TheAMICA News Bulletin of the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors' Association
September/October, 1985
Volume 22 Number 7 AMlCAlnternational JVews Bulletin DOROTHY BROMAGE, PUBLISHER POB275 CCB (207) 767-4446 Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Published by the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors' CHAPTER OffICERS Association, a non-profit club devoted to the restoration, FOUNDING CHAPTER IOWA distribution and enjoyment of musical instruments using per Pres: phil McCoy Pres: George Apland forated paper music rolls, AMICA was founded in San Francisco Vice Pres: Isadora Koff Vice Pres: E.H. Breckenfelder in 1963. Treas: Bob Wilcox SeclTreas: Marjorie Apland Sec/Reporter: lack & Dianne Reporter: Jack Niewoehner Edwards SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BOSTON AREA 1986 CONVENTION Pres: Warren & Rosemary Pres: Judy Welsh Deasy Vice Pres: Michael Potash PHILADELPHIA, PENN. Vice Pres: Jerry Pell Sec: Bill Koenigsberg Sec: John Candido Treas: Philip Konop Treas: larry Norman Reporter: Donald Brown HOST: Philadelphia Area Chapter Reporter: Jerry Pell TEXAS NORTHERN LIGHTS Pres: Wade Newton Pres: Jerrilyn Boehland Vice Pres: lorane Smith Vice Pres: Tom Wordeman SeclTreas: Carole Beckett Sec: Tracy Tolzmann ADVERTISING Reporter: Janet Tonnesen Treas: Robert & Katheryn Classified: 10¢ per word, $1.50 minimum. Duma • All copy must reach the publisher by the 10th of the preceding Reporter: Ruby Ahneman month. Payment must accompany order. Make checks payable MIDWEST SIERRA-NEVADA Pres: Edwin Ward Pres: Bob Patton to: AMICA INTERNATIONAl.. Vice Pres: liz Barnhart Vice Pres: Vicki Mahr • Checks or money orders from advertisers in foreign countries Sec: lawrence & Margaret SeclTreas: Audrey Winters must be drawn on a U.S. bank. Frazer Reporter: Bob and Sonja leomon Treas: Alvin Wulfekuhl Display Advertising Reporter: Sue Ricca Full Page 7V2"x10" $100.00 PHILADELPHIA AREA CHICAGO AREA Half page 7V2"x43/4" SO.OO Pres: Bob Taylor Pres. Mel Septon Vice Pres: Frank Diamond Vice Pres: Marcie Plank/ Quarter page 3Va"x4W' 25.00 Sec: Frank Basil Gloria Taylor • Each photograph or half-tone $7.00 Treas: len Wert Sec: Jerry Biasella Reporter: Bob Rosencrans Treas: Marty Persky • See Bulletin deadlines on this page. Reporter: Mike Ehart • We recommend display advertisers supply camera-ready copy. SOWNY (SOUTHERN ONTARIO, HEART OF AMERICA WESTERN NY) Copy that is oversized or undersized will be changed to correct Pres: Tom Hellstein Pres: Janet Drewniak Vice Pres: Charles Tyler size at your cost. We can prepare your advertisement from your Vice Pres: Carl Guhlow SeclTreas: Billie Pohl suggested layout at cost. Sec: Chris Barley Reporter: Katie Hellstein Treas: Mike Walter • Payment must accompany order. Typesetting, layout or size Reporter: Bill McCleary alteration charges will be billed separately. Make checks ROCkY MOUNTAIN SOUTHEAST AREA: payable to: AMICA INTERNATIONAL. Pres: Dick Kroekel Pres: John O'loughlin Vice Pres: Owanah Wick Vice Pres: Norman Arnold • Checks or money orders from advertisers in foreign countries Sec/Rep: Art Rebl itz SeclTreas: David Burke must be drawn on a U.S. bank. Don Wick Reporter; David Burke Treas: Jere DeBacker • All ads will appear on the last pages of the Bulletin at the discretion of the publisher. NEW JERSEY GATEWAY Publication of business advertising in no way implies AMICA's Pres: Oliver Vitakis Pres: Del Sewell endorsement of any commercial operation. However, AMICA Vice Pres: lenny Finkel Vice Pres: Paul Stelzner Rec Sec: Millie Freyer SeclTreas: Jean Wiegand reserves the right to refuse any ad that is not in keeping with Corr Sec: Margery Vitakis Reporter: Marilyn McGartiand AMICA's general standards or if complaints are received indicating Treas: John Ellems that said business does not serve the best interests of the members Reporter: Richard Groman of AMICA according to its goals and bylaws. BULLETIN DEADLINES FOR 1985 For January/February issue ,. '" .January 10 Single back issues of the For March issue " February 10 Bulletin are available from For April issue March 10 the Publisher for $2.00 each. For May/June issue ...... •.•. May 10 For July issue June 10 For August issue July 10 For September/October issue September 10 For November issue October 10 For December issue November 10 AMICAlnternational
INTfRNAnONAL OffICERS PRESIDENT Terry Smythe (204) 452-2180 547 Waterloo St., Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3N on PAST PRESIDENT Robert M. Taylor (215) 735-2662 1326 Spruce St., #3004, Philadelphia, PA 19107 VICE PRESIDENT Molly Yeckley • Do you wish to become a member of AMICA? (419) 684-5742 Annual fee for U.S. members $22 612 Main St., Castalia, OH 44824 Canada and Mexico (air) $28 SECRETARY Dorothy Olds Other non-U.S. countries (surface) $28 (218) 326-2488 New and lapsed members add processing fee $5 1327 Crystal Springs Rd., Grd Rpds, MN 55744 PUBUSHER Dorothy Bromage • Has your address changedl (207) 767-4446 Write to Membership Secretary. P.O. Box 275 Cape Cottage Branch, • Do you have a conbibution for the Bulletinl Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 All subjects of interest to readers of the Bulletin are MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Will Wild and Valerie Anderson New memberships encouraged and invited by the Publisher. All articles must (803) 758-8846 be received by the 10th of the preceding month. Every P.O. Box 172, Columbia, SC 29202 attempt will be made to publish all articles of general TREASURER Tom Olds interest to AMICA members at the earliest possible time (218) 326-2488 and at the discretion of the publisher. 1327 Crystal Springs Rd., Grd Rpds, MN 55744 See Bulletin deadlines on previous page BOARD REPRESENTAnVES Founding Chapter: Howie Koff Original Bulletin articles, or material for reprint that is of Southern California: Dick Rigg significant historical quality 'and interest, are encouraged Texas: Haden Vandiver and will be rewarded in the form of AMICA membership Midwest: Vincent Ricca ./ dues discounts. (Chapter reports and Forum inqiJires are Philadelphia Area: len Wert SOWNY: Rick Drewniak excluded.) Rocky Mountain: Dick Kroeckel New Jersey: John De Paris AMICA International News Bulletin Iowa: Alvin Johnson Boston Area: Sanford Libman Volume 22 Number 7 September/October 1985 Northern Lights: lowell Boehland CONTENTS Sierra-Nevada: Bob Moore Features Chicago Area: Jerry Biasella The Maple Leaf Club 148 Heart of America: Ron Bopp Southeast Area: John O'Loughlin Pavilion Amusement Park 149 Gateway: Del Sewell Beautiful Weather sets Stage COMMITTEES for Joint Band Organ Rally 150 TECHNICAL, Melluchetti Hupfeld Helios Orchestrion 154 3449 Mauricia Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95051 The Wet Leather Method of ARCHIVES, lim Weisenborne Rebuilding Band Organ Pumps 155 73 Nevada St., Rochester, MI 48063 Special Orchestrions 157 My Friendship with Orchestrions 158 Regarding Rive-King 162 AUDIO-VISUAL Departments AMICA International 137 PUBLICATIONS, Dorothy Bromage News from the Chapters 143 P.O. Box 275 Cape Cottage Branch, New Members 163 Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 Classified Ads 164 AFFILIATED SOCIETIES The Player Piano Group (England) The Cover: In 1981, leonard Grymonprez donated several disk recordings The North West Player Piano Association (England) to AMICA Archives. Included were some titled, "Drehorgel Souvenirs," Netherlands Mechanical Organ Society - KDV with beautiful photographs on the record jacket. Australian Colledors of Mechanical Musical Instruments Orchestrions: This is the Orchestrion Issue. Information and photographs of Dutch Pianola Association - orchestrions (defined broadly, as you can see) will be a regular feature of Society of Friends of Mechanical Musical Instruments future issues of the Bulletin. Contributions will be most welcome. (Germany)
* 137 * Conventionews
Until a complete Convention report is forthcoming, here pre sented are some pictures of one of AMICA's special Convention guests, Honorary Member Johnny Honner1.
About to play the organ at the Fox Theatre in Detroit.
/
Mike Montgomery and Johnny.
Fox Theatre guest organist, Johnny Honnert.
In the lobby of the Fox Theatre in Detroit: Honorary Members The food and the photographer bring out a show of teeth by AI} _ Ruth Bingaman Smith and Johnny Honnert. Werolin. Dorothy Bromage and Johnny Honnert.
* 138 * EtCHERS, THANKS FOR A SPECIAL FRIEND, HENRY LANGE
Us AMICAns who personally got to know Henry Lange, as Sue and I did, owe a big thanks to Bill and Jo Eicher. As a past member of the Midwest Chapter of AMICA we got to know the Eichers and other fine members of the Midwest Chapter fairly well. But if it wasn't for Bill's outward and touching friendship to Henry Lange many of us AMICAns would have never gotten to meet this outstanding musician. Bill, Sue and I thank you for sharing your special friend with us. You helped to add many extra years to Henry's life. You added a new era to Henry's last years by adding new friends to his life, when most elderly people are left in a corner and forgotten. I wrote to Henry every Christmas and always received a card and letter in return. Often he would mention your name letting us know that you were always making contact and doing special things for him. Also, thanks to all the other AMICAns who have searched out and found those special people who have made our hobby so great. Thanks to those who keep contact with letters, cards, and phone calls to those special people.
Thanks again Bill and Joan Love that dancin'! Dorothy Bromage and Johnny Honnert. Jim and Sue Worgull Richland, Washington
Moonlight Sonata
"Moonlight Sonata" is the name of a film. It will be shown Saturday, November 9 in London. In the film, Paderewski plays "Polonaise in A nat, op 53" (Chopin), "Hungarian Rhapsody No.2" (Liszt), "Sonata Op 27/2" - first movement (Beethoven) and his own "Minuet in Gop 14/1." The filmed concert is in aid of the Klavar Music Foundation and will be introduced by Anthony Hopkins. Information may be obtained by calling 01-928-8800. If unable to attend, be thinking, on Johnny brought along memorabilia which he did not have to be November 9, of the fortunate people in the GLC Queen Elizabeth coaxed to share. Alf Werolin checks out an example. Hall in London - 7:45 PM London Time.
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At the 1985 AMICA International Board meeting, the 1984 minutes Proxies: Tom aids for Lowell Boehland; Dorothy Bromage were approved as corrected. The following 1984 documents are for Dick Rigg; Molly Yeckley for AI Johnson; printed in accordance with the Bylaws. Richard Reutlinger for Howie Koff and Rick Drewniak; Charles Tyler for Ron Bapp. MINUTES AMICA International BOARD MEETING President Smythe called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. commenting that because of weather conditions and delayed nights Regency Park Resort some board members would not be present until the next morning Kansas City, Kansas (a quorum was present) and entertained the idea to reconvene the June 20, 1984 meeting the next morning at 8:00 a.m. He introduced a new board member, Charles Tyler, who was attending in proxy for Ron Bapp. Present: Terry Smythe, Dorothy Bromage, Molly Yeckley, He then entertained a motion to review last year's minutes for Mike and Liz Barnhart, Will Wild, Valerie Anderson, correction and approval; he pointed out three corrections (1) Richard Reutlinger, Tom and Dorothy aids, Bab Financial Management Committee should read Financial Manage Taylor, Bab Moore, Sandy Lipman, Jerry Biasella, ment Advisory Committee; (2) in the discussion about the Goals Jerry DeBacker, Vincent Ricca, Haden VanDiver, Committee it should read that the reactivated committee would be John De Paris. * 139 * a Special, not a Standing, committee; and (3) in the comments Richard J * 140 * The Board asked that the Treasurers in the future split out Terry announced that the Gateway Chapter of.greater St. Louis postage costs for Bulletin mailing and for membership processing area (100 mile radius) had applied for charter; that they had initially for its own information. The amended 1984 Budget was approved. applied last year while still in the formative stages and it was Terry commended outgoing Treasurers, Mike and Liz, for the suggested they carryon their efforts and reapply this year. Molly exceptionally fine job done. Bob Taylor reported on the meeting of recommended Del Sewell who had spearheaded the effort to ,/ the Financial Management Advisory Committee held the previous organize the chapter, particularly complimenting him on the set of evening. The committee will prepare guidelines, to be circulated to bylaws plus membership lists. the Executive Committee and then the full Board, for sharing profits or losses resulting from Chapter projects. AMICA should be Motion: Molly moved and Dick Reutlinger seconded that careful to preserve its current non-profit status which is better than the Gateway Chapter be accepted as the 16th the normal 501C-3 in that: (1) gifts to the organization are deduct Chapter of AMICA and that they be presented the ible to the donor, and (2) mailing costs at the non-profit rate are Charter at the General Membership meeting. less than half regular mail. Our activities are clearly allied with the MOTION PASSED. aims of the organization - even our concerts and roll auctions are clearly part of the general aims; at worst a particular activity might Sandy Libman noted a correction to be made regarding the be taxed on the outside chance, but we would not lose our non Boston Chapter area; it should cover the radius of 50 miles around profit status. Boston instead of several states. The Nominating Committee Report was presented as published Revival of the Goals Committee was discussed: old goals such in the Bulletin. as a museum were discussed plus ideas of public concerts, media Valerie Anderson presented an addendum to the Membership exposure, and publication of Honoraries' biographies; also a mechan Secretary Report commenting that three Honoraries had been left ism for accepting gifts or donations with provisos to dispose of out of the initial report: Gita Gradova, Conlon Nancarrow, and same. Terry would be happy to reinstate a Goals or Ways and Claire Rivers - that this omission would be corrected. Also that Means Committee, but needs names of interested parties. Bob they would institute a voucher system to "reimburse" members Moore offered to act in an advisory way but felt new blood was who overpaid their dues - it would work as a credit for next needed. Terry will privately poll prospects and appoint said year's renewal - the member would return the voucher with his committee. check. It was decided since Honorary Membership has been Convention sites for the next four years were discussed. Mid· merged with the Membership Secretary that that title should be west Chapter had provided a written description of what they will removed from the Bulletin masthead. offer in 1985; they will also present a slide show for the General Molly presented an addendum to her Vice President's report: Membership meeting. 