Jack Penn HUGHES [416]

   Cause of his death was Heart attack.

  General Notes:

1905 752/498 HUGHES Jack Penn Ernest Lawrence HUGHES Lillian May PENN, Adelaide

The Canberra Times Saturday 14 August 1937
PRESBYTERIAN
The Rev. C. E. Turnbull will, conduct the services tomorrow at, Braddon and Forrest. His subject for the morning will be "The Secret of Confidence," and, in the evening he will speak on "The Growth of Christ's Kingdom."
Under the auspices of the Women's Guild, a, musical evening will be held at the Manse, Forrest, on Wednesday at 8 o'clock. An attractive programme has been arranged, and an enjoyable evening is assured. Come, and bring your friends! Subscription 1/-.
Lovers of music, will be pleased to know that another organ and vocal recital has been arranged for Sunday afternoon, August 29 at the Church of St. Andrew. Mr. Penn Hughes, of the Astra Theatre, Parramatta, will preside at the organ, and the choir will sing several anthems.

The Canberra Times Saturday 28 August 1937
ORGAN RECITAL
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
Sunday afternoon next
Arrangements have been made for Mr. J. Penn Hughes, one of Sydney's leading organists, to give a recital at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
next Sunday afternoon at three o'clock.
Mr. Hughes has selected a very interesting programme of favourite works, and several choral numbers will be given by the Church Choir.
Those who attend will have a most enjoyable experience, as the recital
promises to be one of the best that has so far been arranged.

The Canberra Times Monday 30 August 1937
ORGAN RECITAL
Enjoyable Afternoon at St. Andrews
There was a good attendance at the organ and choral recital given at the Presbyterian Church of St. Andrew yesterday afternoon. The organist was Mr. J. Penn Hughes, from the "Astra" Theatre, Parramatta, and his programme, if somewhat "more popular than is often the case in organ recitals, had the merit of containing works that are well-known, melodious and generally appreciated. His opening numbers were "Rustle of Spring", (Linding), appropriately selected, and Dvorak's favourite "Humoresque." The Kreisler group followed, featuring "Liebesfreud," "Caprica Viennois" and "Schou Rosaria" - three pieces that have always an immediate appeal. Chopin was represented by his A major "Polonaise," in which Mr. Hughes effectively, brought out the contrasting mortial themes, and Mendlessohn by his immortal "Spring Song." His concluding numbers were Schubert's ''Marche Militaire" - a decided favourite at organ recitals, and "The Lost Chord" by Sullivan, which it is pleasing to hear revived. As Mr. Hughes is a theatre organist, his technique is along lines that differ somewhat from those adopted by church organists, and for this reason his recital was found interesting and enjoyable, and it showed up new capacities in the organ.
The Choir contributed four vocal numbers that provided a contrast to the instrumental items, and were much appreciated. These comprised "Open Thy Gates" by Harrison, - "I Waited for the Lord" by Mendelssohn, (solos by Mesdames Welch and Murray), Purcell's "Thou Knowest Lord," and Bach's popular chorale "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." Accompaniments were played by Mr. C. S. Daley, the hon. Church organist.

The Advertiser Thursday 18 May 1939
New Organist For Regent Theatre
To take over the post of organist at Hoyts Regent Theatre, in place of Mr Clarence Black, Mr. Penn Hughes arrived with Mrs. Hughes in the express from Melbourne yesterday. He will begin his duties tomorrow. Mr Hughes who was born in Adelaide, left here 12 years ago, after experience as an organist for silent films. His most recent engagement was with Hoyts Plaza Theatre, Sydney, before which he was organist at the Civic Theatre, Auckland. He said yesterday that the organ at the Civic was mounted on a narrow platform, which was raised on a hoist 40 feet in the air. "One felt more like an acrobat than an organist" he said. Mr Hughes said that he had not come to the Regent to educate people, but to entertain them. Most of his selections would be illustrated with screen slides - most of which he made in his spare I time as a hobby - and he would also sing through the microphone. He will appear at the afternoon and evening sessions. After his Adelaide engagement, Mr. Hughes has been engaged to return to the Civic in Auckland.

