Nathan Bienz on December 7th, 2025:
"The Grand PAGE Theatre Pipe Organ is one of only three Page organs remaining in an original installation in the United States; approximately 150 were built. "The organ was shipped from Lima, Ohio on January 3, 1929. It was never used to provide accompaniment for silent films, but rather it was featured in an organ solo spot sing-a-longs as well as entrance and exit music for movie patrons. In the late 60's the theatre ownership went bankrupt and the theatre closed. "In 1974, under new ownership, the organ was restored and used for intermissions during shows on weekends from the mid 70's to early 80's. "The Paramount Heritage Foundation was formed to restore the Paramount Theatre Centre in 1989. They discovered the Page console itself was in decent condition, but the two pipe chambers had been badly damaged by water due to a leaky roof. "The organ, silent since 1984 was restored by Carlton Smith. The original shades of gold were returned to the shell and the organ was expanded to twelve ranks. George Smith has been the resident organist for the Paramount since the Theatre restoration. "In 2021, with funds donated by several generous individuals, both organ chambers were completely refurbished. All pipes, instruments, percussion pieces etc., were brought back to life, and new HVAC units were installed in both chambers. Further, a new lift was installed in the center/front stage area to allow the organ to be raised and lowered during events, like the early days. The lift is also used to store both the organ and the grand piano below-stage. This serves to better protect both the instruments as well as allow more stage space for performances." Source: https://www.andersonparamount.org/pipe-organ