JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY Orbir ID™e ecrronic 1yn~e1izer ~UJ fu-~o~reO 1piner orqon equo1...

~e newe1rwoy ro mo ,e mu1ic fromWur irzec Now with the Orbit III electronic synthesizer from slowly, just as the theatre organist did by opening and Wurlitzer you can create new synthesized sounds in­ closing the chamber louvers. stantly ... in performance. And with the built-in Orbit III synthesizer, this This new Wurlitzer instrument is also a theatre organ, instrument can play exciting combinations of synthe­ with a sectionalized vibrato/tremolo, toy counter, in­ sized, new sounds, along with traditional organ music. A dependent tibias on each keyboard and the penetrating built-in cassette player/recorder lets you play along with kinura voice that all combine to recreate the sounds of pre-recorded tapes for even more dimensions in sound. the twenty-ton Mighty Wurlitzers of silent screen days. But you've got to play the Orbit III to believe it. And it's a cathedral/classical organ, too, with its own in­ Stop in at your Wurlitzer dealer and see the Wurlitzer dividually voiced diapason, reed, string and flute voices. 4037 and 4373. Play the eerie, switched-on sounds New linear accent controls permit you to increase or of synthesized music. Ask for your free Orbit III decrease the volume of selected sections suddenly, or demonstration record. Or write: Dept . T0-673 WURLilzER ® The Wurlitzer Company, DeKalb, Illinois 60115. ha.~the,vay cover- Photo ...

Artist's rendition of the "Ben Hall Theatre" as planned by the Harold Lloyd Foundation. See page 4 for the story of this ambitious project

Journal of the American Theatre Organ Society and beautiful estate. Volume 15, No. 3 • June, 1973 ATOS National Membership is $10.00 per calendar year, which includes a subscription in this issue •.• to THEATRE ORGAN, the official pub­ lication of the American Theatre Organ FEATURES Society. Single copies $1.25. Make check or money order payable to ATOS , and mail 4 The Harold Lloyd Estate Plans Ben Hall Memorial ...... Stu Green to P.O. Box 1314 , Salinas, California 93901. 12 Dr. Parmentier Returns to Pipes ...... Dorothy Bloom and Billy Nalle Editorial Address: I) •••••.•••.•.•• THEATRE ORGAN 14 The Life and Times of Milton Charles (Part Lloyd E. Klos P.O. Box 1314, 18 Wurlitzer List Salinas , California 93901 Advertising Address 23 First Pizza Organ Built ...... Douglas Marion ATOS Advertising 2231 North Burling Street 25 How to Be a Critic ...... •...... •...... John Muri Chicago , Illinois 60614 28 Theatre Organ Restored in New Mexico ...•....•..... Robert C. MacNeur ATOS National Headquarters ATOS 31 Schnitzelhaus mit Wurlitzer ...... •. Lloyd E. Klos P.O. Box 1002 Middleburg, Virginia 22117 39 Introducing The 1972 Rodgers/Morton ...... Frank Babbitt Phone (703) 554 -8321 ATOS National Officers DEPARTMENTS Erwin Young , President Duane Searle , Vice President 20 For the Records 34 Vox Pops Mary Bowles , Secretary -Treasurer Nina Young, Executive Secretary 22 Letters to the Editor 42 Nuggets from the Golden Days ATOS National Board of Directors 26 Hollywood Cavalcade 43 Chapter Notes Mary Bowles Allen W. Rossiter Gaylord Carter Dick Schrum 27 Closing Chord 55 Classified Ads Al Mason Richard Simonton Allen Miller Judd Walton Stillman Rice, Past President ATOS Librarian Mary A. Bowles Route 2, Hopewell Road pr-esident~s messaae ... Lost Lake , Marlton, N.J. 08053 Phone : (609) 983 - 1535 We have completed another great year in the life ATOS Past Presidents Richard Simonton Feb. 1955 - Oct. 1958 of ATOS and as the steady and healthy growth Judd Walton Oct. 1958 - July 1961 continues, it is fitting to pause and recognize some Tiny James July 1961 - July 1964 Carl Norvell July 1964 - July 1966 of the efforts that have made it possible. Richard Schrum July 1966 - July 1968 As you read this issue of THEATRE ORGAN , Al Mason July 1968 - July 1970 Stillman Rice July 1970 - July 1972 once again it is evident how very fortunate our ATOS Honorary Members society is to have a talented staff to give the 1959-Jesse Crawford 1966-W. "Tiny" James hundreds of hours necessary to compile this 1960-Farny Wurlitzer 1967-Erwin A. Young,Jr. publication as a true labor of love. Being of human 1961- Mel Doner 1968-Richard C. Simonton 1962-leonard MacClain 1969-Judd Walton origin, true , you may find items now and then that 1963-Eddie Dunstedter 1970-Bill Lamb are wrong; but let us not overlook the great 1964- ReginaldFoort 1971-George and Vi Thompson majority of things about it that are right. It is truly 1965- Dan Barton 1972-Stu Green the one ingredient that ties this far reaching EDITORIAL STAFF society together. Editor-George Thompson Associate Editors - Ray Bru bacher On chapter levels throughout our organization Lloyd E. Klos we have the hard working individuals who hold the chapter administrative Peg Nielsen offices and those who plan, organize, and execute the varied programs aimed at Editor-Emeritus - W. "Stu" Green Publisher-Al Mason carrying out the purpose of ATOS for the enjoyment of all. Only a person who Editorial Assistant - Don Lockwood has actually been charged with the responsibility of one of these jobs can Advertising Manager-Len Clarke Circulation Manager-Vi Thompson honestly understand the magnitude of the effort necessary to see the task successfully accomplished. The very life of ATOS hinges on this success. THEATRE ORGAN (title registered U.S. Patent Office) is published bi -monthly by To you who have contributed so much to our society, it is my hope that as the American Theatre Organ Society, Inc., you look around and see the stature that ATOS has attained, after overlooking a non-profit organization, Erwin A. Young, Jr., President. All rights reserved. Entire some of the clinkers that occasionally lie in the path, you can derive considerable contents copyrighted 1973 by ATOS, Inc., satisfaction in the knowledge that you have had a part in the restoration of a page Office of publication is P.O. Box 2329. in our history. Organ fans everywhere salute your efforts and I add, 'keep up the Livonia, Michigan 48150. good work!'. POSTMASTER: Second Class postage paid at Livonia, Michigan. IF UNDELIVERABLE, send form 3579 to ATOS Circulation De­ partment, Box 1314, Salinas, California ~~/ ~IlUIAn ~ 93901. i~(J f ,

JUNE, 197 3 THEATRE ORGAN V <:: 3

Tlze HaPold l_gloyd Filrl? MoseLlrl? Plarzs Berz Hall Me11?0Pial by Stu Green

◄ Fountains and pools everywhere . They add to the authenticity of the Shaded side entrance of residence opens on Cypress -bordered path to mid-20's atmosphere which confronts visitors . But it's a cheerful garden paralleled by a series of rippling cascades complete with nostalgia which reflects Harold Lloyd's upbeat image . chirping frogs . T ur story starts in the early days of the film industry's romance with Hollywood. A young actor who had appeared in 64 one-reelers in two years as "Lonesome Luke" decided to change his image from that of a straight slapstick comic to one with much more warmth and human appeal, a shy young man with spectacles who solved his prob­ lems with hilarious ingenuity rather than brawn. The new image was an instant success, one which Harold Lloyd would project throughout his long career. This includes some 300 film titles since he adopted the horn­ rim eyeglass frames in 1918. It may seem incredible to some readers that we find it necessary to Residence viewed across wide expanse of lawn. The organ -equipped living room is in this wing. recap highlights of the Harold Lloyd - (Stufoto) career. "Everyone knows about Harold Lloyd" say those with long memories.

The estate from the air. Residence is large building near top of photo. Ben Hall Theatre will go But such readers are not in the major- into the rectangular building adjacent to the curved structure just below photo center. ity. It must be remembered that Lloyd's last film, Mad Wednesday, was released in 1949. Generations have been born since then. The great success of Harold Lloyd's many shorts and few features made between 1918 and 1925 is reflected in the 16-acre Beverly Hills estate he built, starting in 1925. In the brief span of seven years, Lloyd became a millionaire. With an astute business sense, he bought control of his earlier films and bankrolled his subsequent ones. He spent a reported 2½ million building his estate which includes ten buildings. One can wander for hours along footpaths which course through thick forest growths to open on clear­ ings with gazebos, reflecting pools, cascading streams, waterfalls, balconies which overlook the surrounding hills, and fountains - fountains everywhere. The huge Italian-Renaissance house emerges from the surrounding greenery majestically. It is bounded by arcades, patios, a great expanse of lawn and sunken gardens. An olympic-size swim­ ming pool is prominent. The current value is said to be $10,000,000. But the master is gone. The man who personified the clean-cut Amer­ ican youth with a flair for getting into scrapes and out of them with much hilarity died at 77 two years ago. He willed his real estate for use as a film Harold.. Lloyd and his leading lady, Mildred Davis, posed for this publicity "still" circa 1920. After their marriage, Mildred phased out her film career and left the spotlight to Harold. The marriage was permanent. One girl was born to the Lloyds; a boy and another girl were later adopted.

◄ The garden. Residence is seen at left. - (Stufoto)

Past national ATOS President and "Man of the Year" Dick Simonton. A long time friend of Harold Lloyd, he was instrumental in securing ATOS participation in the mu­ seum• project . - (Bob Hill Photo) Screen Tarzan, Johnny Weissmuller,used to work out in this Olympic -size pool. - (Stufoto) museum to be operated by a non­ profit foundation_ One of the foundation's five trustees designated to administer the estate is Lloyd's close friend, Richard C. Simonton, who is also one of the founders of ATOS. Where Dick Simonton goes, the promotion of the theatre pipe organ is never far behind. The third ingredient of our story involves tragedy - the death of theatre and organ historian Ben Hall at the hands of still unknown assailants in his New York apartment in December of 1970. Ben Hall, whose "The Best Remaining Seats" remains the defin­ itive work about movie palaces of the 1920s, was a tireless worker for the theatre organ through his published articles and lectures. He is remembered warmly as the "MC" of several ATOS conventions. His death was a severe shock to ATOSers and theatre fans everywhere. Among Ben's effects were numer-

Reporter Peg Nielsen admires Lloyd's per ­ manent Christmas tree. It is decorated with baubles received from Harold's friends all over the world . In a room by itself, it is always ready for the holidays. - (Stufoto) the trustees sought a capable manager. They found him in Woodrow ("Woody") Wise, an ATOSer who has been involved with theatres since he started as an usher and projectionist at age 14. Easterner Wise, who was chair­ man of the 1972 ATOS convention in Washington, arrived in Los Angeles in the Spring of 1973 to face a host of Foundation problems, most of them having to do with money, or the lack of it. As manager of the entire estate, Woody's responsibilities include fund raising for the whole museum effort, one of which is the building and furnishing of the Ben Hall memorial theatre. While that project is very close to Woody's heart, the operation of the estate project as a whole must remain No. 1 priority. The grounds were opened to the public (so far only through Grayline Bus Tours) on May 25th. The gardens had to be put into shape, pathways paved, trees trimmed ( some rep laced), the waterfalls, cascades and fountains made oper­ ative, floors refinished, buildings re­ painted and handrailings installed to meet city codes covering tourist at­ tractions. Then there was the personnel; thirty five staffers are on the payroll, 13 of them gardeners. Woody estimates that operating expenses will come to $400,000 a year (not including im­ provements).

Estate manager Woody Wise takes stock of work to be done on grounds. In the back ­ ground is the often -pictured Cypress-border ­ ed cascade series which leads to a pond and more fountains. - (Stufoto)

Ben Hall - (Bill Lamb Photo) ous books and manuscripts, also a theatre to show significant films to 5-rank Wurlitzer organ he called museum visitors - the silent ones to "Little Mother." be accompanied by music played on There is a strong and well-justified Ben's "Little Mother." Plans for the desire among ATOSers to perpetuate auditorium include a New York Para­ the memory of Ben Hall. The New mount-style arch and facade. It will be York Chapter has been especially designated "The Ben Hall Theatre." A active in this area. It became a project permanent plaque on the organ con­ of his home chapter to secure some of sole will further the Ben Hall memorial Ben's properties of historical signi­ theme. ficance and a campaign was under­ Those are the plans, but realization taken to raise funds for the purchase is some time away. Why? Lack of of the materials, including the organ. funds. Contrary to popular belief the The emergence of the Harold Lloyd comedian left only real estate in trust Foundation's film museum project for museum use, no money for the dovetailed perfectly with ATOS desires realization of the project. That is the to provide a fitting memo rial to Ben handicap the estate trustees have faced Hall. Plans were made to convert from the beginning. Lloyd's handball court to a 150-seat To coordinate the museum effort

JUNE, 197 3 TH,l3ATRE ORGAN D :E HALL ...l ... J.JL.,...... \\I.J /\T THE H.AROLDllOYD UTA.TE BEVEIU,Y HIU..: ULIF . . r. >P:CLJ.Jm,.A.I.J...;.acar::

Artist's conception of the proposed Ben Hall Theatre interior .

How to get the project moving? like him. At the same time , small keep the memory of Ben Hall bright The trustees did what any of us would donations will be much appreciated. can be credited and applied directly to do in a like situation; they secured a Every buck counts. " To insure a the theatre project rather than im­ loan to tide the effort over its first few steady effort in the donations depart­ mersed in the general fund which runs months. ment , Woody is organizing the Friends the estate. If the museum idea should fail, the of the Harold Lloyd Estate, a group "It will cost close to $200 ,000 to will provides for the property to go to willing to help with the fund-raising transform the handball court into a the city of Beverly Hills and to UCLA. project. miniature of a '20s movie palace - But Woody Wise is determined to With income from tourists making a even with volunteer work for the make a success of the Foundation's dent in the deficit , and time purchased organ installation," says Woody. museum project. With the loan provid­ in which to seek donations , Woody is Acquisition of the "Little Mother" ing some time leeway , he is seeking confident of making ends meet for the Wurlitzer through the efforts of the funds from rich and poor alike. first year of operation. New York Chapter was a notable step "Jack Warner footed the bill for the Although the Ben Hall Theatre will in the right direction too. It's the American Film Institute theatre ," notes be funded separately, Woody sees this perfect instrument for the job. The Woody, "All we need is a few 'angels' as an advantage; donations intended to limited space available for chamber use

10 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE , 1973 and the miniature scale of the audi­ torium make a 5-ranker just the right CANADA size. The instrument is now in storage LOSING ORGAN? on the estate grounds. Woody is still getting the "feel" of by Colin F. Cousins the huge project. He enjoys con­ Historian, HATOS ducting visitors about the grounds, Readers may have heard of the putting a roll on the 32-rank residence recent destruction of Hamilton, On­ organ or showing off one of Lloyd's tario's Capitol and Palace theatres, two remaining Rolls-Royce vehicles. Canada's second and third largest. "Harold Lloyd sure went in for Their organs, both Warrens, were saved quality," says Woody. "Nothing but by members of the Hamilton Area the best would do." As an example he Theatre Organ Society (HATOS) to be points to the rain gutters on the estate installed in a local high school. St. buildings. On close examination one Mark's United Church, Dundas has notes they are made of copper, both purchased a 9 rank Warren for use in gutters and pipes. the services and in concerts. In Toron­ He has especially kind words for to, the Hippodrome Wurlitzer is being the Neil Kissels. The family has been installed in Casa Loma, and the Im­ living on the estate grounds for several perial's large 4/24 Warren is going into months with Neil acting as resident the CNE Coloseum. caretaker and maintenance man. In The fate is unknown, however, of that time Neil has repaired many of the 3 / 19 Hillgreen, Lane ( 1949) the fountains and done much to im­ presently installed in the magnificent prove the ancient plumbing. Odeon Carlton, Toronto. The theatre, "He's good with wiring problems, known as "The Showplace of the too" says Woody of the man who Nation", and one of the few theatres supervised installation of the LA Chap­ having a mezzanine restaurant (from ter's 3/16 Wurlitzer in the San Gabriel which the movie could be watched (Calif.) Civic Auditorium. while dining) is slated for destruction before the end of the year. The organ The only way to gain is for sale, but no buyers have come entrance to the Harold forth with the amount desired. Lloyd estate at present is The organ is used for the final via Grayline Tours, 1207 intermission on Friday and Saturday West 3rd Street, Los nights, and will continue in this way, Angeles, Calif Phone as it has for the past 24 years, until its (213) 481-2121. removal. According to the organist, Colin Corbett, there was to be a fare­ well concert sometime in May. □ Neil Kissel. plumber, electrician and organ During the coming months Woody fixer. Wise will be campaigning hard for funds to finance operation of the Woody Wise inspects organ chamber in museum and to get started on the Ben 7hl4e cellar. The Aeolian (with player) is in mint Hall Theatre. condition. It was put in shape by LA ~eeo,,ed Chapter members before Lloyd's death. - "Donors can designate their con­ (Stufoto) tributions for either the general fund padeu,,, or for the Ben Hall theatre," explains In the December issue of THE­ Woody. "I think I know already how ATRE ORGAN, member and cor­ gifts from ATOSers will be desig­ respondent Douglas Marion reported nated." the availability of record sleeves for With a little good fortune (aided old 78 RPM discs. The response has and abetted by Woody Wise's and the been slow. To date orders for only 975 Trustees' skills as fund raisers), ATOS have been received while 5000 are will have a permanent installation necessary to make a special production where the visiting public can be ex­ at a reasonable price. posed to pipe organ music, and where Mr. Marion has asked THEATRE a man who did so much to perpetuate ORGAN to report the present status the theatre organ will himself be re­ of this project in the hopes that others membered by generations to come may wish to take advantage of this through his theatre organ sounding method to preserve old recordings. forth in an atmosphere he would For details, see December 1972 approve, the appropriately named Ben issue THEATRE ORGAN, page 28. Hall Theatre - a tribute in perpetuity. The offer is still open to interested □ members. □

THEATRE ORGAN 11 Ur.Parmentier Returnsto Pipes !

by Dorothy P. Bloom of the silent film era were all still iversity, New York, sponsored by the On Saturday evening, March 3, there. New York ATOS Chapter. It was a 1973, there was standing room only in Although Dr. Parmentier has made concert which proved to be memor­ the auditorium of the Roberson cameo appearances during the past able on all counts and was a living Center in Binghamton , New York, as year, notably at the 1972 ATOS Con­ definition of what is meant by profes­ Dr. C.A.J. Parmentier and the Link vention, this concert was part of the sionalism. Great good taste, wonderful Organ rose from the pit to the rousing first concert tour in his long career. spirit, musical consistency and orig­ strains of the "Knights bridge March." During the program he paid tribute to inality of thinking were showcased. This grand old gentleman of the his friend and manager, Mrs. Mary The music was put first, always, and organ established immediate rapport Bowles , our national Secretary-Trea­ so, from that, all privileged to be with his audience as he announced his surer, who "rediscovered" him and present were given as much respect as numbers and talked and joked with brought him back to the theatre pipes the artist gave the music. Here was a them with that delightful mixture of he loves. When Dr. Parmentier is not real musician and that is defined as Belgian accent and American humor on tour he performs at the Waldorf­ one who serves the music rather than that make him such good company, on Astoria Hotel in New York City. using the music as his personal decor. or off the bench. In an interview for The Evening We had a wonderful experience both Press of Binghamton, the 75-year old for heart and mind, one that was His program included something for artist-composer who opened the Roxy , genuine for us as it was honest for everyone - from Beethoven and the Capital and Radio City Music Hall him. Never once did he waste time Rachmaninoff to improvisations on in New York City, said he never plans playing the musical language and ap­ "Three Blind Mice" and "London to retire. "When people retire, they proach of someone else; he played and Bridge" - from "Wedding of the die," he said, and he is not ready for he was . . . himself For that reason Painted Doll" to "Finlandia," with that; he wants "to try everything · the concert was special and had "Love Story" included to bring us up once," and has not had a chance yet. stature. His final number was Ger­ to the 70's. shwin's "'S Wonderful." After hearing Throughout the concert Dr. by Billy Nalle his interpretation, I think mine will Parmentier's "vim, vigor and vitality" have ( cough) a restful vacation while were amazing. The fast pace, the Cass Parmentier, one of the most being infused with assorted minerals beautiful technique, the intricate respected and celebrated artists of the and vitamins. With gratitude and re­ counter melodies and dancing pedal first era of theatre organ, played a solo spect, I doff the hat I never wear and work that made him one of the greats concert in March at Long Island Un- touch my pointed head to the ground. □

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE - Dr . -...... Roberson .. .. . : ...... : . . . . ·.. - ...... - .. . ..- TheRegent ... n:urimond'sfirst theater organtugs at the heartstringsof morethan a fewlovers of oldtime theater.Its ensembleis comparableto 28 ranksof pipes,and the five pistons offersuch theater favorites as reedsolo, string chorus, theatersolo, tibia chorus and ffl( ~(f3(~T. •• full organ.And the Regent's tiAMMO~U~i ~~W stylingis classictheater ... Tti~AT~~ O~t3A~ beautifulrubbed walnut in thetraditional horseshoe configuration. Forall its attachmentto yesteryear,the Regent is actuallya productfor today ... andtomorrow. Hammond hascombined yesterday's musicwith the sounds of todayvia large scale integratedcircuitry ... tomorrow'stechnology. But unlikethe organs of the past,the Regent has a uniqueinstrumental percussiondivision and a versatilenew arpeggiator. Justanother example of Hammondproviding tomorrow'sperformance today. m:::::?::::?~~ANCOMPANY

