloyd silents and a sing-a­ reeds, has retired from his electronics long, played an excellent musical pro­ systems engineering career and is de­ gram and pronounced the 4/22 Wur­ voting full time to pipe making and litzer "one of the finest instruments doctoring. No sooner had he opened he has ever laid his hands on." the doors than an SOS came from the 81 LLY NALLE During his four-day visit to Liac Haven of Rest for repair of earthquake­ Always exuberant Gothamite Billy City, Gaylord was kept busy by press stricken pipes on its 3/14 Wurli. Nalle is beaming over the fact that his interviews, photo sittings and practice Cornopean and String pipes had been "Big Bold & Billy" album got a good sessions. He also found time to try out snapped off by the temblor and organ- review in the DIAPASON, a mag which Jim Webster's 3/ 15 Wurlitzer home has traditionally downgraded theatre installation. The one-time Los Angeles organ matters. But perhaps the most "Phantom of the Organ" will be asked significant reaction to the Phase Ill back to Rochester again. An 1800-fan biscuit came from a San Francisco draw ain't hay these days. buff who is only too familar with the ~ pratice of style-copping. On hearing ATOSer Fred Tulan, he of the State the Nalle sides he queried, "I wonder Trumpet at the Fabulous Fifteenth who he listens to?!" On October 22, concert in St. John The Divine Cathe­ Indianapolis fans will have a chance dral, said at the time he feared being to hear Billy; Tom Ferree has signed struck dead for playing silent movie him for a concert at the Rivoli the­ "chases", "Gone With the Wind", and atre, playing the 3/17 "Louisville "rock" in such a hallowed shrine. Now Special." he feels almost retarded since the same cathedral recently presented a "Mass Steve Adams, ATOS member of in F" by the composer of "Hair," with Edina, Minnesota, reports that he the show's cast leading a procession to found a theatre organ, hitherto un­ the tune of "Aquarius". If ATOSers known, in a Milwaukee theatre. It is a shared Fred's fears of "retribution Lee Haggart (left) shows visitor Tiny James some of the pipe making and voicing equip­ 3/28 Kimball in the Centre Theatre, from Above" for applauding , fear not ment he has collected over a lifetime devoted formely the Warner. A crew has suc­ - Time magazine reported the au di­ to pipes. The manual controls and voicing ceeded in getting the box of whistles ence for the "Mass" even ate ham­ chest (left). (Stufoto) into playable condition, and a record- burgers and drank Cokes, thus making

THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1971 31 ATOS conventioneers quite couth in in the living room; the property will Angels graced with such a mass influx comparison! Incidentally, Fred played become a museum and a theatre will of normally faraway organ fans. the new $110,000 4/89 Italian be built on the grounds for the show­ (Ruffatti) organ in San Francisco's of silent films. Naturally the theatre new 8 million dollar St. Mary's Cathe­ will require an organ and that's where We heard Bill Thomson did a nice dral Aug 18 during a full week of ATOS can score, explained Dick. job at the 3/11 in the Hoosier Audi­ teaching advanced organists. And he's There's a wide open opportunity there torium in Whiting, Indiana on Sept been invited to play at the next Na­ and the extent of ATOS participation 15th. Owner Bob Montgomery seems tional Convention of the AGO. Fred should provide grist for many an up­ determined to give concertgoers a wide gets around. coming ATOS Board of Directors meet­ variety of artists, and has noted an in­ ing. But to the lucky visitors the tour crease in the number of Chicago fans will remain unforgettable. the policy is bringing in.

