nea1reOrgan Bombarde

OURNALof the AMERICAN THEATREORGAN ENTHUSIASTS

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BACK IN ACTION ... THE SAN DIEGO FOX 4-31 MORTON ... Story on page 5 1 4 • ( ; • • • ~ HERE IT IS!

The Surprise Record Hit of the 1968 A.T.O.E. National Convention!

SOUND CITY 1801 (Stereo only) "JUST PLAIN BILL"

BILL BLUNK at the 5-24 Marr & Colton

A CAVALCADE OF TOP TUNES OF THIS GENERATION AND THE LAST, DONE IN BILL'S POPULAR AND ENTERTAINING THEATER ORGAN STYLE

Send Check or Money Order to: Only $5.25 SOUND CITY Postpaid 4136 N.E. 28th Ave., Portland, Ore. 97211 october 1968 2 AMERICANTHEATRE UKb"'"' ~IETY ARCHIVESLIBRARY THE COVER PHOTO

EDITH STEELE was the glamour gal of the San Diego Fox in 1932. Today she plays a 3-rank TheatreOrgan Morton in her San Diego home. And our nos­ talgic cover photo fittingly symbolizes the theatre-to-home transition of many of the fine theatre organs of yesteryear. (For the story of her career as organist and orchestra leader, see Bombarde the Summer 1966 issue of THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE. Volume l 0, No. 5

A . T. 0. E. National Membership is $7 .00 per year, which include s a subscription to THEATRE ORGAN B0MBARDE, the official publication of the American Th eatr e Organ Enthu siasts. Single copies : $ 1.25. Make check or money order payable to A . T . 0. E., WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM THE NATIONAL? and mail to P. 0 . Box 23 29 , Livoni a, Mich . 48150 . ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION First, what is the "National"? It consists of all of you-chapter members EXCEPT ADVERTISING and individuals-including all the chapter chairmen, the elected Board SHOULD BE SENT TO A. T . 0 . E. PUBLICATIONS of Directors, the Theatre Organ Editor, George Thompson, his busy wife, P. 0 . BOX 7404, BITTER LAKE STATION SEA TILE , WASHINGTON 98 13 3 Vi, who is the circulation department, Stu Green of the Bombarde, publications director Tom Kaasa in Seattle, advertising director Dewey ADVERTISING ADDRESS : Dewey Cagle , 3291 Guido St., Oakland , California 9460 2. Cagle, the National Secretary who is my wife, Betty and lastly, the President. • • •

When you request that things be done, it must be with this in mind-for A. T. 0. E. National Officers if it isq.'t within the reach of the comparatively few operating people, the Albert T. Mason, President larger number must volunteer, respond to a request for help or supply Richard F. Kline, Jr ., Vice President the money for service. Betty Mason , Secretary Dorothy MacClain, Secretary-Treasurer At the time ATOE was formed, it was mainly a group of hobbyists who had or were interested in working on pipe organs. Since no one wished to A. T. 0. E. National Board of Directors make a career out of such a pastime, it was organized loosely with as Lee Erwin much local control and as little national control as possible. The magazine W. "Tiny " James Richard F. Klint., Jr. was started to be the thread to tie us together and then the conventions Frederick J. Kruse that are the annual meetings and get-togethers. This is where we are Ben M. Hall now. Some of the Board feel that this is all we should be. Why don't you Dorothy J. MacClain write me, your chapter chairman or any member of the Board and Allen W. Rossiter express your views? Erwin A. Young , Jr. Richard H. Schrum, Honorary Many times in the past as new plateaus of membership have been reached, the group at the time celebrated our success. We add about 800 A. T. 0. E. Honorary Members new members a year and drop about 450. Do you know why? Let's 1959- Jesse Crawford find out. Where are we failing some of these now ex-members? 1960- Farny Wurlitzer 1961 - Mel Doner Many chapters are putting on shows and many write in for help in their 1962 - Leonard MacClain various projects including organizing new chapters. We have evolved into 1963 -Eddie Dunstedter more than a mere hobbyist group and we must continue to grow or we 1964 - Reginald Foort will splinter and lose a great deal of what we have worked for. 196S -Dan Barton 1966- W. "Tiny" James George and Vi Thompson say we can handle about 5,000 members 1967 -Erwin A. Young Jr. without changing our circulation set-up. That would increase our income 1968 - Richard C. Simonton without materially increasing our costs. Past President Dick Schrum pointed out that it takes money to achieve anything much in further EDITORIAL STAFF growth. To preserve our favorite instrument does not mean to squirrel it Publications Director-Tom Kaasa Advertising Manager-Dewey Cagle away from the public. Even the grandest homes won't hold more than Circulation Manager-Vi Thompson 150 and I'm sure none of them are about to become commercial. THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE Some pipe organs are being transferred to schools and to various Editor - George Thompson auditoriums. Does your area have such a possibility? Register your ideas Associate Editors-Ray Brubacher with the National and let's see where we wish to go! Lloyd Klos If you believe that the best is yet to come and that our organization Peg Nielsen should progress, elect the ones that will act and then help them by Editor-Emeritus-W. "Stu" Green volunteering your services without waiting to be asked and do you know what? It's FUN!!!!!! THEATRE ORGAN B0MBARDE ( tide registered U.S. Patent Office) is published bi-monthl y by the Amer ­ ican Theatre Organ Enthu siasts , Inc. , a non - profit organ izati on, Alb ert T . Mason, President . All rights reserved . Entire contents cop yrighted 1968 by A. T. 0 . E. , In c. Office of publication is P. 0 . Box 74 04, Bitter Lake Station , Seattle , Washington 98 133. Printed by Univer sity Pr inting Co. , Seattle . POS_TMASTER: Second Class postage paid at Seattle, Washington. IF UNDELIVERABLE, send form 3579 to Al Mason, President A.T.O .E. Circulation Dept., Box 1314, Salinas, Calif. 93901.

3 theatre organ bombarde ,,~l,'I·;:- I I ;:..... ,~.·:, ' !' ~ ,,& . "

AN ACRE OF SEATS IN A PALACE OF SPLENDOR

By Bill Peterson - Number 12 in a series OLYMPIA THEATRE-MIAMI, FLORIDA This "atmospheric" theatre was designed by John Eberson and was opened in 1926. The seating capacity is 2100 with a true Andalusian courtyard effect with moving clouds and twinkling stars in the plain blue ceiling. The Wurlitzer Company installed a 3-15 organ which both Jesse Crawford and Eddie Dunstedter played in guest appearances. Stanleigh Mallotte and Don Miller also appeared at the Olympia Wurlitzer. Several years ago work began to put the organ back into its present excellent condition, by organist / technician John Steele along with Gerry Conrad, George Gerhart and others. Photo courtesy of George Gerhart

october 1968 4 Back in Action ... Devoted Buffs Restore San Diego Fox Morton

When a determined group gets together What kind of people are so determined to and sets its collective mind on restoring a repair a sleeping giant? They come largely long mute, damaged organ, things not only from the great industries based in San Diego. start to happen; they get done. One is a physics scientist-a Ph.D. Others are In this case the instrument is the 4-31 early electrical and electronics engineers mostly from model Robert Morton organ in the Fox thea­ General Dynamics Convair. Three are employed tre, San Diego, the only . instrument left in a by Bell Telephone as engineers. Two are from theatre in that seaport town . The organ has the staff of a well-known San Diego music been the subiect of several abortive restoration store-from the organ department, naturally. attempts over the years but each time the By name they are R. G. ("Bob") Wright, A. restorers gave up; there wasn't much point in 8. ("Archie") Ellsworth. W. L. ("Perky") Perkins, restoring an organ whose console seemed per­ R. D. ("Bob") Riska, D. P. ("Don") Snowden, manently doomed to a spot backstage. The I. W. ("Pinky") Pinkerton, W. R. ("Wayne") console had been moved in order to make room Guthrie, Paul W. Cawthorne, and C. R. Lewis. in the pit for a large orchestra during the We are indebted to Robert Lewis for the back­ period the house was used for the presentation ground information which makes this story pos­ of operas. sible. Another member of the crew, Jim West­ wick, spent more than three months with the TOP (I to r): Lefthand "Main" Chamber, crew during the initial "dirty work" (e.g. clean­ showing one mitered Violone at left. ing the chambers of years of accumulation of "Orchestra" Chamber pipework-Oboe Horn, dirt-and the console-well, we'll go into that Doppel Flute, Kinura, Saxophone, Solo String, later. Jim is now a civilian engineer with the Muted Trumpet. Chamber is in right wall of U.S. Army Corp of Engineers in Florida. There auditorium. At right, the console drawers at are very few ATOEers in the group. Note that bottom of each jamb house switches to set none of the restorers is pictured in these photos combination pistons. LEFT: Lefthand "Solo" which were shot by Bob Lewis and Archie Ells­ chamber has a Fern Flute, Viol Ethoria and worth. We hope to introduce "the guys who Vox. BELOW: Left and Right "Main" cham­ fixed the organ" in a second article. ber pipework. (Continued on Page 6)

5 theatre organ bombarde The newly assembled restoration crew scorers - as though those who ordered faced the usual "off hours " bugaboo en­ the removal anticipated an eventual res­ dured by all who attempt to work in an toration of the console co its rightful operating theatre . They finally decided to place in the pit . Even so, the spreaders, confine their in-theatre hours to Saturday once located, were found co be covered and Sunday mornings-about 8 hours a with the residue of years of moppings week. But that didn 't include homework. with "green soap" solutions, which had The most demanding task was the leaked through the improvised pit floor. console. Left uncovered in an ouc-of-the­ But, as Bob Lewis says, "Ir all came out way corner of the stage, it was gouged, in the wash." The spreaders were recon­ scratched, cracked, split and filthy. While nected co the console and the first sounds it was still in the pit , years ago, someone from the awakening giant were heard had obviously taken a running jump co on the Saturday before Christmas, 1967. the stage and had used the console as a The first sounds were admittedly on the step. Result : several keys sheared off, rusty side, but they became more melli­ others dislocated. fluous as time and tuning progressed. Uncounted generations of mice A happy development was the co­ had found in the console an ideal operation of the owner of the Fox storage for peanuts and popcorn pil­ building and organ, Mr. Philip Gil­ ANOTHER VIEW of the left-hand "Echo" cham­ fered from an enterprise that at one dred of San Diego. Mr. Gildred has ber, showing the medium-scale Vox Humana. been so overwhelmed by the prog­ All three ranks in this chamber are at 8' pitch; time functioned in rented space all Echo ranks are played from top manual, but backstage to make and box popcorn ress made that he volunteered to may be coupled down . Both Echo chambers are for many local theatres. Bushels of pay the bill for the missing pipes controlled by one swell-shoe. popcorn and peanuts ( once through which must be replaced before the How did it all come about? It started the mice) were scraped from the restoration can be completed. That when the present manager of the Fox, woodwork. In fact, the entire con­ wasn't in the original agreement. Bill Mauch, arrived last year to rake over sole had to be stripped down to the Normally, each of the restorers con­ his duties after the death of the former bare shell. Paint, varnish and guano tribute to a "kitty" to provide an manager . Exploring his new charge, had to go. All keys · were removed operating fund. But the building's Mauch noticed the console backs rage and repaired, or replaced. Two hun­ owner, shortly after the organ had and asked one of the janitors if that was dred and :fifty-six stop-action pneu­ been winded and played for the first all that was left of the organ. matics were removed, releathered time since the mid-'30s, stated, The janitor replied that there and replaced. Some 300 feet of neo­ " ... to hear the organ once again were also five rooms full of pipes. prene tubing replaced the rotting has taken twenty years off my life." With this encouragement, Mauch original rubber tubing used to con­ Organ enthusiasts would be fortu­ phoned his frend Bob Riska for ad­ duct air to activate the stop ,keys nate to encounter more owners of vice on how to go about getting the through the pneumatics when a Mr. Gildred's mold. organ going. Riska was aware of a combination piston button is p,ressed. To date, all chests have been opened ground swell of enthusiasm for As the console repair loomed ever co check the leather and for cleaning; pipes in the San Diego area, one larger , the crew despaired of ever get­ then they were revarnished. All pipes which had periodically resulted in ting it done at the rate of 8 hours a have been cleaned and the wooden ones ~hort-lived attempts to repair the week. So they trucked the console co the refinished. All damaged pipes have been Fox organ. Yes, there was a man home of Bob Lewis in Rancho Santa Fe, repaired. The chambers look "like new ." who had "Phoenixed" pipe organs where the restorers could go at it night (Continued on PaRe 28) back to life, including the one from and day. As we said-"homework." And the La Jolla Granada - a Morton that also left the console restorers free to which blossomed forth into a four work in the Fox chambers on weekends. manual beauty in the hands of C. Between Dr. Don Snowden, who did the R. (Bob) Lewis. The result was a console releathering, and Lewis, who did written agreement clearly stating the remainder of the console refurbish­ all forseeable conditions relative to ing, the big keydesk was ready to go the organ for the benefit of owners back just after Thanksgiving . and restorers. Meanwhile, back at the Fox, a new Then Bob Lewis called in "his boys"­ concrete lower floor had been poured. all organ owners except for Bob Wright, With a minimum of ceremony the con­ a man who knows plenty about restora­ sole was dollied in through the lobby, tion, considering that he had done so down the smooth new concrete aisle co much toward restoration of the ancient the pit, lifted two feet over the pit rail sailing vessel Star of India , now docked by willing hands and deposited in its as a museum of the age of sailing ships normal position. in San Diego harbor. The town is mighty Under a false floor in the pit were the proud of its new landmark, the "Star." "spreaders, " the console cable termina­ Wright also appears to have some Tar­ tions which had been unsoldered from zan in him. He volunteered to work on their normal positions in the console at the tremendous unenclosed 16-foor pedal the time the console had been moved Diapasons which are elevated some 6 5 backstage. The console had been discon­ feet in the air backstage. The route co nected carefully, in contrast with the RIGHTHAND "ECHO" CHAMBER is "flutey ." and from them calls for considerable usual hacksaw job ( directly through Pipe complement consists of a Lieblich Gedekt physical agility and some iron nerve . the cable) encountered by so many re- and a Klein Gedekt. october 1968 6 Reginald Watson: An Appreciation by Reginald Foort When we heard of the untimely death of ATOE member Reginald Watson we At that time, apart from playing audi­ immediately thought of Reginald Poort,' ences in and out, hundreds of theatre the two had been close friends for more organists all over Britain used co play than 35 years. We contacted Mr. Poort three properly presented organ shows in Chicago and asked the famed organist each day between the movies, which for a few words for the obituary. A few thrilled Reg Watson co the core because days later the story which follows arrived nearly all the theatre organs in America in the mail- a revealing account which had been closed down when the talkies Mr. Poort wants to share with all of us, came in. of the great infiuence Reg Watson exert­ After the second of my organ ed on the life of his friend. solos, we went out to dinner and re­ The first time I met Reg Watson was turned to do my last show. Nor­ Finally I drove Reg back co his hotel while I was practicing for a radio pro­ mally we should then have been in London in my Bentley racing car - gram at the Regal Theatre, Kingscon-on­ able to go home but that particular with the cop down - and nearly fright­ Thames, a suburb of London, in May, night, I had agreed to do a kind of ened him co death because he thought I 1932. About 11 a.m., I heard an unmis­ experimental broadcast for the drove much coo fast and, as he had no takably American voice behind me, so B.B.C. from 1:30 to 2:00 a.m., the hat and didn't then know me well enough I whipped around on the organ bench very first radio program they had co say so straight out, the chilly wind and there he was, the greatest organ fa­ ever given on short wave from an gave him the worst cold he ever had in natic in the world! Reg and I became outside source. This was on the his life. buddies on the spot, a friendship which overseas transmisison to U.S.A. and Thus began our long and c o r d i a l has lasted without a break until he passed Canada. So naturally Reg stayed friendship. Apart from my wife, there away in his sleep on July 15 last. for that also. And while the broad­ is no doubt that Reg Watson had a great­ Our first day together was, co say the cast was actually taking P'lace, on~ er impact on my life than any other sin­ least, unusual. My radio program was of the B.B.C. engineers would peri­ gle person. from 1:00 co 2:00, so Reg sat with me odically slip down to the organ con­ until I finished. Then we went out co sole and whisper that the organ was In his boyhood, he must have been lunch and came back co the theatre in coming through in Canada just as quite a fair violinist and he never entire­ time co play the first of my three 15- clearly as if it was from their own ly got over the complex of wanting co minute organ solos. local station. play the melody with his left hand and the accompaniment with his right. Be­ fore I met him, he had already become an organ enthusiast but it was basically straight organ which he favored and he never lost his love for a fine big, four­ manual church organ with a real diapa­ son chorus and a th r i 11in g Full Swell with lots of reeds and mixtures, and no ti bias! Later on, after he became accus­ tomed to hearing all the hundreds of theater organs still going strong in Britain, he switched around and became an avid theater organ fan. He bought a style 2 3 5 Wurlitzer and had it installed in the basement of the home which he himself had specially designed and built to house a pipe organ. Over the years, he constantly acquired additional ranks and chests and relays and things to add to the instrument; but he never stopped kicking him­ c.elf, so to speak, for not having bought one or other of the variou, big 4-manual Wurlitzers which came into his orbit. I feel pretty A SEA OF STOPKEYS: Reg Watson (left) and Reg Foort pose at the console of the huge Midmer­ Losh in the Atlantic City Auditorium in this 1938 photo . (Continued on Page 8)

7 theatre organ bombarde sure he realized deep down that, if my getting the B.B.C. job later on as later, big apartment buildings and shop­ he did buy a big 4-manual, there Staff Theater Organist. All of which was ping centers in Pennsylvania and other would never be room to install it due, directly or indirectly, to the good scares. offices of Reginald T. Watson. properly in the space available. During World War II, he joined the However, he did build up his In 1938, my wife and I came over on U.S. Corps of Engineers and had an in­ 3-manual into a magnificent instru­ a visit and stayed with Ethel and Reg teresting career, attaining the rank of ment. in their beautiful Manhassec, L. I., home. Major. If the war had lasted a few more weeks, he would have been promoted to He put in a lot of serious organ prac­ After spending some time in Hagers­ town seeing the traveling organ being Colonel. I often cried to draw him ouc tice and ultimately worked himself up but he rarely talked about his activities, to becoming quite a fine organist. He built, we all went down to Atlantic City and spent a never-to-be-forgotten day on though he did let out one day that he could get sounds out of an organ that I had a leading part in organizing the co­ never heard anybody else get. On occa­ and in the huge organ in the Convention Hall, with its seven manuals and 455 lossal camouflage scheme which com­ sion, when he happened to get the right pletely fooled Hitler for three precious combination of sympathetic. friends who ranks and five Tubas on 100-inch wind which literally hurt one's ears. weeks into be 1i e vi n g that our attack provided the necessary inspiration, he across the English Channel into Nor­ could and did put up a magnificent per­ When our 30-ton Moller organ came mandy was only a feint and that our real formance. And he had the same kind of to England, Reg Watson not only came business invasion was going to come effect on me. I remember one day when across the Straits of Dover. I was playing a prelude before the show over with it but brought all the blue at the London Paramount and Reg was prints and took charge of the entire op­ While I was visiting with the sitting with me, I improvised a com­ eration. This involved unpack in g 6 5 Watsons after the war, Reg intro­ pletely different arrangement of the Lon­ packing cases and, in four days, convert­ duced me to George Wright and donderry Air which was so thrilling that ing the contents into the assembled and took us both out to dinner. We spent it made both his hair and mine stand on connected-up and tuned and regulated an unforgettable evening together. end. But I never managed to do it just 5-manual, 27-rank organ on the stage of Around 11 p.m., while we were up like that again. Drury Lane Theatre for press cocktail­ in the roof garden of the Astor Reg used to come over to England on party and newsreel publicity purposes Hotel, George asked me if I'd like to vacation nearly every other year, so when and then, without a moment's let-up, tak­ go in and play the Paramount organ I decided to resign from my job as B.B.C. ing the gigantic instrument all apart which he had vacated only a few Scaff Organise and go around the vaude­ again, getting it out into the five 30-ft. weeks previously. So we waited un­ ville theatres with a traveling pipe organ, road trucks, traveling it 186 miles to til the end of the show, went into he happened to be in England, so you Manchester and reinstalling it over the the theater and, between us, played can imagine how we discussed every de­ weekend on the stage of the Palace The­ the organ for nearly five hours. Dear tail of the proposition from every pos­ atre in time co open on the Monday at sible angle. old Reg Watson was on Cloud 9 6 p.m. Normally one of the most friend­ in the Seventh Heaven, having two My original idea was a four-man­ ly and easy-to- get- on -with people, our of his biggest pals in the world play­ ual 16-rank organ but Reg held out friend, Reg Watson, became transformed ing the greatest theater organ ever -and rightly so-for a much into a raging, yelling, slave-driving mon­ built for hours on end to a spell­ larger instrument. So between us we ster. Neither he nor any member of my bound audience of one. designed the five-manual, 27-rank 15-man crew slept a single wink for five job which ultimately turned out days and nights. They were all crawling The reason I moved over here perma­ nently at the end of 1951 was primarily tops. It w~s the greatest theater around like dead people. Bue he got the to be nearer Reg Watson, but it didn't job done. And, but for him, I am con­ organ ever built in the world. It was work out that way. For the past 15 years, second only-and the closest possible vinced the job never would have been I have been more or less stuck in Chi­ second-to the NewYorkParamount. done. Ted Moller, Jr., himself rook the cago, while Reg was busy building all Then Reg returned to America and trouble to come all the way over to kinds of houses and apartments and de­ not only persuaded the Moller Com­ England expressly to be present at the velopments in the East. Naturally, when­ pany to build the organ for me, but opening show. This was in November, ever I did manage to get to New York, parked himself down in Hagerstown, 1938. Reg stayed on with us in England we made a point of seeing each ocher. Md., the whole time it was being for several months until he got every­ Reg was an enthusiastic member of the built. He insisted that every detail, thing running smoothly and then he re­ Builders' Association and never failed to every pipe, every tremulant, every turned home to America. On account of attend their convention in Chicago each regulator, every bit of voicing, was the war, I did not see him again until year in December, so we always enjoyed spending the best part of a week to­ exactly the way he wanted it. years later when I was over in this coun­ gether; in fact, whenever he could, he try on a visit. Several years before, it had been Reg came a few days early before the con'" Watson who had persuaded Bernard La­ In the days before I knew him, Reg vention started. I generally managed to berge to get me the engagement to travel Watson had been a marble merchant on find one or two interesting organs for all the way from London, England, to a big scale. Indeed it was he who had him to visit. Naturally, we both eagerly Toronto to give a recital for what, in supplied the whole of the huge quantity looked forward to these infrequent get­ those days, was a fantastic fee. On the of marble used in the construction of togethers. And now, alas! he is no longer way back to England, I stopped off in the Radio City complex. When the use with us. I and all his innumerable friends New York and played for ten weeks at of marble died out, co be replaced by and admirers are sadly going to miss that the Paramount. And I always felt that various artificial substitutes, Reg Watson dear, lovable, friendly, generous, smiling, it was the prestige of having played in entered the construction field, at first argumentative, organ-crazy fellow far that theater which had a lot to do with build in g houses on Long Island and, more than I know how to express. october 1968 8 On stage, theatre organ lovers! Conn Organ has brought and more. Extra added attractions like Conn's new back the good old days of movie palaces and movie authentic woodwind sounds that produce exotic new solo palace organs ... and made them better than ever. Now voices and "cool" accompaniment sounds never before all the glorious sounds, the ingenious effects, the magi­ possible. Exclusive new fun features like the Phantom cal moods of those musical giants of the past can be Bass, which mysteriously adds four beats to the String recreated right in your own Bass Pedal each time you play home with the newest star in two. Wait till you hear the un­ the Conn Organ family-the usual rhythms you can work Conn H641" Theatre Organ. out with "the Phantom"! Here is a compact ''horseshoe" Catch this act on the complete­ console that offers you the ly new solid state "641" at your spectacular performance of the Conn Organ Dealer's soon. It's traditional theatre organ ... the best new family show in town.

