The WurliTzer from the Colfax was sold in 1963 to Gunther H. Hille of Canfeild Ohio.He installed it in his home, and played it until he passed away. His family then donated it to the American Organ Institute, of the University Of Oklahoma, Norman,Ok. More information is available on their website . There are some photos of the console and pipes included in the article. == Sam ==
I was surprised today to find some color interior shots of this theater, taken in 1971. They were made during the removal of the 3 manual WurliTzer. I found them on www.theaterorgans.com website. I worked my way through there opus list, the first listing for South Bend is in l921. Once I found that, I clicked on South Bend, and the Granada was shown. Click on Granada (if needed) and you should be able to view these shots. As I said, it was nice to run across these, as interior photos of this this one are hard to find. == Sam ==
The State could make a great home for a theater organ. I believe the stage are would be large enough to accommodate such a unit. I am not sure if there are organ vaults in place, but if so, that much the better. I am thinking along the lines of the Senate theater in Detroit, home to the Fisher theater’s one of a kind Wurlitzer. After being in use in recent years, the State is at least in fair shape.
This theater’s Wurlitzer “Crawford” (or Fox) special is based on the one which was installed in the N.Y. Paramount. That instrument proved so popular that Fox ordered one for the S.F., St. Louis, and Detroit theaters. The one from this theater survives intact at Disney’s El Capitan theater, in Hollywood, Ca. It is played frequently, and receives very good care. ==== Remember the S.F Fox! ====
Not only is the Morris renovation complete, but the adjoining Palais Royale ballroom has been fully restored. It is used frequently, including a New Years Eve. gala every year.
I have seen Bill Swain’s photos online- nice work. They really give you a feel for the grand palace that was, and sadly, was lost. The S.F. Fox is my favorite of all the big movie palaces. It’s loss is on a par with that of the St.Louis Ambassador in the mid 90’s. It’s nice that the Fox’s Wurlitzer is alive and well under the loving care of Disney in southern California. If Donald Trump wanted something to pattern a new casino or hotel lobby from, this theater would be fantastic!
You will want to check out Playhouse Square in Cleveland,Ohio. They have at least 4 movie palaces from the early 1920’s that all have been restored and are in active use today. These theaters were all redone as part of the same project- quite an achievement for the people of Cleveland. Three of these are the State, Allen, and Hanah theaters.One of these also has a mural in it’s lobby which is a must see!
These two twins could still be saved. The roof was replaced some time ago. It would be more feasible to re-do them gradually. First, get one of the lobby areas and foyers in decent shape, with enough electric, water, and heat to make it useable. Weddings, receptions, special events to be held there. To do this piece by piece seems more viable. == Sam ==
The Lerner Theater had it’s grand re-opening in June. It’s expanded facility includes a new ball room, and larger lobby. It has had a complete restoration, and everything I have seen online and in local media shows a job nicely done. As far as I am aware, the only thing missing is the Lerner’s Kimball theater organ, which was sent for rebuilding, and was not expected to be ready for the main re-opening. I hope to post here when that happy event happens. It will make the Lerner one of a lucky group of theaters to have their original organ playing in it’s original setting. Makes you think of the glory days of the N.Y. Roxy, which had not one, but 3 Kimballs! The Lerner Theater website is : lernertheater.org. C-y'all l8r! ==Sam==
The WurliTzer from the Colfax was sold in 1963 to Gunther H. Hille of Canfeild Ohio.He installed it in his home, and played it until he passed away. His family then donated it to the American Organ Institute, of the University Of Oklahoma, Norman,Ok. More information is available on their website . There are some photos of the console and pipes included in the article. == Sam ==
I was surprised today to find some color interior shots of this theater, taken in 1971. They were made during the removal of the 3 manual WurliTzer. I found them on www.theaterorgans.com website. I worked my way through there opus list, the first listing for South Bend is in l921. Once I found that, I clicked on South Bend, and the Granada was shown. Click on Granada (if needed) and you should be able to view these shots. As I said, it was nice to run across these, as interior photos of this this one are hard to find. == Sam ==
The State could make a great home for a theater organ. I believe the stage are would be large enough to accommodate such a unit. I am not sure if there are organ vaults in place, but if so, that much the better. I am thinking along the lines of the Senate theater in Detroit, home to the Fisher theater’s one of a kind Wurlitzer. After being in use in recent years, the State is at least in fair shape.
This theater’s Wurlitzer “Crawford” (or Fox) special is based on the one which was installed in the N.Y. Paramount. That instrument proved so popular that Fox ordered one for the S.F., St. Louis, and Detroit theaters. The one from this theater survives intact at Disney’s El Capitan theater, in Hollywood, Ca. It is played frequently, and receives very good care. ==== Remember the S.F Fox! ====
Not only is the Morris renovation complete, but the adjoining Palais Royale ballroom has been fully restored. It is used frequently, including a New Years Eve. gala every year.
I have seen Bill Swain’s photos online- nice work. They really give you a feel for the grand palace that was, and sadly, was lost. The S.F. Fox is my favorite of all the big movie palaces. It’s loss is on a par with that of the St.Louis Ambassador in the mid 90’s. It’s nice that the Fox’s Wurlitzer is alive and well under the loving care of Disney in southern California. If Donald Trump wanted something to pattern a new casino or hotel lobby from, this theater would be fantastic!
You will want to check out Playhouse Square in Cleveland,Ohio. They have at least 4 movie palaces from the early 1920’s that all have been restored and are in active use today. These theaters were all redone as part of the same project- quite an achievement for the people of Cleveland. Three of these are the State, Allen, and Hanah theaters.One of these also has a mural in it’s lobby which is a must see!
These two twins could still be saved. The roof was replaced some time ago. It would be more feasible to re-do them gradually. First, get one of the lobby areas and foyers in decent shape, with enough electric, water, and heat to make it useable. Weddings, receptions, special events to be held there. To do this piece by piece seems more viable. == Sam ==
The Lerner Theater had it’s grand re-opening in June. It’s expanded facility includes a new ball room, and larger lobby. It has had a complete restoration, and everything I have seen online and in local media shows a job nicely done. As far as I am aware, the only thing missing is the Lerner’s Kimball theater organ, which was sent for rebuilding, and was not expected to be ready for the main re-opening. I hope to post here when that happy event happens. It will make the Lerner one of a lucky group of theaters to have their original organ playing in it’s original setting. Makes you think of the glory days of the N.Y. Roxy, which had not one, but 3 Kimballs! The Lerner Theater website is : lernertheater.org. C-y'all l8r! ==Sam==