1986 and 1987 convention sites are open; that the PBS TV program she had participated in last year would Terry commented that we need a site for 1986 by Christmas 1984 be aired in October 1984 as part of the "BrQin Series - Rhythm in order to plan on having a convention that year. Four chapters and Drives." She also reported on trying to clarify geographic areas are in existence that have never hosted a convention. The 1988 ~ of each Chapter as per their bylaws; Terry commented that it Convention will be hosted by the Founding Chapter in San should be dear that any member may join ANY chpater; that Francisco to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the founding of Chapter boundaries are guidelines only. A map will be attempted AMICA. to be published in the Bulletin. Molly visited several chapters in the The question of a Convention Co-ordinator came up; do we past year acting as a liaison with International; she contacted all have one? Sally Lawrence is still officially listed, although she put chapters to urge them to send in names of their new officers so the together a general report on convention activity as her final duty in Bulletin information is correct; and, last, noted that she needed to the office. We do not have a comprehensive information guide receive each chapter's newsletter in her role ·as Vice President/ from all previous conventions. Terry volunteered to privately poll Chapter Liaison. members to then appoint an advisory committee - perhaps only one or two people - to put together information and assist any Motion: Mike Barnhart moved and Bob Moore seconded chapter who hosts a convention. tha the Board accept all standing reports as pre The need for "Help Manuals" for the officers of AMICA was sented. MOTION PASSED. discussed, the outcome being that such manuals would be helpful to new officers even though they might not follow each procedure; In the matter of Bylaw amendments, Terry commented that we general guidelines would be desirable. need a new method of voting for changes, that the 280 votes Terry asked, in the case when new members sent in the wrong required presently is unworkable. A Bylaw Revision Committee amount of dues, if the membership could be processed and the consisting of Molly Yeckley, Bob Moore, and Roberta Cherney shortage brought to their attention after the fact. Valerie com met this past winter and came up with changes that would be mented that they had relatively few situations as such, but that she desired; these changes must now be reviewed by Elizabeth Eisner, customarily asked for the shortage before processing the member an attorney in San Diego who has experience in non-profit corpor ship; that it rarely took long to receive the correct amount. It was ations, particularly with the changes in the California Corporate decided to leave it to the Membership Secretaries' judgement, Code. Proposed changes were discussed; Terry commented that particularly if good PR seemed at stake. the changes are an information piece at the moment; nothing can Howie Koffs letter requesting Founding Member status for be voted on at this time. He will work with the Membership David Cherney (son of Bob and Roberta Cherney) was read and Secretaries in formulating a ballot to be mailed with the annual submitted to the Board. A great deal of discussion evolved as to renewal form covering three items: (1) Membership grades; (2) whether David was a part of the "family membership" and how ,/ anniversary renewals vs. annual renewals; and (3) Bylaw amend involved he was in activities during the formative years of the club. ments -'- this ballot draft will be circulated to the Board before No motion was introduced that the Board concurred that Found being finalized. * 141 * ing Member status should be declined at this time; that if Founding Future convention sites were discussed. At present 1986 and Chapter members ascertained that David did contribute signifi 1987 are open, and Terry mentioned we really need a site for '86 by cantly to the organization the issue would be re·examined. Christmastime 1984. Jim Doheny thought perhaps Northern Lights Terry introduced the subject of the Founding Chapter Report of might be a possibility in 1987 in the St. PauVMinneapolis area. the roll auction as published in the recent Bulletin; he provided Other discussion about possible 1987 sites brought out the idea each Board member with copies of documents pertaining to the of a joint meeting with MBS; problems might arise from sheer size past seven year's history of attempting a roll auction. Terry em and/or possible confiict of interest although the majority of AMICA phasized that the roll auction sponsored by the founding Chapter members belong to both. An informal poll was conducted by was a positive event for the whole association and he did not want showing of hands; in favor of a joint meeting - majority; against the comments in the article to detract in any way from the same - none; don't care - 3 to 4. A number of individuals com commendation rightfully due them for their very special efforts in mented rather negatively about comments they had heard from putting together the auction. He asked that each Board member other MBS members; Ron Bopp who is currently Vice President of review the documents and then opened the subject to discussion MBS reported that the majority of MBS members do want a joint and a great deal ensued. The concern is that the no-confidence meeting. motion in the article is public; the report was the Founding Terry invited Dick Reutlinger to report to the membership on Chapter; a letter a year ago to Terry was by a Board Rep of the what had transpired during the Board of Directors meeting. Founding Chapter not a private individual expressing his views. If the entire chapter feels as the report and the letter indicate, then Motion: Sandy Libman moved and Ron Connor seconded the Board stands censured (the decision in this instance was by that the Secretarial Report on the Board meeting Executive Committee not by the President alone). If the chapter be accepted as stated. MOTION PASSED. does not agree with the content, tone, and substance of the two documents then it should review the matter in their own meeting Molly Yeckley, Vice President, presented the charter to our and decide how to deal with it. Terry said he absolutely refuses to newest chapter, Gateway Chapter of the Greater St. Louis area to allow the pages of the Bulletin to be used to air negative feelings of Del Sewell and Paul Stelzer who had been the organizers of this a person speaking for a chapter without the chapter's total concur chapter. Del accepted the charter, with pride in a great organi rence, and he would not use the Bulletin to respond in kind. Liz zation and a sense of responsibility to it. Barnhart asked if it would be appropriate for the Board Reps to Terry recognized Mike and Liz Barnhart who are outgoing make the information contained in the documents known in their Treasurers, commending them on the fine job they did for AMICA chapter so they might know the other side of the story. Terry International; Mike and Liz have been members since 1968 and replied yes, if the Board deemed it appropriate. The Board con attended the very first convention held in San Francisco in 1970. curred. Mike Barnhart commended Terry on the manner in which They commented that AMICA had given them so much, they felt it this matter has been handled. Again the Board concurred. was time to return something to AMICA. Terry commented that they gave us much more in return. They were presented with a Motion: Terry moved and Bob Taylor seconded that the silver dish; Mike commented it was just the right size for his Board meeting be adjourned at 12:05 a.m. MOnON screws. Liz said she appreciated the support from the club, the PASSED. Chapter reports that were submitted, and the help she had received. Jeff Depp gave the Nominating Committee report - the officers were running unopposed. Terry introduced Tom and Dorothy Olds from the Northern Lights Chapter coming from Grand Rapids; they will be our new co-treasurers. Terry asked that all International officers stand and be recog MINUTES nized. He singled out Tom and Ida Freyer of Founding Chapter as AMICA International the only persons present who had worked so hard on the recent roll auction and asked for a hand for them in particular and the GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING Founding Chapter in general for a job well done. Regency Park Resort Terry congratulated the Heart of America Chapter and in Kansas City, Kansas particular Ron Bopp who chaired the Convention Committee for a convention well planned and executed. June 22, 1984 Ron Bopp commented that the AMICA Convention Banner will be handed over to the Midwest Chapter at the Sunday Brunch, the President Terry Smythe called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. last official event of the convention. He welcomed the members present and related an experience he'd Dorothy Bromage commented on her experience with the loaned recently gone through - the fiooding of his basement at home due computer - that she takes very good care of same and if anyone to a sewer back-up, causing several grands to sit in wet blankets 36 on the East coast should want to loan her one when she moves to hours. He cautioned that normal insurance policies do not have Maine, she would take equally good care of it. sewer back-up coverage and that you should check closely with Terry commented on the serious possibilities of a "corporate your brokers about your own policies' coverage. loan" or "contribution" of same. He entertained a motion for He invited the Midwest Chapter to unveil their convention adjournment. presentation for the following year. An excellent slide show put together by chapter member Bill Blodgett was shown. Jim Weisen Motion: Jeff Depp moved and Ron Connor seconded the borne expanded some information about the plans for next summer motion for adjournment. MOTION PASSED. and stated additional items would appear in the Bulletin as the time came closer. * 142 * PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER Reporter: Frank Diamond On July 28th, our Chapter had an informal outing with a visit to the Port of History Museum at Penn's Landing near Old City Philadelphia. Their exhibition, "Put Another Nickel In," consisted of a fine collection of coin operated instruments, games, juke boxes and the like. To our surprise, Penn's Landing was having a yacht regatta, with sailboats from the area and beyond, parading along the Delaware River. We had the opportunity to see the resident tall ship, Gazella, under full sail - an impressive sight on this beautiful, sun-filled day. The Gazella, Philly's tall ship. This 102 year old ship was a Portuguese training yacht but now calls Philadelphia its home and represents the city in the Indepen dence Day exhibition of tall ships held in East Coast harbors. At the same time, the Landing was bustling with people coming to see the regatta, to sample the extensive international food display set up by area restaurants and to enjoy the beautiful summer day. Early arrivals waiting to enter the Port 0/ History Museum. Twenty of us went through the Museum's exhibition of coin operated entertainment. A number of these were musical. The exhibition began with a small collection of music boxes and nickelodeons including a good-looking and sounding Seeburg E owned by AMICAn John Iannieri. In the next room, we encoun tered a spectacular collection of beautifully restored juke boxes with the colored glass and alcohol bubbles in full bloom. Several played appropriate selections from the 40's and SO's. Further along, there were numerous coin operated games from the 30's and 40's, bringing back many childhood memories. Unfor tunately these games were for viewing only and could not be played by the visitors (probably for good reason). Many of these were lent by AMICAn John lannieri who is justly famous for his garage-full of nostalgia. The final part of the exhibit consisted of slot machines (none musical), trade stimulators and a large Art Deco section from Hom and Hardhart. Only the franks and beans were missing. Afterwards, we walked to South Street stopping to view the sidewalk musicians, magicians, and acrobats, as well as the crafts show at Head House Square. Most of us then dined at Downey's Irish Pub with its traditional Irish fare, seafood bar, and pub-like Lqte arrivals waiting to enter the Port 0/ History Museum. atmosphere. We left full and looking forward to our next meeting in Baltimore. * 143 * TEXAS Reporter: Janet Tonneson On June 9th the Texas Chapter of AMICA met at the home of Bert & Betty Plonien in Arlington. Guests attending this meeting ,/ included Ralph & Lorraine Walker (Carole Beckett's· parents) from Concord, California and Father Boyer from Fort Worth. Tom Beckett recognized Father Boyer as one of his professors from St. Mark's School about 30 years ago. While we snacked on the "goodies" Betty had prepared for us, we all admired Carole's will power on her successful diet. For most of us, dieting and exercising . are frequently started and very soon abandoned. Fortunately our President, Wade Newton, called us away from the table for a brief business meeting, after which we enjoyed hearing and seeing the Plonien's musical collection which included a 1926 Knabe Ampico Grand, an Estey Reed Organ, an 1868 Burdett Reed Organ, and an Edison phonograph, Bert also has a Texas Roll Baron Wade Newton, makes Ralph Walker an offer he can't refuse. player piano and a reed organ in the garage awaiting restoration. Father Boyer entertained us with a mini-concert on the Burdette Organ and, after that, Betty had some more entertainment planned. We went out onto the patio where tables and chairs were set up and learned to play Airplane Bunko, a fast-moving and fun game of dic::e. Everyone went home a winner since they got to keep the surprise package they had when the game ended. o.ur thanks to Bert and Betty for hosting our June meeting. If you missed this entertaining afternoon, you also missed a chance to buy piano rolls at bargain prices (according to Wade Newton who was selling them from the back of his truck). . r ~--e-~. \SS ..a ...... i~c.;··7~ ·fri. ~~\" ~. ~·~~:'S..~I :l ~-.:.tKflJ' ill~ ... :\;;.'--"" ~ .- -:' ~... . J! };3~;'.-&--:t:'r.':....~~~_ "'--*"~ _:~~~~~ Betty & Bert Plonien at their 1868 Burdett Reed Organ. ....~... :.~ .E.~ .-~~ • ~...J'i,,:~~ . ~ ~~, ~ '~~:ilf~('1~;":"~S4'"\l'~L " ~; ~ ...... _.. ~,.., v:::::.....t::.:,; '~\1 FOUNDING CHAPTER Reporter: Jack Edwards Wes Cavett is anything but a conventional host. Most AMICA meetings are highlighed by the playing of several rolls, and bY'at least one person's crawling under the host's piano. Not the July meeting at Wes's. Wes requested that members bring one of their cherished musical toys from their childhood, either first or second. The turnout of people and of musical toys was indeed impressive. Sally and Dale Lawrence brought a couple of toys. One was a beautifully decorated bird box. Dick Reutlinger had a player-piano music box sculpted out of copper. Mel Luchetti had a cathedral shaped, hand cranked, organ sounding toy. He said it wasn't the Carole Beckett, Ralph Walker, lam Beckett and Joe Morris. one he had as a boy because a fibre gear had worn out in that one. Leave it to the technical committee chairperson to remember why a childhood toy broke. * 144 * After the toys were shown, Mel Luchetti gave a report on the convention in Detroit. He said that he really had a good time. He reported that he had a particularly productive conversation with VP Mol1y Yeckley about various directions AMICA could possibly go in the next few years. All that Mel had to say was greeted witl-r general agreement. Then, new member Pat Stutts of San Francisco proceeded to light a fire of enthusiasm which was also quite welcome. We decided to put together some materials to try and evangelize and get new members for the chapter and for AMICA, and to try to get some new life out of the old members. After the business meeting, we headed for the dessert table where one word was spoken with particular relish, MC KINLEY VILLE, where we wil1 return in August for another idyllic weekend in the redwoods with David, Elaine and Mandy Cherney and Bonnie and Guy Kulstad. David and Elaine . .. "... fire burn and cauldron bubble." For the third consecutive year, the Founding Chapter headed north from the San Francisco Bay area to the home of David, Elaine and Mandy Cherney in McKinleyville, some 375 miles distant. Here, we took in the joys of northern California including the redwoods, the Pacific, and the view of each from the Cherneys' home. We met Friday night, and started a non-stop ingestion of food and good conversation with our friends. Saturday afternoon, we got together at the Cherneys' and listened to their 1922 Knabe Ampico. While the Ampico held center stage for much of the time, the pumper downstairs, a 1916 Rachals Autopiano, kept active some of those who did not want to use the pool outside, or walk the beach below the bluffs. Kathy Fodge, who works with David, and is daughter Mandy's piano teacher, entertained us with several selections played on the Cherney Harpsichord, a new addition since last year. Since the harpsichord is a gentle sounding instrument, it mixed with the ocean view perfectly, and perfectly proved the old saying about Amy, Mandy and Jennie hold a meeting of their own. music having power to soothe, etc. George and Elsie Jensen took the prize for the most unusual toys however. One was a court jester shaped device that, when whirled around, produced a song that Elsie claimed we should have all known. None of us did, so Elsie, a former elementary school teacher, made us all stand in the corner. They also had an electronic organ grinder that played a variety of songs. The inter esting part about this toy was that everyone remarked how the little man reminded us of fellow member, Don Ellison. Don was there, and he agreed. The really remarkable instrument was a