The Conn--641"Theatre Organ

CONN ORGANS/CONN PIANOS Made by C. G. Conn, Ltd ., Elkhart, Indiana 46514 , world 0 s largest manufacturer of band and orchestral instruments ... since 1875 "Alas! Poor Herrick! We Knew Him Well!''-Jesse Crawford. The Saga of Dean Herrick

It was at the Earle Theatre in Wash­ ington, D. C., where Dean was "spotted" by an M-G-M talent scout and was asked to come to New York City co be inter­ viewed at M-G-M headquarters there. To his surprise, it was an offer to play the Wurlitzer . The decision to break up his vaudeville ace with che "Hammond " was difficult. In this act he knew he had something worthwhile so he decided to DEAN HERRICK at the console, Metro Theatre, go over co c~e Roxy Theatre building Johannesberg, South Africa. Photo was taken on the first day Herrick worked the theatre in where his friend, Jesse Crawford, had his 1937. organ studios. Crawford was adamant about Dean's not accepting the offer MICROPHONES are completely hidden behind gold •ront Diaphones-built to order by Lauhauff in liked to hear the same music played Germany. All mike cables are in conduit which runs under the floor from the organ chambers to from M-G-M co go co South Africa. He the back of the console. told Dean that he (Jesse ) had only re­ in the theatre that they heard on cently returned from England where he the air. Dean had regular Sunday Dean Herrick early declared his affec­ He got himself a job as an usher had played at the Empire, Le ices t e r evening broadcasts from the Metro tions for his life-long love-the theatre in the Lido Theatre in Maywood, Ill. Square. He said that the English people Theatre. These were of a classical pipe organ. ( a suburb of Chicago). This enabled in South A f r i ca were no different co nature and featured operatic and Born in Chicago, Ill., he moved with him to hear the organ while it was those in London. They didn 't want co oratorio singers of note. Often the his family to DeKalb, Ill., after World being p 1 aye d for continuous per­ hear the organ played ... they only con­ harp and violin were combined with War I. At the age of twelve he asked formances of the silent movies. At sidered it something co sing to. Why the organ. the committee of the Methodist Episco­ a salary of fifteen dollars a week he should Dean give up a successful career DEAN HERRICK, in this recent photo, smiles from the console of the same ex-Metro Theatre Wur­ In 1951, Dean decided to open a radio managed to put himself through col­ in the States co go to South Africa to pal Church, which his family attended litzer - now beautifully installed in his Johannesberg, South Africa, home - he has been playing production house. It was the year that lege and work in the movie theatre play "singies"? Dean 's love for the pipe since 1937. in DeKalb, if he could practice on the commercial radio ( Springbok Radio) organ. They refused permission, saying at night. Finally he managed to sum organ ... the Wurlitzer organ, was too came into existence. It wasn't a far cry that he would wear out the organ. The up enough courage to ask the organ­ strong . He went back to M-G-M and Sometime later, in 1934, Dean met Jesse's words rang in Dean's ears ist, Walter Flandorf, if he would ac­ from the musical and theatrical world old janitor of the church proved to be signed a one-year contract to play at the Laurens Hammond, who asked him to after his first performance at the cept him as a pupil. Dean studied and he installed an electronic organ in a great friend, however, as young Dean Metro Theatre in Johannesburg. When come to the Hammond Clock factory with him for a year, then joined the Jesse and his wife, Helen, saw Dean off Metro Theatre in Johannesburg in his studios. He continued his regular helped him with his daily chores: dust­ where the first electric organ was being ing the pews, sweeping floors, washing Chicago Musicians' Union and acted for South Africa, Jesse said: "Alas, poor September, 1937! Dean played broadcasts on the South African Broad­ the stained -glass windows and stoking as relief organist to Walter Flandorf. Herrick, we knew him well!" assembled. Laurens Hammond kept his Rhapsody in Blue and the audience casting Corporation, playing an electron­ the furnace. For many years the janitor When Flandorf left the Lido to open promise to Dean, and in 1935, at the "sat on their hands." They wanted ic organ. However, after sixteen years his the new four-manual Kilgen at the had heard and watched the regular or­ Bismarck Hotel, Chicago, he introduced to sing! Musically, Johannesburg love for the Wurlitzer hadn't lessened. Piccadilly Theatre on the South Side ganists at the church, and it was chis old the "Hammond organ" to the public for was just growing up then and Dean, In May, 1967, he made the Metro man who defied the church committee of Chicago, Dean became featured organist at the Lido. He then start­ the first time. This organ was installed although it made him very unhappy, Theatre a generous offer for the Wurlit­ and let Dean practice on the organ. In zer he was originally hired to play. The fact, it was he who taught Dean how to ed studying with Jean Anthony in the lobby of the hotel and thousands found himself playing I Do Like To offer was accepted and within the same play his first hymns on the organ. Grief, who was organist in the of people came from far and wide to Be Beside the Seaside and Land of week he had sold his house and bought 5,000 - seat Marbro Theatre on the hear the first organ "without any pipes." Hope and Glory. But not for long. A couple of years later Dean started West Side of Chicago. Dean also be­ another which was ideally suited to take Of course, there were many pros He would gradually fit in a light studying with a local church organist. came relief organist at the Marbro the Metro Wurlitzer. Of course, organ When he could and cons as to the merit of this new afford to buy records - in a few months' time. However, he classic as an encore. After two years chambers, relay room and blower room which was seldom - he bought only finally met Jesse Crawford and after electrical wonder. He remembers his he found that he no longer needed organ records. When he got his first rec­ had to be built onto the house and the studying with him for a few months, friend and tutor, Jesse Crawford, to put words on the screen for "sing­ ord of the famous Jesse Crawford play­ main en t ran c e hall where the organ was introduced by Jesse to Balaban who came to listen to Dean at the ies." The audiences had grown ac­ stands was acoustically treated . The room ing the Wurlitzer, he knew that he must and Katz, who em p lo ye d him on Bismarck, telling him that this customed to hearing the Wurlitzer is perfectly suited to the magnitude of set his goal to meet and, if possible, their Chicago circuit. Dean contin­ wai;n't an organ at all and that he, the organ. The organ pipes have in no study the organ with this man! ued studying with Crawford until played as an organ . . . and Dean At the age of seventeen he went with he left Chicago to play in New York. personally, would never endorse or was no longer unhappy in S o u th way been "doccored," nor has any part of a group of musicians from the University However, Dean's career as a theatre play it. Not quite a year later, when Africa. As he says: "One of my sal­ the original organ been discarded. In of Illinois to the Orient. They played as organist came to a sudden end with the he was playing the Hammond in his vations was the S o u th A fr i c an fact, it is a larger organ now than it was. the ship's orchestra on the way over and advent of sound pictures, and he met the WIFE WYNNE turns pages for Herrick during Dean has added a piano and is in the one of his regular broadcasts on South African vaudeville act at the Earle Theatre Broadcasting Corporation." He had back. While in the Orient they played fate of all theatre organists. He was for­ process of adding 122 more pipes. It is National hook-up. An Ampex 440 is used to in Washington, D. C., he was sur­ several broadcasts every week on in Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong and tunate in knowing Farny Wurlitzer , who record the organ via four Neuman mikes-one really "a dream come true" for Dean and prised to find Jesse and his wife, Manila. But upon returning to DeKalb gave him a job in the Wurlitzer store directly behind the front-pipes in front of shut­ both the E n g 1i s h and Afrikaans now radio audiences are once again hear­ to ters of each chamber; one inside accompani .­ Helen, playing at the opposition Par­ transmissions and was allowed to he decided make way for Chicago. on Wabash Avenue where he worked as ment chamber to pick up Piano, Chrysoglott ing the "Mighty Wurlitzer " in his regu­ Playing the piano was not for him; he a salesman in the musical instrument and added Vibraphone; the other mike is used amount Theatre ... and on two choose his own programs at all times. lar broadcasts, "Dean Herrick's At Home must learn to play the Wurlitzer. department. for Glock and Xylophone in Solo chamber. Hammond~. R a d i o audiences found that they To You."

october 1968 10 11 theatre organ bombarde RobersonCenter LinkTheatre

OrganDedicated Casa Cielo, N.Y. The music world celebrated another BillyNalle Records "first" recently when a Link C. Sharpe­ CtilC~f3O Minor theatre organ was dedicated at a Weber,Orbits Wurlis For cultural center. On Saturday, September I~ 1

Once again, Richmond, Virginia, The­ next two hours Eddie Weaver led the TheaterOrganist atre Organ Capital of the World, was audience through some of the many Forty years ago the above headline the host for a gala c o n c er t featuring beautiful excursions in theatre organ would not have been too unusual. How­ Eddie Weaver at the console of the Wur­ music for which he is so well known. ever, in the year 1968 this caption is litzer 3-17, 260 Special in the Mosque The program ranged in scope from the quite odd, albeit true, for several reasons. Auditorium . The Mosque and its fabu­ classics, operatic arrangements and trans­ First, there is a scarcity of theatres lous organ and acoustics certainly need criptions, right down to the very latest with organs still in place. Even more no elaboration in these pages, their fame tunes, all of which showed the versatil­ scarce are movie houses featuring live by now being world-wide. However, ity of the Mosque Wurlitzer. Soon Ed­ organ music. Then we add a talented many of the thousand-plus concert-goers die's brother, Charlie Weaver, just had young lady who is playing theatre organ were indeed impressed with the to gee into the act, and with his help the regularly, in a theatre, and a rare item Mosque 's new look; a completely redeco­ audience was kept in a rollicking mood of more than passing interest appears. rated auditorium, not ruined by modern all during the program. After intermis­ Our subject is Miss Shirley Hannum, crapping , but rather redone in the lush sion, Eddie returned to play the violin 18, of Lansdowne , Pa., who is featured style of the Twenties when chis beautiful which he does indeed quite well, along organist at the Lansdowne Theatre . Miss auditorium first saw use. with the organ, with the ghost of the Hannum started at the age of four, pick­ Promptly at 3 p.m. the house lights Mosque controlling the organ unseen, a ing out nursery rhymes on a toy piano. dimmed and Potomac Valley Chapter feature when presented at Eddie's home Ac six she started formal piano lessons Chairman Woody Wise came on stage base, the nearby Byrd Theatre, always has which continued until she was 13, when to announce the guest artist. For the the audience begging to know how this she discovered organ music and the ver­ is done. A bit later on, the morion pic­ satility of the instrument. ture screen was lowered and the audience Shirley started organ lessons with Mr. was treated to some "good old corn," Dan Hodgson; then Leonard MacClain with all the greats of the silent comedy took over her musical education . With screen parading by in a seemingly end­ his capable tutoring Miss Hannum be­ less display of slapstick humor which came a polished theatre organist. Ac 15 Eddie so skillfully makes so enjoyable. she was hired by Sears Department Store It was all too soon that the final medley to play organ during the Christmas holi­ was presented; a duet for two organs, day season. Eddie at the Wurlitzer and his very tal­ Ac 16 Shirley started playing the 3-8 ented daughter, Jody, at a Hammond Kimball organ on Friday and Saturday spinet with two Leslies set up on stage. evenings during intermissions. A short Earlier that morning, ATOE members while lacer, due to public acceptance, the and friends were the guests of manager organ was placed on schedule, being Robert Coulter at the Byrd Theatre for played every day before the show and at the morning concert which featured Ray the intermissions. Miss H a n n u m has SH I RLEY HANNUM, 18 years of age, gives Brubacher at the console of the de luxe been at the console most evenings since smiling acknowledgement of applause at one 4-17 Wurlitzer. Ray's program ranged the regular policy was inaugurated. of her regular intermission performances at the Lansdown, Pa., 3-8 Kimball. from selections from the new film, Dr. Now at 18 she is organise-choir direc­ Dolittle , to several seldom-heard tunes tor at the Bethany Temple Presbyterian In 196 3 it was r e n o v a t e d by Bill such as Butterfiies in the Rain and When Church is Philadelphia. Shirley taught Greenwood and crew. After 36 years of You 're Counting the Stars Alone, and an organ class in the Lansdowne-Aldan silence it emerged a sparkling example closed with a grand finale combination High School this summer ; has played of a well-voiced theatre organ. of Under the Double Eagle and The weddings, receptions, and concerts. She Mrs. Eleanor O'Connor, manager of Stars and Stripes Forever played as one also teaches a few young students pri­ the theatre, believes the organ has a place composition. vately. in theatre programming; she is more During the 1967 ATOE Detroit Con­ than enthusiastic on the subject of Shir­ Altogether, it was another most mem­ vention, Miss Hannum was a chapter ley Hannum 's playing ability-and these orable Sunday for theatre organ lovers. representative, playing the Orbits 4-34 two factors are the necessary ingredients Appreciation must be expressed to Bob Wurlitzer. for furthering a promising career and Coulter and Cliff Schwartz at the Byrd, No doubt part of Shirley's ever mount­ perpetuating the theatre organ . and to Tommy Landrum, Dick Barlow, ing enthusiasm for theatre organ is due It is gratifying to see young people of and Paul White for their work on the to her engagement at the Lansdowne Miss Hannum 's calibre caking an active organs, and to everyone who was in­ Theatre Kimball. This 3-manual, 8-rank interest in playing theatre organ, since volved in making the public appearance organ was installed in 1927 when the it is they who will carry on the tradition of organist par excellence Eddie Weaver theatre opened, with Leonard MacClain of the instrument and will determine its the gala occasion that it was. as organist. future as an art form. - Ray Brubacher

13 theatre organ bombarde Santa Clara, Calif.

MAIN CHAMBER of Cap'n's Galley Wurlitzer. Note windows for viewing SOLO CHAMBER, with Brass Trumpets in full view and console at far pipework, with shutters located above window section. right. That's Bill Watts, professional organist since silent movie days, seated at the keydesk. CAP'N'S CALLEYPIZZA-PUB SPORTS 3-12 MODEL R-20 Six nights a week at the Cap'n's Gal­ According ta the Wurlitzer Shipment ley Pizza and Pub in Santa Clara, Cali­ List, Opus # 2044 was installed at the fornia, you can hear a Wurlitzer 3-12 New York World's Fair Winter Won­ pipe organ of unusual design. derland in April of 1939. On January 5, The organ is a model R20, of which 1940, it was delivered ta Mr. Paul Felson four were built. It is identical ta the in Englewood, New Jersey. The organ R20 located in the Mitsukoshi Depart­ was donated ta the City of Long Beach, ment Stare, Tokyo, Japan. The only dif­ California, in 1942 and installed in the ference in the two instruments is in the Municipal Auditarium. It was purchased console. The Cap'n's Galley console has by the present owner, Mr. William Breu­ no cover while the Tokyo organ has a er this year ( 1968) for installation in roll-tap cover, making the consoles ap­ the Cap'n's Galley. pear slightly different. Both have identi­ Surprisingly, with all the moves this cal staplists ( as originally built). Each instrument has endured, the stoplist has has a double row of stop tabs on straight not been altered except that in its pres­ bolsters. ent location some tonal changes have The Wurlitzer in the Cap'n's gal­ been made to better suit the role it is ley is a candidate for being one of now playing. The present stoplist ap­ the most tr ave 1e d organs ever pears at the end of this article. turned out of the North Tona­ wanda factory. It appears to be Bill Breuer deserves much credit Opus #2044, which was installed in for making a beautiful sounding the New York Wurlitzer Store dur­ in:;tallation at the restaurant. He ing May of 19 2 9. It remained there placed the organ in two side by side for some time and was doubtless chambers, glass enclosed, so the cli­ played by Jesse Crawford while in £.ntele can observe the operation of the store. It may have been rec­ the organ. The shutters are placed orded by Victor at that time al­ high. The sound emanating is though there is no definite informa­ r.mooth and well-balanced. Percus­ tion to confirm this conjecture. sions have been added which are The same instrument was reported to placed outside the chambers. Thes~ have been used at the Century of Prog­ units have been carefully cleaned, ress Fair in Chicago in 1933-34, again polished, and appear as new, show­ played by Mr . Crawford . Records fail ta ing the attention given in making show where the instrument was located this remarkable and noteworthy during the 1933 edition of the Chicago enterprise. Fair. However, Crawford did play at the Since May of 1968, the organ has been Swift Pavilion during the 1934 season. heard six nights a week featuring vet­ (ED. Norn : The Swift Pavilion organ eran organist Bill Watts and the versa­ was a Kilgen .) LOOKING UP at the "tall ones" at the Cap'n's tile, young Tom Hazelton at the console. Galley Pizza and Pub, Santa Clara, California . (STOPLIST OF THE CAP'N 'S GALLEY ORGAN WILL BE FOUND ON PAGE 35.)

octobe r 1968 14 HAPPINESS IS B I L L w A Silver Springs, Md. T T.O. Enthusiast Hosts 200 T At Theatre Organ Ea.sh. On June 30th, George Merriken's doomed movie palaces such as theatre s Wurlitzer Music Hall, Silver Springs, drapes, candelabra, gold murals, foyer Md., held its ninth annual June concert, furniture, jeweled dream cloth in front with Dick Smith of Baltimore doing the of the swell shades, and multi - colored PLAYINGPIPES honors as guest organist. (This installa­ spotlights playing on the gold "Publix tion was featured in the Winter, 1961, Modern" style console and drapes. Veteran organist Bill Watts, 59, of issue of THEATRE ORGAN.) The Wurlitzer Music Hall is a former San Jose, California, is nearing his 50th It was one of those hot summer after­ stable on the Merriken farm. The floor year as a professional organist. noons, but in spite of the uncomfortable of the hayloft was removed to accommo­ Watts was born in Los Angeles and weather, over 200 friends and guests of date the 16' pedal pipes. A grand piano as a child would go to the downtown George and Mickey Merriken were on in front of the swell shutters is connect­ theatres to listen to the best organists hand to hear Dick play the 3-18 Wur­ ed to the organ console and a 5' Chinese there, he relates. litzer Special. gong imported from Hong Kong is in At the age of nine, he got a job in a As an added attraction Ben Hall gave view beside the console. The gong is theatre passing out handbills. his own inimitable talk with colored operated with a toe stud. 'The organist ( at the theatre) let me slides and movies, based on his book, The June concert was Dick Smith's play a little and I just kept. on going," "The Last Remaining Seats." The Merri­ second appearance at the Music Hall and he says. ken installation is an ideal setting for as on his previous concert, he was given As a teen-ager, Watts was a regular Ben's lecture, since it is equipped and a standing ovation for his bright, unique organist at the theatre, playing during furnished with items removed from style of playing.

newsreels and silent flicks. DICK SMITH playing the George T. Merriken Watts played in "big theatres, little days. "Theatres have gone backwards in 3-18 Wurlitzer Special during Host Merriken's theatres, and everything else," he says, presentation and quality," says Watts. spectacular summer bash. until the advent of the talkies and the "They don't put on shows like we did Depression knocked him out of a job. - there's no mystery in theatres now. He played the last silent film in Los An­ You go in and look at a blank screen geles at the old California Theatre, then before the show starts, but we tried to "went around playing for nothing and put on a real presentation in the old everything you could think of" to make days," the gray-haired organist says. a living, he says. "To me, show business isn't the same In 1935, the first Hammond organs any more. You walk out of theatres with­ came on the market, and Watts found out music, while we played a chaser until there was a demand for organ salesmen everyone was out. and teachers. The organ became a house­ "Theatres have done themselves a big hold item for many. injustice," Watts says, "by not going on Watts and his wife, Dee, moved to with the presentation policy. Now, if San Jose, California, in 1956 and he you don't like the movie, the show is began playing at clubs in the area. He over. There's nothing else. It just ends also spent considerable time teaching, there," he explains. demonstrating, and playing for organ Bill plays organ in the nostalgic style clubs. so dear to the avid theatre organ enthusi­ Upon installation of the organ at the ast. His manner of using the theatre Cap'n's Galley, Santa Clara, Calif., Watts organ brings immediate memories of was engaged to put a half-century's ac­ how it was in the golden era of silent cumulation of music to work, although films. Mr. Watts recently acquired a he admits, "A lot of it I've forgotten be­ 2-manual Geneva-Smith organ which he cause I haven't used it for so long." is preparing for installation so we can He's more than a lictle critical of the be assured that his happiness with pipes way movie theatres are operated these will continue for a long time to come.

