REPAIR OF HISTORIC WURLITZER ORGAN NOW UNDERWAY!
(Jackson, Louisiana)

The Republic of West Florida Historical Association and the American Theatre Organ Society are pleased to announce ongoing restoration of famous pipe organ in Jackson, Louisiana:

With the assistance of donations from the various sources, volunteer organ technicians, from the South Mississippi Gold Coast Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society are moving toward completion of restoration efforts on the grand old organ that once charmed audiences in Connecticut's Olympia Theater. This fine 2/10 Wurlitzer had fallen on hard times but, thanks to the efforts of the Republic of West Florida Historical Association, the East Feliciana Chamber of Commerce and Department of Tourism, Mr.Leroy Harvey who oversees the operation of the museum, and ATOS-SMGC chapter members who volunteer their weekends, the Wurlitzer is well on its way to being returned to its original glory..

Utilizing Grant monies from the State of Louisiana and the ATOS Endowment Fund, as well as private contributions, defective components, that kept the organ silent for years, have been replaced or repaired. A new Peterson solid-state relay was purchased and has been installed. Much of the organ has been re leathered, and broken and damaged pipes have been repaired or replaced. . In addition, extensive renovations have been made to the Organ Pavilion, including air conditioning of the facility, installation of a video projection system for presentation of silent movie series, and installation of raised theater type seating. Currently, the Republic of West Florida Historical Society is seeking additional funding to perform a complete re leathering of the instrument.

In October of 2002, enough of the organ was functioning to begin a yearly concert event. That year, and in years following, the museum and the ATOS have jointly sponsored a Halloween silent movie screening that has drawn much acclaim. Florida organist Tom Hoehn has played for these events, and regular demonstrations, throughout the year, have been provided by house organist John DeMajo and other members of the South Mississippi Gold Coast Chapter.

Anyone who wishes to aid the non-profit organizations in this endeavor may contact us at the addresses furnished below. The following photos are provided to give the viewer some idea of the scope of this instrument.

Pipe Chamber exterior view	Solo chamber interior	Chamber with chrysoglott above
Post horn, oboe and tibia ranks	Spencer turbine blower and Peterson Relay	Console View during renovation
View of Clarinet rank	Toy Counter	16' Pedal Bourdon
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IF YOUR COMPUTER IS EQUIPPED FOR SOUND, YOU ARE LISTENING TO A THEATRE ORGAN.
No other instrument can produce the dynamic range of sounds that the theatre organ produces. (Deep Purple played by John DeMajo at the ROWFHS Wurlitzer)

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