The absence of Cedar Rapids’ two magnificant theatre pipe organs was no obstacle for CRATOS in sponsoring a “Pedals, Pipes and Pizza” young persons pipe organ discovery presentation.  The event, organized by CRATOS President Darren Ferreter and Treasurer Ralph MacDowell, took place at First Presbyterian Church with 13 area young piano and organ students in attendance. 

Those in attendance, which included not only students but also parents and area musicians, were treated to organist Brett Valliant
presiding over First Presbyterian’s 1971, 3 manual /51 rank Reuter organ.  Mr. Valliant presented a wide variety of music, ranging from Guilmant to Williams, showing off the many sounds of the organ, including some close to a theatre organ to remind people of the two organs that are undergoing or awaiting restoration.

The students were invited to step up to the console to try their hand at the organ and receive guidance from Mr. Valliant.  Students, parents and other guests were also invited into the pipe chambers – normally off limits – for a guided tour while the organ was being played.  Darren Ferreter and Neal Marple (organist of FPC and Secretary of CRATOS) provided participants with a behind the scenes look at the workings of the organ.

At the conclusion of the event, participants were treated to pizza and benefited from one last chance to speak with Mr. Valliant and members of CRATOS about both classical and theatre pipe organs. 

CRATOS would like to thank First Presbyterian Church for the use of their sanctuary and wonderful organ.  The event was a great success, and we look forward to the opportunity to present another “Pedals, Pipes and Pizza” event next year.

Photos from the event can be viewed here.

Theatre organ enthusisists take note:  there remains a reserved spot in the new orchestra pit for the console and lift, and the pipe chambers are intact.  TCR even restored the original chandeliers that hang in front of the chambers.

Cedar Rapids Barton Inc and CRATOS continue to work on the Rhinestone Barton restoration project.  We’ll have more updates on that project in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, enjoy the coverage of the Iowa Theatre Buidling reopening by going to the Theatre Cedar Rapids website.

 

TCR (Theatre Cedar Rapids) is holding a Grand Reopening on February 26, 2010.  Although the Rhinestone Barton will not be ready for re-installation for many months, TheatreCR has made preparations for the organ in it’s overall plan for restoration of the theatre.  TCR management has created a series of videos highlighting the restoration and re-opening efforts, including a view of the reconfigured orchestra pit complete with a special spot for the Rhinestone Barton console.

George was a founding member of CRATOS, having presided for many years as treasurer of the organization.  George and the Paramount Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer were a fixture of the community for decades, providing music before films and other events.

Rhinestone Barton Under Water

Since the consoles of both the Paramount’s Wurlitzer and TCR (Iowa Theatre) Rhinestone Barton were damaged beyond repair in the flood of June 2008, CRATOS and CRBI (Cedar Rapids Barton, Inc) have engaged in joint efforts focused on the preservation and restoration of both consoles. Subsequent inspections of both installations have revealed varying levels of damage caused by the post-flood conditions of the buildings. With the Paramount restoration plans extending out several years the focus has been on bringing one of the two original installation theatre organs back through a careful restoration. The Rhinestone Barton has started its journey towards a full restoration, with some technological updates which will help ensure it continues to provide entertainment for generations to come.

CRBI has focused on the Rhinestone Barton restoration and funding plans, and after many months of meetings, inspections, proposals and interaction with state and federal agencies has been awarded the funding to fully repair and restore the organ. The Cedar Rapids Gazette published an update in the Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009. The article can be found here.

Paul Montague, president of CRBI, has provided additional details of the plan to restore the organ:

• The console of the Rhinestone Barton has been assessed and determined to be a complete loss, as it was submerged in grey water to the third manual.
• Residual moisture damage to the solo chamber was extensive, rusting all ferrous metal, hardening leather, and delaminating chest components.
• Cedar Rapids Barton, Inc., the non-profit corporation that owns the instrument, has worked with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the State of Iowa, and Federal and State historians to develop a plan and secure funding for complete restoration of the instrument.
• Ken Crome of the Crome Organ Company in Reno, Nevada, has begun the construction of a replica console.
  • The console will be fitted with a Uniflex combination action.
  • On its return to Iowa, the printed fabric and rhinestone banding will be applied to the console restoring it to its original 1928 appearance. Ajram Importers of Cedar Rapids have located fabric that matches the original black covering.
  • The original pattern of glass glitter has been preserved, and will be applied to the fabric by Monroe Screen Printers.
    
• The contract for restoration of the contents of the solo chamber has been awarded to Weiler and Associates of Chicago.
  • Removal is to begin in January of 2010.
  • All components will be restored to their original condition.
• The Barton lift is being replaced by Theatre Cedar Rapids with a new scissors lift that will extend from the floor of the pit to stage level, greatly increasing the visibility of the console when it is raised to concert position.
• The total cost of the restoration project, funded by the FEMA, the NEH, and the State of Iowa is $240,000.
• All work is expected to be completed by spring of 2011.

The re-opening date for the theatre is not yet finalized.

Survivors include his wife, Carol; daughter, Annette (Kevin) Hunt of Cedar Rapids; grandson, Josh; sister, Doris Miller; and his beloved dog Nikki.

James was preceded in death by his parents; and son, David.

Born on September 25, 1938, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, James was the son of Earl and Clara (Erickson) Olver. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1967. On October 15, 1960, he was united in marriage to Carol Jean Bye in Cedar Rapids. James worked for Iowa Manufacturing prior to becoming a test technician for Rockwell Collins until his retirement in 2001.

James was a lifetime member of Eden United Church of Christ, a charter member of CRATOS and loved electronics, trains, boating and science fiction.

A memorial fund has been established in James’ memory or donations may be made to Hospice of Mercy, 2740 1st Avenue N.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Hospice of Mercy for their loving care.

More updates will be provided as details are released.

Fortunately this time the water was clean, but still damaging to an already flooded and closed building.  The City of Cedar Rapids has not yet made any decision on restoration of the theatre and the Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ.  The building remains closed and under minimal maintenance for the winter until a decision can be made regarding the future of this priceless landmark building.