In January 2023, the Los Angeles Theatre Organ Society took possession of the last theatre organ console manufactured by the Barton Organ Company of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The console was originally part of Barton's op. 350, a 10-rank instrument that had been installed in 1931 at the Paramount Theatre in Newport News, Virginia. The console has had several homes over the last 90+ years and was most recently owned by the late Phil Maloof.

The newly-acquired console will be installed in the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, where it will play the 1927 Barton organ (ex-National Theatre, Milwaukee) own by LATOS and installed in 1984. The organ's previous console, which was in need of repair, was traded to the Phil Maloof Foundation.  

LATOS is very thankful for the invaluable support of its donors and volunteers in making this project possible. 

Read a short history of Barton op. 350

A WORK IN PROGRESS

In preparation for an anticipated installation later in 2024, the new console is currently undergoing repairs and upgrades at the workshop of Rosales Organ Builders. The work is expected to include:

• The installation of an Opus-Two control system with many levels of memory, as well as record and playback functionality
• All new stop action magnets
• New expressions shoes
• Repair and/or replacement of existing toe pistons 
• New new thumb pistons
• Refurbishment (or possible replacement) of manuals
• Refurbishment of existing pedal board 
• Construction of a new platform for moving the console on stage 

Ebell Club photography by Wendell Benedetti.