12/09/2025
Everyone knows that Richard and I are organists so this story is very important to us. In the 1950's when concerned Detroiter music lovers wondered what would become of the magnificent Wurlitzer organ at the Fisher Theatre things started to happen. George and Muriel Orbits purchased it and the group of theatre organ lovers became DTOC (Detroit Theatre Organ Club). They disassembled the instrument and looked for a new home, eventually finding the abandoned Senate Theatre. Richard's father was part of this group. With a decayed building, flooded basement, a roof you could see the stars through, it was a daunting task and a labor of love.
Fast forward..... almost 70 years later the Senate has become not only a mecca for lovers of the theatre organ, which plays for classic movies, it has become a venue for many high quality shows for the city of Detroit. Once again, the Senate Theatre needs help. Good friend and Secretary of the DTOC, John Lauter was inteviewed on WXYZ yesterday to raise awareness for raising funds for restoration of the theatre.
To all our friends, music lovers, and anyone who appreciates the great heritage and history of Detroit, please help if you can to preserve a treasure for our generation and many to come. You can click on the link below to donate. 🙏🙏🙏
https://www.senatetheater.com/donate
Detroit's Senate Theater, a nearly 100-year-old community landmark powered entirely by volunteers, faces mounting financial pressures as costly repairs threaten its future operations.
More information at the link in the comments.
