On February 18, 1925, the Wurlitzer factory shipped it's 4/17 "Opus
998" Concert Organ in 12 freight cars to Gardena, California.  An old
Wurlitzer publicity photo shows a freight train and a big sign that
proclaims, "This train transporting the World's Mightiest Pipe Organ
-- the Wurlitzer for Roosevelt Memorial Park, Los Angeles, California."

A music roll playing system was installed so that, when a live organist
was not available, the organ could still be heard for funerals and
services.  When a funeral procession arrived at the gates of the cemetery,
the roll was started and provided music until the family arrived at the
gravesite.  The roll was again started after the service and music was
heard until the people exited the park.

A 30-horsepower blower provides 50" WG pressure for the organ, the
highest wind pressure of any Wurlitzer built.  It was designed to be
heard throughout the cemetery and more -- and it was!  Before the area
was heavily built up the organ could be heard a distance of five miles
away.

The not-for-profit cemetery is interested in restoring or rebuilding
the organ but they don't have the funds and are considering the
destruction of the organ and organ building to make room for mausoleum
space.  MMDer Kyle B. Irwin, who serves as organist and organ curator,
has helped the cemetery to establish an Organ Fund to receive donations
toward the organs preservation and restoration.  For more information
visit Kyle's web site at http://members.aol.com/theorganst/Page1.html 

Robbie Rhodes
Etiwanda, Calif.