2014 Winter MUSIC HALL Marks Issue 1 MUSIC HALL Marks SPMH - President’s Message What a wonderful time of year! snowballs, and bonfires with hot The beauty of autumn, leading into dogs…you know, the “whole thing”! winter, opens a torrent of memo - Importantly, so many of us ries that often just seems to rain also enjoy unforgettable fall-winter upon my head. memories right here at Changing leaf col - Music Hall. The early ors convert, irrevoca - performances of the bly, into piles of fallen Cincinnati Ballet’s leaves to jump in and “Nutcracker” with run through; and then, Mother Ginger and her the biggie…the unfor - skirt-full of “gumdrop” gettable smell of burn - children dancers; or, ing leaf piles (not any of Erich Kunzel’s anymore, of course). holiday shows with all How about memo - those costumed “clog - ries of family Thanks - gers” will live with us giving dinners? -- even forever. if not “over the river Don Siekmann I’m guessing that and through the woods.” Changing you have your own share of Music any of the foods served from year Hall memories, so, sit back, and to year just doesn’t happen. Tradi - enjoy them once again. Or, better tions change very slowly…and yet, come back to Music Hall and memories often last forever. Next, create new memories. Since they we certainly can’t stop the snows are best when shared, bring some - of winter with sledding, snowmen, one with you to build new memo -
Table of Contents
SPMH President’s Message ...... page 1 Happy Holidays’ Stars . . . . . page 13 SPMH Mission Statement ...... page 2 Music Hall Christmas 1914 . page 15 Board of Directors 2015 ...... page 2 The Shining ...... page 18 Annuall Meeting 2014 ...... page 3 Summer Remembered ...... page 21 Meet New Board Members ...... page 8 Standing Tall for Music Hall . . page 22 Tour Program Coordinator Hired. . page 10 2013 - 2014 SPMH Members . . page 24 Music Hall Projects Funded...... page 11 Acknowledgements...... page 29 50 Years of Preservation...... page 12 Erin Horton, Photographer . . p age 30 MUSIC HALL Marks 2 ries that will last your lifetime. your support will help make it pos - Enjoy the CSO Holiday show, the sible for future generations to cre - Mighty Wurlitzer concert, the ate their own memories of our Cincinnati Opera’s 95th Anniver - historic Icon…. Music Hall. It’s sary Ball, or, Handel’s Messiah easy; just use the enclosed enve - with the May Festival Chorus. lope. Complete, and mail in. We Lastly, I have an important re - will do the rest. quest! Join us in the Society for the Hope to see you…..HERE!! Preservation of Music Hall, where - Don Siekmann
SPMH MISSION STATEMENT The mission of The Society for the Preservation of Music Hall is to preserve, promote, improve, and provide education about Music Hall, funding special projects in addition to Music Hall management’s opera - tional and maintenance obligations, and facilitating communications among Music Hall management, owner, and tenants, in order to perpetuate Music Hall as the premier cultural center of the Region, and as a National Historic Landmark of international significance.
SPMH BOARD of Directors 2015
President Ronald Wehmeier Directors Donald C. Siekmann Ex Officio Directors Lisa Allison Patty Beggs Immediate Past President Andrew Bowen - Cincinnati Opera Norma Petersen Meredith Downton Trey Devey Melissa Godoy Vice Presidents - Cincinnati Symphony Joanne Grueter Megan Hall Orchestra Marcella Hsiung Barbara Harshman Missie Santomo Kathy Janson William Henrich - Cincinnati Ballet Peter Koenig Tricia Johnson Steven Sunderman Ed Rider Ken Jones - Cincinnati May Festival Ken Kreider Paul Muller Life Member Recording Secretary Joyce Van Wye, Ramon Rodriguez Karen McKim Co-Founder Rosemary Schlachter Treasurer Sue Sommer Music Hall Liaison Mark Weadick Bethany Vondran Scott Santangelo 3 MUSIC HALL Marks Annual Meeting 2014
Otto Budig, Jr., Don Siekmann and Murray Sinclaire, Jr. The SPMH Annual Meeting rium. A cocktail/hors d’oeuvres re - was held on Monday, September ception with music provided by pi - 8th in Music Hall’s Corbett Audito - anist, Don Hurd and flutist, Joan Cavally delighted the capacity crowd. Before the presentations began members had the opportu - nity to purchase tickets for “Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer” (December 11), Pianist Carol Walker, baritone Joseph Lattanzi, mezzo-soprano Adria Caffaro Cincinnati Finds its Voice DVD, and the SPMH Music Hall orna - ment. Restored and newly ac - quired panels from the 1878 Music Hall organ screen were on display. Board Presi - Pianist Don Hurd and Flutist Joan Cavally dent, Don Siek - MUSIC HALL Marks 4 mann, called the meeting to order. of our organization over the past Drawing attention to the precepts year including growing our mem - of the Mission Statement, he re - bership; conservation projects and turned again and again to the other funding efforts; the distribu - theme “Standing Tall for Music tion of MUSIC HALL Marks to Hall,” emphasizing our commitment 4,000 readers; the wealth of timely to the Music Hall Revitalization. He information on the website proceeded to highlight the activities SPMHcincinnati.org; the successful
Patrick Korb, Barbara Hahn, Barbara Gould and David Klingshirn Ed Rider
Nancy Wagner, Ron Wehmeier and Patricia Wagner Peter Koenig
Mike & Kathy Janson, Tony Lang & Marcella Hsiung Andrew Bowen 5 MUSIC HALL Marks Wurlitzer Concert Series; the ex - Geiser, Eugene Saenger, Jr., John panded tour program. Senhauser, and Jim Tarbell. He Peter Koenig of the Nominat - welcomed new Directors, Megan ing Committee took the podium, Hall, Tricia Johnson, Kenneth Krei - thanking retiring Directors, Adri - der, Paul Muller and Bethany Von - enne Beaudet Cowden, Jodi dran. Peter stated that all current Officers have been elected to serve another year. Facilities Funding was addressed by Ed Rider. He reported that in the past year mem - ber contributions and the Corbett Endowment Fund have supported Elizabeth Allaire and Barbara Harshman the preservation of the historic organ panels and the cleaning of the Reuben Springer statue. Additionally, SPMH has donated $100,000 to the Music Hall Revitalization Com - pany as an advance to - ward our total commitment. Andrew Bowen shared details of an ex - panded tour program, Linda Siekmann and Karen McKim Emma and Erin Horton with increased advertis - ing, better docent visi - bility in red tour guide vests, and the planned hiring of a part-time on- site tours coordinator. Following this presenta - tion, mezzo-soprano Adria Caffaro and bari - tone Joseph Lattanzi, accompanied by pianist Carol Walker enter - Andrew Bowen, Lisa Allison, Peter Koenig and Gene Saenger tained with a lively se - MUSIC HALL Marks 6 lection including Irving Berlin’s vote in support of the County’s Mu - “Anything You Can Do”. seum Center sales tax (Issue 8) he President Siekmann then intro - affirmed that a loss in November duced the evening’s guest speak - would be very damaging to Music ers, Murray Sinclaire, Jr., Chair of the Cultural Facilities Task Force and Otto Budig, Jr., President of the Music Hall Revitalization Co. Mr. Sinclaire summarized the her - culean work of the members of the Task Force (6,000 hours invested in a thoroughly vetted plan), voiced disappointment in the County Commissioners’ decision to delete Music Hall from the Novem - ber ballot, and underlined the extra support now required from the community. “The Task Force is in the process of developing Plan B” he said, “and private philanthropy Stacy Schmidt, Tammy Gentile and Jody Weithofer is key in Plan B.” He emphasized that the Task Force is committed to finding a solution for Music Hall. A new funding model, securing pri - vate donors, finalizing the relation - ship with the City and mobilizing lovers of Music Hall to support the effort are requirements of the solu - tion. “We have a hill to climb and the hope is that by your next An - nual Meeting there will be a defini - tive plan.” “This is a jog not a Scott Santangelo and Mark Weadick sprint” he added. Don again took the micro - phone reiterating “we will always be here for Music Hall.” He recog - nized the great support of the Cor - bett Foundation and its Executive Director, Karen McKim. Referring to the work ahead he said “this is a puzzle we are trying to put together and there are many missing pieces.” Encouraging members to Steve Loftin, Don Siekmann and Van Ackerman 7 MUSIC HALL Marks Hall. Without the approximately and Cincinnati Center City Devel - $175 million from a successful pas - opment Corp. (3CDC) in formulat - sage of the levy for the Museum ing a plan for Music Hall. Otto said Center, both buildings would again that Steve Leeper, President and require funding from the same lim - CEO of 3CDC considers the Music ited sources. Hall renovation to be his signature With the words “I’ll just take a project. “The organizations are not moment of your time” Otto Budig looking to reduce the scope of the noted that one year ago he was ($123 million) renovation as part of SPMH Annual Meeting guest the solution” and completing the speaker and he had hoped that renovations for patrons while main - both Music Hall and the Museum taining acoustics of the Hall are Center would receive help from the paramount. “Timing though is be - successful passage of the Hamilton coming critical” he stressed. The County sales tax. He stated that $40 million of private philanthropy, the Music Hall Revitalization Com - pledged largely on a handshake, pany is committed to working with must be secured. And the amount the Cultural Facilities Task Force of that ‘anticipated’ $40 million rep - resenting a contribu - tion for Music Hall is unknown. “Donor in - tent must be recog - nized.” And additional funding must be iden - tified. Don thanked the guest speakers and all attendees, formally ending the meeting. - Kathy Janson Holly Doan Spraul, Judy Prinz, Carmon DeLeone and Sue Doan
Ken Jones and Myra Greenberg Marlene Johnson and Chris Neyer, Lee and Carol Cole MUSIC HALL Marks 8
Meet New Board Members
Ken Kreider, Bethany Vondran, Tricia Johnson, Megan Hall, Paul Muller SPMH has a tradition of at - ing as Executive Vice President, tracting talented members of our Chairman of the Board, and Agent community to serve as Directors. It for Riverbend Commercial Title is with pleasure that the newest Agency, a wholly-owned subsidiary members of the Board are intro - of KMK. Among his many involve - duced. ments, Ken has been active with the Cincinnati, Ohio Historic Con - Kenneth P. Kreider servation Board from 1998 to 2013. Ken is a Partner with Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL. He Bethany A. Vondran practices in the areas of real estate Bethany has been an Account financing, taxation, zoning and em - Manager with Cincinnati Public inent domain, environmental is - Radio WVXU, WGUC since 2013. sues, construction litigation, title In this capacity she creates radio insurance, among others. Ken was marketing campaigns, writing win - named a Fellow of the American ning copy to achieve clients’ goals, College of Real Estate Lawyers while raising revenues for NPR Af - and is certified as a specialist in filiate, WVXU and all-Classical sta - Business, Commercial and Indus - tion, WGUC. Additionally she trial Real Property Law by the Ohio assists clients in content creation State Bar Association. He is a li - and implementation of social censed title insurance agent serv - media plans.Currently she is a pro - 9 MUSIC HALL Marks fessor at Cincinnati State in the civil litigation in federal and state areas of professional selling, prin - courts in Ohio and Kentucky, pri - ciples of advertising, sales and marily in the areas of employment marketing. Bethany has a BFA law and insurance defense. Megan from the University of Cincinnati, has worked for GE Aviation in mili - College Conservatory of Music in tary systems operation and Col - Electronics Media. orado Catering Company in accounting and human resources. Tricia M. Johnson To her credit she has a published Tricia is an Executive Director work Abraham Lincoln and the with Ernst and Young in the na - Evolution of a Fee Simple Deed , tional tax practice. With over 20 36 N. Ky. L. Rev. 333 years of experience, her public ac - counting career focus has been on Paul Muller health care and exempt organiza - A Principal with Muller Archi - tions. Relevant areas of expertise tects, Inc., established in 1986, include tax exemption and its Paul is also Executive Director of maintenance, executive compen - the Cincinnati Preservation Associ - sation structuring and related Form ation. A registered architect in the 990 reporting and IRS examina - states of Ohio, Indiana and Ken - tions. A