15 theatre organ bombarde Newport News, Va. Jolly Old, England VirginiaTheatre Q1,1N1wSfrom Cheshire BartonWork Theatre Organ Activity in this area tre Organ Review). Having traced Dean reached its peak on the 21st of Janu­ Herrick, I persuaded him to come to are, when the Theatre Organ Club met the Metro, which was his first visit InProgress at the Odeon Ex-Paramount in Manches­ there for 14 years. The organ could not be played because of a cipher, but after Installation of the 3-manual, 10-rank ter to hear the Publix No. 1 Wurlitzer I had left I received a letter from Dean Barton organ formerly in the Paramount (4-20) Job 2120, which is now the which told me that he had become in­ Theatre, Newport News, Virginia, is largest remaining pipe installation in Europe in a theatre. The organists were terested in the organ again, had bought progressing at a very rapid pace in the Doreen Chadwick, Charles Sutton, and the Metro job and a new house to go spacious confines of the Virginia The­ Gerald Shaw. One thousand people at­ with it! Since then work has proceeded atre, the Alexandria Amusement Corpo­ tended and not only did we cover our steadily and last year I had the tremen­ ration's flagship theatre. The company is dous pleasure of hearing the Metro or­ sparing absolutely no expense to insure expenses, but made a small profit be­ gan playing better than ever in Dean's an installation of topnotch professional sides, which will be devoted to having house. In addition, he has just started calibre. The chambers have been com­ some magnets rewound, as this organ is prone to suffer "dead" magnets. The broadcasting the organ again on a twice pleted, including a spacious bass and per­ weekly basis for fifteen minutes a time. cussion chamber as well as separate main meeting was featured on radio and tele­ Although the organ was not supplied and solo pipe rooms. Two ranks, a 16' vision, and the theatre management was pleasantly surprised to find that they too with a piano, it now has two! Dean has Tuba Mirabilis and 16' Open Grossflute, formerly in the Loew's Palace Theatre, had made a modest profit from their fitted an upright in the chamber and Washington, D. C., are to be unenclosed sales of refreshments. has a Steinway grand alongside. I am at the rear of the theatre to be used for This organ is broadcast regularly and hoping that before long an L. P. will be s p e c i a 1 effects. The console has been is also played in public every Saturday available. placed on a moving platform behind an night and Sunday mid-day, and has We were honored before Christmas ornamental grillwork at the left of stage. never been out of use since it was in­ to have a visit from Dick Simonton to When in use, the grillwork will raise and stalled. It was rebuilt in 1947, when whom we showed the Paramount organ, the solo Vox was replaced by an English­ and we were very glad his operation the console platform will roll out onto a platform similar to the installation of the made English Horn ( if any American was a success. Music Hall organs. reader wants to donate a Wurlitzer I was pleased to see that my letter Post Horn we'd love it!) and the con­ The console is currently undergoing on Jardine organs was published in the sole specification was revised. When Octomber issue. What I should have complete rebuilding under the capable and meticulous supervision of Paul G. the orchestra was sacked about this time, mentioned about this company and fail­ legend has it that the console was tarred White, already well known in this area ed to do, was that in their files they and feathered, so that the stop keys all for his work with many area theatre or­ have written contracts from Hope-Jones had to be re-engraved, so they are not gans. The blower is being installed in a himself, as in his pioneering days he standard Wurlitzer. soundproof room at the rear of stage in sub-contracted a lot of his work. Jar­ order to insure quiet operation. It is Last year I devoted all my lunch dines are a very old established company hoped that the organ will be playable hours to the redecoration of the console and did quite a bit for him. Any en­ for the Christmas holiday season, and the in white and gold and it looks lovely; thusiasts visiting Manchester from the way progress is going, this hope is fast this year I have been in the chambers States (not many do, I regret to say, as becoming a reality. Watch THEATRE replacing magnets, resoldering wires in it is an industrial town although it has ORGAN BOMBARDEfor progress reports the relays, and cleaning all the switch some beautfiul country round about) on what promises to be one of the most stacks. We have one problem: there are can visit the Jardine factory if they con­ talked about organ installations in the­ some console faults, but to get at them tact me-indeed, if I am not abroad atre organ history. we cannot! The Publix No. 1 "horse­ travelling I am quite willing to act as - Ray Brubacher shoe" does not appear to swing back an unpaid guide to the organs of all like other Wurlitzers I have met, and all sorts round about, not to mention the Seattle, Washington the piston action appears fixed, so that "Queen Elizabeth slept here" type of repairs are impossible unless one actually house!! Balcom-Vaughan to Rebuild dismantles the console. Have you any Talking of Hope•Jones, I forgot to Wichita-Paramount Console readers with experience of the Publix mention in my last letter that at our William Bunch, President of Balcom c o n s o 1e ? By the end of t h i s year meeting at the Odeon, Manchester, we an1 Vaughan, leading Seattle pipe organ I hope to have restored the organ to had with us Mr. Gerald Hope-Jones, a bmlders, last week confirmed the signing almost 100% condition. It is under a grandson of Robert and still living in of contracts under which his firm will tuning contract, but this does not allow the Liverpool area. He is a keen fol­ build a replica of the fire-destroyed for many repairs, so this is the reason lower of the theatre organ. Wichita Theatre Organ, Inc., former why I am tackling it with, I am glad to In conclusion I would like to say New York Paramount console. Terms of say, the cooperation of the management. how much I enjoy reading THEATRE the contract call for exact duplication I feel responsible for the new lease ORGAN/ BOMBARDE.With every good of original Wurlitzer standards in nearly of life given to the Metro, Johannesburg, wish to all readers from this side of the all phases of the work, with a few slight South Africa organ. I was there on busi­ pond. changes in stop-list unification projected. ness, and of course, as a good enthusiast -John Potter In future issues, TOB will feature run­ made some inquiries about the organs Altrincham, near Manchester ning word-picture reports on progress. there ( see my article published in Thea- Cheshire, England

october 1968 16 A NEW ENGLAND ORGANIST REMINISCES

By 192B, Roland Pomerat still hadn't decided ACT Ill person who played ballads beautifully , whether or not to go the full theatre organ almost always in the key of D-flat major, route. True, he had been playing in Massachu­ Time: setts theatres for several years. For example, End of November, 1929. as I remember it. Others included Marsh Col. Harry J. Jenkins, who carved c;uite a career Scene: McCurdy, an extremely gifted player as a theatre organist in New England during Opening of new Paramount Theatre­ who was a New York Loew's feature the "golden days," recalls Roland as the young artist. At this time the theatre featured man who played "relief" at the Strand Theatre Mayor and dignitaries and "by invita­ in Holyoke, Mass. But young Pomerat, while tion only" guest list. Opening scheduled the serving of tea in the Mezzanine fully capable at the console, wasn't fully "sold" for 8: 30 p.m. At 7: 00 p.m. carpets still lobby, complete with maid in black silk on theatre organ, not as much as he was in­ being nailed down. Wild disorder. Con­ uniform with white mini-apron. As the volved in church organ work . There was that trailer on the screen announced this "Vitaphone" horror that was silencing organs sole of "Giant W Wurlitzer Organ" on in many areas, and the future in that direction elevator platform, not yet placed in cor­ McCurdy asked the booth to fade th~ didn't look at all promising. rect position . Manager Herb Chatkin sound track and he played "Tea for Then, something happened that was to bites finger nails to the quick while Art Two" on the Wurlitzer instead. He change Roland Pomerat 's life, something which never played it twice the same way and would draw him to the theatre organ and pro­ Cudy, Paramount Eastern Division man­ vide him with a career which lasted six years ager, gives an imitation of a caged lion, I was so fascinated by this that I never into the bleak '30s at theatre conso!es in his pacing back and forth in Lobby. Hy failed to listen to him playing "tea" home area of New England. The "happening" Fine, musical director, Metropolitan from some part of the house. Eddie was no more than a view of a brand-new the­ Weaver then came to us from the Para­ atre organ console being exhibited in a music Theatre, Boston ( now Music Hall), store window. paces backstage . Music is heard at 8:20 mount New Haven. He was a dynamic, The BOMBARDEfinally located Roland Pom­ p.m. through background noise of ham­ energetic and forceful player who was erat, still making music, but at a "straight" mering in the distance. The music trem­ well liked. Word came that the Metro­ organ at a Texas university. We asked him to politan Theatre, Boston, was replacing tell his story "first person" style. The result was bles softly, possibly due to the Wurlitzer not only an account of his theatre career tremolos, but also the trembling fingers its Skinner organ with a four-manual but his story is intertwined with vignettes of of the organist . The music swells as the Wurlitzer. While this was being done: some of the "greats" who played in New Eng­ Arthur Martel would be with us in land theatres back in the '30s. console of the Wurlitzer rises in a pale blue spotlight . The slide announces Springfield. Arthur's specialty was that ACT I "JOE ALEXANDER at the console of he could make any audience sing!!! He Time: the new PAR AMOUNT THEATRE proved that, amply. Although he was Early November, 1929. ORGAN, here after an extended stay at beset with various and sundry trials and Place: the Paramount Theatre, Birmingham, tribulations and family problems, he was Springfield, Massachusetts . Alabama. " invariably cheerful and was very well Set: I had won the audition and was the liked. Because he had to be in Boston Music store display window: Saxo­ new House Organist . Joe Alexander, a on business for two days one time dur­ phones, drums, guitars and a Giant Wur­ wonderfully sensitive and gifted player , ing his stay with us I had to fill in for litzer Unit Orchestra Theatre Organ was the first of a series of Solo Organ­ him. Rather than write a new solo I Console "soon to be installed in the ists. Joe was a product of Chicago, reared continued to play his, ending with one new Paramount Theatre. " in the tradition of Jesse Crawford and of his specialties, "Tiger Rag" complete Cast: the name organists of that city. I well with that flat-of-the-hand slap on both Pedestrians, jaywalkers, small boys, remember sessions with him listening sides of the console top ( above the stop­ dogs-and Roland Pomerat, who stares to recordings of the Paul Whiteman rail). All stops were down and chromatic in wonder and amazement at Giant orchestra and then hearing him, at the runs were played likety-split for a "flash Wurlitzer. piano in the organists ' dressing room, finish!" Unfortunately Arthur came back ACT II repeat what we had just heard, note for in time to hear me do it the last night Time: note, strange harmony and all. His stay and he was a bit annoyed . I thought it Soon after Act I. in Springfield was rather short and he had been good fun. Scene: went to Portland , Maine. I was asked Martel was followed some time later Boston, Massachusetts, Lloyd del Cas­ to play the solos until another guest by C. Sharpe Minor, who was a show­ tillo's Theatre Organ School. Roland organist arrived. This was a very fright­ man first and an organist somewhat later. Pomerat practicing elementary glissan­ ening experience. A few months later People enjoyed him. Meanwhile I was dos in the dead of night. Brad Braley came to us, a charming doing five broadcasts a week for West-

17 theatre organ bombarde POMERAT(Continued) inghouse WBZ and WBZA, using so THE much music per week that I allowed my F 4-37 CRAWFORD memory to atrophy somewhat. Well, the SPECIAL point is to this day I can't play even the BROOKLYN Star Spangled Banner without notes! It 0 was all fun and I enjoyed every minute A STOP ANALYSIS of it for six full years. Finally there were THEATRE only about two of us playing along the X East Coast. Diminishing theatre attend ­ ance and the depression ended my era at There has been a revival of interest by chamber, and the number of pipes in the 3 -11 Wurlitzer and I went back to in stop-lists of exceptional organs re­ each rank. Danny felt that publication church organs . I was fortunate to have a cently. There was a time when organ of such an analysis would help to clear new five-division Austin organ at Christ magazines carried little else. Page after up misconceptions about the organ; it is Church Cathedral where I remained for page of stop-lists, from 3-rankers to 62, being rebuilt professionally and is not the next fifteen years. During this time for sale at any price. It is the largest of and more. Finally readers yelled "uncle." I studied the carillon with Dr. Kamiel five organs in the "Crawford Special" But the "suggestion " lines on new appli­ Lefevere at Riverside Church, New York, class, having a 37th rank consisting of a and played two large and beautiful caril­ cations for ATOE membership - those Flute Celeste in the Main Chamber. It lons until I moved to Houston, Texas. spaces which encourage the new mem­ has Main and Slave consoles, located at I am now organist (Baroque organ built ber to subscribe what he would like to both ends of the pit. The Main console by Charles Fisk of Gloucester, Mass.) read in his magazine- these have re­ is at the pit's left end. The pipework is and carilloneur at Rice University in flected a renewed interest in stop-lists. in seven chambers. On the left side is the Houston. I am happy in my work but Or perhaps it's just because the appli­ Main, with the String chamber stacked happiest of all when I receive my copy cants are new to the hobby and haven't directly above it. On the right side are of THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE and yet seen an imposing stop-list . two stacked Foundation Chambers. read every word. I enjoy listening to my What we have here isn't actually a Spread across the proscenium top are recordings of "organ charmers" Ann stop-list. The stop-list records every (left to right) the Solo, Orchestral and Leaf, George Wright, Eddie Dunstedter stop-key and pushbutton on the instru­ Percussion chambers. The 32-foot Dia­ and all the others - including the new ment, one by one. To do that with such phones are divided, with some located, ones like Lyn Larsen who have been in­ a giant as the Brooklyn Fox Wurlitzer unenclosed, above the String chamber spired to play instruments and music would require a lot of space. Instead, we and the remainder above the upper which were meant to unashamedly ap­ contacted the Brooklyn Fox Theatre and Foundation chamber. peal to the heart as well as the mind and received a reply from Danny Bernstein. The Brooklyn Fox organ will be the to remind us of a world that was happy, He would be glad to send us a stop anal­ subject of an in-depth report in a future even though we didn't really know it at ysis of the instrument. The stop analysis issue. Meanwhile, here's a list of the the time - did we? simply lists the ranks of pipes, chamber goodies we'll be reading about.

Fox Theatre, Brooklyn, New York I LOST& FOUNDI STOPANALYSIS: Wurlitzer 4-37 "Crawford Special" MAIN DIVISION FOUNDATION DIVISION 7 ranks, 3rd floor left 9 ranks, right N"tTGGETS Krumet, 61 pipes Solo Trumpet, 61 pipes Tuba Horn, 85 pipes Clarinet, 73 pipes from the Open Diapason, 85 pipes Musette, 61 pipes GOI ,DEN" DA."Y'S Horn Diapason, 73 pipes Vox Humana, 73 pipes Concert Flute, 97 pipes Tibia Clausa, 85 pipes Liebliech Gedeckt, 73 pipes Harmonic Flute, 73 pipes Flute Celeste, 61 pipes "These stray NUGGETS list some New Eng­ Gamba, 73 pipes STRING DIVISION land organists active in 1928. Lloyd and Gamba Celeste, 73 pipes 5 ranks, 4th floor left side (above Main) Jason do their regular thing on page 34 of Diaphonic Diapason, 97 pipes (32' to 4') this issue." Viole d'Orchestre, 85 pipes Viole Celeste, 73 pipes Salicional, 61 pipes Here are some New England organists Dulciana, 61 pipes in May, 1928 : ALFREDANZALONE, Na­ Vox Humana, 73 pipes PERCUSSIONS tional Theatre, Boston; BESSIEBEASLEY, SOLO DIVISION (All over the theatre) Bijou, Boston; LOUIS J. ALLARD,Colo­ 11 ranks, proscenium left (9th floor) Cathedral Chimes, enclosed, Percussion chamber Tibia Clausa, 97 pipes Tower Chimes, unenclosed, Percussion chamber nial, Nashua, N. H .; CHARLESW. COT­ Quintadena, 61 pipes Xylophone, enclosed, String Div. TRELL, Strand, Lowell, Mass.; NANCY String Ensemble 2 ranks, 146 pipes Xylophone, unenclosed, Proscenium Div. LOCKLIN,Bradley, Putnam, Conn .; LEO Trumpet (Bass), 61 pipes Xylophone, unenclosed, right side WEBER, Le Roy, Pawtucket, Rhode Is­ Saxophone (Brass), 61 pipes Marimba, enclosed, String Div. Kinura, 61 pipes Marimba, unenclosed, Proscenium Div. land; EVELYN AUCLAIRE,Rialto, May­ Orchestral Oboe, 61 pipes Sleigh Bells, enclosed, Percussion chamber nard, Mass.; MANUEL DE HAAN, Massa­ Oboe Horn, 61 pipes Glockenspiel, enclosed, Percussion chamber chusetts Theatre, Boston ; VELMA GOOD­ French Horn, 61 pipes Chrysoglott, unenclosed, right side WIN, Strand, Quincy, Mass.; MURIEL Vox Humana, 73 pipes Chrysloglott, enclosed, Percussion chamber ORCHESTRAL DIVISION Piano, unenclosed, left Box HARRIS,North Shore, Gloucester, Mass.; 5 ranks, proscenium center Tuned Tympani, enclosed, Percussion chamber MARY HEALY, Majestic , Worcester, Vox Humana, 73 pipes 32' Diaphone: "C' side unenclosed on left Mass.; JACK LEWIS, Scenic, Rochester, Solo Strings (25"), 73 pipes "C#" side unenclosed on right New Hampshire. Tibia Clausa (25"), 97 pipes Toy counter is divided between String and English Horn, 85 pipes Percussion Chambers -Lloyd and Jason Tuba Mirabilis, 85 pipes 2-50-hp blowers, 2-4 manual consoles

october 1968 18 Portland, Ore. JONAS NORDWALL PLAYS'LANDMARK CONCERT'FOR OREGON CHAPTER Jonas Nordwall 's October concert for 33-rank organ playing the same Oregon Chapter members and friends at composition. Scored with full orche­ the Howard Vollums ' 4-49, former San stral ensemble, the interpretation Francisco Paramount Wurlitzer served stopped not only the just-beginning DYNIIIEIITRHYTHM show, but literally the entire organ public notice that this young artist, at as well by over-taxing the rectifier age 20, is fully ready to enter the arena fuse. Soon restored to action by If you want rhythm Schober'sgot it-10 real of major practitioners of the Fine Art trap sounds in a small carrying case. Add Dennis Hedberg, who has installed, bass drum, snare drum, cymbals,and 7 other of Modern Theatre Pipe Organ Playing. maintained and designed changes in great rhythm effects to your combo, piano, This comes as no surprise to those in the or organ playing, each at the touch of a but­ the Vollum instrument in its Port­ ton the instant you want it-or have a ball Pacific Northwest who have followed his land installation, the artist-instru­ playing traps along with records and radio! ment team proceeded to sweep The SchoberPortable Dynabeatconnects to steady growth and development over the any guitar, hi-fi, or p.a. amplifier, makesyou past five years. This particular Sunday through a varied and well-paced an instant drummer. Kit $139.50, all built concert, however , was a model of selec­ two-hour program of popular and $169.50. Special Dynabeatfor all Schober Oryans (not other brands) synchronizesthe tive programming and virtuoso perform­ classical numbers. sounds you want with manuals and pedals. ance-heralding the arrival of a new Altogether , Jonas' program was a re­ $150 for the kit. phase in the promising career of Jonas warding listening experience, but it was Nordwall. also more than that : it left his listeners The bombastic opener was the with the clear conviction of having Prelude to Act III of Wagner's opera shared a landmark performance in the Lohengrin-a tribute to Oliver Wal­ evolving career of this talented young lace's 1921 opening of the same, then organist.

uUDrKJ[g~ ~ ~ u[}{] ~[g(L@C©W ~ [K]~uoo@ ~ [grKJu

The SchoberTunesmith makes the one-finger artist an instrumental- soloist. Producesone note at a time on the 2 ½-octave keyboard while you control tone color (6 voices), vi­ brato, P,itch,volume, as you play. Carry the melody for a combo or play with piano or organ accompaniment-or along with records and radio. Easily portable (13 lbs.), connects to any amplifier. Easyto build kit $149.50; assembled,ready to plug in and.play $189.50.

