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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 36 months. Here is a synopsis. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm very dedicated and productive groups of WRTOS volunteers slaved away at our work “parties”. Building the chambers is complete (we had to start from scratch). We have completed moving the rebuilt chests into the chambers. Wiring and winding is now more than 99% complete. The console has been rebuilt and refinished - and the electronics are complete. We recently moved the blower into position.
Here is a brief video showing a few highlights of our progress so far.
Here is a link to another 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 are a series of links to a bunch of short videos of our progress to date. You start to get an appreciation of the progress we have made. PAC Photos - moving the blower into position PAC Photos - Completed Chambers Three Short Blower Motor Test Videos Firing up the blower for the first time 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 took out a sizeable loan to purchase parts and building material to keep this project on track. While we have now paid off this loan, we still need donations to help us finish the project. 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. |