The visitors to the Lloyd estate were something of a geographical cross section of ATOS. From Chicago (CATOE) there were Bill and Charlotte Rieger, also Nick and Carollyn Hingels. From Delaware Valley came Mary Bowles, from Puget Sound, Gennie Whitting. Frank May represented mem­ bers in Indianapolis and from ConValChap were Mr. and Mrs. Stillman Rice (we signed him for prexie for another year) and Norm and Peggy Ray. From northern California were ATOS president Stillman Rice (center) is Tiny and Ida James, and Judd Walton. flanked by two former presidents, Judd Walton (left) and Dick Simonton, during From nearer Porterville there was the tour of the Harold Lloyd estate. Gordon Belt. There was a sprinkling of (Stufoto) L.A. Chapter members, some as vis­ ANN LEAF - Love is a factor A group of post-convention jun­ itors, others as co-hosts. The Gordon Ann Leafs motor is always running. keteers hit a novel jackpot in Los Kibbees, Tom B'hend, chapter chair­ On October 23 she'll cue a remembered Angeles - a guided tour of the Harold man Neil Kissel, chapter program chair­ movie, "The Covered Wagon," which Lloyd estate, arranged by Dick man Dwight Beacham, past chairman she cued at the Los Angeles Million past chairman Bill Exner plus host of Simonton who is one of five trustees Dollar theatre during its first release others, too many to list. A special of the late screen comedian's property. ( circa 1925). But this time she'll be guest was Dennis James (Delaware The tour was an eye opener; the for­ playing the augmented Link 3/ 17 in Valley) who was in town for his tune amassed in just 10 years ( 1914- the Roberson Center in Binghamton, Wil tern concert. He got a crack at the 1924) of making silent comedies af­ N. Y. Then a full concert on the Link Aeolian organ. Seldom is the City of t orded the frugal Lloyd a 16½ acre the next night. That will be the finale tract on the edge of Beverly Hills, com­ of Ann's excursion eastward (she lives plete with mansion, many outbuild­ in Hollywood). Before that, she sam­ ings, tennis court, handball court, huge pled the wonders of the DTOC's 4/34 swimming pool, acres of green lawn Senate Wurli in Detroit on October 16 (still maintained), flower gardens and the RTOS 4/22 Wurli in Rochester (mostly gone to seed), rows of stately on October 22nd. A rather demanding trees leading to summer houses, and concert schedule for the "mitey mite" fountains everywhere. The floor in the but in there pitching for Ann is her entry hall is still polished daily by the helpmate and husband, Russ Butler, same house staffer who started when who promote's Ann's music with loving the house was first occupied in 1929 zeal. He's Ann's manager, press agent, (it required 5 years to complete land­ stagehand and escort - and he knows scaping and buildings). Three mid-' 30s his product is good. More gal organists Rolls Royce's, long unused, languish should have husbands like Russ. in garages, and a 32-rank Aeolian pipe organ (restored by LA chapter mem­ LA Chapter Program Director Dwight bers) sounded forth in the huge living Beacham played a brief concert on the re­ From New York Dick Loderhose stored player organ in the Lloyd living room. Without the master of the house room. Although it has 32 ranks, the chambers reports that silent movies are back on present the feeling was akin to a real­ are buried in the cellar and full organ fil­ Broadway. The New Paramount at 61 st life setting for "Sunset Boulevard." tered through the tone chute is not the Street and Broadway is playing "Wings" I east overpowering. Tonally, it's typical After a tasty buffet supervised by Mrs. residence organ - tepid. accompanied by a pianist who played Simonton, Dick spoke to the visitors (Stufoto) it also during its initial mid- '20s release,

32 OCTOBER, 1971 THEATRE ORGAN according to the high-powered pro­ installed for a time in the Toronto ucational activity has ranked very high motion plugging the project. Maple Leaf Garden (it was removed so with this group who want to learn as they could add more seats to the sports well as listen. ~ auditorium) and is now in the famous In Collingswood (Ontario) Canada, Casa Loma. Al played there on Sept. 3. Youthful organist, Dennis James, Dave Vuckson views the rise of clus­ Incidentally, Al may follow the Reg. spent a week in Rochester during tered mini-theatres with alarm. What Foort trail and tour England next year. August, taping his first record. Done triggered him was an item in the Plans are jelling. on the Auditorium Theatre 4/22 Wur­ Toronto Telegram describing four, five litzer, it is hoped that the record will and six circa I 00-seat auditoriums be released in time for his November being built under one roof, with a 13 concert in Rochester with the common projection room run by one When organist Rex Koury moves Singing Hoosiers. Others who have projectionist and everything automatic from the suburbs of Los Angeles to recorded the organ were Billy Nalle, - lights, taped intermission music - Reno , Nevada, this fall he'll be taking the late Leonard MacClain (Dennis' the works. The only other humans along a rare 3/7 Wurlitzer he's had teacher), Dick Leibert and the late employed are a smashing ticket seller stashed for a spell. Rex, who is moving Tom Grierson. and a ticket taker-security man. While to escape the big town smog and hurly­ some may feel this is the film in­ dustry's best hope to regain its share of burly, will probably build chambers Proof of the theatre organ's grow­ the entertainment-seeking public, Dave onto his new residence. The instrument ing popularity are the frequent ref­ feels it's regression: "They've gone the is equipped with Tibia, Flute, Diapason, erences to it on television. On August full circle - right back to the darkened Vox, Trumpet, String and String Ce­ 21, on the ABC program "ft Was a store-type nickelodeons of the films' leste. To this Rex hopes to add a Good Year", the Fisher Theatre con­ early days." Could be. With the old sharp reed after he has the Wurli sole in Detroit (now DTOC Senate) film palaces impossible to fill, dis­ perking. was shown, and a rendition of "Take tributors see some hope in the au­ Me Out to the Ball Game" was played tomated "minimultiple" house. in the background. Though the year Of course audiences attending such Ex-Rochester Theatre Organist, ref erred to was 1919, the Fisher Wur­ houses will have scant knowledge of Eddie May reports that he and daugh­ litzer was built in 1928. On August 22, the theatre organ, and even the con­ ter Carol will bring their unique father­ on the CBS News, a young heart cept of a real theatre will dim. Dave daughter organ duo to the Cyrano transplant patient in California, a foresees tourists in New York taking Room of the Deauville Hotel in Miami bearded musician, was shown at a in the "Radio City Music Hall Theatre Beach from Sept. 1 to Nov. 1. theatre organ console in a restaurant. Museum" along with the Bronx Zoo The organ appeared to be a Robert and Statue of Liberty excursion. But Morton. there's a big question, so far unan­ swered; where will they obtain enough Organist Rosa Rio reports more Organist Bert Buhrman of the films to keep all six projectors running bookings for the 1971- 72 season. She School of the Ozarks in Pt. Lookout, continuously? TV reruns, perhaps? was recently interviewed over WTIC in Missouri, informs us that his series of Hartford , Conn. and WFIF in Milford, "Music for a Sunday Afternoon" during Conn. She spoke on these hour-long July exceeded his fondest hopes. The radio programs about the golden days initial performance drew over 700, and of radio and the nostalgia of theatre turn-way crowds were the rule there­ pipe organs. She is scheduled for Octo­ after. A 3-manual Wurlitzer was fea­ ber 15 and 16 at Thomaston, Conn. tured by Buhrman for all performances. Opera House; on October 28 at the A feature story about this installation Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge, Ill. is being prepared for THEATRE for CATOE, and on October 30 and ORGAN. 31 at the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio. 1972 Dues...... $ 8 NowAvailable - first class Joahn Fox, the live-wire chairman deliveryof THEATREORGAN for $11 of Rochester Theatre Organ Society's an additional$3 - total of education committee, has begun ex­ AL BOLLINGTON tensive planning for that group's activ­ ATOS While we 're North of the (US) ities in the coming season. On August P.O. BOX 306 border, let's note the reunion of two 13, she was hostess to a meeting of NORTH HAVEN, CONN. 06473 old friends - onetime British recording both RTOS and AGO people which star Al Bollington and the then 3/ 15 featured movies, slides, exhibits and CHAPTERMEMBERS, please submit Wurlitzer he played for three years at refreshments. One of the questions your 1972 National Dues to your Shea's theatre in Toronto. The in­ asked of each RTOS member is for his chapter treasurer. strument was enlarged when it was preferences in R TOS programs. Ed-