JONAS AND CO-STAR-Jonas Nordwall, pictured after his concert in Portland on Howard Vellum's ex-San Francisco Paramount. The organ had 33 ranks when installed in 1921, now boasts 49! JONAS-A brief biographical sketch This exceptionally talented young musician is now 20 years old. He started tak­ Send right now for the full-color Schober ing accordion lessons at the age of 4, he became interested in organ, and upon turning catalog, with all details on Dynabeat and Tunesmithas well as Schober'sfive kit organ 12 years of age he began classical organ studies with Goldie Poz, a prominent Port­ models and unique reverberation system. land teacher. No charge, no obligation. If you like music, Like many another young organist, Jonas became very interested in popular you owe yourself a Schober instrument! organ music through the recorded work of George Wright. He has rapidly gained a great deal of stature in playing popular music, having a great sense of rhythm and r------1 I phrasing . His style is orchestral, and he has a great natural ability to interpret jazz I THElPc/u;6

PHOTO: Courtesy of the NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMPANY The fallowing critique was found in the November , 1923, issue of the 11Amer­ ican Organist," by Lloyd E. Klos. Mr. W idenor was a much -traveled theatre organist. by D. Kenneth Widener The Chicago Theatre, the largest and finest in the Windy City, is advertised as the Wonder Theatre of the World, and in size and seating capacity is sec­ ond only to the Capitol Theatre in New York. Naturally, one expects much from such an institution - and usually gets it, too. However, the writer feels that the program, which is the subject of this critique, was not up to the usual high standard of Balaban & Katz entertain­ ment, but as it was the last one seen be­ fore leaving Chicago, and the only one for which we have taken notes, it must stand. The overture was Adam 's If I Were King, a dull and uninteresting number, musically mediocre. The orchestra, under the baton of Mr. Rudolph Kopp, seemed to feel that this was the ,case and played The news weekly followed. It is usu­ was no apparent reason for this act and, the number accordingly, which was ally very brief at the Chicago and, al­ as a whole, it was very cheap and un­ greatly at variance with their usual splen­ though usually well played by the orches­ worthy of the Chicago Theatre. A male 'did finesse, brilliance, and musicianship . tra, is not accorded a place of primary quartette, in white sailor costumes sang This being 4th of July week, there importance on the program, and is never a couple of popular numbers, followed followed a short-reel subject, The Star­ sufficiently interesting to excite enthusi­ by six girls also in sailor costume, who Spangled Banner, showing a history of astic comment. did a dance. Then there appeared a cou­ our flag. This was nicely handled by the ple of male dancers, who went through orchestra, musically interpreted by bits Mr. Jesse Crawford was next with the usual sailor's hornpipe and various his organ solo. As the main purpose of various patriotic and national melo­ other sailor dances. All the performers of this critique is to review Mr. dies, and brought to a successful climax in the act were dressed in identical cos­ Crawford's work, I will hastily deal by playing just a few bars of the national tumes - they were all just "gobs." Then with the balance of the program anthem - just enough to make it unnec­ there was the big finale, during which and then return to the work of the essary for the audience to rise, as the cus­ the whole set ( i.e., the "Dreadnaught") organ and Mr. Crawford. tomary mark of respect. moved forward to the extreme front of The first act was the Dennis Sisters­ After the organ solo, the audience was the stage apron, with bells ringing, whis­ three girls singing several popular num­ treated to an act, entitled "Fun Aboard tles blowing, guns moving, etc., the big bers in harmony. Their voices blended a Dreadnaught. " The set was the typical "thrill" coming when searchlights of well, and their work had an air of refine- battleship set, only constructed on the enormous candlepower, placed in the . ment which is usually lacking in acts of colossal scale which is characteristic of all mouths of the cannons, were trained on this character. the Balaban & Katz productions . There the audience.

october 1968 20 nection with the operating booth. Thus, Mr. Crawford is able to de­ vote his entire attention to the inter­ pretation of the song, and rarely, if ever, looks at the screen. In addition, he always memorizes the song he is playing. With the wealth of re­ sources available for such kind of work, on the Chicago Theatre organ, Mr. Crawford never fails to make his number interesting, as his effects are always varied. He uses his com­ bination pistons throughout his number, usually changing the com­ binations of his registers every four or eight bars of the music. This requires the setting up of new com­ binations every week, to a void monotony. The outstanding feature of Mr. Craw­ ford 's numbers is that the melody of the song is always plainly discernible­ eve_n _co th~ most music a 11y ignorant . Tl11S1s as !t should be, for if in playing solos of this character, the melody is ob­ scured, there remains nothing of any in­ terest co the audience. Perhaps the next most noticeable feature of his song in­ terpretations ( as he styles them ) , is his sense of rhythm. It is accurate, unerring, and pronounced - yet never distorted or exaggerated. Mr. Crawford usually keeps his work within the confines of good taste, and there is an unmistakable at­ mosphere of musicianship about every­ thing he does. It is the woeful lack of these ch arac te r is ti cs which makes the playing of such ballads and popular songs (as _so~os) so lamentable among the great maJonty who attempt co do this kind of work. There is also a certain repose in his playing, a feeling of poise and assur­ ance, which is subconsciously conveyed JESSE CRAWFORD AND CHICAGO -Top-left: NBC's "Poet of the Organ" is shown here at the con­ sole of the new pipe organ, Studio G-one of the three new studios built in 1936 in the penthouse co the audience, which makes his playing of the Merchandise Mart, which housed the National Network's Central Division Headc;uarters. all the more enjoyable co his listeners. Lower-left: Stage and orchestra pit of the Balaban and Katz Chicago Theatre, built in 1922. Above: Mr. Crawford 's solos may be said Exterior of the Chicago Theatre. PHOTO: Courtesy of Bill Peterson roughly to consist of melody and accom­ paniment. The melody has been spoken After the uproar had quieted down , Jesse Crawford's solo was-Ques­ of already. The accompaniment, howev­ the feature picture was flashed on the tion: When Will the Sun Shine for er, is always a distinct entity . It is never screen. It was A Man of Action , with Me? Answer: Morning Will Come. the kind of accompaniment which is Douglas McLean. The less said about it, It was the usual popular song, with written in the published copies of the the better. Immediately following, was the words of the song thrown on songs. The accompaniment consists of the comedy-Ben Turpin in Home­ the screen. Only, in this case, Mr. elaborate figurations and counter - melo­ mad e M ovies. The orchestra usually Crawford had taken two popular dies, all of which are carefully worked opens the feature picture at the Chicago, songs and cleverly combined them out in advance and exactly adhered co­ the organ plays the majority of it, then to make one number out of the two. nothing is left to chance, or the inspira­ the orchestra closes the p i c t u r e and Mr. Crawford's work in p 1 a yin g tion of the moment. At the same time, opens the comedy, which the organ plays popular songs and ballads, with the the original harmonizations of the print­ through. screen slide accompaniment, is ad­ ed copy are always carefully retained. The organ at the Chicago Theatre is mirable and in this particular field a large four-manual unit. The console of organ solo work he is doubtless In the matter of registration, Mr. is at the extreme right foreground of the without a peer. The words of the Crawford excels. If he is playing a orchestra enclosure , and is mounted on song are flashed upon the screen, light, fast one-step, the registration an electric elevator. During the organ two lines at a time, with the sylla­ fits the mood of the number. There solo, the console is raised so that the per­ bles all carefully divided, wherever are flutes, piccolos, xylophones, former is in full view of the audience, there is a different musical note for piano (incorporated in the organ then, during the balance of the show, is each syllable. The signal for the proper), and a combination of which lowered until it is nearly out of sight change of slides is given by some­ Mr. Crawford is very fond-which of the audience . body in the orchestra who has a con- (Continu ed on Page 38)

21 theatre organ bombarde Arthur Estgate says ... Let's Get Things NAMES, RANKS and NUMBERS on

by Arthur W. Estgate are still two Wurlitzers left in theatres Sydney, N. S. W., Australia in the State of Queensland. The true facts are, the only two Wurlitzers ever After reading so many articles in the in that state have long since been re­ world Theatre Organ press which pur­ moved. The s m a 11 two - manual "ex" - port to give a true picture of the Aus­ Winter Gardens Theatre, Brisbane, went tralian Theatre Organ scene, I do feel to the Plaza Theatre, Sydney, and has it more than high time that the correct now been split up. The relays and facts were put on record, both in rela­ switches of this organ form part of my tion to existence or non-existence of in­ own home installation, and the console struments, and perhaps some personalities is owned by Cecil Taylor, who is using hitherto unknown outside of Australia it for the rebuilding of his home instal­ - but despite their reticence for pub­ lation. The s e c on d "ex" - Queensland licity- have done very much to advance organ is the 3-15 Wurlitzer (Regent the cause of the Theatre Organ in this Theatre Brisbane), which was removed country . nearly t~o years back by my good frie~d, For instance, it was reported in the Doctor Keith King, and is at present m­ December THEATRE ORGAN that there stalled in his home at Lawson. In fact, during his recent stay in Australia Lyn Larsen gave a concert on this organ at the home of Doctor King . ARTHUR ESTGATE-with one of the Compton metal So much for Queensland, and coming Tibias. Note wide-open now to New South Wales , we read that toe! This rank was the city of Sydney - including the sub­ purchased from the urbs - has no less than 18 Wurlitzers Gaumont Theatre, Lewisham, London. This is still in theatres!! This is extremely in­ a very large-scale teresting as, both according to my own Solo Tibia. counting plus that of many theatre or­ ganists who were active during the hey­ day, plus the official Wurlitzer Ii st s, CHRISTIE 2-8 (lower left), ex-King's Theatre, there were not even half this number Gordon, Sydney. Now in installed in Sydney initially. St. Columbus Church, The true facts as regard organs still in Hyde, Sydney. theatres in Sydney - including the sub­ urbs are: the State Theatre, Sydney, still ESTGATE COMPTON has its 4-21 Wurlitzer, which is in a CONSOLE-A close-up pretty poor state ( pardon the pun) ; the of Arthur Estgate's Capitol , Sydney, still has its 3-15 Wur­ Compton residence organ. litzer which is in fair condition; the Vic­ tory Theatre, Kogarah ( a Sydney sub-

october 1968 22 STRAIGHT Aussie Organs Down Under urb) has a 2-7 Christie, and there is a Lowry Electronic in the Campsie Odeon. These four are the whole sum total as far as o r g a n s m Sydney theatres are concerned. Coming now to organs which have been taken out of theatres, I am indebt­ ed to my good friend, Penn Hughes, as he has been the actual purchaser of by far the largest number. Incidentally, Lyn Larsen also gave two public concerts in the private studio of Penn Hughes, on his Wurlitzer-Christie 4-15 - of which more later. The information given to me from Penn's ledgers is as follows -

Regent 1 Sydney. 3-15, purchased by organ builder Ron Sharp three or four years ago, and since sold to a n o t h e r organ buff for a home installation.

Plaza1 Sydney. 2-"something" Wurlit­ zer ( this organ being the ex - Winter Gardens, Brisbane, and the subject of much changing during its life) pur­ chased by Penn Hughes. Most of the p i p e w o r k in his own 4-15, console owned by Cecil Taylor, and relays and switches by myself.

Arcadia 1 Chatswood. 2-man. Wurlit­ zer, donated by theatre owners to the new local municipal Town Hall. Savoy Theatre, Hurstville. Purchased by Penn Hughes, and reinstalled in the Burwood Congregational Church. This is a two-manual Wurlitzer.

Civic T heatre1 Auburn. Two-manual Wurlitzer, purchased by John Clancy.

Prince Edward T heatre1 Sydney. Pur­ chased by T.O.S.A. and being installed in Marrickville Town Hall.

Palatial T heatre1 Burwood. 3-manual Christie, purchased by Penn Hughes, and reinstalled in the Seventh Day Ad­ ventist Church, Wahroonga.

Kings T heatre1 Gordon. 2 -manual Chris tie, purchased by St. Columbus Church of England, and reinstalled in church. Xylophone of this organ now in my own home installation.

Roxy Theatre 1 Paramatta. 3 - manual Christie, purchased by Penn Hughes, and sold to Mr. S. Baldwin of Castle Hill. Only very little of this playing.

Savoy T heatre1 Enfield. 2 - man u a l Christie, purchased by Penn Hughes, and sold to Mr. S. Baldwin and installed in his Castle Hill residence. At present not PENN HUGHES WURLI-CHRISTIE-(top right) Hughes' pipe chamber showing, front-to-back, Con­ nacher Post Horn, Christie Clarinet, Wurlitzer String, Christie Melodia, Wurlitzer String Celeste, playing. Christis Diapason Bass offset. (Above) Penn Hughes at the console of his 4-15 Wurlitzer-Christie . (Continued on Page 37)

theatre organ bombarde Silent ~ovie Accompaniment- I Hurry! 'Dirty Work' at The Crossroads! A New BO~BABDE Feature

Our initial offering is a rune known British troops ( yes, including Gunga and used by a whole generation of Din! ) filtering through the Khyber theatre organises to accompany such Pass; Tim McCoy, evading the search­ scenes as: Sgt. Quirt walking along the ing "redcoats, " to get that vital message trench lined with waiting "doughboys", to General Washington ; Simon Legree encouraging his troops just before the fetching his bloodhounds to take off whistle blows to send chem "over the after Eliza who is headed for the river; top " (" . .. and don't stop unless you the villain 's henchmen throwing the meet a bullet! ") ; John Wilkes Booth switch which will send the Westbound "casing " empty Ford's theatre on the Limited ( with Ralph Lewis at the throt­ afternoon of April 14, 1865 ; Ranjit tle) hurtling over a precipice. The pos­ Singh and his bearded Sikhs looking sibilities are endless. down their rifles at the thin column of Performing this type of music re-

COLONEL HARRY JENKINS: A lot of "hurries " have passed through his fingers! 'Dirty Work, at the Crossroads On numerous occasions interest in old movie music of the "agitate" type has been expressed to the editor of the Tr adi t i ona l, Arr anged by BOMBARDE. This is the almost for­ Har r y J . Je nkin s gotten music with which organists made action seem wilder , villains more das­ tardly, stealth more sneaky and impend ­ ing chaos more heart-thumping. A lot of it was written in folio form and could be purchased by organists who lacked the ability to improvise s u ff i c i en cl y threatening themes and their variations. Bue a lot more of it was improvised and, therefore, now exists only in the mem­ ories of surviving silent movie cuers. The BOMBARDE has arranged with former theatre organist Harry J . Jenkins to search out a series of these "hurries " ( as they were called in the trade) , and arrange them in s imp l if i e d versions which still have all the "old moxie " re­ quired for picture work. These "agitatos" are fascinating music. They help conjure pictures in the mind as they unfold -im­ pending disaster, stealth, a trap about to be sprung. They are also a comment on their times; honest "danger music" which speaks mu­ sically and openly of the mood it conveys, in contrast with what modern film !.Corers do to obtain similar emotional reactions; bongo drum rolls, electronic bleeps, shin­ gle-down-a-clapboard-house and similar distractions. On the con­ trary, despite its "corniness" by present standards, the old "hurry" built emotional wallop by blending with the scene on the screen rather than by calling attention to itself. october 1968 24 quires an ability to "do things back­ that the films not be shown with wards." In reverse of the usual or­ idiotic film trash of today. Lloyd der, much "agitato" music is writ­ has admired Carter's keyboard ar­ ten for a lefthand melody and right­ tistry for 4 5 years. hand accompaniment. On organs with 61-note manuals the only ba­ It is likely that other resp on s i b 1e sic change is to reverse the hands groups can arrange such showings on the manuals-lower manual, through the "Flickerfingers" promoters, right hand; upper manual (with a Box 405, Arcadia, Calif. le means great presumably heavier combination), organ music and great films-a winning left hand. However, the shortened combination any time. upper manual of spinet plug-ins limits this procedure. In the case of REEL STUFF ... Bessie Love appears the 44-note ( or less) manual, bet­ in Isidora, the Duncan sisters' life-story. ter leave the hands on their accus­ . . . A national columnist says Charlie tomed manuals and juggle the stop Chaplin did not attend his son's funeral keys to obtain a good, solid "horn" ~ DIRECTED BY because the State Department denied voice on the lower (lefthand mel­ _.,...... 11\.YLE W. NASH him a visa . ... Kalton C. Lahue and Sam ody) manual and a somewhat Gill will co-author a 1969 book on silent lighter (perhaps reed-string) com­ film comedians . ... Hollywood is silent bination for the righthand accom­ about the Fatty Arbuckle Story being paniment. The pedal should be What do film stars of yesteryear talk filmed, although the film rights were light. It's used mainly as an accent about at Hollywood parties? Mostly sold in 1963 . ... Eighty-two new names in this case. their health, where they live and what are ready to be added to the Hollywood Of course, we have indicated only the they are doing. We attended the Robert rrWalk of Fame." Not one was ever a basic theme. The idea is to improvise on Aldrich studio party (he bought a 1913 silent personality. One name has yet to it. After mastering it as written, play it studio for his producing) and spent a be seen on the screen, although her first with the "f" omitted from the accom­ few happy hours with the magic names film is due by the time you read this. paniment (first 6 measures), then an of the Golden Twenties. Gertrude Astor, octave higher. Then transpose it to G the woman who was two inches too tall Noel Coward will be in the new list minor, A minor and C minor, or any to be a great scar, looked as slim and of "Walk" names, as will Lynn Fontanne favorite key, for variety. charming ( all in a white outfit) as she and Alf red Lunt. No one seems to know the origin of did in 1926 ... Claire Windsor, now in this theme, although it was widely used. good health after a hospital siesta this SILENT films, the basic reason It probably appeared on movie cue sheets, summer, looked elegant and had a happy for the mighty theatre pipe organs, and it most likely once had a name. But time talking about pictures with Neil are nearing a 40-year high in new the only name recalled is "Dirty Work Hamilton, Jack Mu 1ha 11 and Conrad popularity. The renaissance for the at the Crossroads" and for want of an Nagel. non-talkers is now 25 years old. The originator's name we have credited it Society of Cinephiles is a group of film collectors ( 2 5 0) who hold an­ to that fine composer, "Traditional." rrAny time ... I'm always happy to That is certain to raise some hackles nual conventions and publish their say 'hello' to visitors." That 's your invi­ tabloid newspaper four times a year. among silent movie vets and we wel­ tation from Raymond Hatton. He lives come all the names and information in Palmdale (70 miles northeast of Los They met in Hollywood last month about it they can provide, not to men­ Angeles, Calif.). Hatton looked the pic­ tion notation of their favorite "hurries." and awarded their 1968 Cinephile award ture of health and was busy reliving the to John and Dorothy Hampton for "pre­ Contributions are solicited and welcome. days when he and Wallace Beery were a We've told you about it. Now, play it! serving and showing" silent films. The top Paramount comedy team. Los Angeles couple has operated the Si­ lent Movie Theatre for the last 26 years. Betty Blythe, Jackie Coogan, Betty The 1969 Cinecon V convention will be Bronson, Lita Grey Chaplin, and Minta held over Labor Day in Rochester, N. Y. Durfee 'Arb u ck 1e were among other Many ATOE members are avid film col­ magic names who delighted the hordes lectors. of radio, TV and press people at the party. UCLA's great school of cinema­ tography ( one of the best in the ATOE organ clubs across the na­ world) has sought out an ATOE tion have good news coming their member to lecture to the students way. Harold Lloyd's classics such as who aspire to be the directors and GET THE GUYS "Safety Last," "Grandma's Boy," producers of tomorrow. Gaylord and "The Kid Brother," rarely Carter will lecture and demonstrate TO VOCALIZE viewed under ideal conditions, may to the future movie makers the art WITHNATIONAL'$ DANDY be available in 1969. Lloyd was so of organ music. For Carter it will "SING-ALONGSONG SLIDES"!! moved by the huge, warm ovation be a great honor as he was a mem­ Send tor free cataloe of all-time hit songs available in slide form for as low as soc a tune! the 1968 conventioneers gave him ber of the UCLA class of 1928. Need a projector? Let us know ... we'll save you that he has consented to having his rul dough! films shown to A TOE groups. One of Mary Maclaren lives at 126 North the conditions is that A TOE star Manhattan Place, Los Angeles, and told N4TIOl&LSHI SLIDESHVICE . INC. Gaylord Carter must play the pipe us she would be most happy to hear from U I. ti tb St. 111 Tork,If.T. 10036 organ music for them. Another is any of her old fans.

