VOX2CATOE

Genessee Theatre in Waukegan 
      Scheduled For Renovation
The following information appeared the the Dairyland ATOS newsletter "Bartola"for February 2001

Scott Bilot (member of DTOS) recently visited this long closed theatre. It Still has its original 3/10 Barton. Serious roof leaks, broken pipes and basement flooding Has taken its toll on the theatre.  The Main chamber of the Barton seems to be the most seriously Damaged. Dairyland member, John Neyrinck, who lives in Waukegan has great news about
An impending restoration project for the Genessee. The City of Waukegan just passed a 20M bond referendum and organ restoration is included as part of the project. John will be looking for some serious volunteer help when the project gets underway.
For more information you can reach John at (847) 662-8006

(Newest ATOS chapter recently formed in Wisonsin)From Michael Hengelsberg, their first (and current) President.

I am the music director for the La Crosse chapter of SPEBSQSA, a Barbershop Harmony Society, and a musical NUT.  One of our chapter quartets had participated in a fundraising performance for the Temple Theatre in Viroqua, Wisconsin, several months before and gave the planning committee an idea. 
I visited with the director of the Viroqua Men's Chorus and several board members of the Association to Restore the Temple Theatre (ARTT) to discuss the potential of a concert there in conjunction with the Coulee ChordsmenWhile I was there, I noticed a somewhat dilapidated organ console out in their lobby.  Seems that this organ was the original instrument in the Temple Theatre, but had been removed about 15 years after its installation, taken to a rural community church and used there since that time.  Once the word was spread that these folks were actually going to restore the theatre, the church that housed the Wurlitzer called to say that they would be willing to sell the organ back to ARTT. 

This organ is Opus 539 and is of Style 135A.  We are going to restore it to its original specifications.  The great thing about this instrument is that it is the only example left of over 230 built…compounded by the fact that it is going back to its original home!!  Currently, we are working out the details of an agreement with ARTT to purchase the instrument from them, and lease it back to the Theatre.  We are very excited about this project and would love to answer any questions you

Historic WurliTzer Organ in Danger
(this item appeared recently on the internet
Organ lists for Kyle B. Irwin)

Roosevelt Memorial Park in Gardena CA. is the home of the world famous 4/17 outdoor Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. I have been the organist and curator for several years now and just received a phone call from the board of directors that they are seriously considering the destruction of the organ and organ  building to make room for Mausoleum space. The organ has been, for all practical purposes, unplayable for many years. I've kept it running and in a
choice restorable/rebuildable condition. This organ had a listening radius of  at least 5 miles. I need HELP. They are interested in restoring/rebuiliding but they do not have the funds to do so. The cemetery is a not-for-profit  entity and there is a special Wurlitzer Organ Fund already established thanks to me. I do not know how much time I have to come up with ideas so I'm asking
for any and all ideas or contributions. 
We as organists CANNOT allow them to destroy or sell this once glorious instrument. Installation of this organ in any other location other than outdoors would be unsuccessful. It should stay where it was originally designed and intended. Please visit my website and see for yourself the wonderful history and story of this magnificent organ. This is NOT a theater organ by nature but more a concert organ by design even though the specs are semi theatrical.

Please do not contact the park directly.
All questions and suggestions need to come to me.
For more information about this fascinating organ check out  my
Website at:
http://members.aol.com/theorganst/Page1.html
Kyle B. Irwin

CATOE SHOW & BANQUET
The next CATOE sponsored  Public Show on April 8th will feature Dave Reed  at Tivoli Theatre followed by banquet  at the Founders Hill Restaurant, one of the finest dining establishments in Downers Grove. Organ program will begin at 12 noon, followed by dinner at the restaurant where we will have live piano music to accompany our dining pleasure….ticket price is $35 which includes both show and dinner. Like the Fall Festival this event is provided as  package and organ program is not available separately.....

for more information call: (630)  892-8136