The Canberra Times Monday 30 August 1939
ORGAN RECITAL
Enjoyable Afternoon, at St. Andrews
There was a good attendance at the organ and choral recital given at the Presbyterian Church of St. Andrew yesterday afternoon. The organist was Mr. J. Penn Hughes, from the "Astra" Theatre, Parramatta, and his programme, if somewhat "more popular than is often the case in organ recitals, had the merit of containing works that are well-known, melodious and generally appreciated. His opening numbers were "Rustle of-Spring", (Linding), appropriately selected, and Dvorak's favourite "Humor, esque." The Kreisler group followed, featuring "Liebesfreud," "Caprica Viennois" and "Schou Rosaria" - three pieces that have always an immediate appeal. Chopin was represented by his A major "Polonaise," in which Mr. Hughes effectively, brought out the contrasting mortal themes, and Mendlessohn by his immortal "Spring Song." His concluding numbers were Schubert's ''Marche Militaire" - a decided favourite at organ recitals, and "The Lost Chord" by Sullivan, which it is pleasing to hear revived. As Mr. Hughes is a theatre organist, his technique is along lines that differ somewhat from those adopted by church organists, and for this reason his recital was found interesting and enjoyable, and it showed up new capacities in the organ.
The Choir contributed four vocal numbers that provided a contrast to the instrumental items, and were much appreciated. These comprised "Open Thy Gates" by Harrison, - "I Waited for the Lord" by Mendelssohn, (solos by Mesdames Welch and Murray), Purcell's "Thou Knowest Lord," and Bach's popular chorale "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." Accompaniments were played by Mr. C. S. Daley. the hon. Church organist.

The Mail Saturday 2 Sep 1939
Sunday 5CL
"Belshazzar's Feast" On Air Tuesday: . . . 9.20 -The Regent Show, with Jeannine Scott (mezzo-soprano), Ian McMutrie (baritone), and Penn Hughes (organist). . . . .

The Advertiser Tuesday 12 Sep 1939
Court Cases
The following fines were imposed by Messrs. J. T. Kevern and G. J. Smith in the Traffic Court yesterday:-
. . . . . Jack Penn Hughes, of College avenue, Prospect. . . . . each 10/. with 10/ costs.

The Mail Saturday 3 Feb 1940
Rose Without a Thorn - Bax Play On The Air Tomorrow.
Highlights in next week's evening programmes will be: - 'The Rose Without a Thorn,' a play by Clifford Bax - 5AN. tomorrow at 7.30; programme by the Adelaide Light Orchestra, conducted by William Cade -
. . . . 9.15- The Show, featuring Penn Hughes at the Wurlitzer. Close. . . . .

The Mail Saturday 16 March 1940
Young Adelaide Song-Writers' Success
Songs written by Adelaide's youngest song writing team- two youths aged 17 and 18 were broadcast by South Australian radio stations this week. The composers, Ern Wordley, who writes the words, and John Eddy, who supplies the music, are delighted with the success which has come their way in the last few days. They are at work on more songs. They wrote about eight numbers before much notice was taken of their work, although the Regent Theatre organist, Penn Hughes, showed an interest from the beginning of their venture. Penn Hughes, singing to his Wurlitzer accompaniment, recorded one or two songs for the young composers, but the records were not played in public. But now, within a week, 5AD and 5KA have broadcast 'Remember to Smile,' recorded from the Regent by a special hook-up with the 5AD studios. It was sung by Hilda Saffra, accompanied by Penn Hughes. Tomorrow at the Maughan Church Red Cross service two other songs by these young writers will be sung by Gwen Collett 'Shoulder to Shoulder' and 'When the Great Big World Wakes Up.'

Sunday Times Perth Sunday 2 November 1941
'Amateur Hour' Stars in Perth
At the Ambassadors this week there is an excellent stage presentation comprising four selected stars from Australia's Amateur Hour, which is a well-known radio feature conducted by Harry Dearth.
Hoyts Theatres, realising the value of these trials in encourag- ing local talent, are doing their part by giving the aspiring stars the chance to appear before theatre audiences, and this quartet is the first of a series to be brought to the West, Mr. Penn Hughes, the compere, who is heard in songs at the organ, introduces Peggy Maguire, the 14 year-old Singing Cowgirl; Elsie Browne, torch singer; Kay Lager low, impersonator of artists; and Freddie Lane, impersonator and mimic Elsie Browne is an Adelaide girl, the three other artists hailing from Sydney. The four young artists are fulfilling their first engagement at the Ambassadors, and are delighted at visiting Perth.

