THE www.amica.org Volume 44, Number 2 AMICA March/April 2007 AUTOMATIC COLLECTORS’ ASSOCIATION BULLETIN GERMANY/HOLLAND 2007 JULY 5TH Ð 20TH

Tour Historic Germany and Holland with your fellow AMICANs.

Visit Munich with its clock tower, Hofbrau House and many interesting attractions. See world-class with wonderful collections of automatic musical instruments. Bus through scenic countryside, with quaint towns full of wonderfully painted buildings. Shop in wood carving centers. Tour King Ludwig’s Linderhof Castle. Visit organ factories and private collections. Stroll through the Historic walled city of Rothenburg. Cruise the Beautiful Rhein River, with castles lining the waterway. Listen to dance organs, , Dutch Street Organs and more. Enjoy the pumper contest, with contestants using Conrad Adenauer’s grand . There’s so much more to see and do. Applications will be coming soon, and you need to register right away….remember, is limited.

Questions? Call Frank at 818-884-6849 ISSN #1533-9726 THE AMICA BULLETIN AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COLLECTORS' ASSOCIATION Published by the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors’ Association, a non-profit, tax exempt group devoted to the restoration, distribution and enjoyment of musical instruments using perforated rolls and perforated music books. AMICA was founded in , California in 1963. PROFESSOR MICHAEL A. KUKRAL, PUBLISHER, 216 MADISON BLVD., TERRE HAUTE, IN 47803-1912 -- Phone 812-238-9656, E-mail: [email protected] Visit the AMICA Web page at: http://www.amica.org Associate Editor: Mr. Larry Givens • Editor Emeritus: Robin Pratt

VOLUME 44, Number 2 March/April 2007 AMICA BULLETIN FEATURES Display and Classified Ads Articles for Publication Visit to San Sylmar’s Auto/Musical Collection ...... Shirley Nix . . . . .57 Letters to the Publisher Welte-Mignon Licensee Artist ...... Mark Reinhart . . . . .58 Chapter News The Sounds of Music ...... Doug McGee . . . . .59 UPCOMING PUBLICATION Isabelle Yalkovsky Byman ...... Karl Ellison . . . . .60 DEADLINES The ads and articles must be received Musical Memories ...... Peg Kehret . . . . .61 by the Publisher on the 1st of the Air, What It Is and What It Does Part III ...... Robin Pratt . . . . .69 Odd number months: January July A Trip Back in Time ...... Roy Beltz . . . . .78 March September May November The “Altre Note” Festival in Lecco ...... John Motto-Ros . . . . .86 Bulletins will be mailed on the 2nd week The Salzburg Bull ...... John Motto-Ros . . . . .87 of the even months. Last American to Remember Titanic Sinking Dies . . . .Mike Kukral . . . . .91 Dr. Michael A. Kukral, Publisher 216 Madison Blvd. Terre Haute, Indiana 47803-1912 Phone: 812-238-9656 e-mail: [email protected]

DEPARTMENTS AMICA International ...... 54-55 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES President’s Message ...... 56 New Memberships ...... $47.00 Publisher’s Message ...... 56 Renewals ...... $47.00 Letters to the Editor ...... 57 Additional $5.00 due if renewed past the Jan. 31 deadline In Memory ...... 90 Address changes and corrections New Piano Rolls & Recuts ...... 91 Directory information updates Chapter News ...... 94 Additional copies of Classified Ads ...... 103 Member Directory . . . . $25.00 Single copies of back issues ($10.00 per issue - based upon availability) Front Cover: “Kitten on the Keys” submitted by Ken Caswell William Chapman (Bill) Inside Front: Germany/Holland Convention 2007. 53685 Avenida Bermudas Back Cover: “Wreck of the Titanic,” original sheet music from 1912. La Quinta, CA 92253-3586 From the collection of Mike Kukral (760) 564-2951 e-mail: [email protected] Inside Back Cover: Directions for Tuners - Kimball . Submitted by Mike Kukral To ensure timely delivery of your BULLETIN, please allow 6-weeks advance notice of address changes.

AMICA Publications reserves the right to accept, reject, or edit any and all submitted articles and advertising.

Entire contents © 2007 AMICA International Printed by Engler Printing Co., Fremont, OH ¥ [email protected] 53 AMICA INTERNATIONAL

– INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS –

PRESIDENT PAST PRESIDENT PUBLISHER John Motto-Ros Mike Walter Dr. Michael A. Kukral 110 Allen Ranch Road 65 Running Brook Dr. 216 Madison Blvd. Sutter Creek, CA 95685 Lancaster, NY 14086-3314 Terre Haute, IN 47803-1912 209-267-9252 716-656-9583 812-238-9656 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER Tim Baxter Robbie Tubbs 939 Briarcliff Rd. NE 7405 Willow Alanta, GA 30306-4664 Raytown, MO 64133 404-377-1220 816-313-1075 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail:[email protected]

SECRETARY MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Marlene Beckman William Chapman (Bill) 4046 SE 53rd Street 53685 Avenida Bermudas Berryton, KS 66409-9714 La Quinta, CA 92253-3586 785-862-0128 Phone & Fax: 760-564-2951 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

– COMMITTEES –

AMICA ARCHIVES CONVENTION COORDINATOR Tom Hutchinson Frank Nix 15361 Hopper Rd. 6030 Oakdale Ave. Sturgeon, MO 65284 Woodland Hills, CA 91367 [email protected] 818-884-6849

AMICA MEMORIAL FUND HONORARY MEMBERS Halie Dodrill 4488 W. Mercer Way Mercer Island, WA 98040-3934 206-236-0067 e-mail: [email protected]

WEBSITE MANAGER AUDIO-VISUAL & TECHNICAL Karl B. Ellison Harold Malakinian 6 Lions Lane 2345 Forest Trail Dr. Salem, MA 01970-1784 Troy, MI 48098 e-mail: [email protected]

54 AMICA INTERNATIONAL

CHAPTER OFFICERS BOSTON AREA LADY LIBERTY SIERRA NEVADA Pres: Bill Koenigsberg Pres: Bill Maguire Pres: John Motto-Ros - 209-267-9252 Vice Pres: Bob Hunt Vice Pres: Aris John Dousmanis Vice Pres: Doug Mahr Sec: Ken Volk Recording Sec: Bill Maguire Sec: Sonja Lemon Treas: Dorothy Bromage Corresponding Sec: Richard Karlsson Treas: Doug & Vicki Mahr Board Rep: Bob Hunt - [email protected] Reporter: Buzz Rosa Reporter: Nadine Motto-Ros AREA Board Reps: Marvin & Dianne Polan Board Rep: Chip Lusby Pres: Korin Iverson - 815-994-7649 631-673-0388 SOWNY (Southern ,Western New [email protected] Newsletter Editor: Bill Maguire York) Vice Pres: Barry Schultz - 708-579-0260 MIDWEST (OH, MI, IN, KY) Pres: Mike Walter - 716-656-9583 Sec: Carol Veome - 773-338-1042 Pres: Don Johnson - 248-650-1840 Vice Pres: Daniel Tenerowicz [email protected] Vice Pres: Liz Barnhart Sec: Garry Lemon Treas: Joe Pekarek Sec: Hilda Merchant Treas: Holly Walter Reporter: Curt Clifford Treas: Alvin Wulfekuhl [email protected] Board Rep: George Wilder Reporter: Christy Counterman Reporter: Garry & Anne Lemon FOUNDING CHAPTER Board Rep: Liz Barnhart Board Rep: Audrey Cannizzaro Pres: John Ulrich - 510-223-9587 NORTHERN LIGHTS Photographer: Nancy Group & Anne Lemmon Vice Pres: Bing Gibbs & Karen Simons Pres: Phillip Baird - [email protected] SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Sec: Jack and Dianne Edwards - Vice Pres: Paul Watkins Pres: Jerry Pell - 760-249-6380 [email protected] Sec: Jason E. Beyer - 507-454-3124 Vice Pres: Frank Nix Treas/Bd Rep: Richard Reutlinger Treas: Barbara Watkins Sec./Reporter: Shirley Nix Reporter: Bonnie and Bob Gonzalez Reporter: Dorothy Olds Treas: Lloyd A. Osmundson GATEWAY CHAPTER Board Rep: Phillip Baird Board Rep: Frank Nix Pres: Yousuf Wilson - 636-665-5187 PACIFIC CAN-AM TEXAS Vice Pres: Gary Craig - 314-771-1244 Pres: Carl Dodrill - [email protected] Pres: Jerry Bacon - 214-328-9369 Sec: Mary Wilson Vice Pres: Halie Dodrill - [email protected] Vice Pres: Bill Boruff Treas: Cynthia Craig Sec: Treas: Vicki Brady Reporter/Bd.Rep: Gary Craig - Treas: Jack & Mary Lou Becvar Sec./Reporter:Maureen Barisonek [email protected] Reporter: Ron Babb Board Rep: John McCall HEART OF AMERICA Bd. Rep: Carl Dodrill - 206-236-0067 Pres: Tom McAuley ROCKY MOUNTAIN Vice Pres: Robbie Tubbs Pres: Larry Kerecman - 303-377-7729 Sec: Rick McDowell - 816-781-1965 Vice Pres: Jere DeBacker Treas: Mike Schoeppner - 816-767-9766 Sec: Louise Lucero Board Rep: Ron Connor Treas: Fred Wilson Reporter: Jere DeBacker AFFILIATED SOCIETIES AND ORGANIZATIONS American Society (ATOS) INTERNATIONAL PIANO ARCHIVES NORTHWEST PLAYER PIANO ASSOCIATION President - Ken Double AT MARYLAND Everson Whittle, Secretary 1201 McDuffie St. #173 Performing Arts Library,University of Maryland 11 Smiths Road, Darcy Lever, Houston, TX 77019 2511 Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Bolton BL3 2PP, Gt. Manchester, England Phone: 713-520-1911 College Park, MD 20742 Home Phone: 01204 529939 E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: 301-405-9224 Business Phone: 01772 208003 Theatre Organ Editor - Jeff Weiler Fax: 301-314-7170 1845 South Michigan Avenue #1905 E-Mail: [email protected] PIANOLA INSTITUTE Clair Cavanagh, Secretary Chicago, IL 60616 INTERNATIONAL VINTAGE PHONO & Phone: 312-842-7475 43 Great Percy St., WC1X 9RA MECHANICAL MUSIC SOCIETY England E-Mail: [email protected] C.G. Nijsen, Secretaire General ASSOCIATION ITALIANA MUSICA 19 Mackaylaan PLAYER PIANO GROUP MECCANICA 5631 NM Eindhoven, Julian Dyer, Bulletin Editor Via Comte le Monticino No. 485 5 Richmond Rise, Workingham, MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY OF GREAT Berkshire RG41 3XH, 47020 Cesena, Italy BRITAIN Phone: 39-547-346-046 Phone: 0118 977 1057 Alan Pratt, Editor Email: [email protected] AUSTRALIAN COLLECTORS OF P. O. Box 299 MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Waterbeach, Cambridge CB4 4PJ SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 19 Waipori Street England Division of Musical History St. Ives NSW 2075, Washington, D.C. 20560 MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL DUTCH PIANOLA ASSOC. Rosanna Harris, Editor SOCIETY FOR SELF-PLAYING Nederlandse Pianola Vereniging 5815 West 52nd Avenue MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Eikendreef 24 , CO 80212 Gesellschaft für Selbstspielende 5342 HR Oss, Netherlands Phone: 303-431-9033 Fax: 303-431-6978 Musikinstrumente (GSM) E.V. FRIENDS OF E-Mail: [email protected] Ralf Smolne 1217 St. Croix Ct. Emmastr. 56 Kirkwood, MO 63122-2326 NETHERLANDS MECHANICAL D-45130 Essen, Germany website: http//stlouis.missouri.org/fsjoplin ORGAN SOCIETY - KDV Phone:**49-201-784927 fsjoplin@stlouis..org A. T. Meijer Fax:**49-201-7266240 Wilgenstraat 24 Email: [email protected] NL-4462 VS Goes, Netherlands

55 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

I hope everyone is welcoming some splendid spring weather. It is definitely warming up here in Northern California. Speaking of warmer weather, Nadine and I attended the Southern California Chapter’s February meeting. Of special interest was the tour of the in Sylmar, CA, with over 50 antique, black iron and collectible automobiles, plus some of the finest mechanical musical instruments. One thing that makes this collection so special is it is displayed in a beautifully appointed exhibit facility. Anyone living in or visiting Southern California should not miss the chance to visit this collection. It is open to the public, advance reservations are required, but there is no charge. Good news for those interested in technical information. Terry Smythe took on the task of scanning all of the bound technical articles and made a CD. Thank you Terry. All AMICA members will receive a copy of the CD in a future issue of THE BULLETIN—free! New members will also receive a CD when they join. This CD is dedicated in memory of long-time member Sandy Libman who passed away a few years ago. Nadine and I hope to see as many of you as possible at the 2007 International Convention in Germany. John Motto-Ros [email protected]

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK

The year 1912 is a benchmark for automatic musical instruments. The 88-note player piano was at the take-off stage of sales and popularity. The Ampico reproducing piano entered the market as the Stoddard-Ampico and the soon to be introduced Duo-Art piano was under production. Edwin Welte opened his Poughkeepsie, New York, factory for the production of Welte-Mignon pianos and rolls in America. Coin-operated pianos and were at about the peak of their popularity around this time. was on the way out and the jazz era had not yet arrived. Music of Debussy, Stravinsky, and Rachmaninoff was offering new sounds to the classical repertoire. In 1912 the Titanic went down on a cold April night and the last person to remember that event died in 2006 (obituary in this issue). A couple more survivors live today, exactly 95 years after this disaster, and the back cover of this bulletin harkens to this memory. Piano rolls were issued of this 1912 work (Supertone and others) and QRS issued a Titanic memorial set in 1998 (better late than never). When my father was a boy in 1912 the world was still awaiting World War One and the glory days of the player piano were just beginning. That war, with its songs so linked to piano rolls (some of Pete Wendling’s best!) in my mind, would change the world in ways far greater than the impact of the computer. Ninety-five years ago is a long time ago, but when I think that Abraham Lincoln was president 95 years before I was born it brings history closer to home. The wonder of the player piano is that it has the ability to transport us to many eras of history and many places; we only need to watch and listen. Mike Kukral Publisher

56 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Mike, own! Because God has given me the Gift of Mechanical ability, This is the first “Letter to the Editor” I have ever written, but and I have a couple of Aeolian Push-Up Players, that could after reading the Article in the January/February Bulletin about become a reality. the Phillips-Condon Duo-Art Vorsetzer, I had to respond! Thank you Mike for providing such a great Article that After acquiring my first Reproducing Piano (Stroud Duo-Art) sparked my enthusiasm to take on such a project! and getting it working, I played some of the Rolls that came Richard Ingram with it. My most favorite Roll was the Grieg Piano Concerto (3rd Movement) by Grainger. It is the best Roll that I have found that shows the wide range of Dynamic Expression of the Hi Mike, Instrument. I have since then collected some LP’s & CD’s Congratulations on the series describing the “principles of including one of the Grieg PC played by the Symphony the player and reproducing mechanisms”, a reprint by Wilberton Orchestra accompanied by the Duo-Art recording reproduced by Gould, 1927-1928. These articles are already clearing up some the Phillips-Condon Vorsetzer. of the things that were fuzzy. I believe AMICA has many Much to my surprise, I read the Article in the Bulletin “listeners” who have desired a review of the “basics”. I look describing the History and Mechanics of that very Machine! forward to the rest of the articles in the series. Thank You, Prior to reading the Article in the Bulletin, I was so intrigued Don Johnson about the Vorsetzer when I read about it in the Album Cover of Midwest Region the LP I got Years earlier, that I had in mind to build one of my

By Shirley Nix ISIT TO SAN SYLMAR’S AUTO / V MUSICAL COLLECTION Valley News Group January 4, 2007

Do you remember the joy of an old of silent movies made more dramatic by orchestra) were 15 ft. tall and could be 20 player piano in your parlor when you were the piano or organ, ‘specially designed ft. wide or more. young? Maybe it was pumped by foot to with sound effects to fit the particular These wonderful instruments played make it go and the family would gather movie and add to the emotion of the the pop music of the day or an operatic ‘round to sing and enjoy the music. scene, be it a train bearing down on a aria with equal aplomb. The cases were As time went on, technology advanced stalled car or a love-struck swain trying to works of art, with fine wood work, to the point the pianos, known as steal a kiss. extensive use of machines. It was, reproducing pianos, could include all Perhaps you enjoyed a malted milk at probably, easier and more economical to the nuances of a fine performance by a the corner drugstore and put a nickel in buy an automatic instrument than to hire well-known pianist. The pianists of the the “nickelodeon”, a piano with , a full orchestra and hope everyone day were mostly under contract to one or mandolin, triangle, wood block, or even showed up on time. These machines were another of the companies who made pipes tuned to sound like violins or flute. made to be work horses and required the mechanisms. (The three major These were American machines, and little maintenance for many years. manufacturers were Duo-Art, Ampico and appeared in train stations, bars, skating SAN SYLMAR Welte Mignon). It is still a thrill to hear a rinks, restaurants and anywhere the public If all this peaks your interest, a visit performance by playing could be enticed to part with a nickel to to the San Sylmar Museum in the San his “Rhapsody in Blue” exactly as he hear the music of the day. Fernando Valley should definitely be on wanted to hear it played. EUROPEAN MARKETS your agenda. Maybe you remember “monkey The Europeans were in the market, too, A tour of San Sylmar starts off with the organs” at the County Fair, or the but they tended to go bigger with more museum across the street from the main wonderful music of a carousel organ sophistication, both in their cases and the building, where you are treated to one of accompanying a ride on the Merry-Go- music. Some of the large orchestrions (so the largest and best collections of antique Round. If your memory really stretches named because they simulated a full cars anywhere, all restored to perfection. back you may even have fond memories

57 continued. . .

