| THE PALACE THEATRE PIPE ORGAN From the files of ROGER ANGELL (from information compiled by Mr. Angell in 1975) In 1929 the Robert Morton Pipe Organ Company of Van Nuys, California completed work on Opus #2507, a three-manual, seven rank instrument. It was shipped to Hilo, Hawaii and installed In the Palace Theatre there. In May of 1932, John DeMello, then and still Staff Organist for the Consolidated Amusement Co. chain, became the organist. In April, 1940, both John and the organ were moved to the new Hilo Theatre where he was musical director for stage shows and provided organ music before shows and during intermissions, often preparing elaborate decorations for his presentations. He also played the organ for broadcasts six times weekly over KHBC radio, the program having begun in 1936. The radio programs were discontinued at the start of the war, and John was moved to Honolulu. The organ was still played, by some of his students, but only on special occasions. But in 1946 a tidal wave hit Hilo, and the console was severely damaged by the water. The organ chambers, located high alongside the stage, completely escaped damage. The console was taken to Honolulu for repairs, and did not return until some two years later. Again a tidal wave struck - this one in 1960 - and washed the console over the seats to the back wall of the auditorium where it broke apart and was completely destroyed. Again the chambers were spared, save a little silt that was washed up into one windline. The theatre was closed by this wave, never to re-open. It has since been demolished. Mr. Sam Dickerson inspected the organ In the theatre late In 1963, and found the remains to be in good condition. It was on the basis of this inspection that negotiations were begun to buy the instrument, and by the end of January, 1964, It was removed from the theatre and on Its way to Honolulu. Chambers had been built below the living room of its new home, and everything fit In perfectly. Since the original console had been destroyed, a two-manual Wurlitzer console was located in 1965. It was rebuilt in 1971 when the listening area was enlarged. In 1972 the instrument was re-dedicated by John DeMello and Gaylord Carter. In 1991 Roger Angell donated the organ to the Hilo Downtown Improvement Association for the Palace Theatre project. |