The Paramount Theatre's 3/12 Wurlitzer Balaban 1A

Opening on Saturday, September 1st, 1928, the Capitol
Theatre was part of the Publix/Balaban & Katz chain of
theatres. The Capitol opened with great fluorish, heralded
by fireworks and airplanes which dropped prizes
in the vicinity of the theatre.

The Rudolph Wurlitzer Company of North Tonawanda,
New York, was the quintessential and by far the largest
manufacturer of theatre pipe organs. “Wurlitzer” became
both a household word and a generic term for
theatre organs.

The Capitol’s Wurlitzer was shipped from the factory on
July 16, 1928. It was the first in a series of “special”
Wurlitzers designed specifically for the Balaban & Katz
theatre chain. It is listed as style “Balaban 1A”.
After a few years, Paramount bought out the Balaban &
Katz chain, and the theatre became the Paramount.
The console is the most visible part of the organ. The
3/12 (three keyboard, twelve rank) organ houses over
900 pipes in two chambers, the “Main” on the left,
and the “Solo” on the right, that produce a wonderous
sound.

“It’s ready for you-- This Palace of Splendor with its acre
of seats. The rare paintings are hung, the sculptures
are in place, the deep carpet is waiting for the tread of
thousands who will come to marvel at the countless wonders!”...

The Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette and Republican, 1928.