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 Some photographs of silent-era screens. 

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Click the pictures for a better view.


 

These photographs are from David Junchen's
Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ.

Used with permission of the very generous author.

 

 

  The California Theatre in Santa Barbara was the home of the first unit organ ever built by the [Robert Morton] firm. It was installed in 1917 by its designer, plant superintendent Stanley Williams. --from The Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ  

The California Theatre in Santa Barbara

The California Theatre in Santa Barbara was the home of the first unit organ ever built by the [Robert Morton] firm. It was installed in 1917 by its designer, plant superintendent Stanley Williams. --from The Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ

 
 
  Woodley's Optic Theatre in Los Angeles contained a small Murray M. Harris instrument. Chamber positioning suggests that the organ was installed after the house was built. --from the Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ  

Woodley's Optic Theatre in Los Angeles

Woodley's Optic Theatre in Los Angeles contained a small Murray M. Harris instrument. Chamber positioning suggests that the organ was installed after the house was built. --from The Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ

 
 
  One manual Schuelke organ in the Lexington Theatre, Milwaukee, featuring display pipes by Jerome B. Meyer. The pipes on the right are dummies installed for symmetry. --from The Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ  

Lexington Theatre, Milwaukee

One manual Schuelke organ in the Lexington Theatre, Milwaukee, featuring display pipes by Jerome B. Meyer. The pipes on the right are dummies installed for symmetry. --from The Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ

 
 
  Rosewood Theatre, Chicago, in July 15, 1916 Seeburg pianos & orchestras trade ad in Moving Picture World. --from The Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ  

Rosewood Theatre, Chicago

Rosewood Theatre, Chicago, in July 15, 1916 Seeburg pianos & orchestras trade ad in Moving Picture World. --from The Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ

 
 
  The Biograph Theatre in Chicago installed a two manual Wangerin in 1914 but replaced it with a 2/7 Wurlitzer in 1924. --from the Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ  

The Biograph Theatre in Chicago

The Biograph Theatre in Chicago installed a two manual Wangerin in 1914 but replaced it with a 2/7 Wurlitzer in 1924. --from The Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ

 
 
  The Merrill Theatre in Milwaukee, pictured in this ad, didn't even have a unit organ; it had a 2/7 straight Wangerin installed in 1915.  --from the Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ  

The Merrill Theatre in Milwaukee

The Merrill Theatre in Milwaukee, pictured in this ad, didn't even have a unit organ; it had a 2/7 straight Wangerin installed in 1915. --from The Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ

 
 
  The Milwaukee Savoy Theatre's 2/7 Wangerin was installed in 1915.  --from the Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ  

The Milwaukee Savoy Theatre

The Milwaukee Savoy Theatre's 2/7 Wangerin was installed in 1915.--from The Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ

 
 
  The Oakland Theatre in Chacago installed a 2/8 Wangerin in 1914.  The theatre's owner, remarking on the instrument's quality, noted that 'although used daily for many hours, it has never given any trouble; on the contrary it is at all times a pleasure to note the satisfaction its music gives to our patrons.'  

The Oakland Theatre in Chicago

The Oakland Theatre in Chacago installed a 2/8 Wangerin in 1914. The theatre's owner, remarking on the instrument's quality, noted that 'although used daily for many hours, it has never given any trouble; on the contrary it is at all times a pleasure to note the satisfaction its music gives to our patrons.'--from The Encyclopedia of the American Theatre Organ

 

 

Jesse Crawford at the Robert-Morton theatre organ installed in Miller's California Theatre, Los Angeles