After my post on Wurlitzer "Monster" and "Mammoth" band organs
yesterday I heard from Art Reblitz and Al Pebworth. Both informed me
that the organ owned by Don Neilson which I referred to as a "Mammoth"
is not believed to be an actual "Mammoth." It is, rather, a DeKleist
organ on which Wurlitzer may have based the "Mammoth." Al Pebworth,
who used to own the organ, pointed out that it was originally a barrel
organ before it played the Style 160 roll scale to which it has been
returned (having played Style 165 rolls in the interim).
This organ was part of the famed "Heller Hoard" in Macedonia, Ohio, so
I believe the complete lineage of the organ's owners (after discovery
of the Hoard) would be Jim Wells, Al Pebworth, Don Rand, Marty Roenigk,
and finally Don Neilson. This leaves the Joyland Park, Wichita, Kansas,
organ (future uncertain) as the only confirmed "Mammoth."
Additionally, Art informed me that he restored the Style 155 "Monster"
that Bill Black sold to Bob Gilson, and that the added Style 165 roll
frame was removed prior to the restoration. The organ was missing its
original case, so a fine reproduction was created by Mac McClaran and
his woodworker, based on the case of the Burlington, Colorado "Monster."
Setting the record straight,
Dan Robinson
Rochester, New York
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