GLOVER, Herbert Alexander 'Alan' (1923-2017)
'Alan' Glover
The Geelong College community is deeply saddened by the loss of Old Collegian 'Alan' Glover (OGC 1936), a dedicated supporter of the College music program. He donated to the College a historic
Wurlitzer Theatre Organ, a unique instrument built in 1921, and classified by the National Trust (Victoria). 'Alan' presided over its five-year refurbishment project funded by Bert Fagg (OGC 1929).
The Wurlitzer Organ had been privately owned since the late 1920s, having been purchased by Alan’s father-in-law, Oswald Hearne, and was located in the family home in Drumcondra. The instrument’s significance centres on its unique sound. This type of instrument is very well known for its use in movie theatres, where it was played to accompany silent movies and entertain audiences. The Wurlitzer was played by many famous organists and was frequently used in fundraising concerts during the Second World War.
'Alan' was an accomplished organist, and a longstanding member and past President of the Theatre Organ Society of Victoria. He regularly organised Wurlitzer events at Geelong College and last played the Wurlitzer organ late in 2016, when he was filmed playing one of his favourite pieces and interviewed on the organ’s history by Brendon Lukin.
'Alan’s performance and interview will feature on a commemorative DVD/CD to be released later this year (2017). Alan was a true gentleman whose passion for the Wurlitzer was infectious.
'Alan' Glover, born on 9 February 1923, was enrolled at Geelong College as Herbert Alexander Glover on 10 February 1932 as a day student entering Form Middle IV. His previous school was listed as 'NSSS' and his address was given as Western Beach, Geelong. He left at the end of Term I in May 1938 from Form VIA. In the June Valette list he was described as 'A H Glover'
Pegasus noted that he married Patricia Hearne at Geelong on 11 January 1958.
Alan Glover (right) with the Wurlitzer Organ, 2015.
Alan Glover and the Otago artefacts in Hobart, 2008
'Alan's generous support to the College Archives included photos of the Ship,
'Otago', his brother's College award prize books as Preparatory School Dux, and a silver coffee Pot awarded for the
Veterans' Plate, at the Geelong College Sports 1900 and won by James Osborne (1858-1918).
'Alan' died on 12 September 2017.
His father,
Cyrus Herbert Glover (1887-1941), and brother,
Howard John Glover (1917-2002), were also educated at Geelong College.
Sources: Pegasus June 1938 p9; Pegasus June 1958 p53; Geelong Advertiser 23 September 2017. OGC 1936.