TheatreOrgan Bombarde

JOURNALof the AMERICAN THEATREORGAN ENTHUSIASTS

IN THIS ISSUE- Don Miller, Theatre Organist (Page 5) Convention Schedules and Information (Pages 19-22) .~. .· ..·' . ·, New Wurlitzer Theatre Organ

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

THE COVER PHOTO DON MILLER was 30 years of age at the time our cover photo was made in January of 1927. TheatreOrgan He is here shown at the console of the 4-20 Wurlitzer in the State Theatre, Detroit. Now a Volume l 0, No. 3 spry and witty 72 years of age, Don caused a sensation at last year's National Convention in Detroit, with his opening concert on the DTOC organ. It is appropriate, therefore, on the eve of Boffibarde another National conclave, to feature THEATRE Volume 5, No. 3 ORGAN's interview with ace theatre organist Don Miller, beginning on page 5 of this issue. A. T.O . E. National Membership is $7.00 per year. which includes a subscription to Theatre Organ/ Bombarde, the official publication of the American Theatre Organ Enthusiasts. Make check or money order payable to A. T. 0. E., and mail to P. 0. Box VIEW FROM THE MIXING CHAMBER 7404, Bitter Lake Station, Seattle, Wash. 98133. I have frequently been asked just what this organization needs to ALL MATERIAL FOR PUBLICATION be really effective-to really swing. We are getting much better EXCEPT ADVERTISING SHOULD BE SENT TO ABOVE ADDRESS cooperation all the time. However, our lines of communications need ADVERTISING ADDRESS: Dewey Cagle. 3291 even more tightening. But one of the most important things we Guido St., Oakland, California 94602. need is something that few seem to want to face up to. • • • And that is ... MONEY! No one wants to talk much about it, but the need has A. T.O.E. Officers been and is of prime importance. If we are to have an Orgelklub Dick ( Richard H.) Schrum, National President of this type at all, it should be strong and effective, not merely Richard F. Kline Jr., Vice President a custodian of publications. Our official magazine, THEATRE ORGAN Marilyn Schrum, National Secretary BOMBARDE is a first-quality specialty magazine printed in relatively W. "Tiny" James, Treasurer small quantities. This costs MONEY. We have to pay the price, and it is well worth it, for the magazine is the backbone of ATOE_ A. T. O. E. Board of Directors But it cannot solve organizational problems. More money is needed Carl Norvell, Chairman for necessary travel by National Officers at the direction of the Dorothy MacClain Dr. Phillip C. Olson President and the Board of Directors. The business and publication Don Hall duties have expanded to the point that all departments need W. "Tiny" James relief from routine but important bookkeeping duties. Richard F. Kline Jr. ATOE - TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL? If the raise in dues at last year's Allen W. Rossiter convention had not been approved, ATOE would be in serious Judd Walton Erwin A. Young Jr. financial trouble. After postal rate hikes and printing raises - along with the general rise in cost of everything - we are managing A. T.O.E. Honorary Members to hold our own. But this does not provide adequate funds for 1959-Jesse Crawford official travel or extra help for the main, editorial and circulation 1960 - Famy Wurlitzer offices. This organization would be much further along if the 1961 - Mel Doner 1962 - Leonard MacClain National dues had been raised to $10 some years ago. It takes money 1963 -Eddie Dunstedter to accomplish things, and right now they need accomplishing 1964 - Reginald Foort more than ever. If ATOE had the funds, properly supervised by the 1965-Dan Barton Board of Directors, this group could swing big in this country. Would 1966 - W. "Tiny" James you, for example, like to see Theatre Pipe Organs on national TV? 1967 -Erwin A. Young Jr. How about in your local Civic Center, or favorite theatre? In some EDITORIAL STAFF places striking advances have been achieved, but think of the value Publications Director-Tom Kaasa of a concerted National Campaign! But alas! here we are back to Advertising Manager-Dewey Cagle money again .... Circulation Manager-Vi Thompson ATOE began over 13 years ago as an organization of Theatre Pipe THEATRE ORGAN Organ Enthusiasts - mostly people who owned them or played Editor-George Thompson them. It was dedicated fci preserving the tradition and furthering Associate Editors-Ray Brubacher, the understanding thereof through exchange of information. Lloyd Klos It is clearly different now: the call is there for us; but we need THE BOMBARD,E more money if we are to achieve anything beyond simply keeping Editor-W. "Stu" Green up with the magazine. Associate Editor-Peg Nielson SEE YOU IN L.A. JULY 13-16! VOTE FOR DIRECTORS BY JUNE 30!

Theatre Organ/Bombarde ( title registered U.S. Patent Office) is published bi -monthly by the American Theatre Organ Enthusiasts, Inc., a non-profit organi­ zation, Richard H. Schrum, president. All rights reserved. Entire contents copyrighted 1968 by A.T. O.E., P.O. Box 7404, Bitter Lake Station, Seattle, Washington 98133. Printed by University Printing Co., Seattle. POSTMASTER:Second Class postage paid at Seattle, Washington. IF UNDELIVERABLE,send form 3579 to Dick Schrum, President A.T.O.E. Circulation Dept., Box 1314, Salinas, Calif. 93901.

3 theatre organ I bombarde By Bill Peterson, number 10 in a series PARAMOUNT THEATRE-PORTLAND, OREGON Liborius Hauptman. Alex Hyde led the stage band that This theatre had its opening on March 8, 1928 and was accompanied the Publix stage show "A Merry Widow designed by Rapp and Rapp of Chicago. Originally it was Revue." The opening film was "Feel My Pulse" starring named the Portland Theatre, and was renamed the Para­ Bebe Daniel and William Powell. mount a few short years later. The capacity is 3036, now Oliver Wallace, Stanley Mallotte, and the team of Ron and the second largest in seating capacity on the Pacific Coast Don were among those featured at the organ during the (exceeded only by the Oakland Paramount .) The Seattle "salad days". The theatre is in excellent condition and Paramount is smaller by only a few seats. plays only reserved seat attractions, including an occa­ Opening night the Wurlitzer Publix# 1-4/ 20 organ was sional stage show. The organ is maintained by Dennis played by Ralph Hamilton and the pit orchestra was led by Hedberg and is in good condition. june 1968 4 DON MILLER: THEATRE ORGANIST!

Much has been writen in the pages of this magazine about the great movie palaces. More space has been devoted to the mighty voice of the cin­ ema cathedral, the movie pipe organ. However, the largest factor in the universal appeal of movie houses and organ music during the "Golden Era" were the artists who mastered the glittering horseshoe consoles. It was they who brought forth a new and controversial musical interpretation which still brings a spine-tingling sen­ sation to the listener, and a tear to the eye of another generation whose mem­ ories are brought into sharp focus upon hearing the soaring tunes of a theater organ being played by a master artist. The ace organist is the one who takes over the listener's emotions as he manipulates the stop keys, fingers the manuals, and coaxes the instrument into bringing forth the sounds available from no other source. His ability, knowledge and experience are the ingredients that have kept theatre organ alive over the last forty years, for without his services in the past, our beloved unit pipe organ would now be a forgotten mechanical contrivance of the 1.920's. Such an organist is Don Miller, now 72, who was a sensation at the ATOE 1.967 Detroit meeting. Mr. Miller, now retired, "stopped the show" at the Senate Theatre playing the Orbits Wurlitzer. He was asked to be inter­ viewed for THEATRE BOMBARDE and kindly consented. The interview was set up by Al Mason of the Motor City Chapter and conducted by Claude Sheridan of the Chapter. Mr. Sheridan, by careful choice of questions and comments, was able to obtain much insight on a lifetime career of making people happy through organ music. Following is the interview of Mr. Miller as taped by Mr. Sheridan.

DON Ml LLER (at right) addressing his audience at the close of his 1967 ATOE program. Miller's artistry was enthusiastically received by the capacity audience in the Senate Theatre, home of the Detroit Theatre Organ Club. (Below) Don at the console of the Fisher-Orbits Wurlitzer, July 1967. -PHOTOS: Bill Lamb Claude: Don is really one of the fa­ mous Theatre organists and he has lived and worked in the metropolitan area of Detroit. I have been fortunate to hear him work in the Capitol Theatre in Detroit. We thought it was just about time we got the living record on tape and the history of his accomplishments through the years. He made the Fisher organ famous. What other things have you done? Don: "I have completed fifty years of playing, having Ii re r a 11y played through life. I started at the age of 12 in Perry, Iowa, playing piano for silent movies at 50¢ a night for six nights a week. I played at other theatres during high school and, for about three years, I worked for the man who owned the opera house. He started an orchestra and made me the leader. I made enough money to buy a Model-T Ford. I took shorthand and a typewriting course in high school and capitalized on that. I taught in a private school afternoons (Continued on Page 6)

5 theatre organ I bombarde DON MILLER (continued) Claude: "What kind of organ did you have in the State Theatre? 1968 A.G_f.{).B. and played theatre at night. World War Don: "A Wu r 1it z er four-manual, I broke out and I was overs e _as ten twenty-rank with piano. There was one eoNVBNG_flON months. I came back and settled in Des just like it in the Capitol T?eatre ~hi~h VI~NBGTGJ:'BS ~ 1 Moines. They had two Kimballs and a was their number-one house rn the c1rcu1t. Robert Morton in this area at that time. Then in August of 1926, the Michigan I started out at the Rialto playing the Theatre opened which was a duplicate GREAT TALENT supper shift only, at $80 a_week for two of the Chicago Theatre. There were a hours work a night. Quite a change from lot of theatres opening at that time­ LINEUP FOR 50¢ a night. They built the Strand, which the Madison, the Adams, which were the CONVENTIONEERS had a three-manual Moller, and I was smaller ones-but all were using organs and o r c h e s t r a s. After the Michigan featured with slide solos. ·My main solo opened, the State started to slip. They The array of talent for the 1968 was Peggy O'Neil. i" then moved over to finally went into pictures, and they ATOE Convention, which will be the Des Moines Theatre which had a moved me over to the C~pitol which held in Los Angeles on July 13 two-manual Kimball. They then buik was the pet house of the circuit-a through 16, is developing into a the Paramount. Carlos Meyer was the beautiful theatre! The organ sounded formidable one, according to Conven­ feature artist and I found out they were marvelous. (It was bought by Bill Holli­ tion Chairman Bob Carson. Already paying him more money than me._ I man for the Arcadia Rink.) The acous­ lined up for full concerts are Eddie went to A. H. Blank Theatres for a raise tics were outstanding at the Capitol. It Dunstedter, Ann Leaf, Tom Hazelton, and was stalled off. So I took the cue, was a wide house but not as deep as Bill Thomson, Rosa Rio and Lyn packed my baggage and_ started trav~l­ normal. You could sit in the back of the Larsen. Now arrangements for "organ ling. I went to the Madison Theatre 1_n balcony and see the stage well. It had crawls" are going ahead full blast, Peoria. Everyone laughs about Peo~ia 3,800 seats. The organ chambers were with visits planned to famed studios but it was a good show town. I have pIC­ very low and faced out toward the and residences boasting pipe organs. tures of people all lined up waiting to audience. The organ was a distinct Included will be the Dick Simonton get tickets, and they had good features. pleasure to play. Then the 5,000-seat Fox residence with Gordon Kibbee at the I then went to Michigan for the Butter­ opened. They had a 4m-36r Crawford 4-36 Wurlitzer, the Harvey Heck res­ field Circuit and played the Capitol The­ Special Wurlitzer. After this the Fisher idence with Jim Melander playing atre in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They had opened. The opening of the Fisher was the 4-27 Wurlitzer, Johnny Duffy at a three-manual Barton . I then went to played by Arthur Gutow, and then I the 3-26 Carson-Kearns studio record­ Saginaw and stayed there a spell with a rook over. I did straight solos for awhile. ing Wurlitzer, Helen Dell playing the good engagement also on a three-manual Then they started using slides but not 2-10 Wurlitzer at "Tubes, Inc.," Dean Barton. I got an offer to go into the community singing. Mc N i c ho 1s at the swingin' Bell Hollywood Beach Hotel in Miami, Flo­ Friends Church 2 - 9 Wurlitzer, Bill "At the Capitol, I did community Field at the 3-19 Wurlitzer at the rida, playing dinner music and concerts. singing for awhile but they decided that I grabbed that up quick, and it was a Iceland skating rink in Paramount, wasn't classy enough for the Capitol so Dwight Beacham at the famed "Haven marvelous engagement. The instrument I went into straight solos. They didn't was a three-manual Kimball and it had of Rest" 2-8 broadcast Wurlitzer, and have the circuit stage shows operating Don Baker at the Robert Morton 4-34 the most realistic Vox Humana I have here at this time. The acts were booked ever heard. One time for an encore I recording organ in the Loren Whitney independently. The Capitol circuit oper­ Glendale studio which he has record­ played the song In the Gloaming with a ators had their own production depart­ two-part harmony featuring the Vox ed many times. There will be a special ment and the decision was they would "crawl" to Pasadena to hear George along with a soft accompanit?ent. It v.:-as have more like prologues. The Michigan Wright play a brief con~~rt on his so realistic I had everyone m tears, m­ did the same thing. At the Capitol they 3-30 studio organ. In addmon to her cluding myself. built stage shows around local talent. concert Rosa Rio will conduct a class The pitmen doubled on the stage. It was "Then I got an offer to come to De­ on theatre pipe organ playing tech­ then decided to have two stage shows, troit and I had been trying to get in. nique. one built around the organ. We used a They had built the State Theatre and Three builders of theatrical elec­ scrim and Jimmy Savage of B&K Cir­ were using a stage band policy like the ronic organs will have showrooms at cuit of Chicago wrote the continuity Chicago Oriental. They would have Russ the Ambassador, and starting at 11 of my solos, and that was carried just Morgan or Paul Ash on stage and Fred p.m. nightly the electronics will be on words. One was called Stret, a cometdian, MC-ing and they had 'Blossoms' "on parade." So far, Baldwin, Conn a pit orchestra which double~ on. sta_ge. and this was a beautiful production. The and Rodgers have arranged for show­ first one was 'Cherry Blossom.' The I was put in to do commumty smgmg rooms. solos. I was supposed to knock them lights came up behind the scrim and The convention will close in a dead. Although comp 1et e 1y inexperi­ here was a female vocalist in costume 1 "blaze of glory" with . Gaylord Cart~r enced, I told them I was very good. I singing 'One Fine Day' from Ma!,an:ie cueing the famous feature-length si­ was to play four weeks and, they Butterfly. ' There was more contmu1ty if 1 lent movie comedy, "Safety Last," star­ liked my stuff, I was to get a contract for and that faded out followed by Apple ring H a r o 1d Lloyd, at the W iltern a year. I played two weeks and they gave Blossoms.' Over on the opposite side of Theatre on the final night of the con­ me a three-year contract. I arrived in the stage, a boy and girl were singing vention, the only convention e v en t 'Apple Blossom Time in Normandy.' July, 1926, and was to be maried in Oc­ open to the general public. All other Then for a finale, they had 'Orange Blos­ tober of that year so what more could events are limited in attendance to you ask for this side of heaven. And for soms' and a full stage wedding. We holders of national A TOE member­ used a girl in the chorus line, and we some unknown reason, I was able to get ship cards for 1968. hired a line of chorus boys and had a audiences to let go and sing. It was sim­ -Stu Green, Hollywood ply marvelous the way they would sing." (Continued on Page 38)

june 1968 6 Dave Quinlan and Former '615 Club' 2-6 Wurlitzer RideAgaininBayAreaClub

2-6 Wurli to sound out in. The swell innards of theatre organs and a number shutters were placed high, so that room of installations have been equipped with would be left below for windows, in windows which open into well-lighted compliance with the growing "audio­ chambers, thus giving the listeners an visual" trend. Organ enthusiasts are be­ opportunity to see what they are listen­ SPOTLIGHTS in many colors pick up the glitter coming ever more curious about the ing to. The console is located on a plat­ on the overhead shutters as organist Dave form between the chambers and illumi­ Quinlan performs at the console. nated by spotlights controlled by the It was a familiar scene for those who organist. Fanciful lighting effects play­ remembered the long-gone "615 Club" ing on the pipework and percussers in Benecia (in the Bay Area), California. complete the picture. There was Dave Quinlan playing the The NorCal Chapter scheduled its same style 165 (extended style D) which March meeting at Rudy's, with Dave had entertained so many fans during the Quinlan doing the honors. The Arietta' s years of the 615 Club, right up to the have provided good promotion, billing time the city condemned the 100-year­ Dave and "the Mighty Wurlitzer The­ old building and the club closed. atre Pipe Organ-for your Dining and That same instrument and organist Dancing Pleasure" in local organ publi­ were doing fine in a new location - cations, papers and entertainment guides. Rudy's Supper Club in Vallejo, Calif. - after a too-long hiatus. It all came The only change in the pipe line-up about while Dave was playing a plug-in since 615 Club days is that the instru­ at Rudy's which is operated by Bernice ment's original style D Trumpet has and Tony Arietta. The talk got around been replaced with the Brass Trumpet to pipes and Bernice asked Dave what which belongs to the Oakland Para­ had become of the organ he used to play mount 4-20 Publix No. 1 Wurlitzer, at the 615 Club. It was in storage, and which is under the same ownership as possibly available. Dave would check. the smaller Wurlitzer. This provides a Bernice had heard the Morton organ in brightness useful for both melody leads the Carl Greer Inn over in Sacramento, and ensemble work. The instrument is and after that, no plug-in would do. equipped with a full set of pitched per­ cussions and a "toy counter." The organ The result was a rental deal and the was installed originally in the El Cam­ long-silent instrument, one of three orig­ GOURMET DISH-No one had the heart to cut pinal Theatre, Antioch, Calif. inal style 165's in the Bay Area, was into fan Ethel Bellinger's opening-night lucky cake .. . for a whole week! secured from owner Urban Braito. It The new installation is played solo on was installed by Dick Willson and Curt Sundays and Tuesdays through Thurs­ Wood in chambers built where the band' PHOTOS: Bob Churchill days, and with a combo on Fridays and shell used to be. The dining room is a and Dewey Cagle Saturdays. large hall, with plenty of room for the -Dewey Cagle

CUTE CONSOLE -The little 2-6 Wurlitzer console, topped by eye-level COMBO NIGHT-Dave (center) approves Harold Tally's sax improvisation, windows which encourage the curious to peek at the music-makers within. while Al Nifitaly beats the skins.

7 theatre organ I bombarde communnYTHEATRE by Lloyd E. Klos When Milton S. Hershey returned to the Pennsylvania area of his birth in 1903, he laid the foundation of the larg­ est chocolate and cocoa manufacturing firm on earth. From the two small build­ ings he built then, the Hershey Choco­ late Corporation has expanded to 26 separate buildings with two million feet of floor space and several thousand em­ ployees. Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a mecca for tourists, and approximately 700,000 of them visit the city each year to tour the factories which turn out chocolate bars and kisses by the millions. Stand at any intersection and your nostrils will tell you what is made here. The traffic officerswear chocolate-colored uniforms, and the street lights are shaped like Hershey kisses. However, Hershey is more than just an assemblage of buildings for candy manufacturing. It INTERIOR of 2,000-seat Hershey Community Theatre, showing Aeolian-Skinner 4-80 console. Swell is a model community, a summer play­ and Choir divisions are in the chambers to the left, others to the right. ground, and the golf capital of Penn­ sylvania. The console is mounted on an eleva­ According to Mr. Lawrence C. Burris, At the intersection of Chocolate and tor to the left of the orchestra platform. manager of the Hershey Community Cocoa Avenues stands a six-story build­ Swell and Choir divisions are to the Theatre, "Many renowned organists have ing, constructed by Mr. Hershey during player's left, with Choir under the Swell. presented concerts on the organ, includ­ the depression for culture, recreation and The tone of the Choir Organ, therefore, ing Jesse Crawford, Dick Leibert, Lew entertainment. It houses the 2,000-seat is close to the organist. All other divi­ White and Virgil Fox, to name a few. Community Theatre, the 650-seat Little sions are on the other side. There are no Over the years, a number of regular or­ Theatre, game rooms, indoor pool, gym­ proscenium boxes, the organ chambers ganists have been employed, including J. nasium and library. Movies, dramas, con­ occupying this space. Atlee Young, now retired; Carl Henke; certs, ballets, Broadway musicals and The two walls from which the organ and our present organist, Fred Sullivan. legitimate theatre are presented here. speaks are reasonably parallel. There is "Our theatre is not limited to showing The Hershey Community Building some little flare, widening toward the of motion pictures, but is more widely cost about two and a half million dollars, audience, but the tone of the two sides known in Central Pennsylvania for the and the theatre turned out to be its congeals remarkably in the ensemble. presentation of outstanding stage attrac­ crowning glory. Everything in it is of The audience can sense the source of the tions, such as "Hello, Dolly," starring the best, cost not being allowed to stand solo stops, but this is rather an advan­ Ginger Rogers. When legitimate attrac­ in the way of the selection of any of its tage. They enjoy locating the more col­ tions are not available, we show pictures furnishings or appointments. orful voices. Monday through Saturday; two evening Dr. Harry A. Sykes, who gave the performances weekdays, three on Satur­ When Mr. Hershey laid plans for the dedicatory recital in September of 1933, day. An organ program of five to ten Community Theatre, he knew just what had this to say about the Fanfare Organ: minutes duration is presented between kind of organ he wanted, as he was "The single feature which is perhaps the showings, depending upon the running given the idea by the--0rgan in the West­ most valuable is the Floating Fanfare time of the picture. chester Community Center at White Division. Each manual stop-control divi­ "Every Sunday morning, the organ is Plains, N. Y. It was a 4-95 Aeolian, in­ sion has a fanfare draw-knob, making it used in conjunction with the worship stalled in 1930. One of its features, the a simple matter to bring these glorious service of the Milton Hershey School, Ancillary Fanfare Organ, was copied ex­ reeds in with whichever division seems and during the year it is utilized during actly for the Hershey instrument. desirable. The fanfare 'sub' and 'super' high school and college commencements, Mr. Hershey appointed Mr. Charles F. couplers come along with this arrange­ choral presentations, and the like." Ziegler, manager of the Hershey Estates, ment, if they happen to be on at the In August 1962, the theatre was a fea­ to select and ptrrchase an organ suitable time. To be able to have the solo Tuba ture of the first Eastern Regional Meet­ to its surroundings. Both were agreed on its own manual, contrasted with the ing of the ATOE. Featured organists that a unit organ would be entirely out flary fanfare reeds played from another were house organist Carl Henke, and of the question. A concert organ of "dig­ manual, at the same time, having ready Leonard MacClain, who entertained nity and power" was installed. the brilliant swell and solid great, is a with silent film accompaniment of two Mr. Ziegler called in Dr. Harry A. most satisfactory tonal experience. comedies. Sykes to work up the specifications and "As would be expected, the solo stops Visitors to Hershey, Pennsylvania, select the builder. The present 4-80 are of the quality we have for so long will find much to interest them, and to Aeolian-Skinner organ is the result of associated with the Skinner Co. They are A TOE members in particular, here is a their efforts. characteristic and of great beauty." fine theatre with a big organ.