CPA, she is a graduate of tucky, he is widely recognized for Miami University. Tricia is a fre - design excellence. His body of quent speaker on tax-exemption work includes historic preservation issues, including local and national projects, residential commissions, events. exhibition design for museums, theater renovations, medical facili - Megan B. Hall ties and university buildings. He With a Bachelor of Arts in Eco - has been a member of a select few nomics and Political Science from participants in such prestigious ex - the University of Tennessee in hibitions as the Paris Biennale, 2006 and a Juris Doctor from The Ecole des Beaux-Arts , the Salmon P. Chase College of Law in Cooper Hewitt Museum of Design, 2010, Megan is an associate attor - the Royal Institute of British Archi - ney with the firm Kohnen & Patton tects and the American Academy in LLP in Cincinnati. She practices Rome. To learn more about MUSIC HALL, Past, Present and Future Visit the SPMH Website www.spmhcincinnati.org MUSIC HALL Marks 10 Tour Program Coordinator Hired
Ramona Toussaint introduced the guide manual and designing herself at the October 13th SPMH training materials; supervising/ Board meeting saying “there are scheduling volunteer guides and two words to describe me, ‘overly increasing the pool of qualified tour enthusiastic’!” The nineteen candi - guides; coordinating tours with dates who applied for the position CAA/Music Hall staff and accom - of Tour Program Coordi - modating walk-in visitors nator were interviewed when possible; creat - by SPMH/CAA staff. ing/implementing mar - Three very well quali - keting/outreach fied individuals were in - strategies such as terviewed a second theme-based tours, with time by the SPMH tour social media and pro - committee with Ra - motional materials; de - mona being the candi - veloping plans for date hired. Ramona’s promoting SPMH activi - background is in the ties; maintaining mailing fields of marketing, Ramona Toussaint lists of SPMH members community engagement and devel - and volunteers and assisting with opment. Her current experience in - SPMH special events. cludes the positions of Director of Don Siekmann stated that the Children’s Programs at the Art goals of the Tour Program are the Academy, Board President and following: to promote the precepts current Chair of the Development of the SPMH Mission Statement; to Committee of Community Shares increase the number of tours of - of Greater Cincinnati and Board fered; to develop tours that are member and Chair of Friends of among the City’s best; to expand MUSE, Cincinnati’s Women’s the number of SPMH members; Choir. and to generate revenue to offset While the part-time position is some of the total cost of tours. In primarily responsible for coordinat - summarizing the goals, the respon - ing, organizing, advancing and pro - sibilities, and the qualifications re - viding dedicated support to the quired, Don said that Ramona SPMH tour program, some of the Toussaint is “exactly the person we individual duties include rewriting have been looking for.” To schedule a Tour call 744-3344 or [email protected] 11 MUSIC HALL Marks Music Hall Projects Funded Anyone who visits Music Hall’s the organ screen was dismantled. lobby is most certainly impressed Thanks to Carter Randolph and the with the transformation of the Greenacres Foundation, the carv - Reuben Springer statue. Free of ing was removed from the auc - years of grime, the Carrara marble tioned items and gifted to SPMH. is again white thanks to the efforts The back of the panel is carved of conservator Betsy Geiser. SPMH with the inscription “Presented to may, at some future time, focus at - the Cinti Organ by Mrs. A. Hinkle” tention on restoring others of the with the WF signature of William historic portrait sculptures. Fry. The larger rectangular panel, Two important to which it was works have re - originally attached, cently been do - is ‘The Trumpet nated to the SPMH Vine’, which had Organ Panels Con - been displayed on servation Project. Music Hall’s north In September, the hall stairway wall. Museum Center SPMH contin - returned the ‘Hon - ues the search for eysuckle’ an 8 foot others of the nu - horizontal William Mozart Panel merous panels Fry creation. The centerpiece was from the famed organ screen. Pro - originally positioned over the con - fessional work at Heller Conserva - sole of the 1878 organ. It depicts a tion in Nashville is ongoing with lovely array of honeysuckle intention of eventual permanent branches and near life-like song display in Corbett Tower. Donors birds. Much thanks to the Museum and Music Hall personnel were re - Center. cipients of these in the early 1970s The Louis and Louise Dieterle and some have been regifted to Nippert Estate auction took place family, friends, sold or auctioned on September 27th and 28th. One off. If you have one in your posses - of the items in the original cata - sion, please consider contacting logue was the top portion of an - SPMH about making arrangements other significant panel. Designed for a return to Music Hall. by Laura Fry and carved by her fa - With gratitude to SPMH mem - ther, William, the ‘Mozart’ piece bers and the Corbett Endowment, shows delicate work with detailed SPMH continues our all important ivy leaves. This carving was a gift preservation and improvement ef - to Louise in the early 1970s when forts. MUSIC HALL Marks 12 50 Years of Preservation In honoring The Cincinnati from the screen of Music Hall’s Preservation Associa - 1878 Hook and Hastings tion’s 50th Anniver - organ. The panel is repre - sary, the Cincinnati sentative of the 19th cen - Museum Center has tury ‘Cincinnati Art-Carved put together an exhibi - Furniture Movement’ tion “Celebrating 50 made famous by carvers Years of Preservation Henry and William Fry, Working Together Sav - Ben Pitman and their stu - ing Places”. Highlight - dents. ing the evolution of the Recognizing that preservation move - Cincinnati was losing his - ment from its early toric sites and buildings at focus on individual an alarming rate, a group buildings to its current of concerned citizens role in reviving entire banded together 50 years neighborhoods, the ago to convince the popu - exhibit is replete with lace to reconsider the stories, building mod - rush to demolish in favor els, blueprints and of efforts to preserve and Cincinnati artifacts. restore that which is irre - The exhibition, located placeable. Their efforts in the Culture Gallery, paid off in generating en - opened on September thusiasm for and appreci - 27th, closes April 5th ation of greater Cincinnati and is free to the pub - heritage. Today, largely lic. because of the efforts of SPMH is partici - such like-minded organi - pating with a Music zations as the Cincinnati Hall informational wall Preservation Association, display and with a historic preservation has unique exhibition become a central part of entry, the newly re - city planning. Garden Panel stored ‘Garden Panel’ Exhibit: Culture Gallery of Museum Center Through April 5th Mon.—Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. 13 MUSIC HALL Marks
