One of the remarkable features of the Paramount Theatre is its “Mighty Wurlitzer” organ, one of few surviving working organs from the American Vaudeville era. Cedar Rapids is one of only two cities that will have two working theatrical organs in original installations when the reconstruction project is complete.
The organ console was located on the house left side of the Orchestra Pit but was destroyed in the Flood of 2008. The console could be raised or lowered by a screwjack type lift (which still remains although its condition and efficiency are in doubt). The condition of the organ itself is under review. It is assumed that the blower and elements under the flood water line (including console) will require replacement, but that the majority of the organ assembly was above the line and can be rehabilitated. The organ will be rehabilitated using proceeds from insurance agreements rather than through FEMA funding.
The City of Cedar Rapids owns the organ and maintains an agreement with the Cedar Rapids Area Theatre Organ Society (CRATOS) for caretaking. CRATOs plans to restore the Paramount Theatre organ to play exactly the way it did prior to the flood, which is consistent with the way it played when it was originally installed in 1928 to accompany silent films. After the restoration, CRATOS intends to offer two organ concerts annually and use the organ in two symphony performances a year.