The Gigantic St. Louis World's Fair Organ (now part of the Wanamaker Organ) recalled by F.R. Webber

The 1904 St. Louis World's Fair Pipe Organ-the world's largest-and the major figures behind it are featured in this lavishly illustrated film presented from the perspective of pipe-organ historian Frederick R. Webber. As he recounts his boyhood impressions of the gigantic pipe organ, spotlighted in detail are designer George Ashdown Audsley and organ builder Murray M. Harris. Included are rare photos of the interior of Festival Hall. Join us as we take a sentimental tour of the 1904 St. Louis Louisiana Purchase Exposition, the Big Fair of Big Things. Included are detailed scenes of Philadelphia's Wanamaker Organ in its present-day configuration. Music by Michael Stairs. Pipedreams' Michael Barone narrates.

[@scotttefkin8746]

Fantastic! What a Great use of this valuable and historic organ. It will fit right in at Wanamakers and will be much loved and appreciated once more. And it will be well cared for. Bravo!

[@jimpeter3453]

Everyone: Watch for the annual Wannamaker Organ Day in Philadelphia in June. Terrific!!

[@jimpeter3453]

Very interesting, thanks! Regards from Baltimore.

[@andrewnelson3681]

Organs and the music written for them are one of humanity’s greatest achievements.

[@timothytikker3834]

In my home town, San Francisco, there were three 1904 Los Angeles Art organs: Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, Philadelphia Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and Temple Sherith-Israel. I've played all three, the Holy Cross organ for the 1988 OHS Convention. The Holy Cross organ has since been relocated to the Catholic cathedral in Portland, Oregon, restored by Richard Bond. The other two are still in place, preserved in original condition. Each has beautiful voicing and very distinctive character, and stimulate the listener's imagination to extrapolate to what must have been the overwhelming grandeur of the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition organ in its original venue!

[@Ipbulldog]

It’s wonderful to hear your pearly tones and absorb some of your limitless knowledge on TH-cam Mr. Barone!! This history of the spectacular Wanamaker Organ is really appreciated. Another would be to have “Pipe Dreams” available here too. Thank You!

[@catherinesarah5831]

🇦🇺 Thank you Michael. A most remarkable stroll down memory lane. One has to wonder the purpose and origins of all those international exhibition centres, and how they quickly disappeared from sight and memory. Whenever I’m in Philadelphia, first stop is always the Eanamaker Bldg. I hope to make the 2024 exhibition day. 🙏

[@gregbushman319]

A great walk back in time! There's more to St. Louis than Judy Garland!

[@MusicMan-dv7jg]

That’s Dr. Audsley 3:44

[@bertspeggly4428]

I wonder what happened to that magnificent console?

[@Bronzeagleye]

It is believed the Wanamaker's modified it to command the New York Auditorium Organ. That console is now in the hands of a collector in Victoria, Texas.