13 JUNE, 1973 THEATRE ORGAN TLe Life and Tim.es of Milton CLarles

PART I

TranscriLed l,y Lloyd E. Klos

In the early thirties, a certain wide­ have one of those wonderful extras cians, I showed a little talent early, eyed teenager was a frequent patron of with the magic of the movie screen? which was cultivated by my family. the huge Mastbaum Theatre in Phil­ "Why," Mary began, "there's Rudy Fortunately, I was able to audition for adelphia. The object of her interest Vallee, running up and down the one of the top organ teachers in San was the handsome, young organist. beach at Atlantic City, calling 'Milton! Jose, California, where I was born. When Milton Charles rode his console Milton! Here's a telegram! They need There were three who were tops in up into the golden spotlight, the you back at the Mastbaum in Phil­ those days - Wallace Sabin; Uda excited girl practically led the ap­ adelphia!' At that time, Mr. Charles, Waldrop, who taught in San Francisco; plause. She would sit through as many you seemed to me as remote as the and Benjamin S. Moore, who taught in as three shows just to watch her hero. man on the moon. Well, we've taken San Jose and played in two churches Through the years, she has never for­ care of the moon, and we're about to in San Francisco. All were great! gotten those pleasant memories at the take care of the second situation. It is "I was ten or eleven when I audi­ Mastbaum. a wonderful privilege to be sitting here tioned. I didn't play organ then, just Following the ATOS Convention in and talking with you . I can't express piano. But Mr. Moore took me, took a Seattle in July 1971, Mary Bowles, my true feelings about it. But, I'm great interest in me and started me on now ATOS national secretary­ going to stop talking and let you start." organ. I took lessons on a big organ in treasurer, journeyed to Los Ange­ "Well, thanks, Mary, that's great! the Calvary Presbyterian Church in les, and taped the following interview Incidentally, I'd better say now that I San Francisco, and it wasn't too long with Milton Charles for THEATRE think the Mastbaum Theatre organ before he got me a church of my own ORGAN magazine. probably was just about tops in my which had a tracker-action instrument. In drama tic fashion, Mary Bowles, experience. It really had everything. I was somewhat overwhelmed by this, began the interview by asking, just And, the Mastbaum was a great the­ as I had been taking lessons on an what Milton Charles' performance atre. More about my experiences there Austin tubular pneumatic. might be today, playing and singing in later. "This was a rather difficult under­ his own inimitable way; or would he "Like many of the young musi- taking for me, and I still don't see how

14 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 197 3 I did it. However, it was a great movie days. I also played the supper She was crazy about organ music, and experience and my teacher's expert show. would sit on the bench with me. It is counseling helped me over the rough "Sid would have auditions, bringing interesting to reflect back on those spots. He gave me the best of every­ back time and time again some sad days. thing. I used to go on his tours and performers. One evening, the audience "After a year or so, I decided I help turn pages. It was he who gave me included Jackie Coogan, Sr., with little wanted a vacation. I didn't have a car, my first musical education. Jackie Coogan, Jr. curled up in the so a dealer here in Los Angeles, a "Then, I became interested in the first row, sound asleep. Carter De­ friend of mine, loaned me one. My theatre, having heard one could make Haven was another listener. Of course, wife and a dear friend went with me a lot of money playing in them. I got a I would do anything. Sid would call up to my hometown of San Jose, I 1it tle experience playing popular me at two in the morning and say, didn't know one couldn't take a vaca­ piano, and got a chance to play in a 'Milton, would you come down and tion when in Sid's employ. When I got theatre in San Francisco. I believe it play for some friends of mine from back, I got my notice. I had spent all was called the Jewel Theatre, and it New York?' Boy, I could hardly wait! my money so was a bit shocked. had a small organ of a make not Mind, I had to be down there for the "In the meantime, Jack Root, a familiar to most of us. It was a good 11 am show! light-heavyweight fighter in the old start because next door was the Rialto "One night after the theatre show, days, was installing a new Wurlitzer in Theatre, and an organist who was very, one of Sid's guests was Gloria Pasadena. Somebody told him about very big in those days, a real showman Swanson, who really sang quite well. me, and he asked me if I'd play it. called C. Sharpe Minor.

"He liked me because I was a kid, Interior of Chicago's Uptown Theatre where Milton Charles alternated with Jesse Crawford and and I would frequently go over there Albert Hay Malotte, each spending a week in the Chicago, Tivoli and Uptown. - (Chicago and watch him do his specialty which Architectural Photographing Co.) was playing the newsreels. The organ was a Wurlitzer, and I never had heard one. I just drank all that in, and he would let me sit on the bench with him. Looking back now, from a critical standpoint, he wasn't too much, but he was a good showman. "Then, I got a chance to follow Jesse Crawford, who was just starting in San Francisco, and very, very big there. I went into the theatre he had left and did quite well. "Before long, I had a chance to go on tour for the Turner and Denkin circuit, playing in theatres in Stockton and Fresno. Both theatres had good­ sized Wurlitzers. Everything seemed an advancement. I was making $50 a week, and that, to me, was quite a lot of money. "While in Stockton, one day the phone rang, and it was Sid Grauman from Los Angeles, calling me, a mere punk. I couldn't believe it! He told me he wanted me down at the Million Dollar Theatre to replace Jesse Craw­ ford who had gone to the California Theatre. There were restrictions in those days about importing talent from other cities, but it was somehow arranged for me to get into the Million Dollar. I was told to come to the stage door and tell them I was the boy from the Owl Drug Store. Sid was a funny man and had these crazy ideas, but was a real genius. This was a great chance for a young kid, and C. Sharpe Minor was the top organist there. I was the assistant organist, and I used to give a concert from 11 to 11 :30 am every day. This was during the silent

JUNE, 1973 Considering my financial condition, played pretty stiff concerts in those you'd better believe I did! My first days, things I could never play today. number was "Dardanella" - can you "When we played the Tivoli, we stand it? had a saxophone player in the pit "Apparently, Sid thought better of orchestra of about 35 men. As I would it, so he got me back after awhile. go down through the pit to get on the However, I was a bit teed off, and console elevator, this chap would be thought I'd have a little fun with him. playing his warmup phrase of about Jesse Crawford, who I followed quite a three notes. One day, I said, 'Wayne, bit, had left the California Theatre to I'm going to write a song on that,' go to Chicago for Balaban & Katz. (kidding him, of course). His name was Jake Kalver, a representative for Wayne King. Jack Yellen, a great Remick Music Co., had gotten Craw­ lyricist, who had his own publishing ford for B & K. company, came to town, and asked if I "I went into the California Theatre had any tunes. I sat down and wrote for Fred Miller. The organ was an old some music. He liked it, wrote the Robert Morton, not too bad, except lyrics, and in 20 minutes, we had the installation was on the stage, and "Hula Lou." Yellen was a fast writer there were many drapes involved, which and was doing special material for muddied it. Sophie Tucker. "Oh, yes. I gave old Sid my notice, Mr. Charles was a writer of songs, too . In "When we finished the song, I and when he heard it, couldn't believe 1926, he combined with orchestra leader, suggested we cut in the 'kid in the it! He said to his secretary, 'Florence, I Art Kassel to write "It's You!". Theatre orchestra', Wayne King, for a third, want to give that boy his notice.' Old organists' plugging of songs quite often resulted in their reaching the Top Ten . which we did. The song did quite well. Sid - he was beautiful! "I was at the Sophie Tucker used it, as did Belle California for awhile, and in time, serious - no popular stuff. Jesse was Baker, Rae Samuels, and Margaret got an offer to go to Chicago. Jesse still playing the ballads beautifully, Young. Crawford had gone into the Tivoli but we decided to play organ liter­ "In 1929, they changed the name there, and when the Chicago Theatre ature. Malotte and I were good friends, of the Metropolitan Theatre in Los opened, Kalver said that there is a 'kid and incidentally he was a terrific musi­ Angeles to the "Paramount," and sent out there who is pretty good,' so they cian and excellent organist. He used to me out here. The organ was a Wur­ brought me East to play the Tivoli take "La Boheme" and use the whole litzer, and it had a 10-inch Tibia . I organ, again following Crawford. The score to accompany a western! He went to Gus Eisle, who is now the Tivoli had a three-manual organ, and didn't care. con tact between the Rockefeller had a very nice sound with one of the "Malotte and I used to send memos Estates and the Radio City people, and most interesting Tibias I had ever to each other regarding the programs, was then Paramount's manager. There heard. It also had a cute little Kinura which would go through the office. was advertising all over town: 'Milton which I used in trick conversations Jesse would look at them, and it was Charles at the Paramount' etc. I just such as "Gallagher & Shean." something else! We were a good in­ couldn't do it with a 10 inch Tibia. "When Balaban & Katz opened the fluence on Jesse. He didn't read music "Somebody had told me about the Uptown Theatre, we played a week in very well then; he played by ear pretty Robert Morton Co. in Van Nuys, so I each. Albert Hay Malotte was the third much, but very well. He later became a went to them, and asked their rep­ organist. We gave Sunday concerts very good musician, aside from his resentative to put a 16-inch Tibia into down at the Chicago, and this was always great sound for ballads. We the Paramount organ. They agreed, and a young chap worked night and Mr. Charles at the Chicago Theatre Console which Jesse Crawford made famous before going to day to get the Tibia installed before New York. Mr. Charles followed the immortal Jesse several times during his career. - (Robbins Music Corp.) my opening. (By odd circumstance, while I was playing at the King's Arms Restaurant recently, I met this fellow, after 42 years). "The organ sounded very well with its new Tibia and a half. I didn't hear it until opening night, and it sounded beautiful. The "kid", Art Pearson, had done a remarkable job. I was sched­ uled for the Paramount for six weeks, but stayed there a year and a half. Boris Morros, who was in the organ­ ization, and whom I befriended some years previously, wrote a little piece for me in appreciation. "Then, I received a very attractive offer from Philadelphia and the Mast­ baum Theatre. I showed Gus Eisle the

JUNE, 197 3 "Getting back in sequence, I was in Philadelphia, and as I told you, the Mastbaum Theatre Wurlitzer was a great organ. The console rose out of the pit and turned so the organist could see more of the audience. There were 85 men in the pit orchestra; Fabian Sevitsky, a nephew of Koussevitsky, was our conductor; Le Roy Prince, choreographer; Katherine Littlefield, prima ballerina. Dick Powell was master of ceremonies at one time, also Teddy Joyce, who was later killed in a bombing raid in England during World War II. It was a great theatre, but it closed two or three times with labor troubles. Dick Powell was sent out to Hollywood, and you know how well he fared. The Mastbaum Theatre had 2,500 seats on the main floor, the remainder in the steeply - inclined "When I came to Philadelphia, Fred balcony and deluxe mezzanine. Only two theatres in the country were larger - the Roxy Waring told me that I'd hate the city, (6,214 seats) and the Radio City Music Hall (6,200 seats), both in New York. - (Philadelphia Public Library) this coming from a native Penn­ sylvanian. But I loved it. I loved the telegram and gave him the chance to piano, the other sang. Whiteman was people, and I loved the idea of a meet it. I know, because we were good impressed by the singer, who stated he six-day town. friends, that he had advised New York had a cold when they auditioned in "And it is here I want to say to the about this, and the procrastination Los Angeles. I'll never forget that young organist: There is absolutely no went on for weeks. I finally received a routine which was named "Two Boys substitute for work. I don't care how wire from the agent of Warner's The­ and a Piano." The singer crashed a much talent you have. You can't atres asking, 'What kind of business­ cymbal during the act, and the song substitute talent for work. No way. man are you? Do you want it, or don't was "Sadie Green From New Orleans." Heifetz can't do it. Some feel they can you?' I had the contract in my desk, The participants? Al Rinker and Bing get by on talent alone, but you must and wired back that it was in the mail, Crosby. Bing has never forgotten that work, work, work! As for me, I loved signed. Now, I'm in my last week, and incident. This was a big thing for him, the business. out comes Boris Morros, saying and for me, who could always say 'I 'Milton, you couldn't do this, you knew him when ... ' (To Be Concluded Next Issue) wouldn't dare. I told him that I had given him his chance. 'Where are you going?', he asked. The 5,000-seat Mastbaum Theatre about December 1945. Often beset with labor troubles during its history, it was the most beautiful theatre erected in Philadelphia. - (Philadelphia "In those days, you couldn't tell Public Library) anyone where you were going, because there were all these connections among the big interests. I went to Philadelphia, and there was Fred Waring, a very good friend of mine. I had learned about the Waring organ­ ization when playing at the Tivoli in Chicago. I had a big dressing room there with a piano, and upstairs was a hall where the Pennsylvanians would rehearse. John Balaban asked me to watch the show with him the first time Fred and the boys appeared. We sat in the last row and when he asked my opinion, I said, 'They've got some­ thing, no question about it. Keep them.' "Another time at the Tivoli, if I can be allowed to go out of sequence, Paul Whiteman, a very good friend, told me that a couple kids were coming in from Los Angeles and asked me to hear them. One played the

JUNE, 1973 January 1973, with a supplement planned annually as information is Wurlitzer received. This will be provided to each purchaser at no additional cost for as long as it appears practical to con­ tinue. List ... The book is bound in a hardboard cover which can be dis-assembled for insertion of new pages. Your order accompanied by a check made out to Judd Walton in the amount of $20.00 should be sent to him at CASCO, 2855 Telegraph Ave., Berkeley , CA. 94705. □

1,, J\ 1)\1 ',\\l ,TO" 111:IIES llllllTEI -----INC.----­

AN AGENCY SPECIALIZING IN THEATRE ORGANISTS he "Wurlitzer Theatre Organ model information and specifications, Revised Installations List", the updated Wiring Schedule List authored by Judd Walton , has (these are the numbers that appear REPRESENTING ... been completed and is available for written on each switch mounted on DON BAKER purchase. Final procedures for the the switch stack located above the copyright were underway as we went relay), and the updated Shipping List. C.A.J. PARMENTIER to press, and on receipt of copyright The shipping list appears in three LOWELL AYARS verification, copies will be mailed to formats, i.e., a list by Opus number CHARLES BALOGH all whose payment has been received. followed by a suffix letter. Thus, Opus The book, made up in several dif­ 1833A would indicate the first in­ BIFF CLAFLIN ferent sections, is printed on a dif­ stallation, l 833B would indicate the KARL COLE ferent colored paper for each section second, etc. The other two sections are TOM GNASTER for quick reference. It contains histor­ by Style Number, listed by Opus KAY McABEE ical notes of interest gleaned from the Number and a list by State and City. TOM LOCKWOOD Wurlitzer Company records, complete The information is updated to CONTACT

MARY A. BOWLES Rt. 2, Hopewell Road Lost Lake Marl ton, N .J. 08053 Phone: (609) 983-1535

OR NOW BOOKING CONCERTTOUR ROBERT E. DILWORTH FOR SPRINGAND FALL, 197 3 2012 Wildwood Drive PersonalRepresentative : HENRY W. HUNT, 415 S. Main St., Royal Oak, Mi 48067 Woodland Park Wilmington, Del. 19805 Phone: (313) 547-3446 Phone: (302) 998-2803

18 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1973 - · RECORD CO. PROUDLY PRESENTS ••• tbepbanto o.J=the onganl At last! A special album of ghostly pipe organ music guaranteed to ice your spine!! Just the thing for a seance, ghost party, Halloween, witchcraft & black magic, or house-haunting!!! This freaky, funky, far-out record is one more great "fun" album from Hollywood's ELECTRIC LEMON RECORD CO. in Stereo!

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19 JUNE, 1973 THEATRE ORGAN lish classical organist who isn't afraid for the T.O. fan and a huge plus for to tackle difficult selections. He both Shaw and the builder. handles big fistfulls of chord clusters Recording is good throughout. The (played against rumbling but agile elaborate "book format" jacket offers pedal patterns) as easily as the simple photos of instruments and artists, and Far melodies. Outside of Mulet's "Car­ stoplists for both organs. illon Sortie," Wright's selections will The Lancastrian Theatre Organ The be unfamiliar to most US theatre Trust is a non-profit organization. organ-oriented ears, but nevertheless Earnings from the sale of records are Re1:ards fascinating: Whitlock's morose "Folk invested in the rescue and preservation Tune," "A Fancy" by Harris, a of remaining theatre organs in Great bombastic modern "Ite Missa Est" by Britain. A most worthy cause. Roger Nichols and Choveauz' regal "March in A" (this last played on the Odeon Manchester Wurlitzer which SIDRLEY ! Shirley Hannum playing Wright makes sound like a straight the Carson 3/26 studio Wurlitzer. organ). Performance is tops but we MAS-2021 stereo. $5.50 postpaid have some doubts that the material from Malar Productions, Box 3104, will cut much ice with US fans. Glendale, Calif. 91201. Manufacturers, distributors or indi­ The other side of the disc is some­ Easterner Shirley Hannum made a viduals sponsoring or merchandising thing else. The "Queen" is the Man­ solidly plus impression during her theatre pipe organ records are en­ chester Odeon 4/20 Wurlitzer and it is January concert at the LA Wiltern couraged to send pressings to the played by veteran Gerald Shaw, Theatre. Until then, few westerners had Record Reviewer, Box 3564, Granada London's last "full time" theatre or­ even heard her name. But those who Hills, California 91344. Be sure to ganist who may be heard daily at the attended her LA concert, probably include purchasing information, if expecting little from an unfamiliar applicable, and i( possible a black Leicester Square Odeon's 5-deck and white photo which need not Compton. Record collectors will recall artist, were pleasantly surprised and be returned. Shaw's brilliant performance at the perhaps somewhat jolted to find such Compton released by Concert Record­ profound musicianship in such an un­ ing a few years ago. With the ex­ affected miss. This recording captures ception of one tune, Shaw's program is the artistry of Shirley Hannum effec­ A KING AND THE QUEEN, Simon mainly semi-classics: Curzon's majestic tively. It should do much to enlarge Wright playing the 5/64 Cavaille-Coll "March of the Bowmen" ( effective her circle of fans. concert organ in Manchester Town brass), "Claire de Lune" ( color reeds The organ is the familiar 3/26 Hall and Gerald Shaw at the Man­ and Tibia), a progressively exciting "In former CBS studio Wurlitzer, one of chester Odeon Theatre 4/20 Wurlitzer. The Hall of the Mountain King," three designed for top tone quality in Acorn label No_ CF 220 (stereo). Scott's w himsi ca lly meandering a situation where volume is not a Available by air mail from the Lan­ "Dance Negre," Kreisler' s "Ca price factor. The result is one of the finest castrian Theatre Organ Trust at $7.20. Viennois" (very correct but not spir­ studio installations. Shirley handles it Checks on US banks are accepted and ited), Rawicz' fast-moving "Spinning on this disc as though she had been should be made out to the Trust (as Wheel" ( not the pop tune), and "Hot playing it for years. above) and sent to Mr. Cyril Castle, 66 Dog" by Clair. The opener is a rousing "Lucky Athlone Avenue, Astley Bridge, All are meticulously played with a Day" played in console-raising style Bolton, Lanes., BLI 6RA, England. little more restraint than one might with just a hint of 4-leaf clovers. Alas, inflation and devaluation of expect from Shaw - all but the final "Smile Away That Rainy Day" dis­ US currency have forced the Trust to selection. "Hot Dog" is played on the plays a gentle beat and a Tibia Piccolo increase prices on exports to the USA, ancient 64-rank Cavaille-Coll with un­ melody line which broadens to a fuller thus the $7.20 tq on this deluxe inhibited exuberance and a driving combination for the second chorus. limited edition rewrd. The "Double beat. Naturally the performance in­ "Moonlight in Vermont" suggests the Touch" and "Side By Side" albums we vites comparison with the recently brittle crunch of newly fallen snow un­ reviewed earlier are now available at exhumed performance of "Hot Dog" derfoot and brisk winter air with its mix $6.40 postpaid. played 40 years ago by Sidney Torch of pitched percussions ( e.g. Vibraharp) Roughly one half of the music on the Christie 4/36 in the Marble and color reeds. "Baby's Birthday heard on this disc is played on a Arch Regal Cinema (Doric DO(s) Party" is a typical rhythmic novelty theatre organ. Yet the classical "King" 1212). Torch had the advantage of the tune from the early '30s with both instrument will also be of interest to orchestral facilities required by such a "then" and "now" treatments. Shirley theatre organ fans; its builder, Cav­ novelty tune and his glissandos are a says her "Don't Blame Me" reflects aille-Coll, represents the finest in little neater. Otherwise, Gerald Shaw's ideas garnered from her teacher, the romantic French organ building in the version is right up there with the late Leonard MacClain. But "Melody period just before Hope-Jones entered Torch performance. The surprise is Mac" must have been listening to the scene. It has been stated that that the ancient Cavaille-Coll responds Crawford recordings just before that Hope-Jones often built on foundations so effectively to the 1920's pop nov­ particular lesson because the char­ laid by Cavaille-Coll. elty style. "Hot Dog" is a gasser, easily acteristic Tibia harmony and mordants Simon Wright is a young (21) Eng- the most exciting selection on the disc of the Poet are much in evidence.

