The 1928 Robert Morton console is scheduled to return to Pittsburg’s California Theatre next week (the first of December 2018). For 6 years, beginning January 15, 2019, Dave Moreno has led a volunteer crew sponsored by Pacific Community Services, Inc. that has rebuilt the chambers, chests, pipes and percussions and installed them into the theatre. In December of 1916 using the 2 manual Wurlitzer “Red Devil” console donated by Steve Restivo and electronics from Paul Brown with playback record function by Julie Porter, Dave Moreno played the Christmas program for Pittsburg Community Theatre.
An Orchestral Oboe has been added to the original 1928 10 Morton. The Robert Morton 3 manual console is receiving syndyne stops and is near completion. A lift has been installed under the thrust stage covering the orchestra pit to house the console. Cost of the restoration project to date has been $123,656 and we still have $498.92 left in the bank!
The organ has a beautiful sound and it is returned to the beautiful and historic theatre where it started out new. It will play in its original home for many years to come, thanks to those generous supporters and volunteers who have made the project possible.
The 1928 Robert Morton console is scheduled to return to Pittsburg’s California Theatre next week (the first of December 2018). For 6 years, beginning January 15, 2019, Dave Moreno has led a volunteer crew sponsored by Pacific Community Services, Inc. that has rebuilt the chambers, chests, pipes and percussions and installed them into the theatre. In December of 1916 using the 2 manual Wurlitzer “Red Devil” console donated by Steve Restivo and electronics from Paul Brown with playback record function by Julie Porter, Dave Moreno played the Christmas program for Pittsburg Community Theatre.
An Orchestral Oboe has been added to the original 1928 10 Morton. The Robert Morton 3 manual console is receiving syndyne stops and is near completion. A lift has been installed under the thrust stage covering the orchestra pit to house the console. Cost of the restoration project to date has been $123,656 and we still have $498.92 left in the bank!
The organ has a beautiful sound and it is returned to the beautiful and historic theatre where it started out new. It will play in its original home for many years to come, thanks to those generous supporters and volunteers who have made the project possible.
From THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD February 5, 1916
New Theater at Turlock, Cal.
The new Turlock theater at Turlock, Cal., erected to take the place of the old Wonderland theater destroyed by fire some months ago, was opened the first of the year by George Bailey, proprietor of the former house. The new theater Is of fireproof construction, of very pleasing design, and has a seating capacity of 700 in the main auditorium and 140 in the balcony. The opening attraction was “The Battle Cry of Peace” and this was presented in a very impressive manner, an orchestra having been secured for the occasion. Before the performance commenced Rev. F. M. Brooke delivered an address on preparedness and the meaning of the film that was to follow. The production was well received and capacity houses were the rule during the two-days' engagement.
Apparently this original Turlock Theatre lasted only until 1919 and was replaced in 1920 by the New Turlock Theatre designed by A. W. Cornelius for A.H. & K. Arakelian. The New Turlock was also destroyed by fire in 1945 and rebuilt.
This link has 3 photos of the 1920 Merced and 1929 remodel plus a nice article from the Merced Sun.
http://www.mercedsunstar.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/sarah-lim-museum-notes/article34097325.html
The 1928 Robert Morton console is scheduled to return to Pittsburg’s California Theatre next week (the first of December 2018). For 6 years, beginning January 15, 2019, Dave Moreno has led a volunteer crew sponsored by Pacific Community Services, Inc. that has rebuilt the chambers, chests, pipes and percussions and installed them into the theatre. In December of 1916 using the 2 manual Wurlitzer “Red Devil” console donated by Steve Restivo and electronics from Paul Brown with playback record function by Julie Porter, Dave Moreno played the Christmas program for Pittsburg Community Theatre.
An Orchestral Oboe has been added to the original 1928 10 Morton. The Robert Morton 3 manual console is receiving syndyne stops and is near completion. A lift has been installed under the thrust stage covering the orchestra pit to house the console. Cost of the restoration project to date has been $123,656 and we still have $498.92 left in the bank!
The organ has a beautiful sound and it is returned to the beautiful and historic theatre where it started out new. It will play in its original home for many years to come, thanks to those generous supporters and volunteers who have made the project possible.
Tom LaFleur
Pacific Community Services, Inc.
The 1928 Robert Morton console is scheduled to return to Pittsburg’s California Theatre next week (the first of December 2018). For 6 years, beginning January 15, 2019, Dave Moreno has led a volunteer crew sponsored by Pacific Community Services, Inc. that has rebuilt the chambers, chests, pipes and percussions and installed them into the theatre. In December of 1916 using the 2 manual Wurlitzer “Red Devil” console donated by Steve Restivo and electronics from Paul Brown with playback record function by Julie Porter, Dave Moreno played the Christmas program for Pittsburg Community Theatre.
An Orchestral Oboe has been added to the original 1928 10 Morton. The Robert Morton 3 manual console is receiving syndyne stops and is near completion. A lift has been installed under the thrust stage covering the orchestra pit to house the console. Cost of the restoration project to date has been $123,656 and we still have $498.92 left in the bank!
The organ has a beautiful sound and it is returned to the beautiful and historic theatre where it started out new. It will play in its original home for many years to come, thanks to those generous supporters and volunteers who have made the project possible.
Tom LaFleur
Pacific Community Services, Inc.
From THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD February 5, 1916 New Theater at Turlock, Cal. The new Turlock theater at Turlock, Cal., erected to take the place of the old Wonderland theater destroyed by fire some months ago, was opened the first of the year by George Bailey, proprietor of the former house. The new theater Is of fireproof construction, of very pleasing design, and has a seating capacity of 700 in the main auditorium and 140 in the balcony. The opening attraction was “The Battle Cry of Peace” and this was presented in a very impressive manner, an orchestra having been secured for the occasion. Before the performance commenced Rev. F. M. Brooke delivered an address on preparedness and the meaning of the film that was to follow. The production was well received and capacity houses were the rule during the two-days' engagement.
Apparently this original Turlock Theatre lasted only until 1919 and was replaced in 1920 by the New Turlock Theatre designed by A. W. Cornelius for A.H. & K. Arakelian. The New Turlock was also destroyed by fire in 1945 and rebuilt.
This link has 3 photos of the 1920 Merced and 1929 remodel plus a nice article from the Merced Sun. http://www.mercedsunstar.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/sarah-lim-museum-notes/article34097325.html