Burke Residence - 3/12 Wurlitzer
Portland, Oregon
Organ installation timeframe: 1963-1986
 
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Three-manual Wurlitzer console. Photo, courtesy Don Feely
 

Bob Burke working on his Wurlitzer

The Burke organ was originally installed in Medford's Craterian Theatre. Bob purchased the organ in 1962. It was removed from the theatre in February 1963 and by Easter of 1964, the organ was playing in the Burke home.   The organ was installed in the basement. It spoke into the living room through a 2-1/2' x 8' grate in the floor.   Four additional ranks were added in 1965: VDO, VDO Celeste, Clarinet and Post Horn. The first three ranks were purchased from Dr. Dan Andriesian and were from the Cargill Wurlitzer. The fourth rank was a custom Post Horn, built for Bob by Moller.   Bob also installed the Wurlitzer piano from Spokane's Liberty Theatre.

 

Photo, courtesy Don Feely
 

Console with floor grill visable to the right.

Main chamber

 
The Burke Wurlitzer had the following ranks:
 
Post Horn (Moller), Trumpet, Open Diapason, Tibia Clausa, Clarinet, Orchestral Oboe, Kinura, Viol D'Orchestra, VDO Celeste, Salicional, Flute, Vox Humana.
 

Living room of the Burke Tudor-style home
 

Burke console, c.1970s
 

Toy counter, located near ceiling grill in basement. Photo, courtesy Don Feely
 
In 1986, the instrument was purchased by Don Feely of Canby, Oregon.
 

Bob, with the blower, during removal 1986. Photo, courtesy Don Feely.