Sunday Times Perth Sunday 16 November 1941
Amateur Hour
Three more outstanding artists who made their bow to the Australian public on the famous radio programme, "Australia's Amateur Hour," will open a season at the Ambassadors on Friday next. The new unit consists of Fay Newton, the finest instrumental mimic that Australia has produced, Kevin McMahon and McGinty, a fine ventriloquial act, and a magnificent baritone voice in Don Canham.
The unit will be presented and compered by the popular Penn Hughes, who, incidentally, is providing great entertainment with his Wurlitzer organ presentation.
Current show at the Ambassadors features Elsie Browne, Peggy Maguire, Roy Lagerlow and
Freddy Lane, Amateur Hour stars.
At present screening is the thrilling adventure film "Man Hunt;" boasting a strong cast beaded by Walter Pidgeon and Joan Bennett.
Joan Bennett, as a Cockney speaking "girl Out of the shadows" turns in one of the best performances she's ever done. In support is "Sleepers West," another Detective Shayne story, with Lloyd Nolan, Lynn Bari and Mary Beth Hughes.

Passenger Lists
In 1947 at the age of 41y Jack departed Sydney for the UK on the Royal Mail Lines Limited SS Asturias via India, Aden, Suez arriving Southampton 26 April 1947. His profession was recorded as Cinema Organist and his proposed address was Hyrons Old Barn, Buckinghamshire.

Sydney Morning Herald Thursday 12 March 1981
Death Notice:
HUGHES Jack Penn - March 11 1981, at hospital dearly beloved husband of Elizabeth (Bessie), sadly missed by his family and friends. For Funeral arrangements please watch these columns.

Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 14 March 1981
Funeral Notice:
HUGHES - The relatives and friends of the late Jack Penn Hughes of Kingsgrove are kindly invited to attend a service to be held T J Andrews Chapel, 25 Enmore Road, Newton, on Monday March 16, 1981, commencing at 10 am. After the service the cortege will leave for the Rockwood Crematoreum. T J Andrews, Newtown 512873, Ryde, Hornsey, Box 2732, A.F.D.A. 4771514.

The Advertiser Saturday 14 March 1981
Death Notice
HUGHES, Jack Penn. - On March 11, 1981, at hospital in Sydney, dearly loved husband of Elizabeth (Bessie).
His Funeral service will be conducted at TJ Andrews Chapel, 25 Enmore Road, Newtown, Sydney, on Monday, March 16,1981; commencing at 10 a.m., then to the Rookwood Crematorium. FJ Andrews, AFDA, Newtown (02) 512873.
HUGHES, Jack Penn. - On March 11, brother of Mary Penn Williams, Aldersgate and Lorna, second son late Mr. and Mrs. EL Hughes and Cliff and Avis, late of Prospect.

