CRATOS members were summoned to the Paramount Theatre at 11:30am, Wednesday, June 18th at the behest of theatre management. Of concern was, and still is, the stability of the heavily damaged main stage. Based on the June 17th photos by The Gazette, the condition of the console was documented, but the condition of the pipe chambers was as-yet unkown.
We are deeply saddened to report that the console did not survive the flood intact. Altorfer and Coonrod Crane Service volunteers rushed to the aid of the CRATOS team to help pull the console free from the edge of the stage and organ lift. The strain of movement, water, time, and exposure to extreme conditions was simply too much. Our beautiful Balaban 1A console, a fixture of the Paramount Theatre since 1928 made it into the sunlight for the first time in 80 years, holding together until the very end.
CRATOS members onsite worked to salvage any major components from the console. The keydesk, top, stoprail, all stop tabs, pedal board, and bench were all retrieved along with several pieces of ornate woodwork and the original Wurlitzer faceplates. The remaining portions of the console are in temporary storage while decisions can be made and funding secured to rebuild or replace the console.
Following the efforts to save the console, the CRATOS members onsite entered the upper levels of the Paramount to inspect the Main pipe chamber. We were very encouraged to see that no water had entered this chamber – which we have to assume for the time being is the same as in the Solo chamber which is not easily accessible at this time. The temperature was a cool 70 degress, and much lower humidity than expected. The water line is approximately 1 ft under the floor of the chamber.
Despite the damage to the console, the condition of the pipe chambers is very encouraging, and gives us renewed hope that the organ will once again play in its original home. I will take time, talent, and the generosity of the community to bring this priceless instrument back to life.
Updated photos are in our gallery.
