Bellingham, Washington
Organ installation timeframe: 1929 - 1992
 
Back to the Northwest Theatre Organ History: Other Installations page
Leathurby-Smith console, c.1930s. Image courtesy Whatcom Museum and Jeff Fox.
 
The Harlow-Hollingsworth Mortuary (later Jones Funeral Home) organ started out in Tacoma's Victory (Mission)Theatre in 1928. The instrument was removed from the theatre in 1929 by Balcom & Provorse and reinstalled in the mortuary for a cost of $1,500, with $400 down and monthly payments for an extended period.
 
According to Jeff Fox, Ernie Oberg was organist at Jones Funeral Home for many years. Jeff attended funerals there in the 1970s-80's "until Jones built their new building East of town."
 
Recording of Jeff Fox at the Jones Funeral Home Leathurby-Smith
 
Date: December 12, 1986
Recording: Jeff Fox
Among My Souvenirs   Format: MP3 (192Kbps), Size: 5.8MB
 
Console 1987. Photo courtesy Jeff Fox
 
Pipe chamber 1987. Photo courtesy Jeff Fox
 
Pipe chamber 1987. Photo courtesy Jeff Fox
 
Door to the pipe chamber, 1987. "Provorse" at bottom of sign most likely painted over by Sandy Balcom when the Balcom Provorse partnership ended. Photo courtesy Jeff Fox
 
In 1992, the organ was purchased by Gordon Sullivan of Custer, Washington.