The Society For The Preservation of Music Hall presents
with the MIGHTY WURLITZER In cooperation with the Ohio Valley Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society
featuring: Theatre-Organist Mark Herman The School for the Creative and Performing Arts Children’s Choir Dancers of the Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy All Seats Now Reserved - $25 ($20 for seniors, students and groups of 10 or more) Tickets: • CincinnatiArts.org • Arnoff Center / Music Hall Ticket office • (513) 621 - Arts (2787) • Group Discount (10+): (513) 977 - 4157 Thursday, December 11, 2014 10:30 AM & 7:00 PM, Cincinnati Music Hall Ballroom
Happy Holidays’ Stars
Come for the cheer as SPMH American Theatre Organ Society’s presents a dazzling show with the Organist of the Year and is the Mighty Wurlitzer in the ‘Winter youngest person ever (born in Wonderland’ of Music Hall’s Ball - 1987) to receive the prestigious room, Thursday, December 11th, honor. He studied theatre organ 10:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.! with John Ferguson of Indianapolis, Mark Herman is one of Amer - recognized worldwide for his skills ica’s busiest young theatre organ - as a teacher. Mark’s classical piano ists, performing over 30 concerts studies were with Christine Free - and silent film presentations each man of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He year across the U.S. and abroad. In earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts de - July 2012, he was named the gree in Theatre Arts/Management MUSIC HALL Marks 14 from DePaul University in Chicago. American Theatre Society , wrote Mark currently resides in Los Ange - that “the organ is aural perfection les, where he is President and and the ballroom is stunning. This Tonal Director of the Los Angeles installation, in such a storied musi - Organ Company, the Allen Organ cal landmark, is a feather in the cap dealer for the Greater Los Angeles of Cincinnati—how fortunate we Area. He is in demand as a voicing were to be able to experience it specialist and today!” tonal consultant The School for Allen Organs. for Creative and Herman returns Performing Arts, to the Music Hall founded in 1973 Ballroom where is a world class he was guest public arts school performing artist where dedicated for the SPMH students prepare ‘Happy Holidays’ for a lifelong in - in December volvement in 2012. artistic and Organ fans scholastic pur - from around the SCPA Children’s Choir suits. The Vocal world have Program has sev - heard the Mighty Wurlitzer in our eral levels and choir groups includ - beloved Music Hall. The organ has ing The Children’s Choir for grades quite a history. Built in 1927 for the 4-7, directed by Laurie Wyant- famed Albee Theatre, it made its Zenni. way to the Emery Theatre, was put Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig into storage, and finally, was rebuilt Academy was founded in 1997 and and installed in the Music Hall Ball - has built a reputation as one of the room by Ron Wehmeier, of Ronald finest programs in the nation. F. Wehmeier, Inc. Pipe Organ Serv - Taught by nationally and interna - ices, for its November 2009 dedica - tionally recognized faculty, Cincin - tion. As part of the American nati Ballet Academy offers a Theatre Organ Society’s annual comprehensive dance education convention held in Indianapolis in through three programs: Children’s July 2014, Cincinnati was the desti - Division, Main Division and Adult nation for an ‘Encore’ series of Division as well as five different events including a delightful after - summer programs. The primary noon at Music Hall, with Mark Her - goal at Cincinnati Ballet Academy man at the keys of the Mighty is to provide excellence in technical Wurlitzer. Don Feely, in the most and artistic training and to inspire a recent copy of the Journal of the love of dance. 15 MUSIC HALL Marks Music Hall Christmas 1914
“Hundreds of women, many obligation on Santa Claus and carrying emaciated infants, Brigadier Dunham if they will leave crowded around the Citadel of the them at the southeast corner at Salvation Army, on East Eighth Seventh and Race streets, the Street, clamoring for tickets enti - army’s toy storeroom. No matter if tling them to baskets of provisions the toy soldier has a broken leg or (a chicken, potatoes, bread, a can the woolly dog is minus an ear, of peas, sausages, celery, pie, cof - bring them in. Brigadier Dunham fee, sugar, milk and a copy of the will have the items repaired and War Cry), and admission to Music they will look as good as new to Hall for their children on Christmas some unfortunate tot on the morn - Eve. The crowd began to arrive at ing of ‘the great day’. ‘Street pot’ 8 a.m. and although upward of collections fell off from the corre - 1,200 tickets had been distributed sponding date last year due to the by 4 p.m., a large assemblage bad weather and the populace’s waited beyond that hour to get their lack of money. Two Christmas bits of pasteboard. The women had trees will be at the Home of the been notified by letter that their Friendless on Friday (Christmas cases had been investigated and day) one for the tiny babies, which found worthy to call for their tickets. will of course be a little tree, and a At the children’s party at Music Hall large one for the mothers and other the visitors will be given candy and inmates of the Home.” So was re - toys. Santa Clause is a little short ported by the Cincinnati Enquirer of presents this year. Five hundred on December 22, 1914, the activi - or more poor little boys and girls ties