25 theatre organ bombarde the plug-in was easier to handle. Appar­ ently the confrontation with the Baldwin increased the Highlands interest in the­ atre instruments because he purchased a recording of Bill McMains' ((Vintage Theatre Organ" recording ( played on the Whitney studio Morton, in Glendale , Calif.), a platter which teaches playing in the TO idiom. That church organ should sound somewhat different by now. Best wishes to the New York Chap­ ter's new local publication venture, New York Theatre Organ, a bi-monthly four­ sheeter which it is hoped will help weld the 350 far-flung chapter members "from the wilds of eastern New Jersey to the THE OLD MAESTRO: John Muri at the Riviera's SHORT SHOTS FROM tip of Long Island" into a more closely knit unit. Co-editors are Bon R. Smith 3-21 Wurlitzer. He knows how to please his EVERYWHERE audiences with top quality selections and com­ and John Bittner. Welcome to the asso­ pelling performances. ciation, fellow slaves! Michael Candy, a Briton with a fine The New York Times in July carried sense of humor, is building a home for In Detroit, veteran organist Don a small piece from the Associated Press his "organ in the cowshed" ( as it was Miller's favorite pastime (when he wires about the theatre organ installa­ known when the property of the late isn't making wonderful music) is tion of Dr. Roland Matson, ATOE mem­ E. A. J. Johnson in Cambridgeshire). It's playing the tape made during his ber of Spring Valley, Minnesoca. "Be­ a weekend and holiday project but prog­ stint on the 4-34 Senate-Orbits sides a theatre pipe organ, the hayloft of ress is rapid, according to Michael, who Wurlitzer for 1967 ATOE conven­ Dr. Matson's barn houses a piano, church enclosed a photo of the 2-8 console in its tioneers. He writes, " ... playing pews and stained-glass windows rescued former "cowshed" location. But there's the tape is just like being there. The from a wrecked church. More than 1,600 a "stinger" in the photo which our sense atmosphere was charged that after­ hours of work went into converting the barn and organ into an effective place of the ridiculous can't pass up; note the noon. Such an appreciative audience for Dr. Matson to escape from his office small bellows hanging on the wall (left and so many "greats" out front! Each time I play it-sometimes and hospital work. The studio includes side). Doesn't that suggest some inter­ special sound insulation to provide for esting questions concerning the instru­ there are tears, sometimes goose pimples. I keep saying "was that comfortable, year-around practice ment's air supply? Could it be that the ME?" Yes, it was you, Don, and sessions. British know something we don't about those of us fortunate enough to "The organ's special effects-Hawai­ "winding" pipes? Michael, please drop have been there will never forget ian surf, automobile horn, steamboat whistle and cymbals - have replaced the the other shoe! the beauty of your music on that traditional barnyard sounds of the farm." memorable afternoon. Niagara Frontier's "Silent Newsreel" Dolton McAlpin, whose recording , reports via Bob Gebhardt that work on Thoroughly Modern Morton, is such a the 3 - 15 W ur li tzer in the 4,000 - seat pleasant excursion through a skillfull y New York Academy of Music Theatre used six ranks of exquisite pipework , is is well along the road to completion. cutting a second disc on the Baton Rouge Sparked by a group of four dedicated Paramount' s restored Morton ( thanks, New York Chapter ATOE'rs headed by Don May) before moving on to Oxford, Mel Robinson, restoration work started Mississippi, to attend law school at the in February, 1966, and has continued U. of M. Memphis isn't so far away and quietly ever since. The style 260 will be there's a 3-14 Wurlitzer there that Mc­ a welcome addition to Gotham's grow­ Alpin hopes to practice on. While at­ ing list of working theatre organs, re­ tending the 1968 convention , the stu­ THERE'S A 'STINGER' in this 'candied' photo. ports the NF she.et. dent-organist became a solid Dunstedter fan, describing Eddie's concert as one of ATOE'er Amos Highlands was some­ Speaking of Ni agar a Frontier, the the big ((highlights of the convention." what amazed when he sat down at the chapter staged a concert by that master Baldwin plug-in. The response and con­ of the theatre console, John Muri , on Before entering the teaching profes­ trol were fast and easy, respectively. It July 31 at the Riviera Theatre in North sion, Bill Blanchard was boch theatre or­ happened in Muncie (Indiana) after Mr. Tonawanda. John's program during the ganist and theatre projectionist. He's Highlands had read an item in these col­ first half was heavy with nostalgia-old now associate professor of music and or­ umns about Sylvan Ketterman's Hood movie music and a singalong. After in­ ganist at Claremont College in Clare­ Music Co. in Muncie having copies of termission it was a tribute to Jesse Craw­ mont, California. Now that he's "Wil­ Ben Hall's rThe Best Remaining Seats" ford, a silent movie comedy and tunes liam G. Blanchard, professor," does he available. He drove over from Middle­ from Jerome Kern's little known show, forget his former vocations? Not at all. town (Ohio), where he has installed in Very Good Eddie. "Judging from the One of the most-anticipated events of his home a one-time tracker church organ long round of applause, it's safe to say the Claremont summer session is Bill's of 13 ranks which has been electrified­ that r oldies are goodies'," reported re­ program, "Fun Night at the Silent Mov­ to some extent. Highlands had to admit viewer Shirley Cole. ies," which brings old flickers and organ

october 1968 26 scores to a new generation. It's been The New York Chapter is still fornia, New York, Colorado, Wash­ going on for 15 years. In 1967 he was getting enthusiastic comments ington, Oregon; quite a trip to invited to the third annual Chicago In­ about a concert it staged at the oblivion! ternacional Film Festival to create organ Rahway Theatre last March, an or­ scores for the old movies shown there, gan show which starred Lowell When Henry Pope went co New York an event which had him rubbing shoul­ Ayars, writes Eric Zeliff from New earlier this year to complete work started ders with such memorable names as one­ Jersey. And youthful Eric adds his three years ago on the Radio City Music time glamour scar Ruby Keeler, dance praise to the Ayars musical acumen. Hall 4-58 Wurlitzer, he apparently failed director Busby Berkeley and dire cc or It has been our experience that to consult his ulcer-which had been in a George Cukor of My Fair Lady fame. when an organist can "get through" quiescent state for some time. He 'd been to the young, he has it made. And To paraphrase an old song title, in Gotham only a shore time when the Lowell does it with solid theatre or­ "The draft board is breaking up ulcer started expressing its displeasure gan music, not "rock." that old gang of mine," but it can't with the Eastern climate. In face it acted seem very humorous to members of up so badly chat Henry had to be hospi­ talized. Alone and ill in the big town, the Chicago "Theatre Organ Pres­ Mr. Zeliff is no slouch at the ivories, Henry sent out an "SOS" to his friend entations" group, a small band of either. During the recent Art Mosca con­ (and colleague on the RSMH project), young men with a number of inter­ cert at the Brook Theatre, Boundbrook, Dick Simonton. Dick dropped what he esting musical events to their credit N. ]., Eric was engrossed in the silent was doing and hurried across half a con­ and some great plans (including movie when he was approached by New tinent to look after Henry, and his first restoration of an organ). With Pat York Chapter Chairman Al Ros sit er, sight of the veteran organ builder in his Chambers in the Air Force for four who asked Eric if he'd like to rrspell" hospital room was encouraging. Henry, years and Mark Noller in the Navy Mosca at intermission time. Although such a turn of events was far from his looking a liccle peaked, was sitting up in for four years, Richard Sklenar, bed, working on one of the 32-fooc last of the big three, left for Fort thoughts, the youth accepted the chal­ lenge and did a creditable 15 - minute Bombarde boots which had been smug­ Leonard Wood on August 27 and an gled into the hospital from the RCMH. Army career of at least two years. stint during the p op corn break. The point is the degree of confidence the Before leaving, Dick padlocked "our 11 beloved little Kimball" until restor­ chairman had in the lad to ask him to Organ playing keeps you young and 11 on your toes," stated veteran silent film ation can continue "in a few years." perform cold." organist Luella Wickham to an inter­ Before leaving, Dick Sklenar advised Another youthful organise in the East viewer from a Syracuse, N.Y., newspaper us to nwatch out for lots of action under broke a leg early this year and spent the recently. The reporter had been lured CATOE (chapter) chairman Bill Bene­ time his "gamba" was in a case writing into the showroom of the Goss Piano dict - Tony T ahlman at the Indiana, music. Eddie Zimmerman, who is re­ and Organ Shop by the sound of organ Carter ( ?) at the Pickwick, Hal Pearl at membered as the winner of the Ham­ music and found Luella hard at work the Montclare - all public concerts - mond X-66 for his prize-winning name demonstrating a Baldwin plug-in , the and Hal Pearl back at the Aragon ball­ for the model, had to drop out of J uilli­ brand she sells. 11l've been playing organs room 3-10 Wurli." ard ( where he has a scholarship) while for 68 years," admitted Luella to the sur­ the bone knit, nor could he play his prize prised newsman, who blurted out, 11But From Syracuse, N. Y., C. T. Anderson Hammond. A trip to Europe in the sum­ you don't look 68 years old-when did reports chat the 3-11 Wurlitzer installed mer helped while away time until next you start?" Luella explained that she de­ by the Syracuse Theatre Organ Society semester, but Eddie returned to learn veloped a serious interest in music when in the Empire Scace Theatre and Musical chat the Hammond Company still hasn't she was about 4½ years old and the quest Instrument Museum (whew!) at the released the prize-winning name for the has continued ever since. There are five nearby Scace Fair site, is now in top­ now superseded model X-66. members from a senior citizens' home notch shape, a complete releachering of among her students who agree that play­ the combination action closing a restora­ When Ben Hall mentioned the ing organ is 11much more fun than play­ tion job which has been going on for Cocoanut Grove Wurlitzer during ing bridge." several years. It was in almost constant the 1968 ATOE convention ban­ use during the 1968 fair, with Carleton quet, it set the wheels whirring in Robert G. Miner, Publishing Di­ James at the console to accompany silent Dewey Cagle's memory. He informs rector of the American Guild of Or­ movies and fashion shows, and to play us that it was originally in the Pal­ ganists' fledgling publication, Music, concerts. It was still in top shape when ace Theatre, Dallas, Texas, and was had good news; the Royal Canadian Allen Mills played a concert for the Syra­ replaced by the present larger Wur­ College of Organists (RCCO) had cusans on September 28th. litzer. From there it went to the adopted AGO's Music as their offi­ The Cinema Organ Society Newslet­ Cocoanut Grove and remained for cial magazine. This move was in­ ter reveals that British pipe fans didn't many years. In the '30s it went to strumental in jacking the new mag's take kindly to the removal of the Comp­ the studios of radio station WHEC circulation up to 18,000 (the for­ ton organ from its home in the Odeon in Rochester, N.Y. Then it was pur­ mer advertising rate was based on Cheltham theatre for shipment to Mel­ chased by Dick Hull of Denver who 15,000). bourne, Australia, for installation in a installed it in a Colorado church second nDendy" theatre. Describing the ( not to be confused with the style Chester E. Klee, "Mr. Music of Olean" action as 11poaching on our territory," the 240, also from Rochester, which (N. Y.) celebrated 25 years as organise complaint was that it was a working Dick installed in the Three Coins and choirmaster of Sc. Mary of the organ removed from an operating the­ restaurant at Louisville, near Den­ Angels Church in Olean . Educated at atre that was not in any way threatened. ver). Three years ago it was pur­ Rochester's Eastman School of Music, Editor Sutherland closes with the hope chased by Andy Crow (Wash.) and both as theatre and church organist, Mr. nthat little Union Jacks were stuck all sold last year to Dennis Hedberg Klee "moonlighted" at several Rochester over the console when it was shipped." (Portland)-for parts. Texas, Cali- (Continued on Next Page)

27 theatre organ bombarde VOX POPS, contd. SAN DIEGO (Continu ed from P. 6) gear onto a commercial plane and landed at San Diego. The crew was movie houses-Eastman, Madison, Mon­ Holes in the plaster walls have been filled and all surfaces painted. The re­ overjoyed to meet Dave but he had roe, Picadilly and Regent-to help cover no time for amenities. his music school expenses. He has lived finished chests are complemented by refinished floor frame and walkways. It Dave headed streight for the the­ in Olean since 1934, taught piano and atre, set up his equipment and with theory, been president of the Olean Civic is beautiful in appearance throughout, in addition to being technically good . the help of Pinky Pinkerton, pro­ Music Assn., and still teaches. Practically ceeded to tune every undamaged every facet· of Olean 's musical scene has Paul Cawthorne gives the reason for the thoroughness: "Our desire was to pipe in the organ between Friday felt the guiding hand of Chet Klee . refurbish it completely so it would re­ night at 12:30 and Sunday noon quire ~. minimum of maintenance in the (with a hiatus during show time Dick Simonton and E. J. Quinby future . Saturday). Then he played a few were seen on a half-hour TV pro­ Wayne Guthrie adds: "We wanted to tunes, packed his gear, said "Thanks gram relative to a voyage of the make certain that fine artists will find it -it was fun. When I can, I'll come last remaining Mississippi stern­ worthy of their musicianship." back and tune 'er up again," and wheeler, the Delta Queen, in Au­ The Fox organ specification is indeed took off for the airport and San Jose gust. A part of the Jack Douglas a strange one for a theatre organ. Most several hundred miles to the North. series of USA travelogues, the pro­ of it was originally installed in the San Archie Ellsworth, one of the Con­ gram traced a typical voyage of the Diego Balboa Theatre in 1923 where the vair men, expressed the gratitude of ship from its home port of Cincin­ intsrument supplied the scores for nu­ the group with, "One doesn't forget nati to New Orleans, complete with merous silent movies. It was moved to wonderful men like Dave Schutt." calliope, mint juleps, electric organ, the brand new Fox for that theatre's Although plans haven't yet been etc. grand opening in 1929, during which it evolved for the eventual use of the organ underwent considerable revision. For a in the theatre, already some additions Oldtime theatre patrons in Chicago theatre organ it has a dearth of unifica­ are in the wind. W. L. Perkins of the and New York may recall organist Ray­ tion, so little, in fact, that all 31 ranks Finders Music store says: "Mr. Gildred mond Lopatka. He is now enjoying a are served by a single row of stopkeys seems enchanted with the idea of a Brass success/ ul law practice on South La Salle around the horseshoe, with a few located Trumpet, so we are on the lookout for Street in the wind y city, and attending on the backboard above the Echo (top) one. This addition, plus some others we theatre organ concerts of the two Chi­ manual. The arrangement of manuals is have in mind, should result in a versatile cago area organizations . unique. The bottom manual is identified theatre instrument worthy of great as the "Orchestra " and has only six 8' artists." speaking voices, plus couplers. It's more George Lufkin from Shelton, Wash­ The "other" additions planned consist, of a solo manual. The next manual up is ington, sends the news that Sterling so far, of a Chrysoglott Harp ( the organ the "Great" with mainly acompaniment Theatres recently announced that the has only a wooden harp) and a second voices and some unification. The third Granada Organ Loft in Seattle would be­ Xylophone for the Main Chamber, plus manual, the "Swell," has the most the­ some additional intermanual couplers. come a second-run theatre. The theatre atrical unification. The top manual con­ will be used most of the time for recent Bob Lewis, who makes his bread as an trols a two-chamber Echo organ in the electronics engineer, gives much credit second-run films, but Sterling has prom­ back of the house . Then there is one ised the non-profit Granada Organ Loft to the concrete building and the smog­ chamber called an "Ancillary " which has free San Diego atmosphere for the state organization several weekends a year to no manual at all, although it has a sepa­ show silent films and present organ reci­ of preservation of the instrument. He rate swell pedal to control its volume. says, "We never found one air leak or tals. In addition, short organ recitals will It 's a five-rank string section and it can be included in programs of recent films. even an 'open ' or 'shorted ' electrical cir­ be switched to three of the four manuals. cuit once the console was repaired and Lou DuMoulin, organist, says that the The Pedal division has six 16' voices, a silents will appear almost monthly, lim­ reconnected. Despite some missing and 32' Diapason "resultant, " but only four damaged pipework, it's encouraging to iting the kinds of silents to be shown to 8' stops . find so much on an instrument in excel­ the more popular classics such as "The Although the layout and unification Gold Rush," "Phantom of the Opera " lent condition after so many dormant leave something to be desired, the actual years." This also says much for the origi­ and "The Thief of Bagdad." ranks are most theatrical in their nomen­ nal Robert Morton quality and crafts­ clature, as a look at the accompanying manship. Utterly Useless Information Dept.: stop list will prove. The pipework is As for the missing pipes, they are installed in five chambers, two on the mostly a few here and there, stolen over During the summer of 1968, organists left side of the theatre, one on the right the years as souvenirs. One rank of Vic Hammett and George Wright had side, and in two Echo organ chambers . strings looks as though someone, per­ something besides music in common , Most of the group agree that the haps one of the air conditioner installers, rather, lack of something-big toenails. high point of the restoration work had fallen bodily into the pipes. Some was hearing the organ speak for the While George was hobbling about his can be salvaged, others must be replaced, first time in many years. Next to and the group has an weather eye out studio wearing a left shoe from which that comes the whirlwind visit of for broken sets containing the missing the top had been cut away, Vic was prac­ Dave Schutt, a pipe aficionado of pipes . The pipework must be complete ticing for his concert at the LA Wiltern many years and one with oodles of before big events can be scheduled. But Theatre with a fully shoed but tender know-how. As work progressed it with the lion's share of the project be­ right foot. Both nails had been lost as became apparent that the pipes hind them and a friendly, enthusiastic would soon have to he tuned. Up in owner egging the group on, there 's• no the result of injuries. By the time this San Jose ( near San Francisco), Dave doubt that the mighty San Diego Fox reaches print, nature should have had Schutt got wind of the situation, organ will once again sing out in all its plenty of time to make amends . loaded 200 pounds of organ tuning former glory . -Bert Brouillon october 1968 28 STOP LIST ROBERT MORGAN ORGAN ••••••••••••••••••••• m the Fox Theatre, San Diego, California PEDAL SWELL MANUAL i CHAPSNAPSi 32' Diapson Resultant (3rd from Bottom) 16' Ophecleide *Open Diapson-32 unenclosed 16' Tuba Tibia ••••••••••••••••••••• wooden pipes located over Proscenium Arch Bass Flute Tibia Contra Viol Bourdon 8' Tuba* Lieblich Gedeckt (in Echo) Principal* Violone Violin Diapason* B' Open Diapson (Metal) Tibia* Tibia Concert Flute* Concert Flute Violin I * Bass Viol Violin II* 8' Clarinet* 4' Tuba Vox Humana* Pedal Couplers: Quintadena * 8' Pedal to Pedal 4' Clarion 8' Great to Pedal Octave 8' Swell to Pedal Orch. Flute 8' Orch. to Pedal Violina* Pedal 2nd Touch: 3 Rank Mixture*-183 pipes Bass Drum 2 2/3' Nazard Snare Drum 2' Piccolo Tympani l 3/5' Tierce Cymbal Wood Harp Crash Cymbal Xylphone Orch. Bells Couplers: ECHO ORGAN (Top Manual) 16' Swell to Swell Righthand rear Chamber: 4' Swell to Swell 16' Lieblich Gedeckt* 16' Orch to Swell B' Klein Gedeckt* 8' Orch to Swell 4' Orch to Swel I Couplers: 16' Echo to Echo SWELL 2nd Touch: 4' Echo to Echo 8' Tuba CHICAGO'S OWN HAL PEARL was selected organist for the National Demo­ Lefthand rear Chamber: Tibia cratic Convention. He chose and played Hammond Organ Company's largest 8' Fern Flute (tapered)* 4' Piccolo Viol Ethoria* entertainment organ-The Hammond Model X-66 Vox Humana* Hal shared the bandstand with the huge 50-piece Lou Breeze Orchestra. ANCILLARY ORGAN- While the organ played with the orchestra, Hal's chance for solo came at ORCHESTRA MANUAL No manual; separate unit playable intermissions and after midnight-after the orchestra went home-sometimes from SWELL, ORCH., or GREAT playing as late as 3:00 a.m. (Bottom manual) manuals. Chamber in left-front side Hal said it was a lively experience riding to and from the Convention 8' Muted Trumpet* of theatre with separate swell shoe Oboe Horn* on the console. Hall with delegates and convention officials and always with a police escort. Saxophone* 8' Violin* He also said he was most delighted when some of the musicians compli­ Kinura* mented him on the unusual percussion effects of the organ and how he Doppel Flute* Viol Celeste* Solo String* Viol Vibrata* used them. Viol Sordo* Couplers: 4' Violetta 16' Orch to Orch 4' Orch to Orch 16' Swell to Orch COMBINATION PISTONS 8' Orch to Orch 4' Orch to Orch (Adjustable) 8' Ancillary on Swell GREAT MANUAL Ancillary on Orch. Ancillary on Great (2nd from Bottom) ANCILLARY Couplers: -6' Viol Cello 4 for Echo manual 8' Tuba 8 for Swell manual Baritone (Diapson) B for Great manual Violin Diapson 8 for Orchestra manual Tibia 4 for Ancillary Concert Flute Violin I Wind supplied by 440-volt, 3-phase, Violin II 25 horsepower Spencer Orgoblo Clarinet with separate 75-ampere, 12-volt Vox Humana Quintadena direct current generator for low -4' Orch. Flute voltage power. Violina 2' Piccolo The total of 31 ranks is arrived at Wood Harp by including the 32-note wooden Xylophone pedal Diapson and each rank of Orch. Bells the 3 rank Mixture as separate RON WARD plays the 3-16 Mostly­ DON MYERS of Puget Sound Chap­ Snare Drum voices. By the more usual method Tambourine of counting voices the total would Wurlitzer at John Demiller's in ter claims he 'found' the 5-manual, Castanets West Palm Beach during recent very-Wurlitzer-like console at which Wood Drum be 28 ranks. Tom-Tom South Florida Chapter meeting. he is pictured in the basement of * Indicates basic rank. Couplers: the former Meridian Theatre in 16' Great to Great Seattle. More, Don! 4' Great to Great 16' Orch to Great 8' Orch to Great WURLITZER HOPE-JONES Residence Style 4' Orch to Great TREMOLOS 16' Swell to Great Echo 8' Swell to Great Ancillary Two-Manual, Four-Rank Pipe Organ 4' Swell to Great Orchestra Manual chest includes diapason, string, flute and vox. Offsets include two 6-note GREAT 2nd Touch: Wood chests for 16-foot bourdon, diapason, string, flute and chimes. Restoration not 8' Tuba Brass 4' Baritone Main Vox quite complete, but installed and operating. Console and all ivories excellent Tibia Echo Vox condition. Blower, two generators, battery and all controls included. Violin thimes Best offer over ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS. Triangle SPECIAL EFFECT I'll help you dismantle, you pay transportation. Phone: (607) 562-8733 Bird 2 Birds GREAT 2nd Touch Couplers: 5 Birds or write: LYMAN H. HOWE, RD 1, Big Flats, New York 14814. 8' Orch to Great 8 Birds