20 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1973 in an alluring arrangement. It's a good Minor," "Prelude and Fugue in C closer but the statement is super­ Major" and four choral pre! udes which fluous; we knew that by the close of provide absorbing examples of the "Liebestod." musical forms with which Bach work­ Some arrangements are not without ed, most of which he originated. Kurt what some listeners may consider a Rapf plays the difficult works with minor fault; Shirley seems to have an much attention to detail. His perfor­ attachment to a phrase-end filler orig­ mance is meticulous, authentic and a inally used by Crawford. It is heard little warmer than one normally gets several times during these selections. from our homegrown Bach exponents. But the over-all freshness of style, Recording is good. The music has crisp attack and orchestral registration been "miked" to take full advantage outweigh any reservations. Shirley has of the live church acoustics without something good to say and she says it definition to be lost in excessive re­ musically. verberation. For the light music enthu­ Dick Stoney's miking makes the siast who now and then feels the need music come alive. Our review pressing for the heavy stuff, who fills the bill has an especially quiet surface, a better than Bach? quality which makes the Dolby noise reduction system all the more ef­ Shirley Hannum. A rendezvous with the fective. And for this disc , Malar's - THE PLUG-INCORNER - Carson Wurlitzer paid off. usually nutty jacket note writer has a stand in who reveals his identity. THEATRE ORGAN ENCORES, Vol­ Shirley performs them beautifully, ume III, Peter Dumser playing a then goes on to add her own touch to THE CLASSIC ORGAN BACH ON Gulbransen "Rialto" electronic organ. the nostalgic ballad. THE BRUCKNER ORGAN IN LINZ Diapason label, No. 1918 (stereo). Side 2 opens with the current plea CATHEDRAL, played by Kurt Rapf. Available by mail from Peter F. for recognition of the individual, "I Klavier label (stereo) No. KS-502. Dumser, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. Gotta Be Me." Then comes the brood­ Available at $5.95 postpaid from Price not stated. ing "Godfather Love Theme." Shirley KJavier Record Co., 5652, Willowcrest Mr. Dumser 's program consists of conjures up a ghostly off-mike mando­ Avenue, North Hollywood, Calif. "Somewhere My Love," "Scotch and lin effect via the reiterating Marimba 91601. Soda," "Young at Heart," "Who's for a touch of Neapolitan atmosphere. From time to time we hear a Fooling," "Cabaret," "Winchester "Nola" is given the light touch, almost straight organ recording we feel will be Cathedral," "More," "Bye Bye Blues ," flippant, and Shirley kicks up her heels of interest to those whose principal "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," with some melodic variations the interest is the theatre instrument. In and "Satin Doll" - all hot items second time around. Lots of reg­ view of the recurring controversy over among aficionados of nightclub organ. istration variety here. "baroque" and "romantic" concert Dumser treats his instrument with Probably only those familiar with organs, here's an instrument with respect and some of his arrangements Wagner's romantic opera, "Tristan and voices to please both schools of reflect theatre organ styling. Yet , the Isolde," will get the full impact from thought. It's a 3/119 straight organ album title is misleading. Ten mostly "Liebestod," Shirley's one bow to the with plenty of foundation and enough current standards played on a plug-in classics on this disc. It's enough to articulation to give an "edge" to the might better be labelled "My Most state that her treatment has much more thinly registered contrapuntal Requested Tunes," or something simi­ greater emotional impact than the one passages but not so much that it lar. recorded by Virgil Fox on the Wana­ sounds like percussions. Full com­ Playing is clean and straight­ maker store organ (but how she could binations exhibit plenty of "upper­ forward with full advantage taken on have used some of the Wanamaker work" brilliance. the instrument's facilities. Arrange­ store organ's strings~)- Shirley's treat­ The selections are "Toccata and ments are uncluttered and counter ment is just plain sexy, which is Fugue in D Minor," "Passacaglia in C melodies add color. The Rialto model exactly the way the composer in­ tended it. WHEN YOU'RE IN MILWAUKEE "I Can't Believe That You're in Visit the . .. Love With Me" with a definite beat wipes away any lingering romantic thoughts from "Liebestod" (which should have been the closer). "Can't Believe" is given a lilting '2 0s treat­ and HEAR the 1926 ment with hints of Crawford here and MIGHTY WURLITZER there. Shirley's closer is a tune that has THEATRE PIPE ORGAN become something of a trademark with her (and perhaps an unintentional The Great Eating Place With the Fun Name slam at Womens' Lib),"I Enjoy Being a 52nd and Capitol Dr., Milwaukee,Wis., (414) 445-7970 Girl," which rates an upbeat packaging

JUNE, 1973 THEATRE ORGAN 21 consists of an excellent "Tibia" sound, not the rule. Most vendors' quality 4/ 16' s, NOT 4/ 17' s. The Japanese a brassy "reed," pitched percussions, control departments catch the faulty word for tidal wave is "tsunami", NOT and a somewhat lacklustre "main." discs before they are sealed and de­ "ta tsumi". The Princess Theatre was Therefore, the big flute sound is livered. Records sent to us for review destroyed in 1969, NOT in the mid­ bound to dominate. Dumser handles are often received with the plastic seals six ties. Help on the organ's re­ his instrument's limitations expertly, broken, which indicates the pressings installation was NOT "soon forth­ relying on the "piano" effect, the have been individually auditioned be­ coming" from ATOS, as the Hawaii wah-wah brass for riffs and a rather fore shipment, a procedure we heartily Theatre Organ Club did not affiliate strident bell effect for variety. It adds approve. with ATOS until 1971. The help came up to generally pleasant listening. Off center pressings occur most from a few members of HTOC. They Recording is good, with acoustic frequently among smaller sound had not entirely neglected the organ liveness achieved through reverb/echo. processers but RCA, Columbia and either, as they had been trying to Our review copy was enough "off Capitol have produced their share of arrange for the organ to be rebuilt center" on both sides to put a notice­ "wobblers." However, no presser, ven­ before re-installation, and its possible able "wow" in untrem'd percussions. dor or artist wants a flawed record to installation in a pizza parlor. Without We are informed that Volumes I and II mar his escutcheon; all of them we arguing the pros and cons of pizza of this series are available. have consulted with are only too parlors, suffice it to say that Alice willing to replace imperfect pressings. despised the idea, and hurriedly got So, if they wow, or are warped, send * * * the instrument into the theatre as-is. 'em back for replacements. □ The price is now being paid for that We have been asked what is meant haste - endless attention to things by the term "off center" with regard that should have been re-done once to recordings. To state it simply this and for all. condition occurs when the spindle As for implicit errors, the tidal hole is not precisely in the center of • wave of 1946 was not mentioned, with the pressing with relation to the the resulting implication that John grooves, normally the result of careless .~. DeMello played in Hilo from 1940 to presser operation - and, ultimately, 1960. He was actually there only half poor quality control inspection. The that time. Also, the caption on Alice off center flaw is usually heard as a ~~ ~ Blue's picture implies that there would pitch variation, or "wow," on sustain­ ...... have been no biography of John other­ ed tones, especially during sustained wise, though that is far from true. percussion sounds. It is more evident ~ ~ While the story was good in terms of on tones nearer the center of the TTT-.;rTTT what it did say, much was omitted, pressings but on especially bad press­ though perhaps of necessity. ings it may be noted on the outside After all, THEATRE ORGAN is a cuts as well. "Wow" is usually visible, Letters to the Editor concerning all chronicle, albeit belated, of theatres, aspects of the theatre organ hobby too. If there is an audible pitch vari­ theatre organs, and theatre organists, are encouraged. Send them to the ation with each rotation of the table, and will be used as a reference in years editor concerned. Unless it's stated to come. Shouldn't we take care - as look for a side-to-side swing of the clearly on the letter "not for pub- pickup cartridge. We have measured a 1ication," the editors feel free to well as pride - in its contents? swing of up to 3/32" per revolution, reproduce it, in whole or part. My congratulations to you and your resulting in a very marked "wow". staff for your fine work. That I cannot Address: P. 0. Box 1314 discredit. However, as a rule of thumb, any Salinas, Calif. 93901 visible side-to-side excursion of the stylus indicates the pressing is faulty Sincerely yours, and should be returned to the vendor Dear Editor: Roger G. Angell for replacement. Sometimes the wow I am writing in regard to the story is not visible, only audible. Same about John DeMello (October, 1972 procedure. issue, THEATRE ORGAN) by Alice Vertical movement of the pickup Blue and Stu Green. To be sure, the we~cgm~ head indicates a warped pressing. story and the pictures were interesting While this doesn't normally result in and gave John credit that he has long audible wow, it often causes distortion deserved; as Alice Blue mentioned, it TC and early record wear. Send it back. has been John that has kept the Returning the pressing may result theatre organ alive in Honolulu. PCRT~nnD in a replacement with precisely the However, I wish to point out same flaw, because the presser may several errors, both implicit and ex­ have stamped out a large number of plicit, that were evident in the biog­ 18th ANNUAL off-center pressings before discovering raphy. Please bear with me if they NATIONAL ATOS the defect. Sometimes it is necessary seem to be trivial. CONVENTION to return a pressing several times be­ The organ in the Kaimuki Theatre fore receiving one free of audible wow. was a 3/ 14, NOT a 3/ 10. The organs in JULY 25• - 28, 1973 Happily, off center pressings are the Princess and Hawaii Theatres were

22 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 197 3 Jp>UZZA (01R~(GrAN 1BllUJl1L1f

by Douglas Marion Console of the 2/8 Wicks - the first ever built specifically for a pizza house.

As is now well known, theatre than a completely rehabilitated theatre During the years when theatre organs organs have reached new popularity on organ. were marketable, the company pro­ the West Coast installed in pizza res­ From this has resulted a new or­ duced many of these instruments, taurants. The trend was started within chestral organ installed in the Red while continuing to build church or­ the past decade by the first such Vest Pizza, in Monterey, California, gans as their major production . Many instrument installed in San Lorenzo, with installation being completed on of the craftsmen then working for the one of the many suburbs in the east February 1, 1973, the date prescribed company are still employed. Hence it San Francisco Bay area . Since that in the contract. The organ was built in was on the basis of this experience and time, a continuing number have been 90 days! It is indeed the first organ understanding of the orchestral organ placed in pizza restaurants, ranging ever built that has been expressly concept that the contract was under­ from 2 to 4 manuals and from 6 to 20 designed to meet the marketing re­ taken. ranks. Most of the entrepreneurs have quirements of a pizza restaurant. The Red Vest Pizza installation been organ buffs themselves. That is The Wicks Organ Company has finds 8 ranks installed at the rear of not to deny the fact that the tremen­ been building organs for over 60 years. the room with the percussions and dous outlay of money was spent in the since confirmed belief that the expen­ The new organ after its final checkout at the Wicks factory before installation in the Red Vest . diture would return a profit. As more were installed, organs be­ came more and more scarce. As an example, several interested pizza operators are seriously considering the purchase of a 4 manual Wurlitzer located in South Africa! It was in this used organ sellers market condition that the Northern California repre­ sentatives of the Wicks Organ Com­ pany, Judd Walton and Bob Jacobus, were approached by the repre­ sentatives of a large chain of pizza places to discuss new organs for their "stores", as they refer to them. They were asked to design a new orchestral organ expressly for use in this environ­ ment, as they were convinced that a new instrument could be acquired for at least no more money, if not less,

JUNE, 1973 siastic throughout the entire period. (now in a Chicago area restaurant), ANALYSIS His reports on the increasing business and the third is in Mr. Harvey Heming­ 8' English Horn - 61 Pipes since the installation have proven the way's residence near Milwaukee, 16' Trompette - 73 Pipes viability of the company's decision to Wisconsin.* 8' Diaphonic Diapason - 73 Pipes 16' Tibia Clausa - 97 Pipes acquire the organ. Steve formerly had "The entire project has been a real 8' Gamba - 73 Pipes an orchestra well known throughout challenge", Walton stated when asked. 8' Gamba Celeste T.C. - 49 Pipes the San Francisco Bay area as he was "Bob and I had the opportunity of a 8' Concert Flute - 85 Pipes frequently broadcast by the local radio lifetime to design a valid orchestral 8' Kinura - 61 Pipes Marimba (double G to G3) - 49 Notes stations. Bud Taylor has been engaged instrument for this specific purpose", Xylophone (single C to C3) - 37 Notes to play for the patrons, many who he continued, "and the result is ex­ Glockenspiel (tenor G to C3) - 30 Notes have become "regulars" since he open­ tremely satisfying". "It was necessary Bass Drum ed the instrument. to consider uppermost the use to Cymbal (sizzle) which the organ must succeed, design­ Snare Drum General Manager Peter Decker is Tambourine enthusiastic about the results pro­ ed on orchestral sound principles, but Castanets duced for the company by the organ not necessarily as a theatre organ". Siren entertainment at the Red Vest. He is "We believe it marks the beginning of Fire Gong (reiterating) a new era in the orchestral organ Steam Boat Whistle convinced that the purchase of the new instrument was a wise decision - field", Walton continued. "With elec­ the contract not only provided for the tronic instruments priced up to traps ranged along each side of the organ but includes ten years service as $40,000.00, many are coming to room at ceiling level. The Swell Cham­ well as Wicks ten year warranty which realize that the real article can be had, ber is equipped with plate glass swell includes parts and labor. that it presents a much better invest­ shades which provide interest and visi­ It has been a thrill for the many ment by retaining its value through a bility as well as volume control. It was guests to sit at the console of a brand much longer trouble free life span, and first determined that certain voices new theatre type organ for "a go". that an orchestral organ can now be would have greater utility in this en­ This is not the first orchestral organ acquired at a cost approximating that vironment than that found in theatres. built by Wicks in recent years - it is for an older theatre organ completely Dropped from the specification, there­ the fourth. The first was that built for restored by professionals!" □ fore, were the "usual Vox Humana" Oral Roberts Auditorium (now in a *(See "Wurlitzer Template Discovery" and the softly intonated Chrysoglott. Chicago residence), the second was a August 1970 issue of THEATRE In their place was inserted a throaty Home Show demonstration organ ORGAN) voiced Kinura and a Marimba Harp respectively. An English Horn was included in addition to the Trumpet CONVENTIONFEATURE ... for the bright brassy reed sound. Scales were made quite large for an instrument of eight ranks, very similar to those used by Wurlitzer on the organs they built for the English mar­ ket. The Marimba Harp, Xylophone and Glockenspiel have a light installed for each note which lights up when the note is played. On-off switches for the lighting system are installed on the console. The entire instrument and its place­ ment has followed the principle laid down by the purchaser - "MVI" - Maximum Visual Impact! The Console is of Wicks design, with a horseshoe shaped single bolster with stops en­ graved from the Wurlitzer Templates owned by Max Mogensen of HESCO, Inc., Hagerstown, Maryland.* It is finished in Ivory with gold bas-relief designs on the top, front, sides and back. The combination system is the Capture Combination type, with five pistons for the Pedal, Accompaniment and Solo as well as five Master Pistons. The Console and its equipment was also built with "MVI" ! The former Oriental Theatre Wurlitzer organ, now enlarged to 34 ranks. The instrument is now The manager of the "store" is Mr. installed in the Organ Grinder Restaurant in Portland and is one of the organs to be featured at Steve Paul who has been very enthu- the ATOS convention next month. - (Claude Neuffer Photo)

24 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1973 Did the performance show care in • • rehearsal and preparation? Or was it a ltow TO A CRITIC spontaneous, extemporized session, in which the artist trusted to inspiration to carry him through? Were there any major accidents, like turning on the By John Muri drums in the middle of a soft passage, or blasting on the post horn during a sweet ballad? Did he push the cancel Reviewing concerts is a tricky as from whom I copy the following piston by accident? Did he play too well as a difficult business. In a social gems: "He was in funky soul mood, many wrong notes? Was his use of the organization like ours, we have to be probably from eating too many pedal too heavy or just right? careful when we criticize the work of ground nuts" and "He was only fairly Does he talk too much in trying to fellow-members, especially when they superb last night." If the program is educate the audience? Most of the play without remuneration. To them full of musical cliches like "Tea for program-note kind of explanation we should be grateful and gracious for Two", "Ebb Tide", etc., we can list might well be omitted. Who needs a their gifts. Truth ought to be told, but them as "old favorites" or "request lecture on Ravel, Saint-Saens, or Grieg we have to be careful not to hurt numbers", even though most of the at a pop organ concert? Gustav Mahler needlessly. There now seems to be a requests are made by the organists had the right idea when he said, loud call for more objectivity in re­ themselves or their entourages who "Down with program notes! They viewing, except when one's self or his perform on cue. Maybe we can find a propagate false ideas! The audience friends are involved. One reviewer said use for a term like "educated funk." should be left to its own thoughts recently that all the organ concerts in Speaking of prejudice, I prefer to about the work that is being played." his region were good. He's lucky. What listen to new and interesting materials, Judging the more technical and do you say when you get a bad one - be they popular or classic. Many of elaborate performances of classical a dull, a noisy, or a sloppy one? our people think that classics have works that several of our organists are Reviewers are always getting into little or no place in theatre organ using requires familiarity with the trouble. Several of them who write for presentations. If not, then what were music, preferably a playing knowledge music publications other than THE­ we doing when we accompanied silent of it. The well-prepared organist will ATRE ORGAN have a way of be­ dramatic films fifty years ago? In play the notes as they are written - coming abusive to artists and to their those days we were hired to play much exactly. The sloppy organist will avoid readers who protest. Artists can usual­ more classic or semi-classic music than playing a rapid sequence of notes by ly be expected to study their reviews popular. playing the whole group as a single word by word, searching for innuendo chord. He may take a sequence of and subtle attack, and their fans do We have those who are cynical thirds and play it as single notes. In not hesitate to rise in defense of their about the whole business and say that some cases he may even leave out the favorites. most listeners have little or no critical difficult passage entirely. In reporting what an artist has faculties. They say that our favorite Here the critic has to make one played, one should not find it neces­ organist is the one that we have just very important decision; is he willing sary to accompany each statement heard. Sometimes I think that it has to accept distortions or re-arrange­ with a gushing phrase. Years ago I become fashionable to praise or con­ ments of the music written by stan­ learned to be suspicious of people who demn a player, regardless of variations dard composers? Will he accept with always use adjectives. Adjectives per­ in the quality of his work. I know one pleasure a serious change in tempo, mit one to qualify any forthright organist about whom nobody ever says such as one player has used in statement into words that say almost any thing condemnatory. I know Chopin's "Fantasie Impromptu" nothing in too many words. After a another who is unique in that I have wherein the middle passage (which can couple of strained compliments, one is never heard a soul say anything good be heard as the pop tune "I'm Always overwhelmed by insincerity that is about him. Chasing Rainbows") is played in strict born of a desire to please. We can do better than that. Let us 4-4 rhythm without the 2-against-3 In spite of our best efforts, each of list some things to watch out for. Did pattern prescribed by the composer? us has his prejudices. A critic might the artist work too hard at the con­ Will he accept a greatly accelerated say, "Winker has a tendency to play sole? Is he a show-off? It may be that tempo in a virtuoso performance of more wrong notes than he should you like that sort of thing; then say so "Flight of the Bumble Bee" or the because of his consuming desire to and give the player credit. The audi­ Widor Toccata? How much can he create elaborate tonal patterns and ence response, one way or another, stand in the way of unusual harmonic moving musical figures" or "He is should be reported accurately. Was the progressions applied to popular songs sometimes too ambitious, both in programming too heavy with classics of the twenties or thirties? choice of repertory and in complexity that were never a part of theatre organ It's a puzzlement. I cannot recall of technique." That doesn't seem too literature? Did the program include ever hearing at the Chicago Theatre - radical. Maybe we ought to develop too many numbers that have been in the days when musical director our own language. If the playing is bad over-played? Has the organist played Nathaniel Finston made that house a we might say that "His technique is the same music too often? If he is model for theatre music and pro­ not always quite clear." We might take getting a reputation for it, he ought to duction - any tampering with the a cue from the rock-music crowd, be told for his own good. rhythm or harmony of a composer's