june 1968 8 - - -A nD ITS OR 6 An HERSHEYCOMMUNITY THEATRE AEolian - Skinner Organ 80 Ranks - Four Manuals and Pedals Compass of Manuals - 61 Keys Compass of Pedals - 32 Keys

SOLO ORGAN 121. Swell to Great 4 GREAT ORGAN 122. Choir to Great 16 1. Diapason 16' 73 Pipes 63. English Horn 8' 73 Pipes 123. Choir to Great 8 2. First Diapason 8' 73 Pipes 64. Flute (Orchestral) 8' 124. Choir to Great 4 3. Second Diapason 8' 73 Pipes 125. Swell to Choir 16 73 Pipes 65 . 'Cello 8' 73 Pipes 126. Swell to Choir 8 4. Third Diapason 8' 73 Pipes 66 . 'Cello Celeste 8' 73 Pipes 127. Swell to Choir 4 5. Harmonic Flute 8' 73 Pipes 67. French Horn 8' 73 Pipes 128. Solo to Great 16 6. Clarabella 8' 73 Pipes 68. Tuba 8' 73 Pipes 129. Solo to Great 8 7. Gemshorn 8' 73 Pipes 69. Harp 8' l 61 Notes 130. Solo to Great 4 8. Octave 4' 73 Pipes 70. Celesta 4' f (from #16) 131. Solo to Choir 16 9. Wald Flute 4' 73 Pipes 71. Chimes 8' 25 Notes 132. Solo to Choir 8 CARL HENKE at Hershey Community Theatre 10. Twelfth 2 2/3' 61 Pipes (From #18) 133. Solo to Choir 4 11. Fifteenth 2' 61 Pipes 72 . Tremolo 134. Solo to Swell 8 console . 12. Mixture V Hks 305 Pipes 135. Fanfare to Great 16 13. Ophicleide 16' 73 Pipes 136. Fanfare to Great 8 14. Tromba 8' 73 Pipes 137. Fanfare to Great 4 15. Clarion 4' 73 Pipes FANFARE ORGAN (Floating) 138. Fanfare to Swell 16 Alexandria, Va. 16. Harp 8' l 61 Playable on all manuals and ped­ 139. Fanfare to Swell 8 17. Celestra 4' f Tones als . Entire division on high pres­ 140. Fanfare to Swell 4 18. Chimes 8' 25 Tones sure wind . 141. Fanfare to Choir 16 19. Tremolo 73 . Contra Post Horn 16' 142. Fanfare to Choir 8 Theatre Plans To 73 Pipes 143. Fanfare to Choir 4 74 . Harmonic Trumpet 8' 144. Fanfare to Solo 16 73 Pipes 145. Fanfare to Solo 8 Install 3-10 Barton 75 . Trumpet Militaire (Brass) 146. Fanfare to Solo 4 8' 73 Pipes Mr. Woodrow W. Wise Jr., assistant 76 . English Post Horn 8' 12 Pipes (Ext. #73) COMBINATION PISTONS manager of the Alexandria Amusement 77 . Clarion 4' 73 Pipes Adjustable at the console and visi­ Corporation and chairman of the Poto­ SWELL ORGAN 78 . Tremolo bly affects the registers. Double 20. Bourdon 16' 73 Pipes touch pistons marked * affect mac Valley Chapter, A. T. 0. E., has 21. Open Diapason 8' 73 Pipes pedal combination of same num­ announced the purchase of the three­ 22. Gedeckt 8' 73 Pipes ber on second touch . Pedal and General Pistons duplicated by 23 . Spitz Flute 8' 73 Pipes PEDAL ORGAN manual, ten-rank Barton organ from the 24 . Flute Celeste 8' 73 Pipes pedal plungers ( except 0). 79 . Resultant 32' 32 Notes 147-153. Great Paramount Theatre, Newport News, 25. Salacional 8' 73 Pipes 80. Diapason 16' 32 Pipes 26. Vox Celeste 8' 73 Pipes l *-2*-3*-4*-5*-6*-7*-0* Virginia. 80½ . Second Diapason 16' 154-160. Swell 27 . Viole Celeste 8' 73 Pipes 32 Notes (From #1) 28 . Viole D'Orchestre 8' l *-2*-3 *-4 *-5*-6*-7*-0* The organ is to be installed in the 81 . Bourdon 16' 32 Pipes 161-167. Choir 73 Pipes 82. Violone 16' 32 Pipes 28½. Octave 4' 73 Pipes l *-2*-3*-4 *-5*-6 *-7*-0* company's sumptuous Virginia Theatre, 83. Lieblich Gedeckt 16' 168-174. Solo 29. Harmonic Flute 4' 73 Pipes 32 Notes (From #20) located at 601 First Street in Alexandria. 30. Piccolo 2' 61 Pipes 1 *-2*-3 *-4 *-5*-6 *-7*-0* 84. Contre Gemshorn 16' 175-178. Fanfare 1*-2*-3*-4*-0* The golden waterfall console will be on 31. Mixture (Diapason) IV Rks 32 Notes (From #43) 244 Pipes 179-185 . Pedal 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-0 a platform which will move in and out 32. Mixture (Dolce Cornet) 85 . Octave 8' 12 Pipes 186-193. General 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-0 (Ext. #80) 194. All off 111Rks 183 Pipes 86. Flute 8' 12 Pipes of an alcove on the left side of the stage 33 . Posaune 16' 73 Pipes 195. Combination set piston, 34 . French Trumpet 8' 73 Pipes (Ext. #81) with keylock similar to that of the Radio City Music 35. Cornopean 8' 73 Pipes 87. Gemshorn 8' 32 Pipes Hall console operation. The theatre has 36. Oboe 8' 73 Pipes (Ext . #43) 37. Vox Humana 8' 73 Pipes 88. Gedeckt 8' 32 Notes ACCESSORIES been recently redecorated in an ultra 38. Clarion 4' 73 Pipes (From #20) 196. Crescendo Pedal 89 . Super Octave 4' 12 Pipes 197. Crescendo Pedal Indicator plush golden colonial motif, and special 39. Harp 8' } 61 Notes 90. Flute 4' 12 Pipes 40. Celesta4' (from#16) Pointer with 6 stopping provisions for chambers on each side of 41. Chimes 8' 25 Notes (Ext . #81) places (From #18) 91 . Bombarde 32' 12 Pipes 198. Sforzando Piston Reversible the stage have been provided. All neces­ 42 . Tremolo 92. Trombone 16' 32 Pipes 199. Sforzando Plunger Reversible sary chamber construction will be com­ 93. Tromba 8' 12 Pipes 200. Sforzando Indicator Light 94. Posaune 16' 32 Notes 201. Great to Pedal Piston plete within the next two weeks, and (From #35) Reversible 95 . Clarion 4' 12 Pipes 202 . Great to Pedal Plunger work is now in progress on the construc­ 96. Chimes 8' 25 Notes Reversible tion of the console platform. Several (From #18) 203 . Swell to Pedal Piston Reversible seats have been removed for this pur­ 204. Swell to Pedal Plunger Reversible pose. The bass range of the instrument CHOIR ORGAN 205 . Choir to Pedal Piston will be extended with two ranks of un­ COUPLERS 43. Contra Gemshorn 16' Reversible mitered 16-foot voices, a Tuba Mirabilis, 73 Pipes 97. Great to Pedal 8 206. Choir to Pedal Plunger 44. Diapason 8' 73 Pipes 98 . Great to Pedal 4 Reversible and a Grossflute taken from the Moller 45. Concert Flute 8' 73 Pipes 99 . Swell to Pedal 8 207. Solo to Pedal Piston 46. Gemshorn 8' 12 Pipes 100. Swell to Pedal 4 Reversible organ formerly in the Palace Theatre, 47 . Gamba 8' 73 Pipes 101. Choir to Pedal 8 208 . Solo to Pedal Plunger Washington, D. C. 47½ . Gamba Celeste 8' 102. Choir to Pedal 4 Reversible 73 Pipes 103. Solo to Pedal 8 209 . Great Expression Pedal In charge of installing this fine instru­ 48. Dulciana 8' 73 Pipes 104. Solo to Pedal 4 210. Swell Expression Pedal 49. Unda Maris 8' 73 Pipes 105. Fanfare to Pedal 8 211. Choir Expression Pedal ment will be Paul G. White, a member 50 . Flute D' Amour 4' 73 Pipes 106. Fanfare to Pedal 4 212. Solo Expression Pedal 51. Nazard 2 2/3' 12 Pipes 107. Great 16 213 . Fanfare Expression floating of the Potomac Valley Chapter. The 52. Piccolo 2' 61 Notes 108. Great Unison Off to expression pedals by organ will be played nightly for inter­ 53. Tierce 1 3/5' 61 Notes 109. Great 4 piston 54. Septieme 1 1/7' 61 Notes 110. Swell 16 214. All Swells to Swell missions as well as for special motion 55. Mixture V Rks 73 Notes 111. Swell Unison Off Expression Ped a I picture events to be presented, and the 56. Clarinet 8' 73 Pipes 112. Swell 4 215 . All Swells to Swell Piston 57 . Musette 8' 73 Pipes 113. Choir 16 Reversible instrument is expected to be in use by 58 . Orchestral Oboe 8' 114. Choir Unison Off 216. All Swell to Swell Indicator 73 Pipes 115. Choir 4 Light October of this year. 59. Harp 8' l 61 Notes 116. Solo 16 217. Harp and Celesta in P and F - Ray Brubacher, 60. Celesta 4' f ( from # 16) 117. Solo Unison Off 218 . Harp and Celesta with and 61. Chimes 8' 25 Notes 118. Solo without dampers Associate Editor, (From #18) 119. Swell to Great 16 219. Chimes with and without Theatre Organ 62 . Tremolo 120. Swell to Great 8 dampers

9 theatre organ I bombarde The plot gets frantic. The students were ecstatic. What a break! Of course, we'll have to run the entire film. But what about organist Bill McCoy? Would he consent to such a horrendous assign­ ment, especially after Gaylord Carter had scored such a triumph at the Orpheum only five months ago. Would Bill think it was professional suicide? There was a prolonged silence at the L.A. end of the telephones when Bill was told the "good news." Please, Bill ... ? "If you'll J::iavethe cue sheets ready ... and if you really think I could pull it off, I guess I'll have to. It wouldn't be fair to ... what did. you say her name was?" With that, operation Midnight Slapstick slammed into high gear. News­ paper columnist Robert McMorris and STORY: Dr. Walter Beaupre • film critic Denman Kountze were let in on the surprise. Both men went all out "Leatrice Joy really swings! Don't we What started out to be a repeat of the to help give Leatrice Joy and Bill McCoy formula which proved fabulously success­ have another movie with her in it?" The the "star" treatment. A local night club ful last year (see Theatre Organ-Bom­ bleary-eyed Committee waited patiently "The Ro a ring Twenties" offered its barde, Summer 1967) suddenly turned into while "Eve's Leaves" was threaded into white Rolls Royce and a chauffer. The a mushroom-cloud-type blast never to be the projector. By the time Leatrice Joy forgotten by theatre organ fans in Omaha, University reserved the V.I.P. suite at Nebraska. The original formula was suffi­ had shanghied William Boyd onto her the Blackstone. Dave Letts of United ciently fool-proof: father's ship the entire group was roar­ Airlines ( who went to school with Lea­ 1 University of Omaha mellowed by the ing its approval. success of its T.O. concert last year. trice Joy's daughter) cleared the run­ Organist Bill McCoy whose name is 'That's it! Let's run the whole pic­ ways for a royal welcome. Students came magic in the Midlands. ture!" to the airport with signs. All three TV Wurlitzer 235 Special honed to func­ stations had prom i s e d to send their tional perfection by A.T.O.E. members. "Seventy-three minutes ? What are Orpheum theatre with its original 1927 you trying to do to Bill McCoy, ruin camera-men to film Leatrice Joy's decor and superb acoustics. him? " arrival. Then ... it happened. The ter­ Two-reel silent film comedy. rible news of the assassination of Dr. Budget which guaranteed all expenses The Committee decided to show only Martin Luther King and reports of regardless of floods, earthquakes, bliz­ the first twenty-six minutes of "Eve's riots. zards or tornadoes. Leaves" and Dr. Beaupre began the lab­ Thoroughly seasoned and dedicated Fortunately, the momentum had been population of "pipes" smokers. orious task of preparing a detailed cue too great. In spite of the face chat thou­ Tampering with a formula like that is, to sheet for Bill-who would only see the sands of Omahans stayed in their homes put it mildly, pushing one's luck. But push film once before he played it! they did-and thereby hangs the tale. behind locked doors during the crisis, The plot thickens. The more times fifteen hundred to two thousand loyal The Student Concerts and Lectures Beaupre ran the print of "Eve's Leaves" fans braved the downtown streets at the Committee of the University of Omaha, the more fascinated he became with Eve midnight hour to hear Bill McCoy play sparked by veteran Bob Miller, began (played by Leatrice Joy). What ever the mighty pipes and to cheer Leatrice making plans for another Midnight Slap­ happened to this superb actress? Was Joy, both on the screen and in person . sticks last December. Would the Wur­ she still living? And if so, where? Keith It was a blazing two hours of nostalgia, litzer be ready by April? Yes, in spite of Smith of Modern Sound Pictures, who happiness, and good will during a week­ the fact that the percussions were getting owns the rights to many of Miss Joy's end of darkness, fear and confusion. a complete overhaul and the wind chests pictures, said he thought he had her ad­ ( in the Solo chamber needed work, all dress somewhere. Leatrice had once would be ready. Would Thomas Organs bought an 8 millimeter print from him. release their musical director Bill Mc­ "Keith," said Beaupre, "if you can Coy? Yes, Thomas would combine Bill's find that address, I might be tempted to visit with a promotional venture of their do something I've never done before, own. Some red tape, of course, but no write a fan letter to a movie star." real ciphers. Plans rolled like tibia glissandos until To make a long story short, Dr. Beau­ the Committee faced the problem of an pre wrote the letter telling Mrs. Leatrice appropriate silent movie. None of the Joy Gilbert that her film would be available two-reel comedies satisfied the shown. He hinted rather broadly that the Committee. Dr. Beaupre then suggested University would love to have her at­ that they look at some feature-length tend the performance, but would be sat­ films with the idea of running an exerpt. isfied with a letter or wire which might And on one fateful night they stumbled be read to the fans from the stage of the Orpheum. upon two Cecil B. DeMille features star­ LEATRICE JOY AUTOGRAPHS her picture of ring Leatrice Joy. By the end of "Made To make the story even shorter, Mrs. "Eve" which now has the place of honor at the for Love" the students were thoroughly Gilbert called from Connecticut to say 20's, an Omaha night club. Dr. Walter Beaupre hooked on Leatrice. that she would love to come to Omaha. watches. june 1968 10 Throughout the concert Bill McCoy returned to the business at hand . . . constantly changed tempos and registra­ "Around the World In Waltz Time." tions. It was as though he had decided The medley might better have been to throw away the books and search for called "Around the World in 80 Key new sounds and new musical ideas. As Changes" because by this time there was soon as he found one he let it go and no holding the Master. He romped looked for another. After the concert through "Oi Marie!" Gave "When Irish Bill seemed dissatisfied with his per­ Eyes Are Smiling" the mellow romantic formance, but his fans and critics of treatment with chimes. Played with the long standing were e cs tat i c in their p hen om en al Orpheum acoustics all praise. Said one organ teacher, "I through "Emperor Waltz" alternating thought I had Bill all figured out,-but jolts of massed sound with dramatic he showed me a whole new facet of his pauses. Turned "East Side West Side" genius. Fantastic!" into a concerto for full organ and hurdy This creative restlessness was most gurdy. Introduced "Lady of Spain" as a apparent in "Pops Go the Classics." rubato waltz shimmering with tremmed BILL AND LEATRICE arrive at the Orpheum in a Everyone has heard "Tonight We Love," tibias and strings. Took us "Out to the white Rolls Royce at 11 :45 p.m. On the right is chauffeur Buddy Dundee-a P.R. man by day. Tm Always Chasing Rainbows," "Mel­ Ball Game" along with a full brass band. ody in F," and "Til the End of Time" a Then closed with a Strauss -y under­ BILL and LEATRICE drillion times, but not the way Bill played treatment of "80 Days." Bravos! played them on April 5, 1968. Tschai­ Stompings! Whistles! The audience The lobby of the Orpheum was jam­ kowsky came on sans piano but with a knew where it had been and loved it. med at 11: 45 when Leatrice Joy and glorious oboe solo; then masses of strings Then Bill went Latin. His "Miami Bill McCoy arrived at the theatre in their urged on by a light 4-4 beat. Chopin Beach Rhumba" was a request dedicated white Rolls Royce. The movie crowd was endowed with a fleeting tuba solo. to fans of his electronic salad days at a leaving the last show of "Planet of the Rubenstein's "Melody" was played in local night spot. I braced myself for the every key but F, with harmonic pro­ usual frantic finale of "Temptation" only Apes" stared at the beautiful matronly 1 woman in the white jeweled gown, sil­ gressions that would have made old An­ to be surprised and delighted when Bill ver slippers, gorgeous orchid corsage­ ton green with envy. The Chopin "war let the tune lapse into a funky swing who was eating popcorn with reckless horse" featured tibia and tuba dialogues ballad. "Yours" was again mellow and and delightful abandon. Leatrice was with strings, but there were pauses while restless. "Adios" proved to be a hand­ having a ball and the theatre organ buffs we listened to the delicate chrysoglott. some tour de force of fancy counter­ loved every minute of it. Special ar­ To climax the piece he brought in the point with some wild foot work. His rangements had been made with the full theatre organ tremmed to the ulti­ finale for the set "Jalousie" was merci­ management so that Bill McCoy's dad, mate, then suddenly let the tune die fully understated with single solo voices, confined to a wheel chair, could be away as an untremmed church organ. a fast and furious last chorus-which settled comfortably before the mad rush The hand microphone Bill had been metamorphosed into a delicate and love­ for seats. Papa McCoy had never heard using to announce his selections began ly quiet tango. "Jalousie" hasn't had it his son play pipes. to generate percussions of its own. Mc­ so good since Kathryn Grayson. At the stroke of 12 the houselights Coy chuckled, put the mike away, and (Continued on Next Page) dimmed, Ed Workman, president of the 0. U. Student Union, introduced the organist "unanimously drafted as king of nostalgia," and Bill pressed the lift but­ ton. From his opener "Keep Your Sunnyside Up" it was obvious that we were to hear a different Bill McCoy. His registration for the tune was full, rich and gutsy-but no screeming pic­ colos. His tempos were restless and driv­ ing, not hurried or frantic. "Mame" featured a swing chorus punctuated with cymbal bursts. The fans in the Orpheum trenches were gassed. Next Bill threw caution to the winds and dragged out the battered score of "West Side Story." "Tonight" came on fresh and new as a gorgeously restrained beguine featuring the tibias, chrysoglott, and sprinklings of castanets. The tibias were joined by masses of strings for a "Maria" duet. "I Feel Pretty" got the Boston Pops treatment as a rousing waltz with triple-tongued trumpet riffs al­ ternating with a hurdy gurdy sound. Bill was taking full advantage of the im­ proved responses of the tremolo systems. The medley closed with a quiet reprise of "Tonight." BILL McCOY preferred a church bench to the Howard seat-which wobbled!

11 theatre organ I bombarde BILL McCOY-LEATRICE JOY (Continued from PaRe 11) Bill wound up his formal concert with GeorgeWright tributes to the great radio ,shows: Amos 'N Andy, Road of Life, the Tommy Dbr­ sey and Glen Miller bands, and the Mic­ 'HamsItUp' key Mouse Club (TV, I believe). But the evening had just begun. After tributes to the A.T.O.E. crew AtRTOS Reunion (George Rice, Stan Gross, Murray During intermission, this reviewer George, Milon Thorley, Bob Miller and w i t n es s e d a reunion of George others), the Committee, Bill's mother Wright and one of his former co­ and dad, and theatre manager Don workers in New York, Eddie Dunn. Shane, the projectionist opened the gold­ They were on the Jack Birch radio en curtain for "Eve's Leaves" starring show for Prudential for seven and one-half years after World War II. Leatrice Joy and William Boyd:·It should It was their first meeting in over 10 be said in passing that the film made in ye a rs. And what did George give 1926 was a sophisticated comedy about a Eddie as a souvenir of the occasion? girl who had been raised as a boy aboard A ham sandwich! Yes, a genuine ham her father's schooner. Of course Eve (Lea­ sandwich, in memory of an oft-repeat­ trice Joy) is curious about love and ro­ ed remark Eddie used to make in the mance and gets some wild, second hand old radio days. When Eddie would advice from the ship's cook. While on come into the studio each day, he'd shore leave with her father Eve discovers exclaim, "Gee, I'd give eight dollars Bill ( played by William Boyd) and pro­ for a ham sandwich!" One day George SHOW STOPPER-Walter Beaupre, Leatrice Joy d e c i d e d to take up the offer and ceeds to win him in unorthodox ways. and Ed Workman try to stop the overwhelming 10-minute ovation. brought in a sandwich. But Eddie Bill McCoy's strategy was to support didn 't cooperate immediately and the the action of the film with music which And where was the other star of the sandwich languished in the organ would heighten the drama and add to the evening during all this? Bill was down bench for a couple of days. When he gaiety. He avoided the usual "Winter's in the organ pit pumping out music did come through with the quote, Tale" and "William Tell Overture" and like they do at the Academy A wards so George gave the- slighcly over - ripe used more modern music. Gershwin's that a silent movie queen could re-live sandwich to his colleague, then de­ "Love Walked In" became Eve's theme; an hour of adulation and triumph. In the manded and got the $8.00! The much Jerome Kern's "Bill" served the manly excitement no one noticed this magnani­ fresher Rochester sandwich is going William Boyd; "Limehouse Blues" kept mous gesture until Leatrice sropped at to be framed, said happy Eddie Dunn. the villain Chang Fang at bay. Other the console and threw her arms around -Lloyd E. Klos Bill. It was one of those high, holy mo­ melodies j ud ici ously em ployed were ments in show business none of us will "Chinatown," "Slow Boat to China," ever forget. "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing," "O Bill McCoy played the remaining half Mine Papa," "Love and Marriage," "Volga of the movie brilliantly, but by the time Jll9{3§AeGJ'eOeEe Boatman," Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in Leatrice Joy and William Boyd were eONVENGJ'ION D. Minor," "You've Got a Lot to Like in clutched in their last happy embrace it a Winston!" "Hold That Tiger!" and was 2 : 15 a.m. Bill declined to play any VIGNEGJ'GJ'ES (f)z countless little invented melodies and encores because he knew the theatre transitions dreamed up by Bill McCoy. management was having fits by this time. BADGES FOR ALL CONVEN­ Bill injected some mighty sly musical Ironically, the fans refused to leave the theatre. They crowded around Bill and TIONEERS-Those planning to at­ gags but never at the expense of the plot. Leatrice for autographs, and hundreds tend the ATOE convention are urged As Leatrice Joy remarked later, "That waited in the lobby to cheer the stars as to register as early as possible in order wonderful man had spotted every dry they sped away in the Rolls. that registration kits can be prepared episode in the film and generously Rumor has it that Bill stopped the car in advance for as many visitors as pos­ pumped life into it until Bill Boyd and a block from the theatre and came back sible. In fact, the first 300 registrants I had some better scenes. I'll never for­ to join a hundred of his fans in a blast w i 11 be rewarded by a special per­ get him for that!" that lasted until 6 a.m. formance not available to later regis­ During intermission Leatrice Joy was They 're still cheering the gala event in trants, a limited attendance concert played on the Universal Studio music brought to the stage and given a 10 min­ Omaha. However the Sudent Concerts and Lectures Committee at the Univer­ scoring stage Robert Morton organ by ute' standing ovation. She told some de­ Paul Beaver ( we can have the studio lightful stories about herself, Bill Boyd sity is in a blue funk. "How in the name of Hollywood can we ever top THIS only a short time because it's in al­ and Mr. DeMille. Then she was officially one?" A good question. But give those most continual use). Those register­ made an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy college kids a year to work on it and they ing for others should include the by order of Governor Norbert Tieman. may have an answer. I'm willing to name, city and chapter name for each The fans went wild. The woman on the wager that part of the answer will be a person attending so that badges screen and the woman on stage were talented young organist whose name be prepared for all attendees. equally wonderful. begins with B. june 1968 12 • "TheJ\(x:hester Tiieater Oniao~oclety

PROUDLYPRESENTS ¥ CONCERTCIRCUIT*

A lover of Gershwin also, George played the haµntingly beautiful Bess, You Is My Woman Now , from Porgy and Bess. Using the mandolin attachment on the pie piano and orches­ tra bells, he did My Funny Valentine. The next number brought down the house - Frankie and Johnny in real jazzy style with more than a hint of L'Amour. This was followed by Over the Rainbow, tastefully done. In reply to a request from Canada's "Mr. Theatre Organ Enthusiast, " H Clealan Blakely, George wound up the first portion of the program with a "Xerox copy" of a Crawford rendition of I Love To Hear You Singing." ( Carbon paper is obsolete here in Rochester; the Xerox company is well estab­ lished.) This piece is a lilting number with a nice swing to AUDITORIUMTHEATRE it, as recorded by Jesse in the 20's. Then- intermission.

