The Resurrection of Detroit’s Barton Opus Pipe Organ
Once the heart of Detroit’s Hollywood Theatre, the Barton Opus pipe organ embodied the very essence of the city’s vibrant entertainment scene nearly a century ago. However, after years of neglect and obscurity, this musical marvel is finally getting the restoration it deserves.
Originally built in 1927, the Barton Opus was a masterpiece of musical ingenuity that could replicate the sounds of various instruments and even produce special effects like steamboat whistles and bird calls. For audiences of the time, the organists who played these instruments were as much a part of the show as the films themselves.
After being tucked away in garages and basements for decades, the Barton Opus is now being meticulously restored in Indianapolis. Once the restoration is complete, the organ will find its new home at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, where a specially designed theater awaits its arrival.
The Detroit Theatre Organ Society describes the Hollywood Theatre as one of the grandest theaters of its time, with the Barton Opus serving as a centerpiece of its extravagant appeal. John Lauter, an organist and technician, recalls the golden age of Detroit’s movie palaces, highlighting the city’s vibrant entertainment culture.
Today, the Barton Opus stands as one of the last remaining intact organs of its kind, preserved thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts like Carlton Smith and Steven Ball. Ball, a professional organist, acquired the organ in 2003 and has since safeguarded it, waiting for the right opportunity to restore it to its former glory.
Thanks to a collaboration between Ball and the Rochester Institute of Technology, the Barton Opus will soon have a new home in a state-of-the-art performing arts center. The restoration work is well underway, with plans for the organ to be fully operational by January 2026.
This incredible journey from obscurity to restoration is a testament to the enduring legacy of Detroit’s entertainment history. The Barton Opus pipe organ will once again fill the air with its majestic tones, bringing a piece of the past back to life in the present.
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