Oaks Park Roller Rink
next to the east end of the Sellwood Bridge
over the
Willamette River in Portland, OR
This Open Pipe Chambers configuration is the largest such installation in the United States of America.
Staff Organist Keith Fortune reported that during the quake "Here in Portland, the Oaks Park Wurlitzer managed to 'stay' suspended above the rink floor, although it did a tremendous amount of swaying. Fortunately, the only damage here was to a couple of the larger tuba pipes which were bent, and jumped off of the rail hook which holds the upper portion of the pipes. Considering the fact that a few tons of organ were swaying over a foot in each direction, we feel lucky that the whole thing didn't come down on the rink floor. Had the epicenter of this quake been closer to Portland, I have no doubt we would be the only rink with a pipe organ "under" the floor instead of "above" the floor. I would be interested in hearing if any other organ in Oregon had any damage."
To read more information about the earthquake's effect on pipe organs elsewhere, go to PSTOS's News page.
The organ is played for the general public and roller skating clubs to skate on Thursday evenings from 8-10:30 pm, and on Sundays from 1-5 pm and 7-9:30 pm. It is also available to be played during private parties or private organ concerts.
Pipe Organ Accompaniment by Keith Fortune, Gary Russell and Dean Lemire occasionally.
Organ Maintenance by Steve Bray and Keith Fortune.
There is no charge for spectators.
More Information: Oaks Park Web Site