8 75 /fain S treet last, Roch este r-, lew Tor-k

SATURDAY, MAY 11 , 1968 8:00 P.H. A BOMBARDE Concert Review •••• • • . . by Lloyd E. Klos Take a 4-21 Wurlitzer in mint condition. Add an organist, a King of his calling. Sprinkle in a liberal amount of publicity and season it with a pinch of promotion. Then, throw in 2,574 of the King's avid subjects and stir well. Follow these direc­ tions, and you have a recipe for a theatre organ concert which the Rochester Theatre Organ Society sponsored at the Audi­ torium Theatre on May 11, when George Wright provided Riding up on his behemoth for part II, George did the "Wright Touch" for a capacity crowd. Indeed, his willing the well-received Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey? subjects came from such disparate locations as Kansas City, As a special request from Eddie Dunn, George did the Canada and Maine. From Connecticut, a busload of 50 "Con­ familiar Whistler and His Dog in the style of Lew ValChaps" pulled up to the door. Almost every Eastern ATOE White, who recorded it for Brunswick on the Roxy chapter was represented. The famous builder of theatre organs Theatre rotunda Kimball in the 20s. Next came Can't from Binghamton, N. Y., Edwin Link, was among the notables. Take My Eyes Off You, MacDowell's To A Water Lily, Riding his white steed up in.to the spotlight, George and a Crawford arrangement of Tip-Toe Through the began the program with There's No B,usiness Like Show Tulips, which George said would sound "more like a Business, which he recorded on the San Francisco Fox herd of elephants tramping through them." George's years ago. Space limitations preclude mention of the in­ ready wit was much in evidence throughout the two­ numerable changes of registration George made in each hour program. selection. That he krtew his way around the console, Several years ago, George recorded a humorous Ain 't We there was no doubt. He had arrived in the city in the Got Fun on his studio organ for the Solo label. This was an­ wee hours of the morning, and as if to trade-mark his other "Xerox copy" of Fun, which brought snickers from his status as a perfectionist, went straight to the theatre to responsive audience. Going Out of My Head was next, and work on combinations and to practice. He was escorted he explained that the tremulants-off part was for his old friend, there "via S~uth Plymouth A venue," one of the poorer David Craighead, now head of tQe organ department of Roch­ sections of the Flower City, a fact he touched on several ester's Eastman School of Music. The next one was Spring times during the program. That he had only two hours Fever, which he had performed some years ago at the Holly­ sleep in the previous 24, was of no consequence. wood Bowl on an electronic placed on an elevator which Next came a Spanish number, Caminito, in which the tib­ soared 40 feet above the stage - a terrifying experience be­ ias were featured. The organ was in superb condition with no cause there were no handrails to grasp. Then Hard-Hearted ciphers or other problems, due to the work of Danny Schultz Hannah , with sensuous overtones. and crew, and George observed this by playing Danny's request In closing, George was most generous in expressing for Mississippi Mud, using the reeds and posthorn at their his approval of the organ ("Maybe we can do a disc on jazzy best. Since Rochester was observing "Lilac Week" in its it for Dot"), and the audience {"Maybe I'll be asked renowned Highland Park, the next number was appropriately back again.") He took the console down, playing a Jeannine, I Dream of Lilac Time , on the tibias and harp. powerful You'll Never Walk Alone, and when the audi­ The master now took us to the Near East to enjoy the ence got to its feet in a thunderous ovation, George mysterious-sounding Caravan, complete with bird calls on an returned for one encore, Good Night, Sweetheart. oasis. Cecelia was next, with glock solo. Then, in tribute to It was a most enjoyable evening, without gimmicks, with­ Irving Berlin, whose 80th birthday was recently observed on out pointless chatter; just honest-to-goodness excellent musi­ another entertainment medium, came a medley of well-known cianship. He indicated to this reviewer that he would be songs: Cheek to Cheek, Say It Isn't So, Isn't This a Lovely playing for the annual A TOE Convention in Los Angeles on Day?, all done in quietly voiced registration, and followed by his own studio instrument. A treat is certainly in store for a rousing, hell-for-leather Minnesota Ragtime Band. conventioneers.

13 theatre organ I bombarde of registration, much of it done man­ ment between the Chinese Gong and the ually, provided continually changing or­ Triangle, plus a few chirps from the Bird * ConcertCircuit * chestral c o lo r s to enhance the music. effect. It was a draw. But he really hit Who does he sound like- so far as style the Spike Jones trail during Once In goes? He has a style of his own. Of Love With Amy, whom he described as D. Beacham course, he can "do a Crawford" and some "a rambunctious type of girl." To make of his arrangements showed a leaning certain no one missed the point he sprin­ Debut Concert toward the distinctive registration of the kled "Amy" with an assortment of thuds, late Buddy Cole - for example, the fat, bumps, auto honks, sirens- and, again At ""vvil tern untremulated Diapason tone c 1 us t er s - the bird! As always, that style of mu­ with searing Serpent punctuation heard sical mayhem indicated a wide appeal. LOS ANGELES, May 12. -Anyone during They Say It's Wonderful and He's Dwight did it with a sly charm which who has heard Dwight Beacham play, My Guy, both tunes also being graced had it sailing somewhat above the "pure even on an electronic, is conscious of the with the rhythmic tricks and between­ corn" classification. young man's great potential. He has a phrase "doodads" which mark the Cole But his way with ballads more than way of arousing musical excitement; charisma. But that's conscious imitation; atoned for any liberties he may have there's magic beckoning in the sounds he for the most part he was pure Beacham. taken with someone's favorite tunes. In produces. But that knowledge is shared deference to the place he earns his bread only by those who have heard him-and ( the Wurlitzer plug-in exhibit at Dis­ this was his first public concert, any­ neyland), Dwight played a soaring ar­ where. rangement of Some Day My Prints Will About 2 50 hard y souls braved the Come ( "the Kodak song") which fea­ sunny May Sunday morning of Southern tured a sexy, full-throated Tibia/Vox California to I a z e in the comfortable melody combination, and a particularly chairs of the Wiltern Theatre for a con­ lovely Speak Low which soloed the sel­ cert sponsored by the Los Angeles Chap.­ dom-soloed Kimball Clarinet rank. The ter of ATOE. Between chomps on a huge Beacham closing was a low-keyed one, a stogie ( unlighted, of course), Program reading of the d ram a t i c ballad, The Chairman Neal Kissel looked h a p p y ; Thrill Is Gone. It was a beautifully considering that it was the first concert scored heart-wrencher with a slow fade of an unknown artist, he was satisfied applied to everything - volume, spot­ with the turnout. light and tempo-during the final bars. At the appointed hour, the big organ The last notes trailed off on dying Vox sound poured down from the chambers and Strings as the big white console and and Mr. Beacham brought the console its talented player sank back into the pit. up to its zenith, playing a fast oldie en­ Outside, Programmer Neal Kissel fi­ titled High Society, a real kicker. When nally lighted the big stogie and gulped the applause subsided he welcomed the DWIGHT BEACHAM at his home pipe organ. a lungful. After listening to the com­ audience to "my very first concert," then He created musical excitement-from Sousa to a ments of the departing concert-goers he 'skeleton dance.' went into his second tune, Hands Across knew he had featured a "comer"-one the Table. the organ-oriented public would be hear­ In the MC ing department, Dwight at Dwight's concert consisted of nineteen first had a little trouble with the "butter­ ing from again - and soon. selections, most of them classed as "nos­ flies" which always flutter around bright -Peg Nielsen, Hollywood talgia" as well as standards. The range lights. Bue as soon as he learned that his was wide, with Sousa's seldom-heard The audience "out there" was with him, he Thunderer at one extreme and an un­ even tried a little humor; his delivery Dwight Beacham is an unassuming young earthly "skeleton dance" called Ghost-Sa­ was funnier than the material. His comic man whose easy charm tends to obscure !ari ( written by a friend) at the other. tune titles, however, earned him some his deadly serious love affair with the thea• He avoided the commonplace and too­ laughs, chiefly Get Off the Stove, Grand­ tre organ. Rescued from the purely classical often-heard standards. Even his "Craw­ ma, You're Too Old to Ride the Range! bag by a college teacher of classical organ ford" was in the "less familiar" category, and They Called Her "Hinges" Because who turned out to be something of a rene­ e.g., Rainbow on the River, Little Girl She Was Something to a-Door. He gade (he admitted to having once played Blue and Siboney, all played with regis­ blamed the humor effort on his wife's theatre organ professionally in Fresno!), tration and phrasing very reminiscent of urging. Dwight had been preparing for his concert the late maestro. Even in the novelty department, of May 12th since he was fourteen years of His rhythm tunes developed a solid Dwight's choice of tunes was unusual. age. At that age he was first exposed to beat, but emphasis was always on the Instead of the usual Nola or Dizzy Fin­ theatre organ, the 11-rank style-235 Wur­ subtle, never the slam-bang. These in­ gers he performed a bright little finger lizer in the Pasadena Crown theatre, then cluded Honey Bun, The Girl/ riend and buster by organist Emil Velasco (remem­ being played by organist-theatre manager the welcome return of an almost forgot­ ber? - the New York Roxy) , enti tied Billy Wright. Wright gave the lad a chance ten Bix Beiderbeck jazz classic c a 11 e d Krazy Kat. to explore the possibilities of theatre organ simply San. tonalities, and after that no other instrument The humor occasionally expressed in would do. Dwight was no dilettante even at One of Beacham's strong points was Dwight's music was probably more effec­ fourteen; he already had seven years of his mastery of registration on a console tive than his Joe Miller material. For piano and organ studies behind him, some on which it isn't easy-if only for the example, during a Hollywood-style ren­ with veteran theatre organist Lloyd del sheer size of the double ( in some places dition of On a Little Street in Singapore, Castillo. triple) stoprail horseshoe. His changes an argument started in the accompani-

;une 1968 14 A BOMBARDE Concert Review ... Rosa Rio and Radio Era * ConcertCircuit * Nostalgia A Hit in Rochester Dick. Smith at Philly To-vvrer by Lloyd E. Klos glissando; All The Things You Are, with ROCHESTER, N . Y.-In 19 3 3, harp; A Foggy Day in London Town, Promptly at 10 a.m., Sunday, May 19, R-KO Pictures produced a memorable with chimes and tuba horn solo; The 1968, the or ch es tr a elevator brought movie musical, Flying Down To Rio. Girl That I Marry, with orchestral bells MC-organist Bob Lent into view for a On April 20, 1968, about 300 members and tibias; and It Ain't Necessarily So, brief introduction, then the strains of of the Rochester Theatre Organ Society which was cleverly done with honky­ "This Could Be the Start of Something "Flew Down to Rio "-Rosa Rio, who tonk piano. Big" were heard throughout the Tower appeared at the Auditorium Theatre At this point, Rosa's husband and per­ Theatre in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. Wurlitzer in "A Musical Menu." le was sonal representative, Bill Yeoman, came As the console of the Mighty Wurlitzer an interesting evening of good music onto the stage. Rochester-born, he men­ ( style 260) rose slowly from out of the and nostalgia. tioned that he was a "hometown boy pit, it was Dick Smith at the manuals whose wife made good." He delved into and pedals. the past, mentioning the radio shows for Off to a wonderful start, Dick asked which his wife had played the back­ if Dottie MacClain, was in the audience. ground music, and she joined in with Yes, Dotie was present. Dick proceeded the themes: "The Shadow " with Orson to play the beautiful song "Where You Welles, "Myrt and Marge" with Staats Are Concerned" written by the late Cotsworth and Richard Widmark, "Lo­ "Melody Mac" and dedicated to his wife, renzo Jones" with Art Carney and Carl Dottie. Swenson, "When A Girl Marries," "The Gospel Singer " with Edward MacHugh, Dick continued to play in his charm­ "Between the Bookends" with Ted Ma­ ing manner with selections such as Be­ lone, "My True Story" with Tony Ran­ gin the Beguine, Tenderly, Stairway to dall and Ross M a r t i n , "The Mystery the Stars, One Alone, Non Dimenticar, Chef " ( who never let his identity be Diane, Riff Song, Love is Blue, Granada, known), and "Ethel and Albert." Then Gypsy Love Song, Charleston and the as a lead-in to her next number, Bill Pink Broom Folks, written by Dick. brought out a stuffed tigert, propped it After these selections, a short intermis­ ROSA RIO - Conventioneers also will have a upon the console, while Rosa played sion followed. chance to sample her organ magic - both in Hold That Tiger/, a real jazzy arrange­ During intermission, I interviewed concert and in a seminar in organ techniques ment with reeds, heavy pedal and post­ which she will conduct. some of the patrons. Some of the com­ horn. ments noted were: "Never heard any­ Rosa rode the console up, playing her Gautier's Le Secret featured the quiet, one like him", "Wish he would stay in theme, With a Song in My Heart, very delicate stops. Finishing out the first half chis part of the Country", "He has a way colorfully dressed in platinum-hued hair­ of the program, Rosa played The Bells of getting to you", "There is no end to piece, bright red blouse with black of St. Mary's, with the inevitable chime this young man", "He has twenty fingers fringe, black stretch pants and s i l v e r solo, tuba horn and two-footed pedal­ on each hand and four feet", "le makes slippers. A former student at Rochester 's ling, to a stirring climax, tremulancs off. you want to run home and practice for Eastman School of Music, she played a four hours a day", "We need this boy program w h i c h ran the gamut from Following the intermission, selections around here more often". classics to popular. She began with Gou­ from Sound of Music were done taste­ nod 's Soldiers' Chortts from Faust, with fully, with My Favorite Things, featur­ tremulants off and featuring the tuba ing a g lock solo, and then Sound of horn and post horn. Music, a number of great majesty. Almost every organist passing through Sp an is h Eyes came next, and here town has to play Misty, it seems, but again the artist cleverly interwove Green this time it was interwoven with the E Eyes in good rhythm. A classical num­ major theme from the Rhapsody in Bltte. ber, Karg-Elert's Chorale VIII, done with Tuba , strings and tibias were the domi­ trems off, was followed by Without A nant voices. Song, with emphasis on strings. You're An Old Smoothie was counterpointed as What's New, Pussy Cat? came next, Bach might have played it, trems off. and Rosa cleverly worked in Anderson's Spring Is Here, with strings and a tuba Waltzing Cat. Londonderry Air ( not background, developed rank by rank to "Londondairy" as the artist corrected the a crescendo ending which really shook printed program) featured full organ. the place. There were no deviations from the print­ ed program, and the next five numbers Final number on the program was were from fa m o u s Broadway shows: The St. Louis Blues, which again showed DICK SMITH at the Tower Wurlitzer : an orga­ nist with two fulfilled dreams! Love For Sale, which used the pit piano off the honky-tonk piano, then built in and trumpet solo, followed by a smear volume to thunderous ending. (Continued on Next Page) june 1968 15 * ConcertCircuit * RichardElsasser [aptivatesLafayette ONE OF ATOE'S most distinguished members rarely gets coverage in these pages because (Continued from Page 15) his is the classical field of organ music. Yet we receive numerous requests asking "What is Dick After intermission, Dick returned Ellsasser up to?" To find out for the benefit of BOMBARDE readers, our man in Lafayette, La., with the Paramount News Theme, 16-year-old Lew Williams, attended Dick's con­ Seventy Six Trombones, The Girl from cert there. Ipanema, Going Out of my Head, On April 1st, concert organist Rich­ Thor o u g h l y Modern Millie, Strolling ard Ellsasser presented a recital of light Through the Park One Day, How You music and classics at Lafayette's Angelle Gonna to Keep Them Down on the Hall Theatre, located on the campus of Farm, Hold That Tiger, Ain't She Sweet the University of ·southwestern Louis­ and Saber Dance, to complete his pro­ iana. The brand of organ Mr. Ellsasser gram. played cannot be disclosed because of contract commitments. No pictures were A few minutes lacer, Dick made an­ allowed. Next, Karg Elerc's "Soul Of The Lake," other appearance, but this time co shake Ac promptly 8: 20 p.m., the maestro one of the most expressive numbers in hands ( as he put it) with "all the won­ appeared and the program began. Mr. the recital. le pictures a lake before, dur­ derful people" that made his concert Ellsasser was in fine MCing form and ing, and after a storm. A 32' pedal and a success. Many people told Dick how introduced each number with a twist of celesced of deeply contrasting and brassy, much they enjoyed him and hoped he subtle humor. The program was further cascading chord clusters depict the storm, would be back soon. Some of the pa­ heightened by somewhat dazzling light­ which quickly subsides and two cuckoos trons said they had traveled between cwo ing effects. Mr. Ellsasser's first selection echo assurances from neighboring trees. and four hundred miles to attend. was Bach's "Fugue in G." Written when After this "picture in music" it was Bach was about sixteen, it suggests his time for a bit of fun. Charles Ives' "Var­ I later interviewed Dick and he re­ joy and spirit. Pachelbal's "Chaconne in iations on America" scarred exhuberantly plied: "God bless each and every one­ D Minor" came next, scarring out omi­ then went into an "inspirational" se­ le brought a mighty big size lump in my nously on deep petal notes and gradually quence with reedy noodling. After this throat when I found how wonderful I building in manual activity and power. came a very dissonant interval played was accepted in the great Tower theatre. Next, for a change of pace, came Dac­ in two mutually unsympathetic keys at I use to dream how wonderful it would quin's "Le Coucou", an intricate, flitting once! Then a very comical chorus that be to experience the great joy of per­ work which had a two note "cuckoo" reminded us a little of a slightly tipsy forming in a theatre like the Tower or sounding at intervals. gentleman (laughter from the aud­ places like Radio City Music Hall. Now, Handel's "First Concerto in G, Opus ience) , then to a minor key and a very both of my dreams have been fulfilled. 4, Introduction and Air with Variations" heavy beat. Finally back to those two was next. This expressive work scarred battling keys again to finish up. A gasser! le all still remains co seem like a dream!" out on a tremmed flute and sering cel­ Ellsasser's own "Choral Improvisation The concert was sponsored by the estes, then went to soft flutes and a reed on Greensleeves" followed. This was Tower Theatre Organ Crew. Scaff or­ solo, often colored with the celesce inter­ very ethereal, featuring a chromatic pro­ ganist Bob Lene was master of cere­ spersings. A full organ interlude ended gression throughout in the left hand monies. chis number. while the right carried the melody. -Sylvia E. Godwin The first half of the cencerc was cli­ Then for a stunning finale, Mr.' Ell­ maxed by Widor's "Fifth Symphony in sasser played his "Concert Study in D F", including the very famous "Toccata," Minor". Based on a work by Pietro Yon, of which Mr. Ellsasser remarked, ''We late organist at Sc. Patrick's Cathedral in don't know why people like the Toccata New York City, it has approximately so much, unless they like to see organ­ 3,000 pedal notes to be played in three ists kill themselves!" The beginning of minutes! The manual work is relatively the first movement was played on full simple, but the pedal notes give the im­ combinations and very fast, followed by pression of a train traveling at great intricate passages on flutes, then sharp speed. During this selection, Mr. Ellsas­ reeds, with a very prominent pedal. In ser' s patent leather shoes were a dark contrast, the second movement was quiet, blur. featuring the solo voices. Then, the At the conclusion, the audience broke great Toccata, starting out very staccato into a spontaneous burst of applause. on a combination not unlike a harpsi­ Once again, but in a popular vein, the chord, over which rowered a very robust Ellsasser art is try was d is p 1aye d i n pedal melody. Gradually the sound "Trumpet Tune." After this, the audience swelled co fill the big auditorium. After still would not let him leave, so Ellsasser this, organist and audience, breathless, played the familiar "Brassmen's Holi­ were ready for an intermission. day" which was taken at a fast clip, BOB LENT-man behind the scenes! Much credit for the present good condition of the Tower The second half of the program scarred showing off the brass section of the Wurlitzer must go to Bob, who MC'd the Dick with Elmore's "Rhumba for the Feet", organ. Then it was over. Many lingered Smith concert. Bob is regular intermission orga­ with its intricate pedal introduction, fol­ afterward to talk to the artist and get nist at the Tower, also the technician who lowed by a rather humorous passage autographs. le was very enjoyable. Mr. restored and maintains the organ. He trove-ls nearly 40 miles between home and theatre, and which brought snickers from the aud­ Ellsasser, please come back soon. that's almost daily! ience. -Lew Williams june 1968 16 A BOMBARDEFirst-Person Account from 'Down Under' ... c£.iptcio1tMm - '?rltj Cluili.alian tldoJI.JWWl' I SUPPOSE I EXPERIENCED a half-hour concert period to fill. Because something of the explorer's it was a first run "road show" presenta­ tion house, I didn't have to change my program too often but the extracurricu­ fear of the unknown as I lar promotional activities kept me jump­ ing. Someone was forever setting me up stood th ere with the telegram in my for a TV or radio show, usually the agen­ hand-the message affirming my engage­ cy which handled my publicity, the Jenny ment at the Dendy The at re in Mel­ Ham Agency of Melbourne. bourne , Australia . It was right after Before I arrived I was told that Okla­ Christmas , 1967, and I had just returned homa would be the film which would be to Hollywood after a rewarding but ex­ presented during most of my two-month hausting tour which introduced me to stint at the Dendy. However, that film wonderful audiences and fine pipe or­ had played Melbourne in "normal width" gans in Salt Lake City, Chicago, Detroit screen and the wide-screen version, al­ and Rochester, N. Y. I needed a rest; though equipped with a brand-new ster­ but this was a challenge - a chance to eo music track, didn't draw the expected explore a world half a planet away. I crowds and I was soon playing a brand­ had read a lot about theatre organ activ­ new concert opposite Zorba the Greek, ity in Australia and here was my chance which played for several weeks. to investigate it first-hand. The instrument proved to be a fine I boarded a huge Pan-Am airliner on Wurlitzer of 15 ranks which the Victo­ January 5 after being practically shoved ( Mr. Larsen, recently returned from rian Division of the Theatre Organ Soci­ aboard by my hard-working and faithful a three-month engagement playing ety of Australia had inst a 11e d in the secretary, Nora Peters . At the last mo­ theatre organ for Melbourne audiences, Dendy. A Compton Harmonic Tuba had ment I almost decided I didn't want to granted the BOMBARDE this exclusive been added for some extra "zing" and go, but Nora wasn't going to see all that account of his journey to a land where also a second Glockenspiel and a single­ preparation go down the drain. So I the theatre organ is an accepted part tap Xylophone, the last two outside the spent the next 20 hours in an aircraft of theatre programs.) swell shutters. seat. We sat down briefly in Honolulu, crowd regarded me. So, I decided to drift At first I had trouble with the tuners, American Samoa, Auckland - and then who were in the habit of tuning only Sydney. I decided to return to terra firma with the tide. I held an impromptu press conference right at the airport, and the the eight-foot pipework- just the pipes at Sydney, and continue on the next day. next day the entertainment columns of on the manual chests while ignoring the So I rested in a hotel room until the next bass and high treble offsets. After the morning and boarded another plane for the Melbourne papers were loaded with the story of my arrival. Right then I first tuning job I tried a few pedal notes Melbourne. started a collection of clippings. and found them to be out of tune with When the plane landed at Essendon I was soon to learn that there is a vast the ranks just tuned. I finally got them (Melbourne ) Airport, I was glad that I difference regarding the presentation of to tune everything- and also to adjust had changed into my trademark - the theatre organ music between the United the trems to a slower, deeper beat in­ white tie and tails I always wear when S tat es and Australia. The attitude of stead of the fast chatter I noted at first. playing concerts, because there was a real Australians toward their theatres is much Where did I aim my performances? "Hollywood" welcome awaiting me. As different th an here. For example, an Mostly in the direction of young audi­ I descended the steps from the plane , Australian wouldn 't think of throwing ences - not the organ buffs, necessarily, photographers were busily snapping popcorn containers or soft drink cups on although they showed up in force, too. photos . I looked over my shoulder to the floor of a theatre. For one thing, I brought back a packet of mail from see if some notable was behind me, but such items aren't available there. And kids who appreciated the music I played. I was alone. They were shooting pictures an Australian has too much respect for They were forever coming down front to of me! his theatre to use it for a waste container. ask for autographs-including one pretty I couldn 't have been much more un­ When he goes out for an evening, he young miss who wanted my autograph comfortable with a summer overcoat isn't the least time-conscious . He's out inscribed on her bare arm. I managed, thrown over my shoulders because the to have a good time and he does j use one somehow, and later received a letter of temperature on landing was a steaming thing - in this case, attend the cinema . thanks from her. She said she hadn't 95 degrees! That's where another difference comes washed her arm since I signed it! And, in addition to the photographers in. Time was when consoles in the USA One very attractive feature at the and reporters, there were d o z e n s of were spotlighted for solo presentations. Dendy Theatre was the management­ organ enthusiasts waiting to greet me­ Those remaining are used solely for in­ employee relationship. To the manager more than a hundred, all counted. I felt termission music, rarely in solo. But not of the Dendy, Robert Ward, Jr., I was like some big movie star with all that so "Down Under." The organ is a defi­ like a member of his family. He couldn't attention and that's e x a c t l y how the nite part of the show; each night I had (Continued on Next Page)