Courtesy of "When the Mighty Wurlitzer Reigned in The Regent" by John Thiele
Jack Penn Hughes originated from South Australia and was a professional theatre organist throughout the 1930s-1940s until the late 1950s featuring at many organs reviewed in this series, particularly in Sydney but also in New Zealand. He was also known as the "singing organist". His last theatre residence was at the Plaza theatre, Sydney. Despite his musical talents, many found him to be personally irascible, and in his dealings with redundant theatre organs he bordered on the unconscionable. In all some 12 organs were acquired by him and sold on to others, it being claimed that the purchasers did not always receive the organs they expected, Hughes having retained the best features for himself. He has also been identified in the late 1930s with involvement in the installation of instruments in theatres, eg the Astra theatre, Parramatta, and the Astra theatre, Drummoyne.
In about 1957 Hughes bought the 2/10 Christie organ from the Empire (later St. James) theatre, Dunedin, New Zealand, and in 1959 he acquired the 2/8 Wurlitzer organ (opus #748) previously in the Plaza theatre, Sydney. These two organs formed the basis of his residence organ, initially utilising the Empire Christie console. Later, Hughes acquired the 4 manual secondary console previously installed with the WurliTzer organ (opus #1987) of the State theatre, Melbourne, Victoria, and connected it to his residence organ. The sixteen ranks were as follow:
No. Rank Source
1, 2, 3; Tibia (metal), Melodia flute, Clarinet; Christie, Palatial theatre, Burwood NSW
4, 5, 6; Viol, Orchestral Oboe, Vox Humana; Christie, Empire theatre, Dunedin NZ
7, Kinura, WurliTzer, Kings Cross/Savoy Hurstville NSW theatres - (Congregational Church, Burwood NSW)
8, Oboe Horn, WurliTzer, Regent theatre, Wentworthville NSW
9, English Horn, Conagher, Southampton, England
10-16; Open Diapason, Tuba Horn, Clarinet, Viole d'Orchestre, Celeste, Flute;
Vox Humana, WurliTzer, Plaza theatre, Sydney NSW
The 2 manual Christie console was acquired by the Theatre Organ Society of Australia (Queensland Division) and rebuilt as a 3 manual console for its Christie organ (originally of 8 ranks from the Granada theatre, Maidstone, UK) and installed in the Kelvin Grove high school, Brisbane, Queensland.
The Hughes music room was 44ft deep and could hold 160 people. Concerts were given there by some notable theatre organists including Lyn Larsen, Tony Fenelon, and John Atwell.
In 1967 the organ was sold to Mike Pfizner for his residence in Darwin, Northern Territory. Although it was worked on by Mike and his friends for seven years, there were several severe floodings that prevented fulfilment of his dream. Mike offered the organ to the South Australian division of The Theatre Organ Society of Australia, and it was removed in November 1974 - only 4 weeks before the devastating Cyclone Tracey that demolished the Pfizner home.
The organ has since been installed in TOSA's Capri theatre, Goodwood (suburb of Adelaide) South Australia, and enlarged to 29 ranks. It is unique in having glass-fronted chambers to enhance the audience's
experience of organ presentations. 4/16 console at Darwin
Best known location: Penn Hughes residence Bexley Composite Christie/WurliTzer theatre organ 2 manuals (later 4 manuals) 16 ranks now substantially incorporated into the Capri theatre 4/29 theatre organ, Goodwood, Adelaide, South Australia.

  Research Notes:

Image courtesy of 'When the Mighty Wurlitzer Reigned in the Regent' John Thiele

  Other Records

• Australian Electoral Rolls 1903-1980: Organist, 1933, 76 Renwick Street, Lang, Marrickville, NSW.

• Australian Electoral Rolls 1903-1980: Organist, 1937, 27 Albert Street, Strathfield, Parkes, Burwood, NSW.

• Passenger List: SS Asturias, Apr 1947, Sydney to Southampton via India, Aden, Suez. Jack, age 47, travelling C class, is described as a Cinema Organist from Australia and intending to stay at Hyrons Old Barn, Buckinghamshire.

• Passenger List: RMS Orion, 30 Dec 1947, 46 Locket St, Wealdstone, UK. Jack, age 42, departed from Port of London on 31 Dec 1947 travelling to Sydney, Australia in B class on RMS Orion. He is described as Cinema Organist and his last address given above.

• Australian Electoral Rolls 1903-1980: Musician, 1949, 246 Forest Rd., Bexley, NSW.

• Australian Electoral Rolls 1903-1980: Musician, 1954, 246 Forest Rd., Bexley, NSW. Now married to Elizabeth Rankin Hughes.

• Australian Electoral Rolls 1903-1980: Musician, 1958, 246 Forest Rd., Bexley, NSW.

• Australian Electoral Rolls 1903-1980: Musician, 1963, 246 Forest Rd., Bexley, NSW.

• Australian Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, 1980, 1 Morgan Street, Kingsgrove, NSW. Supplemental Electoral Roll for Subdivision of Kingsgrove. No Description - possibly retired as he died 1981.

Pen married Elizabeth Rankin DUNSMUIR [4479] [MRIN: 438] in 1933 in New South Wales, Australia.

  Marriage Notes:

10135/1933 NSW Marriage HUGHES JACK P, DUNSMUIR ELIZABETH R, ROCKDALE