of the Salvation Army in prepa - won’t get any toys if Cincinnatians ration for Christmas. don’t jump in and give the chubby Arrangements were made for old gentleman a lift. Brigadier Dun - 4,000 of the city’s poorest children ham of the Salvation Army, is ask - to attend the biggest party of its ing for about 1,000 toys for the 500 kind in the history of Cincinnati to children referred to. Persons hav - be held at Music Hall on Thursday, ing playthings that they have no December 24th. It was planned further use for will confer a great that the guests, all of whom had re - MUSIC HALL Marks 16 served seats, with many sitting on 23rd a 35 foot Christmas tree was their mother’s lap, would be given hoisted up and installed on the toys cast off by the children of Music Hall stage. So monstrous Cincinnati. But the number of offer - was the tree that many branches ings fell short until a large number had to be cut off for it to fit on the of toys were delivered to the Salva - huge stage. Wired with 375 electric tion Army by the Cincinnati and lights, the tree was absolutely fire- Norwood schools late in the day of proofed with a new chemical spray December 22nd. It was noted that which had not yet made its appear - the school children took special de - ance on the market. A company of light in mending their old toys and ladies from various parts of the city wrapping them to undertook the task make the lives of of decoration with the less fortunate hand-sewn items brighter. Private and bags of can - sources also do - dies. nated books and On Christmas items of wearing Eve, the doors of apparel, all neatly the great Hall wrapped, with des - opened at 3 o’clock ignation as to age for the 4 o’clock and gender appro - start of the party. priateness, and a 4,000 boys and greeting card for girls with their Christmas cheer. mothers excitedly Wagon loads of took their seats. the gifts made the While the audience trek from the central station at Sev - waited for Santa to arrive from the enth and Race to Music Hall but rooftops, 4 year-old Eva Dunham, some of the gifts from outlying Brigadier Dunham’s youngest areas, nearly failed to reach the daughter, found Santa resting in a destination in time, due to the icy box behind the curtains. Tugging at conditions of the streets. his sleeve, she told him she wanted Superintendent Condon of the a teddy bear, a kewpie, a baby public schools agreed to dismiss all buggy, a….. Efforts to coax Eva students at noon on Christmas Eve away failed to dissuade her. “Goin’ so that the invited guests would to stay with Santy Claus all day” have time to get to Music Hall. W. she announced. Then the curtains Kesley Schoepf donated funds for arose revealing the immense tree, car tickets for those children not liv - brilliant with lights and the 4,000 ing within walking distance. presents piled around it. Never be - On the morning of December fore had anyone in the audience 17 MUSIC HALL Marks seen anything like it! Brigadier Dun - James Allison played ‘Santa’ and ham introduced Mayor Spiegel who what a grand Santa he was! He told the children that one day they did, however, confide to a reporter would be able to give presents to that “I hope my whiskers don’t fall boys and girls who were poor also. off.” “When the spirit of giving prevails The tykes were then permitted more freely throughout the world to come to the stage to receive there will be no more wars like the their gifts. Although many children terrible one now going on in Eu - were ill and could not attend, Santa rope” he said. Shortly thereafter, did not forget them, distributing the musical entertainment began, packages to mothers who came to the ‘Brownie Drill’, a Christmas accept their toys. One such mother, pantomime, and the sleight-of-hand after telling Santa that her little girl tricks performed by William Moore. was very sick at home with scarlet All the while the crowd was becom - fever, was given the largest doll in ing more and more restless. J.R. the glorious mountain of gifts. Un - Slayten seized the sleigh bells and doubtedly, this was one of the hap - shaking them violently, pranced piest days in the history of Music over the stage behind the wings, Hall. unseen, in imitation of reindeer. (Courtesy of ProQuest Historical Newspa - Suddenly Santa appeared and the pers Hamilton County Public Library)) children shrieked with glee! Colonel Available at the Bravo Shop
Rose Window Crystal Ornament Rosette & Coffered Ceiling Music Hall Crystal Ornament Rookwood Porcelain Ornament Perfect for Gifting or Keeping MUSIC HALL Marks 18 The Shining “Cleaning of Music Hall’s Chandelier Closeup and Rarely Seen”
A task undertaken at least crystal strands and 96 round flow - every other year is the cleaning ers, the chandelier has a total of and relamping of the Springer Audi - 7,464 crystals. At 21 feet in diame - torium Chandelier. Lowered to near ter, 16 feet tall and weighing 2 tons, floor level, the tedious work is ac - it is the city’s largest light fixture. complished, carefully, by a four- Work on the chandelier, the bas - person crew headed by technical kets and sconces on the walls director Gary Kidney. On August takes all of 3 days. At that point the 20th, he explained the involvement crew moves on to the five smaller in great detail while wiping down chandeliers in the lobby and hall - each crystal with warm water and a ways. soft cloth. Composed of 96 crystal Designed in 1967 by a local ar - cups, 204 hanging medallions, 252 chitectural firm headed by George
Lowered chandelier for maintenance and cleaning 19 MUSIC HALL Marks F. Schatz, the baroque- style 1969, the fixture is attached to a bronze and crystal chandelier was winch mechanism that is hooked manufactured in Czechoslovakia, securely into Music Hall’s roof. The at a cost of $87,000. Installed in mechanism, at that time, cost
Close-up of signatures of the cleaning crew
Gary Kidney works on the chandelier as Kathy Janson watches with amazement. MUSIC HALL Marks 20 $13,000. Mr. Kidney has been cleaning the chandelier for more than 20 years. He and the crew initial the inner part of the bronze fittings after each cleaning. Un - seen by the average viewer from the seats far below (55 feet) the signatures are none the less a testimonial to the fine work of the Electrician Paul Stafford checks lighting connections crew and their ‘craft’.