17 theatre organ I bombarde (Continued from Page 17) accompanying the old Lon Chaney chill­ Bue it was real enough and one bright er, Phantom of the Opera. It was so well morning I found myself aboard the S.S. do enough for me. My elaborate dress­ attended ( for a midnight performance Canberra bound for the USA. I was in ing room was always fragrant with fresh on Sunday) chat over 500 people had to deep gloom for awhile but then I busied flowers, and there was a bowl of fresh be turned away. myself by occasionally playing "cocktail fruit on the table daily. There was a TV piano" in the ship's "filling station," and Yes, there were personal appearances sec and a well-stocked refrigerator. I the three weeks it cook the Canberra to and special stage shows. I was always could have lived there and enjoyed it. reach the coast of California gave me being called on for TV panel shows, and When I left, the Wards presented me time co both recover and reflect. Dean Mitchell arranged for a weekend with a fine suit of cloches - and an invi­ Would I do it again? Would I travel show at Hobart, Tasmania. They flew a tation co return. I never before met a chat far co play for audiences who sup­ Baldwin theatre model over with me, theatre manager like Bob Ward. And port n i g h t I y theatre organ spotlight his family was in every way as attractive. just for the show. concerts? In face, all of the people I met were Perhaps my biggest thrill was in hav­ Does a hippie take to beads? friendly co North Americans, although ing a whole variety show named for me. they had c o mp I a i n cs about the more Near Melbourne there's an outdoor con­ brash type of night club entertainer cert hall similar co our Hollywood Bowl. whose stock in trade is "slam humor." 1968 A.GJ'.{).Jlb. It's ca 11e d "The Myer Music Bowl." Humorists who make their poi n cs by That's where they staged the "Lyn Lar­ running someone else down don't go e()NVBNGJ'l()N sen Variety Show." It was all "live," with over Down Under. a 15-piece stage band, a 120-voice Italian VIGNBG_f9fB8 ~ But it was the concentrated attention (descent) chorus, a gorgeous "thrush" 3 I raced while performing chat amazed named Suzi Miller, and I played that me most. The audiences listened in re­ same Baldwin model HT-2 I cook co Tas­ TRANSPORTATION LOGIS­ spectful silence for a full half-hour of mania. We had a ball rehearsing, and 40 TICS-One of the rougher problems organ music. Each had paid his $1.20 little girls from the Italian chorus were faced by the convention planners is admission and he was happy co gee his intent on getting my autograph. Judging the bussing of conventioneers to all money's worth. Many times I couldn't from my stiff fingers next day, most of events. All transportation co and from help comparing the attitudes there with chem did. It's a wonderful experience co events will be by bus ( starting and chose back home. In Australia I played participate in a live show which the au­ ending at the Ambassador Hotel). a half-hour concert nightly for 64 days dience appreciates. Pianist Tony Fenelon The registration fee each visitor pays without a single day off! That's in addi­ and I p I aye d some well-received pop also covers bus fares for the whole tion co special shows, purely organ con­ duets and the nine-man Dixieland band four days of visits, programs and con­ certs and silent movie shows I did with­ really hit the spot with the audience. So certs. As many as 40 busses will be in my engagement. In the USA, an or­ did the Helen Driessen Trio, one of Aus­ involved at one time, each with a ganise does well if he can sell two or tralia's finest folk-song groups- some­ capacity of fifty persons. Therefore, three concerts a year in one locality. what on the Peter, Paul and Mary pat­ units of 50 make up the "chessmen" tern. That was really a high point in my with which transportation chairman One pleasant aspect of the engage­ summer adventure - yes, summer; Aus­ Bill Exner makes his plans. It would ment was the vigor with which the organ tralia is on the ocher side of the equator, be simple if all halls, homes and the­ was advertised. As long as I was on the making December, January and February atres on the agenda would accommo­ program, newspaper advertising listed hoc weather months. date 1,000 visitors at a time - but me, sometimes with a photo. And there they don't. The range is from 50 (the were m a n y special newspaper stories, Another "high" was in hearing my average "crawl" home visit) to over such as when I'd play a silent movie. own arrangements being "played back" 3,000 (Wiltern Theatre). The Loren We'd "ham it up" for the photographers by ocher artists and musical groups­ Whitney Studio holds about 2 50 and the resulting newspaper publicity artists who had attended my shows and, comfortably while the George Wright would help fill the theatre. Even official­ using their sharp m u s i c a I ears, had Studio may "sardine" 200 (he's never dom is enthusiastic. For example, the picked up some of the devices which cried it). The Elks Temple can seat Lord Mayor of Brighton attended mr were in my arrangements. It's s~tisfying about 700 comfortably. The Rialto opening. co know chat part of one's "bag of cricks" and Wiltern theatres present no is considered valuable enough co become Theatre organ buffs are as well orgar problems. But the homes along the part of the local musical language. ized in Australia as in the USA. Tb crawl route can take about 50 in a "A TOE" there is "TOSA" - T h e a t r Frankly, I didn 't do much traveling. batch, a transportation balancing act Organ Society of Australia, and it's n:' There just wasn't time, with my average which just might whiten Bill Exner's tional in scope with most activity co11 14-hour day. Bue I managed a brief trip brushcuc by convention time. centraced in Melbourne and Sydney. In co Sydney to play three concerts. Why busses? Because each conven­ fact, all three purely organ con c e r cs When the Dendy w e e k I y program tioneer will travel about 400 miles played at the Dendy were sponsored by booklet advertised "Gala Farewell Con­ between locations during the four the Victorian Division of TOSA. The cert-Lyn Larsen at the Wurlitzer, " I days, so widely separated are the Dendy Wurlitzer actually belongs co suddenly realized chat my great adven­ places with pipe organs. Therefore, TOSA. Members moved it from its ori­ ture was coming co an end-even though all ocher transportation was ruled out. ginal home in the Capitol Theatre in I had already extended my stay at the Parking facilities are not available for 1963. They are just as enthusiastic co­ request of Mr. Ward. It was a wonderful private autos at the many locations, so ward the old giants as we are here in concert . Again pianist Tony Fenelon and conventioneers arriving in their own the USA. Incidentally, the organ has a I played organ - piano duets and the vehicles will do best co park them in name - "Eliza." Helen Driessen Trio sang. Present was a lot at or near the Ambassador. So Silent movies? They have a large fol­ chat "final show" atmosphere and con­ don' c miss the bus. lowing in Australia. I had a lot of fun siderable pangs at the thought of parting.

june 1968 18 • 1g6BATOE • C:DNVENTIDNC:ALENDAR

PM FRIDAY, JULY 12 C:ONVENTION7 :00 to 10:00 AMBASSADOR HOTEL- REGISTRATION

INFOHMATION AM SATURDAY, JULY 13 9:00 (th ru 10 PM) AMBASSADOR HOTEL - REGISTRATION GENERAL INFORMATION 9:30 National Board of Directors-Meeting-Ambassador Hotel ACCOMMODATIONS: Convention­ PM eers are to make reservations with the 1 :00 to 5:00 ELKS Lodge "Get Acquainted Party" hotel or motel of their choice. The Am­ Invited iam session on the 4-61 Robert Morton organ bassador will be the A TOE headquarters, 1 :00 to 5:00 SPECIAL EVENT - George Wright at his Studio Organ. and rates have been reduced for A TOErs George will play a half-hour program for groups of ap- to include a week before and a week fol­ proximately 150 ATOErs at a time, until all who want to lowing the convention. have heard him Ambassador Hotel Special busses will leave at intervals as announced, shut­ 3400 Wilshire Blvd. tling conventioneers to and from the three events listed Los Angeles, Calif. 90005 7:00 to 11 :00 ELKS LODGE Phone: ( 213) DU 7-7011 1) American premiere of a NEW Theatre Organ movie* 2) Concert: Rosa Rio playing the 4-61 Morton* LA Airport-Ambassador Hotel 11 :00 to 12:30 AMBASSADOR HOTEL- Open house with the finest in Limousine service available) electronic organs (Conn, Baldwin, Rodgers) Ambassador Convention Rates *Because of seating limitations, each of these events will be presented twice Singles: $13.00, $ 14.00, $15 .00 SUNDAY, JULY 14 Doubles and Twins (per person): AM 9:30 to 11 :30 WILTERN THEATRE- $8.00, $9.00, $ 10.00 Concert: Ann Leaf at the 4-37 Kimball organ COSTS: Registration fee is $12.50 PM and includes bus transportation to and 1:00 to 5:00 ORGAN CRAWLS, Los Angeles Style. Sign up for the tour from all events, admission to movie of your choice during registration studio tour, all concerts and crawls, 6:30 to 7:30 No-host Cocktail Party and Reception, Ambassador Hotel silent movie presentation, seminars and 7:30 to 10:30 AMBASSADOR HOTEL- ANNUAL BANQUET in the World workshops, plus souvenir brochure. Famous Cocoanut Grove - Entertainment galore! The banquet fee is $7.50 which in­ 11 :00 to 12:30 AMBASSADOR HOTEL- Exhibitors Open House with the cludes not only an excellent meal served electronic organs in the world famous Cocoanut Grove but also professional entertainment. AM MONDAY, JULY 15 TRANSPORTATION: Bus transpor­ 9:30 to 11 :30 WILTERN THEATRE- tation will be provided to all scheduled Concert: Eddie Dunstedter at the 4-37 Kimball events. Busses will depart on schedule. PM Because private transportation cannot 1 :00 to 5:00 MOVIE STUDIO TOUR - Famed Universal City be accommodated at theatres, private SPECIAL EXTRA (for those holding tickets only): a visit to homes, studios and auditoriums, to miss Universal's sound scoring stage to hear Paul Beaver play a bus is to miss an event. the 2-12 Robert Morton studio organ. Due to limited capacity and tight scheduling, attendance to this "event RECORDING: ATOE's contracts within an event" will be limited to the first 300 who with artists and theatres specifically for­ register bid all recording of performances, so 8:30 to 11 :00 RIALTO THEATRE (Pasadena)- please leave those tape recorders at home. Concert: Bill Thomson at the 2-10 Wurlitzer ATOE 's "tape patrol " will be on the 11 :00 to 12:30 AMBASSADOR HOTEL- Exhibitors Open House with the prowl continually. electronic organs SMOKING: Please note that smoking TUESDAY, JULY 16 is prohibited in auditoriums, theatres, AM studios and in many homes ( during 9:30 to 11 :30 WILTERN THEATRE- crawls). Concert: Lyn Larsen at the 4-37 Kimball CAMERA 'S: Flashbulbs may not be PM fired during performances. Please indi­ 1 :30 to 4:00 ELKS LODGE - Seminars and Workshops: Theatre Organ cate your a ppr e c i a ti on of the artists Playing Techniques, Technical Session on Voicing and through your cooperation. Regulating Organs Concert: Tom Hazleton at the 4-61 Robert Morton (Due to Address all communications to: limited seating, each of the above events will be presented ATOE CONVENTION 1968 twice) 6900 SANTA MONICA BLVD. 8:30 to 11 :00 WILTERN THEATRE- Silent movie comedy, "Safety Last," HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA starring Harold Lloyd, with Gaylord Carter at the organ 90038 -THE END-

19 theatre organ I bombarde BANQUET AT THE \ WORLD FAMOUS ~t-=: I COCOANUT GROVE

Guided Tour Tech Session Universal Studios VOICING & REGULATING

sometimes 11subs" at the Sports Arena GEORGE'S 'SECRET WAR'. when Mr. Ferrari is out of town, the Want to hear some movie scoring by silent movie thing is her special love. George Wright? In the "Secret War She recently performed for the 200- o~ Harry Frigg," a Nazi officer member Oaklyn (New Jersey) Commu­ warns his victims that soon the con­ nity Organ Club and left them wanting quered land will "resound with the more. We'll wager they'll get it. music of Bach!" This is followed by a blast of Bach played on a straight organ, for emphasis. It's the organ in the Hollywood Methodist church played by George Wright, a job he did for Universal's music director, Joseph Gershenson, strictly by stop­ watch, without having seen the film sequence beforehand or viewing it SHORT SHOTS FROM at the time of recording. Speaking EVERYWHERE of George, he asked us to emphasize that he's playing his own 3-30 stu­ Larry Ferrari, who is scheduled to play dio organ for conventioneers, not his second concert on the 4-34 Wurlitzer the Pasadena Rialto Wurlitzer. A for the Detroit Theatre Organ Club on widely circulated rumor that he June 22, is one of those rare organists­ would play the Rialto Wurli is with-a-fan-club. Larry, who is familiar to groundless. Esther Higgins FM radio TV audiences in the Tri-State area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Word has been received from St. Delaware) and through his commercial The Oaklyn group is a livewire outfit. Louis of the serious injury of John Fer­ One of its recent recitalists was Dennis recordings, is the subject of a "Larry guson, long a leader in St. Louis chapter Ferrari Fan Club" biographical brochure James, the lad who did such a fine job affairs. John was struck by a vehicle which traces his ca­ at the 4-34 DTOC Wurlitzer during the operated by a hit-run driver and suffered 1967 ATOE convention in Detroit. reer from the time a fractured rib and pelvis. As soon as he Dennis gets around, too. In addition to he first listened to a could be moved, John was fiown home his church duties, he's been playing the "tractor-action" organ to his folks in Louisiana for the long pipe organ during intermissions at the as a small boy up to recuperation. Lanesdowne Theatre on Saturday nights. his present spot in the "linelight," all of In Lafayette, Louisiana, youthful organ Bill Bunch, Prexy of the Seattle which points to the fan Lew Williams waited a long time for youth of his fans. But pipe organ firm, Balcom and that Crawford LP-the ancient Camden if Larry's fan-flamed Vaughan, slipped into Los Angeles in with the reproductions of many of Jesse's mid-May to take measurements from biography is lacking finest RCA Victor 78 rpm platters made Frank Lanterman's erstwhile San Larry Ferrari in literary style, it originally in the '20s. But when he finally Francisco Fox 4-36 Wurlitzer con­ gets its point across; Mr. Ferrari is a located a pressing, it arrived in two sole. Bunch has been hired to build most active organist as he travels around pieces (through the U.S. mail). Broken­ a new console for the c u r re n t l y the Tri-State beat to such engagements hearted, Lew laid it out on the dining "headless" New York Paramount as supplying electronic organ music for room carpet and shot a Polaroid as a 4-3 6 Wurlitzer which is being in­ the ice hockey games in the Philadelphia remembrance of a mournful day. Here it stalled in the Wichita Civic Audi­ Sports Arena and practicing for a new is, looking like a bifurcated flying saucer torium by the Wichita Theatre Or­ record album to be played on a Gulbran­ nesting on a sea of nimbus clouds. gan group. The Lanterman console son "Premiere." That's in addition to his regular radio and telecasts. And although is in the same "Crawford Special" it isn't in his biography, we are glad to class as the N.Y. Paramount {five add that Larry is also a member of were built) and Los Angeles is closer to Seattle than Detroit or St. Louis. ATOE. Still no progress toward incarcera­ One of Ferrads fans is ex-silent movie tion of the culprits who burned the organist Esther Higgins, a gal who de­ historic Paramount console on Feb. lights in recreating the old days by haul­ 25th. ing a plug-in to an organ club meeting along with a projector and some reels of In Utica, New York, the management of FM radio station WUFM was proud vintage silents, and staging a 11this is the 11 of its "Organ Loft" program as the radio way it was" show, complete with sing­ show started its seventh year. The broad­ along." She encourages audiences to cast has been conducted from its begin­ bring old straw hats, gaudy garters and ning by ATOEer Don Robinson, who other paraphernalia of 11way back when" programs classical as well as theatre to add color to her act. Although she organ music. Ungroovy Gap!

