20^th Century Theatre - Johannesburg (1939)

Würlitzer Op. 2232
P/IV 136 Stops 9 2^ndtouch Stops, 5 Tremulants 16 Ranks x Pipes

History
THR 20th Century, Johanneburg		Installed 1939
	RES Davis, G, Benoni	Relocated 1952
	RES Schroeder, E, Knysna	Relocated 1977
	PRC Afrikaans, Randburg	Relocated 1979

As with most of the theatre organs that came to South Africa, this one has seen its fair share of travels since its original home closed. This one traveled the length and breadth of the country to end up in the PRC Randburg where it still stands.

The organ, the last instrument to be built in the Wurlitzer factory and one of the last of its size in the world, was built to the specifications of the famous theatre organist, Dean Herrick, shipped to South Africa in 1940, and inaugurated on the 20^th March. The ship which carried it was torpedoed by the Nazi's during its return to the USA.

After its sale to Mr Davis it was installed in his music room, from whence it travelled to Knysna with its ne owner, Mr Schröder. In 1979 Ds. Coetzee of the Ranburg PRC bought the organ for his church after seeing it advertised in the Landbouweekblad and had it installed in two specially built chambers.

The Wurlitzer Organ Project

At present the organ is unplayable but, paradoxically, in a "near-pristine" condition. To explain: When the organ was installed in Randburg whe wind trunks were buried under ground between the blower and the chambers. Since then they (as with a number of orther ones inside the organ) have deteriorated completely. At present the blower hardly manages to deliver 6" (as opposed to the 15" intended) at the reservoirs. From here a number of additional leaks contribute to the near-complete lack of wind at the pipe foot.

In stark contrast the pipework, toyshop, and mechanics generally are in as good a state as I've seen - certainly in a theatre organ! Apart from the three ranks removed in the 1970's (and replaced with an Oboe and Diapason), everything is accounted for and in good condition.

The project will consist of three phases, being:
1-Initial refurbishment and overhauling
The chief aim here is to get the organ in a playable condition so that an accurate assesment can be made of the instrument's overall condition, and the items requiring attention.

2-Restoration
The complete restoration of the instrument, replacement of missing parts and pipes

3-Long-term sustainability

Any one interested in further information or in getting involved can send an E-mail to wurlitzer@saorgans.ws

Sources