Crystal beads, flowers and medallions 21 MUSIC HALL Marks Summer Remembered
Lumenocity 2014 may be his - piece of Music Hall. The illumina - tory, but what a stupendous suc - tion, on a timed mechanism, gave cess the three day light festival, a ‘kaleidoscope’ effect of changing and the vivid images are not soon colors for several hours, beginning forgotten! Subsequent to the around 8:30 nightly. For a period of event, the Carol Ann and Ralph V. several months the window was Haile, Jr. / US Bank Foundation ablaze and was quite striking! The paid for the illumination of the spectacular Lumenocity 2014 with Music Hall Rose Window. The 30’ the additional extended illumina - diameter, eight-petaled, wood-trac - tion of the Music Hall Rose Win - eried, Rose Window, framed by a dow, made for a wonderful show huge Gothic arch, is the center - and a summer to remember!
Lumenocity 2014 and time lapse of Music Hall’s illuminated Rose Window MUSIC HALL Marks 22 Standing Tall for Music Hall
Few have the courage to show group or family, there are many support for Music Hall in the way tours from which to choose and that a child did on the night of July some are ‘themed’ or can be tai - 23rd. With the introduction “Hi, I’m lored to your specific interests. Why really tiny and my name is Emma,” not consider becoming a tour the eleven-year-old addressed guide? That is one of the best ways three Hamilton County Commis - to learn a great deal of Music Hall sioners at the Sharonville Conven - history and a fun way to meet peo - tion Center public hearing. She ple from near and far! Contact proceeded to tell SPMH Program the reasons why Tour Coordinator Music Hall and Ramona Toussaint at the Museum rtoussaint@cincin - Center are impor - natiarts.com or tant to her and to (513) 744-3344. her generation Attend func - and she urged tions at Music Hall, the Commission - encourage your ers to put both in - friends, introduce a stitutions on the child to the November ballot. venue—‘Lollipops’ Though ‘tiny’ she is not just fun for ‘stood tall for the little ones! Take Music Hall.’ time to explore be - You too can fore a perform - “Stand Tall” for ance. The art this magnificent works and histori - building. If you cal markers are are not now a well worth the time. member, join Are you aware that SPMH by mailing Emma Horton, ‘Standing Tall’ in addition to the enclosed en - Opera, May Festi - velope. Encourage a friend or two val, Classical, Pops, Children’s, our to join as well. Learn some fasci - ‘Mighty Wurlitzer’ and other con - nating history and keep on top of certs, there are Big Band Dances in current activities of SPMH by visit - the Ballroom (Glen Miller May ing the website www.spmhcincin - 2014, Tommy Dorsey November nati.org . Take a tour with your 2014); shows such as the Cincin - 23 MUSIC HALL Marks nati Art and Antiques Festival (Oc - all sizes. Helpful planning and tober 2014) and Design Build Cincy event staff are available, with open (November 2014); After Hours catering, a full service liquor li - Bridal Show, featuring the latest in cense, professional security and wedding trends (November 2014); staff, adjacent parking facilities, Holiday Craft Show (November everything you need for a memo - 2014); a number of touring per - rable time. Contact Terri Kidney, formances; conferences; award Music Hall Rental Manager at tkid - ceremonies; etc.? Access the cal - [email protected] or (513) endar at http://local.cincinnati.com/ 744-3242. calendar/calendar.asp and in the Our one-of-a-kind Music Hall Search by Keyword line type Music attracts people from all over the Hall. There you will find all the ‘hap - world. At the Heart of an exciting penings’. Or go to www.cincinna - ‘rebirthed’ Over-the-Rhine, its his - tiarts.org. tory is our history. It is a source of Planning a big event, reunion, pride and deserves our attention, wedding, prom, graduation, busi - our care, our participation and use. ness meeting, conference, “Stand Tall for Music Hall!” fundraiser, perhaps a smaller intimate gather - ing, a club luncheon, a birthday, anniversary, other celebration, a book signing, exhibit? Consider the numerous possibilities of Music Hall. The Springer Auditorium, lobby, ballroom, Corbett Tower, Critics’ Club are all available for rent and can accommodate groups of Public Hearing with Hamilton County Commissioners Society for the Preservation of Music Hall www.spmhcincinnati.org. Renew your membership or join today by using the enclosed envelope.