23 theatre organ I bombarde VOX POPS, contd. Jack Ward, who took Ray Bohr's place Neither has the creator of "Dinny after Ray broke three ribs in a fall and Timmins"- organist Lloyd del Then there was the organ - oriented needed time to heal." (No , Ray didn't Castillo. As a result of BOMBARDE tippler , whose musical pref erenc es were take a dive from a raised console!) But columnist Lloyd Klos' "exhumation" so firmly rooted to the 11golden era11 of Dick Leibert, who recently returned to of one of Dinny's 40-year-old col­ theatre organs, that he would drink only the 4-58 after a tour through Michigan, umns, the entire Timmins thing has Crawford 's Scotch/ South Dakota, Iowa and Missouri, had been pulled out of mothballs and this to add : "For my birthday, my family del Castillo, who now lives in Los GOOF CORRECTION DEPT.: In a pooled resources and presented me with Angeles, is again putting Dinny's recent issue we moved the Oakland a shiny, red Honda. Maybe soon I'll need often weirdly expressed observations Paramount 4-20 Wurlitzer about 50 someone to substitute for me! " on human foibles down on paper for miles from its actual swrage place by publication in the LA (Pro) Organ­ stating that it was stashed near the Oak­ Speaking of the RC M H behemoth , ists Breakfast Club monthly, OFF land city dump. Shoulda said the Benecia Organ fixer Henr y Pope arrived in New THE KEYBOARDS. city dump. And our stock is probably a York in mid-ma y to complete a project bit low in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after he, Dick Simonton and Gordon Kibbee Mention of del Castillo brings to we referred t0 organist Merle Bailey as started nearly three years ago; a com­ mind a warning we must make about a Merle "Dewey" in an April VOX POP . plete overhaul of the big Wurlitzer after book just published by the former New And in the VOX POP about Doug Erd­ it had started to '' breath hard.11 The job England solo organist . The book, with a man's bullet-riddled Tibia, the printer is now nearly finished , with a complete preface by Gaylord Carter, is entitled left out a few words which had shots releathering of the instrument by Warren "An Alphabetic Primer of Organ Stops" coming from "down in the parapets" in­ Wester velt just ended. Pope will remain -but the title is most misleading. Actu­ stead of "down in the valley, below the for about six weeks to do some regulat­ ally it's a humorous parody of an organ parapets ." Our old friends, Mickey, ing. Then the big 11beast11 should behave stop dictionary, with outrageous tangents, Goofy and Donald, are furious for our and sound like new. puns galore, and vaguely related corn. having moved Disneyland from Anaheim Sample definition: BOMBARDE- a slam to Santa Ana. And up in Seattle, Eddie at Shakespeare (Bum Bard). Another : Zollman, Jr ., caught us in a classic goof VIOL - a glass container, despicable, a (Feb. FOR THE RECORDS) in which 1968 A.e~e()eE>e French villag.., calf meat, a fiddle ... down we added a Pedal Diaphone to a well eONVEN~ION to and ,~ncluding ~1-ieBull Fiddle, or Dog known studio organ. Yes, Eddie, George House. Wright did play those passages in the VI~NBGJ'G£E8 ~ 4 "Sounds of Love" on the 16' Double We wouldn 't be surprised to find del Solo String, as you corrected us. Our Castillo fallowing a Spritzfiute around printer kindly "corrected" "orchestrion " FLASH! 'OLD FIDDLEFOOT' with a cuspidor. What's wrong with all to read "orchestration " in April's FOR SIGNED! -Yes, kiddies, the inimi­ this good clean fun? Nothing, for those THE RECORDS. And we really hit bot­ table Martha Lake will make an ap­ with enough organ background to know mm when we omitted all mention of the pearance at the convention, in spite when he's kidding, which is usually. But one gal in the crew of "the Guys Who of all that could be done to prevent for the novice who is just learning, he Fixed the Organ" (Feb.) Carolyn Kissel, it. Chairman Bob Carson reluctantly could sure assimilate a raft of misinf or­ Neal's bride. Some days it doesn't pay announced that the "blowsy Brunne­ mation. If the reader feels he can't live to get out of bed. hilde of the bulgy Bourdon' will without a copy - well, keep an eye on confront conventioneers during the the CLASSIFIEDcolumn of this mag. Give New York organist Billy ban q u e t entertainment, and would Nalle much credit for the liberal probably haul along the stop with Organ expert Fred Meunier has a attitude of the AGO's new maga­ which she first stupefied victims dur­ priceless memory of the 1913 open­ zine, "MUSIC," toward the theatre ing the ATOE convention at Portland ing of the famed Paris Theatre in instrument. Billy keeps the fire in 1965 - the unexplainable "Abys­ Denver, one of the Hope-Jones early lighted under MUSIC staffers with sinian Stringed Oboe," an instrument "big ones." Meunier, :who still lives hints and suggestions concerning TO with half a mind of its own, but one in Denver, was working on the in­ items of interest which also serve the which can't seem to decide matters stallation, assisting the famed James AGO interest. Evidence of effective­ of pitch ( it wobbles) or intonation H. Nuttall, Hope-Jones chief voicer. ness is MUSIC's April issue with our (it scrapes worse than Jack Benny's But just before the opening, Robert own Dennis Hedberg's article, violin) . With her mad love affair Hope-Jones in person showed up to "Rebuilding the Mighty Wurlitzer." with author Ben Hall a shambles, check every detail of the installa­ Dennis should know how; he's re­ Martha will undoubtedly loose her tion. He was lionized locally and so built three big ones that we know passion on conventioneers with some great was the prestige of the organ about. real torchy ballads. All that can be builder that on opening night when predicted is that it will be awesome. a spot 1i g ht focussed on organist When Doc Bebko made his annual Frank R. White, and the organ pilgrimage from his home in Olean to thrilled audiences for the first time, New York and Radio City Music Hall Bur back to Doc Bebko , who was the curtains p a r t ed and a second (where he once titillated the 4-58), he known as Eddy Baker back when. His "spot" settled on Robert Hope-Jones was surprised tO find not Jack Ward, Ray report on the R C M H Easter show is sitting in a huge wicker chair, his Bohr nor Dick Leibert at the mighty significant: "The movie was putrid, the mop of white hair resplendent in the Wurlitzer, but a stranger. He inquired stage show very smart and entertaining." glare of the light. Both builder and and was told the organist's name was which indicates that conditions haven't organist were warmly applauded, "Mr. Derroy." Dick Leibert cleared up really changed since the days of "Dinny recalls Fred. And admission was only the mystery: "Mr. Detroy subbed for Timmins" (Dec. 1967 TO-B, p. 7). five cents!

;une 7968 24 In Sydney, Australia, organist Noreen touch of arthritis-until I did some For a residence, the instrument is a Hennessy, only recently returned from a backtracking. I finally concluded that I'd monsrer-146 ranks of mostly "straight" cruise which rook her to the East Coast only sprained a couple of tendons­ pipework in seven divisions. Three blow­ of the USA, had a problem; on short while opening a can of beer." ers supply the air pressure which powers notice she had to play before an audi­ the ranks with from 8 to 30 inches of ence on half of a long unused 4-21 Wur­ wind. The battery of percussions inc­ litzer. The problem was that she didn't Continued Friday night broad­ ludes a nine-foot concert grand piano. know which stops were usable until she casts, featuring John Schrader, gave The pedal division boasts five 32-foorers. tried them our - as the console starred radio listeners hope that the famed Ir's located in rhe grand ballroom of the up on its elevator. Ir happened when the Louisville WHAS Kilgen was about former Pierre duPont estate near Wilm­ Greater Union Theatre decided, almost to be revived. Late night "tuner­ ington, Delaware. Normally the Wednes­ overnight, to stage a "Hollywood Pre­ inners" of the '3 Os and '40s recall day night concert features what the miere" for a movie entitled "How to Herbie Koch's broadcasts with the handout describes as "a distinguished re­ Save a Marriage and Ruin Your Life." same reverence they attach to the citalist of the classical concert field"- in • The big searchlights memory of WLW's "Moon River." short, a church organist. Bue the concert The instrument has been heard in­ ~-~ were raking the sky of April 30th would be different. Sched­ outside while the termittently since Koch's retirement. uled was Billy Nalle, and his program Theatre Organ Soci­ But hopes were dashed when it was was announced as improvisions, using ety of Australia was learned that the famed theatre-style various popular themes as source mate­ . having a concert in- studio organ had been dismantled rial. If anyone heard any 32-foot rum­ ~ side between 6 and 7 when the WHAS studios were blings in the Wilmington area during p.m. There had been moved. The Schrader broadcasts that evening, we'd like to know about it. a valiant effort to were tapes (enough for 26 weeks) With those ingredients, anything could touch up the long made before the organ was removed. happen. unused instrument But there is still a glimmer that the glorious voice of Louisville will be Noreen Hennessy by organman Peter Rowe, bur rime had run our, so poor heard again. Program Director Purely by a fluke we learned that George Walsh told the BOMBARDE Don Baker's birthday is on February Noreen had to find our what would work and what wouldn't as she played for the­ that WHAS owner, Barry Bingham, 29, so he can celebrate every fourth sympathetic TOSA members. Later, has donated the Kilgen to Jefferson year. "I'm just past 15," admits Don. when the premiere crowd came in, County, Kentucky, for installation in its convention center, "where it Noreen had the organ "down par" and A lot came to light when evangelist the big audience which filed in to see should continue to be a valuable asset to the Louisville community." Oral Roberts put the 18-rank theatre or­ Stella Stevens in person, favored Noreen gan in one of his Tulsa broadcast rooms with huge waves of applause, reports up for sale. Back in 1958, the informa­ John Clancy from Sydney. The Southern Illinois University tion came in bits and pieces that Oral Library (Edwardsville, Illinois) received Roberts was having a theatre organ built a priceless gift from the brother of late new by Wicks. Actual information was Gene Featherston, writing about the St. Louis film cuer Ralph Booker who at a premium because, due to its church fine artists who have appeared for the scored silent movies from many a St. clientele, Wicks didn't want it known Central Indiana Chapter (at Tom Fer­ 11 Louis theatre pit. The gift consisted of that was building a theatre organ. So ree's Louisville Uniphone" organ in the it all Booker's sheet music, scores and ar­ we never were able to get a story. With Rivoli Theatre, Indianapolis), is hopeful rangements dating from the early days the organ recently advertised for sale, that joint ATOE-AGO meetings will 1 of silent films to the advant of 'talkies." everything falls into place; Wicks retains tend to get AGOers interested in TO. the ability to fabricate theatre organs Along this line of thought, the Chapter, and the cost is moderare-$40,000 for which has sponsored concerts by such ATOE member, Bob Nye, owner 18 ranks. Bur Roberts asked only $10,000 greats as Reg. Poort, John Muri and of a piano and organ store in Read­ for the ten-year-old instrument, and we Kay McAbee, purposely starts joint con­ ing, Pennsylvania, reports that part can't help bur wonder why he wants to certs with perhaps a few Bach numbers, of the ex-Buffalo Paramount The­ be rid of it. which come off well on the Uniphone. atre 3-11 Wurlitzer which he pur­ 11Perhaps we'll win some of them over," chased in November 1961, is playing hopes Gene. in a special auditorium he built at ATOE Veep, Dick Kline of Frederick, his business location. This organ was Maryland, reports considerable theatre originally opened on May 30, 1927 organ activity in the Washington, D. C., Organist Dean McNichols, an­ by Alex F. Taylor. Theatre was area. As of May 15, he has 22 of the 28 nouncing a future concert at the closed in early 1965, and most of it ranks of his own Wurlitzer in operation, Friends Church in Bell, Calif., to be demolished a few months later. and will have all four manuals in oper­ played by Ann Leaf, phrased it ation shortly. Trolley buffs will be inter­ neatly: "Besides being an organist, ested to know that Dick gets his 3-phase Ann is a musician." While we're in Pennsylvania, "our man in Pittsburgh," Rey Galbraith, has electric power from the abandoned some nostalgia. Time was when the late Hagerstown & Frederick interurban Droll organist Al Bollingron, whose Bert Shoff broadcast a residence-style which ran behind his farm. latest record release, "Organ Magic," is Wurlitzer from the then Wurlitzer Meanwhile, Woody Wise has removed played on a Wurlitzer plug-in for Con­ Building at 719 Liberty Avenue. Bert a 3-10 Barton from a Newport News, cert Recording, became alarmed when was one of the early exponents · of the Virginia, theatre, and will install it in he noted some digital sluggishness in his "swing" style of playing, which was in­ the Virginia Theatre, one block from right hand which was affecting the fast troduced to the Pittsburgh area by "Wild Jim Boyce's Skating Rink in Alexandria passages. Says Al, "I thought I had a Oscar" (Lloyd Hill). (Continued on Next Page)

25 theatre organ I bombarde wherein is the ex-NY Center Theatre 4-34 Wurlitzer. Looks like the begin­ nings of a potential area for an ATOE THE RENAISSANCE convention. OF THE A new book which will be of interest co chose interested in the history of radio broadcasting is Radio's Golden Age, by Frank Buxton and Bill Owen. This excel­ THEATRE ORGAN lent book contains references to all pro­ grams which were beamed nationwide, from the "A&P Gypsies" to the "Zieg­ by Billy N alle feld Follies of the Air." The entire cases, directors, producers, musical directors, (The following article by organist Billy Nolle writers, in fact, all personnel connected is reprinted in its entirety from the November 1967 issue of MUSIC/THE A .G.O. MAGAZINE with the shows are listed . The organists by permission of the publisher.-Ed.) for about 3 5 shows are listed, among chem Rosa Rio ( 12 times), Dick Lei­ The Theatre Organ is in renaissance player and teacher in the pe.rson of Searle bert, John Gare, Lew White, Ann Leaf, and not only so in theatres . Several hun­ Wright. Paul Carson, Ch a r le s Paul and Skicch dred homes, audicoria, schools and col­ The nationally organized American Henderson. Over 100 pictures are in a leges have installed theatre pipe organs Theatre Organ Enthusiasts has regional special s e c t i o n. Good nostalgia of a during the past fifteen years. Two new chapters coast to coast and there are ex­ memorable era. situations represent the increasing activ­ cellent independent groups such as the ity. This fall a theatre pipe organ will be Rochester, N. Y., Theatre Organ Society opened in the Empire State Theatre and and the Detroit Theatre Organ Club. In the Musical Instruments Museum, Syra­ England there are two major groups, the cuse, N. Y. In the fall of 1968 the first Theatre Organ Club and the C i n em a theatre pipe organ to be installed in a Organ Society. Even Australia now has United States cultural center will be in­ the large and musically industrious The­ augurated. This will cake place in the atre Organ Society. These organizations Roberson Center for the Arcs and Sci­ have contagious enthusiasm for every­ ences, Binghamton, N. Y. thing from buying organ pares to spon­ The first golden era of the theatre soring public concerts. organ was brought to an end much more What About the Future? by the depression of the 30's than by The theatre organ world now is at the the advent of sound films in the 20's. crossroads. Of course there always should Even in the organ w or 1d many who be available the best of the older music should have known better pronounced and the older styles of playing it. This lavish conversational requiems. The re­ must be true for any instrument; there turn today of a great instrument in new is no argument there. However, what situations and on new terms brings to about the future? Those who are experi­ mind the words of Mark Twain, "Re­ menting with new ideas in theatre organ ports of my death greatly have been construction, both pipe and electronic, exaggerated ." and those who are playing the instru­ Love Requited ments via present-day musical language Until about 1950 a few theatre and as yet are a minority. For all the versa­ home installations plus a small, hard core tility and tonal color of the theatre organ, of enthusiasts, constituted the whole pic­ if it is to build on its new popularity ture. Then two things happened which and make a serious contribution to the were destined co produce the impossible. future, new players muse include tempo­ ORGANIST ANN LEAF went home to rary musical vocabulary in their listening Omaha, Nebraska, in October, 1967, for The recording companies discovered the visits with her many friends there and with range, brilliance and excitement of the and playing. After all, we are well into her sister, Esther, also an organist. Natur­ theatre organ and it was "love requited ." the second half of the Twentieth Cen­ ally, word got around, and soon a group The instrument provided sounds which tury. The language of popular music has of buffs had enticed her to the Orpheum grown so much in variety and sophisti­ Theatre for an informal session at the 3-13 could utilize and promote t h e i r new Wurlitzer restorec;I by George Rice and his high-fidelity recordings. In the rush to cation in barely 3 5 years that no excuse associates (see the April 1967 issue for "The titillate record buyers, there was a flow remains for permitting other instrumen­ Pipes Are Playing Again in Omaha"}. of albums running from the finest to tal musicians to have a corner on the Ann played an after-midnight session for market of fresh thinking. A fossilized more than 80 enchanted fans, then did a those provoking nausea. Not long be­ repeat Sunday a.m. performance at the fore this was the appearance on the scene attitude carefully nurtured by the organ­ 2,850-seat house for those who missed the of a handful of organises who were de­ ist hardly is a fit companion to so mar­ first concert. Ann was well pleased with veloping fresh ideas and styling. Among velous an instrument. It is an anachro­ the instrument, and the Omaha fans were nism today to burn vigil lights before most happy with Ann's concerts. It was all my colleagues whose recordings helped part of a vacation trip Ann made with gr ea t l y to spark the field are George the Howard swivel seat once used by the hubby Russ .Butler. Wright, Johnny Seng and the late Buddy justly celebrated Jesse Crawford. More happy fans will hear Ann Leaf in Cole of this country and Bryan Rodwell Mature Musicianship conc~rt at the 1968 ATOE National Conven­ of England. Also the church organ field tion in Los Angeles on July 14 at the Wil ­ The best organists I know make time tern's 4-37 Kimball organ . provided an outstanding contributor as (Continued on Page 27) june 1968 26 A BOMBARDE Profile ... 1968 A/[ .OGPBGP EDDIE DUNSTEDTER GETS AROUND eONVBNG_T][ON Since his return to his Southern California home from his stanza at the Carl Greer Inn ( covered elsewhere in this issue), Eddie Dunstedter has been especially V][eNE/fGJ'E8 ~§ active. We caught him just as he returned from a two-night concert engagement at Lou DuMoulin's Granada Organ Loft in Seattle. He reported that the big Wur­ $12.50 FOR REGISTRATION? litzer (reportedly a 4-34) is impressive but that he had to do a lot of touch-up MURDER!-Not really, because work to get it in shape for some of his specialties. ( Eddie got his technical training never before has the initial registra­ as an apprentice at Kilgen in St. Louis.) While in Seattle he got together with tion fee bought so much. Included ATOE President Dick Schrum for a sampling of the Paramount's Wurli (Publix) is bus transportation to all events, and and a whirlwind go at a few of the twenty home installations in the area. considering the distances between As soon as he and Vee got back to organ installations, that amounts to a Los Angeles, he was asked to play About a dozen eager Dunstedter bus tour of Southern C a l i f o r n i a for the A TOE convention. He ac­ fans were there, waiting for Eddie, thrown in. The fee also includes ad­ cepted, then decided that he'd better and they weren't disappointed. Eddie mission to the ATOE special Univer­ find out what the local roster of sat down at the huge console and sal City film studio tour, the Thomas convention organs would sound like. just noodled, but his noodling was Organ Fa cc or y tour, seminars and That was one of the reasons he gorgeous! During the hour that he workshops, all concerts and crawls, showed at the Jim Roseveare concert invested in checking out the various the silent movie presentation-plus a on March 24th; the other reason, he ranks, he interspersed his noodling souvenir booklet. explained, was "because Jim came to with several of his trademark ar­ hear me at the Greer Inn." It was rangements, including On the Trail, Eddie's first visit to an LA Chapter The Pilgrims' Chorus, a generous concert and he created quite a stir portion of the Tristan and Isolde among the concert-goers, and he got love music, and his famous arrange­ a "mighty hand" when Program ment of that venerable swampjuice Chairman Neal Kissel introduced ballad, Chloe ( during which the him and the spotlight found him sit­ Bombarde editor nearly went into ting in the second row. After the shock). But there was more to come. Roseveare concert he waited until Eddie was coaxed into playing the the crowd left and then returned to lobby organ, which consists of a the auditorium to examine the con­ two-deck console that controls the sole of the Kimball 4-37. Although Echo division of the big Morton, but the blower was spinning, Eddie de­ pours the music through a separate clined to play. "This is Jim Roseve­ set of swell shutters into the high­ are's day," he explained. Neal and ceilinged lobby and grand staircase. Dick Stoney answered Eddie's ques­ It's a sweet-sounding instrument tions about the Kimball and Eddie and Eddie found it effective for stated that Roseveare had made it light classics, such as transcriptions sound good. of the short piano pieces of Debussy. Bl LLY NALLE is a busy professional organist After some lunch at "Sandy's" (where Another hour passed as Eddie en­ (shown here at his annual pre-Christmas con­ the concert-goers congregate to discuss riched his little group of admirers cert series for the Connecticut Bank and Trust the Sunday morning concerts over a Co., Hartford, on a specially voiced Allen thea­ with the musical subtleties which tre model) who also finds time to promote the­ plate of flapjacks), Eddie expressed a de­ makes "the Dunstedter sound" quite atre organ in other ways, viz., the accompany­ sire to examine the Elks Temple Morton. unlike anything else in music. Then ing article. Word got around the beanery chat it was over and the listeners depart­ (Continued from Page 26) "Eddie's gonna check out the Elks organ" ed, walking well above ground. and after a few hurried arrangements for exposing themselves to a comprehen­ Asked what he was going to do next, between Neal Kissel and Virgil Purdue, sive musical diet and to all the arts, both Eddie replied, "I'm going home and Virgil motored Eddie to the Temple, ancient and modern. The mature musi­ practice on my Thomas." which isn't far from Sandy's and the cianship which results shows in the Wiltern. -Peg Nielsen music they make. They have something to say and their contributions put us all in their debt. The demands of the finest popular music in performane::e are the equal today of those in any other cate­ gory of music. Successful performance requires the theatre organist to subject himself to the same musical standards as any ocher musician. Happily for the growing c h e a c re organ field there are players who are growing musically along with it. The future offers an increasing chal­ lenge, a great opportunity and an equally GETTING AROUND-Eddie Dunstedter (reading from left to right) examines-but doesn't touch !-the great adventure that no alert theatre or­ Wiltern Kimball console ("What's on second touch? I've got to have second touch on the accompani­ ment!"); Eddie next tries out the deep pedal bass on the Elks Temple Morton ("I'll bet Dick Purvis ganist will ignore. Here's a toast to the likes this one!"); Eddie captivates Newshen Peg Nielsen with his improvisation on the Elks Temple second golden era. lobby organ; and (far right) at the Seattle Paramount Wurlitzer during a recent visit to Northwest.