JUNE, 1973 THEATRE ORGAN 25 intention. Arthur Dunham , a fine or­ ganist and director of music at the Chicago Tivoli Theatre, often said that every musical figure and nuance can be written between bar-lines and that our duty was to follow the composer's intentions, because the man who wrote the music was in all likelihood a Directed by Lyle W . Nash better musician than we were. A word should be said about the touring organist who tries to ingratiate RARELY have the inner workings of O'Hara was most coveted role in films. himself with audiences by telling a film studio and the dreams, ambi­ Among those considered: Joan Craw­ double-meaning jokes and using of­ tions and working patterns of a re­ ford, Bette Davis , Miriam Hopkins, fensive language. There is no call for us nowned motion picture creator been Tallulah Bankhead , Norma Shearer, to join the filth crowd. Any organist so dissected as in Memo from David 0. Paulette Goddard, Doris Jordan, Jean who thinks he has to resort to smut Selznick. Author Rudy Behlmer has Arthur, Katharine Hepburn, Loretta had better get back to the practice scanned thousands of memos, tele­ Young, Ann Sheridan, Lana Turner, room and stay out of the concert field grams, letters and office copy of DOS Joan Bennett , Susan Hayward, Frances until he is sure he can be a good and produced this fascinating book. It Dee , Margaret Tallichet, Lucille Ball, performer and a gentleman at the same begins in 1926 and ends with a 1962 Claudette Colbert, Margaret Sullavan time. memo saying in part: " ... to me, it is and Carole Lombard. When we praise or blame, let us give heartbreaking." AT FIRST DOS was only Juke the evidence for it in specifics of IN 1928 DOS submitted many warm to GWTW. Warner's had an performance. Without these, there is main title suggestions to Paramount. option on book for a time but let it ground for strong suspicion that the He received $ 100 for each used. He drop. Gable was the only real serious program was merely ordinary or little was very good at this. Three of his star considered for Rhett part. Gable better than that. In 1630 John Milton ti ties ("Dirigible, Submarine and bluntly told all he would not consider said, "Organ music could dissolve me Flight") were sold to Columbia ... In any phony Southern accent attempts. into ecstasies and bring all heaven 1934 he wrote: " ... Beau Geste and IF Vivien Leigh had not come before mine eyes." Let's have organists Merry Widow (1925) are still my along, who would have been Scarlett? who work at doing just that and favorite pictures of all time." We can only guess. The finalists for the reviewers who can bring us the news. NEW FACES always were a goal of part were Hepburn, Arthur, Bennett □ DOS. About Katharine Hepburn he and Young. wrote: " ... Everyone was shocked COULD you imagine a Bette Davis silly ... when rushes first shown ... Scarlett and an Errol Flynn Rhett? Or THEATRE ORGAN gloom was thick ... Not until preview Gary Cooper as Rhett? All such cast­ ("Bill of Divorcement") was staff con­ ings were given thought. Janet Gaynor CIRCULATION vinced we had a great screen person- was once thought about for Melanie, ality ... Fred Astaire ... a little un- Leslie Howard first scorned the weak, - APRIL, 1973 - certain ... enormous ears and bad watery character of Ashley Wilkes. chin line ... his charm is so tre- Joan Fontaine shunned the part of 1. California .... 820 29. Kansas ...... 20 mendous ... favor signing him." Melanie. DOS never considered anyone 2. Michigan..... 353 30. Kentucky ..... 18 "OCTOBER 1938 ... A few but Howard for the Wilkes part. 3. New York ... 315 31. Utah ...... 16 observations about Intermezzo ... ONE powerful reason Clark Gable 4. Illinois ...... 303 Wash. D.C. .... 16 Ronald Colman and William Powell played Rhett was he got a $100,000. 5. Ohio ...... 249 32. Tennessee..... 15 6. Penna...... 215 33. N. Dakota . ... 11 both refused the lead ... Best I bonus. He needed the money badly for 7. New Jersey .. 191 34. Miss...... 10 think ... Charles Boyer and Loretta a divorce settlement. 8. Washington... 136 35. Louisiana ...... 9 Young ... I note Bergman (Ingrid) is VIEWPOINT: Hollywood probably 9. Mass...... 126 36. Rhode Is...... 9 5 ' 9 t a 11 . . . I s i t p o s­ never had another greater one-man 10. Indiana ...... 117 37. Nebraska...... 7 ½ ' ' 11. Conn...... 109 38. S. Carolina ..... 7 sibl e? .. . Actually, Hedy Lamarr was film creator than DOS. Even the great 12. Maryland .... 108 39. West Va...... 7 established purely by photo­ DWGriffith did not concern himself 13. Florida ...... 89 40. Nevada ...... 6 graphy ... " with costume detail, financing detail 14. Oregon ...... 86 41. New Mex...... 6 and minor considerations as did DOS. 15. Iowa ...... 80 42. Maine ...... 5 CASTING of Gone With the Wind, 16. Virginia ...... 75 43. New Hamp.... . 5 GWTW, was most notable film task In 38 years DOS created some 66 films 17. Missouri ...... 60 44. Arkansas...... 4 ever undertaken. The role of Scarlett some more memorable than most of 18. Texas ...... 56 45. Alaska...... 3 his contemporaries. He truly was one of 19. Colorado...... 51 46. S. Dakota ...... 3 Hollywood's towering figures. 20. Georgia...... 51 47. Vermont ...... 3 21. Minnesota..... 51 48. Wyoming ...... 2 ATOS 22. Arizona ...... 49 49. Idaho ...... 1 NEXT MONTH we revert to our NATIONAL 23. Wisconsin ..... 48 50. Montana ...... 1 n' item type column with bits and pieces 24. Hawaii ...... 41 It'sfll . CONVENTION 4077 about people, places and things. Cor­ 25. N. Carolina ... 39 JULY 25- 28 Foreign ...... 52 respondence about the column is wel­ 26. Oklahoma.... . 28 Canadian...... 67 27. Alabama ...... 25 PORTLAND, OREGON come to P.O. Box 113, Pasadena, 28. Delaware...... 22 Total 4196 California 91102. □

26 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1973 former operatic soprano, a son and two daughters, one of whom is Mrs. Richard Bunger, the classical music

JUNE, 1973 THEATRE ORGAN 27 pril 3, 1973, will be noted as a red letter day for organ lovers in A the Southeastern New Mexico region in which the New Mexico Mili­ tary Institute of Roswell, New Mexico, is located. THEATREORGAn On that date Dennis James, an ATOS artist affiliate, performed an organ recital as an accompaniment to a RESTOREDsilent film classic, The Mark of Zorro, at a pipe organ which has been silent for ten years. But the event was more 1nnew mex1cothan just another of young James's highly entertaining and nostalgic eve­ nings in the world of early cinema, for SCHOOLhe played a forty-odd year old Hill­ green-Lane pipe organ whose colorful history matches its size and versatility. Submitted by Robert C. MacNeur The organ has three manuals, and 14 ranks with chimes, xylophone, and harp stops. Installed in the Sunshine Dennis James performs for the New Mexico Military Institute. Theatre in Albuquerque in 1928, it was donated to NMMI in 1940 while Pearson Auditorium was under con­ struction. Unfortunately, the organ was severely damaged in a truck ac­ cident in transport. Alva Wilson, a Roswell cadet, installed the organ in Pearson while attending NMMI. The organ was maintained and kept in repair by Mr. Bill Brown of Phoenix from its installation through 1950. In fact, Brown recently donated a Wur­ litzer relay to replace an inefficient system. Since 1963 the organ has suffered from disrepair and some vandalism. Some time during that year the starter cables for the organ's blowers were damaged and efforts to isolate the damage were to no avail. In 1971, two New Mexico Military Institute cadets, whose avocational in­ terests include vintage musical instru­ ments, set about repairing the largest pipe organ in sou them New Mexico, which had rested out of use for seven years in Pearson Auditorium on the NMMI Campus. One of them was Cadet Sergeant Ronald J. Blessing of El Paso, Texas. Blessing graduated from the junior college division during 1971-72 and transferred to a senior college to continue his education. The second cadet was Cadet Recruit Robert C. MacNeur of Oakland, Cali­ fornia, whose previous experience in­ cluded work for the San Francisco

◄ At the console of the Hillgreen - Lane Pipe Organ he has worked on so diligently over the past two years, Cadet Robert C. MacNeur has developed his skills as an organist during his preparation of the NMMI organ for an upcoming recital.

JUNE, 197 3 office of G. Walton Guidry Company. initial inspiration for MacNeur. Bob school's Sunday Chapel. The prospect He has rebuilt one theatre organ with has also assisted in the structure of an of playing a pipe organ instead of an the help of Mr. Dennis E. Mackel of antiphonal organ for a three manual electronic organ was too much for Mr. Piedmont, California. Mr. Mackel is Moller pipe organ now in the Pied­ Jesse P. Reed. Reed joined MacNeur in now a sophomore at Oregon Technical mont Community Church. time to help the cadet complete re­ Institute, where he is majoring in Both cadets did extensive research pairs on over 100 ciphers or leaks in physics. Dennis is the designer of the on the NMMIorgan prior to beginning the I 200 pipes of the organ. Ad­ first direct relay system, built espe­ its repair. ditional pipe tools, tin solder , magnets, cially for a two manual Robert Morton In 1972 Bob was joined by a new pipes, rectifiers, tubing and many theatre organ in Piedmont High Roswell retiree who was approached clamps were ordered and put to work. School. Mockel's work provided the by NMMI as an organist for that By Thanksgiving, when Mr. Reed happened to learn that Alva Wilson, the organ's first devotee, had taken up residence in Roswell, all three manuals and eleven ranks were in full oper­ ation. With Mr. Wilson's help the project has reached virtual completion. Untold hours of labor by Mr. W.P. Brown, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Reed, and three cadets, Blessing, MacNeur and a newly recruited Dennis Alley of Ros­ well have gone into the restoration. To a man, however, they insist that the April 3 concert made it all worthwhile. During the concert James explained that he wished to bring back the age of the silent era by selecting pieces which were highly popular during the 20's. But the special presentation of the Mark of Zon-o silent film was the highlight of the evening's performance. The evening concert was dedicated to Mr. Alva Wilson for his 45 years of dedicated work with the Hillgreen­ Lane Organ. A plaque was given to Mr. Wilson in his name by Cadet MacNeur Dennis Alley, Jesse P. Reed, Alva Wilson and Rober_t MacNeur recently removed every pipe in the NMMI organ for cleaning. Mr. Wilson used the occasion to discuss the condition and needs and Major Reames. of the organ with the two young men who have been preparing the organ for its first recital in Dennis stated after the concert that twenty years. he enjoyed playing the organ because This view of the swell chamber of the Hillgreen-Lane in New Mexico Military lnstitute's Pearson it was, "a very 'classic' theatre organ, with an independent swell and great which can be only mixed with cou­ plers. There are almost as many couplers as there are speaking stops. The layout is such that in theatre style playing the top manual becomes the accompaniment, the middle becomes a quasi-Wurlitzer bombarde and the bottom becomes the great!" □

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VI THOMPSON THEATRE ORGAN P.O. BOX 1314 SALINAS, CALI FORNI A 93901

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*George Wright plays the Model 651 on his newest recording "The Sound of Conn at Home with George Wright." For a copy, send four dollars to Conn Organ, Dept. AT, 616 Enterprise Drive, Oak Brook, Ill. 60521.

30 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE , 197 3 Lodwig arranged for the organ's re­ moval, placed the components in a semi-trailer and moved them to his garage until space in the restaurant was made available. Mr. Tenges now had his Wurlitzer which would help to establish the mood in his emporium of the "good old days when eggs cost 25 cents a dozen, butter went for 19 cents a pound, and beer cost a nickel a glass. Movies then were the latest releases by Lloyd E. Klos from the studios of Keystone, Metro, Sennett and others. And what made The Schnitzelhaus Restaurant (It's had seen perform in restaurants in the those movies so enjoyable? The not all German ; there are conventional area. Don was asked his opinion on a Mighty Wurlitzer! It was the only items on the menu, also.) was started pipe organ in a restaurant, and if he'd sound which was stereophonic in those in 1970 during the summer recession. be interested in playing it. His im­ days, and in the huge showplaces such The place has been cursed with several mediate response was: "I think it's as the New York Paramount and the bad breaks, but dogged determination great; when do we start?" First, an Roxy, the theatre organs' rumbling and devotion of all concerned have organ had to be obtained. There was sound made reality vanish for a few made possible an operation of the first one available in California, but it delightful moments and we could calibre. would have been extremely costly to dream ... " The idea of a pipe organ in a acquire and transport it. Once it was agreed as to where the sophisticated restaurant was Mr. Lorusso contacted a friend, Ben pipe chambers were to be located, Tenges' , who declared: "What we need Lodwig, telling him of the proposed construction began. It was planned to is an authentic Mighty Wurlitzer the­ project. A few months later, Mr. Lod­ rebuild and install the organ in 60 atre organ in our restaurant. Then, we wig disclosed the availability of a 3/ 11 days, but the project took from May would really have something to talk Wurlitzer Opus No. 1033 in the to November 1971. about besides fine food, good atmo­ Milwaukee Elks Building. The organ It should be mentioned here that sphere and the like." had to be removed within three days the organ in the Schnitzelhaus is He had been in New York in or be destroyed with the structure. owned by the L & L Music Co., a February 1968, and a friend suggested he go to the San Francisco area and see the installations there. Most of the Editors note: Theatre organist Dr. E.J. Bebko is an inveterate traveler, always on the places he visited were pizza parlors, but he was convinced that the idea look out for theatre organs. would work in the restaurant for He found a unique installation in Milwaukee last November, conveyed the information to Lloyd Klos, who contacted restauranteur which he had plans. Returning to Milwaukee, Tenges Eugene Tenges. Mr. Tenges graciously gave the information contained contacted Don Lorusso, an organist he herein and supplied the photos for our use.

Front entrance to the restaurant. Sign at left advertises the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ and its two organists, Don Lorusso and Gary Sette. - ( E. Teng es Photo) partnership of Ben Lodwig and Don Lorusso, from which it is leased by the restaurant. Mr. Tenges believed from the start that he had an excellent organist in Don Lorusso. English-born Don began playing the organ at seven. Eventually, he established an impressive back­ ground in ultra clubs in England and the United States, and had his own show on the BBC. Highlight of his career was a Command Performance in 1947 for the Royal Family. The Schnitzelhaus organ was played a few weeks before opening night. But, while it was being checked out the night before its grand opening, the 7½ HP motor conked out in a cloud of thick, black smoke! Three men work­ ed over 20 hours to rebuild the motor. But, the organ opened on schedule and the Schnitzelhaus was thereby assured of its start as a tourist attraction in Milwaukee. Bad luck continued to rear its head, however. Four weeks later, following a guest appearance on a TV talk show, Lorusso suffered a heart attack on the steps of the TV station. It would take weeks for the chief organist to recover, and a search for his replacement was instituted. One was found, but during his first night, he received a telephone call from a neighbor, informing him that his house was on fire! Out he went! Several players were used until Don Lorusso was able to resume. One who did a superb job was Garry Sette, who began his career 16 years ago as a classical pianist. He has had con­ siderable experience teaching piano and organ, and for several years, was featured at restaurants in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Rewarded by being named second organist at the Schnitzelhaus on Don's return, he has proven very capable and popular. The playing schedule now has Don playing Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, and Gary playing Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings as well as for Sunday brunch. Thus, patrons are given choices of two styles of playing, an arrangement which has worked very well. The pipes, percussions and toy counter are located in two glassed-in chambers, fully visible to the diners. The blower is housed in a separate building adjacent to the restaurant. The white console is situated on an oriental-rug-covered platform, also in full view of the patrons.

JUNE, 197 3 Everything about the restaurant re­ volves around its main attraction, the organ. The management sponsors highly successful "Old-Time Radio Nights". Its advertising radiates the 1920's mood. Silent movies have been screened, and sing-alongs are part of the nightly bill of fare. The printed menu, uniquely design­ ed, opens like the front doors of the place. The menu items reflect the importance of the organ: "Wurlitzer's Pipe Dream" or "Organist's Dream Boat." Stories of organs in general and the restaurant's Wurlitzer in particular, are included for the public's ed­ ification. The menu can be mailed, as space is provided on the back for message and addressee. Books of matches are distributed, and these publicize the organ, old-time movies and sing-alongs. The restaurant is identified as "The Home of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ". Ingenious advertising of its prime asset will be a big measure in the success of this restaurant. Mr. Tenges says, "Things are now working extremely well. We seem to be attracting a tremendous amount of out-of-town interest since there is nothing like it anywhere in the state of Wisconsin. The closest restaurant with a pipe organ installation is Martinetti's in Crystal Lake , Ill., about 150 miles away . So far, mostly local talent has played the organ , but we had ex-Radio City Music Hall organist, Dr. Edward J. Bebko , try it out back in Novem­ ber. "I want to give recognition and appreciation to those who have made our project possible. The organ was installed by Roger Welch and his as­ sociates from the United Organ and Bell Co. in Milwaukee. Dave Olson ATOS and Gary McWithey ATOS as­ sisted in the installation and now attend to its maintenance. A great deal of overhauling as well as remodeling were done by Mr. Bill Klinger ATOS, also of Milwaukee , who is well known around the country for his efforts in organ installations. Without the help of these able men, the success of our venture would be in doubt." Should you ever be within 100 miles of Milwaukee, the Schnitzelhaus awaits you. It is the only restaurant (March 1973) in Wisconsin having a theatre pipe organ as part of its nightly entertainment. That alone should serve as a beacon to guide theatre organ lovers to "The Great Eating Place With the Fun Name." □

JUNE, 197 3 Rochester, N.Y. Paramount just before storage two years ago. Wonder if Dick Hull moved it to Colorado where George knows that the Cleveland firm, •ex P8PI it was installed in the Three Coins which developed into the staunchest restaurant in Louisville. So, when promoter of the "baroque" classical Young visited Denver to confer with organ, once built theatre organs? ATOS "Veep" Duane Searle in April he learned that Searle is maintaining the instrument. A trip to Louisville Organist Bert Buhrman of the resulted and Three Coins owner Dick School of the Ozarks reports that his Codran put down the red carpet for recent playing of theatre organs in the ATOS officers. They heard Sun­ England was a ''fascinating ex­ day-Monday organist Keith Kendall perience". Urged on by "dear wife (Ray Young is the regular) and learned Denise", Bert played a November 26 from Codran that he credits the pipe broadcast on the Ronald Curtis' 4/ 19 organ with helping attract customers Compton in Bolton. This instrument is to the restaurant. Young found the probably the only studio installation installation to his liking. "I still feel a whose keydesk is on a lift. Console is bit attached to that organ," he said. in the room's center with 10 ranks on Conducted by Stu Green the left and 9 ranks on the right. Bert said that 80 percent of the audience Readers are encouraged to subm i t in ­ Organist Dan Bellomy phoned from which witnessed the broadcast was teresting sidelights on the organ hob ­ Houston, Texas, to say that our state­ male. "Evidently, English men aren't by (exclusive of chapter news it ems) as insecure about their emotional lives material they believe will be of general ment in a recent issue to the effect interest about local organ activit ies that Houston's entire theatre organ as American men are. " and installations and the people who complement consisted of one 2/7 After the festivities, the Buhr mans work at the hobby. We know "there's Kimball now in a residence, is happily were taken to a pub where they were VOX POPS in them there chapters" obsolete. Dan inf arms us that auto introduced to the North Country and it only requires a 6rl postcard to get it to VOX POPS Editor, Box dealer "Buster" Mattsen has acquired dance known as "the Slosh." Very 3564, Granada Hills, California 91344 . the 3/10 Wurlitzer from the local unusual, says Bert. ff the contributor can afford an Bri Metropolitan theatre and plans to have stamp: why not include a black and it playing as soon as he finds a suitable white photo which need not be building. Dan also had an encouraging Bert Buhrman announces for the returned. personal note for us; he has been third year, a series of four "Music for selected to play the 3/ 11 Wurlitzer in a Sunday Afternoon" programs for the Fort Worth Casa Manana theatre­ July, starting on the 8th at the Point ATOS prexy "Cap" Young has an in-the-round before this summer's Lookout, Mo., School of the Ozarks. advantage enjoyed by few of his musical stage presentations. Free tickets will be distributed, be­ predecessors - mobility . His work as ginning at noon on the day of each an airline pilot get him around to ~ concert. Capacity is 1,000. The Wur­ chapters and installations with a fre­ George Downes Jr. writes from litzer will be part of each program, of quency which keeps him informed Magnolia , Ohio, that he uses his home­ course. Those heading west for the firsthand of events and attitudes across based 2/5 "You name it" organ to ATOS convention in Portland might the land. But sometimes it's nostalgia "make a few noises with" while trying find it convenient to stop off and take which moves him. He recalled hearing to find a suitable home for a 3/16 in a show. The school was featured on Leonard MacClain play the final con­ 1923 Voteler-Sparling-Holtkamp the front page of the Wall Street cert on the 3/13 Wurlitzer in the straight organ he bought and put in Journal on March 15, and mention was made of the "concerts on the massive old Wurlitzer theatre organ in the auditorium."

