Isn’t it gorgeous? The Barton console on it’s new, moveable platform on it’s new lift. It’s almost done, a few minor touches yet. Thanks to Dave Kelzenberg for the photo! More pictures on our Facebook page.
Paramount restoration videos
This is pretty cool. There are several videos on YouTube showcasing the restoration of the Paramount Theater. The poster of this video has videos showing the repainting, expansion of the stage house, restoration of the light fixtures and this really cool video. The theater historically had atmospheric lighting in the house, red, blue, and yellow circuits in the dome and coves. The bulbs burned out over the years and weren’t always replaced with the proper color bulb. Now with LED lighting the domes can change color and nobody has to climb into the rafters to try to change the bulbs!
The Gazette published updates on the Paramount Theatre restoration efforts. The work continues, getting closer each day to completion and re-opening!
Just a little video to hint at what is to come. Oh, and no there wasn’t someone with breathing problems recording the video. The ambient noise from the blower is making that “breathing sound”. Normally, the door between the blower room and solo chamber is closed and you would not hear that.
Here is the new console for the Barton at the Iowa Theater (Theatre Cedar Rapids). The original glitter pattern was reproduced for the new console. The console was built by Ken Crome of Nevada and the fabric covering and new protective cover was done by Ajram Upholstery in Cedar Rapids. Don’t you think they did a FABULOUS job?
There are still a few cosmetic things to do to the console, but it is currently playing the organ though the new relay!
This is the new console for the Paramount Wurlitzer. The console is from opus 1908 a style 260 3 m 15rank. The Paramount’s organ (Opus 1907) shipped from Wurlitzer 7/16/28 and the new console (from Opus 1908) shipped 7/17/28.
It will be rebuilt and redecorated to match our Wurlitzer’s original console. The plan is to have the console on display when the Paramount opens later this year.
Ken Crome is rebuilding the console and will be restoring the entire organ as well.
As we were saying!
Sorry about the delays in updating the website and Facebook but a lot of neat stuff has been happening!
At the Paramount:
A new console was found. The Paramount’s organ (Opus 1907) shipped from Wurlitzer 7/16/28 and the new console (from Opus 1908) shipped 7/17/28.
The console is a three manual plain console and it will be rebuilt and redecorated to match the destroyed original console.
Ken Crome has been hired to rebuild not only the console but the entire organ! He came to Cedar Rapids the week of February 13th 2012 and removed all the chests, and pipes and they will be rebuilt to new condition. He is currently working on the console and Carlton Smith will be doing the console decoration. It is planned to have the console on display in the Paramount by the time the theater reopens.
At the Iowa Theater (Theatre Cedar Rapids):
A replica console for the Barton was built. A decision was made to replicate the original glitter pattern on the fabric so the organ will look exactly like it’s 1928 opening.
The solo chamber suffered some condensation damage immediately after the flood and was completely removed and rebuilt and reinstalled by Weiler and Associates, an organ firm in Chicago.
A new computer relay has been installed to control the organ as the original relay is in an unserviceable location and, per the request of the theatre, the console needs to be movable. The console can be played from it’s new lift (which goes all the way up to the stage level now) or from the main stage, or from the main floor of the auditorium.
The organ is making noise now and has had a rough tuning and adjustments of some pneumatic valves in the chests and testing of the new relay.
Ken Crome and Lynn Larsen will be in town the week of Feb 13th to do the tonal finishing on the organ.
There are still some cosmetic and wiring tasks to finish, but it is hoped to have a chapter meeting within the next few months, prior to a re-dedication concert.
Numerous photos are available on CRATOS Facebook page and stay tuned for a sneak peak video.
It is with great sadness we must report the passing of Paul Montague:
Paramount Theatre Restoration Approved
CRATOS is pleased to be able to report that the Cedar Rapids City Council, on Feb 4, 2009, voted to restore the flood-damaged Paramount Theatre. The restoration funding is inclusive of the theatre and the organ. The Cedar Rapids Gazette provided the update on this monumental decision.
More updates will be provided as details are released.
Paramount Theatre Floods Again
Just over 6 months since sustaining flooding from the Cedar River, the Paramount Theatre has flooded once again. This time a broken water pipe, apparently left unchecked, caused the building’s sub-basement, basement and orchestra pit to fill with water.
Fortunately this time the water was clean, but still damaging to an already flooded and closed building. The City of Cedar Rapids has not yet made any decision on restoration of the theatre and the Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ. The building remains closed and under minimal maintenance for the winter until a decision can be made regarding the future of this priceless landmark building.
Roomates for the First Time in 80 Years
On August 2, 2008, the strangest thing since the Great Flood of 2008 happened in Cedar Rapids, IA. CRATOS members, assisted by the Rockwell Retiree Volunteers, and The History Center, moved the Wurlitzer and Barton consoles into the new organ restoration room. For the first time in the history of Cedar Rapids, two completely unique theatre organ consoles sat face to face, sharing in the same fate.
The Paramount’s Balaban 1A Wurlitzer console, severely damaged by the June 2008 flooding, has been in temporary storage since June 18th, 2008. Getting the remaining console pieces into a climate controlled environment was key in preserving the remaining portions for future restoration work.
The Iowa (TCR) Rhinestone Barton was moved to a warehouse section of The History Center several weeks ago, awaiting the completion of preparations on the organ restoration room. With the major preparations completed it was time to move both consoles into the same room for the first time ever.
RCRV and The History Center have worked steadily to convert the former 1940s car dealership building into the new headquarters for the console restorations of both instruments. With original tin ceilings still largerly intact, a full showroom front on 2nd Avenue and 6th Street SE, air conditioning, and plenty of space, CRATOS and CRBI (Cedar Rapids Barton Incorporated) have a new, temporary home from which to launch the next chapter in the lives of both organs.
CRATOS and CRBI are grateful to The History Center, RCRV, and Mike Wilson for their efforts in securing and converting the new, temporary home for the organ consoles. The next chapter in the fate of these incredible, unique instruments is about to begin!