27 theatre organ I bombarde A BOMBARDEProfile The JEKYLL/3£1/Je Existence of DOLGJ'ON MeD1rLPIN COLLEGE STUDENT BY DAY -- TH. ORGANIST BY NIGHT! The little 6-rank Morton in the Baton (October 1966 issue). On reading the ~ DIRECTED BY Rouge Paramount has occupied much article, West Coast organist-teacher _,.... ~YLE W. NASH space in these columns ever since organ Randy Sauls did a double take; that techn ician Ronald May rescued it from proscenium arch looked familiar. Sure oblivion and put it back in first class enough, Randy had put in plenty of CARMEL MYERS knew that Ru­ shape . His story was covered in an arti­ apprenticeship time on the same little dolph Valentino had "charisma" and cle entitled "It Was Doomed to Silence" Morton back in the early '30s. Randy's helped him in his early film efforts. She acquaintance with the organ was cov­ gave Rudy his second movie role, in A Jr .... Mrs. Albert Smith, widow of one ered in "How a Wayward Young Genius Society Sensation, made in 1918. It still of the Vitagraph founders, retains a live­ Crashed the Sound Barrier Into Utter plays at silent film temples. The woman ly interest in films. Oblivion" (April 1967 issue). who had been tagged as a sultry siren So here's an organ fully restored and CHOICE READING-"One Reel recalled a few years ago a men's lotion ready to be played. Is it getting a work­ a Week,' by Fred J. Balshofer and that Valentino favored. Its magic scent out before theatre audiences? It most Arthur C. Miller, is 5 0. years of haunted her long after he was in his cin­ certainly is. happy experiences in films. Miller is ema Valhalla. She researched the scent Unlike many restoration jobs which one of the master photographers of and now spends much of her time pro­ stagnate after the instrument is back in the movies ( 3 Oscars) while Bal­ moting these toilet products. Her charm, shape, the entire idea behind the restora­ beauty and career in films make her an shof er was a producer, promoter, tion of the Paramount organ was to en­ ever - welcome saleswoman. She's e v e r director, dreamer and man of vision. able the theatre to present organ music available to talk with fans and friends A gem for fans of the silent era. 11 to audiences. (Continued on Page 29) about her career spanning two decades. BETTY BRONSON says: During Would she appear today (and she looks our visit to Mexico City I met our old vibrant) ? "Say the word ... and give friend, Lawrence Gray. He lives in the 1968 A.cr.o.B. me the right part," she smiles. "This bus­ mile-high city and looks as charming as iness keeps me busy but ... " Her hus­ when we were making Are Parents Peo­ eONVBNcrION band, Al, is on the alert for a good part ple? back in 1925." for Carmel. THERE'S no word as yet about the VI~NBcrcrEs ~(3 DOWN MEMORY LANE-Was re 1e as e of that 1967 film, The Silent there ever a more pathetic or haughty Treatment , a modern film made in the "SPECIAL ACTION" PLANNED Irish maid than Una O'Connor? ... Sara fashion of a silent production. FOR MOVIE STUDIO TOUR-Al­ Allgood was the perfect rooming-house EXTENSIVE use of mood music on though details can't be revealed at this m o t h er type. Virtue oozed from her movie sets was a technique of D. W . t i m e, conventioneers taking in the every nerve . ... Charles Lane has played Griffith and other pioneer film greats. It Universal City film studio tour will more crafty, feisty, rugged lawyers than worked wonders from 1910 to 1928. be treated to "something extra" which any character actor in the business. Now a wise writer-producer is reviving the regular run of tourists don't get. Normally visitors are subjected to RAMON Novarro put the finish­ the custom, claiming "It will result in such spectacles as stunt men staging ing touches to his biography while more depth in a performance." Great a shoot-out on the Western street set, en joying a long sea cruise. ideas never die. complete with tumbles from high REEL STUFF-Lillian Gish has quite FILM historians contend and fre­ 11 places, lots of noise, and "blood" by a number of preserved prints of her half­ quenly prove that every so-called new" photographic trick was used from 1890 Heinz. Or perhaps a couple of vint­ century of film making. . . . The silent age cars loaded with "gangsters" lurch film collection ( 100-plus prints) of John to 1930 by film makers and then forgot­ ten. Such tricks as the fiip-over, sharp through a city street set while the Griggs has been sold to the Yale Univer­ "hoods" playfully spray one another sity collection .... Illness has prevented cuts, split screen, triple-printing, camera crane shots, camera fallowing subject with tommy guns. Or Bon n i e and Vilma Banky from going to New York Clyde may stick up the village bank. through a crowd were all used by pro­ to appear at a screening of the 1925 The The visitor never knows quite what ducers and experimental film makers Eagle for Valentino fans .... Buddy Rog­ to expect and it's difficult to imagine long before TV came along. ers and Richard Arlen attended a benefit what could be added to increase the screening of their star re r, Wings, in SEE you all at the national ATOE spectacle offered - but something is Southern California. They were nearly convention in Los Angeles come being cooked up and the advance mobbed by fans with long memories .... July. rumors indicate that more than just Several hundred ( vastly more than for CONTRIBUTIONS and correspond­ one star of films and TV will be on a great silent star) fans and friends at­ ence to this feature may be addressed to hand to entertain ATOE'rs. tended the last rites for Charles Chaplin, P. 0. Box 113, Pasadena, Calif. 91102.

june 1968 28 The organist is a Political Science many being sophisticated college stu­ senior at Louisiana Scace University­ dents, so he offers current pop tunes. He Dolton McAlpin, ii young man who has feels that the organ is more popular successfully combined l)is text books with the college kids than with older with sheet music. Dolton has been play­ folks. However, a previous organise, ing week-end intermissions at the Para­ Bob Courtney (who also helped with the mount for nea,rly two years and his in­ restoration) did very well with programs terest shows no signs of slackening. Bue of pops from the '20s - for the "older then, music comes naturally co Dolton. folks." Bue Dolton is college-oriented He started picking out tunes on a piano and who could resist the flattery of be­ at the age of 4. By the time he reached ing recognized on campus as "the Para­ 8, he transferred his affection co the or­ mount organist" and being asked co play gan, a decision further solidified when request tunes for the week-end while he heard the Robert Morron organ in walking between classes? Be that as it the Century Theatre, Jackson, Miss., be­ may the enthusiasm of week-end patrons ing played during intermissions. It was is unmistakable. They appear co be The BOMBARDE reviews organ record­ only natural chat he should gravitate co­ "hooked" on live pipes. ings for official A TOE publications. ward Bacon Rouge when college loomed And although the youthful organise Manufacturers, distributors or individu­ -especially after he learned chat an als sponsoring or merchandising theatre admits he muse "grind" to maintain his pipe organ records are encouraged to organ was being readied there for the­ average at the university while playing send copies (Monaural, if possible) to atre presentations. a different role at the theatre, he's con­ the BOMBARDE, Box 5013, Bendix Sta­ Restoration of the Paramount organ templating a broadcast series from the tion, N. Hollywood, Calif. 91605. Be sure to include purchasing information, didn't just happen. It was a long, hard Paramount. He has already cue a record­ if applicable. struggle plus lots of stubborn persistence ing on the Morron which is being re­ on the pare of Donald May. Bue the fact leased by Concert Recording to "Organ THOROUGHLY MODERN MOR­ that the current Paramount manager, of the Month Club" members. TON, Dolton McAlpin at the Robert Tom Mitchell, is a dedicated ATOer McAlpin is deeply impressed by the Morton organ in the Baton Rouge augurs well for the continuation of thoroughness of May's restoration job. Paramount theatre. Concert Record­ organ music in the house. Bacon Rouge "He's done a terrific job of rebuilding ing CR-0027, stereo only, available isn't exactly a "T. 0. oasis." Within a the organ. There's not an air leak to be only by mail from Concert Record­ ing, Box 531, Lynwood, Calif. 250 mile radius there are no less than heard, anywhere-and that claim can't 90262. Also available in 4-track 7 ½ seven playable organs in theatres. Bue be made for many organs!" the Paramount is the only house making ips stereo tape at $7.5 O. use of its treasure. During the past year May added an The instrument has been well docu­ octave of 16-foot Diaphone pipes to the mented in these pages. The sounds What kind of music does Dolton play Pedal Division of the Morron in order to brought forth by the youthful organise during week-end evening intermissions? overcome a deficiency in the bass (it's a are as much a credit to the organ's re­ He seems to attract a young audience somewhat "dead" house, from the acous­ storer, Donald May, and the fine tonal tical viewpoint). And May has added balance built into small Mortons, as to what he calls 'Trap Transfer" switches, McAlpin's artful use of the facilities. a method of juggling Pedal and Accom­ Up, Up and Away. The most striking paniment division craps between first realization on hearing chis tune is that and second touch on Pedal and lower it's coming from only 6 ranks; it's a manual-an idea he got while listening truly big organ sound in the 1200 seat house. "Up, Up" is rychmic and loaded co a similar effect on a George Wright with enthusiasm. recording-thus increasing the little in­ strument's versatility. He has also added I May Be Wrong. Much emphasis on more combination pistons to increase the word "modern" is apparent in the the instrument's "quick change" capa­ jacket notes, because McAlpin plays for a college crowd. It's nice co know the bility. coming generation approves of a nice "Everything is working well, and the old-fashioned theatre organ styling of a organ is tuned and ready to go-and vintage tune. It's played at an even pace visiting ATOErs are welcome co give it with lots of combo changes. a try," states the young man who is do­ I Got Plenty of Nuttin' Brassy after­ HELEN DELL, pert Los Angeles Chapter organist, had a 'hard act to precede' when ing a lot of practicing, as much as time beats mark many changes in the bright she played an introductory concert last De­ permits. But he doesn't plan a career as melody com bin a cions in a version in cember 10 at the Chapter's annual election a profesional organist. When he gradu­ keeping with Gershwin's intent. Mc­ meeting held at the Elks Temple in Los ates he'll enter law school. Alpin seems to be feeling his way Angeles. This was the occasion of George through the first couple of minutes of Wright's surprise appearance and concert Meanwhile, he's having a wonderful for the Chapter. chis marathon reading of Quiet Village At this year's National Convention, how­ time playing at the Paramount. And next ( no wonder; the conflicting rhythms in ever, she wi ·II· star in her own right. During fall-who knows? LSU has a fine law the tune are rough) , but a greater de­ the visitation organ. crawls Helen will be heard at the 2-10 Wurlitzer at Tubes, Inc. school. gree of smoothness is achieved as the 6 -Peg Nielsen minutes and 16 seconds of jungle mad-

29 theatre organ I bombarde ness develops. Lots of birds, sensuous PS: The "title" tune (inferred) ballad mood. "Button Up Your Over­ rhythms, and effective registration. Blue doesn't materialize. coat" is '20's theatre organ, with Curtis . Moon in a rumpty-tum, upbeat, slam­ mixing rhythm and ballad styles within bangeroo ( cha cha cha). A highly in­ IT'S WONDERFUL, Ron Curtis a tune. "Toujours L'Amour," however, dividual interpretation. playing the Compton Organ in the is purely ballad, for which Curtis should Tea For Two also gets the "cha cha" Davenport Cinema, Stockport, Eng­ have consulted the notes for the sake treatment, with traps and percussers a land. Concert Recording label CR- of accuracy. "Th ere' s a B 1u e Ridge flyin' in a lively playing replete with 0026, stereo only, $4.50, ordering 'Round My Heart" is a rhythm-fun tune some unexplained "thuds" from the big procedure same as for the previous in old-time style, an interesting inter­ drum. listing. polation of an early '30's dance orchestra. The same applies to "Tangerine," A Taste of Honey at first sounds like Another little organ ( 7 ranks) and it's as much a gem as the one on the which sports some "ride" style variations it had been recorded in a room full of on Glock with cymbal accents and a ringing telephones but later shifts its fast platter reviewed above. Although sub­ ject to a misleading subtitle which links Trumpet impersonated by the Tromba. tempo to the little Morton's staccato "Sleepytime Gal" is straight from the brass. Lively! it with "the Golden Era of the Silent Cinema" ( only 5 of the 15 tunes were '20s, especially in the between-phrase Young Love Medley spotlights such written before 1930) the recording is a comments. "Song of the Tree," fails be­ ancient love-ditties as a langorous "Love delightful surprise. Both instrument and tween ballad and rhythm treatment but is the Sweetest Thing" (music box ef­ artist are excellent. The organ pipe com­ the remaining tunes, "Sylvia," "Love's fects, then sweet strings), a beguine plement differs from the usual Ameri­ Serenade", "Tammy" and "The Party's tempo "The Moon is Low" ( ah, shades can 7-rank installation in that a Krumet Over" are purely 'listening music" with of Joan Crawford!) with bells galore, replaces the usual Vox, a String Celeste deft phrasing and skilled use of the and a stringreed-spiced "Spring is Here" replaces the usual Clarinet, and a 16-8-4 Compton's facilities. in rhythm-ballad tempo with a too-heavy Tromba replaces the tame but lovely Informative jacket notes are by Bri­ pedal marking the beat. "Style D" Trumpet. The Tromba ( espe­ tain's dean of the theatre organ hobby, Goldfinger is the only poor choice of cially when used with the Krumet) Ralph Bartlett. selection of the platter. It is probably makes a brass section with a "bite" some­ SUMMARY: Pure delight. played better than most of us have ever where between a Brass Trumpet and a heard it, but it remains second rate music Posthorn. All of which fits with the JACKIE HELYER AT THE (4- and memories of that overexploited and Curtis 1940 "swing band" style of jazz; 22) CON A CHER PIPE ORGAN, over-orchestrated sound track recording it provides a sharp "riff" instrument OD EON THEATRE ( we think), with the bellowing dame are slow to for emphasis and punctuation effects. NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND, Con­ fade. While rhythmic jazz stylings make up a cert Recording No. CR-0025, stereo, goodly part of the Curtis program, his same purchasing procedure as prev­ Michelle finds McAlpin very much at ious listings. home with this "slow fox" version of the approach to ballads is tender and sweet. tuneful "battlefield." Pedal cymbal marks The opening trio of tunes are " 'S This one is something of an enigma. the tempo and how the organist coaxes Wonderful," "Love is" ( with a bridge Just having reviewed two small organ so many voice changes from so few ranks which smacks of "Dream") and "A records, we looked forward to a return remains a secret in his favor. Oops, the Fine Romance," all in the big band era to the "big organ" sound. But, alas, we ending is left "hanging." jazz style, with perhaps just a little too must admit that there is more registra­ much repetition of the brassy syncopated tion variety in evidence of the 6 and 7 On a Clear Day is Dolton McAlpin at " (rest) da, (rest) da" device, but other­ rankers discussed in the previous re­ his finest. The little Morton, capable of wise interesting toe-tappers. views, for all the 22 ranks of this Con­ so much variety, seems to soar under his acher. The same goes for the playing. deft touch, and the "view" below is The Compton people seem to have Jack Helyer, a veteran of the cinema colorful. solved the dilenam of the small organ de­ organ, plays pleasingly but does some signer, if this instrument is typical. The untidy digital work during undiff icult Our Day Will Come is another fine problem was to provide, in a limited job of adapting an "oldie" instrument passages. Conversely, he comes through number of voices, both solo instruments difficult passages with ease. This disc to recent music, although the "bumps" and a good ensemble sound. This little are straight out of Minsky, 1934. is either badly recorded or the Conacher job has both, at least in the able hands 4-22 is more "straight" than theatre For some reason, organists are at­ of Ron Curtis. The Diapason provides organ. There is little variety in registra­ tracted to the Green Dolphin Street body without sounding "churchie" and tion throughout. The program under­ movie theme; it has been recorded many the Flute mutations add color. The two taken is an ambitious one, consisting times, but, so far as we know, this is its ranks of strings ( on one stopkey) are mostly of potpourris. However, the jac­ first recorded version as a beguine, a properly "celested" and the Tibia is ket notes omit some of the most inter­ tempo . seemingly quite atractive to Mc­ round and mellifluous ( although the esting titles, such of the Lehar "Gold & Alpin. The result is also very attractive trem could be a little slower). In all, it's Silver Waltz" from the waltz medley. to the listener. a fine-sounding instrument. The march medley list omits the Elgar SUMMARY: If this record represents The vintage ballad, "Garden in the "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1" the kind of "modern" music demanded Rain " is given the sweet treatment with ( not the familiar one, but a far superior by Louisiana State University students, an effective string and raindrop ( Glock work from Elgar's suite of five). this reviewer should either feel 30 years plink) intro and a Tibia ballad chorus, A 13 minute and 40 second operatic younger ( and go protest something) or then a beat accents the bridge, as fine medley finds Jackie tackling familiar congratulate student Dolton Alpin for a rendition as we've heard since organist themes from "Lohengrin", "Aida", "Mig-. schooling his youthful audiences in the Maurice Cook cued in the John Mc­ non", "Sampson and Delilah", 'Faust", tenets of good taste, perhaps both. Either Cormack platter to provide a vocal re­ 'Butterfly", "Pagliacci" and others with way, its plus listening-even for modern frain for his "Organlogue" in the '30's. usually good results but with enough old codgers. 'They Say it's Wonderful" is in the same "clinkers" to take the edge from "com-

;une 1968 30 plete satisfaction." Helyer's best tunes duction of the Chrysoglott, Trumpet, are his own "Brush Off' and that ancient Tenor Sax, Piano, Tibia, Clarinet, Strings, novelty-with-dissonance, "Orie n t Ex - and Vox Humana-we'll leave to the press." judgment of the listener. Al's musical Jacket notes are confusing, never quite acumen is evident throughout; although stating the exact location of the 4-22 the model 4520 has no bird effect, that Conacher (perhaps due to changes in doesn't stop Al. He produces some name of the theatre) . "Birds" manually and they are very ef­ We refuse to believe this disc is rep­ fective throughout "Quiet Village." resentative of the playing of a musician Among the tunes are: Third Man Theme (Zither), Nola ( Piano and Sax), of Jackie Helyer's repute, and we are We regret to announce that Martha Twilight Time (Tibias), "I Left My reserving judgment as to the Conacher's Lake has cut a recording. The greatest Heart etc" ( S tr i n gs) , J av a ( Brass theatrical qualities until a more com­ of secrecy prevails concerning the title, Horn), Lara's Theme ( Russian Man­ prehensive disc is available. content and other data, but there is little dolins), Blue Hawaii (Surf), Spanish SUMMARY: only if you are curious. doubt that it will feature the infamous Flea (Bongos) , and AI' s own Hoedown "Abyssinian Stringed Oboe" which the ALSO OF INTEREST ( Fiddles, Banjos). "blowsy bunny of the butterball set" ORGAN MAGIC, Al Bollington carries around in a locked mail sack foi playing Wurlitzer model 4520 Elec­ MUSIC BOXES & A UT OMA TIC security reasons after the U.S. Patent tronic Theatre Organ, Concert Re­ PIANOS, Stereo (no number), avail­ Office refused a patent as a musical in­ cording No. EO-E029, stereo; same able from Hathaway and Bowers, strument on the grounds that mating a purchasing procedure as previous 118 54 East Florence Ave., Santa Fe zither and a kazoo should be applied for listings. Springs, Calif. $4.95 postpaid. under "plumbing." ... Lyn Larsen's Al Bollington's exploits have been The musicality of the 20 3/ 4" and new Malar disc is entitled "Lyn Larsen­ recorded many times in these pages, and 27" Reginas and the "Large Capital" Coast to Coast, 1967" and is played in in reviewing them we can conclude that and "Small Capital" music boxes spans part on two of the organs encountered Al's career is colorful; never a dull mo­ a half century in continued ability to during his USA tour last year. Four of ment. This is a first for Concert Record­ charm the listener. These largest of disc­ the tunes are played on the San Fran­ ing, Pres. Bill Johnson's first purely principle, comb-style music boxes pro­ cisco Avenue theatre 3-13 Wurlitzer electronic organ record. In all honesty, duce clear bell tones that display none three on the Salt Lake City "Organ Lof/ the result reads and sounds like an ex­ of the "corny" characteristics of the 5-31 Wurlitzer and five on his old stand­ ploitation record for the latest effort of somewhat later "or chest r ions" which by, the Bob Carson 3-26 Wurlitzer in present day Wurlitzer to regain its place were sometimes overbalanced with traps. Hollywood. Among the tunes, "Spin a in the rush toward electronic simula­ "El Capitan" march on a Regina is a Little Web of Dreams," "When You're tion of its former glory personified by most pleasant journey into a yesterday Away", "If He Walked in My Life" the theatre pipe organ. The jacket notes which is still musically satisfying. and "Song of the Wanderer." ... Those say that the model 4520 is modelled The reverse side features a variety of madcaps of automatic music, Hathaway after the style 210 ( 9 rank) theatre pipe player pianos, mostly with added pipe­ and Bowers, ( Coin-operated Orchest­ organ. The tunes are all old standards or work and percussers, and one with a re­ rions, band organs, Reginas and roll­ recent pops and how close modern Wur­ markably realistic "Clarinet." For the operated pianos) created quite a stir litzer has come toward electronic repro- collectors of irresistible old sounds. when their hard-sell 4"x6" pitch ap­ peared recently in the Wall Street Jour­ nal. They had 28 "Automatic Jazz Or­ chestras" for sale, an instrument des­ 11 cribed as an "automatic jazz band with •• • AT LAST!" pipe organ, accordion, drums, cymbals, A truly magnificent recording of the mighty 4/19 Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ installed wood block and other instruments" in the REGENT THEATRE, MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA which operates from rolls. Described as "moneymaking-attention getting-fan­ Featuring Australia's Foremost Theatre Organist tastic" the updated hurdy-gurdies are deemed proper for "restaurants, cafes, bowling alleys, laundromats, shopping TONY FENELON centers and motels,"-all for less than $5,000! Just in case history seems to be I~ CiwalldSi,nrµ II repeating itself, the next issue of this mag will review a recording whose U0 l # l CRT-12 - SLP-17 (ATOP) grooves are filled from one end to the other with nothing but "automatic jazz MONO OR STEREO $5.95 (INCLUDING MAILING) orchestra" music ... Remember Paul Carson's "Bridge to Dreamland" "The cover is a collector's item alone. The music is heavenly"- -Dean Mitchell, Lyn Larsen, Australian Tour Organizer broadcasts? And later the series of "Bridge" recordings? More than 40 of "We are thrilled that the lush sounds of Tony Fenelon at our Regent Wurlitzer are at last Carson's LP and stereo recordings are available to a much wider audience"-Alan Glover, President T.O.S.A. (Victoria) available from Alma Records, 18108 Parthenia Street, Northbridge, Calif. AUSTRALIAN THEATRE ORGAN PRODUCTIONS Write for a free brochure, with pipe organ discs underlined ( a few are plug­ GPO BOX 2639X MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA ins).