- Thank You! MUSIC HALL Marks 24 2013 - 2014 SPMH Members
A Nancy Kohnen Black Charles & Mary Abbott Kathryn Blackburn Judith H. & James R. Adams Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Blum, Jr. Lisa & David Allison Ken Bordwell & Marianne Curtiss The Alpaugh Foundation Jennifer G. and Andrew C. Bowen Carolyn B. Anderson Marilynn K. Braude Mr. & Mrs. Frank Andress Lori Bridgers Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. R. Richard Broxon Edward Apfel James & Carolyn Bruckmann Nancy J. Apfel Thomas G. Bruckmann Vicky Aronoff Trish & Rick Bryan Aronoff Center Volunteer Dept. Otto M. Budig, Jr. Thomas Ashwell Richard and Roberta Bull Mr. Donald Auberger Ann J. Bunis Mary Lou Aufmann C B CAA Staff Nancy & William Bahlman, Jr. Sherry L. Caito Mr. & Mrs. Carroll R. Baker Deborah W. Campbell Iris G. Ball Mrs. Mary E. Carroll Michael & Kimberly Baranowski Tina L. Carroll George Barnard Mr. & Mrs. Steven Carlson Earvy & Glenda Bates Edward & Susan Castleberry Christopher & Annie Baucom Family Fund Joan Cavally Robert A. Bauer Cincinnati Research & Paranormal Studies William & Kate Baumann Cincinnati Stage Employees Local No. 5 Beck Architecture - Donald Beck Nancy R. Clagett Mr. & Mrs. Sheal L. Becker Joan & Joe Clear George & Carol Beddie Lawrence W. Cline & Robert R. Radon Mrs. Patricia Beggs John & Theresa Clock Drs. Leslie & Carol Benet James & Esther Coffey Mrs. Thomas S. Benjamin Dr. & Mrs. John & Julie Cohen Ellen A. Berghamer Mr. & Mrs. Phillip T. Cohen Mary Bergstein Anthony F. Cole Eileen Berke Leland M. & Carol C. Cole Bruce & Barbara Best Sheila & Christopher Cole Edward Betz, Jr. John P. & Rosemary Connole Todd Bezold Corbett Foundation David & Elaine Billmire William & Paula Cordes 25 MUSIC HALL Marks Ralph Corley Carl & Terrill Freese Robin Cotton & Cindi Fitton Therese A. Froehle Adrienne B. Cowden Ashley & Bobbie Ford J. Edgar & Jane G. Cox Sue Friedlander Mary & Timothy Coyne Dr. & Mrs. Harry F. Fry Paul & Janice Crumrine Patricia K. Fry
D G Janet R. Dalton Marie Gallagher Mark Dauner Kathy & Joe Ganim Karen G. Davis Neil & Linda Gartner Carmon DeLeone Ms. Susanne E. Geier Sally H. Dessauer Jodi M. Geiser Trey Devey Evelyn M. Gerdes Jay & Jackie DeWitt L. Timothy Giglio Dr. Karen Dinsmore S. Bradley Gillaugh Paul Dirkes, D.D.S Gary L. Gilmer Wayne & Mary Jo Doebling Mary & Jack Gimpel Jean Z. Donaldson Ralph Ginocchio Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Downton III David N. Ginsburg Marjorie W. Drackett Renate & Jerry Glenn Mr. & Mrs. David W. Dressler Melissa Godoy Sandra & Richard Drewes Clifford J. Goosmann & Andrea Wilson Tom & Pat Dreyer Thomas C. Graber Mrs. Suzanne Frankel-Dunbar Martha A. Gramss Richard B. Dusterberg Steven & Sue Grendel William E. Griess E Robert Groszer & Donna Wirth David Eager Kathy Grote Harold & Linda Eberenz Joanne Grueter Janet & Joel Ebersole Marilynn R. Guertler Ann Ellison Mr. Charles N. Ellman H - I Constance Elsaesser Mr. & Mrs. Richard Haberstroh Priscilla G. Haffner F Summers & Jeannette Hagerman Jim & Jan Ferguson Jack & Barbara Hahn Mr. & Mrs. John W. Fischer lll Dr. Kelly Hale Hilliard J. Fjord Megan Hall Mrs. Charles Fleischmann Mercedes M. Hance Doris A. Fluck Tom & Jan Hardy Ms. Rochelle Fradkin John Harig Tom & Peggy Frank Dr. & Mrs. Morton Harshman MUSIC HALL Marks 26 Emma D. Hartkemeier K Dr. Robert & Suzanne Hasl KeyBank Foundation Lenore Hatfield David A. Klingshirn Trautlinde R. Heater Eileen K. Knollman Anne P. Heldman Kenneth & Mary Jane Knollman Mr. & Mrs. John Heldman Christopher Knoop & Carol Grasha Thomas & Dawn Heller Lee Koehler Robert & Patricia Henley Peter Koenig Shirley Henrich Patrick M. Korb William E. Henrich Carol & Scott Kosarko Alison Herschede Ken & Sue Kramer Sandra T. Hitzler Kenneth P. Kreider Daniel J. Hoffheimer Carol L. Kruse Mrs. Florette B. Hoffheimer Theresa M. Kuhn Ruth C. Holthaus Bob & Dolly Holzwarth L Edmond A. Hooker Susan Laffoon Debora Hopper Thomas & Jane Lake Ruth Ann Hopper Frederick H. Lampe Joe & Dana Hopper Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Laney Marcella Hsiung & Tony Lang Ms. Cynthia A. Leslie Carolyn Ruth Hunt Brad & Marsha Lindner Nancy E. Hunter Calvin & Patricia Linnemann Wetzel Hurst Adele & Thomas Lippert Ginger & Steve Loftin J Dr. & Mrs. Edward E. Loftspring Atarah Jablonsky Dr. & Mrs. Joseph T. Luttmer Mr. & Mrs. Michael Janson Dr. Jennifer Loggie Tommie J. Jenkins Carl & Joyce Lohstroh Henry L. Jennings Whitney & Phillip Long Linda Busken Jergens Dan & Joyce Lorey Jean C. Jett Joanie & Bill Lotts Ann M. Johnson Susie & Jack Louiso Marlene R. Johnson Dr. & Mrs. Franklin Lowe Robert L. Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Lowenstein Tricia & Eric Johnson Dr. & Mrs. Joseph T. Luttmer Ken Jones Mary Reed Lyon Nathaniel Jones Mr. Robert M. Jones M Mary Ann Jordan Helene & Millard Mack Jay & Shirley Joyce Anita & Ed Marks Mace Justice Judith L. Martin J. Cromer Mashburn Family Foundation 27 MUSIC HALL Marks David J. Mason Gloria & Bradley Pemberton Bobbie Maybrier Rick Pender James & Rebecca McDermott Mr. & Mrs. John E. Pepper, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. William McKim, Jr. Mrs. Norma Petersen Charlotte McNary Alice & David Phillips Danielle M. Meiners Mr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Pichler Gene Melton Anne & Charlie Pierce James & Sarah Michael Mr. & Mrs. John W. Plattner Mr. Jerome M. Miller Timothy L. Pohlman, D.D.S. David & Martha Millett James Popejoy Herta L. Moore Judith & Ron Porges Regeana & Al Morgan Barbara & Michael Porte John & Frances Morris Wyn & Jan Portman Wayne Morse Scott Provancher & Teresa Hoelle Marjorie Motch Amanda H. Prus Paul Muller Patti Myers & Alan Flaherty Q - R Cliff & Debbie Radel N Maribeth & Martin Rahe Timothy S. Needler J. Lee Rasmussen Jerry & Monica Nerl Jean Ratcliff Janet C. Neumann Joan F. Reckseit, Ph. D. Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Neyer Timothy & Paulette Reed Mr. & Mrs. Donald Nitz Sandy & Frank Reeder Ray & Patti Normile David & Marilyn Reichert Carol Norris Kathleen Reinmann Prof. Edward J. Requardt O Ms. Alene W. Rice Jane & Ervin Oberschmidt Melody Sawyer Richardson Tamar & Alan Oestreich Ed & Barb Rider William & Janet Oligee Ramon Rodriguez Fred & Leila Oliver Edward & Nancy Rosenthal Robert & Anne Olson Solveiga Rush Robert W. Olson Margene Ryberg Sylvia E. Osterday Marilyn Z. Ott S Saenger Family Foundation P Joyce & James Salinger Judge Mark and Sue Ann Painter Betty Salzer Mrs. Mary L. Palmer Scott Santangelo Ms. Lavonia F. Payton Melissa Santomo Carol & James Pearce Mr. & Mrs. Eric Schaumloffel Mark & Kim Pearson Mr. Thomas R. Schiff MUSIC HALL Marks 28 Rosemary & Mark Schlachter Mary S. Stern Stacy Sommer Schmidt Amy Stier & Jeff Brown Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Schmitz Steven R. Sunderman Charlotte & Richard Schnitz Mr. Dale Swisher Mr. & Mrs. Richard Schorr Mrs. Zell Schulman T – U Joseph T. Schwab Dudley S. Taft T. L. & Debra Schwartz Foundation Thomas L. Tallentire David & Martha Seagram Dr. & Mrs. Shiro Tanaka Martha Seaman Jim Tarbell Mildred J. Selonick Dr. & Mrs. John M. Tew, Jr. John C. Senhauser Sue Thacker Trudie & Kurt Seybold Jonathan Theders Jon & Jacqueline Seymour Norman J. Thomas Gwendolyn Shapiro James L. Thompson Julie Shifman Janet G. Todd Ms. Carolyn R. Shine Marcella G. Trice Eleanor Shott Mr. & Mrs. James S. Trowbridge Eli Shupe & Toby Ruben Brian & Julie Siekmann V Donald & Linda Siekmann Madge Vanbuskirk Jim & Linda Simpson Joyce Van Wye Yvette Simpson Ruth Ann Voet Murray & Robin Sinclaire Bethany A. Vondran Mr. & Mrs. Paul Sittenfeld Jane & Jon Votel Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Skidmore Sally Skillman & Nancy McGaughey W Adrienne A. Smith Nancy C. Wagner Genevieve Smith & Charlotte Smith Patricia M. Wagner (deceased) Dr. & Mrs. Elmer Wahl William & Judith Smith Lois M. Walsh Elizabeth A. Snyder Jack & Leann Ward Sisters of the Transfiguration JoAnn & Paul Ward Bill & Sue Sommer Mr. & Mrs. Frederick D. Warren Marie F. Speziale Paula J. Watters Richard & Lois Sprigg Wayne Wauligman, D. D. S. Cherry & Bob Staab Mark & Lisa Weadick Mr. & Mrs. Ethan B. Stanley Mrs. William N. Weed (Katie) Mrs. Edward P. Staubitz Mr. Ron Wehmeier Mr. J. R. (Bob) Steelman The Welchwood Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Stegman Gary & Diane West Julia & David Stephen Mike & Sue West Mr. & Mrs. David Westerbeck 29 MUSIC HALL Marks
Franklin H. White X - Y Julie A. Whitmer John M. Yacher George & Kathy Wilkinson Margaret Yeiser Dr. & Mrs. James Willis Ralph & June Young Betty Ann Wolf Shelby Wood Z Stacey & Kathryn Woolley Dr. & Mrs. Daryl N. Zeigler Dr. & Mrs. Robert W. Ziegler III
Please let us know if we have duplicated, omitted or misspelled your name Call (513) 744-3293 or [email protected]
“I would maintain that Thanks are the highest form of thought, And that Gratitude is Happiness doubled by wonder.” - G. K. Chesterton With Thanks and Gratitude to our Members!
Acknowledgements Editor Design and Layout Kathy Janson Creative Flair Co.
Contributing Writers Photo Credits Kathy Janson Phil Groshong Don Siekmann Erin Horton Kathy Janson Cover Scott Santangelo Erin Horton Printing Berman Printing Company
To View back Issues of Music Hall Marks visit: www.spmhcincinnati.org MUSIC HALL Marks 30 Erin Horton, Photographer
Most recently featured in the Industry working most recently as a July 4th edition of the Cincinnati Certified EPIC Anesthesia Consult - Enquirer , Erin Horton’s photograph ant for various hospitals throughout ‘Two Sisters’ was a touching scene the country. She is active in the of two young girls experiencing the local community as a volunteer thrill of our Nation’s most important with the Cincinnati Children’s Choir celebration. Striv - (in residence at CCM), ing to capture the among other causes. Erin ‘moment’ her resides in Fort Thomas, works nonethe - Kentucky with her husband less paint a story and three young daughters. in emotive detail. “I love capturing the candid and unplanned,” she Erin Horton states. “I’ve re - cently developed a renewed inter - est in local history. Combining these two is my next challenge. I’m always searching for the one per - spective that makes a subject come alive.” The cover, the Springer Audito - rium Chandelier, is taken from an angle seldom viewed by visitors to Music Hall, as the gigantic master - piece was photographed from a re - cumbent floor position during its cleaning in August. While photogra - phy is a passion, Horton is profes - sionally trained in the Healthcare ‘Two Sisters’
“The question is not what you look at, but what you see.”
- Henry David Thoreau MUSIC HALL Marks is a Publication of The Society for the Preservation of Music Hall 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 www.spmhcincinnati.org [email protected]