When your tour starts, you will enter reproducing piano on the balcony and 225. You’ll have a day you won’t forget the main building through wonderful on to the upper floor where the real and there is no charge. carved doors into a virtual wonderland. automatic music collection is housed. Shirley Nix is a Woodland Hills based You are greeted first by a Regina Music Everything here is restored to its former reporter for AMICA—that’s the Automatic Box playing its lovely music. glory and plays superbly. There are Mechanical Instrument Collectors Assn. This From there it is into the main hall, orchestrions of several kinds, including is a group of people who just love the where there are more cars, even more a Hupfeld Pan, which is a large, wonderful mechanical music field, from the smallest to beautiful than those you already saw. You example of a . the largest. The aim of the organization is have time to look at all of them, as your The museum has a strict dress code the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of the field of automatic music, along with guide explains the restoration process and (inquire when you make your reservations) education of the public regarding this “blast answers questions. and no photography is permitted. Children from the past.” Then it’s up the stairs. “Stairway under 12 are not allowed. You can find more info at www.AMICA.org. to Paradise” is the theme and a very The museums located at 15180 Bledsoe There’s even a membership form you can apt theme it is. You are lead past the St. in Sylmar. For reservations, call 367- download and send in. By Mark Reinhart ELTE-MIGNON LICENSEE ARTIST, W REGINALD DRYSDALE STEWART

Reginald Drysdale Stewart was born He appeared as guest conductor in 20 April 1900 in Edinburgh, Scotland London, New York and Washington, DC. and died 8 July 1984 in Santa Barbara, In 1961 Stewart was appointed artist- California. Stewart studied in in-residence at the Music Academy of the with Isidor Philipp and . West in Santa Barbara, California. He was Stewart settled in , Ontario about appointed head of the piano department 1918. In Toronto he also studied with there. Reginald Stewart recorded for Welte-Mignon artists Arthur Friedheim the Welte-Mignon Licensee in the mid and Mark Hambourg. He joined the twenties. He later recorded a number faculty of the Canadian Academy in 1920 of records but no further and the Toronto Conservatory in 1924. He recording for any reproducing roll company. founded the Bach society in 1933. He was director of the Peabody Conservatory in The Welte-Mignon Licensee Recordings Baltimore, Maryland from 1941 to 1958. of Reginald D. Stewart Welte Mignon Licensee 7592, 7593, 7594 Beethoven Sonata Opus 2, four References Consulted and Quoted movements on three rolls The International Cyclopedia of Music Welte-Mignon licensee 7832 and Musicians, Ed. Oscar Thompson, Bizet-Rachmaninoff, L’Arlesienne Suite - Nicolas Slominsky and Robert Sabin; minuet Dodd, Mead & Company, New York 1964. Welte-Mignon Licensee 7679 The Welte-Mignon, It’s Music and Musicians, Chaloff, Tambourin Chinois Ed. Charles D. Smith and Richard J. Howe, Welte-Mignon Licensee 7669 Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors’ Godowsky, Traikontameron, no 8, Association, 1994 A Watteau Paysage The Canadian Encyclopedia, Welte-Mignon Licensee 7842 www.canadianencyclopedia.ca Kreisler-Rachmaninoff, Alt Wiener 5 February 2007 Tanzweisen, No. 1, Liebesfreud The Classical Reproducing , Welte-Mignon Licensee 7591 Volume II, compiled by Larry Sitsky, Tchaikowsky, Humoresque, Op. 10, No. 2 Greenwood Press, New York, Westport, London, 1990

58 Submitted by Doug McGee T HE SOUNDS OF MUSIC By Byron Janis The Wall Street Journal, Online - January 27, 2007

Acoustics are rarely discussed from , to name a few—combine only can you hear your own voice better the concert pianists’ point of view, clarity and brilliance without sacrificing but the voices of others as well. Try this yet arguably it affects us the most. An warmth. It is interesting that all were at a concert and you’ll have your own audience member unhappy with the built before 1901, prior to availability of personal amplifier. sound in their part of the auditorium can scientific instruments. Apparently, the , the great pianist change seats, but we cannot. human ear was (and for me still is) the with whom I studied, told me how Therefore the position of the piano on best instrument of all. mystified he was when stage is of utmost importance—moving it Let me tell you just a few of my asked him to play a new piece, “Jeux only a foot in either direction can make an own adventures with music’s most d’Eau” (“The Fountain”), without using enormous difference in the sound and unpredictable partner—acoustics: any pedals. Fortunately, it went unheeded; therefore in the performance. In 1957, at a recording session at otherwise we would have heard a lot of As you are rehearsing on stage, you Orchestra Hall in Chicago, with Fritz “dry fountains”! wonder why you have spent so much Reiner conducting the Chicago Symphony Some 30 years later when visiting time at home fine tuning the pedaling, Orchestra, I wasn’t surprised when I did Ravel’s home outside , I had the the dynamics, and the tempos when not hear enough piano sound during a opportunity to play his piano, and after they will all need altering in this new brief rehearsal. Normally, when I had only a few moments understood the acoustical environment. These last-minute experienced that at rehearsals for concerts puzzling “no pedal” request. Composers adjustments remain one of the concert there, I was not worried, since I knew that usually write for the conditions at hand. In pianist’s major challenges. Whatever I would have my “real” piano back with his case, the piano was a Bechstein grand, sound we hear on stage governs our a filled auditorium. But in a recording and the room in which he wrote was performance and, one could almost say, session there is no public to change the small—about 12 x 14 feet. The sound was becomes our “co-creator.” If we find acoustics—so I quickly had to find a way so excessively sonorous that no pedal the sound to be on the dry side, we will to get the sound I needed. was needed and, indeed would have been probably use more pedal to help add color. I had seen some sheets of plywood detrimental. So the acoustics in Ravel’s I will even sometimes try to quicken the backstage and, knowing that wood was room were the culprit responsible for the tempo ever so slightly to ensure that the the best reflector of sound, I asked the “dry fountain.” music has its proper flow. If the sound stagehand to bring me some. One piece In New York in the summer of 1957, I is too reverberant (overly resonant and was close to perfect—it was about 15 recorded Moussorgsky’s “Pictures at an losing clarity), the reverse would apply. inches wide (roughly the distance Exhibition,” his major work for piano. A different kind of problem presented between the keyboard and the lid, an area Several days after finishing, I went to the itself with the building of Lincoln which normally doesn’t need any sound studio to listen to the different takes. I Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in 1962. reflector). When leaned against the left happened to choose the ones for the final The acousticians seemed to have been side of the piano near the keyboard, it rose recording on a Friday. Returning to the interested in a highly articulated, clear, a foot above the instrument. I sat down studio on Monday I was shocked at what I brilliant treble sound. While that might and played a few passages—it worked! It heard. Everything sounded lifeless and suit much contemporary music, works of gave me the sound I needed. I have never heavy—too slow. I know we hear things the classic, Romantic period of the 19th forgotten that piece of plywood. It should differently on different days, but this was century require just the opposite—a blend- have gotten credit on the recording! too much. ing of the notes and the addition of a When I was ten years old, I played on I asked the crew if they had heard the much-needed bass sound, which provides an important radio called “The difference. To my relief, they had. They the warmth and sense of harmony so Magic Key.” A celebrated soprano named were perplexed as I until one of the crucial to music. Unfortunately Avery Grace Moore was on the same program. engineers cried out, “I know what the Fisher, which was redone several times, During rehearsal, I saw her putting a problem is—the air conditioner was still needs improvement. There is talk now cupped hand behind her ear. I remember turned off over the weekend and the of yet another renovation. thinking, “Wow, what a strange lady— speakers have been badly affected by the The greatest concert halls we have— what’s she doing?” Later I realized that room’s heat and humidity.” There was no Symphony Hall in Boston, Carnegie Hall she did this to amplify the sound of her point in listening any further until the air in New York and the Concertgebouw in voice, using her hand as a reflector. Not conditioner could dry everything out. We

59 continued. . . enjoyed a purposefully long lunch before sound in a hall, you can see just how Mr. Janis, a world-renowned pianist, returning to the studio and to the tapes. As capricious. has written the music for a coming if by magic, the Friday performances were So the next time you complain about documentary on the friendship between back! Shortly afterward, I was told that the sound in a concert hall, pity the Gary Cooper and Ernest Hemingway. He the air conditioners would have no more poor performers. Before a recital we must is currently working on completing his weekends off. position the piano based on the acoustics autobiography. These are but a few examples of how of an empty hall, not a filled one. URL for this article: capricious acoustics can be. And when we Hopefully, we make the right choice— http://online.wsj.com/article/SB11698429 realize that even fur coats can affect the no changing seats for us! 9801189325.html

Contributed by Karl Ellison ISABELLE YALKOVSKY BYMAN

ISABELLE YALKOVSKY BYMAN, pianist, teacher, lecturer, author and educator, graduated with distinction from the Juilliard School. She was a scholarship student of the great Olga Samaroff Stokowski and studied chamber music with Enesco, Salmond and Letz; theory, composition and counterpoint with Goldmark; and orchestral conduct- ing with Stoessel. As a recipient of the Schubert Memorial Award, She made her debut with the Orchestra in Carnegie Hall and appeared as soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Leopold Stokowski. She subsequently appeared as soloist with the Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, San Francisco, Boston, Denver and others, and concertized throughout the and . She appeared in many first performances of contemporary music and as guest artist with the Musical Art Quartet, the Silvermine Quartet, and the Kohon String Quartet - in an all-Ives program with the latter group. She recorded for RCA Victor, Vox and Stero Age Recording Co., made an educational film called the Language 60 continued. . .

Piano Quarterly, National Guild of Piano Teachers, and the American Music Teachers magazines. Mme. Isabelle Yalkovsky Byman was assistant teacher to Mme. Olga Samaroff Stokowski in private teaching and in the Layman’s Music Courses at the Junior League. Many of her pupils have been winners in the talent hunt contests and she received a Baldwin prize as teacher of a National Runner-Up. Mme. Byman has been invited to serve on the Fulbright Committee to screen the piano applicants for the awards given in 1980-81. She has juried solo and concerti contests and served as audition chairman of the N Y SM T A for five years. She was awarded the highest certificate of professional advancement for the Music Teachers National Association. As a lecture recitalist, Mme. Byman has given many teachers workshops - the Philadelphia Music Teachers Association, the Pottstown Teachers Association in Pennsylvania, the Guild of Piano Teachers, the Associated Music Teachers. League, and The Piano Teachers Congress of New York, Inc. She was a piano-clinician for the New York State Music Teachers Association and the Utah State Music Teachers, Convention in Salt Lake City. She is listed in the International Musicians Who’s Who and the International Women’s Who’s Who. Mme. Byman taught at the Juilliard and is now on the college faculty and in of Music, and recorded Three Centuries jacket liners for Hall of Fame and Classics charge of classes at of Music on the Siena Piano. She wrote Records and contributed articles to the School of Music.

By Peg Kehret MUSICAL MEMORIES

The first time my husband, Carl the garage for the organ chamber and tracked down used pipes. Why did Kehret, bought an old player piano to a goodly amount of living room space he want to rebuild a player piano? restore, I was not enthusiastic. Carl had for the console. The organ project had We already had a Chickering spinet, recently added a Morton theatre pipe consumed his free time for more than purchased by my parents in 1941. We organ to our household, sacrificing half a year as he built wooden chests and didn’t need another piano, or so I thought.

61 continued. . .

