DONALD PHIPPS, THE MIGHTY WURLITZER AND HANOVER THEATER

Most of us don't dream as big as Don Phipps nor do we have two as big as Don's ever come true by our own hands.  This man built a steel, 60 foot long, boat in his Medfield back yard.  It was used by MIT as an oceanographic research boat as well as many cruises, housing for a while in Boston Harbor, as backup in the basin on the Charlies on the 4th of July as a backup to the fireworks boat, and until it was sold recently after nearly 40 years, lived as active life as the builder himself.

His second dream was to build a huge theater organ which he did while he had a marine business and warehouse in which to house the organ. As retirement time rolled around, the organ was donated to the Hanover Theater in Worcester.  Tonight I was privileged to attend an appreciation night to Don by the Theater.  See more on Hanover Theater here.  Watch the video.

This was 'An Evening of Majestic Proportions'.in honor of Don Phipps and the Hanover Theater's Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Team.  There was a march  specially written by Len Beyersdorfer which will remain a permanent theme song for the organ.  The program included vocal performances by Maureen Brennan, Brian De Lorenzo and Kathy St. George  and the organist was Jonathan Ortloff. Mr. Ortloff played the organ while the Laurel and Hardy silent movie. Liberty  was projected. Whoever planned the program did a beautiful job of balancing moods.  The spell was broken to energize the audience with some sing alongs.  I'm always in awe of the theater organist who must be ambidextrous with  hands and feet as well as the ability to multi-task and think ahead.

There was much joy seeing my friend so honored.   I will always be left with admiration for anyone who can play a Theater Organ well, build one, and give it away to be enjoyed in perpetuity by many.  He is a truly remarkable man and friend.