Hempstead House (Castle Gould) Wurlitzer
Wurlitzer | Style 185 | 1921 | 2/8 | 5 Tuned Percussion | 14 Traps | 596 Pipes
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TONAL ANALYSIS
ABOUT THE ORGAN
ranks
16 Tuba Horn
16 Open Diapason
8 Clarinet
8 Viol d'Orchestre
8 Viol Celeste
16 Flute
8 Vox Humana
8 Tibia
Cathedral Chimes
Sleigh Bells
Xylophone
Glockenspiel
​Chrysoglott
pressure | pipe count
10" | 85
10" | 85
10" | 61
10" | 73
10" | 73
10" | 97
6" | 61
10" | 73
18 Notes
25 Notes
30 Notes
30 Notes
49 Notes
Wurlitzer Opus 442 was originally installed in Shea's "Belview" (later "Rapids") theatre in Niagara Falls, NY, in 1921. The instrument, a style 185, 2/7, was modified by Wurlitzer to incorporate a Tibia Clausa, not normally found on this style instrument. Like it's big sister, the style 285 Wurlitzer in nearby Shea's Buffalo, the Shea's Belview Wurlitzer was equipped with a 25 cycle current blower. Much of the Niagra Falls area current in the early part of the century utilized this rather non-conventional power standard.
The organ was removed from the theatre about 1972 by a private party for installation in a residence. After that, it was acquired by Mr. Ian McKenzie of St. James, Long Island, for installation in his home. In the late 1980's, the organ was donated to Nassau County Department of Parks and Recreation, for installation in Hempstead House at the Sands Point Preserve. The organ has remained intact and original all of it's life, and will be maintained that way as a demonstration of the engineering technology and sound that made the Wurlitzer name world famous. Installation of the organ is now complete, and the current crew members, John Karpus, Tom Lloyd, Alan Lush, and Tom Stehle are now working on tonal finishing and restoration of the combination action. The Wurlitzer is played by Alan Lush for various events held in the mansion.
ABOUT THE ESTATE
Built in 1912, this massive Tudor-style mansion was the site of society parties, performances and exhibitions by world-class artists, and gatherings of the powerful elite of the time. Today, Hempstead House stands ready for entertaining on any scale – with its magnificent architecture, landscaped gardens and exquisite views.
Hempstead House is often selected for film and television locations, including Paramount’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles starring Megan Fox and Will Arnett; HBO’s Phil Spector staring Al Pacino and Helen Mirren; HBO’s Boardwalk Empire; USA Networks’ Royal Pains; and Showtime’s Masters of Sex.
From the portico, enter the mansion’s sixty-foot-tall entry foyer with stained glass windows and an equally impressive staircase. The air-conditioned ground floor features the sunken palm court, winter and summer living rooms, the mahogany wood-paneled library, dining room, and billiards room – all with working stone-carved fireplaces and breathtaking views of the Preserve’s gardens, grounds and the Long Island Sound. Luxurious bedrooms and newly renovated marble bathrooms complement the grand scale of this mansion. The summer living room opens to the lush Rose Garden with fountains and the terrace overlooking the beach and the Long Island Sound.