The organ sounded glorious—when burst out laughing. Of course, he played became an “Honorary son.” we had visitors who played. That did it right then, pumping the pedals in Mechanical music became more not happen often. Carl’s intent had been his pajamas, and that became another and more important in our lives. The to build a and then take treasured roll. pipe organ was replaced by an organ lessons, but he quickly discovered We moved to an old farmhouse with Aeolian Orchestrelle, and we acquired that his pleasure was in the mechanics, enough acreage to build a separate piano two Seeburg nickelodeons, several crank rather than the keyboard. So instead workshop. Carl quickly filled the shop organs, and toys such as a Play-a-Sax and of learning to play the organ, he bought with tools, piano strings, bolts of leather, Rollmonica. Carl played his Raffin street the Regent player piano and learned to and player pianos in need of repair. He organ in parades; he demonstrated small recover bellows and rebuild a stack. The bought a used horse trailer and outfitted it instruments at historical societies and player piano quickly took up his free time, to move pianos. Our son and son-in-law, retirement homes. and the other half of our garage. who often got drafted for pickup and Whenever Carl had an Ampico or He planned to sell the rebuilt player, delivery duty, hinted that stamp collecting Welte for sale, we considered upgrading but as soon as he pumped his first roll is a good pastime which doesn’t involve from the old regent pumper, but we could we both knew this instrument wasn’t lifting heavy objects. never bring ourselves to part with the first going anywhere. Somehow we found Carl dreaded Mondays when he had piano Carl had restored. Our lives had space for it in the house, and began buying to leave his workshop to drive to his been too enriched by that instrument to let piano rolls. No lessons were needed. The office; be began to flirt with a career it leave. magnificent pipe organ gathered dust change. We put ourselves on a strict The first time we played, “You Gotta while we pumped the piano every night. budget to see if we could manage without See Mama Every Night,” I went to the A few weeks after the completed player his salary (to say nothing of the phone and called my mother. “Listen to piano moved inside, the garage held health insurance, company car, and paid these lyrics,” I said, and began to sing. another unrestored player piano. vacations). Mother promptly joined in, and sang the “It’s an addiction,” I said. In less than a year, he took the whole song with me. “I’ll sell this one,” he promised. plunge. With a Bachelor of Science degree A few months later, we hauled one of He did, and promptly bought another in Dairy Technology and thirty years the restored players to San Francisco for one, and then another. His profit on each experience in the dairy business, he my mother. My dad, an Alzheimer’s instrument came to roughly fifty cents an applied for a business license and patient, was in a nursing home and Mother hour for the time he spent but at least they launched Kehret Player Pianos. needed evening entertainment after her didn’t cost us anything. When he came home from his last long days of sitting with him. For years, Carl loved bringing the tired old pianos day as an employee, we celebrated with she played tunes from the twenties and back to life. He lost himself in the work— a glass of sparkling cider, and then he thirties, and sang them all. forgetting the time, oblivious to hunger. hurried to the shop to start his new career. The songs continued for the next He studied books on player restoration For the first few years we exhibited at generation, and the next. When our and we both read about the composers an antiques show every six months, which daughter got married, out wedding gift and artists of the player piano era. We was an excellent way to meet potential was a restored player piano. Now discovered Pete Wendling and Max customers. Carl not only sold the pianos, our teenaged grandchildren and their Kortlander. We learned to love ragtime, he got restoration jobs from people who friends pump the pedals and sing and were often astonished at how lyrics already owned players that needed repair. songs from Disney movies and “The penned long ago were still relevant. Soon he had a backlog of people who Phantom of the Opera.” “Let’s Have Another Cup of Coffee” wanted his services. Then the unthinkable happened: Carl seemed written specifically for us. He became a QRS dealer and sold both did not survive open-heart surgery. The Decades earlier, before we were new and used rolls. Whenever he bought a years of Kehret Player Pianos abruptly married, Carl had stood under my piano to restore, he asked if any rolls came ended. bedroom window one night playing with it. What fun we had playing all those The music, however, lives on. I pump “Peg O’ My Heart” on an old crank-up rolls—keeping some, selling the others. the pedals often, remembering the phonograph. When he played the “Peg O’ We soon had dozens of favorite songs that good times. As I play “Turkish Towel” or My Heart” piano roll, I knew I was being we had never heard of a few years earlier. “How You Gonna Keep ‘Em Down On serenaded again. We toured the QRS factory, where Rudy the Farm?” I recall our delight when we We appreciated current music, as well Martin signed our “Unforgettable” roll. read those lyrics for the first time. When as the old tunes. I played “Through the Carl helped found the Pacific Can-Am I play “Barney Google,” I hear my mother Years” for him, and he played “Perhaps chapter of AMICA, and we hosted the first singing, even though she’s been gone for Love” for me. We both played “Moon meeting. Many dear friendships originated seven years. River”, which had always been our special in that group. Fran Willyard introduced us The “Happy Birthday” roll brings song. to numerous piano roll manufacturers. memories of dozens of good gatherings, as One day when we were selecting new Dan Brown informed (and entertained) us, does “Auld Lang Syne.” rolls at a store in , I saw one called, about reproducing pianos and music I play “Why Don’t We Do This More “Why Don’t We Do This More Often?” I history. Whenever Carl encountered a Often?” and smile to myself. bought it without him noticing, and hid mechanical problem that he couldn’t fix, And when I play “Peg O’ My Heart,” I it away at home. A few nights later, Dean Randall served as his mentor. Carl’s feel as if Carl is still here, serenading me after making love, I put it on his pillow customers became friends, too, including one more time. while he was in the bathroom. He came Mark Smithberg, who entered our lives back to bed, looked at the piano roll, and when he bought a player from Carl, and

62 Dear Mike, This is a copy of a flyer that was in a Nickelodeon Roll Box that I bought back in the 1950’s. Hope you can use it in an AMICA Issue. Regards, Don Janisch Dousman, WI 53118

63 Submitted by Bill Dean From the “Welte-Mignon Book of Famous Artists,” 1927

64 65 66 67 68 Submitted by Robin Pratt IR, WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT DOES A PART III - CONTINUED FROM LAST ISSUE OF AMICA By Wilberton Gould, Member N.A. of P.T., From The Tuners’ Journal - March, 1928

a ruined motor, and is also likely to and very often the load demand on the cause a fire within the instrument itself, circuit is greater than was intended when ELECTRIC particularly in the grand type of piano. the wiring was installed. Therefore, when In the grease cup type of lubrication it the motor is operating there is likely to be MOTORS is wise to remove the entire cup and clean a drop in the line voltage, which will By Wilberton Gould, Member N.A. of out the inside of the cup and the feed impair efficient operation. A few P.T., New Your City channel, and at the same time make sure comments will be made in this article on that there is no congealed grease in the overloading the supply line, on the danger Service, as defined by Webster: “An act of opening where the grease cup is screwed of fire at some weak point in the supply one who serves.” on to the bearing. In the oil cup type of line and on heating the motor, and these It is one of God’s greatest gifts to the older designs the same procedure should be remembered as safeguards for mankind, for who is happy who does not should be followed. In the later type of the piano owner and protection to the serve? Hence it follows that service the centrifugal oiling system little or no tuner. requires sacrifice. It is the foundation trouble will be had, except in cases of Avoid splicing the supply cable to the stone of every enterprise. Whatever it may extreme friction, which will be treated motor with a type of wire different from be, its success or failure depends upon later in this article. the regular equipment supplied with the whole-hearted co-operation. For the efficient operation of the piano. The supply line from the outlet to And may service and sacrifice continue electric motor it is of the greatest the motor should be as short as consistent, to be the keynote of our progressive importance that the lubricating system of in order to avoid line loss in voltage. Association-The Author. the motor operate properly. It should When splicing electric wires make a good, (Continued from March, 1928) be inspected not less than four times a solid joint, properly soldered and taped. In year, or at every service call. “An ounce case of a sudden heavy demand of current PURPOSE OF of prevention is worth a pound of cure” a poor joint will cause trouble. OPERATION is extremely applicable in this connection. The modern electric motor is supplied with a brass or nickel-plated plate screwed In the electrically driven grand on the shell, which gives the type, speed or upright piano the function of the TYPES OF MOTORS and rating of the motor. This should be electric motor is to transmit power in an In the modern electrically driven piano consulted before the current is turned on. even and constant manner to the pump manufactured today there are two types of If you have any doubt as to the kind and through the medium of a belt. In order that motor used, that is, direct and alternating, voltage of the current supplied, call the the maximum of power may be delivered using a line voltage of 110, 220, 230 and electric light company. by the motor to the pump it is necessary 250 volts on either direct or alternating, that the electric unit be of sufficient size, and in the alternating type there are 25, 40 that it be constructed of the best materials and 60 cycles. DIRECTION OF and properly mounted, that it be free In connecting a new set-up or PULLEY TRAVEL from operating defects and be silent in installation in an owner’s home make sure The driving pulley of the motor travels operation. that the motor is of the correct type in a clockwise direction (to the right), or It is extremely important to keep the oil and voltage before attempting to turn on in a counter-clockwise direction (to the or grease channels of the bearings free the electric current. Also bear in mind that left), but in nearly every case the direction from congealed oil or grease. Otherwise, it is highly desirable to have a separate of the rotation of the pump is plainly the lubricant will not reach the point of feed circuit for the motor direct from the marked by an arrow on the plate on the rotation, and friction will occur, with the main supply circuit of the home. In many pump. Should the motor not operate in the added danger of burning out one or more homes there are numerous lamps, and so proper direction it is a simple matter to bearings of the motor. This will result in forth, connected to the baseboard outlets, change its direction, as follows:

69 continued. . .

On the direct current type remove the pump wheel, multiply by 3 1/8, divide 2. Keep oil or grease cups supplied supply leads from the brush contacts, the product by 2, add the quotient to with lubricant. interchange to the two remaining leads twice the distance between the two 3. Keep the motor free from excessive that come from within the shell of the shafts. The result will be the desired dirt and dust. motor and connect the supply leads. length. 4. In the direct current type, keep the On the alternating type follow the same Always carry a spare belt in your bag if commutator and contact brushes procedure, only make the interchange at possible. clean at all times. the terminal points. 5. In the alternating type, keep the The motor should be in a direct line FRICTION centrifugal switch springs free, and with the pump and suspended evenly, so see that the guide screws are not too In mechanics, friction is defined as that the belt will travel true in relation to tight in the guide slots. Keep the follows: the driving pulley of the motor and the contact point on the shaft and on By Rankine: wheel of the pump. If the pulley and the the centrifugal switch clean. That force which acts between two wheel are not in line there is danger that bodies at their surfaces of contact so far the belt rim will cut and ruin the belt in a Any of the following conditions will as to resist their sliding on each other, very short time. The belt on the driving cause an electric motor to become noisy in and which depends on the force with pulley of the motor should be just tight operation: which the bodies are pressed together. enough to turn the pump wheel on a full By Morin: 1. Improper mounting on the motor load without slippage. If it is not, friction (1) The friction between two bodies is frame. will result and will cause the pulley to directly proportional to the pressure, that is, 2. Compression and hardening of the felt. heat up, and in turn the shaft, and if the coefficient is constant for all pressures. 3. Too high or too low line voltage. neglected, the bearings, which, consuming (2) The coefficient and amount of friction, 4. Lack of lubricant reaching the bearings. the lubricant too quickly, will cause the pressure being the same, is independent of 5. A dirty commutator which will cause metal in the bearings to become so hot the areas in contact. (3) The coefficient of the brushes to miss contact. that they will “seize” on the shaft, the friction is independent of velocity, although 6. Brushes not riding evenly on the motor will stop, and is apt to burn out. static friction (friction at rest) is greater commutator. Suitable means are provided on the motor than the friction of motion, and the act of 7. Worn bearings, which will cause the frame to take care of the stretch in the rubbing the surface of one body against that shaft to shimmy while the motor belt. Where the belt has run a long time of another; the effect of rubbing or the is running. and the motor has been moved up to its resistance which a moving body meets with 8. The motor shell coming in contact limit of travel to compensate for slack in from the surface on which it moves. with the posts of the piano or the the belt against the mounting frame, the frame. belt should be replaced with a new one. From the foregoing definitions it will 9. An overload on the motor, because of Otherwise, two things will happen: the be seen why the belt on the pump should high pressure on the pump or tight motor will become noisy and it will heat not run slack. If the belt is at its proper bearings. up because the belt is slipping on the tension the electric motor will run quietly motor pulley, with the results as stated and be cool. The writer recommends very strongly above. There is a right and a wrong way to put the booklet by The Holtzer-Cabot Electric Herewith are a few rules for on a belt on any piece of mechanism. Company, 125 Armory St., Roxbury, determining the length of belt required A sewed or spliced belt should be put Boston, Mass., on the care of special for belt-driven pumps: on with the splice running in the same noiseless piano motors. It is very Move the motor to within one-half inch direction as the rotation. complete, it applies equally well to of its travel toward the pump, just so it any type of motor, and should be in the does not touch the motor support frame, NOISY MOTORS hands of every tuner who services any and proceed as follows: The prime cause of noise in an electric type of electrically driven piano. It will be (a) Add together the diameter of the motor, nine cases out of ten, is neglect of forwarded upon request. pulley and the pump wheel, divide the proper service. Many service men are The subject of the next installment will sum by 2, multiply the quotient by prone to leave the motor alone. The be electric expression players. 3 1/4 and add the product to twice the following are some of the simple rules distance between the centers of the whose application are so necessary to the (To be continued in the next motor shaft and the pump shaft. The efficient operation of the motor: AMICA Bulletin) sum will be the length desired. Or 1. Keep oil or grease channels free and (b) Add the diameter of the pulley and the clean for lubrication.

70 Submitted by Jerry Hutt

71 72 73 74 75 76 77 By Roy Beltz A TRIP BACK IN TIME Original article published in the March/April 2000 Volume 37, #21 of the AMICA Bulletin