mostly wooden music maker which consists of a cob with reposi tionable pegs which hit keys which activate mallets which strike a small xylophone. The pegs are removable; the cob is removable and so is the keyboard, so the xylophone can be played with a small mallet which is included - a truly fascinating toy. Bob and Margaret Wilcox brought a small VW bus that, when placed on an LP album and turned on, would play the record. Either the record was warped or the battery was weak, but the music did sound a little strange. They also have a battery operated train that plays songs as it runs over the ties which are movable, so you can program whatever song you wish to hear. Bob and Margaret say they buy the toys so they can entertain their grand _j children ... ha! Mel Luchetti, Gene McGraw, Dianne Edwards listen to Bob Wilcox's fish story. * 145 * Four members of the AMICAYouth, Mandy Cherney, Jennie. Edwards, Jeff Peterman and Amy Whiteley joined in the festivities, and did everyone proud. It is good that young people are being brought close to the music and the instruments that we love, some of which were old long before these youngsters were born. r Nobody showed us a piano undergoing restoration, or'made any controversial statements or motions. (Rob Thomas did move to make the albacore we eat at every McKinleyville meeting an honorary member. The motion passed.) We just sat around listening to music we love on instruments we love with people we love in perfectly beautiful and peaceful surroundings. This was a most successful meeting. Jerryl Neher, Barbara Whiteley, Jarod Clark and David Cherney at the Knabe-Ampico. NORTHERN LIGHTS Reporter: Tracy M. Tolzmann Sunday, July 7th found the Northern Lights Chapter of AMICA at the home of Tracy Tolzmann in Forest Lake, Minn., as he co hosted a picnic meeting with Mike Merrick. The event was billed as a "mini organ rally," and was a joint meeting with the Snowbell Chapter of the MBSI. The featured attraction of the day was the 46-key Ruth/Artizan band organ owned by Mike and Tracy and restored by them over a three-and-a-half year period. The I02-year- r old instrument played a wide selection of music as 53 members and guests enjoyed the picnic on an absolutely perfect dayl Also providing music was Tom Wurdeman's 43~note Tangley Calliope, Angelo Rulli's 25-note Pell Street Organ, and four organs broughl up from Jowa by Tom Fretty: a Bacigalupi kiddie ride barrel organ, David and Rob Thomas and Orthophonic Victrola. / Jarryl, Bill, Jarod and Rob enjoying each other's company. Angelo Rulli with his new Pell Street Organ, made in England. * 146 * GATEWAY Reporter: Jean Williams We went to Ron and Mary Jo Bopp's home for the June meeting. The Bopps served a sandwich buffet which was very nice. Then there was a Father's Day cake with a piano keyboard on it for all the AMICA dads. The Bopps' collection is in a big room that they designed especially for it. It has deep carpeting and ceiling tile to absorb sound. The instruments are in perfect condition, Not a mark or a spot of dust. I never saw instruments that were cleaner inside. Many of the instruments had been connected to coin boxes that were clustered together on one wall. Ron let the members take turns dropping in coins and turning on the machines. Angelo Rulli, Tom Fretty, Ron Olsen and Warren Anderson exa mine the Bacigalupi kiddie ride barrel organ, built in El Monte, CA. .,.!' Jay Couture's 1929 Model A Ford Roadster was a popular attraction. Ron Bopp's Diamond T with Bond Organ. Mike Merrick, Burt Lindhardt and Tom Fretty discuss organ rebuilding in front of Tracy Tolzmann and Mike's RuthlArtizan organ, a large North Tonawanda, a 46-key Artizan, and a 32-key Prinsen Street Organ. Also on hand was Jay Couture's 1929 Model A Ford Roadster, which he restored to perfection, and Tracy's 1922 / Baldwin Modello player piano with a rank of flute pipes added for a fun organ sound. Business meetings overlapped, and included Ron Bopp's Fotoplayer. discussion of the upcoming joint convention of AMICA and M&>I in Saint Paul, Minnesota, for July, 1987. Watch the Bulletin for more exciting news on that great event! * 147 * The Maple Leaf Club From time to time, The Rag Times, newsletter of the Maple Leaf Club, contains infonnation about piano rolls and roll artists. Anyone wishing to become a club member and receive the news I letter may send $7.00 annual membership fee to this address. (Yes, the club does meet . six times a year in Los Angeles, California.) Jean Wiegand admiring the Mason Hamlin Ampico. We watched a film of "The Little Tramp" while Ron played the ·5560 West 62nd Street Fotoplayer along with the film. He was very good. We then caravaned over to Gerold Koehler's house. Ron led the Los Angeles, California 90056 way in the 1949 Diamond T Fireman's "pick-up" truck with his calliope blasting away in the back, under the red and white striped awning. When we arrived at Gerold's, he had his Hearse (with an open top) playing its calliope. He had three grand pianos in the /' living room, but most of his collection was in the basement. He has a varied collection including $copitones, an Arburo (a modern German Band Organ), juke boxes, music boxes, a Mills Violano Kinderpiano Query and various record players and automated figures. by Constance Harvey It was a fun visit. I am looking for some player piano rolls for a child's player piano made by J. Chien and Company, Burlington, NJ. The size of the roll is 6~" wide with round punched holes. If anyone knows where &tJ~~~~~~~~~~ these rolls might be obtained please write to me. [ will be most grateful for any infonnation. Constance Harvey 2025 Gratiot Ave. Saginaw, MI 48602 Recording Woes by Frederick Fisher I am writing about a problem that [ am having with my 5'6" The Carlton Question Mason and Hamlin Ampico B piano, hoping that someone would by Dorothy Bromage know of someone who could help me or find someone who could through the Bulletin. My problem follows. A friend of mine has a piano that has had the player mechanism I would like to make recordings of my piano in action but removed. Here is a description of the piano: It is a Carlton - 4'10" everytime I do so [ get an electrical interference that drowns out an long. It is black with 3 legs, serial #14587. Research shows it to be otherwise beautiful recording. [ am using first class equipment so made by Renn Pianos in London, England, probably prior to 1930. that is not the problem. By trial and error I traced the noise to the The question is: what player mechanism might it have had? roll motor. [ did so by unplugging the power to the roll motor while Infonnation will be greatly appreciated and may be sent to me. the recording equipment was in the record/pause mode. As soon Dorothy Bromage as I did this the noise disappeared but of course the roll would no POB275CCB longer move either! So I need some way of blocking the noise that Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 is coming fTom the roll motor. Any suggestions, fellow members? Thanks! * 148 * / Pavilion Amusement Park, Myrtle Beach, S.C. America's Most Beautiful Old Band Organ Pavilion Amusement Park, Myrtle Beach, S.C. America's Most Beautiful Old Band Organ This Organ was built at Waldkrich, in Bayden, Germany. By A. for the amusement of his family and friends. Many famous and Ruth & Sohn. notable band leaders have enjoyed its beautiful music while visiting All the figures and decorations were carved out of wood by there. hand. The Organ was built for the World Exposition at Paris, The Organ is operated by compressed air now furnished by an France in 1900 where it was a featured attraction. electric motor, but formerly was operated by hand by turning a big After the Paris Exposition it was taken back to Germany, where wheel. The organ is 20 feet long, 11 feet high, 7 feet deep, and it was used for different entertainments. It was moved from town to weighs approximately 2 tons. With 400 different pipes, it has 98 town on a large wagon pulled by a six·horse team, where it would keys, 18 life-like figures on the front, 12 of which move including 2 be played in the evenings for the amusement of the town people, harp players all moving in rhythm with the music. Other figures much like we used to have Band concerts in the parks here years dance and "beat drums!" The Organ still is operating with old style ago. \ cardboard music. Most of it composed 50 years ago. this Organ Twenty years after the Exposition it was brought to this country was brought to Myrtle Beach, S.c. by the Pavilion Amusement / by a wealthy industrialist and remained for 30 years on his estate Park for the enjoyment of its Patrons. Contributed by Will Wild * 149 * Angelo & Gena Rulli - Pe1l27 Keyless Organ Beautiful Weather Sets Stage directions. Twenty organs scattered over 55 acres appeareo 10 [W about right. When the one directly in front of you quit playing, you For Joint Band Organ Rally could hear one or two more in the background. This really crealeo by Bill Pohl a festive atmosphere. Perhaps this would be a good time to tell you a little about SOc. Good weather, good music, and all-around good times were the The city is located on 2,000 tree-shaded acres, overlooking T ahl~ name of the game for the 4th annual Heart of America Chapter Rock Lake. The actual city occupies 55 acres and features all kinds and 2nd annual MBSI, Sunbelt Chapter Band Organ Rally. This of crafts, ranging from glass-blowing to making lye soap. Large and joint rally was held at Silver Oollar City, MO, referred to hereafter in this article as "SOc." A comfortable and bright Saturday small steam engines are used for various chores, such as lathes for small wood work to running large saws for mill work and CUlling morning found all the instruments, brought in from six states, set shingles. There was candy making (with free samples), log cabin up and ready to go by 9:00 AM when the city opened. The construction, woodcarving, stained glass work, pottery, farrier, management of SOC and their employees coordinated the set up of the organs. These people know their stuff and the instruments candle-making and musical instrument construction, just to name a few activities, plus, plenty of rides slanted toward the 1890 era 10 were set for the best visual effect as well as sound effect. For keep the kids under 90 entertained. The city works hard 10 instance, the Courtyard, which is a large area with a waterwheel conform to the 1890's theme. Since cardboard music was laking clock, is located just before you enter the city, contained two eye the place of pinned cylinders in many band organs around 1890, we catching units. First was Cliff and Roberta Gray's colorful, circus felt right at home. And, believe me, the management and employ· painted Wurlitzer 150. The snappy and brassy tunes it played really ees of SOC helped make us feel at home too. What a nice bunch set the mood for the rally. Further down the courtyard was Roy of friendly people. I hope you are starting to get the picture of why and Neta Ireland's Model T Ford with the player piano attachment we had such a great time. used by the salemen to demonstrate the player at the prospective buyer's location. How many of these have you seen? Some of us Walter and Jessie Moore's 1877 J.P. Needham reed player organ men could take some lessons from Roy, as I observed Neta entertained the music and ice cream lovers in Hannas Ice Cream pumping the piano most of the time. Through the ticket turnstile Parlor on Main St. If you remember the "Beverly Hillbillies" epi· and up the path, just before entering the Hospitality House, was sodes filmed at SOC, Hannas was used as the hotel. Around the located Gerold and Linda Hoehler's Caliola playing "penny-arcade" corner and down the street next to the Blacksmith, Alan Bies' and music. These three instruments really helped set the tone of the Steve Boehck's 50 key Limonaire came into view. The Candy day before really entering the city complex. Store and Funnel Cake Shop were located across the street. Talk After passing through the Hospitality House and entering Main about visual effect! It reminded me of pictures I have seen of some St., the sound of "Happy Music" could be heard from virtually all of the World Fairs. Also great music to listen to while you ate your funnel cake. * 150 * Forgot to mention that SOC has its own Carousel with beautiful horses carved by the local woodcarvers. Paul and Shirley Morgen roth's Caliola had the pleasure of furnishing music for the Carousel all day. On down toward the end of the street, we could hear Galen and Linda Bird's North Tonawanda 146 playing before we could see it. We understand it was set up facing the flower shop at first, until the flower shop operator said it was making the flowers grow too fast, so they pointed it in another direction. Heading now across the train tracks toward the Far Woods area we find Leonard and Billie Railsback's Wurlitzer 150 entertaining the folks down there. The Railsback's 150 is one of the natural wood finish models and its oak wood gave a good contrast to the Gray's machine. At the dockside Theatre, Jim and Nancy Bernard's Artizan plays for the people waiting to ride on the "Lost River of the Ozarks." This organ features oil paintings and some of the nicest sounding wood trumpet pipes around. At the stage where the Dixieland Paul Morgenroth, Paul Jr. & Willie Young· Stinson Caliola band, "The River Rats," perform, we see Mike and Angie Han chett's Calliope. This is a "Hanchett" Calliope that they built themselves. It shares the stage with the "River Rats," who have decided "if you can't whip 'em, join 'em," as they are now hand playing the Calliope and talking about incorporating it into their act. Now we are starting to run across some of the Street Organs on carts. The first one we see is Gib and Emma Gibson's Prinsen. Emma is cranking away, in her Bavarian costume of red and white, but Gib, who is also dressed in a Bavarian costume, is nowhere in sight. We figured maybe he went down the street to "yodel." Anyway, Emma is doing a good job of entertaining the people who stop to listen and ask questions. We should mention that all instrument exhibitors were decked out in 1890's dress. This usually consisted of a long dress for the women and jeans, denim shirts and some red suspenders for the men. Which reminds me, do you know why a Band Organ exhibitor wears red suspenders? Answer: For the same reason a fireman does. (sigh) Further up the street we see a crowd of people who seem to be having a good time. We find Ron and Mary Jo Bopp's Pell organ, and Angelo and Gena Rulli's Pell organ, which play the same music, in a very rare "Street Organ Duet." Or they called it "Dueling Organs." Takes some Cliff & Roberta Gray - Wurlitzer 150 coordination and timing to play two crank organs together. They should have practiced for another week, but it was entertaining for the people. Frank and Hope Rider's Perlee· Street Organ was parked under a shade tree and Hope was "allowing" some of the children in the crowd to crank it. This little organ was particularly fascinating to the children because it is so small and has a painted facade. Bill and Billie Pohl had wheeled their Hofbauer Street Organ close to the pottery shop early in the day. As they were leaving, the girls in the shop made them promise to return later in the day. They kept sending word for them to return, but [ don't think they were ready for what they got. Bill turned the trumpet pipes off, wheeled right into the pottery shop and played a couple of tunes. He couldn't understand why they didn't ask him to return again. As we got close to Gaslight Theatre, headed for the "Fire In The Hole" ride, it was clear that we could hear another Calliope. Tom and Ardyce Wurdeman and their original Tangley were set up there and furnished music all day for the people waiting to board the ride. Our last stop found us at SOC's Heritage House where Gary and Rose Stevenson had on display two organettes. Neatly blended ./ into the decor was a Wilcox and White Symphonia and the Stevenson's rare Autophone "Strip" Organ. Gary had an article in Cocktail Hour after Organ Rally! Who's the BUM? AMICA Heart the MBS! Bulletin regarding Autophone sometime in the last of America Chapter - President Tom Hellstein - Of Course! couple of years, entitled "A Strip in Time." * 151 * Roy & Neta Ireland - Model T Ford with Player Piano Attached Bill & Billie Pohl - Hofbauer Harmonipan Street Organ Frank & Hope Rider - G. Perlee Street Organ 25 Key Tom and Ardyce Wurdeman - Tangley c.A. 43 Calliope. Galen & Linda Bird - North Tonawanda 146 Gerald & Linda Koehler - Stinson Caliola (Lock the Gates Someone's Stealing a Kiss) * 152 * .J Mike & Angie Hanchett - Home-Built Tangley Style Calliope Jim & Nancy Bernard -Artizan Gib & Emma Gibson - Prinsen Street Organ Ron & Mary Jo Bopp - Pell 27 Keyless Organ Leonard & Billie Railsback - Wurlitzer 150 Military &nd Organ Alan Bies & Steve Boeck -50 Key Limonaire * 153 * Hupfeld Helios Orchestrion by Harold Goldman This large orchestrion was made around 1914 by ths Hupfeld firm of Germany. It is approx. 