Jim Lahay sends us the good word that as of March the Casa Loma Wurlitzer installation in Toronto is 75 percent complete, with tuning, voicing and "bug elimination" scheduled for completion by May. On October 23, Dennis James will open the organ for TTOS members, with the first public concert scheduled in January. Plans thereat ter are for monthly concerts from September thru May. Summer

Duane Searle (front), Erwin Young, Keith Kendall (seated) and Dick Codran. Red Carpet at months are too hot in the non-air-con­ the 'Three Coins.' ditioned castle. A feature story on

34 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1973 Casa Loma will be forthcoming professional musician, and his superb "Now firmly intrenched on the con­ shortly. musicianship is becoming known again cert trail, Rex took the 4/22 on a now that he is emerging as a soloist on musical journey which an enthusiastic the theatre organ circuit. Old Pros­ audience rewarded with a standing pector Klos spent several hours with ovation. In Koury, the theatre organ this amazing man not long ago and circuit is blessed with a performer gathered some interesting items. For having superb musicianship and a example, names of organists who personality which makes friends of played in New York theatres; Dr. anyone with whom he comes in con­ Parmentier remembers Frank Stewart tact. Keep your eyes on this fellow!" Adams, J. Van Cleft Cooper, George Crook, George Epstein, John Ham­ mond, Herbert Henderson, Vera Kitchener, Sigmund Krumgold, Walter From Bartonville, Illinois, ATOSer Litt, Melchiore Mauro-Cottone, John J.R. Jones blasts the constant repe­ Priest, Harold Ramsbottom (Ramsay), tition of selections on current organ Rosa Rio, and Walter Wild. recordings. He writes, "I note a number of songs and styles repeated on one record after another. We must have more variety. " Jones suggests a Gaylord During his March 22 attendance at source usually neglected by recording Radio City Music Hall, Doc Bebko was organists - Country-Western music. A Los Angeles TV station recently "There are many country-western broadcast a Ralph Story documentary favorably impressed by John DeTroy substituting for Dick Leibert and Co. songs that have great feeling," he entitled "Citizen Lloyd" which traced writes. the career of the silent movie come­ "He was so good, he had me fooled; I thought that Leibert was back! We agree about the repetition of a dian, delved into his private life and few ''favorites," Years ago the late Ben toured Harold's estate. In the course DeTroy must be the least-known sub­ stitute organist (no credits). He is the Hall wrote about founding a "Society of the feature, Gaylord Carter was for the Prevention of Organ Record­ most frequent 'sub' for the three shown at the Wiltern Kimball console ings of 'Laura' and 'Tenderly,' " two organists at the Music Hall. His work is as it rose from the pit to the throb of tunes which showed up on LP's with flawless. But who is he? From where exciting organ sounds. Then something nauseous regularity in monaural days. does he hail? What is his back­ incredible happened and we think we In recent times the most repeated ground??" Can anyone provide the have caught Gaylord in one of his rare tunes seem to be "Alley Cat" and answers? goofs - if an anachronism can be "Lara's Theme." These have long been called a "goof." Yet, there it was: on our record reviewer's "List Unex­ Lloyd cutting up on-screen in one of purgatorius" but with little effect. his '20s comedies while Gaylord ac­ Published fulmination warning of the companied with "Herod's Song" from horrors of repeating "most requested" the 1960's Jesus Christ Superstar. tunes may provide some reader titil­ Trouble is, the music fit the comic lation but apparently "box office action perfectly. pinch" is the only factor which will effect a cure. There are plenty of neglected standards, forgotten pops Up in Issaquah, Washington lives and silent film cues worthy of ex­ antique car enthusiast Bert Lobberegt, humation by recording organists, but Jr. In addition to his twenty mint­ the idea of an all country-western music condition autos, he has a 1919 Wur­ program is frankly one which escaped litzer "theatre orchestra" which he us until suggested by J R. Jones. purchased in Fairbanks, Alaska. three Perhaps its time to saddle up and go years ago. Once used in a silent-movie the Nashville route. Who 'II be first? theatre, it boasts organ pipes, drums and 10 sound effects. Lobberegt also Rex Koury - (Stufoto) has restored a mobile circus wagon with calliope. Five of his player pianos Lloyd Klos reports that an audience Ray Brubacher sends in a cor­ have been placed in restaurants and of 700 witnessed the first appearance rection on our April item about the business establishments in the Seattle­ of Rex Koury at the Auditorium Wheeling, West Virginia, Capitol the­ Bellevue area. Wonder if Dick Schrum Theatre Wurlitzer in Rochester on atre-turned-TV studio. The 2500-seat ever considered one for his Plaid Piper April 19. The Flower City was one of house once housed a 4/ 1 7 Marr & Restaurant so he could have a night six on his eastern tour. Holy Thursday Colton (not a Morton as we said) and away from his plug-in occasionally? and a concert of the Eastman Wind Ray reports the instrument is being Ensemble reduced R TOS attendance, installed in the home of Norman he says. Klos states that those who did Ziegler in Potomac, Maryland. Better Dr. C.A.J. Parmentier is observing attend were rewarded with one of the yet, Ray is writing a story about it for his 57th year in the United States as a best concerts of this or any season. this mag.

JUNE, 197 3 THEATRE ORGAN 35 Pennsylvania, less some ranks and sans the release of a record made 20 years swell shutters but okay for an opener previously on a 3/ 14 TV studio Kilgen While we 're on a correction binge, starring John Muri. Kalmbach moved in Oklahoma City a couple of years Kenneth Wilson, of North Wilmington, to Marietta from Grand Rapids, Michi­ ago, informs us he's now "selling Massachusetts, is the resident organist gan (where he staged concerts) when plug-ins." He bought him a Conn 650 at the Hammond Castle in Gloucester. the ancient theatre became available as and liked it so much he felt he could He has played more than 100 concerts a permanent home for his organ. push the brand commercially. So he on the 144-rank straight organ, writes joined Bob Hankey and they have two Mrs. Leonard Winter. ~ stores in Oklahoma City. Organ buffs Miami's Eddie May, because of a are always welcome to their Conn very busy schedule, has had to refuse Organ Studios and "has Ken got a deal several requests of the South Florida for you!" ATOS chapter to do a program. How­ ever, he was able to participate at the March 25 meeting as a story-teller. The artist was Betty Lee Taylor, a fine theatre organist in the twenties and thirties (remembered in the Syracuse and Schenectady, N. Y. area) on the Schine, Paramount and Loew's cir­ cuits. Her program was "Theatres Thru the Years", spiced with anecdotes. Eddie told the story of when, as an organist in a Kentucky theatre during World War II, he and the manager heard a buzzing sound. Fearing it might be the noise of a time bomb, George honored. they were almost ready to empty the house when a fellow in the rear row unplugged his electric razor from an When the Rochester Theatre Organ aisle light socket. Society presented George Wright with its rare Honorary Membership during ~ his concert at the auditorium theatre's VOX CATOE's Tom Tibia says in 4/22 Wurlitzer late last year, no one E. Power Biggs at the mighty Wurlitzer.' At the Chicago chapter's April issue that last! managed to snap a photo of the event. Tom Gnaster should have played The But the matter was taken care of later Lost Chord at the chapter social held at the home of Jim Webster where Last time we left you with a cliff at the remote Fred Hermes organ aerie George and RTOS past prexy Gale hanger, the possibility of E. Power in March as a tribute to all the Smith re-enacted the presentation Biggs at a Mighty Wurlitzer! Yes, it members who got lost on the way to scene for Dick Harold's camera. With happened; the noted classical organist the event because "they innocently George Wright less and less on the performed before a sell-out audience relied on the map" supplied. Fred's theatre organ scene, this just might be in Radio City Music Hall. On March 3, woodland home is rather hard to find, a historic photo. a "milkman's matinee" featured harp­ even with no map. sichordist Anthony Newman, a cham­ ~ ber orchestra, and pianist Eugene List Those who attended the ATOS with his "monster 10-piano ensem­ convention last July, remember the ble." But the guy who stole the show hilarious antics of the radio "Joy was "baroquist" Biggs, who has ex­ Boys" who performed onstage during pressed distain for "romantic" organs, the Rosa Rio recital at the Virginia playing the biggest Wurlitzer of them Theatre in the skit "As the Worm all. He performed Bach's familiar Turns". Potomac Valley chapter chair­ ''Toccata & Fugue," "Battle of person Jean Lautzenheiser reports that Trenton," and "to hear what it sounds the boys have been dismissed from like on the mighty Wurlitzer", "Vari­ WRC in favor of a "more modern ations on America." The Finale was format" - rock! Sousa's "Stars & Stripes Forever," with the whole company; pianos re­ volving on the stage turntable, stars The Piedmont Chapter's newsletter, flashing and the national colors Re eds and Strings, reports that waving. ATOSer Dave Kalmbach's "WurliPage" (the 3/17 Page console is from the Ken Wright - Conn man. Chicago Tivoli) is playing in the 1908 Veteran radio and TV organist Ken Just as Ann Leaf, Rosa Rio and 300-seat Marietta Theatre in Marietta, Wright, who made quite a splash with Elsie Thompson were noted years ago

36 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1973 The second largest crowd of the want to chance mispronouncing his season welcomed Syracuse organist, name, so the congrats were sent by Karl Cole, to Rochester's Auditorium mail. By return mail we received a Theatre on March 16. Just getting his communication from the y oung man spurs as a theatre organist, Karl explaining that his name was pro­ demonstrated that he can be classed nounced the same as that of messrs with the best of the crop of youngsters Raleigh, Winchell or Matthau - simply who are keeping alive the heritage of "Walter." Also enclosed was a plan for the Mighty Wurlitzer. Twice he gen­ a tracker action (/) theatre organ he erated spontaneous applause for his was hoping to build. Wonder what playing of two numbers simulta­ became of that project? neously, and a standing ovation was his reward at the end of the concert. Veteran Chicago theatre organist Ashley Miller Mildred Fitzpatrick has a rugged con­ At a recent Carnegie Hall concert in stitution. Last September , the thumb New York which featured four elec­ for accompanying radio soap operas, on her left hand was smashed by a tronic organs many people headed for another group of organists, versed in friend's car door. It was a bad fracture the exits after 10 minutes of an both electronic and pipe technique, and she says she nearly bled to death. avant-garde composition based on two perf arm similar tasks on the TV In November she had a bad virus, chords . Whistles, jeers, catcalls and "soaps" of today. Ashley Miller, for followed by a case of pneumonia shouts of "Get off the stage!" added example, can be heard daily on Search which put her out of circulation for to the confusion. Those concertees For Tomorrow with piano and organ. some time. Reading her life story in remaining to the end of the 20-minute Eddie Layton 's talents are featured on THEATRE ORGAN boosted her cacophony whistled and booed. In de­ Love Is a Many Splendored Thing. morale, however, and now "everything fense of his work, the composer Charles Paul provides both organ and is OK". stated, "Today's concert is designed piano music on As the World Turns, for dead people ... I'm interested in while George Wright's artistry is heard learning new things even if I don't like on General Hospital. The Guiding From Westminster, Maryland, long them , and expect my audiences to Light, Edge of Night, and Another time organ fan A lvah Finch submits a have the same attitude." Hmmmmm! World use piano and organ background clip from the Baltimore News­ music, but the networks are lax in American of April 15 with a 5-column providing the names of the musicians. spread about the MP. Moller Co. of Hagerstown. Included is a history of the firm, which will celebrate 100 After our recent item about how years of organ building in 1975, and a busy he is with his concert work, claim that it has built one third of all organist Bill Thomson changed his the church organs in the world. The well-researched article by J. Joynes mind about concert dates in Australia. W. Instead he had the opportunity to makes no mention of the firm's the­ substitute for George Wright on the atre organ project of the '20s. Men­ TV "soaper," General Hospital while tioned are long time tonal expert George was touring for Conn in John Hose, chief flue voicer Donald Britain, a chore Bill has performed Gillett, console expert Roger Moser and before during GW' s vacations. Moller's current president W. Riley Daniels.

Just plain 'Walter' - (Stufoto) A Prelude , an Etude , A Jig Fugue by Bach, Motor City chapter members were Three Dances, some Ballads scheduled to bus from Detroit as and Day by Day Rock. guests of CATOE to Chicago's Patio theatre late in April to hear Walter That's how Betty Heffer summarizes Strojny play the 3 / 17 Barton on a John Seng's March 24 concert at the Sunday morning. Walter, now a high Detroit Senate Theater in the DTOC school senior, studied with Al Melgard News. John's programs have included and is remembered for a striking some ambitious classical transcriptions ATOS convention cameo performance in recent years, the most astounding at the Chicago Stadium 6/62 be­ being his performance of Ravel's 'La hemoth a few years ago when he was Valse.' His DTOC program included kneehigh to a spinet bench. We wanted Debussy's 'Afternoon of a Faun,' Karl Cole at the RTOS Wurlitzer console. to congratulate him then but didn't Smetana's rollicking "Dance of the

JUNE, 1973 THEATRE ORGAN 37 work of musical Americana, Ferde Grofe's orchestral "Grand Canyon JUST OFF Suite." THE PRESS

Word from Germantown, Penn­ sylvania, reveals that Keith Chapman, head organist at the Wanamaker store colossus, is playing a twice weekly radiocast from WUHY-FM. The pro­ 126 PAGES gram is called The Grand Court Organ and from the title we assume it is played on the big beast. Chapman and his Mrs are currently building a studio Send check or money order in a 100-year-old Victorian mansion in Germantown. To . . . ATOS Roster P.O. Box 1002 Middleburg, Virginia 22117

Or . . . ATOS Roster P.O. Box 1 314 Salinas, California 93901

Johnny Seng - (1966 Photo). instrument is concerned. The organ Comedians," a jazzy "Improvisation heard in the background was not the on a Gospel Tune," audience partic­ Atlanta Fox Moller but the New York ipation (metronomic handclapping) Plaza Studio Wurlitzer. during a Bach selection, Delius' serene "Winter Night" and Chopin's "Black ~ Key Etude" - all these interspersed Harvey Heck. Back in the saddle again. - ATOS conventioneers at the among such current items as a (Stufoto) "Sweet 16th" in Seattle two years ago rhythmic piece from "Godspell." probably recall the Food Circus Wur­ Hope John has time for more of same It isn't that California organ en­ litzer with Tubby Clark at its fire­ after he gets settled playing in that engine-red console. According to Puget west coast pizzery - if only as relief thusiast Harvey Heck is inconsistent, but one of the reasons he gave for sell­ Sound Chairman, Margaret Sabo, the from myriad requests for "Doctor ing his 4/27 Wurlitzer to Bill Brown (to Circus is due for a remodeling, which Chicago." install in the Phoenix "Organ Stop") means the 3/8 has been removed (by a crew of 16) put into storage, to be was that 27 ranks are just too much reinstalled after renovation. This will for one man to maintain. So what does avail the Puget Sounders the oppor­ he do? Nothing for a year fallowing the tunity to releather and make repairs. sale. Then, quite suddenly, he latched onto two choice instruments, a Smith and a Wurlitzer (the latter once owned by Paul Pease, son of famed organist Sibley Pease) with stoplists adding up to better than 30 ranks!

~ From Detroit , the DTOC NEWS reports that international finance problems are holding up the key re­ covering project on the 4/34 Wurlitzer in the Senate Theater. The ivory to be

John Muri used is coming from England and the varying values of USA versus British currency are causing "further nego­ Millie Alexander - (Stufoto) Another organist who tackles king­ tiations." size projects is our commentator, John Mildred Alexander made a trans­ Muri. Besides teaching at Wayne State, continental leap when she and her work on his farm, playing concerts, We hate to poke a hole in someone husband, Bill Appleton, decided to and writing articles for us, Detroit­ else's pneumatic, but the widely-cir­ buy into a business in Sarasota, Flor­ based John Muri has added an im­ culated report about that broadcast ida. Long anchored in San Diego, posing title to his list of concert airline plug which ended up talking Calif, Millie and Bill made the leap in selections - an organ transcription of about the Atlanta Fox theatre and its April to the Hammond Organ Studio the entire score of that distinctive pipe organ was in error - so far as the ~&row~ □

38 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1973 lintrodludng ., ., .,

TIHE 11972RODGERS---IMORTOIN

by Frank Babbitt Photo credits - Tom Hamilton

everal years ago, Tom K. Ham­ telephone and cross country visits they action pistons with computer memory , ilton of Columbus, Ohio ac­ came up with the beast that began an ancillary manual that can be either quired a 3 manual Morton playing late in November. Solo or Orchestral with a full set of organ, and not having space for pipes, stops for each, second touch , three sold them to a fellow organ buff. He Tom built a new horseshoe stop rail expression pedals plus crescendo and did keep the console and traps, how­ to accommodate the 206 Rodgers tabs many other goodies. All tone gener­ ever, and built some kit type and shipped it off to the factory for ators are rack mounted in the base­ oscillators to replace the pipes. This did integrating into the system they were ment and are connected through a not prove to be entirely satisfactory and building. Meanwhile, Tom's wife Ann multiplexing arrangement to the first about a year and a half ago, he was hard at work refinishing the con­ floor console. The speakers and traps approached Dennis Hedberg of the sole into the beautiful white and gold are installed above a false ceiling over Rodgers Organ Company's custom that it now is. the console. Located in its own red building department to explore the and black room that was especially possibility of installing a much modi­ Features of the organ include both built for it, this gleaming white con­ fied 340 in the Morton console. After Morton and Rodgers percussions, sole with its red Howard seat is a sight months of design consultations both by electronic and real piano, capture to behold and a joy to hear.

JUNE, 1973 THEATRE ORGAN 39 Dennis is hard at it in the basement where the rack mounted generators are located. percussions and string wire

Tom and Dennis worked almost around the clock for a week installing and voicing the organ. The player piano associated with the organ is visible in the background . SPECIFICATIONS:1972 RODGERS/MORTON

Pedal: 23 Stops Harp 8' Vox Humana Tilt Tablets: 7 Stops 32' Bourdon Xylophone 4' Piccolo Solo Unison Off 16' Trumpet Marimba 2' Piccolo Great Unison Off 16' Diaphone 16' Solo to Solo 16' Piano Pistons General 16' Tibia Clausa 4' Solo to Solo 8' Piano Pedal Pistons to Ace Pistons (Spare) 16' Bass String Great 2nd Touch: 12 Stops 4' Piano 16' Bourdon Chrysoglott I 16' Post Horn Toe Studs & Levers 8' Trumpet Chrysoglott 11 8' Post Horn five pedal pistons (5 of possible 10) 8' Tibia Clausa Glock 8' Tibia Clausa Wood Block 8' Clarinet Chimes 4' Tibia Clausa Tympani 8' Flute Harp Wood Block Crash Cymbal 8' Sustain Bass Xylophone Bass Drum Klaxon 16' Piano* Marimba Cymbal Crash Fire Gong 8' Piano* 16' Orch to Orch Snare Roll Horse Hoofs ( Rev) Bass Drum 4' Orch to Orch Bird Whistle 11 Siren Cymbal Triangle General: 13 Stops Steam Boat Chinese Block Chinese Gong Flute Echo On Surf (Rev) Select. Pere. 8' Solo to Great Flute Main Off Sforzando (not Rev) Tom Tom Celeste off (string) Great: 39 Stops Operator (see note) Snare Drum Solo to Great Pizz 1 6' Post Horn Snare Tap Great Sostenuto Finger Buttons 16' Trumpet 8' Ace to Pedal Piano Sustain Train Whistle 16' Diapason 8' Solo to Pedal Snare off Bass Drum & Cymbal 16' Tibia Clausa Snare Drum Pedal 2nd Touch: 6 Stops Xylo repeat off 16' Clarinet Sleigh Bells Chimes Glock to Orchestra Bells 16' Saxaphone Bird Whistle I Tympani Electronic Percussions 16' Bass String Bird Whistle 11 Crash Cymbal Mandolin 16' Vax Humana Chinese Gong Triangle Piano 11* 8' Post Horn Siren Snare Drum Solo to Orchestral ** 8' Trumpet Steamboat Chinese Gong 8' Diapason Klaxon Accompaniment: 28 Stops Voicing: 10 Stops 8' Tibia Clausa Fire Gong Post Horn ff 8' Clarinet 8' Post Horn Great and Ace Divisions Trumpet ff 8'Saxaphone 8' Trumpet 1 each cancel for Solo, Orch, Diapason ff 8' Kinura 8' Diapason Tibia Clausa ff 8' String 8' Tibia Clausa 1 Operator piston on each manual 8' Clarinet Clarinet ff 8' Concert Flute 8' String Operator Selector (for Operator Piston) Saxaphone ff 8' Vax Humana 8' Concert Flute Wood Block String ff 5-1/3Ouint 8' Vox Humana Bass Drum + Cymbal Flute 4' Piccolo Crash Cymbal 4' String 4' Octave Vax Humana ff Birds 4' Vox Humana 4' Piccolo (Tibia) Piano ff Klaxon 2 - 2/3 Tibia Twelfth 4' String Siren 2' Piccolo 4' Flute Steamboat Tremulants: 6 Stops 1 - 3/5' Tibia Tierce 4' Vox Humana Chinese Gong Main Vibrato 1' Fife 8' Piano * Train Whistle Main Tremulant 16' Piano* 4' Piano * Slide Projector Tibia Clausa 8' Piano* Harp Percussions off ( Rev) Flute 4' Piano Chrysoglott I with indicator Flute Echo ( Leslie) Chrysoglott I Chrysoglott 11 Vox Humana Chrysoglott 11 Chinese Block Misc Solo: 27 Stops Glock Snare Drum Expression Pedals for Solo & Snare Tap 16' Post Horn Xylophone Main & Percussion 16' Trumpet Marimba Tambourine Crescendo 16' Tibia Clausa 16' Solo to Great Castanets Sustain button on expression pedal. 8' Solo to Great Cymbal 16' Vax Humana Pistons ( Capture) 8' Post Horn 4' Solo to Great Sleigh Bells Solo Division 10 8' Trumpet 16' Great to Great Tom Tom Great Division 1 0 4' Great to Great Select Pere. 8' Tibia Clausa Accomp. Division 10 (includes pedal) 8' Clarinet 4' Ace to Ace 1 Set Piston 8' Saxaphone 1 each set & restore pistons for 8' Kinura Orchestral: 27 Stops** Accompaniment 2nd: 12 Stops Solo, Great and Ace Divisions 1 6' Post Horn 8' Post Horn 8' String 1 each cancel for Solo, Orch, 8' Concert Flute 16' Trumpet 8' Trumpet Accomp & Great and General 8' Vax Humana 16' Tibia Clausa 8' Tibia Clausa 1 Operator Piston on each manual 4' Piccolo 16' Vax Humana 8' Clarinet 2' Piccolo 8' Post Horn 4' Tibia Clausa 16' Piano * 8' Trumpet Chimes 8' Piano * 8' Tibia Clausa Bird Whistles * (see special tablet to switch between electronic and 4' Piano* 8' Clarinet Wood Block Triangle mechanical piano) Chrysoglott I 8' Saxaphone * * Top manual can be switched from the Solo tablets to the Chrysoglott 11 8' Kinura Chinese Gong Orchestral tablets via the "Solo to Orch" tablet. Glock 8' String 8' Solo to Ace (Solo/Orch tablet is a second touch tablet . The second touch activates a setter board for the Orchestral tablets) Chimes 8' Concert Flute 4' Great to Ace