This article, I think, will be interesting Francisco group was to be known as “The Johnson in Grand Junction, Colorado. Bill and informative, as well as historical. It will Founding Chapter.” Mintz was installed as President. The include all AMICA Convention dates, a 1972-In 1972 the second AMICA Philadelphia Area Chapter and SOWNY description of each table favor and the QRS International Convention was held June 30- (Southern Ontario and Western New York) rolls given to each registered conventioneer, July 3 in Los Angeles, California, at the received their charters. as well as some historical events. Over 267 “Victorian” Alexander Hotel and hosted by There were no table favors nor music issues of the AMICA Bulletin, from 1969- the Southern California Chapter. There were rolls. 1999, were perused. 194 registered members at the Convention. 1975—Over 250 members attended the Let us now take a trip back in time to Frank Loob was re-elected to serve a second 1975 Annual AMICA Convention on June revive old memories and perhaps create new term as President. 26-29 at the Statler Hotel in Buffalo, ones for all… Two “fun buses” took conventioneers to New York, hosted by the SOWNY Chapter. 1963-In 1963 a group of eleven people, see the Nethercutt Collection at Sylmar in President Bill Mintz resigned and Vice interested in reproducing pianos, met at the the San Fernando Valley. The Monday night President Bob Rosencrans became President. Victorian home of Richard Reutlinger in San banquet entertainment opened with two A highlight of the Convention was Francisco, California. At the May meeting young ladies dancing like automations the Friday evening Guest Artist Banquet. they formed a club—“Automatic Musical to music from a cylinder . They Entertainment was a piano concert by Ursula Instrument Collectors of America.” The first were followed by two guest artists—Ruth Dietrich-Hollinshead, Ruth Bingaman letter of each word was close to the Italian Bingaman Smith and Robert Armbruster. Smith, and Doug Roe. word meaning “friend”; therefore, the name This Convention began the tradition of There were no table favors. The QRS was adjusted to make the acronym giving table favors to attendees. There were souvenir roll was “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.” “AMICA” and pronounced a-MEE-ca. two table favors: a miniature non-playing This began the tradition of QRS Music 1969-No convention was held in 1969. paper piano roll, 4 1/8” wide, made by Rolls, Inc. giving a piano roll to those However a milestone was reached for the Blanche Dilthey, and a stereo record from attending AMICA Conventions. organization. New by-laws were passed G. W. McKinnon (Side 1: Swiss , 1976—Local AMICA members hosted changing the name to “Automatic Musical and wood block; Regina 27” Double the 1976 Board of Directors meeting and Instrument Collections Association.” Doug Disc Player; Schulmerich Carillon. Side 2: mini-convention in Joplin, Missouri, on June Hickling was elected President. German Weber-Grandezza Piano with Pipes; 25-27 at the Ramada Inn. Sixty AMICAns German Weber-Brabo with . -The first AMICA International from the East and West coasts and Canada 1970 These selections were recorded at the Olde convention was held on August 28-30, registered for this meeting. Bob Rosencrans Tyme Musical Museum in Orlando, Florida.) 1970, in San Francisco, California, hosted was installed as President. New Jersey and by the parent organization. Bob Billings was 1973-The 1973 Convention was held on Rocky Mountains Chapters received their elected President and then later resigned. August 8-12 at the Green Oaks Inn in Ft. charters. Jarod Clark was then appointed President. Worth, Texas, with the Texas Chapter as A highlight of this meeting was a The Southern California Chapter received host. About 106 members attended. Frank trip to the Miles’ Mountain Musical Charter #1. One hundred twenty members Loob was re-elected President. The Midwest Museum in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The attended this meeting. Chapter received their charter. entertainment following the banquet was a No hotel was selected as headquarters All attendees were bussed to Cresson for concert by the Joplin Crossroad Chorus, a for the Convention. Members were sent a real Texas Barbeque. Saturday’s evening local barbershop quartet organization, and a a map to make their hotel or motel program was a concert by Ruth Bingaman skit by Ron Bopp. reservations. On registration night, August Smith followed by John Vanderlee, a There were no table favors. The QRS 28, Conventioneers gathered at Dick ragtime pianist. piano roll was “.” The rolls Reutlinger’s Victorian home for a get- There were no table favors. The were boxed in red, white, and blue. together, wine sampling, and a buffet dinner. Convention souvenir piano roll was 1977—The Founding Chapter hosted The Saturday night banquet was at the “Sandman’s Frolic;” boxed by Frank the 1977 AMICA Convention in San Portcullis home of Jarod Clark. Adams: perforated by Malone & Powell; Francisco, California, on Sept 1-5 at the There were no table favors. composted by Ursula Dietrich-Hollinshead; Hotel San Franciscan. One hundred seventy- arranged by J. Lawrence Cook; “Honoring -There was no convention in 1971. five members registered. The Iowa Chapter 1971 the Artist’s Appearance at the 1972 AMICA Frank Loob was elected President. Texas received their charter. Convention in Los Angeles, California. received their charter. Tours were made to the Jackling Estate A resolution passed by the board 1974—In 1974 the annual business in Woodside for a performance on the separated the local San Francisco group meeting and a mini-convention was held on pipe organ; to the Ralston Mansion— and the National organization. The San July 4-7 at the home of Anita and Steve it has 80 rooms—for a Welte Vorsetzer 78 continued. . . concert; and to various Victorian homes, evening entertainment began with Robert The Saturday evening entertainment, using cable car buses. Entertainment after Armbruster at the keyboard followed by the at the Bismarck Hotel’s Pavillon Theatre, the banquet was a concert by Frank Denke, Grand Finale: a piano duet performed by consisted of Harold Bauer conducting the with music from Ragtime to the Classics. Robert Armbruster and Bill Flynt playing American Chamber Symphony with Robin There were no table favors this year. The “Chopsticks.” Pratt operating the 9’ Chickering Ampico. QRS piano roll was San Francisco #6341 The table favor was a little Encore This was followed by Felix Ganz playing played by Max Kortlander. Banjo, with a music box inside which plays 4-hand piano with his uncle, , 1978—The 1978 Convention was held “Oh, Susanna.” This favor was developed via a Duo-Art roll. in Dayton, , on June 22-25 at the by Ben and Mary Lilien. The QRS souvenir The table favor was self-standing with Stouffer’s Dayton Plaza Hotel and hosted included: 1) California, Here I a full color photo of the DeCap by the Midwest Chapter. Two hundred Come, played by J.L. Cook; 2) Moonlight Dance Organ glued onto masonite, with a members registered for this Convention. and Roses, played by Harold Scott; 3) Home Reuge movement playing “Chicago.” The Bob Rosencrans was re-elected President. in Pasadena, played by Doug Roe. QRS souvenir roll was: 1) “Chicago Blues,” New England Chapter received their charter. 1981—In 1981, the Texas chapter played by Hilda Myers; 2) “I’m From Tours were made to the Air Force hosted the Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas, Chicago”—US Roll 3563; 3) “Hail Museum, the Wright Memorial, and to at the Sheraton Hotel on October 1-4. Chicago”—US Roll 40446; 4)“Chicago”— a Carillon concert in the Carillon Park. A Annual Meetings had alternated between QRS 2021, played by Max Kortlander. picnic lunch was held at the Hoffman Dam. Conventions—at a mid-winter meeting the 1984—The 1984 AMICA Annual Later there was a buffet supper and a tour of Board voted to end this distinction. Bob Convention was held on June 21-24 at the Rieger’s “Labarn” in Waynesville, Ohio. Taylor was re-elected President. The Regency Park Resort in Overland Park, There were no table favors. The QRS Chicago and Heart of America Chapters Kansas, hosted by the Heart of America Convention roll was played received their charters. Chapter. There were 150 registered members by Frank Milne. Bus trips were made to the restored and guests. The Gateway Chapter received 1979—The 1979 AMICA Annual Union Station (ca 1914); to Old City Park, their charter. Terry Smythe was re-elected Convention was held in Philadelphia, and to South Fork Ranch—the setting for the President. Pennsylvania, on June 29-July 3 at the TV series “Dallas.” About 100 people, Highlights of this Convention were a bus Benjamin Franklin Hotel. It was hosted dressed in Western-style clothing and Texas trip to the Kansas City Plaza and the Jerry by the Philadelphia Area Chapter with hats, attended the Saturday night Western- Smith Museum and to Morgenroth’s Grain 200 registered members and guests in theme banquet. The evening entertainment Valley estate for a band organ rally and a attendance. New England Chapter changed was a singing group, 2 guys and a gal, barbeque. Following the banquet, a program, their name to the Boston Area Chapter, and named “Zephyr.” “Missouri Ragtime,” a visual and live trip Northern Lights Chapter received their The table favor was a large white coffee through the life of ragtime music, was charter. A one-time special Lampoon issue mug with the Dallas skyline and logo on it presented by the St. Louis Ragtimers Duo. “The AMEEKA” was published. in gold. The QRS souvenir roll for this year The table favor this year, constructed A few highlights of this convention were included 1) “I Love A Piano,” played by J.L. by Ron Connor, was a replica of a a river cruise on the Delaware; a walking Cook; 2) “Ragtime Cowboy Joe,” played by Harp that plays “In the Good tour of Historic Philadelphia; a tour of J.L. Cook. Old Summertime.” The QRS Convention for an organ concert 1982—1982 found AMICA members music roll: 1) “Twelfth Street Rag,” played and water fountain display with colored traveling to historic Bethlehem, by Cook and Martin; 2) “Kansas City Rag.” lights; and a trip to the John Wanamaker Pennsylvania, for the 9th International The colorful leader was designed by Department Store for a pipe organ concert. Convention, hosted by the New Jersey Tom Hellstein. The entertainment following the banquet Chapter (now Lady Liberty) on July 1 1985—The 1985 Annual Convention was a piano concert by Pauline Albert and through 4 at the Hotel Bethlehem. Terry was held on July 17-21 at the Michigan Inn Robert Armbruster followed by a Smythe was elected the new President. in Southfield, Michigan, hosted by the performance by Don Kawash and Karen AMICA members received their second Midwest Chapter. The New Jersey Chapter Saillant. The new AMICA banner was also lampoon issue of “The AMEEKA,” a “fun changed their name to Lady Liberty Chapter. displayed for the first time. reading” Bulletin. 150 members attended the Convention. There were no table favors. The QRS Conventioneers boarded buses for a tour Buses took attendees on a tour of the piano roll was Stars and Stripes Forever, of a little coal mining town of Jim Thorpe. Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. original QRS #30028. A highlight was a tour of the Asa Packer Entertainment following the Saturday night 1980—The Southern California Chapter mansion. After the banquet, entertainment banquet was The Hotel Savarine Orchestra hosted the 1980 Annual Convention in was provided by Robert Armbruster with playing music from the 1900’s. Pasadena, California, at the Sheraton Hostel his musical selections. The table favor was a clear plastic on June 25-29. Bob Taylor was elected No table favors were received this year. see-through grand piano music box which President. Sierra-Nevada became the 12th The QRS souvenir roll was: 1) “Stardust,” plays “You Light Up My Life.” The QRS Chapter to receive a charter. played by J.L. Cook; 2) “Morning Star—a souvenir roll has 7 nostalgic automobile Tours included the Huntington Library QRS Fantasy.” tunes arranged by Bill Blodgett from rolls and Art Gallery; the Palace Theatre; the 1983—The next AMICA Convention played by Frank Milne and others. Tudor-Gothic Baranger Studio Museum; and was held on July 13-17, 1983, hosted by the 1986—The Philadelphia Area Chapter the Jack Nethercutt collection. Following Chicago Area Chapter at the Bismarck hosted the 1986 Annual Meeting (mini- the banquet, Honorary Member Abram Hotel, Chicago, Illinois. The Southeast Area convention) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Chasins spoke on “Special Occasions.” The Chapter received their charter. on June 19-22 at the new Hershey Hotel.

79 continued. . .

1972-Stereo record and sleeve.

1981-A white coffee mug with Dallas, Texas skyline logo 1972- Miniature non-playing on it in gold. paper piano roll showing Second International Convention, name of hotel, date, city and AMICA 1980-Encore logo with tab. Banjo that plays “Oh Susanne”.

1983-A self-standing full color photo of the DeCap Dance Organ on masonite that plays “Chicago.”

1985-Plastic Grand Piano that 1989-Street Piano-back side. plays “You Light Up My Life.” 1989-Street Piano—each table favor plays a different tune- front side.

1987-Snowman marotte that plays “Winter Wonderland.” 1984-Wurlitzer Harp that plays “In the Good Old 1988-Wooden Cable Car that plays Summertime.” “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.”

1990-Wood cutout base in the shape of a Grand Piano with carved letters AMICA in 1992-Wooden Push-Up Pianola. wood attached to the top. 1991-Oriental paper fan.

80 continued. . .

1995-Red metal double decker London Transport bus with AMICA London 95 1996-Ceramic reproduction of a 1994-12 oz. Cocktail on the side. band organ with stand made from glass with Seattle old organ pipes. AMICA logo and 1994 engraved on the side. 1993-Seeburg KT Special with a miniature tape player inside that plays KT music while the simulated stained glass lights up.

1998-A Monarch butterfly embedded in a crystal polymer paperweight. 1999-Ceramic off-white tea pot with lid on a wooden trivet that plays “Tea For Two.”

1997-A plastic and gold Merry-Go- Round horse on a gilded wooden base. 2000-A replica of a 1900-1920 steam engine—American 4-4-0. Two engines: a red and black, brass trim and a blue and black, silver trim.

2001-A hand carved likeness of a Koala.

2003-A beige colored coffee mug.

2002-A wooden outhouse—a 2 holer that 2005-A can of black pepper, a miniature bottle of pure plays “Putting vanilla, a container of Minnesota grown wild rice on the Ritz.” with recipes, and a can of cinnamon. 81 continued. . .

Molly Yeckley was elected President. The Pumper Contest was started at this The table favor was a folding paper Another fun issue of the lampoon bulletin Convention and John Grant was the winner. Oriental fan. The QRS souvenir music roll: “The AMEEKA” was published. Four busloads took Conventioneers on 1) “Basin Street Blues,” played by Fats Members heard the great Wanamaker a sight-seeing tour of Boston. One highlight Waller, #6233; 2) “When All the Saints organ at the John Wanamaker Department of the Convention was a trip to Boston Come Marching In,” played by J.L. Cook, Store and attended the Mann Center to hear University for a demonstration of their #3664; 3) “Way Down Yonder in New the Philadelphia Orchestra concert. A Symphonic Organ. The entertainment Orleans,” played by Pete Wendling, #2083. highlight of the Convention was a tour to following the banquet was a Pianola Concert 1992—The next AMICA Annual Longwood Gardens for dinner and an organ on two Steinway Grand Pianos by Rex Convention was held on July 9-12, 1992, in concert. At the conclusion of the concert was Lawson and Denis Hall. Schaumburg, Illinois, at the Schaumburg a sound and colored light fountain display. The table favor was a 6” high dual- Marriott Hotel, and hosted by the Chicago There were no table favors nor music mode operation street piano music box, Area Chapter. Mel Septon was elected rolls. with a lever for changing to mandolin sound. President. Richard J. Howe received the 1987—The first AMICA/MBSI Joint There were several tunes available, but President’s Award. Two new annual awards Convention was held on July 22-26, 1987, in each music box played only one tune. The were established: The AMICA International St. Paul, Minnesota, at the Radisson St. Paul souvenir roll, from Play-Rite, Inc., included: Award and the Literary Award. Hotel and co-hosted by the AMICA 1) “Fight Fiercely,” Harvard; 2) “Take Me The Pumper Contest was won by John Northern Lights and MBSI Snowbelt Back to Tech;” 3) “The MTA,” arranged by Grant. Chapters. 1,675 members were registered. L. Douglas Henderson (Artcraft), produced Highlights of this Convention were The News Bulletin became a bi-monthly by Michael Potash. visiting the Sanfilippo estate and attending publication. President Molly Yeckley 1990—The 1990 AMICA Convention the live concert with the Illinois Chamber resigned and Ron Connor became President. was held July 12-15 at the Stouffer Tower Symphony Orchestra, featuring pianolists A highlight of the Convention was the City Plaza Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio, and Rex Lawson and Denis Hall from England. Festival (Band Organ Rally) hosted by the Midwest Chapter. Ron Connor Following the Saturday night banquet, held at Rice Park. The entertainment was re-elected President. Terry Smythe entertainment was a musical comedy routine following the banquet was the Barbary received the President’s Award. by Ron and Mary Jo Bopp, dressed as Coast Banjo Brass. There were 750 Highlights of the Convention included a Charlie Chaplin’s Little Tramp, and members attending the banquet. boat cruise on Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga followed by a slide show “When Banjos The table favor was a marotte or River and a tour of the newly renovated Strummed Themselves.” Then there was a whirly-gig in the shape of a snowman, Playhouse Square Theatre for a Pipe Organ jam session—mostly Dixieland music—for initially conceived by Warren Anderson, Concert. Following the Friday night banquet listening and dancing. with a Reuge movement playing “Winter was a musical review by pianist Jeff Hayes The table favor was a small wooden Wonderland.” The QRS souvenir roll: 1) and the Ruby Glitz Trio. Saturday evening model of a pianola made by Fred Plank. “Minnesota, Hats Off to Thee;” 2) “Hail found members waiting to be bused to a The QRS souvenir music roll was: 1) Minnesota;” 3) “Hiawatha;” 4) “Red second banquet at the Crawford Auto “Chicago,” played by Clyde Ridge, Aeolian Wing;” 5) “By the Waters of Minnetonka.” Museum, followed by dancing to a 17-piece #1052; 2) “Music, Music, Music,” played by 1988—The AMICA International 25th big band, “The -Aires.” Jo Ann Castle, QRS # 105.3 ; 3) “Chicago Silver Anniversary Convention was held on The table favor was a wooden cutout Stomp,” played by James Blythe, Capitol June 22-26, 1988, at the San Francisco Hotel base, shaped like a grand piano, with the 2225-10; 4) “Pianola Rag,” played by John in San Francisco, California, hosted by the carved wooden letters “AMICA” attached Farrell. Founding Chapter. Ron Connor was elected to the top. This non-musical favor was made 1993—AMICA and MBSI members President. The President’s Award was by Mike and Liz Barnhart. The QRS traveled to Los Angeles, California, to attend established, and Liz Barnhart was the first souvenir roll: 1) “Tonight We Love;” 2) the second Joint Convention, held on recipient. “Strange Music;” 3) “To Love Again;” live September 1-6, 1993, at the Biltmore Hotel, A highlight of the Convention was a performance by Emily Rose Shaffer. and co-hosted by the AMICA Southern motorized cable car tour of 5 Victorian era 1991—The 1991 Convention was held California and MBSI West Coast (now homes in the Mission District. The Saturday in New Orleans, Lousiana, on July 25-28, at Southern California) Chapters. There were night’s entertainment was “Living a Ragtime the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, hosted by close to 450 registrants. A new chapter, the Life” presented by pianist, singer, and R. Lee Lanier. Ron Connor continued as Pacific Can-AM Chapter, was granted their comedian Max Morath. President. The President’s Award was charter. The table favor was a wooden cable car presented to Emmett M. Ford. Mel Septon continued as President. The with a musical movement that plays “I Left Highlights of the Convention included a President’s Award was presented to Ron and My Heart in San Francisco.” The QRS river ride on the Steamer “Natchez,” with Mary Jo Bopp. The following two annual souvenir roll was on silver paper with the Lee Lanier at the steam calliope keyboard, awards, established in 1992, were modified: tunes: 1) “Hello, Frisco, Hello;” 2) “Grizzly and a tour of the Longue Vue Gardens. A the International AMICA Award (formerly Bear Rag;” 3) “San Francisco.” picnic in City Park found many AMICAns the AMICA International Award) was 1989—The 1989 Convention was held riding the 1906 Loof Carousel. Following presented to Charles Davis Smith and the in Burlington, Massachusetts, at the Boston the Saturday evening banquet, entertainment Leo Ornstein Award (formerly the Leo Marriott Hotel/Burlington on August 24-27 was provided by the New Leviathan Oriental Ornstein Literary Award) was presented to and hosted by the Boston Area Chapter. Ron Fox-Trot Orchestra in a show and dance Art Reblitz. The Pumper Contest was won Connor continued as President. Dorothy featuring music from New Orleans’ Tin Pan by Eric Bernhoft. Bromage received the President’s Award. Alley days. Some highlights of this Convention were

