The Robert Morton Organ Company was a producer of theater pipe organs and church organs, located in Van Nuys, California. Robert Morton was the number two volume producer of theatre organs, building approximately half as many organs as the industry leader Wurlitzer. The name Robert Morton was derived not from any person in the company, but rather from the name of company president Harold J. Werner's son, Robert Morton Werner. The Robert Morton company had its origins in the Murray Harris Organ Company of Los Angeles. The company passed through various owners, business names and locations between Murray Harris and Robert Morton, including the Los Angeles Art Organ Company, the Johnston Organ Company, and the California Organ Company. Despite all the corporate change and upheaval, the output in terms of high quality and tonal character was remarkably consistent. Several Robert Morton key personnel were veteran organbuilders who had served as apprentices with major English organbuilding firms. Tonally, Robert Morton organs had a reputation for being powerful, while at the same time refined and "symphonic" in character. The company's heyday was in the late 1920s, the era of the lavish movie palace theaters exhibiting silent films. The rise of the Great Depression and the advent of sound films eliminated the demand for theater organs and the company closed in 1931. In addition to their uses in theaters and music halls, Robert Morton organs have been featured in the music for the Haunted Mansion attractions at various Disney theme parks.
Palace Theatre, Hilo, Hawaii Moved from Palace to Hilo Theatre in 1940; to a private residence in Honolulu in 1964; back to the Palace 1991, where it was reinstalled around 2000.
Polk Theatre, Lakeland, Florida. 3 manuals, originally 11, now 12, ranks. Originally installed in Loews Theater in Canton, Ohio, this organ was subsequently moved to a private residence in Solon, Ohio and then to Scampi's Pizza Restaurant in Austin, Texas. As of April, 2016 it has been presenting pre-show programs at the Polk Theatre for approximately 15 years.
Palace Theatre, Hilo Hawaii Originally installed at Hawaii Theatre, Honolulu, Hawaii ; removed in 1937 and reinstalled in Waikiki Theatre, Honolulu, Hawaii in late June, 1938; removed 2004, 9 of its ranks merged with the 7 rank organ listed above and reinstalled by October, 2005
Saenger Theatre, Pensacola, Florida ; currently undergoing restoration and enlargement by Thomas Helms, organ builder. Projected completed size is 52 ranks.
United Palace, formerly Loew's 175th St. Theatre, New York City. Currently in restoration. The last remaining "Wonder Morton" in its original theatre, unaltered.
Copley Symphony Hall, formerly Fox Theatre, San Diego CA. Organ was originally installed in the Balboa Theatre in San Diego, and moved to the new Fox theatre in 1929 by Robert Morton. The organ is in regular use and currently being renovated by the San Diego Symphony.
Balboa Theatre, San Diego CA Wonder Morton organ. Relocated from Loew's Valencia Theatre. Restored and installed by Wendell Shoberg in 2008-9. Replaces Balboa's original Robert Morton organ which was removed to the Fox theatre in 1929. Believed to be the first Wonder Morton built due to the more ornate console carvings and unique details the other Wonder Mortons lack.
Grace Baptist Church, San Jose, CA, Robert Morton 3 manual, 20 ranks; originally in Liberty Theatre in San Jose, CA; 1940s youth project bought the organ and installed in the church, and it has been playing since; maintained by Bill Brooks; Church is closed; message 295-2035
