It was from the organ project that interest blossomed to rebuild the theatre. Many organizations, the Chamber of Commerce and individuals raised funds and applied for grants to make it happen. A massive community effort to refurbish the organ was underway. In the interim the organ was stored in the now defunct theatre which was so damp the organ grew mushrooms. A major project was underway to raise the funds to refurbish and reinstate the organ. So in 1985 several members of the Raymond community went with two trucks, took apart the organ, loaded it and brought it home. The community was thrilled to have the opportunity to get the organ back. They would donate it back to the city if a suitable location could be found. Following his death in 1987 the executors of his estate contacted community leaders to ask if they were interested in the return of the organ. It was a defunct theatre when word came from the executors of Alden Bice’s estate.
#WURLITZER ORGAN 4100 TV#
People were watching TV and maintenance costs stretched revenue far beyond upkeep. Several years later, during the 1980’s, the Raymond Theatre fell on hard times and closed its doors.
#WURLITZER ORGAN 4100 FULL#
Alden Bice, an organ enthusiast who traveled the country billed as the “Ole Jazz Tuner” bought the organ without knowing the full situation and installed it in his Wallingford Warehouse. It was in 1952 that the theatre was being leased and the organ was removed and sold without the Basil’s permission. After 20 years of use the organ fell into disrepair and was eventually spirited out of the theatre.
#WURLITZER ORGAN 4100 MOVIE#
The theatre, designed to accommodate the first talking motion pictures, opened with the “Jazz Singer.” At that time you would hear Laverne Little, Agnes Fosse Steuer or Bud Henderson play before the movie or during intermission.
Children paid 25 cents and adults paid 50 cents to attend the opening night gala. A Hope-Jones 5 Rank Wurlitzer Organ was installed in the theatre which opened on October 11th, 1928. It was extremely luxurious with deep red carpets, terra-cotta interior and exterior in a Mediterranean style with crystal chandeliers. It was state-of-the-art, built during a time when the area was prosperous.
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