82 continued. . . a presentation, “Automata Imaginary or Highlights of the London stay included Sawmill Creek Resort, hosted by the Real,” by Mary Lilien; riding the merry-go- a tour of London; a Pianola Dinner Cruise Midwest Chapter. There were 175 round at Griffith Park; and attending the on the River Thames; a visit to the Dulwich registered. The International AMICA Hollywood Bowl for some Russian music College campus; and a Pianola Prom held Award was given to Mike Barnhart; the and fireworks. The entertainment following in the South Bank Centre. Two double- Leo Ornstein Award to Dave Saul, and the the banquest was English comedy magician decker coaches took Conventioneers to President’s Award to Ron Connor. Mike Nick Lewin. Harwich Ferry Terminal where the coaches Walter was awarded “The Footsie” as The table favor was an 8” high replica were loaded onto the ship for an overnight winner of the Pumper Contest. of the Seeburg KT Special with a miniature crossing to Holland. Conventioneers were bused to the Cedar tape player playing Scott Joplin’s “The Disembarking at Hook of Holland, all Point Amusement Park for a fun day on Entertainer” (recorded from an actual KT boarded the coaches for Oisterwijk where rides and other attractions and to Sandusky Special nickelodeon) while the simulated they had accommodations at four different for a tour of the Merry-Go-Round Museum, stained glass lit up. This was the brain child hotels. The annual meeting was held at the housed in the former 1927 Sandusky Post of Ben Lilien. There were no souvenir music Hotel De Rosep. Highlights of the Holland Office, and then for an organ concert by rolls. stay included a stop in Amsterdam with Dwight Thomas in the 1870 sanctuary of 1994-In 1994 the AMICA International lunch on a canal boat; a visit to the National “Old First” Presbyterian Church. Thursday Convention was held in Seattle, Washington, Museum von Speelklok tot Pierement in evening’s entertainment was Canadian on June 29-July 3, at the Doubletree Suites Utrecht; and a Street Organ Fair in Oirschot. Pianist John Arpin. Entertainment after the Hotel and hosted by the Pacific Can-Am Conventioneers returned to Harwich, banquet was a concert by William Bolcom Chapter. There were 133 registrants. Maury England, to stay longer or go to the airport. and his wife Joan Morris. Willyard was elected President. The The table favor was a miniature This year’s table favor was a crystal President’s Award went to Sally and Dale double-decker London bus with “AMICA and gold carousel horse mounted on a Lawrence; the International AMICA Award London 95” on the side. The official base gilded by Liz Barnhart. The QRS was presented to Mary and Ben Lilien; and convention music piano roll was from souvenir piano roll: “Country Club the Leo Ornstein Award went to Richard Perforetur: “AMICAns Ahoy!” Ye Olde Ragtime,” two-step by Scott Joplin, a live Howe. At the Pumper Contest Robin Pratt Conventione rolls; lyrics by William performance by William Bolcom. won “The Footsie.” Shakespeare; music by HM King Henry 1998-This year found members A highlight of the Convention was a boat VIII; “You’d Better Believe It!,” arranged traveling to Niagara Falls, Canada, for trip to Tillicum Village on Blake Island State by Rex Lawson. (Made in Great Britain) the next AMICA Convention, held on Park where Conventioneers enjoyed a dinner 1996-The 1996 AMICA Annual July 8-12 at the Skyline Brock Hotel and of fresh salmon grilled over alder wood Convention was held in St. Louis, Missouri, hosted by the SOWNY Chapter. 220 were fires. Dinner was followed by a program of on June 26-30, at the Regal Riverfront registered. Linda Bird was re-elected for a Indian dances from several Northwest Coast Hotel, co-hosted by the Heart of America second-term as President. The Southern Indian tribes. The Saturday’s luncheon was and Gateway Chapters. There were 228 Skies became the 14th chapter to receive a unique. Everyone received a reusable bib registered. Linda Bird was elected President. charter. The International AMICA Award apron, made of lightweight canvas, with the The International AMICA Award was was presented to Liz Barnhart; the Leo Convention logo in green and containing presented to J. B. Nethercutt; the Leo Ornstein Award to Robin Pratt; and the lunch in the three pockets. Following the Ornstein Award to Marion and Harvey President’s Award to Terry Smythe. Julian banquet, entertainment and dancing was Roehl, and the President’s Award to Fay and Dryer of England won the Pumper Contest. provided by the Cornucopia Concert Band. Clark Cressman. The Pumper Contest Highlights of the Convention included, The table favor was a 12-ounce cocktail was won by Shawn Fox who received “The on the US side: a tour of the Herschell- glass with Seattle, the AMICA logo, and Footsie.” Spellman Carousel Museum; a tour of the 1994 engraved on the side. The QRS Highlights of this Convention included Rivera Theatre in North Tonawanda; a tour souvenir piano roll was: 1) “Rain” (from tours to Joplin House/Missouri Botanical of the QRS Music Roll Factory; and a visit #9628) played by Scott and Watters; 2) Gardens and the Fox Theater/Anhauser- to the Darwin Martin House designed by “Seattle,” played by Rudy Martin; 3) “Ferry Busch Brewery; a Monkey Organ Rally at Frank Lloyd Wright. On the Canadian side, Boat Serenade” (from #7271) played by J. the Union Station; and a Band Organ Rally double-decker buses took members to the Lawrence Cook. at Laclede’s Landing. Conventioneers Butterfly Conservatory and Niagara-on-the- 1995-For the first time, the AMICA attended the Rosebud Ball Banquet dressed Lake. (And, of course, the Falls!) Entertain- International Annual Convention was held in in ragtime styles. Entertainment following ment following the banquet was provided two different countries: London, England the banquet was provided by Friends by Max Morath performing his Ragtime and Oisterwijk, Holland, on August 5-13, of Scott Joplin House, the Children’s program. 1995. Conventioneers flew from Australia, Performing Arts Academy, and the St. Louis The table favor was a butterfly Canada, and the USA to joint their English Ragtimers. embedded in a crystal polymer AMICAns at the Tower Thistle Hotel. There The table favor was a ceramic paperweight. All members also received were 150 registered. The International reproduction of a band organ that can be a personalized luggage tag. The QRS AMICA Award went to Jasper and Marion mounted on a small stand made from old souvenir piano roll: 1) “A Trip to Niagara;” Sanfilippo; the Leo Ornstein Award to Bob organ pipes. There were no souvenir music 2) “Over the Rainbow/Shuffle Off to and Ginny Billings; and the President’s rolls given this year. Buffalo.” Award to Janet Tonnesen. Earl Scheeler 1997-In 1997 AMICAns traveled to 1999-The 1999 AMICA Convention received “The Footsie” for first prize in the Sandusky and Huron, Ohio, for the next was held on August 12-15 at the Westin- Pumper Contest. Convention, held on June 11-15 at the Waltham Hotel in Waltham, Massachusetts,

83 continued. . . hosted by the Boston Area Chapter. There Convention was held on June 22-25 at the gauge antique steam train through typical were 163 registered. The International Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza in Sacramento, Australian bushland and to Melba Hall— AMICA Award was presented to Richard California; co-hosted by the Founding and named after Australian Soprano Dame Nellie Reutlinger; the Leo Ornstein Award to the Sierra-Nevada Chapters. There were 195 Melba—for an evening of musical entertain- Jeffery Morgan; and the President’s Award registered members and guests. Dan Brown ment. Another outstanding highlight was a to Frank and Shirley Nix. Karl Ellison won was elected president. The International 5-course meal served aboard 3 Colonial the Pumper Contest. AMICA Award was presented to Richard Tramcar Restaurants—operated at night on Some highlights of the Convention and Janet Tonnesen; the Leo Ornstein Award the electric tramway—while traveling the included a trip into Boston to visit the was given to Denis Hall; and the President’s streets of Melbourne! Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall area; a Award to Lawrence and Margaret Frazer. Several conventioneers took an optional trolley tour to see historic sites; to Boston Julian Dyer received “The Footsie” as win- tour to the Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife University to hear the John R. Silber ner of the Pumper Contest. Sanctuary to see and have their pictures Symphonic Organ in Metcalf Hall; and a Highlights of the Convention included taken with “Beau”—The Quantas Airline’s visit to the Old North Bridge in Concord a short walk—7 blocks—from the hotel famous Koala. (Koalas are marsupials NOT and the Lexington Green in Lexington. to “Old Sacramento” for a tour of the bears.) Conventioneers were treated to dinner and California State Railroad Museum; a Following the Welcome Dinner, dancing aboard the catamaran “Freedom” Ragtime dinner with Entertainment by entertainment consisted of a tribute to while cruising Boston Harbor. Following the America’s Top Ragtime Pianist, Richard Australian silent cinema. banquet, entertainment was a performance Zimmerman; and a bus trip to the Towe The table favor was a hand-carved by Stan McDonald’s Blue Horizon Jazz Auto Museum for a BBQ Luncheon while likeness of a koala from Australian timber. Band playing Dixieland-style music. listening to a concert on their Mighty Attached to the front was an oval metal disk The table favor was a ceramic 2-cup tea Wurlitzer Theater Organ, then off to Historic engraved: “AMICA 2001 Australia.” The pot, with the logo “AMICA Boston 1999,” Sutter Creek, California. Following the souvenir music roll was from Mastertouch on a wooden trivet that plays “Tea for Two.” Saturday night banquet, entertainment and Roll Co., Sydney Australia: 1) “Happy Days The QRS souvenir piano roll: 1) “Round the music for dancing was provided by the San Are Here Again”; 2) “Shepherd’s Hey”; Town” (Arden), played by Arden and Francisco Starlight Orchestra. 3) “Waltzing Matilda”; 4) “Let’s Take a Lambert (from original Ampico 56303-d; 2) The table favor was a replica of a 1900- Trip to Melbourne”; 5) “I Still Call “Tea for Two” (Youmans), played by J. 1920 steam engine—American 4-4-0. Australia Home”. Some conventioneers Lawrence Cook (from late QRS 2894); 3) There were two engines: one in red and flew on to Sydney, Australia, and to New “Old Ironsides” (Reisenfeld), played by black with brass trim and one in blue and Zealand prior to their returning home. Addison and Leith (from Duo-Art 713403). black with silver trim. On the roof of the 2002-The 2002 AMICA Annual cabs was a white label with the printing in Acknowledgments Convention was held in Springdale, black: “AMICA 2000 Sacramento.” The I wish to express my gratitude to the Arkansas, on June 26-30 at the Holiday Inn official Convention souvenir piano roll following AMICAns who made it possible Convention Center; hosted by the Heart of from 2000 was by the American Ragtime to write this article: Liz Barnhart, Dorothy America Chapter. There were 166 registered Company—arranged and played by Richard Bromage, Bea Carnes, Ron Connor, Fay members and guests. Dan Brown was Zimmerman: 1) “World’s Fair Rag” Cressman, Dick Drewniak, Allan Jayne, Jr., reelected for a second term as President. (Harvey Babcock—1912); 2) “Whoa!” Lee Lanier, Mary Lilien, Bill Mintz, Lloyd The International AMICA Award was (Nellie-George Gould—1915); 3) “The Osmundson, Dick Reutlinger, Richard Rigg, presented to Richard and Janet Tonnesen; Meadowlark Rag” (Rom Pitts—1916); 4) Dave Saul, Janet Tonnesen, and Alf Werolin. the Leo Ornstein Award to Robert and “You Are the Cause of It All” (Sidney Carter A special thanks to Jo Crawford for Ginny Billings; and the President’s Award and Tom Pitts—1916); 5) “The Riveter’s reading, correcting, and typing the draft text to Bill Knorp. Roger Stumfoll won the Rag” (Richard Coburn and Vincent Rose— and to Shirley Nix for taking photographs of Pumper Contest. 1916); 6) “Polar Bear Rag” (George P. all table favors. A highlight of the Convention was a bus Howard—1910); 7) “Sacramento” (Andrew trip to the historic Crescent Hotel—built in List of References B. Sterling and Harry Von Tilzer—1907). 1886—for lunch in Eureka Springs, 1. Article by Ron Bopp—A Brief History 2001-The 2001 AMICA International Arkansas—a Victorian village. Attendees of MBSI Table Favors Convention was held on February 18-25 at were told about the history of the hotel and 2. AMICA Annual Awards the Hilton on the Park Hotel in Melbourne, its ghosts. Entertainment following the 3. Past Presidents and Convention Sites Australia; hosted by John and Jan Ham. Saturday night banquet was provided by the 4. Chapters This is the 3rd Convention to be held outside Jack Mitchell Band. 5. Liz Barnhart’s convention roll list the Continental U.S.A. Conventioneers flew The table favor was a wooden 6. Liz Barnhart’s souvenir list from Canada, England, and the U.S.A. to outhouse—a 2-holer—with lids that go up 7. Fay Cressman’s souvenir list join their Australian AMICAns. There were and down when the door is opened, with 8. AMICA table favor list and convention 119 registered. The International AMICA musical movement that plays “Putting on cities and the Leo Ornstein Awards were not the Ritz.” The “toilet paper” is a piano music presented this year. Robert Rosencrans roll. Attached to the inside of the door is a UPDATE received the President’s Award. The Pumper top hat and cane. On the outside of the door This is an update to the above title article Contest “Footsie” award was won by Mike is a cutout of the “Heart of America” logo. published in the March/April 2000, Volume Walter. Above the cutout is printed: “Heart of 37, Number 2 of the AMICA Bulletin. Highlights of the Melbourne stay America AMICA 2002.” This very unusual included a trip on “Puffing Billy,” a narrow- favor was developed and made by Yousef 2000-The 2000 AMICA Annual