THEATRE ORGAN 0 CTO BER, 1971 33 Gaylordtarter Goes Baroque by John J. Strader On the evenings of July 18, and 19, and choirmaster at Cincinnati's Christ Gaylord Carter kicked off the first in Church Cathedral at Fourth and the "Strader Series" at the College­ Sycamore Streets, starting in Septem­ Conservatory of Music, at the Uni­ ber. Gaylord introduced Searle to the versity of Cincinnati in their Recital audience, but otherwise received little Hall auditorium. or no assistance from him during the It was typical Carter performance program ... aside from Searle's con­ all the way ... with the exception of tributions to the waves of laughter the organ itself; rather than the mighty going the rounds throughout the eve­ Or. Searle Wright at Stan Todd's 4/36 mighty you-know-what usually associated with ning. Wurlitzer at Shady-Nook Steak House. Gaylord, it was a three manual, 44 Young and old, music students and rank Balcom & Vaughan classic in­ just plain "organ buffs," they were all strument. Gaylord got the overflow present and accounted for, yet no one Conservatory of Music of the Uni­ crowd off in a good humor at the very seemed to miss the usual throbbing versity of Cincinnati). outset by congratulating them for Tibias or heavy tremulants generally "Fabulous" Eddie Osborn ( of Bald­ "finding their way to the subterranean equated with such a performance. win organ fame) Hal Vincent (his labyrinth, known as Recital Hall." Under Gaylord's deft fingers, the fingers also fly for Baldwin and so From that point on, he launched into Balcom & Vaughan sounded as if it does Hal when required by the situa­ a program designed to show the im­ might have been built just for this tion at hand) plus a few others who portance of the musical score in its purpose. As Gaylord quickly points were the dinner guests of Stan and relationship to a given silent film. out, in his early days in playing for Virginia Todd, in honor of Gaylord With such visual aids for his dem­ silent films, it was most always at the Carter and Searle Wright. onstrations as Harold Lloyd's "Girl console of a "straight" organ. In any This was the night indeed, and Shy," a segment from Lon Chaney in event, those who were present at both Searle put on his theatre organist "Phantom of The Opera" along with presentations, were not only amused "cap" following the showing of the "The Saw Mill" ... a gag-filled series but amazed as well. The distinguished film. He proceeded to execute several of stunts executed in a lumber camp Chairman of the organ department of selections at the console of Stan's setting featuring Larry Seeman, Carter the College-Conservatory, Wayne Wurlitzer ( with which he was un­ forged ahead, much to the utter delight Fisher confided to the writer following familiar) that brought down the house of his attention-riveted audience. Gay­ the final program, that he "wouldn't as could only be done by a true lord offered a bit of "Phantom of The have believed it possible!" Bach would master of the craft. In Gaylord's own Opera" accompanied by the most in­ have loved it I'm certain! words, "Searle, the wretch ... has appropriate music possible, i.e., in the The second offering in the Series; covered himself with glory tonight!" sequence where the phantom is un­ designed to expand the horizon a bit Praise be to Searle, and to Gaylord for masked, the organ thundered out the for the young organ student, as well as another unforgetable musical experi­ familiar "Hello Dolly" theme, obvi­ to provide entertainment for the organ ence. Thanks also to Stan Todd for ously followed by roars oflaughter. The music-loving community, will feature making a theatre organ buffs dream second time around, Gaylord played Rosa Rio in a two-night concert in the come true via his Shady-Nook Steak what he termed might be the "apparent­ Recital Hall on October 30, and 31st. House; all this and such excellent ly proper score" to the film, with the The evening of July 20, Gaylord food too! What more could one pos­ result that the mood of the film, as well Carter appeared at Stan Todd's Shady­ sibly ask - unless it was an encore? as that of the audience was altered 100%. Nook Steak House, to execute the □ The rapid-fire and seemingly haz­ score to "Girl Shy" at the console of Stan Todd, Or. Searle Wright, Gaylord Carter ardous succession of events that flash­ Stan's 4/36 Wurlitzer. This was met ed over the screen in "The Saw Mill" with great delight and hearty-approval kept everyone on the edge of their by the diners in the restaurant who seats in anticipation and laughter. See­ were taken by surprise with the whole ing Oliver Hardy (long before he had affair. Gaylord did himself proud of met Stan Laurel) as the whip slingin' course, with the giant facilities at hand, boss of the lumber camp proved to be organ lift and all. of much interest. In the theatre section of the steak In attendance at the Sunday evening house ( where the buffs can see all, performance was Dr. Searle Wright hear all and miss nothing) there was an who is taking up the post of organist uncommonly interesting gathering, which included such luminaries as Photos courtesy Robert White, Jr., Searle Wright, Dr. and Mrs. Jack M. of the Oxford Press, Oxford, Ohio. Watson (he is the dean of the College-