JUNE, 197 3 THEATRE ORGAN 41 Columbia. Theatre in Longview, Wash. invasion of the phonograph has killed NUGGETS May 1926 (M) GEORGE Y AUNT, the hope of decent organ music in our organist of the Park Theatre in theatres for the present. When this new from the Tacoma, is taking a brief vacation. fad has been exploited a little, it is GOLDEN May 1926 (M) WILLIAM MASKE possible that some of the theatre is playing the Kimball in the D & R organists who have been committing Theatre in Aberdeen, Wash. unspeakable crimes against good Aug. 1926 (M) WEST BROWN and music, will mend their ways." JOHN McCOURTNEY are two of Tacoma's favorite organists, using a big GOLD DUST: 2/20 ALBERT HAY Wurlitzer in the Blue Mouse Theatre. MALOTTE at the Coliseum Theatre Oct. 1926 (J) HENRI A. KEATES, Wurlitzer in Seattle ... 10/23 GLENN who played several years at the Lib­ GOFF, Pantages and HENRI C LE erty Theatre in Portland, returned to BEL at the 2/9 Wurlitzer, Blue Mouse Chicago for a Mc Vickers Theatre en­ in Seattle ... 12/24 WILLIAM gagement. Keates has introduced com­ EVANS at Seattle Capitol's Kimball munity singi.ng, and it has become an ... 7 /25 ERNEST RUSSELL, Port­ outstanding feature. land's Liberty and DON ISHAM, Nov. 1926 (AO) OLIVER WAL­ Tacoma's Blue Mouse .. 12/25 CECIL LACE is playing the Wurlitzer in the TEAGUE, Majestic and ERNEST Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos Broadway Theatre in Portland. RUSSELL, Liberty in Portland Jan. 1927 (J) JAMES D. . .. 4/26 SAMUEL P. TOTTEN, Next month, Portland, Ore. will BARNARD opened the Lincoln The­ Olympia's Liberty; HOMER MAC host the 18th annual ATOS Con­ atre in Port Angeles, Wash., and is now DONALD, Tacoma Rialto's 3-manual vention. As a salute to the Oregon featured in songologues on the finest Wurlitzer; DOW LE ROI, "The Midget Chapter's effort, Jason and I have Wurlitzer in the state. Organist", Spokane's Liberty ... 7 /26 dedicated this column to the Pacific Jan. 1927 (J) HENRI LE BEL FRANCES TIPTON, Spokane's Clem­ Northwest with emphasis on the City opened the new Pantages Theatre in mer ... 8/26 EDDIE CLIFFORD of Roses. References were American Portland and will stay for four weeks. Tacoma Blue Mouse's Wurlitzer EARL Organist (AO), Jacobs (J), Melody (M) Jan. 1927 (J) FRED BURNHAM is SEE, Capitol in Hoquaim, Wash­ magazines and local press. featured on a Wurlitzer in the Irving­ ington ... 10/26 HARRY REED, ton Theatre, a large Portland house. Fifth Avenue Theatre's Wurlitzer and July 4, 1920 (Seattle Times) AL­ Jan. 1927 (J) RALPH HAMILTON HAROLD WINDUS, Embassy in Seat­ BERT HAY MALOTTE at the Wur­ is the popular organist at Portland's tle ... 1/27 KELLY IMHOFF, Olym­ litzer in the Coliseum in Seattle, played Hippodrome who knocks 'em over pian's new 3-manual Robert Morton, "American Patrol", Yankee Doodle", every day with his popular sonologues. Port Angeles, Wash.; MARION "Tales of Hoffman" and "Stars and March 1927 (J) CECIL TEAGUE, OLLERENSHAW & JOHN MC CART­ Stripes Forever." The picture was "The formerly at the Majestic Theatre in NEY, Tacoma's Blue Mouse; BILL Fortune Teller" with Marjorie Ram­ Portland, will soon be featured at DAVIS, Seattle's Arabian; MARTHA beau. Matinee price was 25 cents, but Loew's State Theatre in Los Angeles. FOOSNESS succeeded MARK DOL­ after 6:30 P.M., 35 cents, balcony 25 March 1927 (J) EDNA HARKINS LIVER at Seattle's Cheerio; OLIVER cents, with children 11 cents. is presiding at consoles in the Winter­ WALLACE & BOBBY BURNS, Port­ Oct. 31, 1920 (Seattle Times) The garden, Portola and Granada theatres land's Broadway; GLENN SKELLEY, new Seattle theatre, the Winter Gar­ in Portland. Portland's Liberty ... 8/27 HELEN den, includes features such as a March 1928 (J) GLENN SKELLEY ERNST, Portland Pantages Wurlitzer; $25,000 Hope-Jones Wurlitzer organ, is playing the 3/13 Wurlitzer in Port­ Miss BAKER, Portland's Columbia an elaborate marquee with 2,500 in­ land's Oriental Theatre. ... 9/27 HELEN ERNST, Pantages dividual lights, a men's smoking room, and LAURA VAN WINKLE, Pantages March 1928 (J) ZACH KALBACH & Bagdad theatres, Portland; EDDIE latest air conditioning and three pro­ and DOROTHY HUSTON are playing jectors and a stereoptican. (In Decem­ CLIFFORD, Portland's Bagdad; JOHN Portland's Wintergarden Theatre McCARNEY, Grand in Centralia, ber, Miss IRMA FALVEY, "Cali­ model 210 Wurlitzer. fornia's leading organist", opened the Wash.; RENALDO BAGGOTT, Mc theatre). March 1928 (J) The Blue Mouse Donald in Eugene, Oregon ... 3/28 J April 1926 (M) CECIL TEAGUE is Theatre in Portland has done away CLARK RUSH & DON MOORE, playing the 4-manual Wurlitzer in the with organists because of Vitaphone Venetian, A K WOLFENDEN, Liberty Theatre in Portland. and Movietone. The orchestra remains Olympic and MYRTLE GILBERT, April 1926 (M) FRANK CLAUSEN because of an agreement with the Madison Gardens in Portland ... 6/28 is playing the Leatherby-Smith organ musicia.ns' union. GLENN SKELLEY, Oriental and in the Liberty Theatre in Enumclaw, March 1928 (J) RON & DON are HOMER MAC DONALD Portland Wash. switching jobs at the Bagdad and (Ore.) Theatre. May 1926 (M) PERCY BUR­ Venetian theatres in Portland. RASTON is playing for pictures and Feb. 1929 (AO) Frederick W. That should do it until next time. vaudeville in Salem, Oregon while Goodrich, American Organist cor­ So long, sourdoughs! FRANK EASTMAN is playing the respondent from Portland, says: "The Jason and The Old Prospector

42 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1973 Prescott all taking turns on the Wur­ litzer. We are all new at this, so we shared a lot of bobbles and a lot of laughs - but then that's what it's all about. ALLEEN COLE ALOHA Aloha from Hawaii! eHAPTERNOTE~ Aloha Chapter members and guests were treated recently to a morning of organ movies featuring some of the country's fine organists. Along with the films, member Dan Engelhard gave ALABAMA some "rain" songs, which certainly fit some background information on the "THE MAGIC CITY" has been the description of the weather that organs used. synonymous with the name of Bir­ day. Earlier this year , member Roger mingham, Alabama for many years due At the first meeting, Miss Riedel Angell invited chapter members and a to the city's unbelievably rapid West and Mrs. Don B. Cole had been few guests to his home for an after­ growth. It is no wonder, then, that the elected temporary Chairman, and sec­ noon with his 2/7 Robert Morton. newest ATOS Chapter, born in the retary-treasurer respectively , for organ­ Following a narrated slide presentation Magic City should get off to such a izational purposes. At the second on the history of the instrument, roaring start and triple it's membership meeting, Miss West was elected as members enjoyed a chamber tour and in only two months. Chairman, Jay Mitchell as Vice Chair­ an open console session. The after­ man (also to serve as Program Chair­ noon concluded with an entertaining A small but enthusiastic group got man) and Mrs. Don B. (Alleen) Cole as concert by two fine organists, Frank together at the historic Alabama The­ Secretary-Treasurer. A board of direc­ Loney and Elbert La Chelle. atre in Birmingham, Alabama on Feb­ tors was elected to represent different The chapter also met recently at ruary 4, where we were entertained by parts of the state. They are James E. the Waikiki Theatre, where Consol­ the theatre's regular organist, Jay Dunnavant, Athens, Alabama, Dr. C. idated Amusement Co. staff organist, Mitchell, at the mighty Wurlitzer. He H. Prescott, Montgomery, Travis and Aloha Chapter Honorary Member never ceases to amaze us with his Cavnar, Huntsville, and Don B. Cole, John DeMello performed at the 4/16 ability to play, from memory, almost Tuscaloosa. Robert Morton. Chapter Chairman anything requested and he gave us all a Richard Harger and Roger Angell then chance to hear our favorites. We were gave a narrated slide history of the also entertained by Mrs. Lillian Truss, theatre and the organ. Since the cham­ who was one of the first persons ever bers are located at the top of a 25 foot to play the Alabama Wurlitzer. Then ladder, the slides let everyone have a families completed applications, paid much easier "look" at the organ pipes. dues, and signed a letter of intent to Members Lorene Yap and Jerry form a chapter - these were mailed Smith teamed up to present an enjoy­ immediately to the National President, able concert on the Hawaii Theatre Erwin Young, along with a letter re­ Robert Morton for our April meeting. questing our own charter, and a release Officers of the newest ATOS chapter. From Recently we have had the pleasure from the Southeastern Chapter. left to right: Jay Mitchell, Vice Chairman; Riedel West, Chairman; Alleen Cole, Sec ­ of showing several mainland visitors President Young immediately got retary -Treasurer. around the Island's organ installations. the ball rolling for us and was present After seeing Miss West in action, So if you 're ever in Honolulu, let us at our second meeting on March 1 1, President Young had kind words about know. Our Chapter host , John De­ where he read a letter authorizing our the enthusiasm of the officers and how Mello , may be reached at 373-3076 , or release from the Southeastern Chapter. quickly the chapter got underway. by writing c/o Aloha Chapter, ATOS, Mr. Young then gave a very interesting Miss West certainly had things rolling P.O. Box 88012 , Honolulu , HI. 96815. talk about the history of ATOS. At with the by-laws drawn up and ready Aloha! that meeting we also pleased to have for approval. She has already started a LOWELL ANGELL with us Tom Landrum from Rich­ newsletter that is sure to keep en­ mond, Va., Mac Abernathy from Bur­ thusiasm high. lington, North Carolina, Joe Patten of At our third meeting on April 8, we CENTRALINDIANA Atlanta, Gordon and Linda Johnson, were advised that we had been granted The March meeting was held in the the Secretary and Treasurer of the Charter No. 44, the 38th active chap­ home of Bud and Ada Fisher in Southeastern Chapter, and Bob Van ter. Our membership has grown to 30 Indianapolis. A most interesting pro­ Camp, organist at the Atlanta Fox families. Jay Mitchell again entertained gram included an interview with Dessa Theatre. Mr. Van Camp played a beau­ us with a beautiful program. The con­ Byrd, recalling the glorious days of the tiful program for us, including a sole was then open to the members, theatre pipe organ when she played medley from Show Boat, some Gersh­ with Miss West, Mrs. Cole, Mrs. Evelyn the Circle Theatre's "Mighty Wur­ win songs and very appropriately, Jones, Mr. Norville Hall and Dr. Cecil litzer", the 3 manual Barton at the

JUNE, 197 3 THEATRE ORGAN 43 Indiana Theatre and the 2 manual ATOS was the first organist who play­ Marr & Colton in the Fountain Square ed this organ at LaPorte so it was only Theatre, all three in Indianapolis. fitting that she play this 50th anni­ Three selections were heard from the versary celebration. Her program in­ original recordings made by Dessa on cluded several numbers in a variety of these pipe organs. She also recalled her styles popular at that time - 1923. work on local radio shows. Dessa is The program also consisted of a affectionately called "Indianapolis' short silent movie The Knockout ac­ Pipe Organ Queen" and it is always a companied in great style by Jimmy delight to have her participate in our Boyer, another of Indianapolis' well­ programs. known "theatre organ era" person­ Following the interview, members alities. Jimmy also played a group of Ada Fisher, Steve Jones, Ken Double, numbers from the early 20's. Prior to Virginia Byrd Rechtoris and Tim open console time, Jimmy explained Needler each played his own arrange­ the stops on the organ, chamber loca­ ment of "Whispering". This makes a tions , etc. This was a most informative very interesting bit of listening - and entertaining meeting. interpretations are varied and arrange­ Our Education Committee is work­ ments individualistic. We recommend ing diligently and planning many in­ you try it sometime - it's a lot of fun. teresting things for us. There will be The more familiar the selection, the much more to add later about the more challenge to be "different". A seminars and technical sessions, as well Dick Smith tells Patio audience how Al discussion of each person's inter­ as the emphasis they are placing on Melgard influenced his style. pretation is equally interesting. theatre music styling. A 30-minute The Fishers have a 3 manual Conn program was carried recently over Dick Smith played the 3/ 17 Barton in Theatre Organ with electronic pipes, radio station WIAN-FM, Indianapolis, the Patio Theatre to a full house of attached glockenspiel, and Leslie covering an interview with Lee Erwin 1500 on March 27. Dick presented a speaker - a really tremendous instal­ made by Ken Double. Our chapter well received program in his distinctive lation with all the features necessary boasts two weekly programs over this energetic style. A highlight was his to duplicate the "big sound" of the station. They are hosted by Ken, who medley of songs in Jesse Crawford mighty pipes! is majoring in radio and TV at Butler style. Reviewing the show for VOX Eighty-one members and guests met University in Indianapolis. CATOE, Mark Noller said " ... the in the Anderson Music Center in CONGRATULATIONS to Central musician who plays from the heart Anderson, Indiana on Sunday, April 8 Indiana, member Dennis James and makes music rather than plays it." He for another truly reminiscent theatre Heidi Augsberger who were married was referring to Dick Smith, a musi­ organ session. Bruce Thompson, owner recently in Bloomington, Indiana. cian who makes music by putting his of the 2 manual Wurlitzer, Style D, RUTH D. WARD heart, soul , and body into his perfor­ Opus 64 7, installed at the Music mance. While in Chicago Dick made a CHICAGOAREA Center hosted the meeting. new record album , "The Velvet This was the 50th anniversary of CATOE's first public concert of Sounds of Dick Smith" on the 3/10 the installation of this organ in the 1973 with Don Baker at the Coronado Wurlitzer formerly in the Ohio The­ LaPorte Theatre at LaPorte, Indiana. Theatre was sold out. I ts second con­ atre, Lima, Ohio, which CATOE in­ Vivian Arbaugh, a member of CIC- cert of the year was also a sell out. stalled and maintains at Downers Grove North High School. The album will be released soon. Sharing the bill with Dick were Leon Berry (his first public show since his stroke), Ted Day and Russ Young. These well known Chicago rink organ­ ists are celebrating their Silver Jubilee at the console. Each played a few selections which were greeted by wild applause from the fans there to greet them. CATOE marked the event with appropriate plaques for each man. The March social was at the lake­ side home of Fred Hermes, Racine , Wisconsin. Fred's five manual Wurl­ itzer ( ex-Michigan Theatre, Detroit), now up to 31 ranks, was well played by Tom Gnaster. Tom had the op­ portunity to use the newly installed console elevator many times as Fred Don Baker at the Coronado 4/12 Barton during his Feb. 1 CATOE sell out. used his Brenograph to create intricate

44 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1973 came in droves to witness a rising young star. Tom Gnaster did just that - on a newly installed Peter Clark console lift. The effect was overwhelming with curtains parting and console rising in a golden spotlight, organ playing "On I the S.S. Bernard Cohen". Tom outdid himself playing selec­ A_ _ tions from No, No, Nanette, Sun­ flower Babe, and music from Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals. His musi­ cal arrangements were quite refreshing, novel, and extremely interesting such as many young organists of the con­ During the Dick Smith Show, Leon Berry, Ted Day and Russ Young received trophies to mark their Silver Jubilees at the console. ~- cert circuit. Record sales after the program certainly bore witness to moving patterns of colors and shapes replaced. Wicks will do the custom Tom's musical ability and rapport with on the screen behind the console. Fred work. The Rockford group is so large the audience. Hermes Jr. played some good Gersh­ and active that they have petitioned Many wet-footed but happy win during refreshment time. The only CATOE to form their own ATOS worshippers at the Five Manual Shrine sour note was an inaccurate map mem­ chapter. CATOE has gladly agreed to sat with baptized soles - water at the bers used to try to find Fred's home. do this and paperwork is underway. edges of their shoes. Heavy rains Most got lost. Rockford intends to maintain some coupled with a quick thaw caused The four manual console at the theatre organs downstate and both much water seepage into the base­ Chicago Theatre has been returned to groups hope this will spark the for­ ment. Even with all the pumps oper­ its lift after a two year rebuilding. mation of a third chapter there. ating, Tom's coattails were slightly CATOE work continues there. The RICHARD J. SKLENAR dampened from water in the pit while Chicago recently used its stage for the being dunked in and out during the week-long run of a live rock show. Brenograph show. The Chicago console will be seen DAIRYLAND When Tom lowered the console and the Oriental Theatre Wurlitzer will into the pit, the magic of the Brena­ be heard, for the Theatre Historical Dairylandand CATOEConclave graph took the show with solo lighting Society will tour there during its an­ A beautiful day for travelling effects as the organ played. One was a nual convention in Chicago July brought out a record crowd of theatre delightful stereo effect of moving 20-22. The Granada, another ABC­ organ enthusiasts to the interchapter Spanish dancers accompanied by a Great States house, was recently sold conclave March 18th at the home of very rhythmic piece. "Virgil Fox and to a local rock promoter. The Century Fred Hermes in Racine, Wisconsin. 'Heavy Lights' have nothing on Tom Theatre has also been closed and will Because the weather previous to the Gnaster and Fred's Freaky Breno­ be converted to shops. meeting had been bad, the trickle of graph" (April Vox CATOE News­ Gaylord Carter returns to the Chi­ early arrivals had found their way via letter). "Bill" and "Silver Threads cago area on May 1 7 when CA TOE muddy roads and detours around im­ Among the Gold" were other pieces, presents its first public concert at the passable lanes. The trickle of cars soon these in the McAbee style, with Brena­ Deerpath Theatre, Lake Forest. The became a deluge, requiring the help of graph accompaniment. spring concert season closes on June police to direct traffic in the neighbor­ During the refreshment period, the 14 with Lee Erwin at the Coronado, hood. Pilgrims driven on by the console was "open" and other club Rockford. Proceeds will buy a new "prophecies of a West Coast fortune members played. During this time trumpet, the last stolen rank to be teller" (recent issue of CONSOLE} Fred Hermes, Jr. also played some good Gershwin. CATOE furnished the BINDERS TO PROTECT YOUR ISSUESOF THEATRE ORGAN artist and refreshments, with Dairy­ land furnishing the organ. Three years This durable casebound cover will bind one full year's ago this conclave drew about sixty issues of THEATRE ORGAN. Imprinted in gold on black the binder becomes a permanent reference people - this year over two hundred! volu~e that protects issues from damage and keeps FRED HERMES them in perfect order. Magazines are held securely in place and can be inserted in only a few seconds. A special pocket will enable you to easily label and identify the year of any volume. $3.50 each (including postage) DELAWAREVALLEY Make check or money order payable to : ATOS Binder. Though sometimes overworked, the Mail to... ATOS Binder P.O. Box 1002 word "brilliant" can be very aptly Middleburg, Virginia 22117 applied to the concert at Dickinson or . . . ATOS Binder High School on St. Patrick's Day, P.O. Box 1314 when the giant of the trade, 6'4" John Salinas, California 93901 Seng (and that's in his bare feet!)