84 continued. . . and Mary Wilson. There were no music rolls twin-console Wurlitzer Organs which were Grabbers” starring Stan Laurel and Oliver given this year. installed in 1930—for “An Afternoon of Hardy, with accompaniment by resident 2003-The 2003 AMICA Convention Music” with Patti Simon on one of the organist Karl Eilers; followed by a was held in Portland, Oregon, on August 20- twin-console and Dick Kroechell performance of Miss Jane’s Parlor by Jane 24, at the Doubletree Hotel Portland— on the BLÜTHER Grand Piano. After Ramanos accompanied by Bob Berkman Downtown; hosted by the Pacific CAN-AM Intermission both organs rose from the pit on his 88-note pianola push-up; a tour Chapter. There were 183 registered members with each artist playing on one of them. of the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting; and guests. Dan Brown was president. The Some conventioneers took an optional a ride on the 1914 historic Cafesjian International AMICA Award was presented bus trip to the Victorian village of Carousel and tour of the conservatory to Ray and Nancy Kietz; the Leo Ornstein Georgetown (elevation 8,519 feet)—the at Como Park in St. Paul; a tour of the Award to Ron Bopp; and the President’s “Silver Queen of the Rockies”—to ride Jackson Street Roundhouse (train) Museum; Award to Robin Pratt. Karl Ellison won the the Georgetown Loop Railroad, a narrow- a Scandinavian smorgasbord buffet dinner Pumper Contest. gauge train pulled by an authentic 1920 and a tour of the James J. Hill house (Short Highlights of the Convention were a steam-powered locomotive. The trip went up concerts were given by Ed Copeland, Halie day-long 180-mile scenic tour of the a narrow mountain ledge following a 4.5 Dodrill, Dick Kroeckel and Alex Thompson Columbia River Gorge on the historic mile track 600 feet above Georgetown, on the open George Hutchings pipe organ); Columbia River Highway; a piano concert crossing over the famous 100-foot high then a very short walk (next door) to the by Nathan Bello; and a concert by Jonas Devil’s Gate Bridge, then off to Silver Louis W. Hill (son of James J. Hill) home— Nordwall on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Plume—a Victorian mining town—for an now the residence of AMICA members Dick Organ located in the Oaks Park Roller authentic miners lunch served in the 120 and Nancy Nicholson—for a concert by Skating Rink building. Entertainment year-old town hall, and then returning to Phillip Baird on a 1914 3 manual, 38 rank, following the banquet was provided by the Georgetown for sightseeing and a visit to Aeolian residence pipe organ and David Dick Saunders Orchestra. Central City—“the richest square mile on Mertesdorf on the Steinway grand piano; The table favor was a beige-colored Earth”—with casinos. Guided tours of the followed by dessert on the balcony with a coffee mug, with a large dark brown square 1878 Central City Opera House were view of fireworks across the river. on each side (“AMICA 2003” in beige at the available. Operas are performed each Some conventioneers took an optional top and “PORTLAND” at the bottom of summer. sightseeing bus tour of Minneapolis and St. each square). Filling the mug with hot liquid The Saturday night banquet was held Paul with a stop at the Cathedral of Saint causes the squares to disappear and the in the Pinnacle’s Club Crystal Dining Room Paul. convention logo to appear: the word on the 38th floor of the Quest Town Build- Entertainment following the Saturday “Portland” (the letter “P” as a piano ing—a short walk from the hotel. Following night banquet was provided by Jerry keyboard and the letter “L” as a piano roll) the banquet, entertainment and music were O’Hagen’s 13-piece Orchestra with vocalist and a pink rose with 3 buds and green leaves provided by the Queen City Jazz Band. Charmin Michelle. to the right of the word “Portland” with There were no table favors given this The table favors were unique and “AMICA 2003” underneath. The official year. The QRS souvenir music roll was given over the course of the Convention. 1 souvenir piano roll was from Precision played by Dick Kroeckel: 1) “Denver” There were four: a 5 ⁄2 oz. Container of Music Rolls: “Rose City Rag” written and (Cherrybell Music Co.), 2) “Colorado” (Up Minnesota-grown wild rice complete with performed by Nathan Bello at the AMICA with People, Inc.). recipes; and from the Watkins Company: a 2003 Portland, Oregon Convention. 2005- The 2005 AMICA Convention 2 oz. bottle of pure vanilla extract; and a 6 oz. can each of cinnamon and of black -The 2004 AMICA Convention was was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on 2004 pepper with a black and white label: in the held in Denver, Colorado, on August 4-8 at June 29-July 3 at the Minneapolis Marriott center a picture of the Foshay Tower with the Holiday Inn Denver Downtown; hosted City Center; hosted by the Northern Lights the name below it; at the top is “AMICA,” by the Rocky Mountain Chapter. (At the Chapter. There were 142 registered members on the left side “June 29” with the numeral 1989 AMICA Board Meeting, the Rocky and guests. Mike Walter was president. 0, on the right side “July 3” with the Mountain Chapter was placed on inactive The International AMICA Award was numeral 5, at the bottom “Minneapolis, status at the request of Larry Kerecman, represented to Kurt Morrison and Ron Babb; MN.” their president. The Chapter was reactivated the Leo Ornstein Award to Art Reblitz; and The QRS souvenir music roll included: at this convention.) There were 172 the President’s Award to Yousuf Wilson. 1) “Minnesota Moon” (orig. QRS Roll registered members and guests. Mike Walter Alex Thompson won the Pumper Contest. No. 2627), played by Scott and Watters; was elected President. The International Highlights of the Convention included: a 2) “Foshay Tower—Washington Memorial AMICA Award was presented to Linda and short walk from the hotel to the Foshay March”, arranged by John W. Miller. Galen Bird; the Leo Ornstein Award to Mike Tower—taking the elevator to the 30th floor Barnhart; and the President’s Award to Keith then climbing up one flight of stairs to the Acknowledgments Bigger. Roger Stumfoll received “The observation deck for a panoramic view of I wish to thank the following AMICAns Footsie” as winner of the Pumper Contest. the city; riding a restored 1954 G.M. City for their input: Some highlights of the Convention: buses bus #1399 from the Tower to the Mill City Mary Jo Bopp took conventioneers to Colorado Springs for Museum (the limestone ruins of the Fran Willyard a tour through the “Garden of the Gods,” Washburn A Mill—a flour milling A special thanks to Jo Crawford for returning that evening for an authentic chuck company); a bus trip to the historic Heights making this update ready for publication and wagon supper at Four Mile Historic Park; a Theatre in Columbia Heights for an organ to Shirley Nix for taking the photographs. short walk from the hotel to the Historic concert on their WCCO Radio Wurlitzer Paramount Theatre—that still has its original Pipe Organ and a silent movie, “Bacon

85 Submitted by John Motto-Ros HE “ALTRE NOTE1” FESTIVAL T IN LECCO From L’antico Organetto - August 2005 Translated by Anthony Tamburro

It all began almost artistic angle of two years ago when, the event: from the out of my love for positioning of the art, I found myself barrel organs to helping my sister preparing the make-up Caterina in decorating of the clowns; from the horse carousel that the first puff of the was established in steam organ to the 2004 in Lecco. During long processions the same year, I was of people dressed in asked to participate in costume parading my first festival of around the busy streets Mechanical Music of Lecco. And the and, to my surprise, all melodies that mixed those barrel organs with the amazed faces (both large and small) of children and that were being played the smiling faces of by people dressed in costumes people who were asking themselves catapulted me back in time by almost how such beautiful notes could a century… emanate from wooden boxes… For me, this was a unique Two new performances were experience and it made me really introduced to the numerous people appreciate all those things that that had gathered for the event: the smack of the past, and in particular, puppet theatre and the clowns. These those fascinating mechanisms born were introduced with the specific of human ingenuity for the purpose aim of demonstrating the diverse of entertaining the bourgeoisie aspects of mechanical music to the and providing a living for the less younger people in the crowds. The affluent. The things that struck me public, in turn, clapped with a great the most that year was the closeness deal of enthusiasm. of the whole AMMI Group…I was The horse carousel was always their latest member but they drew me crowded with children ready for into their fold quickly and happily: another go and the puppet theatre I could define AMMI as a large was always packed with children family, where everyone knows one whose wide eyes would suddenly another and can enjoy themselves light up with the most joyous freely with the others. laughter. Further success was I fondly remember the 2005 enjoyed by certain components of Festival of Lecco. I remember my the A. Bonci choir from Cesena in desire to accomplish something, the ‘Musical Theatre of the Piazza’, to invent new situations and my where the spectators, listening to wish for the group to be together pieces and songs from operas and and collaborate for a new operettas, could have imagined performance. During this particular themselves, for just a moment, as Festival, as during the last, I was sitting in the aristocratic living entrusted with video-documenting rooms of the 19th Century. the Festival and this gave me the All those that took part deserve opportunity to see every side and a special mention: with the sound

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of their own particular instrument, to every question their song, their costume or just their that was asked, while smile, they gave a touch of elegance and infusing everything originality to the proceedings that with their own enchanted the thousands of spectators and particular qualities. made the Festival a huge success. Personally, I am I think that the success of the event, the of the opinion that interest and gratitude shown by the many history and culture people present are ample rewards for our can be studied and efforts. How can one forget the ‘Technical loved thanks to these Corner’ of the 2005 edition, another newly types of events, since introduced aspect? If one appreciates the it becomes more ingenuity and sounds of barrel organs, one immediate and easier would surely want to discover the to remember, and way that they are constructed and the hence enjoyable. I The experience of the Festival of Lecco components used within? would like to thank all the people takes place every year. It is unique and The only people really capable of that have helped me to become a part inimitable and I would like to invite all answering these questions were: of this ‘universe’: the entire AMMI those that have never been to take part Dino Gianotto, master restorer; Marco Group, my sister Caterina and, in next time. Gianotto, event organizer and Cristian particular, the president Franco Severi, Casse, genius builder and tuner. Thanks who can almost be defined a ‘living to their professionalism and knowledge, barrel organ!’ 1 Translated literally as ‘other notes’ they were able to exhaustively respond

Submitted by John Motto-Ros HE SALZBURG BULL BARREL ORGAN T AND THE MECHANICAL THEATRE OF HELLBRUNN PARK From L’antico Organetto - August 2005 Translated by Anthony Tamburro

ST party: the huge ancient barrel organ repairer (Salomon), the restoration 1 PART that dominates the city from the heights laboratory of the Van Speelklok tot by Philippe Rouillè of the Hohensalzburg Fortress was Pierement national museum in Utrecht completely restored and put back into (Holland) courtesy of Dr. J.J. Haspels On Saturday October 26th, 2002, working order. and diverse musicology experts. Austria’s national holiday, the city of This restoration was the result of Approximately one hundred people Salzburg (Austria) was in the mood for a collaboration between an Austrian organ had helped to move the organ and they

87 continued. . .

person sent It should be remembered that a to officially Canadian restorer of musical instruments represent our from Ontario (but with Alsacian roots) association, fell in love with the Salzburg Bull and and this was has created a superb web-site that were received with speeches, toasts, duly mentioning in the opening speech. contains numerous articles and images aperitifs, demonstrations and an excellent It is a real shame that the Austrian of the organ, its restoration and meal—without accounting for the authorities responsible for national inauguration: www.salzstier.com thousands of visitors that made the monuments refused to enlarge the I took advantage of my stay in journey on the day to visit the fortress windows (as was the case in the Salzburg and decided to visit the castle in order to see the ‘guts’ of the famous 18th Century) since the sound of the and Hellbrunn Park, several kilometers bull. organ does not propagate very well: outside the center of the city. The Austrians, Germans, Belgians, Dutch from the city below, it is easy to hear park owes its fame to the fantastic and Canadians were all present, the low roar of the bull, but the melody Wasserspiele, or trick fountains and the but oddly enough, no Americans or of the organ is barely audible. mechanical theatre (guided visits only, English visitors. I was the only French On the contrary, everything changes between April 1st and October 31st). when you are on the recessed balcony These trick fountains and the mechanical and the larger barrels emanate a theatre hidden in the grottos (from flocks quite superb sound (these were restored of birds to organ music) became by J.J. Haspels). extremely popular during the Renaissance An electrical blowing apparatus and survived until the 18th Century. These feeds the bull, but the manual blowing can also be found in some Italian and apparatus was also restored. This is German castles, in Versailles and Saint found on the upper level and consists Germain en Laye. of 5 large blowing apparatuses that Thanks to the nearby rock-salt mines, are operated with the feet. An Salzburg (Salz=salt, burg=city) became interesting, well-illustrated 74-page extremely rich and powerful. Its report has been published on the archbishop, Markus Sitticus, ordered the restoration of the organ by the construction of Hellbrunn Park between administration of the fortress. This is, 1613 and 1619. This comprised a summer however, no longer available. residence, a park, a zoo, an open-air

88 continued. . . theatre, diverse grottos and buildings Salzburg, located in the middle of dotted with surprise spurts of water that a touristy region and close to the are fed by the waters descending from mountains, is a fascinating city. A visit the nearby hills. here would require many days to see As regards the various surprises, the everything. guided tour will allow you to admire, The old part of the city is for amongst other things: pedestrians only and has beautiful • The open-air stone dining room, with architecture spurts of water that emanate from the There are signs of Mozart (who was various perforated chairs, to the born here) everywhere, even on the lids confusion of the attending banqueters. of tins of chocolate. • A grotto whose roof threatens to cave Music lovers can attend numerous in on you (in order to scare you!) concerts: in churches (the masses are • Another part of the same grotto sees as sumptuous as the large organs), a small aquatic operating machine in halls and restaurants, without that controls bird songs. These are accounting for the innumerable bells apparently generated by a small tolling during hydraulic organ with 12 barrels, 2 the day. The of which are for the cuckoo. Neue Residenz • Upon exiting these grottos, the visitors tower has 35 are surprised by spurts of water that bells with one of come from the ground or from the the largest ever noses of two deer heads that are hung known (2.5m in on the outside walls (the guide, very diameter). discreetly, commands these spurts…) Numerous museums: The tour then passes in front of 5 among these, exquisite animated scenes that are hidden the Residenz in the lush greenery: a miller working Palace that con- away, a knife sharpener, a potter Apollo as tains two large he skins his adversary Marsia alive and astronomical Perseus as he liberates Andromeda (very watches dating sexy!) from the claws of a dragon. All from the 18th Century; an amazing these are operated by paddle propulsion. museum on baroque painting and another The key attraction is, however, a that showcases toys, dolls and old large mechanical theatre that animates musical instruments, among which two the life of an entire city. This was rare harpsichords with pedal boards, one constructed around the year 1750 by of which possesses an organ with wooden Lorenz Rosenegger: approx. 150 people, barrels and three registers. Other musical of which 100 are animated (thanks to a instruments can also be seen. hydraulic mechanism that, by means of Railway lovers can admire the diverse gears also operates a large organ funicular that ascends to the fortress. that is located at the rear and is designed It is 110 years old and has been recently to hide the very mechanism that operates renovated. everything.) It is preferable to visit Salzburg during It is fascinating to watch the people the off-season, as summer can get really moving around the city to the majestic busy with tourists. sound of old choral music.

