Patsy: The Wurlitzer organ is alive and well and living in the Keith Albee Theater in Huntington, WV It was removed from the Granada, probably in 1970 and lived in Evansville, IN. in a private residence for nearly 30 years. In 2000 it was moved to the Keith Albee Theater where it resides today. Check out the site on Facebook: Keith Albee Theater Organ.
Ed: The Greater Huntington Theater Co. was very careful in the renovation to a multiplex and attempted to leave as much of the original decoration as possible should the theater be restored. Much care was taken not to damage any of the decorative plaster in the auditorium and the lobbies. We are very fortunate that the Hymans took such care.
Thanks to all of you who have posted. The Keith Albee is alive and well. In reference to Ed Solero’s post, we have not restored the marquee yet. That project is in the future. One problem we have is that some of the plastic on the attraction sign is in rough shape and there are some broken pieces—if we remove the 1-2-3-4 we may jeopardize the integrity of the sign. We’re working on that.
This past August and September we removed the last vestage of the multiplex by renovating/restoring the Lobby. The ticket counter and concession stand that was a compromise for multiplex operation was removed and the inner lobby was restored. The grand foyer was carpeted as an interim measure until a complete restoration can take place. Thanks to the Hyman family most of the decorations removed during the late 1970s multiplexing were safely stored in the basement of the building. This summer a new counterweight system was installed. So, things are being done, but it will definitely take time and money to completely restore the theatre.
Thanks, Brad. Yes, the theatre is incredible. Brad and some friends came up for an ‘unofficial’ tour of the place. The building is in very good shape for a building built in 1928. It is also important to remember that the Keith Albee and the Ohio Theatre, Cols. Ohio, both Thomas Lamb theaters, were being constructed at the same time. The Ohio Theater opened in March 1928 and the Keith in May, 1928.
The Keith Albee Theater will open again this fall with the Marshall University Artists Series productions and the fall international film festival. Look for the Artists Series page on the Marshall U. web pages at www.marshall.edu
In response to MikeR, the organ is a Wurlitzer Style E with 4 ranks of additional pipes. It was originally installed in the Granada Theater in Bluefield, WV. It was removed from the Granada in 1970 and was in a private residence for years. Our group purchased the organ in 2000 and installed it in the Keith. We do use the organ every chance we can. The plans are to enlarge it into a 3 manual organ with about 16-20 ranks. Get in touch with me if you’d like to know more about the organ. posted by Huntington Theatre Organ Project, Inc. Send e-mails to
Yes, the Granada Theater and the Colonial Theater are theaters I grew up with. I now own the Wurlitzer theatre organ from the Granada Theater and it is currently installed in the grand Keith Albee Theater in Huntington, WV. It is the only theater organ built for the State of WV that is still in the state. It would definately be fabulus if we could raise enough money to restore that lovely Art Deco theater…I remember it well. I used to work for the owners of the theater in the 1960s. I’d be willing to work to restore a Wurlitzer for the Colonial if funds ever are available.
Patsy: The Wurlitzer organ is alive and well and living in the Keith Albee Theater in Huntington, WV It was removed from the Granada, probably in 1970 and lived in Evansville, IN. in a private residence for nearly 30 years. In 2000 it was moved to the Keith Albee Theater where it resides today. Check out the site on Facebook: Keith Albee Theater Organ.
Ed: The Greater Huntington Theater Co. was very careful in the renovation to a multiplex and attempted to leave as much of the original decoration as possible should the theater be restored. Much care was taken not to damage any of the decorative plaster in the auditorium and the lobbies. We are very fortunate that the Hymans took such care.
Thanks to all of you who have posted. The Keith Albee is alive and well. In reference to Ed Solero’s post, we have not restored the marquee yet. That project is in the future. One problem we have is that some of the plastic on the attraction sign is in rough shape and there are some broken pieces—if we remove the 1-2-3-4 we may jeopardize the integrity of the sign. We’re working on that.
This past August and September we removed the last vestage of the multiplex by renovating/restoring the Lobby. The ticket counter and concession stand that was a compromise for multiplex operation was removed and the inner lobby was restored. The grand foyer was carpeted as an interim measure until a complete restoration can take place. Thanks to the Hyman family most of the decorations removed during the late 1970s multiplexing were safely stored in the basement of the building. This summer a new counterweight system was installed. So, things are being done, but it will definitely take time and money to completely restore the theatre.
Thanks, Brad. Yes, the theatre is incredible. Brad and some friends came up for an ‘unofficial’ tour of the place. The building is in very good shape for a building built in 1928. It is also important to remember that the Keith Albee and the Ohio Theatre, Cols. Ohio, both Thomas Lamb theaters, were being constructed at the same time. The Ohio Theater opened in March 1928 and the Keith in May, 1928.
The Keith Albee Theater will open again this fall with the Marshall University Artists Series productions and the fall international film festival. Look for the Artists Series page on the Marshall U. web pages at www.marshall.edu
In response to MikeR, the organ is a Wurlitzer Style E with 4 ranks of additional pipes. It was originally installed in the Granada Theater in Bluefield, WV. It was removed from the Granada in 1970 and was in a private residence for years. Our group purchased the organ in 2000 and installed it in the Keith. We do use the organ every chance we can. The plans are to enlarge it into a 3 manual organ with about 16-20 ranks. Get in touch with me if you’d like to know more about the organ. posted by Huntington Theatre Organ Project, Inc. Send e-mails to
Yes, the Granada Theater and the Colonial Theater are theaters I grew up with. I now own the Wurlitzer theatre organ from the Granada Theater and it is currently installed in the grand Keith Albee Theater in Huntington, WV. It is the only theater organ built for the State of WV that is still in the state. It would definately be fabulus if we could raise enough money to restore that lovely Art Deco theater…I remember it well. I used to work for the owners of the theater in the 1960s. I’d be willing to work to restore a Wurlitzer for the Colonial if funds ever are available.