13 feet tall by 16 feet wide by 5 feet I deep. Originally, it was used in the King Wilhelm dance hall which is located about 15 miles north of Amsterdam. In the 1950's, it was located by Eugene DeRoy who used to service the instrument. Still in its original location, the owner stated that he had never heard it play, but his father had told him about how it used to entertain the patrons in earlier years_ When I acquired it, it hadn't played for about 30 years. It needed a complete restoration which was done by Ron Cappel of Cali fornia. The restoration took over one year and many hundreds of hours. The machine has 179 pipes representing the voices of c1arinette, viola, violin, flute, piccolo, violincello, bass violincello, and bass aeoline. In addition, it has a piano, mandoline, xylophone, orchestra bells, crash cymbal, bass drum and snare drum. All this represents an orchestra of about 15 people. / Walter & Jessie Moore - 1877 J.P. Needham Player Organ L. It seems like we have only turned around twice and it is 5:00 PM and time to start shutting things down. Once again SDC is organized and everyone is able to get to the motel in time to take a shower and get to the Social Hour by 6:30 PM. The banquet started promptly at 7:30 PM. After the meal, the officers of both Today. the orchestrion is entertaining people in the Sdme WdY organizations were introduced and invited to say a few words. Gib that it did over 50 years ago. Ailihis has been made possible by the. Gibson presented Bill and Billie Pohl a beautiful, etched, cut-glass Hupfeld craftsmen and one fine restorer, Mr. Ron Cdppel. Loving Cup, in behalf of the Sunbelt Chapter, for their work in organizing the Rally. Angelo Rulli came to the microphone and gave some details about the joint convention for AMICA and MBSI, to be held in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area in 1987. The evening was capped off with two excellent slide presentations by Ron Bopp. The first one featured large Dance Organs and Mr. Arthur Prinsen from Belgium. The second featured many large collections that Ron has visited over the years_ We thank Ron for his willingness to share these. Sunday morning found individual chapter meetings in progress. These meetings were staggered, as we found quite a few members who are active in both organizations. Both participating chapters voted to pursue a joint rally again next year. That, in itself, will attest to the success of this, the first one. ( * 154 * The Wet Leather Method When the leather has been removed from the double feeders, of Rebuilding Band Organ Pumps inspect the rope hinges and sealing leather at the pivot end of each moving board. Also check the intake valves. If any of the above by Alan Pier need renewal, the moving board must be separated from the body in order to clean the interfaces and install new material. Use leather The original method of applying leather to band organ pumps is for the hinge seals which is like the original and doesn't stretch described by Arthur Orde-Hume in his book BARREL ORGAN. significantly. Hot glue or Tight Bond can be used. Make sure you When restoring band organs it is usually good practice to repeat keep the graphited wooden rubbing surfaces free from glue. Like the original methods. I recommend reading the Ord-Hume book wise, install new rope hinges like the originals and make them tight before beginning an organ restoration. However there are several by forcing the wedging dowels. . reasons why changing the method of recovering pumps may be an Pay particular attention to the intake and exhaust valves. rhey advantage. The first problem is obtaining large, properly tanned must make good seals and must be quick to snap back into the hides. The originals were often horse hides. Few tanneries exist in sealed condition after venting. If there are restraining straps over this country anymore as compared to the old days. Leather is these valves, they should be quite snug to aid in quick operation, expensive whether or not it is imported. Lack of large hides which is important for good pumping efficiency. demands that the pump coverings incorporate splices, which pre With the wet leather method the cardboard stiffeners are first sents the problem of how to do this properly. Pressure pumps attached to the pump baords and to each other using twill tape. require cardboard stiffeners which were glued to the inside surfaces You can get 5/8 inch wide thin twill tape from pipe organ suppliers of the leather before recovering. How do you place these stiffeners or places which sell cloth and fabric. These hinge tapes are first to ensure that they will be located properly even if the leather glued to the cardboard stiffeners, then the assemblies are attached stretches during application? Finally, how does a beginner work to the pump boards using glue and tacks or a staple gun. fast enough to get the proper bonding with hot glue when large If the pump had strips of wood holding the leather around the . pump bellows are being recovered? outside edges of the boards, be sure to allow space for this when Several years ago, Marvin Horovitz and I were restoring our first installing the cardboard. Once the cardboards are installed, you band organ and decided that we would have an experien~ed pipe can exercise the moving board and verify that they work freely. As organ technician rebuild the pressure pump rather than undertake with any pneumatic rebuilding job, don't forget to mark the location the risk of doing it ourselves and making a mess of it. This of any screw holes, etc. which are going to be hidden by the new technician had previously recovered several large reservoirs for covering. Make marks or patterns so that they may be relocated Marvin's theater organ and they had performed very well. He had after covering. never done a band organ pump, but the task didn't appear very Now you are ready to start recovering. Cut pieces of leather to different from doing pipe organ reservoirs. When Marvin and I saw reach from the pivot end of the feeder to within 3 or 4 inches of the his techniques we realized that they were far simpler for a beginner open end. Soak the leather in warm water and wring it out until it -.-/ than the original methods and they also solved most of the other is just damp. Paint Titebond glue on the sealing sufaces of the problems mentioned above. Since then we have done three more pump boards and cardboard. Apply the leather and tap the outside band organ pumps using the wet leather method and the results with a hardwood block to make sure the glue has made good have been excellent. contact. If things don't look right, remove the leather, apply more The leather used is white, chrome combination tanned heavy glue, and do it over. This is one of the advantages over using hot goat skin, and is available from pipe organ supply houses and even glue. When you are satisfied with the position of the leather from some piano supply outlets. It is commonly called soft alum covering, install the wooden retainer strips (if used). Cut them gusset leather. The amount needed for one pump may range from about three inches short of the open end to allow the splice to 8 to 10 skins depending on the sizes of the pump and the skins. overlap. Having installed the side pieces on two out of fhe four The cost currently ranges around $3.50 per square foot. feeder bellows, let them dry overnight before trimming any excess When you strip the old leather off the pump it is wise to save as leather. Then cut two pieces of leather to fit the mouth of the two much as you can as it can serve as a pattern for cutting new bellows, allowing three inches for a splice on each end. Wet the pieces. Also try to save the original cardboard stiffeners. They can leather and glue it as you did the first pieces. With these pieces you often be reused. If you have to make new ones, avoid laminated have to do some cutting and tacking to fit around protruding parts cardboard which may separate when affected by the moisture in of the pump boards. Again, you will see the advantage of using the glue. Try to get cardboard to match the original type. cold glue which allows you plenty of time. Allow another day for With many band organ pumps, the reservoir chamber is con drying and you can begin the other two sections of the feeder structed directly on top of the two double feeder units. Rubber bellows, using the same methods. When they are recovered, cloth is used to seal all joints. You can expect the spacer sticks repunch the hidden holes and reinstall the spanner rods. between the two units to be destroyed during disassembly but they are easily duplicated out of white pine. In Wurlitzer pumps, three boards form bridges across the two feeders, and glued joints must be broken to remove them. If it looks like too much splintering will result from breaking these joints, consider making a saw cut which can later be sealed with a gasket and rubber cloth. ---~ ~~---~- ~-==~_.------.. :-:.----} .~~~ ---- -~ ....:-.::-, ~~.;;-~~----~: ------~~~ .. r~~r~---i----==-' Possible saw cut ..J FIGURE 1 REMOVAL OF BRIDGES ACROSS FEEDERS If the piece across the pivot end won't come free, consider cutting it in the center as shown. Twill Tape ( >- Allow space for battens when used. I f FIGURE 2 CROSS SECTION SHOWING INSTALLATION OF CARDBOARD BEFORE LEATHER * 156 * Now install the spacer sticks on the interface and reassemble the point near the mouth where a splice will be made. The job is nearly two feeder units in their side-by-side position. You may have to complete when the mouth of the reservoir is covered. When the plane these sticks a bit to make the assembly conform to the glue has dried, seal the outlet port and work the feeders by hand. original dimensions because the new leather and the splices are The reservoir should rise and should take 8 to 10 seconds to thicker. Don't forget to recess the nails to avoid damaging the collapse. The reservoir springs should be replaced if this is the type plane. When everything fits properly, glue the assembly together of pump where the springs are independent of the organ case. ..,..I and apply large clamps to hold everything in alignment until the Now you can listen for leaks at the various seams. Seal any that glue sets. Either hot or cold glue can be used for this operation. you find, with tacks and glue. Now install the strips of rubber cloth to prevent leakage from the If you are the kind of person who enjoys wallpapering, you can reservoir chamber. This is also the time to install the exhaust cover the top of the reservoir and the bottom of the pump with valves as they might have been damaged or had glue dripped on brown wrapping paper. Shellac the top. Don't shellac the bottom, them if installed earlier. Following this, the top board of the as this might cause it to get stuck in the organ case. The paper reservoir is replaced, using a leather hinge similar to the original. should be folded over the edges of the leather and should extend Make sure it is properly aligned. with the body of the pump. about Yz inch down the sides. This helps protect the leather but is Reservoir cardboards are installed with the twill tape as was done not really necessary. Also, it is a shame to cover up antique news with the feeder bellows. Likewise, reservoir recovering begins with papers which you will frequently find on the bottom of the pump. two wedge shaped pieces of leather applied from the hinge end to a The largest orchestrion ever built in this country had to compete Special Orchestrions with "The only original American Lady Orchestra", Miss Lily by Herb Stockinger Mitchinson, Conductress. Apparently the three men in tux and mustaches did not count. Lighting was by electricity and appears Here is ad from the Atlantic City Daily Union of summer 1894. to be arc lights...... '" The Columbia Concert Garden was one of several which made • their appearance between 1860 and 1900 in Atlantic City. The : COLUMBIA ?\E\\' gardens were roofed and had stages and bars. With the purchase • of a glass of beer for a nickel, one could enjoy a good vaudeville show or concert. Schaufler's had a bell on a high pole in front of ! CONCERT GARDEN 1 their garden, and each time a new barrel of beer was tapped, the : F. SOHWAM13, Prcpriator, bell was rung to notify everybody within hearing; then patrons ~ ~ would hurry over to try it. Missouri Avenue and Beach. Young and McShay had a huge orchestrion at their merry-go round on the beach. It did not operate on Sunday, but hymn ~. TI,ree lOllarls !JllIIJ' • /111 th,. WILLIAM KAUTZ .~iILlr.lflr : books would be passed out and religious music played on the /I.1SD. IIls11 (li111/'r/.\ /II! d'UJ bll tI". • orchestrion. hmlt'\{ (l/t(lll.ST/,'/O,'\· 11'1'/ IllIilt III • The fate of the orchestrions can only be surmised. Can anyone lhi:, ('o,lld'/I. : identify the Columbian instrument? Note the tremendous base on (unlt'( SIJIII.~· al ErITl/ /,," r',r/!dl/I;" fly • which it rests. Did it contain percussions? tilt' (;nu( Adal/l .",i·hi,.,"'•...... II. .•.. : * 157 * Photo credit: Atlantic County (NJ) Historical Society My Friendship With Orchestrions With few collectors to bid the prices up, the main problem in finding a desirable orchestrion, reproducing piano, music box, or by Q. David Bowers other instrument was the actual act of finding it - not of paying for it. The cost was apt to be nominal, especially in terms of the My first encounter with an orchestrion was in the autumn of valuations such pieces were to achieve in later years. From his r 1960 or during the following winter, when I met up with Harvey long-established Musical Museum in Deansboro, New Y-ork, Arthur Roehl. I lived in Vestal, New York at the time and had made a Sanders offered me a 27-inch Regina Automatic Disc Changer for beginning in the collecting of music boxes having acquired my first the going rate - $400. Years later, during the height of the market instrument, an ll-inch Regina, at an antique show the preceding around 1979-1980, a comparable unit would fetch the best part of June. $15,000! Orchestrions were apt to be priced from several hundred "If you are interested in this sort of thing, you should meet dollars on up. Harvey Roehl reported being offered a Seeburg Style Harvey Roehl," suggested David Greacen, a local radio station H for $1,000 and turning it down. Reproducing pianos were time salesman. Harvey, he informed me, not only had music boxes cheaper yet. Most collectors seeking such things were apt to get but had some other interesting things as well. them through piano stores who were just as pleased to sell a unit By the time of my initial meeting with Harvey and his wife to a collector than to go through the task of ferrying out the Marion, my collection had grown to include a Mermod Freres Ampico - or Duo-Art mechanism and hauling it to the dump. Thus, cylinder music box (purchased on time payments from Gobel if a given Franklin grand piano was worth $400, a Franklin-Ampico Ziemer, an antique dealer in nearby Owego, New York), A Violino was also worth $400. The only commonly-seen marque that brought Virtuoso violin player (acquired through Mrs_ Ruth Bornand, of a premium was the Steinway, and, again, there was no extra Pelham, New York), and a "Reliable" endless-roll coin-operated charge if it had a Duo-Art mechanism. Around that time a new piano, produced by the Automatic Musical Instrument Company in Steinway or Steinway-Duo-Art, take your pick, would bring about nearby Binghamton, New York (although I purchased it from $1,000 to $1,500 for a medium-size grand. Wray's Music House in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania)_ Harvey Roehl had his own ideas concerning orchestrions, and Visiting Harvey's house was like a kid visiting a candy store for these were duly expressed in his Player Piano Treasury book. the first time. There were so many enticing things that I didn't Seeburg H instruments did not have a particularly good reputation, know what to look at, what to go after first. One by one, Harvey and the first edition of Player Piano Treasury pointed out that explained them and their characteristics, playing each. I was partic