(This article originally appeared in edition 45 of the French AAIMM)

89 IN MEMORY

Sent in by John Ochs

in the hobby. The paper used for the rolls superintendent before returning to FRANK ADAMS was the best available. The perforations Washington State. on the piano rolls he sold were always He returned to school and received Frank Adams died on February 8, 2007 properly aligned and cleanly cut. a PhD in Education from the University in Arlington, WA at the age of 85. Frank knew everyone in the of Washington in 1959. During this Frank was a long-time piano and mechanical music hobby. He took period he also started the car dealership music roll collector and dealer. He delight in matching up the instrument which he successfully operated until first started collecting music rolls in or roll with just the right collector. the 1970s when he became interested in the 1960s. He had an aptitude for the He also enjoyed buying and selling player pianos. business end of the hobby and he clever musical novelties such as In 1960 Frank was a Democratic eventually graduated to buying and toy jukeboxes, dancing Coca-Cola cans, candidate for the position of State selling rolls, musical instruments, and musical animals. He especially Representative from the 45th District vintage , and jukeboxes liked to see the reactions of young of the State of Washington. He used as a full-time endeavor. children to his toys. to jokingly say that he “received a total Frank started auctioning reproducing Frank compiled and published six of five votes.” piano rolls in the late 1960s. Before long books which, when viewed as a set, Frank was a Lieutenant Colonel in he was reissuing piano rolls, piano sales provide a complete history of the the Washington State National Guard. literature, and player piano service jukebox. Each book features one or The Governor of Guam appointed him manuals. more manufacturers and compiles in a Major General in the Guam Territorial In the early 1970s he formed the chronological order advertisements Guard in 1986. He was also a lifetime Automated Music Roll Co. (later AMR from every jukebox sold by that member of the Seattle Yacht Club. Publishing). Although AMR continued manufacturer. Frank is survived by daughter Karen to produce piano rolls, in the 1980s the Frank was born in Tacoma, WA. He Adams of Everett, WA; daughter Nancy company expanded its publishing to moved to Bellingham at a young age Neil and son-in-law Rick Neil of include reprints of radio, phonograph, and where he was raised by an aunt. He Fredericksburg, VA; and granddaughter jukebox service manuals. AMR became enlisted in the army, but was discharged Andrea Neil and her fiancé Drew Monica the ultimate resource to collectors, when discovered to be underage. He then of Maryland. hobbyists, and service technicians of joined the Coast Guard where he served The family suggests memorials to vintage radios and jukeboxes as well during World War II. the Harborview Medical Center. For as reproducing pianos. After the war he received an information about the center: Frank took great pride in producing a undergraduate degree from Western http://www.uwmedicine.org/Facilities/ high quality product. His service manuals Washington State College. After Harborview/. For information about were printed on enamel stock paper and graduation he worked for a while donations:http://depts.washington.edu/ the covers were laminated. His piano roll as a teacher. He moved to Alaska meddev/giving-opportunities/index.php. boxes and flanges are the most durable where he served as a district school

90 Submitted by Mike Kukral AST AMERICAN TO REMEMBER L TITANIC SINKING DIES Sunday May 7, 2006

BOSTON (Reuters)-The last American disaster, one of the worst peacetime were cuddling close to one another and to remember seeing hundreds of fellow maritime accidents. trying to keep from under the feet of passengers drown in the icy North Atlantic The funeral home spokesman said she the many excited people…,” Asplund’s when the Titanic sank 94 years ago has instructed relatives to keep quiet about mother told the Worcester Telegram & died at age 99, a funeral home spokesman what she saw and even asked that the Gazette in an interview decades ago. said on Sunday. disaster not be mentioned in her obituary. “My little girl, Lillie, accompanied me, Lillian Gertrud Asplund was returning The two last Titanic survivors are said and my husband said ‘Go ahead, we will home to the United States from Sweden to be living in England but both women get into one of the other boats.’ He smiled with her parents and four brothers when were infants when they were rescued and as he said it.” the ship, believed to be “unsinkable,” have no memories of that disastrous night, Asplund’s mother, younger brother and struck an iceberg on April 12, 1912. A Titanic experts say. uncle returned to the United States five U.S. Senate report said 1,523 people were Asplund lost more than half her family days after the titanic sank, the newspaper killed. in the accident when her father and three reported at the time. Asplund died at home, a spokesman for brothers stayed behind as crewmen rushed Asplund never married, worked as a the Nordgren Memorial chapel, in the young girl, her younger brother and clerk at an insurance company and spent Worcester, Massachusetts confirmed. their mother into a lifeboat. her life caring for her mother, reported the A lifetime resident of Massachusetts, “We went to the upper deck. I could Worcester Telegram & Gazette, which Asplund was an intensely private person see the icebergs for a great distance republished her mother’s recollection of who shunned all publicity surrounding the around…It was cold and the little ones the disaster on Sunday. NEW PIANO ROLLS & RECUTS

New from David Caldwell 400 Lincoln Lake Ave., N.E. Lowell, MI 49331 ¥ Phone (616) 897-5609 ¥ [email protected]

AMPICO NEW RECUTS 217051 Three Little Fishes. P/B Liberace. Big band number from WW2…Liberace uses his wizard fingers to bring back those days. “Down In The Meddy, By An Iddy Biddy Poo, Fam Fee Iddy Fiddy And A Mommy Fiddy Foo”. $12.00 30211B The Impossible Dream. Sam Fox P/B Liberace…from “The Man Of La Mancha”…Beautiful arrangement of another unforgettable Show-stopper from Broadway. $14.00 30151 Sweet Georgia Brown. Berine/Pinkard/Casey. P/B Lee Sims…Sims, married to Ilomay Bailey, was a tone picture pianist, was all the rage with the upper crust set. His Ampico recording represent some of the outstanding examples of the Reproducing Piano. $12.00 40071B Fiddle Faddle. (Leroy Anderson, composer of Sleigh Ride) Coding by Bill Flynt for Ampico. P/B Bill Flynt… This is a Tour de Force Violinist Arrangement from Arthur Fielers, “Fiddlers On The Roof” arrangement for the Ampico. Long unavailable, A real showpiece! $14.00 205831 Alabamy Bound, 1925. Henderson. P/B Lopez. The “drive” in this roll imitates the locomotives heading south! A truly outstanding arrangement of another song that has become a standard of today! $12.00 40011B Fiddler On The Roof. Bock-Harnick. Arranged by Bill Flynt..(1) Sunrise, Sunset; (2) Fiddler On The Roof; (3) Matchmaker. (P/B Bock) From the hugely successful Broadway show, medley of songs known worldwide. $14.00

91 continued. . . PLEASE VISIT THESE SUPPLIERS OF RECUT ROLLS

Rob Deland: Blues Tone Rolls Magic Melodies & Keystone www.bluesrolls.com 360 Lawless Road, Jamestown, KY 42629 [email protected] Phone: (270) 343-2061 Phone: (847) 548-6416

David Saul: Precision Music Rolls Bob & Ginny Billings: Rock Soup 1043 Eastside Road, El Cajon, CA 92020-1414 14010 Rim Rock Drive, Reno, NV 89521 [email protected] [email protected] Phone: (775) 853-4659 Joyce Brite: Player Piano & Musical Music Exchange http://mmd.foxtail.com/Exchange/ Leedy Brothers Music Rolls http://mmd.foxtail.com/Exchange/rollpage.htm 4660 Hagar Shore Road, Coloma, MI 49038 www.leedyrolls.com Phone: (269) 468-5986 Tim Baxter: Meliora Music Rolls Fax: (269) 468-0019 www.members.aol.com/meliorarol/index.htm [email protected]

Larry Norman: Rollertunes www.home.earthlink.net/~rollertunes Scott Boelman: Lazy Dog Piano Rolls [email protected] www.lazydogpianorolls.com Phone: (540) 721-7188 [email protected] One Olive Street, Ladera Ranch, CA 92694 Phone: (949) 218-0108 Don Teach: Shreveport Music Co. 1815 E. 70th Street, Shreveport, LA 71105 [email protected] David Caldwell Phone: (318) 798-6000 400 Lincoln Lake Ave., N.E., Lowell, MI 49331 Fax: (318) 797-4572 Phone: (616) 897-5609 DavidWFrom [email protected]

Robin Pratt: Artist’s Choice Music Rolls www.wiscasset.net/artcraft/pratt.htm Dick Hack: Hack Mechanical Music [email protected] 2051 Chesapeake Road, Annapolis, MD 21409 Phone: (419) 626-1903 [email protected] 516 Pierce Street, Sandusky, OH 44870-4725 (410) 279-5859 Cell Days (410) 757-2164 Home Evenings

Steve Bentley: Playrite Music Rolls 1536 N. Palm St., Turlock, CA 95380 U.S.A. Frank L. Himpsl: Valley Forge Music Roll Company Phone/Voice: (209) 632-5784 604 Linnet Road, Audubon, PA 19403 Fax: (209) 667-8241 (484)-250-7046 roll shop (610)-291-1841 my cell http://www.valleyforgemusicroll.com QRS Music Technologies, Inc. 1026 Niagara Street, Buffalo, NY 14213 Phone: 1-800-247-6557 Kukral Collection: Welte-Mignon and 88-Note Rolls Fax: 1-716-885-7510 216 Madison Blvd., Terre Haute, IN 47803 www.qrsmusic.com Phone: (812) 238-9656 [email protected]

92 MAP of the AMICA Chapters

LOCATION OF CHAPTERS KEY Lady Liberty S.O.W.N.Y. Gateway Heart of America Rocky Mountain Texas Southern California Sierra Nevada Pacific Can-Am Northern Lights Midwest Boston Chicago Founding

Currently the rest of the states do not have an AMICA Chapter 93 the group to some wonderful piano music – most notably James P. Johnson’s Snowy Morning Blues. It’s fun to note the use of the new technology as a means of preserving the old technology and, more importantly, News the old art. All of us agree that some of the old musical arrangements are irreplaceable and we look forward to preserving this wonderful old vintage music. It was a From day filled with music, food and fun. We’re looking forward to the next meeting in April. The Chapters

In the foreground is Bonnie Gonzalez playing the 1926 Weber Duo-Art with Lewis Motisher playing the C-3 and ragtime expert and festival performer Tom Brier playing the U-1 . The tune is a six hand arrangement of Georgia Grind.

FOUNDING CHAPTER Reporter: Bonnie & Bob Gonzalez President: John Ulrich (510) 223-9587

February 11, 2007 Those attending the February 11 AMICA meeting at Bob Gonzalez’s house were greeted with the sounds of piano music on the Yamaha Disclavier. Some of the music was captured live as the musician played it and some was played from scanned paper piano rolls. Scanning piano rolls is proving to be a marvelous way to preserve some of treasured, but extremely fragile, piano rolls. Julie Porter Mike Lipskin is playing Snowy Morning Blues on the C-3. Seated came to the meeting with her scanner, which she demonstrat- are Phyllis McCoy, Richard Reutlinger and ragtime performer ed for interested attendees. Bob Gonzalez cranked up his Nan Bostick. Standing is Warren Jennings, webmaster for the West Coast Ragtime Society. 1926 Weber Grand and played some vintage selections the old-fashioned way – by paper rolls. But paper and electronic music were not the only choices for the day. Tom Brier played several selections with no electronic aids – just used his own dexterous fingers. However, his piano styling is so heavily influenced by piano rolls that it is sometimes difficult to tell whether it’s Tom or one of his rolls playing. Nan Bostick played some great tunes for the attendees. She sat at the Yamaha disclavier and recorded The Meadow Lark Rag by Thomas Pitts, a medley of works by her Great-uncle Charles N. Daniels and her own wonderful composition That Missing You rag in remembrance of Phil McCoy, the husband of long-time AMICA member, Phyllis McCoy. And to prove that you never know what might happen at these meetings, renowned pianist Mike Lipskin dropped This is a roll scanner constructed and demonstrated by Julie Porter. Julie has developed a new USB interface for roll scanner to XP in to visit with the members, had a bite to eat and treated computer and has written technical articles in MMD recently. 94 LADY LIBERTY CHAPTER Reporter: Buzz Rosa President: Bill Maguire

photos by Vince Morgan and Buzz Rosa On Dec. 2nd, the Lady Liberty Chapter met at the fine Marvin Polan home of Marvin and Dianne Polan. New officers were demonstrates music boxes and Automata elected. They are: President-Bill Maguire, Vice President- to the AMICA John Dousmanis, Secretary-Bob Stuhmer and Treasurer- members and Maryam Morgan. Our board reps. continue to be Marvin and guest. Dianne Polan. During the business meeting “Coney Island” Todd Robbins reported on the recent sale of Astroland and possible new developments at Coney Island. The world “Coney Island” famous Cyclone roller coaster will be spared since it is Todd Robbins and Jerry Maler watch on city property. The Wonder Wheel may or may not as Marvin discusses survive. The Coney Island Museum, however has been the evolution of spared and will soon expand to two buildings. As the Edison recordings. new executive director of Coney Island, USA he reported that the next organ rally is scheduled for April 1, 2007. He wants to expand the rally to include the members of COAA and any other organization that would like to participate. Anyone who is interested please contact Todd at [email protected] or (212) 664-0456. Bob Stuhmer, our resident graphic designer presented the membership with several possible logo designs for our letterhead and official stationery and will return with final designs at the next meeting. Buzz Rosa presented the membership with a short video of a large Verbeek organ which resides in Cutchogue. A day trip out to the east end of Long Island to visit it was discussed. After the business meeting was ajourned a radio- controlled monkey head was seen biting Linda Hutter’s finger and then laughing. At least five people Dale Rowe, Vincent Morgan, Marsha Wentzell, Marvin plays his Edison phonograph Joe Hutter and Walter Kehoe gave mini concerts and mentions some on the Aeolian Orchestrelle. The Ampico piano unusual titles in his entertained us during dinner with “Chopsticks” cylinder collection. and other delightful numbers. The meeting ended with a wonderful rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus by Walter Kehoe on the Orchestrelle.

Walter Kehoe plays a music box from his collection and gives Lady Liberty members first chance to add it to their collection.

95 Bill Maguire plays a automatic mechanical violin that really works.

Janet Pares and Ken Kilfoil dance to the music of the Orchestral.

Walter expertly plays a roll on the Aeolian Orchestral.

Linda and Joe Hutter and Walter enjoy the meeting at the Polan home.

Jerry Maler, Walter Kehoe and Eugene Saboda discuss mechanical music and their collections.

John Dousmanis takes a turn on the Aeolian Orchestral. Walter Kehoe, Dave Palter and Janet Pares at the close of the meeting.

Janet Pares gives a friendly wave during the music.

96 Linda Hutter, Buzz Rosa watch as Dale Rowe operates the Hi-Tech Monkey .

A rare live performance on the Orchestral by Marsha Vince Morgan tries Wentzell (without a music roll!). his hand operating the radio-controlled monkey automaton.

Maryam Morgan is welcomed to Marsha Wentzell, Todd Robins, Keith Bigger and the meeting by John Dousmanis enjoy a fine meal. Dianne Polan.

Bill Maguire gives the monkey a audition as a Halloween Costume.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER Reporter: Larry Emmons President: Jere Debacker The modern automaton displays more expression December 2, 2006 than most of the members expected to see. Bill and Rosanna Harris hosted our Christmas party and chapter meeting in Denver, Colorado at the location of their collection of Orchestrions, Dance, Café and

97 Fairground Organs, and many other mechanical music instruments. The 30 or so attendees first enjoyed an abundance of holiday food and drink provided by the Harris’ and other members. The large display area easily accommodated the crowd. A business meeting followed. Art Reblitz gave a report on the successful completion of the (first) AMICA “adopt a piano” project. The Wurlitzer DX has been delivered back to a prominent place in the Nevada City, Montana Music Hall to await the crowds of visitors which will view and hear it next season. Art thanked all Judy Emmons, Don & Owanah Wick, of the chapter members that contributed to the project. It Marilyn and Bill Decker, Art Reblitz was tentatively planned to have a chapter meeting at a Wyoming location next spring which will be timed with the dedication of the DX in Montana. After the usual old and new business, treasurer’s report, etc. we held election of officers. Our newly elected Chapter President is Jere DeBacker; new Vice President is Ken Hodge; Louise Lucero and Fred Wilson continue as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. After the formalities we relaxed for an afternoon of music performed by the many instruments in the Harris Collection. Don and Ginger Hein, Dick Kroeckel, Art Durand, Ken Hodge, Steve McCormick

Jerry Hutt, Tom Zook, John Haass, Joe Saman, Jere DeBacker

Bill Harris, Ed and Karen Zimmerman and Barry Weiss admiring the Seeburg G.

Bob Grunow at the left rear with the Zimmerman family.

Dick Kroeckel, Don Wick, Bill and Marilyn Decker, Berry Weiss in front of the78 key Bursen Cafe Organ.

Fay and Wayne Irelan with Bill Harris.

98 Hosts Bill and Rosanna Harris

102-key Mortier Dance Organ, Built in Antwerp, Belgium, 1930. Tom Zook and Plays keyless roll music. This organ is 17’-6” tall. John Haass

Barry Weiss and Joe 80-key Mortier Dance Organ. Built in Antwerp in 1912. It is 28’ Saman smiling big time wide and 18’ tall, plays keyed . for the photographer!

