Proctors restores historic water-damaged organ in $400K project

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — In honor of its 100th anniversary, Proctors will restore the Goldie Theatre organ in a $400,000 project. Officials with the theatre said the restoration of the 1931 Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ comes after a severe storm broke a drainpipe, causing water damage in 2021.

Although the original organ from 1926, which accompanied silent films and Vanderville acts, was sold for parts, a group of organ enthusiasts started seeking a replacement in 1977. Located in a Minnesota private collection, and with the help of a $90,000 grant from the Golub family, Goldie was moved across the county to be installed at Proctors.

The organ was cared for by the Hudson-Mohawk Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society (HMATOS) for more than 40 years. The restoration project started by Proctors and HMATOS after the water damage was taken over by COSS Organs in Delmar.

“Goldie is more than just an instrument at Proctors,” a HMATOS representative said. “Theatre Organs have played a pivotal role in the history of films, the magnificent theatres, and the world of organ music. Hundreds of players, technicians, and volunteers in our region have participated in our ATOS Chapter over the last four decades to keep these skills alive. It’s a working instrument, and this project is our way to make sure people continue to enjoy it for decades to come,” says a representative from HMATOS.”

With the approaching 100th anniversary of Proctors, Goldie’s restoration ensures that the instrument will continue to inspire audiences for another century. Honoring the theatre’s past while also celebrating the historical role it played for the Capital Region, the halls of Proctors will soon hear Goldie chime again.