34 OCTOBER, 1971 A NEW YORKAREA FIRST! FROMeLOUD 9 TO eLOUD 1009 IN TWO YEAR~ by Bob Balfour A mecca for all T.O. buffs has come for it's food over the years. Many of to Wanaque, N. J. When organist Frank our N.Y. members have been regular Cimmino and his boss Jimmy Provis­ patrons, listening to Frank play on the siero agreed to put an addition onto big Rodgers installation which formerly ••••••• ••••••• their Suburbian Restaurant and install graced the old main dining room, while a real live, genuine, Mighty Wurlitzer. enjoying the unique Italian cuisine w ~&'\,.. V' NONE but the wildest speculation and famous "Roman Table", a seven Ill Ill could have imagined the fantastic final course Italian smorgasbord that is a outcome nearly 2 years later. dining experience defying description. •CHAPTERNEWS• To say it is posh, elegant, magnif­ On Saturday, June 26, 1971, Frank icent, or almost anything else is to do Cimmino's dream came true, and after All news must be received at Box 2329, Livonia, Michigan 48150, by the an injustice and understate the dramatic many years, a sleeping Wurlitzer came 1st of the month preceding publication. effect you have on first seeing this to life. (Frank is now on Cloud 1009, installation! It is as breathtaking as and we don't think he'll ever land.) your first in-person view of the Grand Be sure and put it on your list of BEE HIVE Canyon. "must see" when in the N.Y. area. It Organist Frank Cimmino went right will be a treat for your eyes, ears, On June 20, the Bee Hive Chapter up to Cloud 9 when the plans were and mouth! □ met at the Capitol Theatre, Salt Lake discussed and was told he could have City at 9:30 A.M. Chairman Clarence a real Wurlitzer. Then Frank found Briggs informed the members that on his dream organ, and went up to Cloud TEN July 1, 1971, the Scera Theatres, Sid 109 - a 260 special, formerly installed MORE MEMBERS Cohen, President, would be the new in the RKO Chester Theatre in the owners of the Capitol Theatre. Mr. Bronx, N.Y. and then owned by N.Y.'s A special committee selected nine Cohen informed Clarence he encour­ Mr. Theatre Organ, Dick Loderhose. organists, either deceased or no longer active, for ~ntrance into the Theatre aged the use of the organ and that The Wurlitzer, originally opus 1793, Organists' Hall of Fame. the Bee Hive Chapter could depend was a 3 manual 15 ranker plus piano. The committee members were Lloyd upon his cooperation and support. In negotiating the deal, Frank obtained E. Klos, Chairman; Dr. Edward J. Beb­ a Morton Post Horn to replace a broken ko (Eddie Baker); H. Clealan Blakely; Following the meeting, each mem­ Brass Sax rank, and an additional Mary Bowles; John Muri; Rosa Rio; ber desiring to do so took a turn Morton Tibia, plus a second Vox, to George F. Thompson and Robert S. playing the Wurlitzer; after this Ethel bring the organ to a total of 17 ranks. Wilson. Hogan Heinz presented a concert. Ethel Then, instead of the original upright In very spirited balloting, they chose: was thrilled to again play this organ. She piano, he obtained a Duo-Art Grand recalled having accompanied many piano, with organ hookup. 1. Arthur Gutow - A top organist times in the past, some silent movies who performed in Detroit and The stunning setting for all of this on this organ and in this theatre. Chicago. Everyone enjoyed hearing the old, as is an elegant room, 106 feet long, 50 2. C. Sharpe Minor - Perhaps the feet wide and 16 feet high. It seats greatest showman theatre organist. well as the new tunes as can only be 350 people at tables, with two bars, 3. Mrs. Jesse Crawford - First played by this great artist. and a 36 by 12 foot dance floor, di­ woman to be named, she joins On August 1, 1971, Mr. Sid Cohen, rectly in front of the "orchestra", her illustrious husband. President of Scera Theatres, invited 4. Oliver Wallace - One of the flanked by the console on the right, the entire Bee Hive Chapter to be his and grand piano on the left. The organ early theatre organists and teach­ er of others, including Jesse guests at the Capitol Theatre at 9:30 is installed in 3 visible chambers, Main, Crawford. A.M. Sunday morning. To our sur­ Percussion and Solo, each 12'x 12'x 16', 5. Fred Feibel - Played N. Y. prise, the old-time silent picture, "The and all dramatically lit, with the Percus­ Paramount theatre and studio Winning of Barbara Worth,, was to be sion under black light. A unique feature organs over 7 ½ years. presented. Mr. Cohen explained his of this installation is that the chests 6. Milton Slosser - Active in desire to commence showing other are set into the floor. All magnets are Washington, DC and St. Louis. silent pictures to the public in the very serviced standing up in the cellar be­ 7. Sidney Torch - One of the near future and wanted the Bee Hive low, which also houses the blower, greatest British theatre organists. 8. Sigmund Krumgold - One of the Chapter to view it and give him our reservoirs and trems. greatest movie accompanists, he opinion. He invited any organist in the All one can say is that those old played the New York Paramount group to play along with the picture. Romans may have lived well in their for years. day, but they never had it as great as 9. Lew White - Chief organist of As the film commenced . . . dead this! Speaking of Romans, the Sub­ the Roxy, was a teacher and silence . . ! After a few anxious mo­ urbian has gained a fantastic reputation broadcaster. ments of this strained silence, a former

THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1971 35 Bee Hive Chapter member, from the he played a concert on the 3-manual including tunes written by both Mr. Los Angeles area, Mike Ohman was Conn Theatre electronic organ at the and Mrs. Jesse Crawford. encouraged to take command at the Knights of Columbus Assembly Hall The 3/10 Wurlitzer is considered to console. With no previous viewing in Indianapolis, Indiana. be one of the finest built and the com­ Mike performed just like a veteran, On June 13 the club traveled to bination of "in-theatre" sound and pouring out the sweet tones for the Southern Indiana for their June meet­ authentic theatre organ styling made love scenes and building up to a climax ing at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James the performance very pleasant. for the rushing water, running horses Trinkle in New Albany, Indiana. It CATOE's June 27th social at the and also anticipating each and every was an all day outing with lunch, Pickwick Theatre's 3/ 11 (plus Post scene. Needless to say, the organ is an swimming and music. The Trinkle's Horn) Wurlitzer was an "all-star" per­ absolute necessity to these silent pic­ have a 2/7 Wurlitzer. Mr. Trinkle formance played by Dave Olson of tures for without it . . . dead silence showed the group how he could play Muskego, Wisconsin. He played a pro­ .. ! Our hats are off to you, Mike, for the organ automatically through a gram of songs identified with other a superb job. player piano that he has connected artists and in their styles. to the organ as part of his installation. While some critics frown on this Calvin Christensen, owner of the The members also had a chance to try Arcade Theatre and Bee Hive Chapter's type of concert, two facts must be newest member, has just purchased a out the organ. So this was an all around kept in mind. First, Dave doesn't 7 rank Wurlitzer which is presently fun day at the home of Trinkle's. pretend to make the audience be­ being installed in the Arcade Theatre. Sunday July 25 the club met at lieve that he is playing his own ar­ rangements. He gives the imitated art­ His father started this theatre in 1931 the home of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene ist full credit. Second, he plays the and the silent films were just giving Ward of Carmel, Indiana. After the arrangements very well. way to sound, and now, 40 years later, business meeting the members and During the performance, Dave play­ silent pictures are making a comeback. guests played the organ and had a very ed a couple of his own arrangements Space is needed for the pipes behind enjoyable afternoon. and they were as well received as his the movie screen and flavorful touches It was announced that the next "Crawfords", "Wrights", "McAbees", of the old theatres will be added to the meeting would be held at the home and "Sengs". lobby. Just as soon as the remodeling of member James Flanagan who has Dave displays great talent in arrang­ is completed Cal will commence show­ a 3/9 Wurlitzer-Barton installation. Mr. ing. It is hoped by this writer that he ing silent pictures. This is a new twist; Flanagan is in the process of attaching an Aeolian player grand piano to his will continue to put more and more of a theatre pipe organ going into a his own work into his concerts. His, theatre, rather than one coming out. installation and hopes to have this completed by the August meeting. too, is a style worth copying. The Bee mve Chapter, as well as RUTH HAWKINS There aren't enough good words to the ATOS certainly wish Sid Cohen describe a Dennis James concert. At and Cal Christensen the very best in age 20 Dennis displays all the traits this new venture and we will support CHICAGO AREA needed to become a great organist. both of them all the way. His technique is superb. His playing DARLENE WALKER An ever-popular artist among is just full of life and feeling, and his CATOE members, Bob Coe, played personality seems to win audiences the May 23 social at the Indiana everywhere. His enthusiasm for the Theatre in East Chicago. His long theatre organ is made obvious in every CENTRAL INOIANA career as a theatre organist has given phrase. him a repertoire of many delightful Dennis played a concert on May 7 The months of May and June were but seldom-heard songs from the 1920s, at Downers Grove High School's 3/ 10 traveling months for the Central Wurlitzer and the proceeds went to the Indiana Chapter begining on May 16 school's foreign exchange program. It when we traveled to the home of Mr. was CATOE' s first benefit performance. and Mrs. Frank May in Kokomo, With the exception of one or two Indiana, for our monthly meeting. arrangements of his late teacher, Before the business meeting the group Leonard MacClain, Dennis played his was entertained with the artistry of own arrangements, something which Dennis James, playing the May's 4/ 18 Wickes-Barton organ. Dennis played '*************************** several selections and some requests. t Sweet Sixteen Convention i Fallowing the business meeting the i Souvenir Programs i members and several guests enjoyed i Available i more fine music by John Landon and i Pictures of the organs and artists i Tim Needler. The different styles of ~ featured in the 1971 ATOS Na- * each of these artists brought out the i tional Convention. i marvelous sound of this magnificent ~ $2.00 Postpaid i organ, which Mr. May has spent many Bob Coe, veteran theatre organist of the ~ ATOS 1971 National Convention hours in the past few years installing. Madison, Wisconsin area, entertains audi­ * ences at the Indiana Theatre during CATO E's i P.O. Box 7422, Bitter Lake Station i Then on May 22 the group was able May social. i Seattle, Wash. 98133 i to enjoy more of Dennis James when (Tom Y annitell Photo) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

