NEWELL—Newell City Hall was the recent recipient of a fancy 500-pound organ. And luckily there is a Newell resident who knows how to play such a magnificent instrument. And when the two come together, the residents of Newell and the surrounding area are treated to a wonderful listening experience.
Valentine’s Day was the perfect occasion to dust off the organ and get Marty Jump to play it for a Valentine’s Day Dance and Music party at the Newell City Hall on February 14.
The organ came to the City of Newell via Susan Hencey and Cindy Riley as it was their aunt, Kay Milberg, who is the original owner of the organ. “Our aunt, Kay Milberg from Newell, could no longer play it and she wanted to give it to somewhere where people could enjoy it,” explained Hencey.
“Well, Marty Jump, Susan Hencey and Cindy Riley got together and decided to do this, so it was kind of last minute,” explained Tara Tennis, Newell Mayor.
Marty Jump added, “And I told Susan and Cindy, I said, we just cannot let this sit here for a year being unused. And so we thought of Valentine’s Day and since this came on Saturday, that’s why we did this!”
Hencey also grew up in Newell and made a special trip from Rapid City to enjoy the Valentine’s Day Dance and Music on her aunt’s organ. “My husband grew up here, I grew up here. My folks used to have the bowling alley here in town and my dad was an American Family agent! I spent my whole life here,” she said.
The gift is a nice addition to the town. “We’re pretty blessed to have them donate this to the city, so hopefully we can do this quite often,” shared Tennis. “It is good to just remember the Milbergs because they were a big part of our community for a long time.”
The newest musical addition to the City of Newell has the perfect person to play it! Marty Jump has been learning the ins and outs of the organ. “This instrument is so magnificent! It is just the most quality thing I’ve ever played on. I spent a lot of hours down here just trying to master everything—I am not close to mastery, you know—but I have experience on an organ. This is just so incredible and it’ll do so many things that I’m gonna have to look it up online because I don’t have the manual. I’m thankful for every second that I’ve spent at this organ,” explained Jump.
Jump spent two hours on Valentine’s Day playing all types of music for the small crowd that gathered. A few danced while all enjoyed the music. There were snacks and drinks for those that came.
“We’d like to do this every few months—just to utilize the new organ,” said Tennis. “We’re very blessed to have Marty play!”
“It’s fun! People don’t have to dance, they can sit and visit. But we’re really hoping to get a better turnout next time,” said Jump. “I think we’ve got the quality of music that people are looking for—we know what kind of music they like—we’re trying to accommodate all that, you know!”
The organ has all of the bells and whistles. Jump explained that there is even a button that will clap for you if the audience forgets to!
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