29 theatre organ bombarde heard in this excellent acoustical setting neapolis. With only a short time to spend just forty years ago. Talent was plentiful, with us, he was put on the spot to play the session starting off with Esther Hig­ immediately. Talk about going on cold, gins, well known DV teacher and author Gordon neither knew our members nor who has frequently played this instru­ the organ, but both members and organ ment. Following Esther were Al Her­ showed instant resp on s e to him. We manns, Shirley Hannum and Mi 1ton hope he comes to future meetings and Satchell, a former theatre organist from promise him a chance to use a folding the Atlantic City area. Biff Claflin, Leo chair before the Howard Seat. Bolbecker and Andy Casperi took their Dodds gave an accounting of the or­ turns at the bench, followed by Dennis gans he has seen and played during his ••••••• ••••••• James, who had performed at the ATOE Navy travels, such as the 3-M Wurlitzer convention in Detroit in 1967. Also in a department score in Tokyo, where ~ ~A...._V heard were Garret Paul, Dottie Mac­ the ivories are not glued down but fas­ Ill Ill Clain, Grant Whitcomb and Marshall tened with four brass screws. Dodds' Ladd. Anchor man for the affair was performance at the Wurlitzer made it •CHAPTERNEWS• Lowell Ayars, who graciously waited hard to believe he has been away from Be sure you mail all Chapter News to: until the end to play since he had played it for a year. A. T.0.£.-P.O. Box 7404, Bitter Lake Sta­ many times before, having been house - Irene Blegen tion, Seattle, Wn. 98133 organist in this very theatre. Secretary - Grant Whitcomb DELAWARE VALLEY LOS ANGELES LAND O'LAKES The search for a proper location for The fall season of theatre organ activ­ the Sedgwick Moller continues. We Our annual picnic July 21, again host­ ity began on Sunday, Sept. 15, with a thought we were all set last month but ed by Ethel and Don Taft, seems to be concert by John Ledwon on the 4-man­ complications arose to make installation the one event of the year dedicated to ual, 61-rank Robert Morton in the Elks impossible. It is hoped that our mem­ the Little Organ Orphans-our children. Building audicorium. This was preceded bership understands the complications Horseback riding, tractor · rides, pony in the morning by a jam session on the involved in finding a spot that will suit rides-this year also a pony cart-plus 4-M, 37-R Kimball in the Wiltern The­ us completely. This is a very complicated the Taft hospitality make for quire a day. atre. It is planned to schedule jam ses­ problem involving details ranging from A first for our chapter-a work meet­ sions the same day as the club's concerts, the field of engineering through to legal ing was held August 10th at Doris and at the alternate location. A member may considerations. We have laid down cer­ Ed Bo row i ec's new home. About ten then hear two different organs during a tain ground rules relating to our reten­ members showed up to help with the in­ single day, and may play one of them tion of ownership, availability of the in­ stallation of Ed's 2-M Special B Wurlit­ himself. strument, proper size of location, the zer. Currently four ranks are being in­ In order co develop interest in theatre expense involved, and numerous other stalled in two chambers. Ac a later date organ music among young people, ar­ important factors. All this is taking time another four or five ranks will be added. rangements are being made co invite and a tremendous amount of hard work Ed reports much was accomplished and school music classes, Boy and Girl Scout and research on the part of just a few the work meeting highly successful. groups, etc., co each of the chapter's con­ individuals. Please support these dedi­ Our meeting at the Harold Peterson certs. It is hoped chat a number of cated members by your continued home in August found the customary in­ younger generation theatre organ fans patience. formal friendliness of the Pecersons add­ will develop. Recent events were quite successful in ing much to the success of the meeting. The LA Chapter has been assisting a spite of limited attendance. At the It was hosted by the Petersons as a wel­ local community in the acquisition and Tower Theatre in July, a morning of come home party for Dodds Peterson, on installation of a theatre pipe organ in organ music provided by many of our Navy leave from Vietnam. With Dodds their civic audicorium. Effort is in prog­ local talents was climaxed by Don Kin­ as master of the organ we had the spe­ ress to establish an arrangement whereby nier, who did a magnificent job accom­ cial effects of a 36" Chinese gong he chapter members will be able co practice panying a silent comedy ( cold, too! ) . brought home from Hong Kong, master­ on the Elks building Morton when the Great credit is due to house organist Bob fully struck on cue by Harold Peterson audicorium is not in use. Details of the Lent and his hard - working associates, - about which Dodds said they finally plan have been sent to the membership who have brought this instrument back found an instrument his Dad could play. for their consideration. to full and glorious voice. Another first at the Peterson home is Members are looking forward to a To those of you who did nor get up closed-circur television - permitting the number of coming events. These include to the bash at the Cinema Club in Dur­ overflow crowd to be upstairs and still the Occober general membership meet­ yea, Pa. - our regrets. We had a ball! In see and hear the organ. ing, a concert during Occober, the No­ addition to good food and drink, we We had two featured organises. Kathy vember public concert featuring Dick were royally entertained by host-organist Kaye, a local organist, is new to the pipe Leibert of the Radio City Music Hall, Henry Lee at the 4-manual Kimball. A organ but dedicated co it. With only and a joint AGO-ATOE Christmas Party similar function was planned for Sept. three practice sessions, she certainly gave Dec. 12. This latter event will feature 15 at Surf City Hotel, Surf City, N. J., an outstanding concert. Mike Kline, who Gaylord Carter, cueing a Harold Lloyd with a 3-15 Wurlitzer available. also plays locally, is adept at variation. silent movie. Are AGO members be­ On Aug. 25th, in spite of a heat wave, His concert included something for ev­ coming theatre organ fans? the meeting at the Broadway Theatre in eryone and was excellent. The LA Chapter of A TOE has a new Pitman, N. J., was a great success. This An unexpected bonus was the arrival official mailing address. It is P. 0. Box spotless little theatre sports a 3-8 Kim­ of Gordon Krise, formerly from the De­ 482, West Covina, Calif. 91790. ball in fine condition which was first troit, Mich., area, now -playing in Min- -Ray Bonner

october 1968 30 MID AMERICA chapter is planning to present Bob Foley and the organ was built and placed at The chapter has acquired a club-owned in concert, along with a silent movie that time. and a special film presentation. pipe organ. The organ was originally in­ NORTH TEXAS stalled in Plymouth Cong reg at ion al After the business meeting, the 2-m, Church, Wichita, by the Reuter Pipe 7-r Hinners pipe organ was enjoyed by This chapter, recently established in Organ Co., Lawrence, Kas., in the early the members with several playing. This the Dallas area, has several projects go­ 1930's and was replaced with a larger instrument was formerly in the Mt. Car­ ing. For example, member R. A. Free­ Reuter by the church early in 1959. mel Academy here in Wichita and was man is building a home surrounding a When the 2-manual, 16-rank organ was removed by Tom when the school moved pipe organ. In this new home he will removed from the church, it was placed to new quarters. The organ was origi­ have a circular room 40 feet in diameter. in storage until our chapter purchased nally a tracker, but was electrified a num­ le will have a 32-foot ceiling. In fact, in it in August of this year. Upon first in­ ber of years ago. A Vox Humana was his new domicile, some 2000 feet of spection everything looks to be in good added, along with chimes, to the original floor space will be set aside for the in­ shape and can probably be reinstalled six ranks of pipes. The next meeting will stallation of the pipe organ. without having any major work done to be held at the home of Bob Foley and "Actually," he says, "we are building it when we find a new home to put it in. David Dillon, where work is in process the house around the organ. I have been The first meeting of the 1968-69 sea­ on the installation of the 4-24 pipe working on the plans for about a year." son was held at Chairman Tom Cusick's organ, a combination of Barton and Freeman, a Ling-Timco-Vought execu­ tive, is one of 35 members of the North home on Aug. 9th, to make plans for Wurlitzer. Texas Chapter of A.T.O.E. Many of them the fall projects. The project receiving the most attention is that of the comple­ NEW YORK already have organs installed in their tion work on home installations. Seven homes. Others, like Freeman, are draw­ The New York Chapter began the fal] ing elaborate plans. members have pipe organs planned, in season with a nice looking four page process of installation, or completed. newsletter known as "New York Theatre Along with the club organ, we now have Organ." Plans are to publish bi-monthly . eight instruments, with nine !~.nsoles It is edited by Bon Smith and John and a total of 88 ranks of pipes. Bittner. Plans are being made for the comple­ Plans for the season include a program tion of the chapter project in Miami, by Don Baker at the Rahway Theatre, Okla., at the Coleman Theatre where a Rahway, New Jersey on October 23rd. Wurlitzer, style 160 special ( 3-m, 7-r) The Organ is a Wurlitzer Style E now speaks again, thanks to the efforts 2-m/ 7-r. It has been restored by ATOE of Mrs. Oneta Puckette, who has led a members. "one-woman crusade" for the restoration A seven ➔ rank Kimball in the Lyn­ of this fine installation in a 1,300-seat brook, New Jersey Theatre is now in the theatre. The organ was installed in June process of restoration with ATOE mem­ of 1929 and was played regularly until bers, headed by John Bittner doing the about 1950 when a new manager was laborious chore of bringing another appointed there. After the organ fell Theatre organ back to life. into disuse, the solo side was badly dam­ aged by a leaking roof. Not enough of to be of any use to the organist. Mrs. NIAGARA FRONTIER the Tibia, Vox or Trumpet ranks played On July 31st, John Muri played t0 a NOR-TEX CHAPTER'S E. M. Johnson (foreground) Puckette discovered the organ when they full house at the Riviera Theatre, North and R. A. Freeman look over some of the pipe­ moved to the nearby town of Jay, Okla., Tonawanda, New York. John presented work in Johnson's home threatre organ instal­ 1962, and has since carried out her a varied program from "March Mili­ lation.-Photo: Courtesy of THE DALLAS TIMES­ HERALD. dream of having the organ resrnred. She taire" t0 "Born Free". He included some contacted Bob Foley in the summer of Jesse Crawford numbers of which Jesse's Charlie Evans is a professional organ­ 1966 to ask his help. He and David radio theme song "Blue Twilight" was ist who was once employed by KRLD Dillon have spent a number of weekends especially noteworthy. It was a superb radio and TV. He resigned to teach the in Miami after driving 200 miles from concert and the appreciative audience organ full time, and has an organ in his Wichita, doing everything that needed gave Mr. Muri a standing ovation. home. John Beck, an airline pilot, has a to be done to put it in first class condi­ The Riviera Wurlitzer was recently T.O. stored which came from the Kirby tion. The chapter adopted this as a proj­ recorded by organist-composer, Carlron Theatre in Houston. He is going to add ect in 1967 and helped with the expense Finch. The recording includes an origi­ on to his house to accommodate it. of needed new items. On the last trip nal composition, 'Niagara Falls Sym­ Among members of the local club are Tom Cusick and Victor Rork went along phonette". The Niagara Falls Gazette Gordon Wright, president of the Re­ to help and spent three days finishing Reviewer described the composition as public Savings and Loan; E. M. Johnson, up the needed work. similar t0 Grofe's "Grand Canyon Suite" group leader for electrical design at Bell One more trip will be necessary to put -a musical picture of nature. Helicopter; Allen White, representative the organ in topnotch shape, but the re­ The Niagara Frontier newsletter, "Si­ for Twentieth Century Fox and Bill sults of the work are quite evident when lent Newsreel " also reports that Colin Green, director of mechanical engineer­ the organist finds that all pipes play in­ Corbett is currently playing the Hil­ ing of LTV. stead of a few. Mrs. Puckette spent her green-Lane organ at the Odeon-Carlton The club is planning to sponsor the own money, earned by giving piano les­ Theatre in Toronto on Saturday eve­ appearance of Gaylord Carter at the Pal­ sons, to have the console refinished and nings at the nine p.m. intermission. This ace Theatre in Dallas, along with a silent now it both looks and sounds like new. 3-manual, 19-rank organ is probably the film. It may be recalled that the Palace April of 1969 will be the 40th anniver­ most recent new theatre pipe organ in­ houses a late Publix #1, 4-manual, 20- sary of the Coleman Theatre and our stallation. The theatre was built in 1948 rank Wurlitzer.

31 theatre organ bombarde OREGON land , Paul Abernathy, Jane Sparks, Doug­ ists were invited on the spot co play a las Spivey, and Marion Marcin guided it duet. How they determined who would The Oregon Chapter has had two good play which organ is still a mystery, but summer meetings this year. The first was through a variety of musical scylings. held at the home of Bob and Nadine The 2-8 Robert Morron organ of the I think they must have drawn straws­ Rickett in northeast Portland which now demolish~d Center Theatre in Dur­ Woody Presho played the pie Wurli and houses a three-manual double bolster ham, presented co a private college by fearless Dick "he' 11 p 1a y anything" Wurlitzer with all the goodies in the the theatre and removed for the college Schrum played the Kabinec. From then book-gleaming Brass Trumpets and Sax, by our chapter , has been obtained by Dr. on it was every man for himself-all un­ spicy English Horn, grating Krummett , Paul Abernathy . We are happy co learn rehearsed and hilarious. ( Martha , you pungent strings , sobbing tibias, etc. that this .fine instrument , loved by all better watch that Schrum guy-you have Andy Crow- artist with the Rogers Piedmonters , is back in our midst and competition! ) Organ Company - played a delightful will soon be playing again. This puts It was about 30 minutes lacer that concert on this organ. Andy knows this Paul in chat rare group of ATOE mem­ Korla Pandit was introduced and could organ intimately and really brought out bers chat own cwo theatre organs. Con­ get his magic carpet back off "tilt " with its best. gratulations, Paul, and thanks for rescu­ his musical around the world tour with The business end of the meeting in­ ing our baby! the exotic Pandit sound. volved adopting our constit~1cion and by­ laws. The incorporation of our chapter A shore walk cook us co the St. An­ is now officially completed .. drews-Wesley Church to hear the tre­ PUGET SOUND mendous 4-96 Grand Organ played and Our August meeting was a Sunday described by its builder, Herald Keefer . potluck at the home of Ted and Cathy That magic carpet got loose again Enthralled describes the audience when Marks. The event was co have been a around Puget Sound and headed straight picnic on their spacious grounds-with north co Vancouver, B.C. for our second Mr. Keefer .finished playing. A jam ses- swimming pool. However, a cool rainy week drove us indoors. Thank goodness, Ted has only partially filled up his base­ ment with his 3-manual 20-rank Kim­ ball. So the food was terrific and the or­ gan never sounded better. The artist for the day was our good friend from the Puget Sound Chapter­ Don French. Don played a variety of songs-from very old co very new with chat theatre organ style that makes him such a favorite around here. Our business meeting involved plans for several fall concerts. - Gordon Potter Sec'y.-Treas. VANCOUVER DAY FOR PUGET SOUNDERS included a concert by Koria Pandit, shown at left at the console of the Vancouver Orpheum 3-11 Wurlitzer, and a stunt duet at TWO organs by Woody PIEDMONT Presho at the Orpheum Wurli, and ex-National Prez Dick Schrum on the Hallman 2-3 Kabinet Orgel. The trustees of Southeastern Com­ sion ( yes, really) on chis great organ· munity College have informed Piedmont annual visitation day, chis time co again Chairman Marion Martin with deepest hear Korla Pandic 's concert, but what brought some very beautiful music by regrets, chat they will be unable co cake happened? After sitting through and en­ Dan Adamson, Tom Kaasa, Dick RKO 's offered organ, as the College joying a delightful concert by Vancou­ Schrum , Korla Pandit and Bill Hale. Architect says the space needed for the ver's Frank Menkin, we expected co The luncheon at the Chez Paree in installation of the instrument in the audi­ have Korla appear; but instead it was nearby Burnaby, B.C. brought more mu­ torium will be utilized in the immediate announced by the master of ceremonies , sic on a well known plug-in from Dick , expansion plans of the college. Ac this Ted Holmes, chat they had two com­ Woody, Tom Kaasa, Wally Stephenson time the chapter is looking for a home plete organs---=the big Wurlitzer in the and Bill Hale . Visitors were welcome for the instrument. If you know of a pit and a second organ on the stage. The and invited to play a Seeburg-Smich 2-7 high school, college, or civic center chat curtains opened and what appeared de­ Unit Orchestra housed in a seminary in can meet the agreements discussed at the served another look. Here was what nearby Burnaby . Also, opened for visi­ last meeting , lee Marion know at once. looked like a kitchen cabinet copped We would hate to lose this instrument. tors was the beautiful home of Charles with small glass shutters. From behind & Blanche MacKenzie for a rousing jam A small but dedicated audience of the shutters stood the cutest sec of Piedmoncers gathered in Greensboro 's session on their snappy 2-15 Robert beautiful Carolina Theatre, August 11 ch pipes! Where you would expect co find Morton-a real collector 's item from the for a most delightful program of organ the knives and forks were the two manu­ original Vancouver Pancages Theatre by music, made even more enjoyable by the als and on each side were the famous w.ay of. Sc. Phillips Church. comfort and beauty of the recently re­ pull scops. It was a 2-3 Judiciously Uni­ Thus ended another fun day-a very furbished palace . fied draw knob Kabinet Organ, manu­ musical one-in Vancouver, with every­ The mighty Morton, while badly in factured by Hallman Organ Co. in one well satisfied and looking forward need of tuning, never sounded': better Kitchener, Ontario. co many more yearly visits . than it did as organises Frank B. Nether- Two of our most famous local organ- -Mildred Lawrence october 1968 32 ST. LOUIS ter but temporarily on duty at Chanute who have ever been involved with in­ May 29th, St. Louis Chapter was hon­ AFB at Rantoul, Ill., drove the 170 miles stalling an organ know the extent of ored by an invitation from the Scottish to St. Louis after making a long-distance money, time and sweat to accomplish Rite to hold our meeting at the Scottish phone call to us just to talk about theatre the feat, and then it's never really fin­ Rite Cathedral. About 150 people, mem­ organs. Although he cl a i med he was ished. Hats are off to Bob and Vivian bers of A TOE and the Scottish Rite, at­ rusty from being away from an organ so for providing a successful chapter meet­ tended. After a short business meeting, long, we really thought his playing was ing and allowing us at long last to see George Swett showed movies of the re­ great. and hear what they've been doing. moval of the St. Louis Theatre Kimball; Detroit Chapter Chairman (now Na­ Indication was made as to progress of then Emil Corte, assistant organist of the tional President) Al Mason and wife, the Calvin Jureit organ currently under­ Scottish Rite, explained some of the his­ Betty, stopped off in St. Louis on the going modification and addition of three tory and_ i n t ere s ti n g facts about the way to the Convention to visit with Stan ranks. Contact has also been made with building. We next went on a tour of Kann and the Fox, and with Fred Pills­ the Olympia Theatre manager in down­ the building, including the organ cham­ bury and his home Wurlitzer which is town Miami relative to resuming work bers. Stan Kann and Dale Zieger were nearing completion. on that Wurlitzer style 260. Reception Dr. Bob Hines, from Cedar Rapids, among those who played the Kimball was very gratifying as Mr. James Bar­ Iowa ( I hope that's right), called up concert organ. nett, resident manager, indicated they while he was in town and inquired about The June meeting was held at the would welcome a conscientious resump­ home of Paul and Billie Coates. The our Kirkwood installation. Sorry, but we tion of organ restoration. Coates home has several musical instru­ have about two more years' work on it -G. W. Gerhart ments, including a pipe organ under con­ to go. He reports a lot of TO activity struction, p 1 ayer grand piano, harpsi­ in his area, with two organs going in chord, and player reed organ. theatres and soon a new ATOE chapter. QrlnstugQrqnrh St. Louis Chapter does not have meet­ We wish them good luck, and keep up ings in the summer but work on the the good work. Future plans here include another si­ THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDElearns organ project continues. With the relay lent movie and concert in October. Stan with regret of the passing of two ATOE overhaul finished, we are now working Kann will be the artist. We expect an Chapter Chairmen. Ron Freeman, chair­ on the console. With two magnets, two man of the recently organized South primaries and two secondary pneumatics overflow crowd. Everyone in St. Louis has heard Stan at the Fox, but doing a Texas Chapter, and Chicago Chapter for every stop tablet, the job will take silent film will show another facet of chairman Bob Mueller were both taken quite awhile but good progress is being his talent. The next chapter meetings are suddenly and within a few days of each made; all secondaries being already fin­ scheduled for the third Sunday evenings other. Sympathy of the National and the ished. We have also started on releather­ in September, October and November at membership is extended to the families ing percussion actions and some chests. the Kirkwood, Mo., Community Center and many friends of the two men. Labor Day found our "organ moving at 7:30 p.m. Georgia Templeton, organist who club" at work again. We move d the toured the major vaudeville circuits, died Wurlitzer console and relay from one SOUTH FLORIDA in Roseburg, Ore., April 28. She also storage place to another. This console Sunday evening, August 4th, fifty toured as part of a mentalist act with and relay ( originally model 235) is for members and guests descended upon the her brother, George Lovett. Survived by sale. We expect to move parts of our Coral Gables home of Bob and Vivian a sister, Elsa Lovett, who is a violinist. lift and the blower to the Kirkwood Andre for an official unveiling of their auditorium soon. 2-12 theatre organ. By ranks it's like Visitors are always welcomed by St. Louis Chapter, even though we haven't many theatre organs going. Paul Flem­ ing, formerly of Syracuse, N. Y., and the NOW Empire State Museum project, who now AVAILABLE lives in Kansas City, dropped in for a visit one evening in June while we were working on the console. We had a good an exact time talking over various problems and duplicate experiences of organ rebuilding. of the Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Smith of Los An­ geles were out St. Louis way after attend­ •' ing a Theatre Projectionist Convention FAMOUS in Kansas City. Mr. Smith is a projec­ SOUTH FLORIDA veteran• theatre organist Harry tionist at the Pantages Theatre on Hol­ Begrelow at the console of Robert Andre's 2-12 HOWARD lywood Boulevard. Dale and Barbara Morton-Wurlitzer-Moller during the chapter's Zieger, our newlyweds, gave the Smiths August 4th meeting. "WONDER" SEAT the after-hours "Cook's Tour" of the Fox this: 6 Morton, 4 Wurlitzer, and 2 Mol­ Theatre and organ. Dale is assistant or­ ler. Originally the basic organ was a 2-7 5 F.O.B. ganist at the Fox. Morton which came from Willoughby, 16000 DES MOINES, IOWA August 18th was the chapter picnic at Ohio ( Dick Hull started on this one). Also Howard seat replacement castings the Ziegers' home. A sudden rainstorm Since then Bob has enlarged it accord­ and Wurlitzer Black Cap magnet coils. kept everyone inside for an hour or so ingly, making the installation in two but the time was spent listening to rec­ very divided chambers. In the course KEYBOARD ENTERTAINMENT ords and playing Dale's highly custom­ of the evening the organ was played by PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING CO . ized Conn organ. Lt. Mark Scaramella, chairman John Steele, Harry Gabrelow 2117 .Wlh SI., DES MOINES, IOWA 50310 a member of Northern California Chap- and Dr. Robert Edwards. Only those

