Avalon Theatre - 2/4 Wurlitzer
Bellingham, Washington
113 W. Magnolia St.
Organ installation timeframe: 1926 - 1932
 
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Avalon Theatre, c.1927
 
The Avalon opened in April 1926 and was built by Dr. Edward T. Mathes, President of the Washington State Normal School (now Western Washington University). Opening night organist was Ed Ahern.
 
According to the PSTOS Bill Bunch/Eugene Nye records, the Avalon Theatre had a 2/4 Wurlitzer, install date unknown. From the photo below, it appears that the instrument had a piano-style console, quite possibly a Style 135A.
 

Avalon Theatre interior, date unknown. Courtesy Jeff Fox
 
The organ was installed in the right chamber. The left chamber contained heating equipment.
 
The Avalon organ does not appear in the Judd Walton opus lists so it was most likely a transplant from another theatre. One theory is the Avalon's organ came from the Ray Theatre in Olympia that closed in 1924. The Ray had a similar Style 135A Wurlitzer, disposition unknown.
 
According to Jeff Fox, his uncle Marvin Fox was doorman and assistant manager for Dr. Mathes. When Dr. Mathis took ill he left for Arizona for about one year. Marvin became the manager and Emily Willard did the accounting work. This was in the 1931-1932 timeframe. In a letter to Jeff in the early 1970s, Marvin stated that the organ was no longer in the building when he was running the place for Dr. Mathis. Jeff recalls a rumor that Dr. Mathes had the organ in his home at one point, either before or after its installation in the Avalon, but this cannot be confirmed.
 

Magnolia Street, late 1920's. Note original marquee style. Photo courtesy Jeff Fox.
 

Avalon auditorium, date unknown. Note open balcony portals. Courtesy Jeff Fox
 

Avalon Theatre letterhead, c.1932, courtesy Jeff Fox.
 

Avalon Theatre entrance, May 8, 1932. Note also: Green Rooster "Malted Milk" Cafe.
 
From Jeff Fox, January 10, 2005, "Marvin Fox (my uncle) - doorman and assistant manager at the Avalon (ran the place when Dr. Mathes went to Arizona due to health) and Archie Fox - my dad - Marvins brother - made the sign "Monkey Business." (shown in the foreground above, on the entrance awning). There was a small motor with a crankshaft that raised and lowered the Marx Bros. Harpo is seen with a horn. Somehow they also had a small horn which would sound when Harpo appeared. I do not know what type of horn but I suspect it was electric, no air. Complaints from the Federal Building employees across the street made the horn effect short-lived."
 

Avalon Theatre "Programette" for March 12-30, 1933. Courtesy Jeff Fox.
 

Street scene, c.1930s
 

Avalon balcony, date unknown. Note in the balcony portals are now glassed in. After talkies were introduced, mothers with babies and small children could enjoy the show without disturbing the other patrons. Courtesy Jeff Fox.
 

Voucher for discounted admission, Matinee 6¢, Evenings 7¢. Date unknown.
 

c.1946
 

c.1953
 
The Avalon Theatre building still exists and is currently occupied by two retail stores.
 

Avalon Theatre building, 2005. The only recognizable feature is the downspout on the left side of the building. Photo, Jeff Fox.