36 OCTOBER, 1971 THEATRE ORGAN Miller Special with Knabe-Ampico re­ producing piano having controlled ex­ pression from the console, and the Quadruplex Player which can play both instruments. As Al explained, the organ chamber with a total volume of only 300 cubic feet contains the pipes, direct-electric Chrysoglott with solid-state controlled action, and 5 Tremolos which are

actually motor-driven winkers that Closeup of newest theatre organ in the waste no air, can be adjusted indi­ world, 1971, constructed by Allen Miller vidually for speed and depth, and do of Glastonbury, Connecticut. (Preston Miller Photo) not require separate regulators. Twenty four 16' Diaphones (wood) have been mitered and chopped up with some outstanding features, last and crammed into an old overnight of which is a brand new three manual Dennis James, soon-to-be-Super Star, chats bag and wired to some diodes, resis­ horseshoe console with capture com­ with audience during his May 7th CATOE concert at the Downers Grove High School tors and a speaker . . . a system Al bination action. You hardly see any of 3/10 Wurlitzer. It was a benefit performance designed himself. Darned if this thing these any more. for the school's foreign exchange program. doesn't sound just like real Hope-Jones! In the evening, nearly the whole (Ed Schaefer Photo) chapter jammed into Anita and Irv Twomey's basement Music Hall in many veteran organists fail to do. His Manchester, Conn. to hear and try arranging, his sense of timing, his the 2/7 Wurlitzer with added Mason registrations, his well-rounded program­ and Hamlin-Ampico reproducing piano ming, and his rapport with the audience with expression controlled from the are not to be surpassed. console, a very useful feature common Remember that you read it in this to both in strum en ts seen at this column: Given the time required of meeting. any organist to make a name for him­ The console is not the one origi­ self, Dennis James will be a great nally from the organ which came from organist. a Taunton, Mass. theatre, but will be Since July was convention month, recognized by some members as the it was decided not to have a social. slave console formerly attached to However, 39 CATOE members were George Shaskan's organ in Stamford registered for the convention in Seattle, Organ builder, - organist, Allen Miller dem­ onstrates orchestral effects of 3/8 Miller a few years back. which is commendable, considering theatre organ newly constructed in 1971. Solo couplers have been added the distance they had to travel. (Preston Miller Photo) which make this installation sound The August social at the Patio "really Big". Theatre featured Ted Day at the 3/ 17 The solid-state relay and switch Our guest artist was our chapter's Barton. At that time the fall concert action including 2nd Touch and own Carmen Charette who showed schedule was discussed. Sostenuto on the Great manual is that women can play too, and dem­ Despite the fire which destroyed mounted on the inside of the chamber onstrated that the bridge between her the Senate Kimball (see Aug., '71 issue door and has hinged components with of THEATRE ORGAN) the enthu­ plug connectors to allow addition and siasm in CATOEwhich has been grow­ changes of stops without wiring ing for the past few years continues changes. This relay system fits within and the club will remain as one of the the door jamb space, whereas a con­ nation's most active. ventional relay the same size would DENNIS MINEAR require a room larger than Al's cham­ ber. Al also demonstrated his Auto­ matic Key Holder, a small box with 25 miniature switches, attached to a long CONNECTICUTVALLEY cord that permits him to hold or play any notes singly or in combination The April meeting of ConnValChap for tuning or regulating without having was held at two member's homes to yell "Next", nobody need be at the where theatre pipe organs were in­ console. spected and played. Al played several popular and semi­ Starting in the early afternoon, two classical numbers to demonstrate the shifts of members visited Allen Miller's voicing which is definitely instrumental excellent installation in Glastonbury, or concert ( orchestral). This is truly Carmen Charette at Twomey's 2/7 Wurlitzer Conn. where Al demonstrated his 3/8 an ingeniously designed instrument (Preston Miller Photo)

THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1971 37 electronic and pipes is a very short one. to better-than-new appearance by mem­ its amazing pedalwork was one of the Did she ever make that Wurlitzer get ber Stan Weisbard, and Bruce Skov­ high points of Kay's concert. His sister, up and go! Carmen most enjoys play­ mand's elevator installation is an engi­ Mrs. Rosemary Dymek, vocalized three ing up-tempo numbers, and does so neering masterpiece. The organ is al­ beautiful songs in her outstanding with determination and a solid beat ready playing, and although much soprano voice. Kay's program was a that kept the toes tapping throughout reed re-voicing and regulation are yet special treat. her concert. to be done the acoustics of the hall Chicago's famous Leon Berry made Then, as a surprise, Carmen wowed are so good that the rough spots are a return visit to the Riviera Theatre, them with a community sing - with minimized. What a sound! Pure Wur­ this time with his charming bride of slides yet. Several of the ladies of the litzer! one year, Mildred. The date was Au­ ATOS Auxiliary were mumbling about The grand opening will actually be gust 18, and the program was an in­ wan ting to take lessons. a three-concert "festival" consisting teresting one performed for an al­ When your reporter left, our new of the formal dedication on Friday most capacity crowd. Leon's music artist-member Frank Piliero was doing evening, a top-quality silent film with held that unmistakable Berry beat charcoal sketches of both the hostess organ accompaniment on Saturday, which fascinated his listeners with and guest artist. and a wrap-up concert on Sunday. such tunes as "Blacksmith Blues," OBE O'HORN (Alias Ev Bassett) Tentative arrangements have been made "Huckleberry Duck," and "Tiny Bub­ with three artists who are absolute bles." Leon's second Riviera concert LOS ANGELES tops, but until final agreements have closed with a standing ovation and been reached I'd better not mention For 42 Los Angeles members the an encore of songs of the military. any names. highlight of the summer season was It was an exciting evening of music, The Executive Board is now dis­ the Sweet Sixteenth national con­ indeed. cussing the possibility of combining vention in Seattle. The Seattle chapter SHIRLEY COLE the San Gabriel opening with a winter deserves our sincere thanks for giving regional ATOS convention. Prospects us such a memorable event. look good, but so far plans are only Following the convention, on July tentative. If the decision is made to 19th, the Los Angeles chapter and the RED RIVER go ahead read about it in the December trustees of the Harold Lloyd Foun­ Summary of the four chapter meet­ THEATRE ORGAN! dation were co-hosts to the ATOS ings for Winter-Spring, 1971. BILL EXNER Directors for a visit to the fabulous The Red River chapter met on Harold Lloyd estate. ATOS Director January 10th at the home of Mel and Richard Simonton, a long-time friend Alice Harden. The most important of Mr. Lloyd, was host and tour guide. NIGARA FRONTIER item under discussion was the Harvey Stu Green's impressions of the tour On Friday, July 9, Greg Rister, 19, Gustafson concert-silent movie which appear among the VOX POPs so we of Whittier, California, performed an had just been held at Bud's Roller won't duplicate coverage here. informal concert at the console of the Rink. Those attending had a great On Sunday morning, July 25th, 3/ 12 Wurlitzer organ in the Riviera for time, but it was found that the concert the Los Angeles chapter presented club members. His ability to play all was not as successful from a financial Dennis James in concert at the Wiltern types of music well makes Greg a good standpoint as it should have been. Theatre's 4/37 Kimball. Dennis pre­ prospect for future concert engage­ Better promotion campaigns and ideas sented a nicely varied concert, dis­ ments. (All chapters, take note!) were discussed. The Red River Arts playing his thorough command of Kay McAbee came to North Tona­ Council announced a silent movie styles ranging from purest Crawford to wanda on July 14 to make his Riviera symposium to be held in September, classical. For most of the members and debut. His performance was an in­ and a tentative date was discussed for guests in the audience it was their teresting blend of show tunes, semi­ the next chapter concert. Following first opportunity to hear this young classics, and recent pop hits. A spec­ the business meeting, a jam session artist from the East, and they were tacular "Land of the Pharoahs" with was held on the Thomas theatre organ. loud in their praises of his musician­ On Sunday, February 21st, the ship. We hope that his tentative plans chapter gathered at the Red River for locating on the West Coast Piano and Organ Company in Moor­ materialize! head. Chairman Lance Johnson gave After three years of hard work by a lecture demonstration on band organs Chairman Neil Kissel and his dedicated in Europe and America between 1850 crew, the formal opening of the San and 1900, showing photos of some of Gabriel Civic Auditorium's mighty, and the organs and playing recorded ex­ once-again magnificent, Wurlitzer is amples. Then the members had a firmly scheduled for Feb. 11, 12, and chance to see and try out the new line 13, 1972. The former Brooklyn (NY) of Wurlitzer electronic organs. Albee's style 235 (with piano) has been An interesting show was planned completely rebuilt and installed in for members and guests at the Johnson chambers formerly occupied by a 2/27 Organ Company erecting room in residence-type Aeolian. No effort has Moorhead on April 18th. The program Kay McAbee during his July concert at the been spared to make this a Class A 3/12 Riviera Wurlitzer. was a continuation of the band organ installation. The console was refinished (Shirley Cole Photo) series, this time playing live examples

