An unfortunately well kept secret is the remarkable Casavant Organ at the DIA where the Detroit Film Theater is run. This instrument is almost a direct contemporary of the Orchestra Hall organ and roughly the same size. It is in perfectly original condition, but in need of a total restoration. It is only the ventil action that allows the organ to be played, by shutting off ranks that cypher. It was noticed that the organ, in addition to mechanical issue, had almost no power and that the reservoirs were not fully inflating.
The house-right procenium houses the console. Steve Schlessing is demonstrating the organ for the local OHS chapter. This side of the auditorium houses the Choir, Swell and 32' Bombarde and Diapason. There is a mixing chamber center. House left contains the remainder of the Pedal, Solo and Great Organs.
Down in the blower room, this is the main windtrunk that connects the blower to the blower reservoir. Notice the rot at the bottom! There was a HUGE amount of air leaking around the bottom.
Taking a look inside, the bottom looked like an old rotten dock. The basement had been flooded at some point. We proposed putting rubber cloth seal over the whole bottom until they could afford to restore.
Just prior to lifting it out. When we did, the bottom stayed behind in chards. We had to rebuild and fast for the Governor's Arts Awards were 10 days away.
Cleaning and tearing it down. The only part to be saved was the top. It was the 3 inch nails running in both directions that kept it from blowing itself apart years ago!
A New line was built with the original top. The new body was built out of 1 inch plywood. Not as thick as the 2 inch, boards used by Casavant, but probably stronger.
Stephen einstalling the line and attaching it to the original plenum.
Attaching original brackets that hold the line in place from the inside. Claustrophobia was not an option.
Ken greasing up the blower and generator and making jokes as usual.
Scott Smith of Scott Smith Pipe Organs was kind enough to help us with the removal and reinstallation