HISTORIC HAND-CARVED BADEN BAND ORGAN MAKES ITS RETURN TO THE MYRTLE BEACH PAVILION
Its First Concert Of The Farewell Season Will Take Place This Friday

August 16, 2006, Myrtle Beach, S.C. — The historic hand-carved Baden Band Organ that has become a staple of The Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park is back in the park and its first concert is scheduled for Friday, August 18 at 6:00 p.m.

The organ, which dates back to 1900, has been away being tuned. It is 20-feet long, 11-feet high, seven feet deep and weighs approximately two tons. It has 400 different pipes, 98 keys and still operates with old-style cardboard music, most of which was composed more than 50 years ago.
The restoration of the organ represents the most comprehensive work on the internal music works. Handled by Donald Stinson, of Stinson Band Organ Company Incorporated, the organ was completely disassembled and each piece was personally reconditioned and/or rebuilt. This was accomplished without affecting the ability to play sheet music and without affecting the historic value of the Roth Model 38, which is one of five ever made.

“We are thrilled to have the organ and its music back for The Myrtle Beach Pavilion Farewell Season,” said Tim Ruedy, vice president of operations for Burroughs & Chapin Company, Inc.’s sports, entertainment & recreation division. “This instrument has become a symbol of The Pavilion, and to have its music echoing throughout the park again is very exciting.”

In addition to the recent tuning, Burroughs & Chapin Company has invested about $89,500 in repairs or restorations to the organ over the last several years. Burroughs & Chapin intends to relocate the organ within the Myrtle Beach area after the amusement park closes, but the exact location to which the organ will be moved has not yet been determined.

The Baden Band Organ was built at Waldkirch Baden, Germany by A. Ruth & Sohn, who hand-carved its ornate figurines and decorations from wood. The organ was first exhibited at the World Exposition in Paris in 1900. After the exposition, it was moved from town to town in Europe on a wagon pulled by a team of six horses.

The organ remains in excellent condition, complete with twirling ladies and cherubs that play cymbals, bells and drums.