The Bardavon 1869 Opera House
Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY
Wurlitzer 2/7 Style EX (divided)
Installed in 1928
Enlarged to 10 Ranks
Owned by NYTOS
The Bardavon 1869 Opera house has the distinction of being one of the oldest theatres continually operating in the State of New York. It was built in 1869 as the Collingwood Opera House, and after renovations in 1923 continued its life as a movie theatre. Slated for demolition in 1975, the theatre was saved and purchased in 1979 through civic efforts, and reopened as a performing arts center featuring a resident symphony orchestra. The theatre's original 2/7 Style E (divided) Wurlitzer, although removed in the early 1960's, was located, purchased, restored, and reinstalled by the New York Theatre Organ Society. The organ is featured in many of the Bardavon's shows. For information on current shows at the Bardavon call 845-473-2072 or visit their web site at www.bardavon.or.
History:
Originally installed in 1928, the Bardavon Wurlitzer accompanied silent movies, provided "play-in" and intermission music, and was occasionally used for concerts. In the early 1960's, the organ was removed and sold to noted organ architect, Thomas Pierce, who installed it in his Scarsdale, New York home. Ten years later, it was sold again and returned to the Poughkeepsie area by a local entrepreneur who intended to use it in a commercial venture. It was stored up until 1984, when it was discovered by NYTOS member, John Vanderlee. John convinced the newly renovated Bardavon Opera House to reinstall the instrument. NYTOS purchased the instrument, restored it, and reinstalled it in its original chambers in the Bardavon. After nearly eight years of labor and nearly $50,000 in donated funds, the Wurlitzer played again in its old home for the first time in 1993. The combination of "original organ" in "original home" makes the Bardavon Wurlitzer a unique and rare treasure, of which members of NYTOS are justifiably proud.
For a complete "guided tour" of the history of the Bardavon, visit their Web site at www.bardavon.org