History of the Might Wurlitzer

For the many community-minded citizens who worked so hard to save this magnificent theatre, the grand re-opening of the largest theatre in the state on October 29, 1978 was a thrill to behold. But many people remarked sadly that there was one thing missing…the Morton organ that had been a fixture in this Loew’s theatre at its opening in 1928 had since been destroyed by Hurricane Carole in 1954. In 1956 it was removed from the theatre, and the undamaged parts sold. The Providence Journal commented, “The disposal of the Loew’s State organ will mark the end of an era.” The idea of locating a replacement organ was often considered, however two obstacles had always interfered – finding an organ of the right size, and obtaining funding for the project.

The theatre remained without an organ until October of 1981, when Dennis James came to Providence to accompany a silent film classic, Napoleon, and it was necessary to rent an electronic organ for the show. Mr. James mentioned that there was a five-manual Wurlitzer which had recently been offered for sale and which would be ideal for this theatre. This particular Wurlitzer - one of only three of that size - was built in 1927 for the 5000-seat MarBro Theatre in Chicago. It had been purchased by organ buff Byron Carlson and installed in his home in Minneapolis. PPAC Trustee and house organist Lincoln Pratt traveled to Minneapolis and was so excited and impressed by the organ’s quality that he telephoned the Mayor of Providence, Vincent A. Cianci, Jr. and played “On the Sunny Side of the Street” over the phone to convince him that the organ belonged in Providence! With help from the City of Providence and a successful fund-drive, the organ was purchased for $85,000 in 1982. Installation of this organ at Providence Performing Arts Center by a team of volunteer technicians marked the revival of the majestic sounds of yesteryear and the hopeful rejuvenation of treasured tradition.

On June 5, 1982, Lincoln Pratt and several other talented organists presented a three-hour organ recital for an audience of patrons whose contributions had helped to pay for the Wurlitzer. When the console rose from the pit, the cheers of the audience proved how popular and worthwhile this effort had been. Through the years, the organ provided musical accompaniment for silent movies and was featured as pre-show entertainment for touring Broadway musical productions. In spring of 1988, the Wonders of the Wurlitzer (originally called Wednesdays at the Wurlitzer) free concert series was presented for the first time to spotlight this magnificent organ. The overwhelming response to this program has inspired PPAC to continue this series over the years.

The Wonders of the Wurlitzer series has become a regular part of the Theatre’s annual show schedule and has developed its own loyal, enthusiastic following. People come to listen, sing, and reminisce. Audience members come by bus, foot and car; professionals walk from downtown offices; organ club members travel from nearby cities; retirement and nursing home residents come with friends or in groups, many with stories and memories to share.