Had a great Keaton convention again this year. the theater-projectors-Barton organ—all did a wonderful job. The theater turns 80 this year and they are planning a year of celebration starting with Dale and Gale Zieger presenting an afternoon of just plain old fun with the Barton organ and grand piano. Oh yes there will be a short comedy silent film with Dale at the Barton!!It will be Sunday afternoon at 3;00 January 31.
There were rumours that the Barton was sold—-broken up for parts etc. This was (or is) a fine example of the Barton product and with the popularity of the organ/silent movie venue, it could help any future operater!![ Especialy in THAT theater—WOW!!]Hope you are correct and it’s still there!!
Ya know, when you maintain the old theater organ and help around a wonderful restored picture palace,its fun because you know your preserving the past for future generations. BUT when Dennis James and the Buster Keton group took over the theater, then you realise what it is all about!!!This put all of us right smack back into the silient era. Hats off to Dennis James and EVERYONE keeping these treasures alive. that means you too cinema treasures!!!!
The Frauenthal Theater or “Michigan” as it was know then, opened in 1930
with it’s 3 manuel 8 rank Barton organ in place. The “Michigan” Theater almost
opened with NO organ as the silent movie era was over.
Paul J. Schlossman, owner of the “Michigan”/Frauenthal also owned the Regent Theater a couple blocks away. His Regent Theater had a 1927, 2 manuel 6 rank Barton organ which was silenced in early 1929 by a small fire that burned through it’s main cable.
During the construction of the “Michigan”/Frauenthal Theater,
Mr. Schlossman decided to have the Barton Organ Company remove the Barton organ from the Regent, enlarge it to a 3 manuel 8 rank organ and install it into his new “Michigan” Theater for it’s Grand Opening.
In the 1960’s, the West Michigan Theater Organ Society was established to rescue the Barton organ, which had fallen into disrepair due to water damage and age.
The Barton organ is still entertaining people today, on its own and with the West Shore Symphony Orchestra.
Respectfully submitted, by REALLY, REALLY close friends of the Barton and the Frauenthal. JF and BB
Had a great Keaton convention again this year. the theater-projectors-Barton organ—all did a wonderful job. The theater turns 80 this year and they are planning a year of celebration starting with Dale and Gale Zieger presenting an afternoon of just plain old fun with the Barton organ and grand piano. Oh yes there will be a short comedy silent film with Dale at the Barton!!It will be Sunday afternoon at 3;00 January 31.
thanks much for Barton info!!!!
There were rumours that the Barton was sold—-broken up for parts etc. This was (or is) a fine example of the Barton product and with the popularity of the organ/silent movie venue, it could help any future operater!![ Especialy in THAT theater—WOW!!]Hope you are correct and it’s still there!!
Is the Barton still in the theater??? Anybody know??
Ya know, when you maintain the old theater organ and help around a wonderful restored picture palace,its fun because you know your preserving the past for future generations. BUT when Dennis James and the Buster Keton group took over the theater, then you realise what it is all about!!!This put all of us right smack back into the silient era. Hats off to Dennis James and EVERYONE keeping these treasures alive. that means you too cinema treasures!!!!
Glad to hear a theater organ has been donated!!! Love to know what it is!! Fellow theater lover Jim Fles
The Polk now has a Robert Morton 3/12 organ up and playing.Each time I visit it’s more refined. Hats off to you guys!!!
This is a wonderful theater to visit. The people are eager to show off there wonderful theater. It still has it’s
barton organ in good voice!!!
The Frauenthal Theater or “Michigan” as it was know then, opened in 1930
with it’s 3 manuel 8 rank Barton organ in place. The “Michigan” Theater almost
opened with NO organ as the silent movie era was over.
Paul J. Schlossman, owner of the “Michigan”/Frauenthal also owned the Regent Theater a couple blocks away. His Regent Theater had a 1927, 2 manuel 6 rank Barton organ which was silenced in early 1929 by a small fire that burned through it’s main cable.
During the construction of the “Michigan”/Frauenthal Theater,
Mr. Schlossman decided to have the Barton Organ Company remove the Barton organ from the Regent, enlarge it to a 3 manuel 8 rank organ and install it into his new “Michigan” Theater for it’s Grand Opening.
In the 1960’s, the West Michigan Theater Organ Society was established to rescue the Barton organ, which had fallen into disrepair due to water damage and age.
The Barton organ is still entertaining people today, on its own and with the West Shore Symphony Orchestra.
Respectfully submitted, by REALLY, REALLY close friends of the Barton and the Frauenthal. JF and BB