33 theatre organ bombarde July 1923 (D) At the fifth annual GOLD DUST: Here are the Loews convention of organ builders, DAVID Theatre organists of the New York area, MARR of the Marr & Colton Co. was as listed in the July 1927 American elected vice-president. M. P. MOLLER, Organist: EDNA GuTTRIDGE and BETTY CHARLES C. KILGEN, ERNEST M. COHEN, Aldine; MRS. F. S. ADAMS, SKINNER and FARNEY R. WUR­ American; ROSE GRUNBOCK and FLOR­ LITZER were elected directors. ENCE FITZGERALD, Astoria; HENRY HUMPHRIES,Avenue B; SASABARBARIA, Aug. 1925 (M) Midmer-Losh, organ Bay Ridge; N. EPSTEIN, Bedford; MR. builders of Merrick, Long Island, have PARKER and MR. BEEBE, Bijou; VIC­ installed the first 7-octave organ in Chris­ tian Church, Miami. It was so successful, TORIA POWNALL and PAUL ALDAG, N"tTGGETB the firm is putting out a special 3-manual Borough Park; LAURETTA G. FALLON, theatre organ with two 5-octave manuals, Boulevard; GRACE MADDEN and MRS. from the the lowest a 7 - octave. Keith's Hippo­ ELLIOTT, Brevoort; MARY HUNTER and GOI ,DEN" D.A-Y-B drome in New York has a 3-manual M-L BETTY JENKINS, Broadway; F. K. special and is interested in the new THIELE, and ESTELLESCHODR, Burland; organ. FREDERICK KINSLEY is the MR. WILL IAMS ON and Miss M. A. organist. Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos MEDER,Burnside; JULIA WOHLSTADTER and MILDRED LANTZ, Circle; WILLARD Though the weather has been hot Sept. 1925 (M) Pedal bourdon BETTSand MILDREDLIEGE, Coney Island; up in the draw, Jason and I have pipes of 32-foot length have been JOHN LANG, Delancy; CHARLES CHAP­ come up with a few items taken received at the new Keith-Albee LAIN and BEATRICE BERNSTEIN, Els­ from American Organist (AO), Di­ Theatre in Boston from the Wurlit­ mere; E.1. GANNON and JOHN MULLER, apason (D), Jacobs (J) and Melody zer plant. Other features of the 3- 83rd St.; GEORGE STEVENSONand MRS. (M). manual organ are double-touch, STEINER, 42nd St.; ADELE BLAIR, Gates; thunder peal, Swiss bells and fog JOHN WARD, Grand; PEGGY GRIFFIN March 1912 ( D ) The Union Pacific siren. and Burlington Railroads agreed, as part and NETTIE CHASIN, Greely Square; consideration for the right to lay tracks ZEB HAMIL TON, Hillside; MERLE June 1930 ( D ) Six boys, ranging in VEACH and MRS. W. SCHAEFFER, In­ on Market Street in Denver, to give the age from 14 to 17 years, were arrested city $50,000 for a large organ for the after having broken into the Garden wood; Miss DE POYSTER and MISS Municipal Auditorium. (This organ was Theatre, Richmond Hill, N. Y., where O'NEILL, Kam e o ; MARSH MCCURDY later built by Wurlitzer and voiced by they wrecked the organ, carrying off the and THEODORA BROOKS, Lexington; ROBERT HOPE-JONES .) pipes, which they were plotting to sell KAI BROVALL,Lincoln Square; GRANT for junk. COPELAND,Livingston; JOHN GART and Sept. 1912 (D) The theatre situation VERA KITCHEN, Metropolitan; ALBERT in the country is growing more favor­ WEIL and EDITH WIMMER, Mt. Vernon; Sour Grapes Department able to organ builders and organists. In LOUISE SORENSEN, N a t i on a l ; MRS. Chicago, orchestras have been eliminated July 19 3 3 (AO) uy he innovations in­ FROSAand MR. HOLDEN, New Rochelle; in the theatres. At the McVickers The­ clude a color organ with 900 controls, Miss ALLEN and MRS. PATOFF, New atre, DR. LOUIS FALK has been en­ and a musical organ which can imitate York; HELEN MOYER, New York Roof ; anything from a squawk of a mouse to gaged to play the fine old organ which WILLIAM EDWARDS and MISS MAR­ had stood in the house unused for years. the roar of thunder," says one of the N. Y. newspapers of the Music Hall in CHAL, 116th St.; GLADYS GOODING, Orpheum ( the same Gladys Gooding Oct. 1914 (D) ROBERT HOPE­ Rockefeller Center. Musically, therefore , who played the pipe organ for the JONES, 5 5, ended his life in a Roch­ Radio City's boasted Music Hall offers ester, N.Y., rooming house on Sep­ no encouragement for true organ liter­ Dodgers at Ebbetts Field years later); tember 14. He was held by a coro­ ature, organ composers, organ recitalists HARRY ROSEELE, Palace; HAROLD ner's jury to have been temporarily or the brand of organ building we all BECKETT, Premier; HENRIETTA KAM­ ERN, and MRS. Ev ANS, Rio ; MARIE insane. He had come to the U.S. respect. from England in 1903. LEWIS and Miss LIEBERMAN,7th Ave.; Dec. 1938 (D) DEZSO VON D'AN­ JOHN PROSSER and MR. SCHULZE, Sheridan Square; KATHERINE KADERLY TALLFY has been engaged by the Phil­ Dec. 1914 ( D ) The Beman Sym­ and EMMA HELLER, Spooner in Newark, phony Organ Co. of Binghamton, N.Y. , harmonic Symphony Society of N. Y. to succeed the late DR. MELCHIORRE New Jersey; HENRY V. ARANDS, State; will install a large organ in the Hippo­ CARL STEIZELL and ELEANOR HALEY, drome Theatre, Youngstown, Ohio. MAURO-COTTONE as organist. Mr. D'Antallfy is at present an organist at State; MARION BERGMAN, Victoria; Radio City Music Hall. EDYTHE BROOKS and VIOLET REISER, Feb. 1923 (]): MARY VOGT, organ­ Victory; R. S. WILLEVER, Willard; MR. ist at the Philadelph ia Wanamaker Store, GIDDINGS and IDA BRANDT, Woodside. deserves the credit for giving Philadel­ Jan. 1939 (D) HERBERT KOCH The organs in the New York Loews phians great musical events, such as the dedicated the new 4-manual Kilgen in Theatres were built mostly by Moller, the organ concert in December, honoring the studios of WLAC, Nashville, on largest being in the State on Broadway. the birth of composer Cesar Franck. An Dec. 5. Koch, who is regular organist at excellent organist herself, Miss Vogt has WHAS, Louisville, gave four recitals. At Jason and I now take to the trails for charge of all musical activities in both the evening broadcast, 1,000 persons some "bonus " nuggets for our holiday Wanamdker stores in Philadelphia and came to the studio to see the instrument column. See you sourdoughs in Decem­ New York. which they'd heard on the air. ber! Lloyd & Jason october 1968 34 SOUVENIRALBUM OF NIAGARA FALLS THE PERFECT GJ:FT AND COLLECTOR'S :ITEM ON CENTURY LABEL COMPOSED AND PERFORMED BY CARLTON FINCH ON THE MIGHTY WURLITZER THEATRE PIPE ORGAN

PLUS6 POPULAR SONG SOUVENIR RECORD of NIAGARAFALLS _, STEREOPHONIC

FAVORITESONSIDE 2 NIAGARA FALLS SYMPHONETTE Quote from the Niagara Falls Gazette re­ viewer : "The 'Symphonette' is not unlike Grofe's 'Grand Canyon Suite.' Through Carl­ ton Finch's artistry and fine instrumentation the pipe organ does capture the roar of the Falls, the spin of the whirlpool and the soft­ er sounds of Niagara. A creative remem­ brance of the Falls with a short narration of its history by Mrs. Laura C. Lapp." Poetess and creator of "Golden Key" radio program, Carlton Finch provided her music for a num­ ber of years. Album cover is a full-color aeri­ al view of Niagara Falls. Long-play record in stereo or mono, $5.25 postpaid. COMPOSED AND PERFORMED BY CARLTON FINCH ON THE MIGHTY WURLITZER THEATER PIPE ORGAN SIDE TWO - 6 POPULAR MUSICAL FAVORITES SEND ORDER *TO: FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE Car 1ton Finch 266 Sweeney Street TANGO OF LOVE CANADIAN CAPERS N. Tonawanda , New York LOVE IS A MANY SPLENDORED THING Zip Code 14120 BREEZE AND I NOW AND FOREVER Prompt Delivery ( ATOE Member) STOPLIST OF CAP'N'S GALLEY 3-12 MODEL R-20 PEDAL Salicional 8 Clarinet ( tc) 16 Kinura 4 Piccolo (Flute) 2 Tuba 16 Voix Celeste 8 English Post Horn (tc) 16 Chimes Chimes Bass 16 Flute 8 (was Oboe Horn) Chrysoglott NoTE: Original stop list Bourdon 16 Vox Humana 8 Contra Viol (tc) 16 Couplers: Solo to did not have percus­ Tuba 8 Kinura 8 Bourdon 16 Great Sub 16 sions listed below; Diapason 8 (was Dulciana) Trumpet (Brass) 8 Solo to Great Unison 8 added at present Tibia Clausa 8 Octave 4 Tuba 8 Solo to Great Octave 4 installation . Clarinet 8 Piccolo (Tibia) 4 Diapason 8 Marimba Harp Cello 8 Salicet 4 Tibia Clausa 8 SOLO Bass Drum Flute 8 Octave Celeste 4 Orchestral Oboe 8 Kettle Drum Flute 4 Tuba 16 Kinura 8 Clarinet 8 Trumpet ( Brass) 8 Snare Drum (was Dulciana) Vox Humana 4 English Post Horn 8 Crash Cymbal Kinura 4 Open Diapason 8 Couplers (was Oboe Horn) Tibia Clausa 8 Glockenspiel Accompaniment to Pedal Chrysog Iott Salicional 8 Tambourine Couplers Orchestral Oboe 8 Great to Pedal Voix Celeste 8 Clarinet 8 Castanets Solo to Pedal Solo to Accompaniment Flute 8 Triangle Sub 16 English Post Horn 8 Vox Humana 8 (was Oboe Horn) Brush Cymbal Solo to Accompaniment Kinura (was Dulciana) 8 and standard ACCOMPANIMENT Unison 8 Salicional 8 Contra Viol (tc) 16 Octave 4 Flute 8 sound effects. Solo to Accompaniment Piccolo (Tibia) 4 Tuba 8 Octave 4 Vox Humana 8 Tremulants: Open Diapason 8 Salicet 4 Octave 4 Solo-Main-Vox-Tuba Tibia Clausa 8 GREAT Octave Celeste 4 Piccolo (Tibia) 4 No Second Touch Clarinet 8 Tuba 16 Flute 4 Salicet 4 Two Swell Pedals ­ English Post Horn 8 Bass 16 Twelfth (Flute) 2-2/3 Flute 4 Crescendo Pedal (was Oboe Horn ) Tibia Clausa ( tc) 16 Piccolo (Flute) 2 Twelfth (Flute) 2-2/3 Five Pistons per manual (Story on Page 14)