while the Style H was certainly impressive enough in appearance, ularly captivated by a tall device, a piano with an extension on top, instruments of lesser size and instrumentation played better music. fronted with art glass, which Harvey told me was an orchestrion. To Harvey's mind the creme de la creme was a large Coinola I wasn't a complete stranger to the term, but I had never seen an playing a Style 0 roll, and this was mentioned in his text. Accord orchestrion in the flesh before. Harvey dropped a few nickels in the ingly, over a period of time Coinola instruments appeared on the slot, and I was rewarded by a veritable concert. "Japansy" was the "most wanted" list of collectors, while a lot of other makes were ?'" first tune I heard - and I remember it to this very day_ Then came ignored. Not much was known about large Cremona orchestrions' a half dozen other tunes on the same roll. such as the Style K.and Style J, for few collections had them. Even With the doors opened, the instrument, which [ learned was less was known about Berry-Wood and Peerless orchestrions. called a Seeburg Style G, displayed ranks of flute and violin pipes, European orchestrions? Forget it! Little was known about them. A a bass drum, snare drum, triangle, and cymbal in the upper few collectors might recognize the Welte name, but Hupfeld was section, while in the lower section was the roll mechanism and the virtually_ unknown, and hardly anyone had heard of Weber or pump. Hidden somewhere in the back was the piano harp. Popper. I have never been one to do things casually, so not more than a The early 1960's were growth years in the hobby of orchestrion few minutes later the thought, "I must have one of these," ran collecting, and also of AMICA. I remember sending in my dues through my mind! I asked Harvey about the value, and he stated check to Jim Elfers, in San Francisco, for early versions of the that his had cost $800, which was a heck of a lot of money back AMICA Bulletin. then. At the time, Harvey and Marion were putting the finishing Year by year, interest grew, so that by 1967, when I established touches on a book which was to become Player Piano Treasury. the firm of Hathaway & Bowers with Terry Hathaway as my Back then, there was no reference in print on the subject, except partner, there were several hundred people that were interested. for a small monograph, also by Harvey Roehl, titled Player Piano Shortly after that time, the Musical Box Society gained its SOOth Scrapbrook, published by the Century House in Watkins Glen, member. Then as now, Southern California, where Hathaway & New York. Interest in the hobby was just beginning, and only a few Bowers, Inc., was located was a hotbed of collecting activity. Why people had caught the bug_ From Harvey and Marion I learned the this was and is, I don't know, but being a New Englander at names of other collectors and collections. Out in California there present, I certainly can appreciate the contrast. was the exhibit at the Cliff House, while in Sikeston, Missouri, Paul It was not at all unusual for someone to come into the showroom Eakins had some nifty things. Roy Haning and Neal White, who of Hathaway & Bowers, a casual visitor who had never seen an hailed from Ohio, had just about the best collection going, accord instrument before, to become fascinated with a nickelodeon piano, ing to Harvey. Apparently, they had one of everything that was and then write out a check for a couple thousand dollars to own worth having, and for some things they had two or three! Bill Allen, one! In Southern California people have always been hobby the California collector, had a fine exhibit, while in New Hampshire oriented, and whether it be expensive sports cars, pleasure boats, at Clark's Trading Post several fine machines were on view. The or orchestrions, there have always been more buyers than sellers, names of Donald McDonald, Melvin Walker, and Orval Cooper a situation which has resulted in a steady influx of such units from were also mentioned. In Wexford, Pennsylvania, in a private musi other parts of the country. Perhaps now, in 1985, it is different. I ,; cal museum, Larry Givens had assembled a fantastic group of don't know, for I have not been in the business for a number of items, ranging from small music boxes to a huge Welte orchestrion, years. the later having once belonged to the Mellon family of Pittsburg. * 158 * Fascinated by the historical aspect of orchestrions and other Nickel In, which was published by The Vestal Press in 1966, automatic music instruments, and having read Player Piano followed by my Guidebook of Automatic Musical. Instruments, Treasury from cover to cover, I wanted to learn more. While I was Volumes I and II, published by The Vestal Press shortly thereafter. busy acquiring instruments for my own collections, an equal Put Another Nickel In engendered quite a few letters, but none amount of enthusiasm went into the seeking of old-time catalogues, were more knowledgeable and enthusiastic than those received ,/ sales brochures, publications, and the like - an interest which, by from Art Reblitz, who at the time was a student in Illinois. A few the way, I maintain intensely at the present time (having just years ago we cooperated in a book of our own, Treasures of acquired from Germany a complete run of magazines on the Mechanical Music, also published by The Vestal Press. subject, dating from the 1890's onward). During the same time I From Art I learned much about musical arrangements on rolls sought out all the old-time personalities I could locate. Farny and also the musical "engineering" or construction of instruments. I Wurlitzer, who showed up at his office at the Wurlitzer factory soon realized that the contents of an orchestrion, as detailed on a every day in North Tonawanda, New York, became an acquain specifications list, were perhaps the least important consideration. tance and friend, as did Ed Link, Marshall Seeburg, Benjamin More important were the method of total construction and the Rand, Joseph Bacigalupi, and others. Some of these people, such music roll arrangements. as Farny, were in-person friends, while others were "friends" by Having personally rebuilt a Coinola CO orchestrion, rconcluded mail. The result was that within a few years after 1960 I had an tha the Coinola marque was one of the cheapest made. If a entire dossier on the past activities of the Wurlitzer Company. shortcut could be effected, evidently the Operators Piano Com Not only did they build the seemingly marvelous Style LX, an pany, makers of the Coinola instruments, took it! Old-timer Ozzie example of which fascinated me when I saw it at Clark's Trading Wurdeman, whom I queried on this subject, quickly reinforced this, Post in New Hampshire - a tall piano with an art glass front and stating that he used to know those involved at the factory, and that with a rotating "wonder light" at the top - Wurlitzer also sold two they were pennypinchers. At one time, he said, they covered styles of Automatic Harp, the curious Mandolin Quartette and the pumps in oilcloth, in an effort to save money. No sooner had such even rarer Mandolin Sextette, many styles of band organs, and the instruments been out in the field than the pumps literally fell apart awesome PianOrchestra and Paganini. - so they had to go back to a more expensive way. Cheapness of The PianOrchestra in particular fascinated me, and before long I construction aside, Coinola instruments, when properly restored, had captured an actual specimen by trading another orchestrion to sound terrific. The reason can be traced to the arrangements 011 Otto Carlsen for it. Otto was another old-timer, and in the early the Style 0 music rolls which the large Coinola orchestrions 1960s, Otto Carlsen, Jerry Doring, and Bill Allen has the three employ. It was this feature that prompted Harvey Roehl to finest collections in Southern California. It was a sad time when recommend Coinola orchestrions in his first Player Piano Treasury. Otto Carlsen passed away in 1971. By that time he had been a A distinguishing feature of the Style 0 roll, as opposed to the Style friend for many years. G (Seeburg) roll, for example, is that during certain intervals a The PianOrchestra, a Style 12, had a "wonder light" on the top special 24-note solo section of the 0 roll is used. During this time, in the form of a peacock with a rotating tail. The instrumentation the piano is dampened, effectively silencing it, while a solo instru --' inside wasn't all that impressive - a piano, mandolin attachment, ment (a rank of pipes, a xylophone, or in its most spritely form, a one rank of violin pipes, bass drum, snare drum, triangle, cymbals, rank of orchestra bells) comes into play and has its own separate and orchestra bells. At the time, collectors were tuned into counting melody. By contrast, in a Seeburg Style G orchestrion the piano the number of pipes in an instrument, with the thought that the plays all the time, and when an extra instrument, such as a rank of more pipes, the better the instrument might be - the afore pipes, plays, it plays together with the piano. mentioned Seeburg Style H being an exception. I knew that in Other types of instruments also had solo sections, J learned, with theory the PianOrchestra must be a so-so instrument, for it only the M (used on Cremona orchestrions), H (used on large Seeburg had one rank of pipes. But, r was soon proven wrong. By the orchestrions), and others coming to mind. But, somehow, the undefinable theories that separate orchestrion qualities from each arrangers of music rolls for these did not take advantage of the other, I learned that the PianOrchestra was indeed impressive, and solo feature as much as the arrangers for the Style 0 roll did. musically it could easily hold its own with the much-acclaimed Admirers of the Style 0 roll were many, with the result that Coinola CO (a specimen of which I later acquired), and others. original Style 0 rolls were worth $40 to $50 each as early as 1963 The secret, I guess, can be explained in several parts. First, the and 1964 - a fat sum for that time. In terms of buying power in PianOrchestra is in a large and roomy cabinet, allowing the pipes the hobby, that probably could be equated to being worth $300 or to develop their sound, just as pipes in an organ chamber can $400 per roll today! Recut rolls were made by Ozzie Wurdeman develop their sound. Second, certain of the music rolls were and, later, by Play-Rite. In the meantime, Ed Freyer, a New Jersey arranged in a very spritely manner, especially marches and certain enthusiast, turned out countless yardage of A, G, and Link roll old-time favorite tunes. I hasten to add that other Wurlitzer recuts. A mini-industry was born, and the collectors found that in PianOrchestra music rolls were poorly arranged, and nothing is the absence of a plentiful supply of old music rolls, the recuts did quite as bad as the experience of listening to a so-so roll droning on just as well - if not better. and on. Anyway, there were enough good rolls available that Otto It was logical that when copycat orchestrions were made, be Carlsen's Style 12 impressed me to no end. When I acquired it I ginning in the late 1960s, the Style 0 roll would be the most was as happy as could be. No instrument could be better, I popular to use. Kits enabling one to convert a dusty old player thought! Years later I traded the instrument, and today it is a piano to a lively orchestrion were sold by the Player Piano Com cherished possession of Dr. Rudy Edwards in California. pany (Wichita, Kansas), while Wallace McPeak, Barry Casper, and My friendship with Famy, my fascination with the PianOrchestra others turned out fully finished units. At a time in the early 1970s in all of its variations (of which there are many), and the varied when a Seeburg Style G orchestrion was apt to cost the best part / products ,of the Wurlitzer Company led me to' write Put Another of $10,000 to $15,000, a do-it-yourself orchestrion using an old roll, * 159 * 'made up from parts acquired from the Player Piano Company, and An analogy can be drawn to the Hupfeld Phonoliszt-Violina, the costing, not including labor, just a couple thousand dollars, was an entry of Ludwig Hupfeld (of Leipzig, Germany) into the field of attractive alternative. Restaurants and tourist attractions wanting violin players. Soon after my interest began in 1960, I was vaguely instruments to draw crowds were customers for new ready-made aware of the Phonoliszt-Violina and knew that, unlike the com units, which is probably as well, for collectors would shudder at the moner Mills Violano-Virtuoso, it featured real violins pl3!led by a / idea of seeing an original Seeburg Style G, or Wurlitzer CX, or rotating horsehair bow. However, while any number of collectors . some other classic being abused by the public. One could point to would give an eye tooth for a Violano-Virtuoso, few people cared the Disneyland experience in Anaheim, California. On the steam about a Phonoliszt-Violina. No collector with whom I talked had boat landing there, a Wurlitzer LX orchestrion did its daily duty. At ever heard one. One hobbyist sold an unrestored one for $600 the end of each day the area was hosed down and, you guessed it, because it "wasn't interesting." Still, I thought that there must be all around the base of the orchestrion the varnish was soaked off something to the Phonoliszt·Violina, for I knew that Hupfeld was and the wood was beginning to split and peel, when it was visited in the world's largest manufacturer of automatic musical instruments 1965. Another Disneyland instrument, a Mandolin Quartette, was and that at one time many thousands of examples of the Phonoliszt literally "played to death." It was set up each day - rain or shine Violina were made. The city of Antwerp, Belgium alone had 600 - alongside a well-traveled path. So many coins were put into the instruments in use, according to my European friend, Eugene slot that the piano action had to be rebuilt every six months! At a DeRoy, who years earlier was a leading music roll manufacturer. later time, I understand, an enlightened management took a dif On the theory that Hupfeld would do nothing that was second ferent view, and today I believe the Disneyland and Disney World class in nature, I hoped I would hear a Phonoliszt-Violina someday instruments are more appreciated than they were back then. and be impressed by it. Well, that day came, and I was indeed Several other businesses sprang up in the late 1960s and early impressed! I acquired a beautiful Style B Phonoliszt-Violina from 1970s. In New Jersey, Bill Scolnick had his short-lived Antiques Claes O. Friberg, a unit that earlier was in a theater in Malmo Growth Corporation, which issued several mighty fine catalogues, Switzerland. Several other units were passed through Hathaway &. while in New England the enterprise of Barden & Clark attracted Bowers, Inc., including two from the Museum of Music Collection owned by Lewis Graham. notice. In Charlotte, North Carolina, G.W. MacKinnon issued At a lunch one day at his private club in North Tonawanda, I catalogues of instruments for sale and at one time commissioned the building of several new band organs as well as a tape-operated asked Farny Wurlitzer what instruments he liked best, thinking he reproducing piano system. In Mesquite, Texas, Wallace McPeak would tell me that he liked the version of the PianOrchestra. I was had a showroom displaying all sorts of nifty things. After the quite surprised when he stated that in his opinion the most fantastic automatic musical instrument of any kind ever devised, Hathaway & Bowers firm experience, I became involved with and the one that impressed him the most, was the Hupfeld Claes O. Friberg in the Mekanisk Musik Museum in Copenhagen, Denmark, which later, with Bonnie Tekstra, evolved into American Phonoliszt-Violina! He went on to recount how he had seen and International Galleries in Irvine, California. Over a long period of heard one of these at the Leipzig Trade Fair in 1909 and, because of the Phonoliszt-Violina, mounted a second attempt (the first was yo time, many fine catalogues were issued and many collections and individual instruments were handled. Bill Edgerton entered the a few years earlier) to have the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company act as business with his Mechanical Music Center in the 1970s. As of this the American agent for Hupfeld. This never materialized, for writing, in the summer of 1985, his is the only firm in the United Hupfeld knew little about American business and was