31 theatre organ I bombard e Mar . 1923 (AO) . George Walsh, Robert Morton in the Superba; Herbert Claude Reimer, Roy L. Medcalfe, Fred­ W. Burland, Rialto; A r t h u r Clinton, erick Burr Scholl, Herbert Burland and Symphony; Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry B. Murtagh were all featured in Pearl Halbritter, Palace; Irma Falve and L.A. newspaper advertising of their re­ Bartley Sims at the Robert Morton, Kin­ spective theatres. ema; Albert Lewis, Mission; C 1au de March 1923 (D). CHARLIE Riemer, Loew's State; G. Lord and Leon­ CHAPLIN has installed a Robert ard Clark, California . In Long Beach, Morton organ in the music room of Robert Christensen, Loew's State; while his Beverly Hills home. He is not Newton Yates opened the California .... dependent on mechanical devices to 1924 in L.A.: Fred Scholl, Holly­ play the instrument as he p I a y s wood; Julius K. Johnson, Forum; and piano, organ and violin creditably Herbert Kern, Criterion. At Long Beach, N"U"GGETS for an amateur. Frank Anderson, Liberty; and Chauncey from. the Sept. 1923 (D). The Rudolph Wur­ Haines, Egyptian. At Pasadena, Roy L. litze,t"Compan y will build a West Coast Medcalfe, Raymond; and in Glendale, GOI ,DEN" D.A."Y"S headquarters building at 814 S. Broad­ Frank Lanterman and Charles O'Haver way, L.A., to be devoted to the musical at the T. D. & L. ... trade. The 13-story structure will house 1925 in L.A.: George Walsh, Hill Prospected by Lloyd E. Klos ~n auditorium , and will be completed Street Theatre; He 1en Dufresne, Mel­ in a year. This time, Jason and I salute Los rose; Price Dunlavy and John E. Hill, Angeles, host to the 13th annual Mar. 19 2 5 ( N) . B i 11e d as the Hollywood; Arch B. Fritz, Carmel; May A TOE Convention, with choice nug­ "World's Mightiest Pipe Organ," its H. Kelly and Thomas Callies, De Luxe; gets and dust from the Southern components required 11 large box­ Katherine Flynn, Florence; Arthur Shaw California lode. References were: cars to travel from Wurlitzer's No. broadcasting three dail¥ concerts from American Organist (AO), The Di­ Tonawanda, N. Y., factory to Roos­ the Melody Lane Cafe; R.obert Christen­ apason (D) and newspapers (N). evelt Memorial Park in L.A. Cost is sen, California; Chauncey Haines at the $150,000; largest pipe is 64' long 4-manual Kimball in the Forum; Claude Mar. 1928 (D). Classical organist Rol­ and weighs over half a ton; smallest Riemer and Harry Mills broadcasting on 11 and Diggle reports from L.A.: 1 recently is ¼ of an inch and weighs half an the KNX studio Wurlitzer; Reine Beck­ heard some splendid organ-playing at the ounce; 3 00 miles of wiring are used. er, Ravenna; Herbert Kern, Boulevard; Million Dollar Theatre by a young or­ Mar . 192 5 ( D) . The Robert Morton Harold Ramsbottom and Donald Baker, ganist, Gaylord Carter. The pict ure was Rivoli. In Pasadena: Frank Lanterman 1 Organ Co., a reorganization of the old T he Last Command ,' a great picture in opened the Washington, while Adrian itself , but made 100 per cent more eff ec­ Photoplayer Co., has been incorporated in California w i t h factories at West Richardson is house organist; Ella Mil­ tive by Mr. Carter's work. Keep your ler, Bards; James Means, Fair Oaks; eye on this chap!" Berkeley and Van Nuys. Capitalization is $500,000. President is L. H. Brown­ Edwin Penny, Warner's; Marie Rambo , Feb. 1922 (AO). HENRY B. stone. Rob Mor; Edward C. Hopkins, Rivoli. In Hollywood: Julius K. Johnson, Egyp­ MURTAGH of Grauman's Theatre, Nov. 1925 (AO) . According to new L.A., frequently uses a popular song tian; Price Dunlavy, Hollywood; and rules submitted to theatre managers for Arch Fritz, Carmel. At Long Beach: with lantern slides for his solo. On approval, L.A. organists will not be re­ one occasion, he used a violinist in Frank Anderson, Egyptian; and Mary quired to play vaudeville acts. This will Ruth Ingraham, Hoyt's. In Beverly Hills, one number and a tenor in another. be enthusiastically received by both or­ An expert in comedy, his imitations Johnnie Hill, Beverly. In San Diego, ganists and performers. of a cat-dog fight, rooster crows, Paul Maiss, Superba; and at Ocean Park , etc., without use of traps, show Apr. 1927 (D). ALBERT HAY Duke Wilson at the Rosemary. what can be done with contrasting MALLOTTE has resigned as organ­ 19 2 6 in L.A.: Henri C. Le Bel at and unreasonable combinations. ist at the Metropolitan Theatre in the Wurlitzer in the Figueroa; Herbert L.A. to open a school for theatre Mar. 1922 ( D ) . The Kimball Com­ Kerns, West Coast Boulevard; Leonard organists in the Wurlitzer Building. pany was commissioned to build a 4-39 Clark, Criterion; Bud Young, Mesath; He has installed a 2-manual Wur­ organ for the Forum Theatre, L.A., which Fred Scholl, Carthay Circle; Marie litzer. is to be patterned after the Pantheon in Rambo Green, Belmont; Helen Du­ Rome. Part of the organ, including the Feb. 1928 (D) . Blessed Sacrament france, Hill Street; Betty Silberman, Pan­ foundation and reed scops, will open to Church in Holl ywood has purchased a tages; Ann Leaf at both Metropolitan the roof through special swell shutters, 4-manual Casavant organ. One of the and Million Dollar Theatres. Raymond so on special days the organ may be largest c h u r ch e s in California, many Codder at the Cabrillo Wurlitzer in San heard out-of-doors. leading movie stars are members. Do­ Diego. Feb. 1923 (AO ) . The Society of The­ lores Del Rio started the organ fund, Just as it is today a center of the atre Organists of Long Beach had several and Jackie Coogan, Ben Turpin and Mrs. theatre organ hobby, Los Angeles of their number perform at the Decem­ Harry Langdon, among others, have was a true beehive of TO activity ber meeting in the Liberty Theatre. They pledged gifts. A tower , 250 feet high, in the Golden Days-a fitting loca­ included Ralph Waldo Emerson , Harry will be equipped with a carillon later, tion for an A TOE convention! Monroe, Beryl ~urr y, A. 0 . T . Stenious, it is hoped. Following our next trip co the gold Mary Ruth Ingram, Mildred Smith , GOLD DUST. We engage in a little fields, Jason and I will be back at the Howard Dunlap, L. L. Skeels and Frank name-dropping of L.A. area organists: assay office in August. So long, pardners! Anderson. 1922 in L.A.: Virginia C. Cox at the - Lloyd and Jason. june 1968 32 ••••••• •••••••

WIll -'A~ WIll

•CHAPTERNEWS• KAY McABEE is introduced to turn-away crowd of 900 by CATOE Chairman Bob Mueller at the chapter's Moy concert in the Arcada Theatre, St. Charles, Illinois. CHICAGO AREA Saturday afternoon, April 20, CATOE members and guests gathered at the au­ On May 4th the CA TOE present­ KAW VALLEY ditorium of St. Mary of the Lake Semi­ ed Kay McAbee at the Arcada The­ Kaw Valley Chapter, Lawrence, Kan­ nary, Mundelein, Ill. More than 150 atre in St. Charles, Ill. The theatre sas, met Sunday, May 19, at 1: 15 p.m., people braved a threatened storm and has recently received a $100,000 re­ with the Rev. R. Eugene Connely for a were greeted by Bob Mueller, who made modeling, and the Geneva pipe organ covered dish dinner. Twenty-one per­ a few announcements and then intro­ was rehabilitated by members of the sons enjoyed a great variety of delectable duced Organist John Seng. chapter. (This instrument was an foods. John greeted the guests and men­ attraction at the 1965 ATOE Na­ tioned that those who hadn't heard the tional Convention.) Following the dinner, the chairman, organ before and were adversely affected Kay McAbee did an outstanding Luther Cortelyou, conducted a short by loud sounds should move back a little. job of putting the organ through business meeting; then introduced his Right he was! John's opener was From its paces. His arrangements of tunes, guests, Ron Willfong, who is chairman This Moment On, and from that moment old and new, kept the attention of of the new Tulsa chapter, and Ray El­ on he held everyone's undivided atten­ the capacity audience throughout more, a professional organist also from tion. John, who rarely plays theatre pipe the evening. The affair was highly Tulsa, Oklahoma. organ concerts, is undoubtedly one of the successful. Nine hundred p e op I e Ray entertained suRerbly at Rev. most articulate of concert organists. As filled the theatre and nearly 200 Gene's Conn electronic organ, filling he chauffeured the wind through the were turned away. the parsonage with wonderful sounds. pipes of his own "modern" theatre organ, This success was due to five weeks of Six of the chapter members, including it was obvious that the combination of hard work by members of CA TOE who the chairman, who is also a professional organist and organ was unbeatable. The converted an almost unplayable organ to organist, played both classical and pop Wurli was, as expected, in top shape and a mint condition gem. Among those who tunes. sounded terrific from Trumpets to Ce­ helped in this accomplishment were Sam Everyone agreed that the afternoon leste Flutes. With brief comments be­ Holte, Terry Kleven, Bob Mueller, Bill had been a most pleasant one. tween numbers, John played When You Barry, Bill Rieger, Tom Watson, Gary Wish Upon a Star, Dance of the Come­ Rickert, and Tony Tahlman. Also Tad dians, Satin Doll, and selections from Doose, Joe Duci Bella, Fred Kruse, Anne LAND O'LAKES Porgy and Bess. The audience, which Barry, Bill Benedict, Paul Lewis, Fern With permission from theatre owner filled about one-quarter of the audito­ Coleman, and Geannie Nachtwey may Jim Frazer, our April meeting was held rium's capacity, expressed its sincere be thanked for their combined efforts in in Red Wing, Minn., starting at the Au­ enthusiasm. making this another successful program. ditorium Theatre. The organ is a 2-M, 8-R Kilgen with an impressive stop list including a 32' Resultant and Kinura, and a Toy Counter. The theater, spotless and beautiful, was opened in 1904. It was later gutted by fire, after which the interior was re­ designed and rebuilt in 1918. The new design improved the stage facilities. It is now used both for a movie house and for stage productions, a fact which gave George Hardenbergh and Harry Jorgen­ son some work to do before our meeting began. At the last stage performance the pedal board was removed to make room for an orchestra, probably hastily re­ placed, and some adjustments were nec­ JOHN SENG talks to his audience between numbers at the CATOE April Social which featured John essary. and his Mundelein "modern" theatre organ. (Continued on Next Page)

33 theatre organ I bombarde CHAPTER NEWS, contd. the Summer, 1965, issue of THEATRE An unexpected highlight of our trip ORGAN). Since then, two more ranks was our bus driver, a real pro in his field Perhaps it is an atmosphere created have been ad d e d - a Skinner French and just a thoroughly nice person. Mark by the environment, but there are times Trumpet and a French Horn. 0th er Knutson experienced pipe organs for the when the organists outdo themselves. changes mainly involve relocating for first time. Beginning his education into This was one of those days. Clyde Olson better balance. higher learning with a five-manual Wur­ was at his best. Claude Newman was Through the efforts of Harold Peter­ litzer, he wasn't the same young man at brought back several times. Jim Lyons son and much to Fred's delight, arriving the end of the trip as at the beginning. entertained us with his delightful style. with us was Frank Rogers, who is a pro­ Summing up the feelings of all of us, Don Taft, arriving late, gave a humorous jectionist and a past-master operator of member Jules Ween suggested putting account of getting lost, gravel roads, etc., the Brenograph Effects Machine. Frank the check for the trip in one hand and took his turn and included his original won world acclaim for his skill in de­ an application for membership in A TOE composition with lyrics of All Eyes Are signing effects and his use of the ma­ in the other. On The North Stars (Minnesota hockey chine. Since Fred has the Brenograph Sunday morning found us at the team) which Don composed for the from the old Minnesota Theatre, he Capitol Theatre in Racine overwork­ team. wanted some tips on using it. Frank ing the 2-M, 5-3 Special-B Wurlit­ Much of the success of this meeting Rogers said, 'TU tell you all I know but zer. Here, too, we were treated to was due to the theatre manager, Mr. I haven't yet le a r n e d all it will do." projected effects - particularly ef­ Million. His know ledge of the history Frank, now 77, is retiring from the the­ fective on the large movie screen. of the theatre in addition to the above, atre business this year. He says he isn't The f a s t e s t stop changes on the included the story of the theatre at one going to risk having another theatre organ were made when one member time being taken over and run by the closed under him. left the b e n c h and the next one City. The case, c 1aiming interference After a brief description of the instal­ took it. with free enterprise, was taken to the lation, Fred Hermes turned on the Wur­ At the Capitol we met John Hill of Supreme Court and won. It is believed litzer and opened with a spine-tingling the Century Pipe Organ Company in to be the only theatre with this particu­ Nothing Like A Dame. After his con­ Elmhurst, Ill., and organ tethnician Pete lar history . cert he turned the organ over to his son, Charnon, who gave us some of the back­ Our special treat was a Red Wing res­ 18-year-old Fred, Jr., who said he had ground of the theatre and organ. Pete ident - vivacious Rose Morley - pro­ spent five hours tuning the organ and told us the theatre was opened at the fessional organist, teacher of piano and therefore w o u 1 d play something soft, end of 1926 and the organ used until organ and former chapter member. Rose opening with Laura. His concert high­ the end of the 30' s. Only mice had the played the Auditorium Theatre up to light for most of us was Granada. His use of the console until Pete took over 1930. She played a much too short con­ knowledge of the organ is indeed im­ in 1965 to rebuild the organ. The res­ cert for us, including a request for the pressive, and it was a relief to our musi­ toration was celebrated with a concert number, Red Wing. We were invited to cians when he announced he would stand by John Muri on Dec. 4, 1966. The the Enz Antique Home to see a Kimball by as pilot navigator. organ was used all that w i n t er and tracker, and then to St. Joseph's Catholic played on Saturday nights. Fred Hermes Church where Rose is organist. The sometimes stops in to play during inter­ organ here is a Kilgen, recently com­ missions. It took six months to rebuild pletely rebuilt. It has a tremulo on the the organ. Because of a leaky roof the Swell. trumpet chest was rebuilt twice. Much One more note about Rose Morley. remodeling is currently going on in the On April 25, for an important town Capitol: the roof has been repaired and event, her day included playing the Au­ the chest will be rebuilt for the third ditorium Theatre organ from 2 to 3: 30 and, hopefully, last time. It is estimated p.m., again from 7 to 7: 30 and later at that the use of the organ increased at­ a hotel reception. And- this written tendance by 2 5 per cent. with her permission-Rose is over 80! We adjourned to the delightful Spin­ ning Wheel Restaurant but, wouldn't Racine Visitation you know, the service was slow. We Master of many trades, Chairman Don skipped dessert to rush back to Fred Peterson, pro M.C., expert at conducting Hermes' home and an afternoon concert a business meeting ( it's said and it's DON PETERSON, Chapter Chairman, at the Her­ by Kay McAbee! He began his concert done) and a genius at program arrang­ mes 5-30 Wurlitzer. Says Don: "I played for ten with Land of the Pharaohs; two selec­ minutes and THEN went to the manuals!" ing, reached inspirational heights when tions from Calamity Jane-Secret Love he and his dad, Harold Peterson, planned Don Peterson was the f i r s t of our and Deadwood Stage, Spring Is Here and our May 4-5 meeting. group to follow. He is one of the for­ Hungarian Rhapsody and it was inter­ Leaving Minnesota by chartered bus, tunate ones and occasionally has an op­ mission time. Throughout the concert armed with box lunches, we talked and portunity to play this organ. Our vary the Brenograph was really "turned on." ate our way to Racine, Wis. After check­ accomplished Elaine Franklin included Imagine the beautiful white and gold ing into our motel we were met by Fred Orpheus in Hades, to our delight. Claude console bathed in brilliant green and a huge white star encompassing Kay Mc­ Hermes, his lovely daughter, Jan, and his Newman, Ed Borowiec, Clyde Olson (who needed no navigator), John Zet­ Abee with the star points extending onto remarkable son, Fred, Jr. We went to a terstrom and Don Christopher were the console! At another time, so rightly steak house for a delicious steak and among those who played. To our sur­ placed, a star hovered above him. Un­ then, with the Hermes navigating, off to prise and delight, the huge chandelier fortunately there was some laughter dur­ spend the evening with Fred's five-man­ ( also from the Minnesota Theatre) was ing the concert but what can you do ual, now-thirty-rank Wurlitzer. ( For in­ lowered to eye level. With reluctance we when airplanes and dirigibles start flying formation about the installation ref er to left. over the console? With constantly chang-

;une 1968 34 ing colors and shadow effects and Kay MOTOR CITY cures of the pair. His effect of a split McAbee's music from one of the might­ "We did it before and we have done pair of pants drew hysterical laughter iest of the Mighty Wurlitzers, you can it again" seems co be an appropriate from all viewers. understand our reference to our inspired theme for the Moror City Chapter of . While _reels were being changed a de­ chairman. ATOE. The Ocrober concert at the Red­ lightful smg-a-long with authentic slides As if all this wasn't enough, at inter­ ford Theatre featuring Gaylord Carter at showed that there is still hope for the mission time of Mr. McAbee's concert the console and Douglas Fairbanks Sr. youn~er generation. Many parents were we watched a Charlie Chaplin silent~ on the screen in "The Mark of Zorro" surpnsed when. their sub-teen and early The Count, accompanied by the person proved to be such a tremendous success teen-age offspnng merrily joined into best qualified- Fred Hermes. The hiss­ that it w~s decided to continue co bring the spirit ?f the_ occasion and lustily ing steam sound he produced to accom­ to Detroit these marvelous old silent sang out with Daisy and I Want a Girl. pany Chaplin as he pressed a pair of ~lms and have equally marvelous organ­ 'The Covered Wagon" was the first trousers and proceeded to burn a hole ists accompany them as was done in the real "epic" western and started a chain in chem was so true we almost smelled 20's. of westerns for which John Wayne burned wool. The program which was presented should be most graceful. The authentic­ Mr. McAbee returned to play selec­ chis March 1Och f ea cured Bill Buswell ity of our production even included an tions from Sound of Music, Stranger in at the console of a two manual, five rank unexpected wait between screen credits Paradise, Tea For Two, and for an en­ (plus coy counter and percussions) Wur­ and the first scenes of the movie. Mr. core, Rhapsody in Blue. For Mr. McAbee litzer. The locale was changed co the Buswell aptly filled in the silence as all including us in his busy schedule and Punch and Judy Theatre. This theatre true theatre organises muse be able co do. for so magnificent a concert; for Mr. was a marvelous setting for the f ea cure The film was done in a semi-documen­ Hermes sharing his Wurlitzer and all film. "The Covered Wagon," because it tary style, but still was only slightly the added attractions - we can find no is done in an elegant early American removed from the basic hero-heroine­ words of appreciation emphatic enough. decor. One could almost envision the villain plot. Only the reality of the hard­ - Irene Blegen, sedate arisrocracy of the original col­ ships endured by the early settlers boost­ Secretary onies viewing the hardships of their ed it a notch above the basic melodrama. more venturesome constituents. To fur­ When the hero, portrayed by J. Warren LOS ANGELES ther enhance chis illusion, some of the Kerrigan, was introduced in the film he younger, ambitious young ladies of the drew a roar of laughter from our mod­ Chapter activities are continuing at ern, sophisticated audiences. The slick both the Wilcern Theatre ( 4/ 37 Kim­ chapter made some authentic "Granny" dresses which even included matching hair-do and overdone make-up seemed a ball) and at the Elks Building ( 4/ 61 bit too much by current standards which Robert Morton) . Although the W iltern sunbonnets and wore chem while passing out the programs. depict the hero as being rough and un­ is now under the control of another mo­ kempt. cio': picture chea~re management corpo­ Preceding the featured film a real fun comedy, "The Finishing Touch" with Bill Buswell's accompaniment blended rac10n, a cooperattve arrangement assures in the moods and scene changes admir­ Laurel and Hardy, was presented. Even continued use of the organ by L.A. ably. He played some pieces from the ATOE. Boch organs are being main­ the youngest member of the audience needed no explanation of the slapstick original score such as "Westward Ho the tained and improved. Recent concerts Wagons" and "Oh, Susanna." The rest of have included Jim Roseveare at the Wil­ antics of chis -any duo. Mr. Buswell's (Continued on Next Page) cern on March 24, Pomping Vila at the accompaniment enhanced the misadven- Elks on April 28, and young Dwight Bea~ham at the Wiltern on May 12. Dwight plays a 12-rank Wurlitzer at home for an avocation, and demonstrates Wurlitzer Electronics as a vocation. T_he quarter_ly General Membership B1:1smessMeecmg was held on April 19, wit~ a number of members offering sug­ gestions for chapter operation and activ­ ities. The jam sessions at the Elks 4/ 61 R _obe r t Morton are proving popular, w1th attendance climbing. A new bro­ chure describing ATOE and the Los An­ geles Chapter for prospective members will soon be off the presses. Plans for the National ATOE Convention in July are being finalized, with a large number of chapter m em be rs volunteering to serve on the many committees. - Philip Ray Bonner ~~;)~ Rg,:'::,-~~~ :;d- t;,:~,a":-~~~:;_;;'•; outer" beams as she welcomes arriving guests. Organist Bill Busweli beams at au­ MOVING? Yes, ATOE is on the dience (upper right) from Punch and Judy move-both regionally and na­ theatre's 2-5 Wurlitzer. Also beaming tionally! But when YOU move, (lower right) at "sold-out" concert ore Mr. please don't forget to notify the Kreuger, Punch and Judy manager; Al Mason, Motor City Chapter Chairman; and National office, or the Circulation Fred Pollerito, manager of theatre chain Dept., Box 1314, Salinas, Califor­ which includes the Punch and Judy in - nia 98901. Grosse Pointe, the Redford and the Royal Oak theatres in Detroit.

