All for a music rack.

One of the items missing from the console of the Strand’s organ was the music rack.  The original music rack was lost decades ago.   Below is what we have, what we are looking for and what we found.

First, what we have.   This is the console from Opus 531.  No music rack:

Next, what we are looking for.  This is a picture taken on December 19, 1927 of the Louisville Pipe Organ installed in the Kentucky Theatre in Louisville.   This is Opus 528.   This organ no longer exists.   This is the same style console as the Strand’s.   Notice the music rack.

The final picture is the newly acquired Opus 519 from the Oak Theatre in Louisville.  You can see that the music rack is identical to the historic photo above.   This is the music rack that will be placed on the Strand console.

The Strand Theatre Pipe Organ, endowed by the Shelby County Historical Society, has taken another step closer to rebuilding.   The Strand’s organ was manufactured by the Louisville Pipe Organ Company (LPO) in 1928.   It was one of a handful of instruments the firm made specifically for theatre use.

Our organ, Opus 531, was built in Terre Haute Indiana after LPO moved from Louisville.   It was originally built for the Sipe Theatre in Kokomo, Indiana.  The theatre never took the instrument, so it was installed in the Uptown Theatre in Louisville, Kentucky.  This organ was removed from the theatre and installed in a church in Tell City Indiana.   In 1977 it was removed from the church and placed in storage.   It remained in storage until acquired for the Strand project in 2004.

Throughout the years several pieces have been lost from Opus 531.  Since LPO built so few instruments, finding replacements has been difficult.   There are only 4 LPO’s built for theatres known to be in existence.

This past week Strand Board Member David Finkel was successful in locating and purchasing the final “Uniphone”, the LPO Brand name theatre instrument.  This organ, Opus 519, was built in 1926 for the Oak Theatre in Louisville Kentucky.   With the purchase of this instrument, all the remaining LPO theatre organs are now in Shelbyville.

The other two include Opus 536 from the Dream Theatre, Indianapolis built in 1928.  It is complete and located in a private residence.    The final organ is Opus 512 from the Oriental Theatre in Indianapolis.   It is in storage and will be used to augment the Strand organ.

It is quite incredible that the legacy of this manufacture would be tied to the Strand Theatre in Shelbyville .   Through the vision of the SCHS and the Strand, our organ will be the only fully restored Uniphone in a public venue.

Below is the parade of Louisville Pipe Organ consoles.   The first picture shows the three organ consoles in storage.  From left to right they are Opus 531, destine for the Strand;  Opus 519 from the Oak Theatre and Opus 512 from the Oriental Theatre.

Below is Opus 519, built in 1926 from the Oak Theatre in Louisville, KY:

Below is Opus 536 from the Dream Theatre in Indianapolis.  This organ has played continuously since it was built in 1928.

The Shelby Community Band performed their Mid-Winter Concert at the Strand Theatre on Sunday February 15, 2010.   The audience of over 140 patrons enjoyed the afternoon of concert band favorites.   The band was organized in 1973.   They have performed for thousands throughout the years.   The Strand is pleased to host these concerts.

Below the Shelby Community Band on stage:

Marilyn Branstetter, Featured Vocalist:

The percussion section is ready!

On Sunday February 21, 2010 the American Indian Cultural Forum came to the Strand stage.  This was presented by The American Indian Center of Indiana, Inc. This group aspires to promote a sense of unification among the American Indian people of Indiana. They are based in Indianapolis and have been operating since 1992.

SHELBY COUNTY READS

Follow the River by James Alexander Thom has been selected as the main adult 2010 selection. Shelby County Reads has a series of events this February  that focus on Native American history and culture.    The event at the Strand is part of this series.

Local advocate Sara Chappela produced a concert for Haitian Relief at the Strand Theatre on February 20, 2010.   The proceeds from this concert were sent to the American Red Cross on East 10th Street in Indianapolis.  The funds were directed to their Haitian Relief Effort.

Three bands volunteered their talents for the effort.

The American Indian Cultural Forum will be at the Strand.

*Don’t miss this special event! This forum presented by the American Indian Center of Indiana, Inc. will feature drumming, dancing, flute playing, a power-point presentation, and informational tables.

Four Winds will be performing a large floor drum. Jeff Roberts will be playing the flute. Dancers include: Chelsie Eastwood, Virgil Lewis, Louella Lewis, Aubrey Lewis and Kayleigh Lewis. After the opening ceremonial dances, there will be an open dance where everyone will be invited to participate. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Audience members may also pick up more information from Running Buffalo Circle and the American Indian Center of Indiana, Inc. at the event.

The American Indian Center of Indiana, Inc. aspires to promote a sense of unification among the American Indian people of Indiana. They are based in Indianapolis and have been operating since 1992.

The Strand tried a new concept for our theatre.   The concept of Strand Board Member Joey G, we hosted a Dinner and a Movie.   Our first offering was on Friday February 13, 2010.   We showed the 1942 classic Casablanca.

The dinner was catered by Grandma’s Pancake House.   The Moroccan inspired menu was fantastic.   The Strand had over 75 people attend this first dinner!

Everyone had a great time.   Thanks to all who spent their Valentine’s Day Eve with us!