I just heard a bit of sad news. Macy’s department stores is closing their location in the old Wanamaker Department Store in Philadelphia this March. No word on what is going to happen to the big pipe organ in the store that was such a big attraction to the store. It is the largest functioning pipe organ in the world (the Midmer-Losh pipe organ in Atlantic City is larger, but not all of it is functional). Very saddened to hear this and I hope someone will step in and save the instrument.
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No room in the house to store it, Joseph? Maybe Macy’s will unload it to you for a discount?
As I said to a similar comment on facebook, my NEIGHBORHOOD wouldn’t be big enough to fit it.
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Sounds like an irreplaceable historical instrument, surely there is a heritage association that can resite it?
I visited Detroit in 2010 and it was sad to see the remains of old grand buildings, department stores and motor industries.
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Philadelphia has a strong music culture . We love that organ , they may be thinking about keeping the old building, making upgrades and incorporating the organ into the design. No word yet but I have faith that this beauty will be preserved. ( They being property development )
Will let you know if I hear any plans for the organ.
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We were just bemoaning the loss of department stores far and wide the other week. And we are only in our late 30s and early 40s.
Something about going to a grand old store with so many choices and a luxurious feeling, kind of feels homey and mysterious.
We got our wedding rings at JC Penny here in CO ten years ago and that place closed a year or two after.
There is a tiny push back to real clothing stores since online you cant try on, etc, the idea of going out. but it is not as large as it ‘should’ be.
Not to mention don’t get me started on the garbage that is something like ‘clothing’ on Temu.
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If USAID were still functioning…it would be a truly legitimate cause to ‘grant’ money toward. Something like "Spread Democracy through exposure to classical western civilization’s musical heritage’…
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