The Mighty Wurlitzer’s roar still echoes in my ears. Kenyon Hall. That’s its name. It’s a place where history and music intertwine. Built in 1916 the same year as manager Lou Magor’s Admiral home Kenyon Hall has stood the test of time. Initially known as the Olympic Heights Social Hall Kenyon Hall later found its true calling as a musical haven.
Kenyon Hall isn’t just any hall. It’s a West Seattle treasure. It’s a place where the renowned Total Experience Gospel Choir once raised funds for Hurricane Katrina victims. It’s a place where the legendary Eddie Vedder tuned up for his shows. Their powerful performance echoed through the remarkably well-insulated walls. You can’t hear the busy street outside once you’re inside.
The star of Kenyon Hall is undoubtedly the 1929 Mighty Wurlitzer organ. This magnificent instrument with its seventeen ranks of pipes fills every corner. It’s not just for show either. It accompanies silent movie screenings. It’s played at every event to keep the audience happy.
But Kenyon Hall is more than just a concert venue. It hosts Kindermusik classes for children. Lou Magor teaches these classes. He shares his love of music with youngsters. Their wonder fills the hall. Kids point to the wondrous pipes. Kenyon Hall is a place where musical history is preserved.
Beyond the music Kenyon Hall serves as a rental venue. It’s perfect for intimate weddings. It’s perfect for memorable parties. It even hosts memorial services. Kenyon Hall is a versatile space.
It’s a place of community a place of joy and a place of remembrance. The hall needs some renovations. It needs a plumbing kitchen and bathroom makeover. But the spirit of Kenyon Hall remains strong. It’s a testament to the power of music and the enduring legacy of a remarkable building. Come explore it. Feel the history resonate within its walls.