Radio Station KOIN (CBS) - 3/6 Robert Morton
Portland, Oregon
Organ installation timeframe: 1935 - 1955
 
Back to the Radio Stations page

Organ console in the KOIN lobby at the New Heathman Hotel, c.1930's
 

Lobby of KOIN Radio in the New Heathman Hotel
 

New Heathman Hotel, c. 1938

KOIN radio started out in 1926 in the basement of the original Heathman Hotel in Portland. The "New" Heathman Hotel was built in 1927, and KOIN eventually moved its studios to the new building.   Between 1933 and 1939, several modifications were made to the mezzanine level to accommodate the expanding needs of KOIN.   In 1935, a 3/6 Robert Morton theatre organ was installed by Balcom & Vaughan.

 

This organ was originally from Astoria's Peoples Theatre, later installed in Seattle's Olympic (Town & Country) Theatre.   The instrument was controlled by a three-manual Wurlitzer console (enlarged from a two-manual -- standard practice in many Balcom & Vaughan installations). Two Wurlitzer ranks were added, a Style D Trumpet and Tibia.   While headquarted at the New Heathman, KOIN had a larger staff of musicians and entertainers than all the other Portland stations combined.

Performers, c.1931

 

KOIN studios
 

Mezzanine level
 
KOIN occupied its Heathman studios until 1953 when its entry into the television era required a move to larger facilities.
 
In 1955, the organ was moved to St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Oregon City. It was eventually broken up for parts by Mike Dillon. The Trumpet went to Dale Haskin and the Tibia to Bert Hedderly.
 

KOIN studio signage atop the New Heathman Hotel, date unknown.
 

New Heathman Hotel, date unknown. Paramount Theatre on left.
 

The KOIN CBS "Radio Advertiser," c.1945
 

Postcard view of Broadway looking North, c.1930's