35 theatre organ I bombarde CHAPTER NEWS, contd. Rodgers, to name just a few. Then just The console rose to the gay tune "Up, as Lowell began introducing a number, Up and Away" followed by "Jumping the selections were of his own choosing. the P. A. set started to talk back to him . Bean," "Night and Day" and a sparkling In a tremendous storm scene he aptly It seems a bad accident had occurred "Georgy Girl." There were medleys from put the "surf' to use, sending chills up outside the theatre, and the P.A. system "Guys and Dolls," "Porgy and Bess" and the spine. Bill most ably accomplished was picking up police calls from patrol a lovely interpretation of "Love Is a the goal which all good theatre organists cars right outside. Lowell quipped, "I Many Splendored Thing." Tom played aspire to - that of blending the music don't know where they are, but I sure two currently popular tunes by the to the film so adroitly that they were wish they'd come and get me." Beatles: "When I'm 64" and a churchy thought of as one entity rather than hav­ The audience was then treated to the version of "Yesterday." On the oldie side ing the music either overshadow the next surprise of the evening - Lowell was a Jesse Crawford-styled "So Beats movie or make it drag. was going to sing! As the strains of My Heart for You." The concert ended The long hours of work by the many "Always as I Close My Eyes to Sleep" with "That's All," using a wide range of Motor City Chapter members to restore by Eric Kose filled the auditorium, a rich rich organ sounds. this instrument to its original potential baritone voice joined the mighty Wur­ This was a joint meeting of the Ore­ culminated in this production. After all litzer, and the audience knew that this gon and Puget Sound Chapters. The this was what inspired the creation of was truly an artist extraordinaire. The presence of a good crowd from up north theatre organs-to have one instrument response was overwhelming, necessitat­ certainly helped bring a concert of this to accompany silent movies. ing an encore, "Song of Songs" by Moya, caliber to our membership. So "Westward Ho" Motor City Chap­ all of which prompted Ben Hall to gasp The Oriental Theatre was obtained ter. Let us restore yet another marvel in as he stepped to the mike , "I don't know through the efforts of Oregon Chapter the history of what is uniquely America 's how he can do it-play, sing, turn pages; Director Dennis Hedberg. Through own early mode of entertainment , mood why I can't even ... " Dennis we were able to slip this concert mUSIC. Next on the agenda was a short film between an opera and a symphony on -Betty Bryden comedy by Ben Turpin, "The Night of the busy Oriental schedule. the Show," with which Lowell put the The format of the Oregon Chapter is Rahway Wurlitzer through its paces, or to have about six meetings a year with NEW YORK in Ben Hall's words, "Doing the job for something thrown in here and there, The house lights dimmed and the which it was originally intended." such as a get-together at one of the home words "Good evening, ladies and gentle­ After a short intermission, the second installations, or a joint meeting with an­ men, and welcome to the Rahway The­ part of the evening began as Ben Hall other chapter. atre," filled the auditorium. It was a few and 7-year-old Chris Beckham, son of -Gordon Potter, minutes past 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Beckham, last Secretary-Treasurer March 20th, and M. C. Ben Hall had just year's New York Chapter chairman, launched New York Chapter's first con­ sang a duet which brought many back cert of the 1968 season, "An Evening a long way. Detroit Conventioneers will POTOMAC VALLEY with Lowell Ayars at the Mighty Wur­ recall last year when Ben did this num­ On Sunday afternoon, February 11th litzer," at the Rahway Theatre in Rah­ ber solo, with Lowell at the organ, in the the Chapter met at Doug Bailey's Mont­ way, New Jersey. Arcadia Rink, singing "Little Orphan gomery County studios in Rockville, Lowell Ayars is certainly no stranger Annie." Maryland. Doug demonstrated the very to A TOEers, having been a featured art­ After a few more numbers by Lowell, neat installation of his 2m/9r Moller ist at several national conventions as well it was the audience's turn to get in the Theatre organ and was followed by as having played numerous concerts for act with a sing-a-long, complete with many chapter members who wanted to many chapters in the Northeast. Lowell song and cartoon slides. After exercising try their hand at it. The meeting was an certainly was no stranger to the 2m/ 7r their tonsils, the folks then settled back open house affair and well over 100 Wurlitzer (Style E-X, opus 1923) he for the silent feature of the evening, a members attended. Many thanks to Mrs. met for the first time that afternoon in Charlie Chase comedy, "Quick Like a Bailey for handling the refreshments. the pit. He took one look at it and said Fox." Once again the Wurlitzer roared On Friday evening, March 15th the "Gee, I feel right at home." (Lowell has and chided, replete with all its effects in chapter met at the Alexandria Arena in a 2m/ 7r Wurlitzer in his living room in the able hands of Mr . Ayars, to round Alexandria. Over 12 5 members heard Bridgeton, New Jersey.) out a most successful and enjoyable eve­ Jimmy Boyce perform at his giant After a welcome by author, lecturer ning. 4m/ 34r Wurlitzer. Jim played selections and historian Ben Hall, also no stranger This concert marked the pinnacle of from his latest recording "Showtime" in A TOE circles, Lowell demonstrated five years of a devoted labor of love by and other popular tunes. This was one some of the toy counter he would use chapter members Wendell Rotter, Mike of Jimmy's finest concerts, and if you later in the evening to cue silent films. Hughes and Bob Balfour to restore this missed it, you missed a good one. Many Just as he hit the toe stud marked "bird instrument and present it in concert. thanks to Tom Brown, manager of the call" another louder bird answered, an Enthusiasm has run so high among those Alexandria Arena, for making our meet­ electrifying effect produced by Ben Hall in attendance, as well as the owners and ings there possible. with a hand held model on stage - a manager of the theatre, that another pro­ very appropriate opening for the first gram is already in the planning stages day of spring. After the nightingales PUGET SOUND for the fall. had finished their mating calls, Lowell On February 25th the chapter met to announced his opening selections from discuss the negotiations under way for "Annie Get Your Gun." OREGON the purchase and installation of a chap­ For the next 40 minutes the nearly The fabulous Oriental Theatre was the ter-owned organ - the purchase to be 500 in attendance were whisked away to setting for our March meeting - a St. made by the issuance of bonds to mem­ that magic never-never land as Lowell Patrick's Day concert by Tom Hazelton bers, the installation to be placed in a poured forth nostalgic standards of the of San Francisco. Tom brought a fresh local church which has offered their fel­ 20s, 30s and 40s by Romberg, Friml and style to the 3-13 Wurlitzer. lowship hall for this purpose. Following

june 1968 36 the business meeting, a tour of Seattle's lizer; Harold and Ann Musolf's spacious The March meeting was a special pipe organ lore was initiated. Starting at location at Harold's Industrial Electric event. The chapter met at the Fox 10: 30 a.m., the members assembled at Motors Service Center for a good look Theatre at midnight Friday, March the B & V Pipe Organ Shop. Bill Bunch and listen to their 3 /11 Wurlitzer, origin­ 22nd. Leading off the program was and his "Sunday morning crew" com­ ally at United Artist Theatre in Portland, Stan Kann, staff organist at the Fox, posed of Ken Mayberry, Don Myers and Ore. Last but not least-Woody & Lou and TV personality, playing some Frank Hutchins divided the members into Presho's meticulously restored, snappy light classics and popular music in four groups for a guided tour with a 2/ 6 Wurlitzer. the Best T. 0. tradition. Then Dale demonstration of various "church voices" Zieger, Stan's associate organist, and then proceeded cautiously into the played. Following this "formal" pro­ area of pipe voicing-just far enongh to gram, other members and guests let everyone know that this is one area took turns at the Crawford Special of the hobby which should be entered while others went on a tour of the very cautiously, if not left entirely alone! chambers. S e v e r a I new members Following lunch at the Seattle Center joined A TOE on the spot. they proceeded to Rainier Valley to hear St. Louis Chapter, ATOE, has under­ demonstrated and played one of the fine taken the purchase and installation of a B & V pipe organs in the Seattle area. theatre pipe organ in the Kirkwood Gene Nye and Bill Bunch shared the Community Center. The console will be console in this beautiful church. Appre­ installed on a lift at stage center. The ciation should be conveyed to these art­ organ pipes, percussions, and the piano, ists for a most enjoyable concert and a all playable from the console, will be wish that it be done again sometime. installed behind the grilles above the On Sunday, Marc_h 3 a small work stage. - Don Ullrich, party placed a Gottfried English Post KORLA PANDIT acknowledges audience appre­ Horn, loaned by Balcom & Vaughan ciation from the Seattle Paramount's 4-20 Wur­ Chairman. Pipe Organs, Inc., ir:i the tuba mirabilis litzer during April Puget Sound Chapter concert. chest in the main chamber of the Seattle SIERRA Paramount Wurlitzer. What snap and Korla graciously tried to cover all The Sierra Chapter presented its fire this set adds ! ! home installations, but had to forego this for a dinner engagement. fourth public movie show in Grant Koria Pandit Our magic carpet is safely back in Union High School, Sacramento, Calif., "Magic Carpet" Day with Puget storage to wait, not too long, we hope, on April 19th, with George Seaver at Sounders began at the Paramount The­ for another concert on our big white the 4-22 Kilgen-Wurlitzer accompany­ atre Sunday morning, April 21, with and gold pride and joy and another such ing the silent flick, "Thief of Bagdad," KORLA PANDIT at the magnificent visitation day so well planned and exe­ starring Douglas Fairbanks Sr. Much white and gold Publix #1 4-20 Wur­ cuted by our "fearless leader", Chairman help was given by radio, TV and news­ litzer. Some 200 members and friends Russ Evans. papers, and our public service announce­ in the Puget Sound area, from Portland, -Mildred Lawrence ments did much to attract the audience Oregon, and Vancouver, B. C., were of 700 which attended. The organ was whisked on a musical tour with Korla's in fine shape, and Mr. Seaver played it fine program - modern, boogy - woogy, ST. LOUIS for nearly three hours without a rest. march, and of course his exotic numbers St. Louis Chapter began the new year The program included a "sing-along" of the mystic east, taking every advan­ with some new officers and board mem­ with slides and a wild laurel and Hardy tage of the full organ sound ( including bers and a new resolution to make the comedy, as well as the 1924 Fairbanks a new post horn recently loaned to the chapter more interesting and active. The epic fantasy. Writing in the Sacramento Puget Sound ATOE by Balcom & first meeting was held January 21. Pro­ Union next day, reporter Charles Slater Vaughan Pipe Organs, Inc. of Seattle gram Chairmen Bernard Nordmann and wrote with much enthusiasm, "They just and installed by Don Myers, Dan Adam­ Dale Zieger prepared a program with a don't make films like that anymore. It son, National Prez. Dick Schrum and taped demonstration of basic Theatre was one of the kickiest assignments I've Chairman Russ Evans). Organ voices. Programs for meetings are ever been fortunate enough to receive. The delight of the audience was some­ After the theatre concert the "Magic now prepared several months in advance. February 16th the St. Louis Chap­ thing to behold; they roared with laugh­ Carpet" took us on tours of seven pipe ter and applauded." ter inaugurated a series of organ organ home installations in the Seattle -Elmer Fubb area-north and south. Virginia Law­ concerts with silent movies by pre­ rence's beautiful blonde 3/ 8 Robert senting Dale Zieger in a program Morton; Dan Adamson's 2/ 7 Wurlitzer entitled "Thoroughly Modern WESTERN RESERVE -plus guppies, plus a huge system H-O Organ." Dale provided a completely The chapter wishes to say thank you scale railroad ( what to look at first?!! ) ; professional accompaniment to the to George Lukas for letting them have Harold and Ann Shawver's 3/ 9 Kimball Charlie Ch a p Ii n movie, The Gold their February meeting at his Parma (with all percussion except marimba) Rush. A full house throughly en­ Heights Hammond Organ Studio and housed in their charming rustic "by the joyed the evening. also to Gerry Gregorius for his fine ren­ sea" ( Puget Sound) home in Edmonds, At the February meeting two nights ditions on the X-66. Comment heard Washington. South Seattle was well rep­ later, three new members joined as a most often that day: "It has a great resented with Val and Lee Bauscher's result of the above program. John Crow­ piano stop ." There were approximately hilltop home housing their 3/ 11 Wurlit­ ley, another recent new member, pro­ 5 3 people in attendance. Special thanks zer ( Opus 1709) formerly at the World vided a sound movie fro~ the early also to Duey Arey for arranging the Theatre in Omaha; Bill and Mary 30's, showing Jesse Crawford, Don meeting. Carson's beautifully voiced 3/ 11 Wur- Baker, and Ann Leaf. (Continued on Next Page)

37 theatre organ I bombarde CHAPTER NEWS, contd. relamped all the cove, channel and niche DON MILLER lighting . If you get a chance, chis is one It is reported that Loew's Theatre (Continued from Page 6) to see and hear. 1 (now the Civic Theatre) in Akron, Ohio, singer sing 0 Promise Me.' The pit or­ had its organ console buried for the per­ It's too bad March decided to be such chestra and organ came in for a smash formances of "Hello Dolly" March 15 a lion on the evening of their March finale. It was breathtaking. I don't be­ and 16. A temporary runway was built meeting at Flo and John Hobbis '. There lieve, to my knowledge, there was any out over the orchestra pit and the organ were many too chicken to try, but the 18 other theatre doing a production like console for chis show only. brave ones who made the meeting, the this. I would love to see spectacles like The Western Reserve Chapter Sheet good time had was worth it all. Denny this presented to an audience of today. also reported that the Tower Theatre Richards showed and narrated his slides. The public is ready for things of this (Upper Darby, Penna.) Wurlitzer was The evening ended with everyone gath­ nature, but the present-day manage­ still being heard. The Wurlitzer in this ered around the Hammond dreaming of ments just can't seem to see it yet. theatre was the one the lace, great or­ the Morton. Many thanks to Flo and "Siegel, Gutow and myself were all ganist Leonard "Melody Mac" MacClain John for being such gracious hosts, and working for the circuit before they sold made famous through his series of re­ the rest that didn't make it are hoping out to B&K. They would "guest" us cordings. Bob Lent is now being fea­ there will be a next time soon so they around. Gutow would go to the Fisher, tured at this organ. He has been playing can cry again. I would go to the Michigan, and Siegel for up to a full hour before showtime­ Marion and George Rogers were hoses would go to the Capitol. And it was chat complete with colored changing lighting to the Lake County Chapter of American way for a year or so. We were featured effects plus the atmospheric stars all Guild of Organists on March 25th. It is in all three of the houses. After B&K a-twinkle in the blue sky above. The understood the Page put out a good per­ took over, the policies changed. Gucow theatre itself is just beautiful, having formanc~boch with and without crem­ left first, Siegel left second, and I was been completely redecorated. The man­ ulants - and may have improved the the last one to go. I went to the 'neigh­ agement, Messrs. Jones and Zimmerman, opinions of a few A.G. 0. members borhoods.' Darned if I was going to plan to have full-scale stage shows and regarding theatre organs. Marion feels shovel! So I went to the Riviera and its vaudeville, with the organ, as part of the chat the apparent success of the meeting Robert Morton. From there I went into show policy this year. Bob Lent, who is would lead everyone co believe they the Great Lakes and played a two-week 18 years old, plays the Wurlitzer, also might like to invite A.G. 0. members engagement at the Redford Theatre, serves as first organ technician, electrical to the meetings or chose with installa­ whose Barcon organ has now been re­ engineer and color combiner for solo tions might like to invite chem to have stored through the efforcs of the Motor presentations. Jan Carroll is second or­ a meeting on chem . . . . possibly some City Chapter of A TOE. I also played gan technician and in charge of console new members? ? ? ! ! a two-week engagement at the Royal elevator, and is lighting technician . Bob The Western Reserve Relay, April Oaks which also had a Barton. I played Beck serves as lighting effect technician . issue, carried several interesting letters two short engagements at the Punch and Manager Jones is an enthusiastic backer chat were reprinted from the "Diapason Judy Theatre, 600-seat house, at Grosse of the theatre organ concept as part of Magazine" in regard to "pipe pirates" Point. Edsel Ford and his family were today's programs at the Tower. Not only and "scrap dealers" who have been busy regular visitors at the Punch and Judy. did the three-man crew restore the organ in various parts of the country desecrat­ I met the Ford family and found them to full playing condition, they also put ing good pipe organs for selfish reasons. to be very wonderful people. I did slide the twinkle back in the ceiling stars and PADLOCK THOSE CHAMBERS!!! solos• at this theatre. Sometimes on Sat­ urday night I would run in community A.T.O.E. FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 1967 singing just for a change. That theatre Receipts Disbursements Balance is still in beautiful condition and its CASH BALANCE JANUARY 1, 1967 ______$ 602.92 future is apparently quite secure. The RECEIPTS: 2m-5r Wurlitzer with percussion has Dues ------$20,722.28 Back issues 413.50 now been restored by the A TOE or­ Advertising ------2,398.20 ganization and is active. ( See Motor Organ Manufacturer's Subscription ______176.00 City Chapter news in this issue. Advances refunded ------­ 1,017.73 Convention 1967 705.58 "In the winter season of 1931, I went Miscel laneou s sources ------125.10 to the Olympia Theatre in Miami, Flori­ DISBURSEMENTS: da, which was like a vacation with pay. Office Supplies ______$ 1,400.98 I played split weeks with slides, some Postage ------1,169.56 community singing one half of the week Telephone ------995.01 Office operating expenses ______2,300.00 and straight solos the balance of the Theatre Organ Bombarde and week. They also had a stage show. It was circulation operating expenses ______1,275.12 a very pleasant engagement. They Theatre Organ Bombarde-printing ______13,323.14 Travel ($391.09 of this refunded) ______2,337.32 booked me twice. Then I returned co Advertising expenses ------­ 232.99 Detroit and the Michigan Theatre. I was National Convention - 1967 ------701.50 there for six months. There was a National Insurance - 1st year ____ _ 134.00 change at the Michigan Theatre and I Leonard Maclain Memorial Fund ______50.00 Entertainment 70.53 decided to try Chicago. Upon fulfiilling Misc. (bank adj., post office box rentals, etc . ___ 141.02 the required six-month residency, I Dues refunds and chapter dues ______454.30 played several nightclubs and obtained TOTALS______$25,558.39 $24,585.47 a guest engagement at the Southtown Net increase in cash ______972 .92 Cash balance end of period December 31, 1967 $ 1,575.84 and also at the State Lake. I had an offer Outstanding 1967 bills as of 12-31-67 to come back to Detroit at the Fisher Dec. 1967 Theatre Organ Bombarde ______2,916.60 and I grabbed it so quick it wasn't Mailing Service - Oct. issue ------57.75 funny. Mailing Service - Dec. issue ___ _ 46.45 (To Be Continued Next Issue)

;une 1968 38 1968 A/1'.0.B. eoNVBNGJ'ION CLASSIFIED ADS VI~NBG_fG_fES ~11 - -

BEN HALL TO 'MC' CONVENTION FOR SALE: Aeolian Pipe Organ Roll Player WANTED-Replacement pipe for Wurlitzer unit uses 15" wide ( paper width) Aeolian Kinura #3 (D) pipe. R. E. ARNDT, 2117 Ben Hall, author, editor, theatre Duo-Art Pipe Organ rolls. The changer and 40th Street, Dep Moines, Iowa 50310. buff, pipe organ owner and unbridled relay switches are housed in a hand-rubbed T. 0. enthusiast since the year "1," walnut console about 4' high, 3' wide and 2' WANTED-One set of Wurlitzer Kinuras. If deep. The unit is designed to play the pipe you have ·broken set, let me know. Need to has agreed to be master of ceremonies organ rolls one after the other in rotation. fill mine. Any Wurlitzer Brass Trumpets for the 1968 ATOE Convention, ac­ With the roll player unit come 70 Aeolian from broken sets available? GUENTHER H. cording to the convention chairman, Duo-Art Pipe Organ rolls and 11 lower sali­ HILLE, 109 Hilltop Blvd., Canfield, Ohio Robert S. Carson. will be Ben's tional pipes of the 8' pitch (Marr & Colton). 44406, Phone (216) 533-5133. It Perfect for anyone who owns a theatre or third consecutive year of introducing classical organ. Price: $600. RICHARD E. WANTED-Second-touch Stop Tablets with the artists. JOHNSEN, 110 Robbins Lane, DeWitt, contacts (or without): two Vax Humanas, N.Y. 13214. Phone: (315) 446-8484. two 8' Unison Offs, or blanks that can be etched. W. S. GRAU, 109 North Elm Street, FOR SALE-ROBERT-MORTON 3/14 the­ Prospect Heights, Illinois 60070. atre pipe organ, 167 stop tablets. Playing and in perfect condition. Write for details, N. E. TO SW AP-Will swap T. 0. Magazines for BROWN JR., 4346 North Woodward, Royal photos, recordings or what-have-you. I have Oak, Michigan 48072. most issues of TIBIA, THEATRE ORGAN and THEATRE ORGAN BOMBARDE. IRA FOR SALE-Allen Three Manual Theatre FREEDMAN, 46 Bailey Avenue, Latham De Luxe Organ with traps and tuned percus­ N. Y. 12210. sions. Like new. Cost $12,000. Sell for FOR SALE-ALLEN THEATRE DELUXE $6,000. E. C. FEILD, Route 3, Box 33B, Charlottesville, Va. 22901. Phone 703-293- with Calliope, sleigh bells, whistle, traps, 8081 after 5.00 p.m. presence projectors, breath accenter, 4 cabi­ nets, etc. Current model; save $2,000. GRAF­ GET THE GUYS FOR SALE-KIMBALL 7-rank Theatre Pipe TON PIANO AND ORGAN CO., Parkway Organ, in chamber. Can be seen and heard Shopping Center, 15th and Lehigh Sts., Al­ TO VOCALIZE at Federated Church in Marlborough, New lentown, Pa. 18100. Phone 215-797-7755. WITHNATIONAL'$ DANDY Hampshire. Best offer. Send all inquiries to Allentown's Rodgers church and home organ MUSIC CHAIRMAN, FEDERATED CHURCH, dealer. "SING-ALONGSONG SLIDES" I! Marlborough, N. H. 03455 . Sendtor free cataloe of all-time hit songs FOR SALE Books: Whitworth's Cinema and available in slide form for as low as 50c a tune! Theatre Organs $15.00. Wurlitzer Hope-Jones Need a projector?Let us know ... we'll save you Unit Orchestra $3.95. Wurlitzer Unit Organs real doueh! REPRINT 'FEELER' $4.50. Wurlitzer Theatre Organ Fact Book , The editors and publications staff $2.00. Audsley's Art of Organ Building, two HTIDl&LSORG SLIDE SIIVICE . INC. volumes, $15. Postpaid. ORGAN LITERA­ of THEATRE ORGAN BOM­ TURE FOUNDATION, Nashua, N. H. tZ I. tltb St. 111 Tork,IU. 10036 BARDE magazine are considering 03060. the possibility, as well as the ad­ FOR SALE: Assorted pipe organ equipment. visability, of publishing a RE­ Send for list. ANDREW A. LATORRE, 45 PRINT SERIES of earlier issues, Ellis Avenue, Northport, N. Y. 11768. beginning with the rare and FOR SALE-Any and all parts of my eleven much-sought-after TIBIA num­ rank renovated BARTON. 6-rank straight NOW bers. If you are interested in such chest with 6 fine ranks including Kinura a series, please drop a card to $600. 4 unit chests with Tibia 16 to 2 ft. AVAILABLE PUBLICATIONS, c/ o ATOE pipes $400. CESANDER, Dunnell, Minne­ National Office, P. 0. Box 7404, sota. an exact Bitter Lake Station, Seattle, FOR SALE: Modern Harmony for Organ. Washington 98143. Free brochure. 17410 Gilmore St., Van Nuys, duplicate California 91406. of the

FAMOUS BACK ISSUES AVAILABLE THEATRE ORGAN: THEATRE ORGAN/BOMBARDE HOWARD 1959: No. 2 (Summer) (COMBINED) 1962: No. 3 (Fall) "WONDER" SEAT No. 4 (Winter) 1966: No. 2 (Summer) 1963: Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 No. 3 (October) 1964: Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 No. 4 (December) 1965: Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 F.O.B. 1966: No. 1 $16000 DES MOINES, IOWA 1967: No. 4 (August) Also Howard seat replacement castings BOMBARDE: No. 5 (October) and Wurlitzer Black Cap magnet coils . 1964: Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 No. 6 (December) 1965: Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 1966: No. 1 1968: All issues still available KEYBOARD ENTERTAINMENT PRICE PER COPY: $1.00 through 1967; 1968 issues $1.25 each. PRODUCTS MANUFACTURINGCO. 2117 4Dlh SI., DES MOINES, IOWA 50310 A.T. 0. E. Circulation Dept., Box 1314, Salinas, Calif. 93901

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