satisfied with States issuing periodic catalogues. I wish Bill the best, and may his the relatively insignificant efforts of its then current American distributor, Ernst Boecker, who operated an outlet in New York business prosper. However, having been in the business myself years ago, I can appreciate what a difficult endeavor it is to turn a City. Had the immense resources of the Wurlitzer firm been put behind the products of Hupfeld to sell them in America, the story profit. Indeed, a review of the American International Galleries business ledgers shows that there simply was no "bottom line" of automatic musical instruments as we know it today would be vastly different! However, like two ships passing in the night, the' once one deducted printing, advertising, rent, salaries, and the like. connection was never made. However, it was a lot of fun! Although European music boxes were the most prized items in Some time around 1970, a Phonoliszt-Violina restored by Alan Lightcap was played for a group of Musical Box Society members music box collections of the early 1960s, there were relatively few European orchestrions and organs in the United States. Collectors by its proud owner, Murtogh Guinness, the New York City collec tor. Spellbound, the listeners were entranced as the Phonoliszt knew little about them. So, when information concerning the Violina played one melody after another "just like a real violinist" products of Hupfeld, Popper, Weber, Welte, and other European -almost like a page out of Hupfeld advertising! Impressed, they manufacturers of orchestrions was published in the Guide Book of "spread the word," and before long the Phonoliszt-Violina was on Automatic Musical Instruments and its 1972 successor volume, The Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical Instruments, the material the "most wanted" lists of several dozen collectors. At the same time, the fame of the PianOrchestra (which was marketed by was new to most collectors. Wurlitzer but which was made by J.D. Philipps & Sons in Frank In the field of orchestrions, one can desire only what one knows furt, Germany), the large Weber instruments, and others were about. It is difficult to want something "in theory" if there is no spreading. Some of these were on view at the old Hathaway & benchmark or item to relate to. Thus, today, I have never heard a Bowers showroom, where they formed part of an educational large Blessing orchestrion, a type of instrument once made in many display. I recall that one early visitor was Siegfried Wendel, a different styles in Unterkirnach, in Germany's Black Forest. So, I German collector who had just begun his interest in automatic don't particularly want to own one. However, at the same time I musical instruments. He listened to the Wurlitzer Style 30-A realize that a nicely-restored Blessing orchestrion of a large size, equipped with a generous supply of music rolls, might be awesome, Mandolin PianOrchestra, the personal property of Terry Hathaway, " on view at the Hathaway & Bowers showroom. It was the first I incredible, and wonderful. If so, then I will want to own one very orchestrion he had ever seen. Tune after tune was played, and he much - as will many other people. watched, fascinated. Later, Siegfried Wendel was to establish a * 160 * museum in Gennany. Today, in 1985, his museum, located at ators Piano Company, Seeburg, and others could have accom Rudesheim on the Rhine River, is one of Gennan's foremost tourist plished much. But, by default Hupfeld, Weber, Popper, Welte, and attractions. In an attractive booklet he put out concerning the Philipps dominated the market. Many units were 'sold in America, museum and its exhibits, Siegfried Wendel mentions this early visit however. Hundreds of large Philipps orchestrions were marketed to my showroom. under the PianOrchestra and Paganini names by Wurlitzer who, -,' J. B. Nethercutt, owner of Merle Nonnan Cosmetics, came into curiously, never gave the slightest hint in its catalogues that the Hathaway & Bowers one day to select a present for his wife. He units were made anywhere other than by Wurlitzer itself! Actually, became intrigued with instruments on display,. sought to learn when the exigencies of World War I prevented the importation of more, and was back a week later to deepen his involvement. units from Philipps, limited manufacturing, utlizing earlier-imported Before long, he had acquired an impressive string of automatic Philipps chassis, was conducted at the North Tonawanda plant. musical instruments ranging from music boxes to large orchestrions The previously-mentioned Style 12 PianOrchestra with the pea and had laid the plans for what was to become San Sylmar, which cock on top had a Philipps chassis, to which was added a Wurlitzer subsequently opened its doors and which stands today as one of . piano and drums and a Wurlitzer external case. the finest exhibits of automatic musical instruments anywhere in Ernst Boecker distributed Hupfeld products to a limited extent. the world. A number of Phonoliszt-Violinas were imported into the United As· collectors began acquiring large orchestrions with Hupfeld, States, at least a few dozen, perhaps more. One in the Larry Weber, Popper, and other trademarks, their interest deepened, Givens Collection saw original service in Latrobe, Pennsylvania more was learned about their mechanisms, their music arrange (this instrument is now in the Jerry Cohen Collection in California), ments were studied, and interest in them grew. Collectors whose while severaf others passed to Horn's Cars and Music of Yesterday holdings consisted primarily of American instruments - Roy Museum in Sarasota, Florida (the museum later bought by Walt Haning and Neal White in Ohio, Hayes MacClaran in California, . Bellm) and were distributed among collectors. I am not aware of Gerry Doring also in California, and Walt Bellm among them any surviving large Hupfeld Helios or Pan orchestrions sold by started seeking these larger orchestrions, while those new to the Boecker in the United States in the years before he closed his fold - Bob Gilson being an outstanding example - also went doors in 1914, but some may exist. Several Weber pianos and after them. The interest continued to multiply. Rick Crandall, a orchestrions sold by Boecker have surfaced over the years, includ Michigan collector, acquired a large Popper orchestrion, had it ing a Weber "Piano Mit Violinspiel" ("Piano with Violin-playing") restored by Hayes MacClaran, set it up in his house, and then which was used in a Kansas City hotel, and a couple of related wrote an exciting article about it for the Musical Box Society units which went to the Mangels Museum and then to Horn's. Bulletin. Boecker's greatest involvement was with the Vohrenbach, Ger [n the meantime, collector interest grew in Europe. When [ first many firm of Imhof & Mukle. Many dozens of these Imhof & visited Europe in the quest for automatic musical instruments in Mukle instruments were imported. Years later, quite a few of these the early 1960s, the only collection I was able to' find on the were shipped to California, when Boecker moved there. I had the continent was that in Utrecht, Holland, which was squirreled away pleasure of handling some remnants from this hoard, and what -.-/ in an old church and which was open only on selected days of the remnants they were! Included was a huge Admiral, a Valkyrie, and week. Unfortunately, the only large orchestrion on exhibit, a Lord, and several other orchestrions. Their condition ranged from Philipps Paganini, wasn't working very well. Today, the musical poor to fairly decent, but incomplete. Over a period of time, museum in Utrecht, which has since moved twice, stands as a several of these had been restored to their fanner glory. I under world-famous landmark under the direction of Dr. Jan Jaap stand that the Admiral, which was sold to Walt Bellm and, later, Haspels. . went to Siegfried Wendel, will soon be set up once again in the I traveled through Belgium, Holland, France, and Gennany in country of its origin. the company of Eugene DeRoy, who was equipPed With a mailing As I look back over the past 25 years I contemplate fondly the list of the addresses of customers for Hupfeld, Weber, Philipps, many fine orchestrions I have owned and the many .people I have Popper, and other rolls from years ago. His activities, and also known in connection with them. I suspect that the glory days of those of Leonard Grymonprez, a Belgian collector and dealer, large orchestrions are yet to come, for only in relatively recent unearthed numerous examples, including five specimens of the years have top quality restorations been performed and only in much-admired Weber "Maesto," and two examples of the Hupfeld relatively recent years has the musical potential of some of the Pan. ·In one ironic instance I was offered what must have been the larger units been realized. Research goes on. only surviving example of a small-size Hupfeld Pan orchestrion, a Recently I acquired a Hupfeld Helios [V/39 orchestrion, some keyboard style. I saw a picture of it, contacted the German owner, times called a Helios V, from Werner Baus, who sold it to me from who ran a restaurant and who wanted to sell the piano, but my his museum in Fuldatal, Germany. Earlier, the unit was used in a inquiry came too late. He didn't think it had that much value, and hotel near Chemnitz (name later changed to Karl Marx Stadt), his reply, in effect, stated: "I didn't hear from you in time, so I had it Germany. When the hotel, which had suffered damage during taken to the dump." Scratch one great classic! World War II, was torn down about 20 years ago, the huge Helios Over a period of time it became evident that the music arrangers was removed to a barn. Werner .learned of it, made a purchase for Weber, Hupfeld, Popper, and others were truly talented and offer, brought it to West Germany, and got it playing once again. were for the most part much more innovative than their American However, sometime during its past history, the exact tubing and counterparts. Played upon properly-restored instruments of large connecting of the registers was confused, so today the way to size, the music rolls for the Hupfeld Helios and Pan, various styles connect it properly is being studied by Art Reblitz and Hayes of Popper orchestrions, and the large Weber styles truly delight the MacClaran, two students of the subject. Still, it looks and sounds listener. -"Thrilling" is an appropriate description of the experience great. The point of all this is that research goes on, and undoubt ..,./' of listening to such perfonnances. I have often reflected that it is a edly 10 or 20 years from now all collectors will have more shame tI~at the United States did not have its own domestic information available concerning musical arrangements, technical production of large-fonnat orchestrions, for undoubtedly the Oper aspects of orchestrion construction, and the like. * 161 * While it is just delightful to listen to the Poet and Peasant Pay Attention, Overture or William Tell on a large orchestrion, with piano, mandolin, pipes representing flute, violin, clarinet, cello, viola, and Aces of the Airpaths! heaven knows what else, plus drums, bells, and xylophone, it is by Jack Edwards also interesting to listen to a smaller model, perhaps a Seeburg KT r with piano, xylophone, and a few percussion effects. Large or I would like to initiate an article or two, which I am unqualified to small, orchestrions all have their own story to tell. They are a write, but would read with delight. I would love to.have one or tangible link with history, with those who have gone before. more of AMICA's aces of the airpaths write a technical guide to One has to but look at a photograph from a Welte orchestrion automatic instruments for the technically uninitiated, in layman's catalogue, showing a tall and impressive orchestrion with rows of terms. I really want to know how a player plays; how a reproducer gleaming pipes, perhaps surrounded with potted ferns, in an elegant reproduces; the difference between Weltes, Duo-Arts and Ampicos, drawing room or in a fine hotel, to sense a feeling of nostalgia, of without just being told about snake bites. days of yesteryear. As I listen to the Welte "Wotan" orchestrion I really don't think I'm too awfully alone either. New members playing in J.D. Nethercutt's San Sylmar exhibit my mind hearkens are always joining AMICA because they inherited Aunt Hilda's back to the time when I discovered the unit boarded up in the piano, or they fell in love with the one they heard in a friend's Guest House of the Sun in the tiny town Batzenhausle, in the home, and just had to have one, or some such reason, and they Black Forest. Silent for years when I found it, at the time, I could really have no idea as to how they work. Perhaps if we had such a only contemplate what it must have sounded like, the joys it must guide, newly (and oldly) elected chapter reporters wouldn't inun have seen years earlier. Now I know what it sounded like - and I date the AMICA News Bulletin with menus and weather reports. If can experience the same thrill that its initial listeners did when it we had such a guide, we would know what those two guys at the was first set up and playing in 1910. Similarly, when I listen to my chapter meeting were talking about when they used words like Seeburg Style H orchestrion I think of the thousands of people "stack" and "action," rather than assuming they were talking about who dropped nickels through its slot when it was on exhibit for events at a local singles bar. We might even understand why the many years at the Cliff House in San Francisco. To me, the history guy in the three-piece business suit was sliding on his back under is a large part of the romance of such items. Of course, for many the host's piano like Uncle Ed did when he changed the oil on the pieces the history is not known, but one can still conjure up visions .Studebaker. I mean, it would be nice, when escorted into a of restaurants, hotels, amusement parks, and other pleasure places person's garage to see his/her latest project and then confronted of years ago and think of the happiness that such instruments once with the innards of an instrments of some sort, to know what is provided. there rather than assuming that there had been an explosion in a licorice whip factory. I'm serious about this. There are many AMICAns who love the music; who sit in awe and fascination at hearing Gershwin and- Rachmananoff play; who marvel at the technical achievements of < bygone era, but who really don't understand what makes it go and would love to find out. It is sometimes a bit embarrassing to ask the chapter's technophile a simple question and get an answer which looks or sound like, "Everybody knows that," so some of us tend to just pour another glass of white wine and ask someone - close by, "Who do you like in the Super Bowl?" Regarding Rive-King by Leslie Petteys A Request From Elena I am working on a dissertation concerning the American pianist, If anyone knows the current address of Jim Elfers, please write Julie Rive-King (1854·1937). Several machine·cut piano rolls of to Elena Giorni Burns, 7222 Washington Ave., Apt V, Whittier, CA Rive·King's compositions were produced by QRS, as well as some 90602 - or call her at (213) 696-0709. hand·played rolls of her performing. QRS also produced hand In 1971, she was trying to track down Duo-Art piano rolls made played rolls of Harold Triggs, a Rive-King student. Ampico appears by her late father, Aurelio Giorni. At that time, she had some to have issued at least two hand-played rolls of other pianists correspondence with Jim Elfers, who was then (so she understood) performing Rive-King compositions. writing a history of Duo-Art, including the artists who recorded for I am interested in obtaining any information concerning piano that Duo-Art. rolls made by Rive-King or Harold Triggs or other rolls (hand Through the contact with Jim, she met an owner of a Duo-Art played or machine-cut) made of Rive-King's compositions, pro piano who enabled her to hear and tape his repertoire of 17 such duced by any company. I am interested in buying some of these recordings. Fourteen of them were listed in the Duo-Art catalog, rolls, particularly those rolls made by Rive-King. Any biographical but three he indicated were not listed. or performance information regarding Rive-King or Harold Triggs Can anyone inform Elena of just how many piano rolls Aurelio would also be appreciated. Giorni made for Duo-Art? She has 22 as the number and would Leslie Petteys like to know the titles of those not listed in the Duo-Art catalog../'" 3821 Central Her reason is that, as a family, they are trying to gather as much Kansas City, Missouri background material as possible for the author of a proposed 64111 biography about her father. * 162 * NEW MEMBERS USTING CLASSIFIED At the request of the Membership Secretaries, I have placed a list of new members on the mailing cover in a format for cutting out and pasting into the blank pages of the Membership FOR SALE Directory. (The listing on the mailing cover is a duplication of the 1929 KINGSBURY REPRODUCING GRAND PIANO. Welte-Mignon drawer listing on the inside pages of the Bulletin.) type under keyboard. $2,500. Also 96 piano rolls, $2.00 each. Mrs. Larry Maley, 1801 N. Kinney Rd., Onalaska, Wis. 54650. Phone: (608) 783-6069. WARREN P. LIPPA RECOMMENDED BY JEFFREY DEPP. 614 WEST FERRY STREET QRS OR PLAY-RITE MUSIC ROLLS: 35% discount for small minimum BUFFALO, NY 14222 HP • (716)881-3960, BP - (7161684-6900. BUSINESSMAN. Rl 1929 KNABE REPRODUCER 5'4" STD AMPICO B quantity. Manufacturers catalogs 25¢ each for postage. For prices write GLENN M. AND BARBARA KRAMER RECOMMENDED BY VESTAL PRESS. 