In 2006, the Western Reserve Theatre Organ Society was fortunate to receive the donation of a very large Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ that had been in storage for many years. We were succsesful in reaching agreement with the Cleveland area Scottish Rite to install the Wurlitzer in their Masonic Auditorium & Performing Arts Center (PAC). In 2007 work began to replace and repair worn and deteriorated components. We have accomplished much over the past 24 months. Here is a synopsis.
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 6 pm to 10 pm very dedicated and productive groups of WRTOS volunteers have been working away at our work “parties”. When the schedule got tight, we went to 5 days per week, 8 hours per day (or a wee bit more).
Building the chambers is complete (we had to start from scratch). We have completed moving the rebuilt chests into the chambers. Wiring and winding has begun - now more than 50% complete. The console has been rebuilt and refinished - now working on the electronics. Almost all of the percussions have been rebuilt and most have been installed.
Here is a link to a video showing our move of the Marimba from the workshop to its final home in the chambers. This was the first piece to be put in place. Use the "back arrow" to return to this page after viewing the video.
Can't get enough?? Here is a link to a whole page of short videos of our progress to date. You start to get an appreciation of the progress we have made.
Restoration/installation projects like this used to be rather common in ATOS chapters years ago. It is becoming much less frequent, and the grassroots support of our collective mission is definitely affected by this. Your chapter is aimed at turning that around, and it needs your support.
If you can't support our project with your time, please consider financial assistance. Western Reserve has taken out a sizeable loan to purchase parts and building material to keep this project on track. We need donations to help us pay back this loan. Please support our efforts by making a donation right now.
View more photos and short videos of the restoration project by clicking this link.
WRTOS In the News
Plain Dealer Reporter Michael O'Malley features WRTOS in his December 4th article Silent-film organ to pipe up. Photographs by Lynn Ischay. The video features organist Donnie Rankin on the Grays Armory Wurlitzer.
CD Sales
Help support our project by purchasing a CD from WRTOS. We have commissioned a recordng on the Vince Aveni 4/60 residence Wurlitzer with 100% of the proceeds going to our PAC installation. Click HERE for details and ordering information.