JUNE, 1973 THEATRE ORGAN 45 made the scene. the heyday of the theatre organ ety, under the direction of Professor Each entry in the "musical through organ music and excellent David Kleiler had scheduled two silent docket", as John called it, was played baritone vocals. An evening of nostal­ classics to be shown that night in the with equal technic and ability. Though gic entertainment indeed. auditorium. The films were the sometimes unconventional, John's Plans for the spring and summer Cabinet of Doctor Oiligari and Me­ style treats each selection with finesse include a concert by Karl Cole to tropolis. Although the Society's prime and with all the orchestral discrim­ celebrate the 10-year "second" life of interest is understandably film ori­ inatory single-stop shading that has the 3/8 Kimball in the Landsdowne The­ ented and is, in fact, a part of the made John the musical giant that he is. atre, a jointly sponsored event by Dean academic program of the College, the John's tribute to Bach was mani­ Robinson with the Brookline Theatre, potential which exists between our re­ fested in "Fugue a la Gigue", the and a Hagerstown (Md.) tour to in­ spective organizations is obvious. audience participation piece for the clude the Moller factory, Frederick's Since our installation had reached a evening, wherein he requested that all Tivoli Theatre, and the Dick Kline point where the Main Chamber was clap on the beat while he played. His estate. operational plus a couple of ranks in living metronome carried throughout SHIRLEY HANNUM the Solo along with some tuned per­ cussions, the chemistry was evidently the piece, but never dominated the EASTERNMASSACHUSETTS organ. just right to spark the impulse to use Although this reporter is usually At last!! - Theatre Organ and the organ to accompany the two films. turned off by "The Candy Man", Silent Films in Richard Knight Audi­ The Chapter Vice President Al John's arrangement added a lot of flair torium on the campus of Babson Col­ Winslow handled the necessary ar­ to the otherwise lack-lustre melody lege. rangements with Professor Kleiler and line. Mulet's "Thou Art the Rock" Unlike the human or animal who the "show was on the road"! Al, a the­ provided the selection for an encore. comes into and leaves this world at a atre organist for many years (when The Jolly Green Giant? Well, he defineable point in time, Wurlitzers un­ they were in demand) shared the play­ sure ain't a leprechaun! dergoing restoration come into being ing chores with Bob Legan, a most Our April meeting took us to Pt. more subtly. They enter the world capable and imaginative young man, Pleasant on the New Jersey shore to quietly and grow until they are mature contemporary in repertoire as com­ hear Al Rando at the Beacon Manor enough to be noticed by someone. The pared to Al Winslow's traditional silent Hotel. Al Rando is one of those 3/ 13 pride and joy of the Eastern film style. The combined talent, en­ musicians that has true inborn talent. Massachusetts Chapter has followed thusiasm and diversity of styles pro­ After all - anyone who can master a such a route and it was "noticed", al­ duced a most rewarding evening - not 9' Steinway concert grand piano, Allen though unpretentiously, with no fan­ only for the chapter members who Carousel, Hammond X-77, and Moog fare or publicity (we'll save that for attended but also for those of the film synthesizer in one tonal set-up with the dedication!), on Sunday night society who have heretofore watched zillions of speakers must be in some April I, 1973.The Babson Film Soci- silent films just that way, silent. way genius, anyone. Especially if the artist is blind, like Al Rando. Al consistently has all his equip­ ment balanced and totally under control. His musicianship, coupled with his enthusiastic, bubbling person­ ality, easily captured the complete attention of all listeners. The 50 or so TOSDV folks who were present will assuredly agree that the day couldn't have been more perfect - a beautiful sunny spring day for travel, and entertainment by one of the East's foremost musicians in a first-class tonal experience. Lowell Ayers played an excellent benefit program for us toward the end of March on a Conn 650 electronic instrument. With selections of music ranging from the 1916 "Queen High" score through to the theme music from Oibaret, the program was well varied. The artistic evening was a study in the true theatre organ style that only Lowell can elicit from an organ. Even the old chestnuts in the sing­ along segment were brought to new life. Our appreciation to Mr.Ayers for The refurbished console ( Ex - Loew's State, Boston) now the pride and joy of the Eastern Massachusetts Chapter, glows in ebony at the Richard Knight Auditorium, Babson College. - effectively taking us back in time to (J. Peters Photo)

46 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 1973 As opposed to its original instal­ ing), gold leaf all over the place, red voices of the organ including a few lation in the State Theatre in Boston, carpeting and down in the front of the well placed "splats" of the Posthorn the organ now speaks through a total auditorium, nestled beside the orches­ and some of the tuned percussion. of about 75 square feet of shutter area tra lift, the console of the Golden The show continued with the Joliet per chamber resulting in a very wide Voiced Barton Grande Organ and of Legion Band, not one of the best, but dynamic range. Even in its partially course it was gold, too. Now the the best in the United States. Rick completed state, the ethereal sounds console is white with gold trim but ill, Locher and Russ Wunderlich were of the Strings, Celeste and Kinura and you should see the scars from next on the program with organ and filtering through the closed shutters her "operations"! vocal work, all done with the precision contrasted with the open shutter treat­ Since 1957 when the Barton went and co-ordination of having worked ment of the thundering Tuba, Dia­ out of regular use at the Rialto, much together on many occasions. phone and Diapasons illustrated that has happened. At that time it was Intermission followed and the this Wurlitzer, when finished, will not intact and everything was working. second half opened with Fran again be one of the biggest but surely an Now? Well, this is why JATOE is busy displaying her artistry by some del­ instrument of great presence, dynamic and we are most grateful to some icate but beautiful use of the piano as range and versatility. CATOE folks for their help. It would a lead and the other voices lending soft We all look forward to the time be easier, and much shorter, to list support. Rick and Russ, and the Band when the instrument will be fully what's left of the 21 ranks to say came on just as strong in the second operational complete with toys and nothing of stripped pre-set action, et half as the first, and Fran closed the other special sound effects so that we cetera. show - a great evening of enter­ can really have fun with some of the Concerts are our only source of tainment." lighter silents such as Chaplin, Key­ revenue and to date we've had Larry We are sincerely proud to be a part stone Cops, Fatty Arbuckle, and the Roou and John Muri. Joliet has been of ATOS. other classics. called the City of Champions for many FRANCES WOOD IR YING For this evening, the modest debut many years and it's all because of of our Wurlitzer, we have our Thurs­ music. So last month one or our LOSANGELES day night and Saturday installation musical contingents, the Joliet Legion crews under the direction of Art Band, which has around 20 national The artist for the March 18th con­ Goggin to thank for an extra effort to championships to its credit, put on a cert at the Wiltern Theatre was David finish up some loose ends at the last three-way concert at the theatre: ( 1) Kelsey, the talented young organist moment and an extra thanks to Art the Band, (2) a Joliet tenor Russ from the San Francisco Bay area. He for his hours of effort, tuning and Wunderlich who was accompanied at presented an outstanding program retuning many pipes. It is this ]f.ind of the organ by Rick Locher, Treasurer which included a nostalgic "Show unselfish giving of personal time by a of JATOE and husband of our Chair­ Boat" medley, the Widor "Toccata," hard core of determined people that man Jan Locher and (3) organ solo - and a medley of great show tunes from will carry the Chapter's Wurlitzer to and for this segment, yours truly the Busby Berkeley musicals from the final finishing and dedication. "crawled" out of about 30 years of Warner Bros. in the 30's. "By a Water­ The Society, perpetuating its ded­ retirement and loved every inch of fall", "Forty Second Street", ication, has brought another Wurlitzer what's left of the organ I knew so well "Shadow Waltz", and "Lullaby of back from the era of its glory to be when it was new. You see I was the Broadway", brought back memories of enjoyed once again by all who care to "pilot" for many years when it be­ Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler, and Jimmy hear those wonderful sounds of the came "air-borne" back in 1928. Let's Cagney singing and dancing their way theatre organ. quote from our dedicated chief of thru those depression days. A fine DICK LINDER engineers of JATOE, Bob Verduin, as Gershwin medley followed by "Blue he wrote about the concert for our JOLIET AREA Newsletter: Greetings from one of the newer "Shortly after eight o'clock on chapters of ATOS - JATOE. - May February 8, the house lights dimmed in we talk about ourselves and what the Rial to Theatre and two grand we're doing? When JATOE came in to ladies appeared, rising from the pit. being late in 1970 we had a ready The two ladies were, of course, Fran­ made project that was and still is a ces Wood Irving and the Golden challenge. You see our number one Voiced Barton. Fran played the true love is the 4/21 Barton located in the style of the l 920's, a style cherished Rialto Theatre in downtown Joliet, by so many of us (myself included). Illinois. Fran did many selections including When the Rialto opened back in "Honey", "Always", and something I 1926 it was typical of the golden know only as a theme from a well oriental splendor of the larger picture known show from the by-gone days of palaces of the 20's. The lobby was a the Golden Age of Radio. full block long, with marble floors, Fran displayed the lush and full totally mirrored walls, crystal chan­ sound of the Tibia, of which our deliers (motorized to be lowered for Barton has the best in the Midwest. Of cleaning - and they were kept sparkl- course she used many of the other Dave Kelsey - (Bob Hill Photo)

JUNE, 1973 THEATRE ORGAN 47 to a close. The Lawrence Welk bubble from the organ department at the machine got into the act after inter­ university. mission, much to the surprise of the The film was The Mark of Zorro organist. He coped with this in fine and Dennis James' accompaniment style and finished off the program was superb, and resulted in a standing with a "Holiday in Italy" medley, ovation. (Unaccustomed, as we are, to selections from his "most requested standing ovations for public presen­ tunes", and a lovely "Easter Parade", tations, it should be remembered that closing with "Bubbles in the Wine", it was perhaps due to the young the Lawrence Welk theme. At the people present, whose enthusiasm is Sunday afternoon jam session at the usually reserved for the guitar-oriented Elks, more than fifty members and rock sound.) guests were entertained by Fernand On Sunday morning, April 8, we Martel, Candy Carley, Al Yates, and were entertained by Lew Betterly at Lyle Knight, among others. In recent the 3/ 10 Barton at the Royal Oak months the "Pay & Play" plan at the Theatre, an instrument which Lew Elks has been re-emphasized by the played when he was the regular organ­ Shirley Obert - (Bob Hill Photo) chapter as a great opportunity for ist at the theatre in the early thirties. members to play a really large pipe There was a well-filled house that Skies" and "I Wish You Love" topped organ. In March, 28 members took morning due to invitations extended off the program with style and flair. advantage of this opportunity and the to Lew's customers and friends of David also performed at the afternoon organ was used on 26 days during the many years. jam session at the Elks building where month. Following our morning program at the 4/61 Robert Morton is kept in SAM DICKERSON the Royal Oak, we moved to the good playing condition by Dick International Gourmet, a private Stoney and his crew. Local members MOTORCITY banquet room in nearby Southfield, who tried out the big Morton included Motor City members gathered at for our annual spring banquet. Mem­ Seth Anderson, Shirley Obert, and the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor on bers took turns at the Conn electronic Paul Hamilton. Sunday morning, March 4, for a pro­ donated by the Lew Betterly Music The spring business meeting of the gram by chapter member Mary Co. for the occasion. chapter was held at the Elks Building Harrison. Mary did an effortless job at Banquet entertainment was two on April 10th. Following the business the 3 / 13 Barton as she played a Laurel and Hardy silent films, ac­ meeting an excellent slide show was program of old favorites and blues companied by several chapter mem­ presented by Chuck Zimmerman who tunes. She was joined by Betty Mason bers, each taking their turn at the has attended most of the chapter at the grand piano in the pit for a organ. None had ever accompanied a concerts and ATOS conventions thrilling finale, "Rhapsody in Blue." movie, and found it is not always as during the past ten years. His color Betty demonstrated what a really easy to do as it looks. slides of organs, artists, and organ excellent pianist she is. Bright and early Saturday morning, activities using available light were An open console session followed, April 28, some 34 chapter members outstanding and brought back mem­ with nine Motor City members taking boarded our chartered Scenicruiser for ories of some of the great concerts their turn at the console. a trip to hear two CATOE instal­ that ATOS has presented over the Our second public organ show at lations. Our own member Reg years. the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor Aldridge donated his services and The concert artist at the Wiltern on was held Thursday evening, March 14. drove the bus. The hours flew by, April 15th was Bob Ralston, the well­ The date had been confirmed months filled with fun and singing. known TV personality and member of earlier to coincide with the wedding of The purpose of our trip was to the Lawrence Welk orchestra. He pre­ our artist, Dennis James and his bride­ attend Hector Olivera's concert at the sented a very entertaining show with to-be, Heidi, held a few days following Downers Grove High School 3/ 10 Wur­ lots of great theatre organ music. He our program. litzer, installed by CATOE. started out with a brief tour of the Word of our first show at the Sunday morning found us at the organ stops to demonstrate to his Michigan last Fall had apparently Patio Theatre where Walter Strojny electronic-oriented fans that this organ gotten around the University of Michi­ played the 3/ 17 Barton. During the is indeed different from the one he gan campus, for a considerable portion open console session that followed, a plays on television. The different of our audience of 1,300 was made up surprise - none other than Pearl sections of the organ were shown off of cheering university students. A sur­ White, who after a couple of short to good advantage as he played "Love prisingly good turn out inasmuch as numbers, shows no signs of having lost Makes the World Go Round" - the our program was held during a student any of her old zip. Tibias, reeds, strings, and percussions film festival. We returned to Detroit, stopping were all heard from. A Palm Sunday Dennis gave the kind of per­ enroute at Svoboda's Nickelodeon medley, an Ecology medley featuring formance that you just can't help but Museum in Chicago Heights. In an animal tunes, and a soaring "Rapsody enjoy and a special duo-performance atmosphere from the turn of the in Blue", followed by selections from of "Maple Leaf Rag" with Heidi at the century we found room after room of the Bob Ralston record albums pit grand piano won the unanimous coin operated music machines, radios, brought the first half of the program approval of our audience, especially phonographs, and you name it - they

48 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 197 3 had it. This tavern and musical bench to the United Palace's Grand museum has been operated con­ piano. A rising, young artist, Jim tinuously by the Svoboda family since Leaffe, took over the organ and to­ it opened in 1908, and their great gether they performed George Gersh­ hospitality and friendly manner make win's noteable "Concerto in F". All in it a must place for any family or group attendance certainly agreed that it was to visit. an exciting experience to hear this All those who made the Chicago famous work performed with piano trip enjoyed themselves so much, that and theatre pipe organ! Ashley cer­ we are eagerly looking forward to our tainly proved that he is a talent at next bus trip, now scheduled for some­ home in either the concert or enter­ time in Octo her. tainment mediums, and he has the DON LOCKWOOD unique distinction of being an ATOS The "Big Band Sound" of Alex Rene at the artist holding the A.A.G.O. degree. Riviera in North Tonawanda, N. Y . NEW YORK As in all our meetings at the United It had been some time since we had Palace, members of the United the privilege of hearing our own chap­ Christian Evangelistic Association's there was a piano and electronic organ ter director, Ashley Miller, in a full­ congregation were invited to share the in the room to provide entertainment fledged concert. However, on Monday program with us. We deeply appreciate at this successful affair. evening, February 12, we presented the privilege of meeting in their church Dennis James and Alex Rene' and Ashley at the console of the United and to utilize their wonderful Morton his Big Band Sound joined forces at Palace (formerly Loew's 175th St.) for our programs. the Riviera on March 21 to present an 4/23 "Wonder" Robert Morton the­ HERBERT G. FRANK, JR. exciting program to 1400 enthusiastic atre organ. Joining with us for this patrons. (Before the show got started, special event were members of the Dennis and Heidi, his bride of three Northern Valley (N.J.) Chapter of the days, were introduced to the audi­ American Guild of Organists marking NIAGARA FRONTIER ence.) Mr. James played the Mighty the first time our two organizations On March 9 chapter members Wurlitzer for about a half hour and joined to sponsor a concert. gathered at Baxie's Steak Pit in Lan­ included melodies ranging from semi­ ATOS members were particularly caster, New York for the Annual classical to contemporary. pleased to see Ashley demonstrate, Installation of Officers Banquet. After In the midst of his arrangement of dinner, Chairman Randy Piazza in­ during the first half of the program, "Moonlight Serenade" the great drapes for the benefit of the AGO members, troduced Vice Chairman Al Sliwinski, parted to reveal Alex Rene' and his what theatre organ is all about. He Secretary Elwyn Guest, and Treasurer band, and wild applause rose from the Howard Fisher. The evening's honored played a musically-varied program, audience. The Wurlitzer and 15-piece guests were Ed Tucholka of with emphasis however, on "our kind" WBEN-FM band ventured together in such hits as of music so that AGO members could (through whose efforts our chapter has "Stardust," and "Sentimental Jour­ hear and enjoy it in its intended gained much publicity); Francis ney." setting - a large and ornate movie Kirton, host of a weekly organ pro­ Mr. Rene's men played a tune palace. gram on CHSC-FMin St. Catharines, called "In Heaven There is No Beer," Following a brief intermission, Ontario, Canada; and Harry Pickens, a and Diane McRae, Carol Piazza, and Ashley had a special treat in store for local organist who is featured fre­ Shirley Cole dressed as waitresses, dis­ us. He revealed another side of his quently on CHSC. When the for­ tributed schupers of the foamy bev­ talent when he moved from the organ malities of the banquet were finished, erage to members of the band. Towards the end of this exciting musical program, Dennis and the band performed "When the Saints Go Marching In" and the three gals ap­ peared on stage once again, this time dressed in angel costumes to lead the audience in singing. On April 25 Rex Koury appeared in concert at the Riviera for the first time, and he was extremely pleased with the warm reception he got from the standing-room-only crowd. Mr. Koury's enthusiasm was gen­ erated into his music from the first chord of his concert to the last. A medley from "Paint Your Wagon" included the seldom-played but lovely tune "They Call the Wind Maria," and "I Talk to the Trees." Jim Leaffe and Ashley Miller receive accolades after concert at United Palace. - (Herbert G. Frank Photo) Mr. Koury appropriately played

JUNE, 197 3 THEATRE ORGAN 49 "Sabre Dance" when the Buffalo area might be able to refurbish. Nego­ ed in attending chapter meetings or was paying tribute to its Sabres tiations with management are under other activities. Some of the other hockey team. way and hopefully some more con­ chapters are well spread out too, and if Rex Koury played one of TV's struction and rebuilding will come our they have any ideas on how to make most famous theme songs - his "Gun­ way; probably enough to keep every­ the travel problems and other such smoke" theme, performed as only its body happy and working for several necessary detail lighter, we'd sure like own composer could play it - com­ years to come. to hear about it. plete with horses! Mark Munzel, who runs our Chap­ A good set of Chapter By-Laws has There were other unusual moments ter Technical Committee and espec­ been developed, patterned after the too numerous to mention. But several ially the "swapsheet" and available National and the Oregon Chapter, and things were clear: Rex was a big hit components listings, showed up in the it looks like the IRS will be happy with his SRO audience; his regis­ alley outside the theatre stage door with our justification as a non-profit trations were always interesting, and with a Shopsmith in the back end of organization, which we truly are. If this talented musician has a very lis­ his pickup truck. With Mark at the you don't believe it, ask our hard­ ten able style of playing the Mighty controls of the Shopsmith, several working secretary-treasurer, Doris Wurlitzer. Perhaps next year he'll custom pieces of precision wood­ Garrett. Hopefully, through expanded make another tour to the Eastern working and cabinet making were membership and plenty of partic­ US? turned out. Windchests, relay racks ipation by all members, our efforts SHIRLEY COLE and even the console benefitted from will lead us to an even better activity Mark's craftsmanship. Although some level, with full year-round activity and sudden April showers forced moving several sessions of various types every NORTHTEXAS the Shopsmith into the theatre, it month. Wouldn't it be nice on some of After a tire-squealing, "digout" didn't slow things down very much. the coming hot Texas summer days to type of a start for the 1973 year, the Everybody pitched in to move the sit in a comfortable air-conditioned North Texas Chapter is settling down equipment around as necessary. theatre listening to your favorite the­ to normal cruising speed and still The work on the Fine Arts Organ atre organ music? making good progress. Member Jerry was enjoyed by all participants , and JOE KOSKI Bacon is refurbishing a complete in­ yet it's not all the activity. The of­ strument, including several modi­ ficers have met to discuss chapter fications and additions and installing it business and by the time this appears OREGON in the Fine Arts Theatre in Snider in THEATRE ORGAN, our May meet­ The chapter dedicated another fine Plaza, adjacent to the SMU Campus in ing at the home of Dale Flannery will home installation at their April 15 Dallas. Jerry has 8 ranks working and be history. Dale has a fine installation meeting, this one in the residence of on Sunday, April 15, a dozen or more at his home and the afternoon should Dr. Gordon and Kathy Potter, in chapter members showed up in their be a pleasant one. Portland. best pre-Easter working clothes at We get a lot of chapter activities The business meeting was held prior 8 :30 A.M. to help Jerry's project "sprung" on us in short time frames, to the concert. Dennis Hedberg called along. With the "old pro's" guiding the but that's what makes life interesting. the meeting to order, then gave the neophytes, they all worked on assign­ We just found out that the chapter is latest details on the building progress ed projects in accordance with Jerry's sponsoring a session at the Casa of the Organ Grinder Restaurant. He planning. Some were busy refelting Manana Wurlitzer on May 13, Mother's hopes to start installation of the 34 manuals in the console, others were Day. Mark Kenning, a chapter mem­ rank Wurlitzer within thirty days. Bill building assemblies for new wind­ ber, will be the featured artist. He was Peterson presented the membership chests and ranks of pipes. one of the last ones to play this same with the completed schedule for the The instrument may be best de­ organ professionally in the Worth The­ scribed as a "Bacon Special, Opus 10!" atre before it was moved to Casa to since Jerry is making use of everything prevent its' being buried in the debris he can to develop a real fine theatre when the theatre was demolished. Jim organ for the Fine Arts Theatre. It's Peterson, chief technician on the in­ amazing how much can get done, with strument, has it performing beau­ true craftsmanship, when the project is tifully, and with Mark to tell it what a "labor of love" with everybody to do and the organ to do the speak­ doing something they really like to do. ing, it will be a fine afternoon. This The beginners, including the ladies, are installation is the only installation all learning a lot about the craft of listed in April, 73 THEATRE ORGAN organ-building with the experts leading as a working instrument in a theatre in the way. Texas. Our chapter is the group lucky Jerry's project will not be a short enough to be involved. As soon as one. There's plenty yet to be done, some details can be cleared up, there'll and plans are "in the mill" to make be more concerts, chapter meetings this a monthly event. And it probably and other pleasant happenings around won't end with Jerry's instrument. this particular installation.