20E TAYLOR Vintage Piano Workshop, 4805 Central Ave., NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. LANE. FISHKILL, NY 12524. HP - (914) 896-6390. EARLY MUSICAL ITEMS. R1, VARIOUS AUTOMATED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS INCLUDING "COIN-OP", MISC ORGANS AND ORCHESTRIONS repaired and restored. Carousel Organ MUSIC BOXES. JUKE BOXES, PHONOGRAPHS, EARLY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS TERRILL W. BORNE 34 PINEHURST DRIVE, CLARKSVILLE. IN 47130. HP - (812) 284-0297. Co. 402 Martin Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95090. BP - (502) 634-3915, ORGAN BUILDER, Rl, R3. SHEET MUSIC AND LITERATURE MICHAEL ARCURI RECOMMENDED BY JOHN O'LOUGHLIN. 7070 TREADWAY ROAD, 1914 STEINWAY VERTEGRAND UPRIGHT PIANO #167755, with Aeolian LEESBURG. FL32788. HP - (9041 343-7675, BP - (904) 787-7676, SHEET METAL WORKER, R1, R2. 1982 MARSHALL & WENDELL 5' GRAND REPRODUCER AMPICO electric player and Duo-Art Expression system. Beautiful case, excellent 1916 KNABE UPRIGHT MISSION OAK AUTOPIANO. 1925 STARK UPRIGHT PLAYER ivories and tone. $10,000. OBO. Jeanne Martens, 4 Oak St., Apt. 3, STANDARD; MISe. JUKE BOXES. PHONOGRAPHS MICHAEL E. GREGORICH RECOMMENDED BY ROBERT GRUNOW AND A DEAN Brunswick, ME 04011. (207) 729-1984. BURNETT. 511 EAST PITKIN, PUEBLO, CO 81004. HP - (303) 544-7106, GROCERY STORE CLERK. R1. 1924 MARSHALL & WENDELL REPRODUCER 5'1" PLAIN MOLLER ARTISTE RESIDENCE PLAYER PIPE ORGAN in Mint Original AMPICO A DRAWER LENORA E. SEIDMAN, DOROTHY F NAGLE 2340 WILLOW BROOK DRIVE, HUNTINGDON Playing condition, self-contained in gothic walnut lumber case with 41 VALLEY, PA 19006, HP - (215) 659-4324, RETIRED, 1933 (?I CUNNINGHAM PLAYER rolls, $10,500; PIANO UPR STD DOUBLE-VALVE ACTION ALAN PELL WHAPLODE DROVE. SPALDING lINCS PE 12 OTN. ENGLAND, HP - 0406 330 LINK STYLE C XYLOPHONE ORCHESTRION, restored, $9,500; 279 JIM PASSINAULT RECOMMENDED BY JIM WEISENBORNE, 105 HEMLOCK STREET. 92-KEY MORTIER CAFE ORGAN, complete except for topmost facade. MUNSING. M149862. HP - (906) 387-2986. Rl, R2. CALDWELL PLAYER PIANO UPR $55,000; STD; DRACHMAN PLAYER PIANO UPR STD HC BAY, MISC. OLD MUSIC ROLLS JOHN T. AND EMELIE M. MORIARITY 15 PEARL STREET, HOLYOKE, MA 01040. HP WURLITZER 2-MANUAL, 3-rank Lodge Pipe Organ, complete, partially -(413) 536-3936, HS GOVERNMENT CLAIMS REPRESENTATIVE, Rl, HARDMAN PECK UPR STD MODEL #96733; MISe. MANTLE CLOCKS restored, $2,000; . CARRIE TABOR BURCHARD, DICK GILLULY RECOMMENDED BY RAMSI P TlCK,426 MORTIER/GAVIOLl84-key Cafe Organ Main Chassis #663 with or with 4 HOMELAND AVENUE, GOVANS. MD 21212, HP - (301) 323-2548, REGISTERED NURSE. ?1925-1930? WEBER REPRODUCER UPR DUO-ART AEOLIAN unorigi'nal side-chests, no pipework in main chassis, $6,000; JON E. LITTMAN, LETITA G. HOPE RECOMMENDED BY DAVID GAUDIERI, 154 SEL YE MELVILLE CLARK APOLLO UPRIGHT PLAYER PIANO, partially restored, TERRACE. ROCHESTER. NY 14613, HP - (716) 647-9890, CHEMIST. Rl, R2. 1921 KNABE REPRODUCER 6'4" STD AMPICO A WI B DRAWER. 1919 AEOLIAN PLAYER $850; UPR STD AEOLIAN - 2 TIER 1919 WEBER UP STD (GUTTED - LOOKING FOR DUO-ART MECHANISM) ABECO ORGAN-ROLL perforator with paper cutler, $2,500; CONSTANCE AND CARL BACKERS RECOMMENDED BY BOB WILCOX. 3212 HANCOCK MARANTZ P-200 VORSETZER REPRODUCER with 20 cassettes, $1,800; PLACE, FREMONT, CA 94538, HP - (415) 656-1514. RETIRED REGISTERED NURSEI ENGINEER - LOCKHEED. FOUNDING CHAPTER. 1916 WURLITZER PLAYER PIANO WELTE, STANDARD and other Player Grand drawers, complete, $100 and UPR FERRIS WHEEL OAK; MISe. MUSIC BOXES up; AARON T. CARLSON 25 W 270 ARGYlE ROAD. ROSELLE. IL 60172 JANET P. AND DALE DOHLER RECOMMENDED BY TRACY TOLZMANN, 6326 OTTER CAFE ORGAN pipework and chestwork from DeCap Fiesta, including LAKE DRIVE, WHITE BEAR LAKE. MN 55110. HP - (612) 429·3758, PROGRAMMER I ---- ANALYST. NORTHERN LIGHTS CHAPTER. Rl, MISC. MUSIC BOXES Univox; TONY AND DOROTHY CLAYTON 22LUCILLE STREET #5, ARCADIA CA 91 006. HP - (818) MOLLER/DEAGAN 37-note triple-action Organ Harp, $650; 574-9380, Bp· (714) 777-0301 ANNE MARIE AND JOHN D. EVANYKE RECOMMENDED BY PAUL DIETZ. 191 GOLF 2 WELTE PIANO primary assemblies, $75 each; CLUB DRIVE. LANGHORNE, PA 19047. HP . (215) 757-1866, BP - (215) 757-1866. ANTIQUE TOYS. BUY & SELL, 1910 LAUTER-HUMANA UPR STD, MISC MUSIC DIGITAL PLAYER SYSTEMS for Band Organs, Fairground Organs, Cafl' BOXES; PUMP ORGAN Organs and Orchestrions. JIM AND BARBARA RANKIN 3445 ADALINE DRIVE, STOW, OH 44224, HP - (216) 688· 4144. BP - (216) 798-2261, ENGINEERING MANAGER. Rl, 19241') REMINGTON Above prices are exclusive of crating and shipping. Robert L. Boker, Electric PLAYER PIANO 56" UPRIGHT, MISC PHONOGRAPHS, RADIOS Orchestras, Inc., 29962 No. Terre Drive, Libertyville, Illinois 60048, (312) HOWARD ALLEN AND BRENDA SCOTT. JR. 35 LADY MARIAN DRIVE. ROME, GA 30161 HP . (404) 291-9230. BP - (404) 291·9230, SIGN LETTERER. R1, R2, 1910-19151'1 367-7996 Day or evening. LEINS PLAYER PIANO UPR PRATT-READ PLAYER, 1912 AEOLIAN PLAYER PIANO UPR sm AEOLIAN PLAYER, 1914 TRAYSER PLAYER PIANO UPR sm STARR SEEBURG E NICKELODEON with violin pipes, partially restored, oak case PLAYER. 1918 WINTON PLAYER PIANO UPR sm BALDWIN PLAYER. 1919 CHIL TON IAEOllAN) PLAYER PIANO UPR AEOLIAN PLAYER. 1920 GULBRANSEN PLAYER refinished, art glass complete, piano restrung, player and pump need PIANO UPR REG 88 NOTE W IMARIMBA. 1923 AUTOPIANO PLAYER PIANO UPR STD restoring. $3,500. Jim Baer, Mayfield, KY. (502) 247-9477 nights only. ACTION, 1923 J & J HOPKINSON PLAYER PIANO UPR STD ACTION. ? WEISBROD PLAYER PIANO 576" GRAND EXPRESSION CHICKERING 5'4" AMPICO A GRAND Excellent condition, bearing CHRISTOPHER MORGAN RECOMMENDED BY BILL KOENIGSBERG. 3 DURHAM STREET, APARTMENT 5, BOSTON. MA 021 15. HP - (617) 262·3448. BP - 1617) 494 excellent, no cracks in soundboard. Complete with original belly cloth 6336, MAGAZINE EDITOR, BOSTON AREA CHAPTER, R1 1926 STECK UPRIGHT PIANO DUO-ART $3,500. Also Duo-Art Stroud upright unrestored $750. Jim Baer, Mayfield, ANDY ROSS 151 HIGH STREET. GREYMOUTH. SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND, FITTER KY. (502) 247-9477 nights only. WELDER. RI ABOUT 1920 BARNARD PLAYER PIANO UPR PRATT- READ MODEI_ 'M' RICHARD E. AND ELMA MCCARTNEY RECOMMENDED BY DON STRICKHOUSER SEEBURG MORTUARY ORGAN: Untouched original, has not been PO BOX 3548, VISALIA. CA 93278. HP - (209) 732-6292, US POSTAL CLERK moved since 1920's installation, excellent condition, complete with remote SEEBURG "L" 2 DOOR OAK NICKELODEON (RESTORED 1978), ("AEOLIAN/GRANDI PLAYER ORGAN - BURL WALNUT CASE· ORIGINAL & EXCELLENT CONDITION control box, pumps, chimes, rolls, $7000. Roger Anderson, 11323 Fowler, FRITZ AND MARVYL WILSON HALF MOON BEACH ROAD_ ROUTE 2, BOX 479 Omaha, NE, 68163, (402) 493-1436 (evening or weekend). CHASSELL, MI 49916. HP - (906) 523-4115. BP - (906)482-0450. EDUCATOR. R1. R2 1903 HARRISON PLAYER PIANO UPR STD KIMBALL, 191 1 MELVILLE CLARK PLAYER PIANO UPR STD MELVILLE CLARK 1915 KIMBALL PLAYER PIANO UPR STD PLAYER PIANO, STROUD DOU-ART EXPRESSION REPRODUCER (1920's) KIMBALL Completely rebuilt about 8 years ago. Perfect. Approximately 400 Duo-Art DONALD C. HILSBERG 1401 COLUMBINE STREET. DENVER. CO 80206 HP . 13031 399-8372. PUBLIC SCHOOL MUSIC TEACHER, Rl and Q.R.5. rolls with very large roll cabinet. Asking $6,000 or best offer. VINTON C. AND LINDAVINT, MD RECOMMENDED BY H GLEN GUYER, 14028 RUE SAN Moving and don't have room. I'm the second owner. Roger Hicks, 4821 REMO, DEL MAR. CA 92014. HP - (619) 481-8146. BP - 1619) 455-8740. PHYSICIAN 1927 FISCHER AMPICO A UPRIGHT REPRODUCER, 1897 REGINA 15" TABLE MODEL Davenport Avenue, Oakland, CA 94619 (415) 482-2285 NO 11 DOUBLE COMB MUSIC BOX, 1899 REGINA 20'/,' UPRIGHT CHANGER MODEL NO. 32. MISC MUSIC BOXES. PHONOGRAPHS OVER 1. PIANO ROLLS All kinds from WW.1. on up. Included are ROSS CHAPMAN 1 KILORAN COURT. TEMPLESTOWE. VICTORIA 3106. AUSTRALIA DONALD M. STEINERT 800 MESSINGER ROAD, GRANTS PASS, OR 97527, HP -1503, expression rolls, but not of the big 3. All sold together for $300. (216) 846-6835. BP - (503) 846-6835. RESTORES ROLLS-ROYCE WOODWORK. STEINWAY 579-1229. Cleveland, OH. GRAND 6' MODEL XR AEOLIAN DUO-ART BYRON SHOEMAKER 970VINE STREET. MACUNGIE, PA 18062, HP -12151966·4035 BP - (215)326-6570, CPA PHILADELPHIA CHAPTER 1921 LAFFARGUE PLAYER PIANO 2 ORIGINAL DUO-ART benches, beautifully refinished $200 each. Late UPRIGHT AMPHION Haines Bros. Ampico, original ivory, case refinished, player rebuilt, stored 5 years. $2,500. 50 Ampico LR. Good condition $250, 23 original Racoroo Rolls, excellent $100. Stan Aldridge, 161 Morgan St., Tonawanda, NY 14150 (716) 1718 "BARREL ORGAN,"an outstanding book by Arthur Ord-Hume, 567 pages, 27 OLD WELTE ROLLS 2 popular and 25 classical (some very rare classical) many illustrations, covers history and restoration of monkey organs, Sell as lot only. Good to excellent condition. $350. (617) 262-2475 will ship organettes, player roll organs, fairground organs, ete. Out of print for free. several years. Original published price $25, special while small stock TWO MANUAL SEVEN RANK WICKS THEATRE PIPE ORGAN. Complete remains, $20 postpaid. Martin Roenigk, 26 Barton Hill, East Hampton, CT original installation - total - as it was removed. Currently irt excellent"'" 0&424. working condition. Original oak console with roll top. Deagan bar harp, AMPICO MUSIC ROLLS for sale - 30 original Ampico rolls for $135. Call or xylophone, glockenspiel, bass & snare drums, cymbal, tambourine, write for list. Bill Koenigsberg, 77 High Pine Circle, Concord, MA 01742 castanets and woodblock. Original fan. Asking ten thousand Canadian (617) 369-8523. dollars or best offer. Phone Dave Cameron, Portage la Prairie - Manitoba. 1927 MASON & HAMLIN AMPICOA GRAND 5'4" mahogany case, superb (204) 8857-3198. instrument, serial No. Rt. 36041. Ampico plays, piano in excellent condition, STEINWAY DUO-ART GRAND PIANO, Vintage 1920, Model M,6'2", original ivories, a collector's delight! $7,250. Bill Koenigsberg, 77 High Pine ivories, high gloss mahogany, totally rebuilt to original greatness. Matching Circle, Concord, MA 01742. (617) 369-8523. bench, 75 original rolls. $19,000 includes U.S.A. delivery. Rotenberg Pianos, STROUD DUD-ART UPRIGHT REPRODUCING PIANO (#68433), maho Burlingame, California. Phone Day (415) 697-1020, Eve. (415) 583-8071. gany case, in mint original condition, ivories intad,excellent tone. Duo-Art 1926 STEINWAY GRAND PIANO (75 inches long, 60 inches wide) with has desirable tugboat pump (four-lobe side-by-side), which runs very Aeolian/Duo-Art Reproducer built in. Excellent finish and operational quietly with ample reserve power. Duo-Art is complete, original, un condition. Includes 48 rolls. $14,000. Phone (614) 457-6360 (Ohio). restored. Price $1,570. Bill Koenigsberg, 77 High Pine Circle, Concord, MA 1924 HAMILTON, Mahogany, rebuilt stack, $900; 1920 Mehldorf, maho 01742 (617) 369-8523. gany, $450; 1922 Cable-Nelson, oak, $450; 1929 Exceltone, oak, $450; 1927 1930 "MASON HAMLIN"AMPICO B in Florentine walnut art case. Piano is Gulbransen, mahogany, $400; 1919 Wilcox & White, mahogany, $400; 1926 in Mint condition. Will accept trade on restored or unrestored automatic Gulbransen, walnut, refinished, $1100; 1925 Bush & Gertz, painted $300; music instrument or music box. Jim Blanchard, 2203 W. 3rd St., Pecos, TX 1923 Whittier, mahogany, rebuilt stack, eledrified, $1200. All instruments in 79772 (915) 445-5150 or 445-2800. above average, or better, condition. Evenings: (512) 331-0141. 48 AEOLIAN ORCHESTRELLE ROLLS for sale. Some rolls by STARR 1922 W. W. KIMBALL REBUILT 6' reproducing grand piano. Needs roll Company. MINT CONDITION. Madame Butterfly, Tosca, Carmen. Linda box. $6000. Larry Moore, 3212 S. 44th St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53219. Cook, 456 Elmhurst Road, Utica, NY 13502 (315) 735-6335. (414) 327-7873. MARANTZ PIANOCORDER VORSETZER REPRODUCER P-2OO 20 tapes WELTE VORSETZER - 1026 (late model). Case refinished in high gloss included. Plays great. $1,500. John A. Lisicich, 4402 Birchtree Lane, Gig ebony. Excellent unrestored original condition. Pump beautifully re Harbor, WA 98335. (206) 851-6576. stored, as original. Expert restoration available. $5995 OBO. Broadmore 1927 MASON & HAMLIN, Model A Ampico Grand; 5'6"; Professional (818) 365-6321. restored, repinned, and restrung. Good original finish; $19,000. Call Pedals, Pumpers, & Rolls at (312) 832-8239. 675 W. St. Charles Rd., Elmhurst IL 60126. ANNUAL MUSIC COLLEalBLES MAIL AUaION! Vintage musical WANTED r instruments, mechanical music, plus related fine antiques, colledibles and ephemera! Quality consignments considered until 1017/85. Fully illustrated BERRY-WOOD 15W' 88-NOTE REWIND ROLLS and original literature. catalogs mailed 11/4/85 - $6 each. Doyle Auctioneers, c/o Glenn Kramer, Send price and condition to RICHARD E. DEARBORN, 20 Hopatcong P.O. Box 328, Fishkill, NY 125242. (914) 896-6390 or 896-9492. Drive, Lawrenceville, NJ 06848. (609) 883-3981. PIANOS FOR SALE. 5'8" Mason & Hamlin Ampico A fully restored. 5'2" SEEBURG KT, or similar instruments playing a "G" roll. Must be complete, Baldwin Welte, to be restored. 6'5" Steinway Duo-Art, to be restored. 57" and in good playing and cabinetry condition. Also wanted: Seeburg original Welte (Amenian) Louis XVI Art Case w/matching bench, un "Piano" shaped wall box. Charles Hildebrant, Box 52, Oldwick, NJ 08858. restored. 5'2" Farrand Welte Jacobean art case w/matching bench un (201) 439-2256. restored. 5'6" Steck Duo-Art, unrestored, Bennet Leedy (616) 468-5986. MASON & HAMLINIAMPICO ART CASE PIANO, either Model or late A. ELEaROVA 65 note rolls, front glass & post lamps for style 66, also stack. Also interested in complete Model B Ampico mechanism including Also for Seeburg style 'E: xylophone, stack & complete roll mechanism & drawer, or inexpensive piano containing same. Ed Hutchins,85oo Riverside, pump. Front lamps & bottom board. For Mills Violano (e. 1925) roll feeder Powell, Ohio 43065. (614) 889-8069. motor, parts box & tuning weights. Jon Fortunato, 538 Gilbert Ave., Pearl VIOLANO ROLLS - Recuts or originals, classical and semiclassical, G.R. River, NY 10965 (914) 735-6829. Fattic, 5482 Peacock Lane, Riverside, CA 92505. (714) 688-7078. FREE CATALOGUES: Old piano rolls and sheet music for sale. Many scarce AMPICO or DUO-ART UPRIGHT intad but not necessarily playing. Under items. We also buy. Send stamp for each list to: Ragtimes, Box 367, Port $1,000 for Wash. D.C. area. TOM VENTURELLA 87 E. 4th Street, N.Y., N.Y. Washington, NY 11050. 10003 (212) 260-1970, 228-4252. STECK DUO-ART GRAND, 1925, 5'6", purchased from the original owner -The MacLanburg estate; refinished brown mahogany case, Duo-Art and piano action restored. Excellent ivories, matching bench, rolls; asking $7,000. (214) 521-3957, (405) 942-6560. MASON & HAMLIN REPRODUCING PIANO 5'8" 'A,' Ebony. 