Truman Welch

Truman O. Welch
1912 - 1968

Truman Welch was born in 1912 in Ronan, Montana. When he was a child, he moved with his family to California. Truman's love of music focused on the Wurlitzer pipe organ. Although he took lessons on both the piano and the Wurlitzer pipe organ, his affinity for the pipe organ became clear. In college, Truman played the pipe organ in various theaters around the Los Angeles area. During the early days, the silent films were accompanied by live music and many theaters had organs built into them. Truman played the organ at a rink in Westwood, California and later came over to Iceland in 1940. He played the organ for years at Iceland and eventually became the manager of the facility, which was a position he held until he passed away in 1968. Truman had an amazing energy level and brought a special atmosphere to Iceland. His beautiful music enhanced the experience for countless skaters and his sense of timing and humor added a playful element to the rink.

Here is a small sample of Truman Welch playing the organ at Paramount Iceland in about 1965:  Pipe Organ Sample.