Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey

[electrolux137]

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Boardwalk Hall (formerly the Atlantic City Convention Center) in New Jersey is perhaps most famous for the Miss America Pageant (which is on TV right now).


 


But did y'all know that Boardwalk Hall has the world's largest musical instrument? It's a pipe organ, completed in 1932 when the Hall was new. It is comprised of approximately 33,000 pipes, the largest of which are made of wood and are nearly 60 feet long and three feet square at the top. It also contains the world's loud<span class="text_exposed_show">est organ stops. The console has seven keyboards and 1,235 stops. </span>


 


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It was only partially operational for many years due to water damage from flooding, along with neglect and abuse. A major restoration over the past eight years has brought about 25% of the organ back to functionality, with complete restoration expected to take another decade or so.


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http://www.boardwalkhall.com/arena-information/…/midmer-losh

 

[tolivac]

Yes,have heard of this organ.It is the "holy Grail" for organ fans.The unit has over 1,000 blower HP-largest in the world.I have CD's and a DVD about this organ.They show the organ compressors being started in the DVD and on one of the CD's If no one told you-the blowers sound like jet engines spooling up.It also has the highest pressure blower installed in an organ-over 100" pressure.The loudest pipes run from this.Have a few books on this-have heard about the restoration.The present manager of Boardwalk Hall wants the organ restored.From some things I read the restorer wants to put in solid sate control equipment to replace the old.And-for the larger wood pipes in this instrument-the lumber to make them was "taper sawn" at the sawmill-rarity these days.Most lumber is sawn flat.If you have a portable sawmill you can taper saw-just don't set your toeboards at the same height as one would normally do.The toeboards support the log or billet being sawn.Thought there was a member on here that deals with this organ.Hope the restoration continues-The music world needs this instrument.I am thinking of joining the society that deals with this.

 

[kirbyloverdan]

That's my

City and I am proud to be a resident of the "famous " Atantic city NJ
I get to watch and enjoy Miss America right from my balcony of my Boardwalk/Ocean front
condominium . So happy the pageant is back in her home town


Dan

 

[tolivac]

That is neat to watch the Miss America Pageant LIVE without leaving your house-Great pictures!Anyone have info on the restoration status of the Boardwalk Hall organ and its companion Ballroom Organ-inquiring minds want to know!Been awhile since I heard any info on these.

 

[gottahaveahoove]

I've been a judge for the Miss Pennsylvania

pageant of The Miss America System. I've been a guest at the pageant in A.C.
I was there just after September 11. Security was a nightmare. An aluminum paper wrapper on Life Saver candy in my pocket set off the security wand. Tony Danza was the host that year. I'm friends with numerous people involved with the pageant. It IS great to have it back where it belongs.
Years ago, Miss Pennsylvania, Miss Linda O Boyle, (now married) won the TALENT award. I'm proud to say that I was one of her instructors.

 

[kirbyloverdan]

Yes indeed

My wonderful friends join me we have a party watch the parade and enjoy the gorgeous woman and cars . Ever since I bought my place it's been a yearly tradition .
Our first Gay mayor Don Guardian and his husband march in the beginning its a very fun time .
Truly blessed to be able to enjoy it from the comfort of my home .

Dan

 

[cuffs054]

I searched for largest organ blower on youtube and got totally hook on big old pipe organs. I never much thought about how they worked before. Fascinating Stuff! There are a number of videos about the AC organ. One details the original "relay" box, amazing stuff. I know I'll learn to play something like that but just seeing the guts was interesting. There is also a video about an organ in a pizza resturant where they show some of the mechanical things that make it work, complete with a bird in a nest that cheeps are needed. Very cool.

 

[tolivac]

The largest organ blower I had heard of was 100Hp.The Boardwalk hall has several of these and a 50Hp high pressure blower.I am fascinated by these "Engines of Music" and would like to learn to play at some point-.The "relay" system is now solid state in some organs.But the pipes and air are still there.the solid state devices control the wind valves for the pipes.One could go round-de-round on these as opposed to the mechanical actions.Each has advantages and disadvantages.I would just love to se-or is it heare? both organs playing again!

 

[gottahaveahoove]

Sadly, a lot of times,

they tear down buildings like that along with destroying those instruments. What a joy to have that organ still working. I often visit The Wanamaker Organ in center city Philly. These things were NEVER meant to come down.
I'd love to hear that A.C. organ played the way it should be played.
one time, when my parents were just dating, they were in Atlantic City during the Miss America Pageant. While they were at dinner, who walked in but one of the judges... MISS JOAN CRAWFORD!!!!! My mother described it as a "spectacle, indeed".
We used to go there on summer vacations, long before those casinos. I have friends who live right near there. I have a nice reason to go there and visit.
John.