1927 Serial 35951. Professional rebuilt 1970, excellent playing condition and still immaculate. $8,500 or make an offer. Robert E. McArtor, 2915 Woodcliff, NW. Canton, Ohio 44718. (216) 453-6191. STEINWAY DUO-ART XR GRAND, Choice unrestored, excellent tone, soundboard, pinblock, etc., excellent ivories, with IF YOU HAVE MISSED AN ISSUE OF THE AMICA NEWS 55 rolls, roll cabinet & bench. $7500.00 OBO. Expert restoration BULLETIN, PLEASE WRITE OR CALL THE PUBLISHER. -" available. (818) 365-6231. Howard, by Baldwin, Welte-Mignon grand in William and Mary cabinet styling with matching bench and rolls. Good playing condition, older restoration. $5000.00 Wurlitzer style A flute piano, coin-operated, outstanding art glass rebuilt $9200.00 Weber grand Duo-Art model W.R. unrestored with bench and rolls $2500.00 Steck Duo-Art pneumatic Stack $400.00 Welte-Mignon (licensee) from a large Baldwin grand piano. $900.00 Mills Violana Virtuoso with rolls, excellent condition $9500.00 Two Steinway and Sons Duo-Art XR grand pianos, both older restorations. Inquire. Steinway and Sons Duo-Art model OR unrestored $7000.00 Wm. T. Singleton 1101 South Kingshighway Saint Louis, Missouri 63110 Telephone (314) 533-4089 AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE FROM MY COLLECTION ••• All items offered f.o.b. New Hampshire unless indicated otherwise. Color Polaroid snapshots are available of most items for $3 for a set of several photos; refundable if item is purchased. All items subject to prior sale and price change without notice. Want to discuss any item? I tan be reached weekdays at (603) 569-5095. SEEBURG STYLE L ORCHESTRA. Large orchestrion as shown at upper left of p. 612 of the Encylopedia of Automatic Musical Instruments. Circa 1971. Large quartered oak piano with keyboard, large art glass panels on front illuminated from behind. Contains piano, mandolin, pipes, bass drum, snare durm, tympani, cymbal, and triangle. Uses 10-tune type G or 4X rolls, 3 of which go with it (add'i rolls available). Superbly restored inside and out - new leather, new piano strings, etc. Plays beautifully - just like new. A classic showpiece that is ready to plug in and play - when you drop a nickel in the slot. The restoration alone is worth $10,000 to $15,000. If you want the finest, this is it! $39,750.00 WURLITZER STYLE 12 MANDOLIN PIANORCHESTRA. See upper right of p. 681 of the Encyclopedia for a general description. Unrestored. Chassis basically sound. Will need replacement of rank of pipes, vacuum reservoir, and peacock mechanism as well as a few other parts, and will, of course, need restoration and refinishing. A "diamond in the rough." Used for many years in a skating rink. One of just three Style 12 instruments known to me. A bargain for the restorer at $26,800.00. With a bunch of rolls included. SEEBURG KT SPECIAL ORCHESTRION. Rare early style in deep cabinet with eagle-style art glass. Interior similar to that shown on page 609 of the Encylopedia; exterior similar to that at lower right of p. 607, except that the KT Special has a slightly larger case. Completely original. Circa 1924. Originally used in a roadside cabaret in Michigan. Interior completely restored and "mint." I left the exterior as it was, as it is about a '7" on a scale of 10 and looks nice. A classic! $19,500.00 SEEBURG KT SPECIAL REPLICA. Copy by Bill Edgerton of the KT Special, case design similar to that on p. 609, but identified as a replica by a special serial number (#2 in this case) and by some modernization of mechanisms. In a quartered oak cabinet, one of just 1 or 2 so made (most were in straight-sawed oak cases). In new condition, never used. With 3 10-tune rolls; others available. Great for use in a restaurant, etc. $12,500.00 WURLITZER CX ORCHESTRION with "wonder light," somewaht like the case design shown at the center top of p. 678 of the Encyclopedia. With piano, mandolin, Automatic Roll Changer, wonder light, 2 ranks of pipes, drums, cymbal, etc. Partially restored. Plays nicely. Located in Connedicut. $27,500.00 price includes rolls. . HUPFELD HEllOS 1e/31 ORCHESTRION, case design as shown at upper left of p. 446 of the Encylopedia; also featured in Treasures of Mechanical Music. With piano, rotating mandolin effect (like the Wurlitzer Mandolin Quartette), ranks of pipes including large-scale aeoline bass pipes, orchestra bells, xylophone, drums, etc. etc. Duplex roll mechanism permits uninterrupted playing. Superbly restored inside and out by Ron Cappel. In "mint" condition - just like new! If you want an instrument worthy of a castle, and with a musical ability to match, and with a nice library of great music rolls, this is it! $147,500.00 ESTEY REED ORGAN. Not a player. Large two-keyboard plus pedalboard model with large "rank" of ornate gold display pipes above, matching bench, golden oak case, electric blower (original). Lots of "gingerbread." One of the most ornate and one of the largest Estey reed organs in existence. Choice, choice unrestored condition. Looks great! $2,650.00 REGINA STYLE 38 AUTOMATIC DISC-CHANGING MUSIC BOX. Uses 20 3/4" discs and changes them automatically. Flat front, mahogany case, arcade model with cast iron legs, original, the only such Regina I've ever seen. Superbly restored by Dwight Porter, and now sounds and plays like new! A prize item for the music box specialist. Located in Vermont. With a supply of discs. $12,500.00 POLYPHONE 24Y4" AUTOMATIC DISC CHANGING MUSIC BOX, circa 1-900, in large ornate walnut case. This is the model illustrated on p. 159, right side, of the Encyclopedia. Restored by Dwight Porter, it is like new inside and out! The massive case of this instrument is stunning, and next to it, a large Regina changer looks like a toy! Beautiful music tone and fantastic appearance. With a supply of discs. $19,700.00 SEEBURG AUTOMATIC PHONOGRAPH, circa 1970. Stores many 33 rpm Ip albums, which can be selected to play by programming push buttons. In sideboard-style French cabinet with latticework on front. I bought this new. Needs some minor work, but it is essentially in excellent condition. Made for home use and, if memory serves, originally listed in the $2,500 range - and this was abouut 15 years ago! $1,000.00 WURLITZER STYLE 153 MILITARY BAND ORGAN. Am considering selling this but haven't decided. Contact me. HUPFELD PHONLlSD-VIOLlNA, Model A, with duplex automatic roll changer (6 x 2 =12 rolls), one of just two known. Restored several years ago and used in my museum then; now needs some further attention. Case refinished. One of the most remarkable and wonderful automatic instruments the world has ever known. Exterior case design shown at upper right of p. 437 of the Encyclopedia. $135,000.00 "THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS," 1008-pages. All about automatic musical instruments, from music boxes to orchestrions to band organs. Over 15,000 copies sold since 1972! Autographed on request. $45.00 postpaid. Dave Bowers Box 1224 Wolfeboro, NH 03894 (603) 569-5095 weekdays Proud of Your Instrument? The Automatic Music Company Have it Restored by Experts. Here is what the Piano Workshop Does: Sales and Restoration Specialize in rebuilding all types of player pianos and other automatic musical instruments Orchestrions Restring, rescale and repin instruments Reproducing Grands Replace pin blocks, soundboards, hammers and other Band Organs action parts Regulate piano action to proper specifications Player Pianos Hand rubbed refinishing We rover the full srope of restoration. Lifetime experience with a rommitment to quality and originality. Restore antiques Your instlUment is our pride and reputation. Over 20 years research and development in rebuilding pianos Tim]acksan Piano keys recovered, sharps &. naturals Box 752 Send all or part of your instrument for proper Quitman, TX 75783 restorations. PIANO WORKSHOP 3166 W. 33 St. Ph. 216-631-1777 Cleveland, Ohio 44109 24 hr. answering servo AMICA ITEMS FOR SALE , omnimedia " AMICA BULLETINS, BOUND ISSUES: 1971, 1972, 1973 bound ~I productions'~ Bulletins at $15 each. 1974, 1975,1976,1977,1978,1979,1980 bound ~8~ Bulletins at $18 each. 1981,1982,1983 bound Bull..tins at $21 pa,h. 1984 bound Bulletins at $24 each. PRICES INCLUDE POSTAGE AND HANDLING. Spiral bound to lie flat. Send ordpr to M,lry Lili..n, 4260 Olympiad Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90043. STERLING SILVER PINS: AMICA pins with a roll leader pictured. TECHNICAL DATA SERIES AMICA is printed on the leader. Suitable for both men and women to wear. $9.00 postpaid. 1. Covering Pneumatics 2. Recovering Organ Regulators AMICA TECHNICALITIES BOOKS: Volume 1 (1969-1971), $9.50 postpaid 3. Rebuilding Duo-Art Valves Volume II (1972-1974), $7.50 postpaid Volume III (197S-1977), sa.50 postpaid 4. Regulating the Duo-Art Volume IV (1978-1980), $6.50 postpaid Reprints of interesting technical articles which have appeared in New Release: Restoring Ampico the AMICA News Bulletin, arranged and indexed into Expression Systems appropriate catelliories. VHS or BETA 2 ••• $39.95 each Roll Leaders: Duo-Art, AMPICO and Welte: Excellent replicas. to order send check or money order to: For order form, see mailing cover of Bulletin or write to Terry Smythe, 547 Waterloo Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA OMNIMEDIA R3N Oll. Phone (204) 452-2180. Send order to Terry, also.' P.O. Box 965 ~5035 Milpitas, CA AMICA STAlIONERY: $3.50 (letter size), $3.20 (note size), California residents please add sales tax. All orders are including mailing charges. Fine quality stationery with ornate shipped postpaid. Special videocassette formats are avail AMICA borders. Each packet contains 25 letters and matching envelopes. Send orders to: Dorothy Bromage, P.O. Box 275 Cape able on request. Cottage Branch, Cape Elizabeth, Maine 04107 PLEASE MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO AMICA INTERNATIONAL CARS ~MlJSIC Oldtimer YES1'ERDAY Drehorgeln • Verkau f • Verle,h • verkaul • VermlllJh.mg • erle,h • rausct' cy:-- qeuM • eml!erung • TaU5CFl Kasseler Str 76A +Wllhelmslr 2, 3501 Fuldalal2, Tel 0561/811412-812951, Telex 99513 baus d FOR SALE f HIGHLIGHTS FROM GERMANY FOR SALE f 1. F.O.GLASS JAZZBAND ORCHESTRION, 1928. Two pieces(piano with seperate cabinet for snare drum, bass drum, cow bells, castanets,"" .., '-V tambourine, triangel, 2 cymbals, piano and mandoline).Fully restored-looks like new. With 100 rolls $ 25.000 (page 533 EnCYC1.~~.~ 2. HUPFELD SINFONIE JAZZ NR: 19 - 1928-only four known to exist. BURG".Rn With saxophone and "lotus flutes", ect. See pages 434 and 976 of ~. Bowers Encycl. Fully restored with 200 rolls. $ 57.000 ~ 3. POPPER LUNA ORCHESTRION, 1910 - page 589 of Bowers Encyclopedia with piano, mandoline, 15 bells, 28 xylophone, triangle, snare drum, bass drum with triple beaters, cymbal with two beaters, 5 ranks of pipes(violin, Vienna flute, cello, clarinet, gamba), 140 in all.moving picture front(mosque with two swans),inlaid o~k case, 200 rolls , $ 88.300, absolut fully restored 4. IMHOF and MUKLE "LUCIA" ORCHESTRION, c. 1900, restored, with 13 rolls mainly offering between 5 and 8 tunes.See page 472 of Bowers. Beautiful glass with floral decorations. 78 pipes, bells, piano, mandoline, snare drum, bass drum.$ 23.000 5. IMHOF and MUKLE "VALKYRIE", 1900, see page 474(little picture), ~ with piano, 12 bells, 7 register pipes, 335 in all. Fully restored. Mahagoni case with inlaid. 30 big rolls with 3 or 5 = tunes. Last owner: The Queen of Italy. The new owmner get more "'=~, then 100 pictures from the restauration. $ 112.600 6. HUPFELD HELIOS NR: IV. See Bowers, page 451. A dream in music A must have in each collection, but only 3 are in exist. From 1911, fully restored, 150 rolls, with piano, mandoline, 12 bells(Glockenspiel),snare drum and bass drum, cymbal, piano plays with expression, 12 registers of pipes, 296 in all. Beautiful front with coloured glass and animated pictures with a moving train, a funicular railway, waterfall, windmill, two air ships, day and night lighting effects and sun and moon. More then 100 pictures from the restauration for the new owner. Make a real offer and its yours fff Coloured pictures and tape from all instruments! ATTENTION fff Prices of all instruments are incl. crating and shippin by air from airport Frankfurt to your nearest airport in the States f. ( Without taxe and duty). Please contact: Werner Baus by phone, Telex or write a letter. GDl.IATH <~-e"_+~'§:_~--~~~--- //,~"/.,,, '." "';/,,o'<'j'""/ !82~225i5!2!ii25225'225i!2S2S2252!i225i!'2S2Sii!222~ BROADMOORE AUTOMATIC MUSICAL ANTIQUES INSTRUMENT RESTORATIONS specializing in Reproducers, all grands, - refinishing, and all player pianos. Restoration oj orchestrions and reproducing pianos COMPLETE RESTORATION our specialtv. FACIUTIES Finest materials used. OWNER OPERATED 16 years of experience in each related field of "Each part is treated as the most important restoration. part in the machine." CASE AND VENEER REPAIRS We are authorities on authenticity. some carving can be duplicated Prices of restoration tary according to the grade of m FINEST HAND-RUBBED MIRROR FINISHES work you select - from "Excellent" to "Perfect:' m OR SATIN FINISHES AVAILABLE Concert Quality Regulation Notrade secrets - we will gladly discuss procedures I Lowest Prices, Known References, thoroughly with any customer. Guaranteed Work. 18 yean experience - only the worlds finest known grades of materials are references proudly given upon request. used. They are always fresh and continually checked. o:l Hot glue and original materials used throughout Laurence Broadmoore, Owner wherever possible. 1709 "C" First St. Craig Brougher San Fernando, CA 91340 3500 Claremont Independence, Mo. 818/365-6231 ~ (816) 254-1693 64052 ~i!Si5!!iii!22Ji!5i!5C5i!5i5i5!2Si!223i2522522SC225i!225i!22!i2522:5C50C5222S229.l VIDEOCASSETTES VHS or Beta 2 Largest Selection I. Philadelphia Convention of Pianos & Organs in USA 2. Pasadena Convention (Over 2,000) *3. San Francisco Convention 4. Dayton Convention 400 Grands - Art· 5. Buffalo/Texas Convention *6. They all laughed ... Antique Pump Organs, 7. Interview with Dr. Mana-Zucca Old Hammonds, 8. Shura Cherkassky Interview Rebuilt & As-Is 9. A Potpourri of Performance Ampico Grands, 10. Covering Pneumatics Knabe Chickering, Etc. 11. Recovering Organ Regulators 12. Rebuilding Duo-Art Valves Complete Restoration, 13. Regulating the Duo-Art Refinishing, Restringing, * Also available on Super 8, rental only. Rebuilding, Rolls. For rental or purchase information write to: Since 1939 Ship Worldwide Howie Koff 4271 North First Street #1 San Jose, CA 95134 Victor Pianos & Organs 300 NW 54 St., " ~~AMICA~~ Miami, Fla. 33127 (305) 751-7502 -n-,~ fit IMPORTANT LETTER FROM BILL EDGERTON: Dear Collector, After ten years as a major dealer in mechanical musical instruments, I am going to move on to other business interests. So, on October 1st, 1985, I will transfer my ownership of Mechanical Music Center to Fran Mayer, my long-time associate, and Ike Halsey, one of our talented restorers. Fran and Ike will continue to operate Mechanical Music Center at its present location and will specialize in reproducing pianos and other pneumatic "1struments. They will handle sales, consignments, restorations, service, and custom work in their specialty. Fran probably has more hands-on experience and knowledge of playerand reproducing pianos than anyone else his age, alive. He has been the showroom manager of Mechanical Music Center for the last eight years during which we have sold over 300 repFoducing pianos, probably more than any other single firm since the early 1930's. If you are in the mar~et for an addition to your collection, here is a purchase opportunity notto be ml~sedl Inventorypresentlyowned byme has been marked down drasticallyto sell immediately. Some of the real bargains- available on a first-come, first-served basis are as follow,: Troll and Baker interchangeable on table $4,900. Mermod interchangeable on table 3,000. Regina chime clock mechanism 2,000. Double comb Regina, mahogany 2,000. Bates organette 1,000. Herophon organette 700. Wurlitzer 148 organ 5,500. North Tonawanda 159 organ 8,500. Cabinetto organette 500. Fancy case Weber Duo-Art upright 2,000. Red Welte Vorsetzer 1,900. Angelus push-up with organ 450. Seeburg KT Special replica 10,000. Seeburg E nickelodeon 4,000. Sohmer 88-note Tel-electric 2,000. Aeolian organ, style 1500, with rolls 1,000. During this inventory sale our hours are 9:30 a. m. to 4:30 p. m., Monday through Friday. These will continue to be the hours of operation after the sale, and the telephone number will remain the same, 655-9510. Don't miss this opportunity to add to your collection. If I was not leaving the business, I would be buying for resale at these prices! We have many other similar values and reduced prices on everything in our showroom. Visit if you can, or call. Ann and I appreciate your past business, your support, and we cherish the memories of meeting many collector friends worldwide. Now perhaps we'll have time to make new friends, and to attend other collectors' meetings without the commercial emphasis we have had to pursue in the past. Sincerely, Bill Edgerton MECHANICAL MUSIC CENTER 25 Old Kings Highway North Mailing Address: P.O. Box 88 Darien, Ct 06820 203-655-9510