There are a couple more instruments One of our problems is the detail Jonas Nordwall poses at the console of Dr. in the area in theatres which the club involved and the distances to be cover- Potter's home installation.

50 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 197 3 '73 Convention. PIEDMONT "Sweetheart of our group." As we Dennis then introduced Dr. Potter , Charlotte members hosted the first listened and watched her skillful who gave a short history of his pipe '73 meeting of the chapter on Sunday , fingers glide across the keys with such organ. The organ was built by Gerald March 4, when more than 100 mem­ perfection and maturity , it was hard to Duffy and Dr. Potter and assisted by bers and guests entered the doors of realize that Linda has just turned "Sweet Sixteen." Her Gershwin Bert Hedderly. Also assisting was Parker Gardner Music Company's medley was most outstanding. Her Jonas Nordwall on voicing and regula­ Auditorium and enjoyed an afternoon ting. Dr. Potter 's next door neighbor , of organ music and fellowship. final number was a duo , with Dr. Dr. Deane Hutchison also gave help in Ed Kent welcomed the group. MacDonald at the piano. this department. Dr. Hutchison is a Master of Ceremonies, Buster Richard­ OPAL CANSLER well known concert organist, who has son, suggested we borrow a phrase a large Kimball concert organ in his from the Rodgers Organ Co., "Let's POTOMACVALLEY home. just live a little!" as he introduced the Dr. Potter's organ is a 3/18 Wur­ program. St. Patrick's Day dawned dull and litzer-Morton-Gottfried, with a fab­ dreary but the weather couldn't ulous 3 manual Robert Morton Con­ First performer heard at the dampen the spirits of 107 Potomac sole. The organ chambers are in a Richardsons' Rodgers 33-E was Dr. Valley members who were departing special 2 story building attached to the D.E. MacDonald, in a delightful pro­ on the long-awaited Wanamaker­ rear of Dr. Potter's home. Finally, the gram of tunes played in true theatre Dickinson trip. Travelling in two com­ moment that 95 persons had been style with comments interspersed fortable and full buses we arrived at waiting for , the dedication concert by about each number and its composer. the John Wanamaker Department Jonas Nordwall. Jonas played a fine His recently acquired "Posthorn" was Store in Philadelphia just in time for a program as usual. He made good use of used as he played "Sidney Torch nice luncheon in the Wanamaker the sound of those two lush Tibias, a Style." His "Salute To The Two Mirador Room. We were conducted on Wurlitzer and a Gottfried. Reginalds" - Reginald Poort and a tour of the chambers of the world's There is no doubt about it. The Reginald Dixon (signature tune) was a largest organ, led by Nelson Buechner , Oregon Chapter is a very lucky one highlight of the program. Organ Maintainance Engineer at the indeed! We have some fine in­ In the early 40 's Dr. was the as­ store. The sight of 88 ranks of match­ stallations, and some really good or­ sistant organist at the Kings Theatre, ed Kimball strings in one chamber still ganists to play them. later known as the Gaumont , in has many of us drooling. Our party also We hope that many in attendance Dundee, Scotland , and for several enjoyed a slide presentation showing at the Convention in July will take the years was organist at the Garrison some of the less accessible parts of the opportunity to hear and play Dr. Theatre. organ , as well as some of the organists Potter's installation. Next Buster introduced the charm­ who have played the Wanamaker DON INGRAM ing and talented Linda Kent as the Grand Court Organ.

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JUNE, 197 3 THEATRE ORGAN 51 The organ consists of a total of 469 that " Spring is Here." Birds were ranks of pipes and speaks into the singing and there was a musical 13-story Grand Court of the store. It is shower. We call Doug Bailey 'the old played three times a day , six days a smoothie' although he is not old week, by Keith Chapman who became enough for such a descriptive phrase. staff organist in 1966 at the age of He plays entirely by ear and mostly in nineteen. Keith migrated from San the key of F #. Audience participation Francisco to the East to accept a is 100% as Doug always includes us scholarship at the Curtis Institute of when he plans a program. A featured Music in Philadelphia. He earned his artist at the '72 Convention who play­ Bachelor of Music degree and shortly ed the Loew's Richmond organ, Doug thereafter passed the examinations for Bailey is a chapter favorite. the Associate degree of the American Last year two important events Guild of Organists. He also holds a occurred at the Tivoli Theatre: (1) Master of Music degree from Temple the making of the Concert Recording University. Mr. Chapman is the Direc­ CR0074 "Who Is Ray Brubacher And Left to right; Keith Chapman, Frank Vitale tor of Music at the United Methodist and Nelson Buechner at the Wanamaker What's He Doing With Those Pipes?" Church in Wayne , Pa. His great diver­ organ . which is receiving excellent reviews, sification in music is displayed by his and (2) Hector Olivera's now-famous success in approaching the world of High School Kimball. A tired but debut to the theatre organ world theatre organ. Including the Wana­ happy group returned in the wee small during the Convention. maker performances he has given over hours, singing the praises of Frank Piedmont Chapter joined Potomac 5,600 recitals among which were Vitale, our member who organized the Valley for a meeting in Richmond on several well-received theatre organ con­ day's activities. April 8th. Some of the 22 attending certs, complete with silent movie ac­ The 2/8 Wurlitzer in historic Piedmont members drove six hours companiment. Keith's 45-minute con­ Frederick's Tivoli Theatre is the last just to be there. In all, nearly 200 cert on the giant six manual Grand remaining in-theatre pipe organ in the ATOSers from Pennsylvania, Mary­ Court Organ made us want to return state of Maryland. Potomac Valley's land, Virginia, Washington, North and again and again to hear this fine March 24 meeting featured member South Carolina journeyed to Rich­ organist. Doug Bailey at the fire-engine-red con­ mond for the double-header. Departing from the store at 6 p.m. sole of the Tivoli, through the Jane Sparks, "Sparky", a student of we enjoyed hot chicken box lunches courtesy of Dan Weinberg, owner of Eddie Weaver's and a member of both on the way to Wilmington, Delaware, the theatre and organ. (See THE­ chapters shared the honors with Eddie where we attended an excellent con­ ATRE ORGAN Dec. '72, page 33.) at the Byrd Theatre's magnificent 4/17 cert by John Seng at the Dickinson Listening to Doug one could be sure Wurlitzer. Jane teaches organ in her

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52 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 197 3 home town, Durham, N.C. Her pre­ atre with its breathtaking chandelier of sentation was a good example of the everchanging splendor is a fitting high calibre of musicians Mr. Weaver location for the talents 'of Eddie turns out. Jane's playing was clean and Weaver. For the first time in the fine, and displayed that unmistakeable history of our chapter meetings, a Weaver flair. This was Sparky's debut standing ovation was given to our in the Potomac Valley Chapter and, artist - a true master - Eddie Weaver. judging from her reception, we should His musical spell ended all too soon. be hearing much more from her. We continued on to the Loew's Following a brief intermission the Theatre in Richmond for the second console rose again under the capable feature of our double-header. Talented hands of Eddie Weaver and a musical Dennis James presided over the spell was cast. Eddie demonstrated the gorgeous white-and-gold console of

Jane "Sparky" Sparks delighted Piedmont Mr. and Mrs. Dennis James, honeymooners, and Potomac Valley Chapters at the Byrd at Loew's Theatre, Richmond. Con ­ Theatre in Richmond. - (Richard Neidich gratulations Dennis and Heidi. - ( Richard Photo) Neidich Photo)

"Mr. Showmanship" - Eddie Weaver.

exquisite tonal qualities of the Byrd Wurlitzer with a well-rounded program of songs old and new. We were also treated to ca ts and dogs, trains, storms, rain, bagpipes, and a multitude of other sounds not normally con­ sidered organ sounds. The show­ manship of this outstanding organist­ entertainer is worth going to see, and he compliments his personality with some of the greatest musicianship to be heard anywhere. Eddie has been playing daily for 47 years to cheering theatre audiences, and appears nightly at the Byrd. The beautiful Byrd The-

HOWARD A. BURTON 3045 3RD AVENUE MANUAL - PEDAL RELAYS FDR MARION, IOWA 52302 CHURCH - THEATRE (312) 627-5541 1280 S. LLOYD, LOMBARD, I LL. 60148 PHONE [319) 377-0846 RESIDENTIAL PIPE ORGANS

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,:~--- - -;.._. .. . ,~_-\~,£.:· ' ,,,,,, ...-- •• • ... - '\ I IIIJII - ,. .... ~ ... cvhlcymiller, a.a.g.o. ;---- .,, -,,,, .. ..IIU •o ., -~ ,,; . ~- .... .- ..,,,, C..'1 - THEATRE ORGAN CONCERTS - l.i'f; . - -- - ' • •· • C ~ ~~------,~~LEE ERWIN ..... TORRENCE/PERROTTA MANAGEMENT 1102 Stasia St. • Teaneck, N. J. 07666 • (201) 837-7362 " · 'Management Ted Creech. 306 East 15th St. Ne~Yo~k-. NY 10003 .

JUNE, 197 3 THEATRE ORGAN 53 Loew's 3/13 Wurlitzer. His opener, "If SOUTHEASTERN at the Johnson's home in Marietta , Ga. My Friends Could See Me Now" in­ Chapter chairman and Atlanta Fox stantly converted all of us to With the warm sound of the 3/9 staff organist, Bob Van Camp, pre­ "Friends." And we liked what we saw Wurlitzer of Gordon and Linda sented his own accompaniment score and heard. There was an aura of love Johnson, Southeastern Chapter mem­ for a short silent comedy to mark the in the atmosphere as Dennis in­ bers gathered on March 25 for a beginning of the afternoon's enter­ troduced his lovely bride, Heidi. Only Sunday afternoon of film, concert and tainment following the regular another musician would go along with food fare. business meeting. ATOS secretary and a concert tour for a honeymoon. Heidi The meeting was marked with a host, Gordon Johnson and family, is an accomplished concert pianist. She near-record attendance for a home prepared a chili buffet and made their and Dennis perform together whenever meeting as over seventy people arrived Wurlitzer (formerly installed in the both a piano and an organ are avail­ able. Dennis' technical expertise is as Bob Van Camp accompanying silent movies at the Johnson residence 3/9 Wurlitzer, during apparent as his rapport with his audi­ March meeting. ence - a truly remarkable young man. Won't it be fun to be able to say "I knew him when ... !" Our thanks to member Richard Neidich who secured the services of one of the most popular young organists for this tremendous concert. Thanks also to the two chapter members who maintain the Byrd and Loew's organs, as well as the one at the Mosque - Tom Landrum and Dick Barlow. The cooperation of theatre managers George Stitzer and Mr. Sterling is also most appreciated. Former Byrd Manager Robert Coulter was made a complimentary Lifetime chapter member at the By rd meeting. It was our pleasure to share a most memorable day with Claude and Opal Cansler and the Piedmont Chapter. JEAN LAUTZENHEISER

He Opened the Roxy and Radio City Music Hall I dick smith OR.C.A.J. PARMENTIER Theatre Organ Concerts ORGANIST Contemporary, Classical and Nostalgic Numbers AVAILABLE FOR CONCERTS 1973-1974 SEASON Personal Representative ENCORES UNLIMITED, INC.

Phone (301) 647-7056 CONTACT MARY A . BOWLES ROBERT E. DILWORTH Rt . 2, Hopewell Road 2012 Wildwood Drive Lower Magothy Beach Road Lost Lake OR Woodland Park Severna Park, Maryland Marlton , N .J. 08053 Wilmmgton , Del. 19805 Phone : (609) 983 -1535 Phone : (302) 998 -2803

PIZZA & PIPES

0RGBI\I-121JUG WURLITZER THEATRE PIPE ORGAN POPULAR MUSIC 3581 Homestead Road 821 Winslow Street by at ( Lawrence Expressway) (Downtown - Off Broadway) SANTA CLARA, CALI FORNI A REDWOOD CITY, CALIFORNIA ~I, HSRO'llll\lNS PHONE 248 -5680 PHONE 365-6543 RobbinsMusic Corpor•tion,••• ...... Staff Organists 1690 S . Bascom at Hamilton TOM HAZLETON A complete course in Keyboard Harmony ( Hamilton Plaza Shopping Center) and arranging popular music for Organ CAMPBELL , CALIFORNIA JACK GUSTAFSON PHONE 371-5000 RALPH TROUT 111 OBTAINABLE AT ANY MUSIC STORE JOHN SENG

54 THEATRE ORGAN JUNE, 197 3 Plaza Theatre, Kansas City, Missouri) open to anyone who cared to try the instrument in its superb home setting. The organ is yet to be completed, but is already impressive in its scope CLASSIFIED ADS and voices. In addition to Bob Van Classified ads are carried at 20 cents per word, per insertion. No charge for first ten words for members. Camp's deft handling of the silent film score, ATOS members Ned Marshall (a one-time theatre organist), Bob Clark, Jackie Brown , Walter Winn, and others ALL-TIME BEST-SELLER RECORDING - FOR SALE - 4-manual Austin elec. con­ showed their talent as proof that the " Big, Bold & Billy" Billy Na lie, LIU Wur­ sole; 41 rks., complete and/or incomplete chapter is certainly one of musicians. lit zer. From major retailers or send $5.50 Kimball and/or Austin pipe work, including Discussion of chapter member Joe directly to Billy Nalle, 100 La Salle St., New 5 rks. reeds; misc. chests, etc.; Kinetic York 10027. blower and D.C. motor; and D.C. generator. Patten's East Point Theatre project (to Best offer. Contact Paul Chase, 85 S. 11th receive a three-manual Moller organ ARTISAN "IMPERIAL" THEATRE St., Mpls., MN. 55403. (612) 33&0771 or from a Scranton , Pa. , theatre), was a ORGAN, 3 Man., Solid-State throughout, 338-7693. highlight in the chapter's business Oiled walnut, 5 Audio channels, 3 Tone cabinets, Late Model, $7500. discussion. Some ATOS members are FOR SALE - PIPE ORGAN; Full Anton Gottfried 1929 2-manual theatre style con­ assisting Patten in a total cleaning and ARTISAN "ORIENTAL" THEATRE ORGAN, 3 Man. with Electric presets, sole including roll player. Eleven ranks, interior remodeling of the house, "Band Box", Bells and 2 Tone Cabinets. chimes and harp. Gottfried full combination located in East Point , Ga., and built in Tube Model $6500. action. Disassembled 1972. Partially crated 1940. Member Charles Walker is super­ for transport. Full list on request. Price AEOLIAN PIPE ORGAN, 4 Ranks, 2 Man. $3,500. Harry M. Battersby, 609 Old Gulph vising the transformation of the rather Kimball Console, Ideal for home, Late Rd., Narberth, Pa. 19072. "modern" interior into an auditorium model, Good cond., will fit 8' ceiling. in the Spanish style much akin to Complete $3100. FOR SALE -Wurlitzer Concert Flute to 16 several Atlanta neighborhood theatre CUSTOM-BUILT RESIDENCE THEATRE ft. offset chest $250.00 Randy Piazza, 230 of the twenties. ORGAN Two man. 12 Ranks, New console, Jewett Ave., Buffalo, N. Y. chests and some new pipes, A beauty for When dust problems are completely $9500. Many percussions included. Fits 8' FOR SALE - 32' Wurlitzer Diaphones, new alleviated in the long-vacant structure ceiling. resonators $1200.00, 2' - 16' Wurlitzer and upon completion of the newly Newport Organs, 846 Production Place, Diaphone $250.00, (206) 885-2253. constructed organ chambers, the ar­ Newport Beach, Ca. 92660 (714) 645-1530. SIMPLEX ORGAN BLOWER - Single rival and installation of the 3/8 (plus Phase 3/4 hp. 1165 rpm. 5" regulated additions) Moller will begin. ATTENTION ORGANISTS: Have color pressure. $125.00. Write: Thomas Ford Joe Patten, owner of the East photograph of your instrument included in 1197 Canton Street, Roswell, Georgia new series of pipe organ note cards. Write : Point, is noted for his stewardship 30075. 1-(4 04) 993-3638 or 1-(404) Warren G. Allred, Organ Art, Box 309 993-6455. with another Moller - the famous Fox Burlingame, Ca. 94010. Theatre 4/42 organ in Atlanta . He has Victor Pianos and Organs Eight Warehouses been responsible for the care and COLLECTOR'S ITEM . Original pressing of with over 1,000 Pianos and Organs of all upkeep of the instrument since its Leonard MacClain "Melody Mac" recorded makes for home, theatre and church. 500 at the 33 rank, Stanley Theatre Kimball "return to fame" in the fall of 1964. organs, 200 Grands and Player Grands. 300 (since dismantled). Full color jacket with Spinet Pianos. We crate and ship throughout JOHN CLARK McCALL, JR. phote and photos. $10.00 for album. Just a the world. Victor Pianos and Organs, 300 few left. Ted Schiller, Box 93, Joppa, Md. N.W. 54th St., Miami, Fla., (305) 751 -7502. 21085. WANTED - Morton Tibia, 3 manual 260 EXPERIENCED - organ service man and Wurlitzer console. D.C. motor for a Spencer piano technician. For branches from Miami Turbine 10 H.P. 220 V.H. Morch, 127 A to Palm Beach. Victor Pianos and Organs, Bel mill Road, Bellmore, N. Y. 11710. MOST UNUSUAL 300 N.W. 54th Street, Miami, Fla. (305) 751-7502. OPPORTUNITY WANTED - Stage Backdrops, Theatre Advertising Curtains, Props and equipment FOR SALE - 7½ H.P. Blower, Moller Randy Piazza, 230 Jewett, Buffalo, N. Y. Marimba, Block and Chrys. Century Theatre 9<._~eil34E Moller Chests, pipes, etc. Randy Piazza, 230 WANTED - Tibia 8', Viol D'Orchestra 8', Jewett Ave., Buffalo, N. Y. Oboe Horn 8' on 5 to 1 O" wind. Lance CUSTOM ORGAN Johnson, Box 1228, Fargo, N.D. 58102, FOR SALE - Complete coupler switches (701) 237-0477. Custom features include built-in for two manuals and pedal - wired to rhythm unit, Reverbatape system, contact rails, also remote electric com­ WANTED - Wurlitzer Marimba Harp. Dale and pizzacato accent. Black satin bination action for same organ. Contact G. Mendenhall, 4428 Pennsylvania Ave., Fair ebony finish. Two Rodgers speak­ Rickert, 4121 Blanchan Ave., Brookfield, Oaks, Calif. 95628. (916) 967-5060. ers and one Leslie speaker includ­ Ill. 60513. ed. All in top condition. WANTED - Victor Pianos and Organs will FOR SA LE - Howard seat, Restored, $150, Call or write: buy 50 used organs monthly for export. or best offer. Mumbrue, 932 Southdown, Following models: Conn 305 - 643, and DEKE WARNER Bloomfield Hills, Mich. 48013. 155 Greenfield Ave. Strummers. Allen RMW Theatres and Con ­ Los Angeles, Calif. 90049 You're Invited . . . tinentals.Gulbransen 21 07 and 2131. Ham­ Phone: (213) 472-6944 ATOS NATIONAL CONVENTION monds M3-L 100-M 100. A-100, 83 and C3. July 25-28 - Portland, Oregon Pipers - 300 N.W. 54 St., Miami, Florida 0 33127. Call (305) 751 -75 02.

JUNE, 1973 THEATRE ORGAN 55