A rich musical history: Theatre Organ Society

Music grabs our emotions instantly in a way few other art-forms can. This week I’m writing about a topic that is one of the best kept secrets in Lockport – the Lockport Theatre Organ Society and their concerts. The group has an interesting history and offers an affordable evening of entertainment – right inside The Dale Association building at 33 Ontario Street in Lockport. Here is the most interesting history of the group and how their organ came to be located at The Dale Association – its fifth location. Originally, it was built and shipped from the Wurlitzer factory in North Tonawanda to Picadilly Theatre in Rochester, NY in the year 1919. Shortly after being installed in the Picadilly, at the request of the theatre owners, a change was made to the pipes. Wurlitzer removed the instrument from the Picadilly and in early 1933 it was reinstalled in the Northeast Temple Masonic Lodge in Buffalo, NY. The organ was used extensively at the lodge until the late 1960’s. Time and use took its toll and by that time it needed an extensive rebuild. The cost of the rebuild was too costly for the lodge and the decision was made to scrap the Wurlitzer. In 1969, Mr. Harold Hontz, a retired theatre organ hobbyist residing in Williamsville, NY got word that the organ was available from the temple and purchased it. With the help of some fellow hobbyists, he had the Wurlitzer moved, set up and playing in his home basement within 10 days. After a number of years at this location, the Wurlitzer was once again put up for sale. About that same time, having recently formed the Lockport Theatre Organ Society, a group of local individuals were in search of a theatre pipe organ to install in Lockport’s Palace Theatre. Hearing about the instrument, the membership of the Society secured a demand note from a local bank and purchased the organ. On Easter Sunday weekend in 1979, early members of the society began to disassemble and move the organ from its home in Williamsville to its new home at The Palace. Pickup truck load after pickup truck load of organ parts were loaded, transported and unloaded until nothing was left in Mr. Hontz’s basement and the stage was full at the Palace. While installation of the organ progressed, negotiations regarding the ownership of the instrument and its use continued between the Theatre Organ Society and the building owner. It was decided that a search for a new home should begin again. In the meantime, the bank holding the note on the loan for the organ demanded their money. Several club members, who truly believed in the project, loaned the club money out of their own pockets to payoff the loan and keep the project afloat. Club member Harold LeValley was also an active participant in activities at the Dale Association’s Senior Centre and suggested that the society look at the large room at The Dale Association as a possible new home for the organ. Records from the Theatre Organ Society show that Bette Dale and members of the board bent over backwards for the group and were enthusiastic to have the Centre be home to the organ. Installation at The Dale Association’s Senior Centre began in January 1981. The formal dedication concert was held on October 26, 1983 with Mr. Harold LeValley serving as Master of Ceremonies. Rev. Otto Struckmann gave the invocation and Bette Dale delivered the dedication liturgy. During the organ’s installation, over 15,000 man hours were spent rebuilding, refinishing and installing the organ in its new home, with all work being performed by volunteers. Many changes were made to both the console and the “works” to allow the organ’s sound and ease of operation to be improved over that of the time that is was built in 1919. Next time you are at The Dale Association’s Centre, I hope you notice the organ and have an appreciation for its beauty and recognize it as the jewel it is. Better yet, come out and enjoy a concert. Music engages us on all sorts of different levels. The next concert is scheduled for Monday, October 20th at 7:00 pm. Admission is $6.00. The Lockport Theatre Organ Society presents A Gospel Favorites Performance featuring Tim Schramm and Dennis Overholt on the Mighty Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ and Wurlitzer grand piano with special guests on the guitar and saxophone. A native of Rochester, Tim Schramm started playing the piano at age 5. At 10 years old, he was introduced to the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ. At a young age, he was the accompanist for the Harmonairs Gospel Quartet playing southern gospel music. He is currently the accompanist for the Rochester City School district. He is also director of music ministries at St. Michaels Roman Catholic Church in Newark, NY. Also playing will be Dennis Overholt on the Wurlitzer grand piano, Tim Burdick on saxophone, and Chuck Cupp on bass guitar. Tickets are available in advance or at the door at The Dale Association, 33 Ontario Street, Lockport. Proceeds from the concert on October 20th benefit The Dale Association’s Centre.