The theatre pipe organ project for the Strand is still quietly moving forward.   Many things have to happen before we can start the rebuilding of the instrument.   Carlton Smith of Carlton Smith Restorations will be leading the rebuilding process.   Before we can put the Strand on the schedule, Carlton has a few projects that he is finishing.  

We caught up with Carlton on February 25, 2009 at his Indianapolis shop.  After discussing a few items for the Strand project, we looked at one of the organs in its final stages of rebuilding.

Below is Carlton in front of the Solo Chamber for the organ to be installed at the Circle Theatre in downtown Indianapolis.  This Wurlitzer was originally installed at the Warner Theatre in Youngstown Ohio.   Our own Strand organ crew helped move this organ from its location in Cincinnati to Cartlon’s shop.   The transformation has been wonderful.  What you see in the picture today, along with a smiling Carlton, is what a Wurlitzer instrument would have looked like brand new in the 1920′s in the factory erecting room.

Below is the console for the organ.  It is not complete, but still looks great.

This organ’s music will fill a much bigger space than the Strand’s.  The Circle seats 1786  to the Strand’s 377.  Bit of a difference.  We look forward to hearing the organ after it is installed in May 2009.

Also in Carlton’s shop is the console for the Dixon Theatre in Dixon, IL.  It was built by the Barton Organ Company.   It’s finish is historically accurate.  All the ornamentation had to be re-molded and applied by Carlton and his staff.  The organ for this console is installed awaiting this final (and very important) part.  The citizens of Dixon are fortunate to have an organ that is restored with this level of expertise.  The console is in a much earlier stage of restoration than the Wurlitzer console above.