Free – Wicks Orchestral Organ – Opus 809 (1928) – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Built in 1928 for The Best Theatre, in Parsons, KS (erroneously identified as the Parsons Theatre), later renamed Kansan Theatre in 1939,  as a 3/7 Theatrical Pipe Organ to replace an earlier Kimball instrument.

This instrument was removed at an unknown time and placed into storage.  From there it seems to have gotten separated, the console being discovered and acquired by Phil Judkins in the late 50s early 60s and outfitted with Artisan Electronics. Later, in the early 70s Phil discovered much of the rest of the organ in storage and reunited it with the console for his home installation.  According to correspondence from Phil,  at that time, the instrument had been pillaged of 6 of its 7 ranks of pipework, and other components. Phil set to using the remains of Opus 809 and other components to recreate the instrument, ultimately installing it in his families new home in 1987, where it remains today.  Phil’s daughter, Karen, recounts assisting in lacing new cables as the originals had been cut, and being paid the princely sum of $0.25 per row for her efforts! It was a family affair and provided them with many decades of enjoyment.

With Phil’s recent passing, this instrument is being made available by the family to a new home.  We have no further information regarding the instruments current specification, only that Phil (in 1970) wished to return it as closely as possible to the specification as built.  Thus, the PDF Specification provided from our files is from 1928, and does not reflect the instruments current disposition.

The family would love to speak to you if you’re interested in purchasing the home with the organ installed, as well as others whom would be interested in giving the instrument a new lease on life in a new location.

Serious inquiries may contact us directly.