38 OCTOBER, 1971 THEATRE ORGAN - CLASSIFIEDADS - Classified ads are carried at 20 cents per word, per insertion. ,.. ~- ... --~­ No charge for first ten words for members. ,·-. ~--.:.~-- ~· , .. . . . ~-~ .. ~ ECCENTRIC CRAFTSMEN - are building FOR SALE - Wurlitzer stop tablets , long .._ ,. ... genuine theatre pipe organs in Minnesota. and short. 75d each plus postage. Send . ..~ . These organs retain the classic theatre organ stamp for list. R. Angell, 3040 Monoa sound but use a modern all-electric action Road, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822. and are extremely compact. Prices start at $15,500 for a 2M/5 rank with percussion. FOR SALE - 3/7 Theatre Pipe Organ with For complete details and description , write percussions, toy counter, etc. Very compact or call Johnson Organ Company, Inc., Box home installation, $3500 Firm. Consider 634, Moorhead , Minnesota 56560, PH (218) Electric organ, Nickelodeon, Band Organ, 236-1360. Mills Violin, DuoArt Upright, etc. in trade or part payment. Bob Lilarose, 527 Dor ­ chester Ave., Lincoln Park, Reading, Penna. FOR SALE - Demonstrator theatre pipe 19609, 1-215-7772461. Johnson Organ Company's newest product organ, 2 manual five ranks. Built 1968. the BANDOLA band organ. Johnson Organ Co., Inc., Box 634. Moor ­ FOR SALE - Hope-Jones (and other early head, Minnesota 56560. Serious inquiries organ designers) patent applications and only. of the Wurlitzer model 105 Band Organ drawings. Copies of the original details and Calliola. Then the new Johnson - Wurlitzer and others - Available in sets Band Organ was unveiled and demon­ FOR SALE - Theatre Organ Rodgers 33-E . - H.A. Henning, Box 633, Bellaire, Texas strated. This band organ was patterned Perfect condition. Save! $8,400. Write R.G. 77401. after the Wurlitzer 125 series and was Otto, 618 Eberwhite Blvd. , Ann Arbor, Mich . 48103. WANTED - All Wurlitzer : Oboe Horn, brass built as a prototype for demonstration. Trumpet, brass Sax, Post Horn, and top 3 The organ uses rolls which are still FOR SALE - 5 choice Wurlitzer ranks in­ octaves of standard large scale Tibia, Mike manufactured. cluding Ouintadena, Vox and others. Write Foley, Box 66. Buckland Station, Man­ for I ist and prices: Organ, 2093 No. 1060 chester, Connecticut, 06040, 203-646-4666. West, Provo, Utah 84601. WANTED - Barton Four -Post Lift for FOR SALE - Milne 's THE REED ORGAN. 2-Manual Console. Paramount Theatre, 168 pages. $5.00 postpaid. Organ Literature P.O. Box 1191, Baton Rouge, La. 70801. Foundation, Braintree , Mass. 02184. WANTED - Wurlitzer Diaphone, 16' octave. R. Angell, 3040 Manoa Road, Honolulu , FOR SALE - Garage Full of Organ Parts Hawaii, 96822. including 2M 3R Marr & Colton, direct electric chests, pipework, etc. Moving - UNIQUE RECORD available! 7", 33 RPM, must sel I everything. $750. A. R. Johnson, Stereo record of 3,200 people singing along 147 Walrath Road, Syracuse, New York with Roger Garrett at the Mighty Morton 13205, Phone: (315) 469 -1273 or 834 -9370. 4/22 in Columbus' Ohio Theatre. Fund ­ raising effort to provide funds to restore FOR SALE - 2/7 Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe 3/13 Wurlitzer from Col's Palace Theatre . Organ with double touch (unused). chimes, To cover purchase, postage, tax, send $2.30 new switchstack, rectifier, Mahogany Con­ to Central Ohio Theatre Organ Society Lance Johnson at the JOHNSON theatre sole. Reasonably priced. 22nd Wurlitzer (ATOS), 4642 Musket Way, Columbus, pipe organ ever made. (614) 389-3966. Ohio 43228.

To top off the program, Lance played a few numbers on the Johnson centered on rev1s1ons in the by laws, who has done much of the arranging Theatre Pipe Organ, which has two which were discussed at length. for the Lawrence Welk organization, manuals and five ranks. After the A surprise guest was Frank Scott, and has appeared many times at the program, members and guests (the piano and harpsichord. Frank was largest number to ever assemble at coaxed into playing the piano, since a meeting) had a chance to see the there was no organ available, for an various organs in the production stage . hour. To top off this fun meeting, For the last meeting before the Hildegarde presented Lance Johnson summer break, chapter members gath­ with her entire remaining collection of ered at the home of Hildegarde Kraus silent movie cue music, consisting of in Fargo, on Sunday, May 23rd. Part a stack of sheet music 12" high and of the program was a most fascinating considered to be extremely valuable talk by Hildegarde about her life with now, since it is all out of print. her late husband , Eddy, and their Future meetings in the Fall of 1971 years in the theatres in Fargo. She will include a regional meeting with the was organist at both the State and Red River, Land O'Lakes and Dairy­ Frank Scott of the Lawrence Welk orchestra Fargo Theatres and Eddy was manager entertains the Red River Chapter at the land Chapters at Reiny Delzer's in at the Fargo. The business meeting Home of Hildegard Kraus. Bismark, North Dakota. □

THEATRE ORGAN OCTOBER, 1971 39 BILL'S RODGERS

This is Bill Thomson.

This is Bill's new Rodgers.

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

Play, Bill, play.

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

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