Note: Not extant. Not playable. (in this location)
2006-04-15 - Identified through information adapted from <i>E. M. Skinner/Aeolian-Skinner Opus List</i>, by Sand Lawn and Allen Kinzey (Organ Historical Society, 1997), and included here through the kind permission of Sand Lawn: <br><i> No information.</i> -Database Manager
2008-05-19 - Updated through online information from John Elwood. -- In 1957 Mutual Benefit moved to a new building (known today as the IDT building) and sold 300 Broadway to the Archdiocese of Newark to house Essex Catholic High School. While the organ may have been removed earlier, it surely did not survive a 1975 fire which gutted the auditorium. The school moved out in 1979. The building was sold and converted into a nursing home. Currently on the National Register of Historic Places, but, presumably, without its Skinner. -Database Manager
2010-08-20 - Updated through online information from Mark J Cavanaugh. -- I was a student at Essex Catholic from 1968-1972. The organ was removed from the orchestra pit in the auditorium in January or February 1970. I was on the stage crew at the time and spent much time in the auditorium. The organ was evaluated and we as students were told the cost was prohibitive. Anticipating a large orchestra for a production of _West Side Story_, the console was removed from the orchestra pit. Our understanding at the time was that the pipes were to be sold; I have a sad recollection of the rather heroic console sitting across the hallway in the school chapel for at least another year. I was a proud alumnus and have fond memories of the auditorium; the claim of the 1975 fire is not substantiated. -Database Manager
2010-08-21 - Updated through online information from Mark J Cavanaugh. -- The 'trap' effects--mainly percussion--were controlled principally by engaging toe studs which coupled them to the pedals or keyboards. The console was seated centrally in a somewhat shallow orchestra pit, with its back abutting the front of the stage. Pipes were located in chambers with curtained and grilled fronts on either side of the stage; the curtains, when I was a student, were made of gold velour. The grilled fronts were long and rectangular with a curved top; the curtains hung down the center but there were grilles on either side and on the top. The echo chamber was placed on the right side; traps emanated from the left. -Database Manager
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