35 theatre organ bombarde veteran theatre organist for nearly a half­ Yankee Organ Music, Dick recorded the century. And Del's sidekick, "Dinny music on the instrument with which he Timmins," is enjoying his "comeback" is so closely associated, the concert be­ ( after 40 years) in the pages of the L. A. hemoth in the John Hay Hammond Mu­ Organists' Breakfast Club publication, seum in Gloucester, Mass .... The Toc­ Off the Keyboards. Dinny's brand of sub­ cata from the Widor Fifth has long been English has caught on and his column, a concert favor i t e in the "fireworks" appropriately called "The Elevator Shaft" classification . . . . ( after Dinny's former profession), seems destined for a long revival. Bur Dinny couldn't have done it without Del "Stereo" has finally nosed out "monau­ Castillo. ral" recording. From now on all new recording will be in stereo, whether jus­ tified or not (including one-chamber and Publishers Central Bureau, 33- 20 Now it can be told . The "30-rank Mor­ single-speaker organs, piano solos, vocal­ ists, harmonica soloists - areas where Hunters Point Avenue, Long Island City, ton" recorded a few years ago by Col. Harry J. Jenkins for his Consoling the two-point pickup adds nothing to the New York 11101 (an outfit we've Console disc release was actually the first illusion). The result: higher prices for checked out), can supply some collec­ recording to be made on the 4-61 Rob­ all records ( up to now buyers had a tors' items at only $1.00 each. For ex­ ert Morton in the Los Angeles Elks Tem­ choice) . Madison Avenue long ago de­ ample, "Al Melgard at the Chicago Sta­ ple . Contract arrangements precluded cided to "push" stereo, mainly because dium," 6-62 Barton (MP C 1630 mono, identification of the instrument at the there was more money to be made in selling equipment in duplicate ( two SPC-1631 stereo); Leon Berry's "Giant time the record was first released. Now re-released in a new jacket, it is available channels) and the buying public is the Wurlitzer Pipe Organ with Bells, Chimes in compatible stereo for $4.00 postpaid. loser. and Percussions" (MPC-1431 mono, Order from Grand Staff Records, Box SPC-1482 stereo) ; also Berry's "Best of 343, Pacoima, Calif. 91331. Included Theatre Organ" (MPC-1668 mono, SPC- among the selections is the only known The announcement to discontinue production of monaural recordings by 1669 stereo) and "Giant Wurlitzer recording of Jesse Crawford's radio the.me, Forgotten Melody . ... Concert the m a j o r s came in a chorus which Organ " Vol. 3 (MPC-1616 mono, SPC- Recording is experimenting with 45 rpm should be of interest to the Anti-Trust 161 7 stereo) . Add 2 5 cents handling as an alternate speed for more detailed D i vi s i on of the Justice Department. charge. These are long-discontinued and higher fidelity recording of organ Meanwhile there are some wonderful items and the Melgard record is the only music and has already issued a bellwether buys to be had in monaural "closeout" one of that unique behemoth ... . disc at that speed to help determine pref­ sales. erences. We can hardly wait for the day 7 8 rpm is rediscovered. In the light of Al Bollington 's "Organ Magic" platter today's audio developments 78 rpm Why do organists so often record the ( for Concert Recording) has one tune should equal 30 ips tape, which is stand­ same tunes? It used to be Laura, Ten­ that really qualifies as a "dream melody" ard in many areas of European recording. derly, Diane and Ch arm a in e which because Al actually gave birth to it dur­ showed up on practically every LP re­ ing a dream. He awakened at 3 a.m. to leased. Now it's Winchester Cathedral, write it down and listeners to Al's Wur­ Nonesuch Records will release the sel­ Georgie Girl, Thoroughly Modern Mil­ litzer plug-in disc may sample his dream dom-heard complete Fifth Symphony of lie, Alley Cat and Born Free. Organists by playing the cut, labeled "Hoe Down." Charles Marie Widor, played by our own planning recordings should be wise to And it's a lively dream sequence. In his Dick Ellsasser, about September 1. Like avoid those tunes. They've been "done dry British style of humor, Al under­ his initial disc for the Nonesuch label, to death." plays his part with, "Don't you feel that this is an unusual way to compose?" ... Don't be fooled by the tempting silhou­ ette of a five-manual console on the cover of "Jerry Burke," Ran wood R8011 ( ster­ MUSIGIFT eo), a reissue of tunes by the late Law­ Is pleased to announce rence Welk organist. Burke left a slew an exclusive mailing service- of Hammond sides but nothing played three current Liberty on pipes, although he started on pipes long before he became the first Welk JOHNNY DUFFY L.P. ORGAN RECORDINGS sideman in the late '30s .... Autumn Leaves, Born Free, The Look Of Love. Organist Lloyd del Castillo is not only $3.00 each, any three albums for only $8.00. an author ( a horrendous volume, entitled Prices include Postage and Tax "Alphabetical Primer of Organ Stops") Stereo or monaural, except The Look Of Love, available only in stereo. but also has a Concert Recording label platter out which features two mighty Please make checks to organs, the LA W iltern Theatre 4-3 7 Kimball and the 4-61 Morton in the MUSI GIFT L.A. Elks Building. It demonstrates P. 0. Box 35 much of the brand of pizazz which has Tarzana, Calif. 91356 forced straight organ fans to respect this october 1968 36 ESTGATE (Continued) j Where The BARYONS Were-Pt. 3 j TRE ORGAN B0MBARDE front for the In which organ builder Dan Barton continues his list of Barton installation. It should be kept in first time, it may be an idea to say a little mind that this list is not complete. Readers are encouraged to send in data on any Barton organs more on the activities and instruments not listed or those listed "theatre unknown." of these three. Starting with our friend, Dan Barton's first pit organs were designated 113½", 115'' and 11De Luxe" Bar­ Penn Hughes, who was a featured organ­ tolas. The 113½" (named for its wind pressure) consisted of two and one-half octaves ist in Australia, New Zealand, and Eng­ of (4') treble Flute, Violin, Clarinet, Vax Humana, Bartolina (2' capped metal Flute), land, having worked for Greater Union Xylophone, Marimba, Chimes, Drums and Traps, all operated from a short manual Theatres, Hoyts, and coincidentally was attached to the pit piano, which supplied accompaniment and bass. The 11Style 5" the last organist to play for a guest week had the same stop complement, but pipework was larger in scale and operated on at the Paramount Astoria Theatre, Brix­ five-inch pressure. The 11De Luxe" Barto la (1916) consisted of a 11Style 5" with a ton, London, after the writer left that left-hand manual added to total 61 notes (including the 11Style 5" keys). The left­ theatre as its last resident organist. This hand manual pipework consisted of a Stopped Flute and a Tuba. All pipework and would be about twenty years ago. Penn percussers were contained in low-slung boxes intended for orchestra pit installation. also entered the organ ownership bri­ gade by the purchase of the Christie INSTALLATION LIST OF BARTON ORGANS & BARTOLA PIT ORGANS (Continued from April issue) 2-10 from the St. James Theatre, New Zealand, and apart from the residence BARTOLA PIT ORGANS SIZE OR BLOWER organ owned during the early days by LOCATION BUILDING STYLE NO . INSTALLED Crow le, the Australian Wurlitzer agent, Detroit, Mich. Vendome Th. 5 Bl 8492 1917 Detroit, Mich. Vendome Th. 5 Bl 7433 1917 Penn's was the first residence theatre 2 Vendome Theatres in Detroit Detroit, Mich. Russell Th. 5 Bl 8653 1917 organ as such, in New South Wales. Detroit, Mich. Frontenac Th. 5 Bl 10358 1919 From then on, it was not unnatural that Dixon, Ill. Family Th. 3-½ Bl 6403 1914 Delavan, Wis . Theatre Unknown 3-½ 1915 Penn should develop into the biggest, Davenport, la. Theatre Unknown 3-½ 1915 and probably the only pipe organ dealer Duluth, Minn. (W) Star Th. 3-½ Bl 6847 1916 Dubuque, la. Doric Th. 5 Bl 11159 1920 of any consequence in Australia. From Devils Lake, N.D. Grand Th. Deluxe Bl 11581 1920 Dodge City, Kan. Crown Th. Deluxe Bl 11028 1920 the details given above, it will be seen BARTON ORGANS that, with the exception of the Hobart East Palestine, 0. Liberty Th. 2-3 Bl 10967 1920 organ which was broken up for spares, Elgin, Ill. Grover Th. 2-3 Bl 12482 1921 Evanston, Ill. Park Th. 2-3 Bl 16078 1924 all organs which passed through Penn's Evanston, Ill. Strand Th. 5 Bl 7541 1916 hands went to a good home, and were Eau Claire, Wis. Theatre Unknown 2-3 1925 Eldorado, Ark. Mission Th. 2-3 Bl 19833 1927 put to use. Naturally- as these organs Elkhorn, Wis. Sprague Th. 2-4 Bl 21773 1928 passed through his hands, various ranks BARTOLA PIT ORGANS were swapped and changed around to Erie, Pa . Victoria Th. 3-½ Bl 5909 1914 Elyria, O. Peoples Th. 5 Bl 6804 1916 the overall benefit of his own residence East Liverpool, 0. Ceramac Th. 5 Bl 7104 1916 organ- and frankly, who could blame Ewing, Mo. St. Mary's R. C. Church 3-½ Bl 7102 1917 Recreational Bldg. him? Later, in an effort to still further Euclid, 0. Theatre Unknown Deluxe 1920 improve his installation, he added almost BARTON ORGANS the whole of the Plaza Sydney Wurlitzer Ft. Worth, Tex. Ritz Th. 2-7 Bl 16077 1924 Fargo, N.D. Radio Station WDAY, (From Station WDAY 2-3 Bl 17488 1925 pipework, and still later imported from to Fargo Th., then Lance Johnson resi­ dence, Fergus Falls, Minn. Then Bud's England the first Post Horn to be heard Roller Rink, Moorehead, Minn. Now re­ on any Australian theatre organ. This bui It to 3-7) Flint, Mich. Ritz Th. 2-7 Bl 17762 1925 particular rank was a Connacher, and Flint, Mich. Capitol Th. 3-11 Bl 19801 1927 from the Forum Theatre, Southampton. Flint, Mich. Michigan Th. 3-10 1926 Fond du Lac, Wis . Retlaw Th. 3-11 Bl 17910 1925 Later still when the organ outgrew its Fond du Lac, Wis . Fond du Lac Th. 4-11 Bl 17908 1925 Fayetteville, Ark. Victory Th. 2-7 Bl 19061 1926 original 2-manual Christie console, he Ft. Dodge, la. Strand Th. 2-7 Bl 20665 1927 purchased the second console from the Forest Park, Ill. Forest Th. 3-8 Bl 21801 1928 State T h e a t r e, Melbourne ( a W urli BARTOLA PIT ORGANS Fremont, Nebr. Theatre Unknown 3-½ 1915 4-21), and as can be seen from the pho­ Fairbault, Minn. Theatre Unknown 5 1916 tograph, the instrument is now very im­ Fairmont, Minn. Theatre Unknown 5 1919 Fond du Lac, Wis. Orpheum Th. Deluxe Bl 10439 1919 pressive. Tonally, the Penn Hughes Ferndale, Mich. Ferndale Th. 3-½ Bl 11371 1920 Fostoria, 0. Theatre Unknown Deluxe 1921 organ would be easily the best that (To be continued in a Future Issue) has ever been heard in Australia - both in or out of a theatre, and has now be­ come the standard by which all others ARTHUR ESTGATE (Continued from Page 23) are judged. Regent, Wentworthville. 2-manual of placed by a Hammond, and organ now Coming now to Doctor King. He is unknown origin, partly Wurlitzer, pur­ owned by myself and being installed in another of the true organ enthusiasts chased by Penn Hughes and sold to Mr. my home as an echo division to my 3-12 who has not got onto the publicity band­ M. Baldwin, also of Castle Hill. At pres­ Compton-Wurlitzer-Christie. wagon. He purchased the very beautiful ent in storage and available for purchase. St. James Theatre, Dunedin, New Zea­ 3-15 Wurlitzer ( ex - Regency Theatre, Regent, Hobart. 2-manual Wurlitzer. land. 2-10 Christie, purchased by Penn Brisbane) - which, incidentally, was Purchased by Penn Hughes and broken Hughes and forming part of the basis again arranged through the good offices up for spares. Console now in Seventh of his existing 4-15. Console since sold, of Penn Hughes. Day Adventist Church, Concord, Sydney. and replaced in Hughes Studio by the I suppose I had better introduce my­ Melba, Strathfield. 2-8 Christie. Pur­ 4-manual console from St ate Theatre, self. I became a Theatre Organist by chased by Penn Hughes, and sold to the Melbourne. accident during the time I was going Christian Broadcasting Association for Having said so much, and perhaps in­ through my engineering apprenticeship installation in their studios. Since re- troduced three names onto the THEA- and found that, apart from the necessity

37 theatre organ bombarde of learning how to design railway loco­ motives, it was also equally necessary to Jesse Crawford at the Chicago Theatre eat. Engineering apprentices in the U.K. in prewar years were notoriously poorly (Continued from Page 21) cal and technical considerations, as they paid. As such, I played for Paramount he often overworks-that of using are of the proper use of the swell shades. Theatres, Gaumont British, and Gra­ the kinura, with its rasping, harsh, In one respect, though, Mr. Crawford nada, and also broadcast the 4-14 Wur­ nasal tone quality, in combination errs. From close observation, on many litzer from the Gaumont Theatre, Man­ with other stops. Of course, the occasions, the writer has noticed that he chester, for the BBC. I left the business kinura will not blend with other almost invariably uses his swell shades when it began to conflict too heavily stops-its voice is unmistakable all hooked up together, by means of the with my work, and did not touch an whenever it is heard. Yet, there is crescendo coupler. There is little or no organ again for many years, until we no denying but that it adds a punch attempt made to use the individual ex­ opened a factory in Johannesburg, South or zip or tang to a registration, pression available in any one organ, or Africa, when I became the official organ­ which nothing else will give. Mr. organs. The crescendos and diminuendos ist for the South African Broadcasting Crawford is also very much inclined always seem to be 11en masse." towards the use ( one might say over­ Corporation - on a Hammond, of all One of Crawford's pet devices or use) of sub-octave couplers, or 16' things. This was a very refreshing spare­ tricks is the deplora hie vice of a tone, which at times predominates to time occupation from running a loco­ glissando, portamento, or slide be­ such an extent as to become quite motive manufacturing works. During tween successive notes of a melody. noticeable and to overbalance the my time in Africa, I made many com­ In vocal music, or on the violin, cello fundamental tone, making it heavy. mercial recordings for Decca and RCA or trombone, there may be a legiti­ But these occasions are fortunately in both 78's ( yes, they still use 78's in mate use for such, but assuredly rare. If the number is a waltz or South Africa) and L.P.'s. Came to Aus­ there is none whatever upon a keyed ballad (in 6/ 8 or 4 / 4 tempo) there tralia in 195 7, and got roped - in for instrument, especially when over­ are the vox humanae-which of doing a series of broadcasts for Austral­ worked, or used to an excess. I say,. course, are of primary importance in ian Broadcasting Corporation from the assuredly none, when presenting a such numbers, the flutes,. occasion­ State Theatre, Sydney, but the organ was musical number apparently in a dig­ ally the keen, shimmering strings­ not up to it, and terribly unreliable for nified musical way, as a solo for the the latter usually used in combina­ any serious work. approval of an audience. For the tion with other tone colors rather After then deciding ta install an organ purpose of burlesque or mimicry, than individually or separately, and in my own home, I found that anything such as playing a comedy ( on the such percussion stops as the harp, worth having had long since been sold­ screen),. or certain situations in a chimes, and glockenspiel or chryso­ or was grossly overpriced - so, I im­ picture, this device can be used ef­ glott. ported the 3-manual Comptan Console fectively, but there is no excuse for Mr. Crawford makes very effective use from the Paramount Asteria, Brixton, such an assault on musical taste in of the swell shades for his expression, London; purchased some Wurlitzer a legitimate solo number. Fortu­ although the effectiveness of his num­ chests, relays and switches. To go into nately, Mr. Crawford is to be con­ bers does not depend entirely upon this the story as to how this Heinz "Compto­ gratulated on his good judgment in one device for their success. In other wurlichristizer" came into being would doing less and less of this from week words, he is not a slave to his expression need a whole article ta itself, but in to week. brief, the ranks are, as now installed: pedals. His nuances and shadings are just as much a result of careful rhythmi- His work in playing pictures is of an­ Tibia (Comptan-Gaumont Theatre, other kind entirely. His playing for pic­ Lewisham, London - very large scale tures consists solely and almost exclu­ on 18" pressure) · tronic reverb is being added and I also sively of improvisation. It has been only Diapason-Wurlitzer Phonon Type picked up a Haines Ampico electric on rare occasions that the writer has ever Stopped Flute -Wurlitzer piano, which will be connected in as an heard him play a written composition Gamba - w h i c h is more like a solo Organ Piano. I fully realize that this during the course of a picture - either string ( Compton - original source horrible sounding mishmash looks awful features or comedy. Usually when he unknown) in cold print, and the specifications look does play something , it is because of a Celeste-Wurlitzer worse, giving the appearance of a classi­ direct cue in the picture. I may bring Vox Humana - Aeolian Skinner (ex­ cal "baroque" which somehow had mated upon my head the wrath of many theatre Australian ~roadcasting Corporation with a Wurlitzer! -as most ranks ex­ organists by this statement, but I firmly Theatrette, Sydney) cept the Tuba , Clarinet, Vax, Trumpet, believe that improvising by theatre or­ Brass Trumpet-Wurlitzer etc., go right up to the tap of the 2-ft.; ganists, except in rare cases, should be Harmonic Tuba- Wurlitzer but the actual tonal result is extremely conspicuous by its absence. There are, of Clarinet - Christie good - or at least I should say that it course, places in certain pictures which Saxophone - Of all things - a much­ suits me, and is what I have been look­ can be best musically interpreted by im­ bewitched, battered and bewildered ing for in a residence organ, but I freely provisation on the organ, but they gen­ Kimball! admit that it would not be everyone 's erally consist of short bits, connecting The organ is of interest inasmuch that idea. situations, and situations for which no all 16-foot tone except that of the Tuba Finally and just ta be sure that noone written composition can be found ta ex­ is electronic. Reason! - the usual com­ picks me up on any inaccuracies, it will actly fit. These places, however, are the plaint of lack of space, but it's very, very be noted that earlier I referred to my exception rather than the rule. With the successful indeed. To this lot, I am add­ organ, as now existing, as a 3-12, where­ wealth of all music literature at the dis­ ing much of the organ from the Melba as in the specification of ranks it appears posal of the theatre organist - music Theatre, Strathfield, which will include to be a 3-10-how come? That 's easy: composed for the orchestra, piano, organ, the Christie Tibia, Vox, String and Ce­ I have two voxes paralleled and working violin, and voice, and written by all the leste, and a thumping great, fat Quinta­ on a ventil chest, and the same with the great masters of composition who have d.ena, Open Diapason. Synthetic elec- Celeste. ever lived-what possible excuse is there

october 1968 38 ( except that of laziness) for an organ­ ist's forcing his audiences to listen from week to week to the same, monotonous CLASSIFIED ADS improvising of "Smith" or "Jones," et - - al? And there have been, and are, so few Guilmants, Dupres, and Swinnens among FOR SALE - WURLITZER 3M-9R plus FOR SALE Books: Whitworth's Cinema and harp, walnut horseshoe, currently used, avail­ Theatre Organs $15.00 Wurlitzer Hope-Jones theatre organists! able February 1968. CENTRAL BAPTIST Unit Orchestra $3.95. Wurlitzer Unit Organs CHURCH, Box 2024, Decatur, Alabama $4.50. Wurlitzer Theatre Organ Fact Book, Regardless of personal opinion in 35601. $2.00. Audsley's Art of Organ Building, two this respect, however, it must be ad­ volumes, $15 . Postpaid. ORGAN LITERA­ mitted that Mr. Crawford's impro­ FOR SALE-Available now-Wurlitzer The­ TURE FOUNDATION, Nashua, N. H. atre Pipe Organ 2/4, $1000. TOM MOTT, 03060. vising is far above that of the great ST. LUKE'S METHODIST CHURCH, 1843 majority of organists. He has devel­ West Garland, Fresno, California 93705. FOR SALE - DEL CASTILLO's "ALPHA­ oped a certain style of his own-he BETIC PRIMER OF ORGAN STOPS", ori­ FOR SALE - Three-manual, fourteen-rank ginally priced at $2. on sale at the Conven­ has an accurate knowledge of har­ playing WURLITZER with 3400 square foot tion, has now been reduced. Get your per­ mony and attempts to improvise in house attached, private area, no noise trouble, sonally autographed copy by sending $ 1.50 correct musical form. He makes fre­ San Fernando Valley view included. All for to DEL CASTILLO, 223 No. Kenter Avenue, quent use of modern harmonies - $115,000. Write: Box D, 3291 Guido Street, Los Angeles, Cal. 90049. This entertaining Oakland, California 94602. whole tone chords, chromatic dis­ booklet is a MUST for organists to know what to avoid. (See Vox Pop in the June sonances, etc. One very commend­ FOR SALE-13-note Barton chimes with ac­ issue, page 24). GAYLORD CARTER's able point in Mr. Crawford's feature tion, $20. GLENN PEIFFER, 742 North Mil­ foreword is pretty enlightening, too. waukee Street, Port Washington, Wisconsin playing is that he has found out 53074. WANTED - Eight foot rank of Wurlitzer what so few theatre organists have: Tibias. Single Kinura pipe #3 (D). ROB­ that it is possible at times to play FOR SALE-Spencer Orgoblo 5 HP 3-phase ERT E. ARNDT, 2117 40th Street, Des 220 volt, 15" wind $150. MUMBRUE, 932 Moines, Iowa 50310. without using the tremulants, and Southdown, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan to play for a certain length of time 48013. FOR SALE - "CONSOLING THE CON­ SOLE", com pa ti ble stereo, with HARRY without using even the pedal key­ FOR SALE - SEVEN-RANK Wurlitzer board! Truly a daring innovation JENKINS at the Console of the Los Angeles Chest, good condition, needs leather. Solo Elks 4/61 Robert-Morton. $4.00. H. J. Jen­ in a motion picture theatre. Mr. scale Tibia Clausa, MINT CONDITION. kins, Box 343, Pacoima, Calif. 91331. Crawford has also developed a strik­ TERRY CHARLES, 2265 Lagoon Circle No., ingly fluent technic in the use of Clearwater, Florida 35515. FOR SALE-Wurlitzer 2/7 Theatre Organ. Walnut finished horseshoe console. Tibia, the double touch. FOR SALE-Souvenir Recording-45 RPM Flute, Violin, Violin Celeste, Diapason, Clari­ Stereo - ''ICE FROLIC'' featuring BILL He uses great variety in his regis­ net and Oboe Horn. Main chest and relay re­ FIELD at the Console of the 3/19 Wurlitzer leathered, 3 HP single-phase motor on tration, let it be said greatly to his -Iceland Arena. Featured at the 1968 Na­ blower. F. G. SHANKLIN, Hemlock Park credit, and obtains some striking and tional ATOE Convention. Selections include: Drive, Groton, Massachusetts, 01432. On A Clear Day; Thoroughly Modern Millie; interesting effects with his various Long Ago and Far Away; Blue Tango; Those FOR SALE - Morton console, 2 manual, combinations of registers. His regis­ Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days Of Summer. Send bench, 30 note pedals-without stop tablets, tration, however, is inclined to be check or money-order for $ 1.50 to: BILL switches. S. G. SPARROWHAWK, 7206 heavy, both as to the pitch of his FIELD, 8535 Stewart at Gray Road, Downey, Olive, Kansas City, Missouri 64132. California 90241. registers (as before mentioned, an RODGERS THEATRE ORGAN-Trio De­ overuse of 16' tones) and as to the FOR SALE-WURLITZER 2 manual 9 rank luxe, ebonized walnut with matching Rodgers volume of tone. Then there is one console, complete with 3 keyboards and com­ speakerage; 3 manual, 32 pedal pre-sets; one ban action. $250. BRUCE JACOBSON, 2279 fault which is noticeable, even to year old; transistorized; no reasonable offer Chuckanut Drive. Bellingham, Washington refused. CHRISTOPHER LYTLE, 44 Rose­ non-musicians. When finishing acer­ 98225. Phone: (206) 734-2027. wood Road, Edison, New Jersey 08817; or tain situation on the screen, just be­ phone (201) 287-2495. fore the next ti tie is flashed upon FOR SALE - 2 manual Wurlitzer Console, Style 210 with cable and spreaders. Refin­ FOR SALE: White 3-manual, single-bolster the screen, Mr. Crawford will stop ished, new ivories, has pistons, double-touch, Wurlitzer console; 72 tabs; 10-piston combi­ playing entirely-o st ens i b I y to etc. $750. CONN KEYBOARDS, INC. 3130 nation action. Write: DON FRENCH, 3610 change his registration-he will be So. Sheridan Road, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145. Interlake Ave. North, Seattle, Wash. 98103; busily engaged in changing stop keys Phone (918) 622-4077. phone (206) ME 2-9235. until well into the next scene when, after a noticeable silence, the organ edy playing is nearly the same from be­ which seem to be the principal stock in will start a g a i n. When u s e d to ginning to end- the superabundant use trade of a number of theatre organises. heighten certain situations, the dra­ of 16' tone, and the use of the kinura He realizes chat it is as improper to matic pause or complete silence is in combinations practically all the way abruptly stop his musical accompaniment effective. When, however, for no dis­ through the comedy, with very little no­ to a comedy, to secure a doubtful effect, cernible reason at all ( combinations ticeable use of the expression shutters. or to pull a laugh out of the audience, can be easily changed while playing) Although the Chicago organ is equipped as it would be if an orchestra which was there is an abrupt cessation of music with every conceivable kind of traps and accompanying a comedy, would st0p accompanying a film, the effect is effects, Mr. Crawford uses them sparing­ completely every time the d r um mer annoying--especially when this same ly - a most commendable virtue. He wanted to gee an effect. thing happens a number of times uses them only when there is a particular Mr. Crawford's playing, as a throughout a picture. or legitimate need for them, and never whole, is as nearly note-perfect and In playing a comedy, Mr. Crawford's just t0 be using them, or just to show absolutely accurate as any theatre work is characterized by the points be­ that they are there. Mr. Crawford sel­ organist the writer has ever heard. fore mentioned. He very seldom uses a dom indulges in "trick stuff" in comedy In hearing his work, a number of written piece of popular music, prefer­ playing, i.e.-glissandos for comedy falls, times during the season, I have never ring rather to improvise in fox-trot or at temp t e d imitations of the various yet heard him play a wrong or blue one-step style. His registration in com- noises made by barnyard animals, etc., note.

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