Bobby, who had already graduated from
Pensacola
High School in 1963 and would stop by after school in his Volkswagon
Karmon
Ghia to pick up John who was still attending and they would rush down
before
the movies played. John would play
(or more often hold down notes) while Bobby was
in the right pipe loft (there was only one at that time) tuning the
pipes.
This went on for several years until John moved
to Mobile, Alabama to attend the University of South Alabama. By that
time
other people became interested and Bobby, along with several others
started
the Gulf Coast Chapter of the ATOS with
all being charter members. It was open console at the meetings. John
would
play 'at it' as others were too shy. The first real house organist was
Tom Helms, who went on to obtain a degree in music and to a
career
teaching and becoming a professional entertainer. The organ was
named
'Lola'.
Enter Dr. Rhea,
one of the most dedicated organ enthusiests around. He personally
embarked
on restoring the organ and took it to his home/garage where two
additional
manuals were added and the console beautified to what you see today.
In addition, the left pipe chamber, which was
previously empty, and a lift, were added. The organ was out
of commission for a couple of years but well worth it. Dr. Rhea had
meetings
at his house using a smaller organ. After re-installation, Tom
performed
Phantom of the Opera and such notables as Bob Ralston thrilled
audiences.
In 1981 the University
of West Florida obtained the Saenger and
converted
it to performing arts. Later Ogden Management was hired to run it and
because
of various problems and situations, has left the organ mostly
unavailable
for several years.
A sad state of affairs causing the disentigration
of the membership. As President of the GC-ATOS, Dorothy Standley has
admirally
carried on the society for many years. Unfortunately, Bobby (Bob)
died in a auto accident in the early 1990's.