A Bit Of History...

The Page Organ Company built approximately fifty organs for the movie theatre industry during the Golden Age of the King of Instruments. Today, these fine machines are hard to find and are highly sought after.

Johnnie June Carter's 3/12 Grande Page Theatre Pipe Organ is the little sister to this gorgeous white and gold leaf four manual fifteen rank instrument pictured above. This huge Theatre Pipe Organ was installed at the Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Pictured above is the console of the largest Page Theatre Pipe Organ ever built. Note the three full bolsters brimming with Stop Tongues and the beautiful gold woodwork. Page was known for their highly detailed cabinet work with ornate raised gold leaf filigree and trim. Also, note the red velvet coshioned Howard seat. This is rare, indeed.

Pipe Organ Paradise's Grande Page 3/12 Theatre Pipe Organ was originally purchased from the Strand Theatre by a private owner who installed it in his home in Detroit, Michigan. From there, it was purchased by Carlton Smith who intended to set it up in his home.

The instrument then found a home in the residence of Doctor John Landon in Lexington, Kentucky, who expanded it to eleven ranks. The Miller Pipe Organ Company serviced the instrument during most of the years that it was in Doctor John Landon's home.

Johnnie June Carter aquired the organ in 2004 and had it installed at her Pipe Organ Paradise. The instrument presently contains twelve ranks and a full compliment of toys and tuned percussions. It is lovingly cared for by Dennis Werkmeister, a fellow member of the Central Florida Theatre Organ Society.

Since this feature was published here at Walnut Hill, Doctor Landon visited the site and had this to say:

The web page is beautiful! The 3/12 Grande Page Theatre Pipe Organ stands out in all its glory! You have made many lovely additions to your home to provide an appropriate setting for this beloved instrument.

JWLandon