CJEIAJPYJER OWNJEID)l Story by George Winters Photos by William Vogel

Where in the United States can one vaudeville, movies, and a special ap­ attend a theatre pipe organ concert pearance by organist Don Miller. classic movie, a variety show, body­ Don was then organist at the Capitol building championship, and a vari­ Theatre downtown, and also played ety of other events at a theatre owned at the State and Fisher theatres dur­ and operated entirely by a staff of ing his career. volunteers? In the Motor City. The organ had fallen into disuse The Redford Theatre, in Detroit, by the late forties. In the 1950s, is the only theatre in the country to Community Theatres took over the have the distinction of being owned operation of the Redford, and ran and operated by an ATOS chapter - top-rated films there for over twenty the Motor City Chapter. While every years. event staged at the Redford is not al­ Shortly after the chapter was orga­ ways chapter-sponsored, chapter nized in 1964, members approached members are on hand to aid in the the theatre management about the running of the show. But, before we possibility of using the Redford or­ become too involved in relating the gan. Permission was granted, and in purchase was to determine ways to Motor City Chapter-Redford Thea­ 1965 restoration and maintenance of raise money. It was decided to try to tre story, a look back into the thea­ the instrument was begun. By the fall purchase the theatre without any tre's past may help the reader to of 1966 after-midnight organ con­ help from public money in the form understand the reasons for the chap­ certs were being given following the of grants. Many members donated ter's unique purchase. last showing of the current attrac­ sums of $25.00 to $1,000. A carnival The Redford Theatre was built in tion. in the theatre's parking lots helped to 1927 for Kunsky Theatres, the larg­ Don Miller was made an honorary raise money toward the purchase. est theatre chain in Detroit at that member of the chapter and gave an Soon, however, it became apparent time. The Kunsky organization early morning concert at the Redford that organ shows alone would not be operated such large downtown in May of 1967. He was also a fea­ able to support the purchase and houses as the Capitol and Madison tured artist at the DTOC Wurlitzer operation of the theatre. Another theatres. The Redford is the only (formerly in the Fisher Theatre) dur­ source of steady income was needed. Detroit theatre known to the writer ing the 1967 National ATOS Con­ Shortly thereafter, the Redford to have been designed by the archi­ vention hosted by the chapter. Movie Series was established. tectural firm of Verner, Wilhelm and In 1973, an upright piano was The brainchild of Redford Oper­ Molby, and R.F. Shrieve. added to the organ and placed on the ating Committee members, the The auditorium was designed as a right side of the orchestra pit. In movie series soon became a popular large Japanese garden, with organ 1974, it became possible for the feature and attracted people from all chambers housed in large pagoda­ chapter to lease the Redford, for the over the city. An early series featured like pavilions on either side of the owners no longer considered it a well-known organists such as Dennis proscenium. The proscenium arch profitable venture. James, Ashley Miller and Jonas and the chambers were each capped Eventually, after utilizing the the­ Nordwall playing overtures and in­ by a pagoda-style tile roof. Over­ atre for many shows, and realizing termissions at the Barton. For each head, a deep blue sky was sprinkled what a fine theatre with organ they movie thereafter, we have featured with stars and lazy clouds. Through­ had, the membership began to dis­ our own chapter or local organists out the theatre were Japanese murals cuss someday possibly purchasing for the overture and intermission . and stenciled designs. On either side the theatre. In 1977 this became a Many are fine young musicians who of the organ grilles were Japanese reality when Community Theatres may, before too long, be well-known figures in oriental dress. To crown all proposed sale of the theatre to the names on the theatre organ circuit. It of this was a splendid 3/ 10 Barton chapter for $125,000. A meeting of is a great way to develop talent of all pipe organ console, on the left side of the membership was called and it was ages, and an excellent means of giv­ the orchestra pit, complete with Jap­ decided to purchase the theatre. It ing these talented people public ex­ anese dragons. A magnificent sight was the continuation of a wonder­ posure. This helps us to meet an im­ indeed, in black and gold. ful relationship with Community portant chapter goal. A record made Opening night, on January 27, Theatres. by some of our organists will be 1928, was a gala affair and featured The first order of business after available for the convention this next

JANUARY /FEBRUARY 1982 THEATRE ORGAN 7 A bimonthly movie series continues to provide a steady source of revenue. The pres- Stars once again twinkle above the Japanese garden setting of the Redford's ent marauee is an adaptation of the original. 1661-seat auditorium . summer. of Detroit. on the ceiling has been re-created, A typical evening of movies at the Because the main purpose of our after first removing layers of paint Redford will find the theatre opening owning the Redford is to preserve the and matching the original colors. at 7 p.m. Most of the time the outer organ in its original setting, we fea­ Two large, ornate oriental chande­ lobby is already jammed with peo­ ture many concerts on the Barton liers will be hung in the foyer. These ple. At 7:30 the organist begins his from fall through spring. Many na­ were acquired by members of the overture by playing the National An­ tionally-known artists, as well as chapter from the lobby of the Down­ them before a large American flag local talents, have appeared at our town Theatre (formerly the Oriental which fills the stage. A gift from a console. Very often a live stage act or Theatre), which was demolished loyal member, it is well-liked by our silent film is part of these shows. many years ago. audiences. At 8 :00 the organ de­ The Motor City Chapter uses the The Motor City Chapter is looking scends to the pit and the film begins. theatre for its own functions as well. forward with great anticipation to And what films we have had! Every­ In addition to board and committee hosting the 1982 ATOS National thing from 2001 - A Space Odyssey meetings, it is also the site of the Convention. In addition to featuring to The Sound of Music, to Alfred chapter's annual meeting and Christ­ our home, the Redford Theatre, we Hitchcock films and Laurel and Har­ mas party, as well as annual garage also plan concerts on two other chap­ dy film fests. A wide variety of films sales and bazaars. The Barton organ ter-maintained Barton organs, in the draws audiences with many different also serves as an excellent practice in­ Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor, and tastes, in an attempt to attract people strument for our playing members, the Royal Oak Theatre in Royal who may never have heard a theatre and allows willing volunteers to gain Oak. The Royal Oak instrument was pipe organ in its original setting. Our experience in organ maintenance. given to us and is chapter-owned. As mailing list request forms show that The theatre building itself allows a special plus, the Crawford Special many in our audiences for theatre Motor City members the opportu­ Wurlitzer in the fabulous Fox organ shows were first exposed to the nity to discover firsthand what it is Theatre is also included in our plans . . Redford organ while attending one like to restore a 1928 movie house to In contrast with this large Wurlitzer of our movies. Hence, more fans for its original grandeur. We have begun will be the small but delightful one in the theatre organ are won. Many of to do so, but it will take many more the Punch and Judy Theatre, also our films draw sell-out crowds of years to complete the task. chapter maintained. We hope to see over 1500. Besides helping us pay our Currently, the foyer #or grand lob­ you in Detroit in July for a conven­ bills at the theatre, we provide a great by, is the object of our restoration ef­ tion that should be an unforgettable entertainment option for the people forts. The original painted stenciling experience. D

Restoration of the Redford's 3/10 Barton organ was The ongoing restoration in the foyer includes accu­ begun in 1965. In an effort to preserve the sound of . rate reproductions of the intricate original stenciling, The Redford Operating Committee directs the this instrument, still in its original setting, the only ad­ long hidden under layers of paint. Soon, chandeliers business affairs of the chapter-owned theatre. dit ion has been a player piano. from Detroit's Oriental Theatre will be added .