Fred Wilson and Art Reblitz

88-key Koenigsberg, 1930, Antwerp, plays keyless roll music.

99 usual, quite original and well thought out. It’s amazing what imagination is shown when it comes to these gifts. You have to wonder where some of them are found. Everyone dressed up for the evening, and had a great time. There were over 120 people in attendance, and I think Dana was “unofficially” designated the annual December meeting provider for life. Of course, I don’t know if anyone asked Dana about that. Dana’s collection includes automata and some of the finest music boxes you will see anywhere, all restored to perfection. The house lends itself to use by a collector, and Dana certainly knows how to display his collectibles. We had a short meeting, and part of that meeting was the election of officers, with only one new nominee… Leslie Hoffman graciously accepted the nomination for Vice-President when she was asked, and was unanimously Barry Weiss, Bill Harris, Dick Kroeckel, Art Durand, John Haass voted into office. The rest of the officers are President discussing fine points of the Phillips Piano , , Jerry Pell, Treasurer Lloyd Osmundson, Secretary/Reporter Germany, 1924. Shirley Nix, and Frank Nix is still the Board Representative for the Chapter. It’s always easy to get unanimous approval for the nominees…I don’t know why that is???? No hard-fought battles for election here…no cries of voting irregularities or hanging chads here…the hard part is getting people to accept the nomination for office. Frank did give a short promotion for the Germany/Holland Convention coming up in July. He urged those interested in going to sign up as soon as the registrations came out, since we expect the trip to fill up fast. Lloyd Osmundson assures us that we are solvent, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER and maintaining our status. We are hard at it with work parties for the table favors Reporter: Shirley Nix for the ’08 Convention in Southern California. We have President: Jerry Pell - (760) 249-6380 some really good things planned, and the table favor will be a favorite I’m sure. Our December meeting and Christmas party this year We certainly owe our host Dana Bashor a vote of was held at the wonderful home of Dana Bashor in the thanks for the wonderful evening. Dana is very friendly gated community of Hidden Hills and was, as usual, a and outgoing, he certainly goes above and beyond the call combination AMICA and MBSI venture. of duty for us, and we are very lucky to have him so Hidden Hills is a gorgeous area west of the Valley, and generously open his home. it was an experience getting through the gate…both for us and for the gatekeepers. Richard Ingram, Dana Bashor, Shirley Nix, Dana has a beautiful home, just made for entertaining, Frank Nix, Lloyd Osmundson and he really threw a party for us, complete with a catered dinner, open bar, and even a dance floor where those so inclined, could trip the light fantastic. (One of the evening’s highlights was indeed fantastic, when Don Henry and our host got on the floor to do a dance together.) Dave and Diane Reidy and Don Henry and Kelly Peters took full advantage of the beautiful dance floor and the great music of the 20’s to show us all how it should be done. It was fun to watch, and everyone enjoyed the music. The house was decorated for the Holidays in grand style, inside and out. The gift exchange was done with the packages under a huge tree, and some of the gifts were, as

100 Some of Dana’s impressive Automata.

Our thank you gift for Dana.

Our host Dana Bashor replenishing the wine supply.

Marietta Guzo, David Fell and Jack Conway

Bill Blair and his granddaughter who came clear from Italy to take care of him during his recuperation.

Dave Bernstein, Bob Lloyd in the Christmas Mood Hugging Peggy Cooley and our new Vice-President-elect, Leslie Hoffman.

Don Barr, Rick Shaw, Darry Smithey and Marty Persky Don Henry and Kelly Peters taking advantage of the dramatic stairway.

101 SOWNY CHAPTER Reporter: Garry Lemon President: Mike Walter - (716) 656-9583

The S.O.W.N.Y. AMICA Christmas Party The “lonely” Nelson Wiggen in need of some T.L.C. Now that winter is winding down, it is time to reflect upon the activities that have occurred over the past couple months. The SOWNY Chapter Christmas Party is one of those annual affairs that will be remembered for good friends, food, and of course, automatic musical instruments. Members had come from far and near to rest at the home of Mike & Holly Walter for an afternoon/evening of fellowship and “hands-on/feet on” entertainment. Music filled the house, especially the 5’4” Chickering Ampico B, whose bench was warmed, not only by inserters of rolls, but also by Bob Berkman, who played some wonderful ragtime pieces by Scott Joplin and also by Garry Lemon whose keyboard talents grow more diverse each time we hear him play. Bravo to both! “Silver Bells”, “Grandma got run over by a Reindeer” and other tunes came from the nine jukeboxes on the lower level. Mike demonstrated, during a Show and Tell session, a newly operational Markel Phonograph that plays both sides Bob Berkman and Garry Lemon, our two excellent pianists. of phonograph records (78 & 33). The other new acquisitions include a Model 44 Atwater Kent Radio and an AMI Model B jukebox. Out in the cold garage was a slightly lonely Nelson Wiggen Model 2X keyboard Nickelodeon that will hopefully be fully functional in time for the 2010 Convention in Buffalo. Mike would appreciate hearing from anyone who has a mandolin rail, pipes and/or pipe chest for this “jewel in the rough”. A tubing diagram might be handy also. During a short Business Meeting, old and new members/visitors were welcomed, current officers were re-elected for another term, a Convention Committee was formed for 2010 and hosts for meetings in 2007 were requested. The traditional dinner and gift exchange rounded out a day’s worth of enjoyment. The first meeting of 2007 is scheduled to be at the home of Gary Our host at the “Sears & Roebuck Special”. & Rosemary Will in East Aurora, NY on Sunday, April 29th.

Anne Lemon, Sue Cardinal & Tom Cardinal all decked up for the holidays.

102 1926 Steinway Duo-Art, Louis XVI.

Model O.R. 6’ 6”, Refinished, player system rebuilt. Perfect ivories and sound board, with matching bench and 35 rolls. $25,000 Mel Septon 9045 N. Karlov St., Skokie, IL 60076 (847) 679-3455 • [email protected]

Nancy Group, Dan Tenerowicz and Audrey Cannizzaro await their turns at the gift exchange.

(2-07)

Barrel Organ, Chiappa-Barrat- 24 picks-24 pipes, two barrels, 10 songs each, stored in original wood case. I have owners history from origin. $6,600.

“Celestina” by Mechanical Orguinette Co., 3 rolls, 16 songs-$1200. All Restored in 1989 by Stan Peters, and all are in excellent condition. Member Fred Williams 1035 Riverview Ct. • Monticello, Iowa 52310 Concert Roller Cob Organ, Home 319-465-3500 4 cobs-$475. Daytime warehouse 319-465-3063

[email protected] (2-07)

103 ADVERTISING FOR SALE FOR SALE: 1921 WEBER, DUO-ART reproducing 5’7” grand GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT piano; serial number 77294. Completely restored and refinished ALL ADVERTISING IN THE AMICA BULLETIN about ten years ago by Powell Piano Company, Dallas, TX. All advertising should be directed to: Excellent working condition. Brown mahogany finish. Price Mike Kukral includes a wood bench with upholstered seat and approx. 70 216 Madison Blvd. Duo-Art and 30 QRS rolls. Contact at 972-442-7437, or Terre Haute, Indiana 47803 [email protected]. Pictures available via email upon request. Phone: 812-238-9656 $9,500. (2-07) e-mail: [email protected] SEEBURG DOG RACE GREYHOUND PLAYER PIANO Fully Ad copy must contain text directly related to the product/service restored 2006 by Dick Hack Mechanical. Perhaps the best example being offered. Extraneous text will be deleted at the Publisher’s of this very rare animated “A” roll nickelodeon with gambling discretion. All advertising must be accompanied by payment in mechanism in existence. See: Bowers Encyclopedia pages 179 and U.S. funds. No telephone ads or written ads without payment will 606. $33,000.00 OBO (516) 541-9080. Email anthony.ballato@veri- be accepted. This policy was established by a unanimous vote of zon.net for photos. (2-07) the AMICA Board at the 1991 Board Meeting and reaffirmed at WURLITZER 850 PEACOCK JUKEBOX Beautiful complete the 1992 meeting. AMICA reserves the right to edit or to original professionally restored machine with coin gear. Rare early reject any ad deemed inappropriate or not in keeping with AMICA’s objectives. “footed” model. Former celebrity owner. $27,000.00 OBO (516) 541-9080. Email [email protected] for photos. (2-07) The BULLETIN accepts advertising without endorsement, 1925 STEINWAY DUO-ART XR REPRODUCING GRAND implied or otherwise, of the products or services being offered. PIANO Fully restored, refinished. Excellent playing condition, with Publication of business advertising in no way implies AMICA’s matching bench and about 30 rolls. Asking $14,000 will consider endorsement of any commercial operation. readonable offer. Must sell. Phone Jim Williamson 513-232-9460. AMICA PUBLICATIONS RESERVES THE RIGHT TO Email: [email protected] (2-07) ACCEPT, REJECT, OR EDIT ANY AND ALL CHICKERING 5’8” AMPICO GRAND 1926, Mahogany, plain SUBMITTED ARTICLES AND ADVERTISING. case, needs complete piano and player restoration. $600, Mark Haas, Dearborn, Michigan 313-274-9525 or 313-381-7799 (3-07) All items for publication must be submitted directly to the “2 FESTIVALS” TOUR for AMICA members—4th Mechanical Publisher for consideration. Music Tour: Italy (Rome, Ravenna, Longiano-Marini Museum, 8th CLASSIFIED AD RATES FOR AMICA MEMBERS: Antique Organ Festival, Dancing, Period costumes, etc) Followed 1-50 Words ...... $10.00 by a tour to Romania (Bucharest, Transylvania, Dracula’s Castle, 51-100 Words ...... $20.00 Welte 7, Painted Monasteries, and the 4th Festival of Mechanical 101-150 Words ...... $30.00 Music in IASI with international participation, bilingual Non-member rates are double for all advertising. presentations) September 2-17, 2007. Brochure? 1-800-262-4284 or [email protected] (3-07) DISPLAY ADVERTISING 3 CONTINENTS HOROLOGY STUDY CRUISE—our 5th Full Page — 71/2 " x 10" ...... $150.00 cruise and seminar, takes us to (Clock Museum, Pita Half Page — 71/2 " x 43/4" ...... $ 80.00 Watches-AHCI) and a Transatlantic cruise calling at Malaga Quarter Page —35/8 " x 43/4" ...... $ 45.00 (Granada) Gibraltar (tremendous watch bargains) Tangier (antique Business Card — 31/2 " x 2" ...... $ 30.00 markets) Casablanca (Marakesh), Agadir, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Special 6 for 5 Ad Offer - Place any ad, with no changes, for a Santa Cruz, Miami. Seminars at sea-Presentations about Horology, full year (6 issues), and pay for only 5 issues. Payable in advance. Mechanical Music, Automata, History of Science, Scientific Photographs or halftones $15.00 each Instruments. Dec 3-20, 2007. From $3,100.00 Brochure? Loose Sheet or Insert Advertising: Inquire 1-800-262-4284 or [email protected] (5-07) We recommend that display advertisers supply camera-ready 5,000+ PLAYER PIANO ROLLS. All in Boxes and in playable copy. Copy that is oversized or undersized will be changed to condition. $1.25 each plus shipping Rich Ingram correct size at your cost. We can prepare advertisements from [email protected] (760) 244-ROLL (7655) (2-07) your suggested layout at cost. 20 BLUES AND RAGS 88 NOTE ROLLS. One odd roll 13 1/4” PAYMENT: U.S. funds must accompany ad order. Make check long with pins in ends-Metrostyle Y9360 Intermezzo Op. 117 No. 1 payable to AMICA INTERNATIONAL. Typesetting and Send SASE long envelope, Jim Polsene 1424 N. 5th St. Manitowoc, layout size alterations charges will be billed. WI 54220 920-682-0999 (2-07) DEADLINES: Submissions must be received no later than the MILLS VIOLANO VIRTUOSO “Single” in Mahogany case, first of the odd months (January, March, May, July, September, complete mechanical and case restoration, “Midi” system installed November). The Bulletin will be mailed the second week of the and maintained by Haughawoot Music Co, nice library of roll and even months. “Midi” music included; WEBER UNIKA beautiful Oak case from (Rev. 5-05) famous Chicago area collector and recent mechanical work by D.C. Ramey Piano Co., will consider partial trade; COINOLA “X” with bells, Oak cabinet; SEEBURG “E” with xylopohone “A’roll piano with art glass scene; WURLITZER 1015 Jukebox; SEEBURG V-200 Jukebox; ENCORE BANJO “Ramey” replica, some original Encore items used in assembly, many rolls; Cylinder music box “The difference between stupidity and 10 tune; Cylinder 14 1/4 inches long inlaid mosaic top $3,500.00; genius is that genius has its limits.” Cylinder music box 20 tune, 2 tunes per turn, cylinder 7 1/2 inches long, lid with tune sheet $3,000.00. All items professionally - Albert Einstein restored and refinished. J. Uhler, Box 126, Ingomar, PA 15127; 724-940-4331. (2-07) Player Grands $5,000 up; 1000 QRS Ampico, Duo-Art Rolls $5.00 up-victorpianos.com 305-751-7502 (3-07) 104 1912 BEHR BROTHERS RECORDO PIANO (original electric- not converted). Prototype? Fair condition. Operational. Needs work. Best offer. Findlay, Ohio 419-423-6685 (2-07) 1923 KIMBALL WELTE-MIGNON Licensee Reproducing Player Grand piano, 5’2”, serial #350911. Restrung, new hammers, action regulated, refinished, includes original matching bench and 20 rolls. ATOS Welte-Mignon mechanism completely rebuilt. Bodine ExperienceAmerican Theatre Organ Society motor/Minarik speed control for accurate tempo. Incredible expression! $9,000. Call Ron Olsen 763-535-6662 or write Preserving a unique art form. 4155 Quail Ave. N., Robbinsdale, MN 55422 (2-07) Concerts, education, , preservation, NEEDED: A sincere Piano/Player Technician to buy my Piano fellowship and more. www.atos.org Shop & Business and serve a large area of the country by keeping it Jim Merry, Executive Secretary in operation. My piano shop was featured on CBS News “Sunday P.O. Box 5327, Fullerton, CA 92838 Morning” and is located a few hours north of Denver in western [email protected] (6-08) Nebraska. It includes a nice building in a small town of 500 people with I-80 nearby, with good schools, hospitals, lakes- a great escape from the problems of the big city. The shop comes will all equipment, supplies, parts, more than a dozen players, a few square grands, and other pianos. Please call me and let’s talk about it; Klint Schlake, 308-889-3522. P. O. Box 88, 409 Pine St., layer Piano Se Big Springs, NE 69122. (2-07) n’s P r vi AMPICO, DUO-ART, WELTE, AND 88 NOTE PIANO ROLLS. Be A Complete Restoration Service ce New Recuts and Originals, including “Jumbo” and For The Pneumatic Piano Program Rolls. Also N.O.S. QRS 88 Note rolls. Dave Caldwell, 400 Lincoln Lake Ave. N.E. Lowell, MI 49331; E-mail: Complete pianos and player systems restored using factory [email protected]; phone: 616-897-5609. (2-07) original techniques by an experienced professional. Complete NEW PIANO ROLL BOXES - Duo-Art Audiographic series - or partial systems can be sent to my shop for restorations. Exactly like the originals! Gold Printing, all 3 sizes available! (small I supply special UPS cartons for this unique service. & medium are “Top Hat” style) $6.00 ea. Quantities are limited, so Ben Gottfried get them before they are all gone! AMPICO “Top Hat” boxes- Black Leather with Gold Printing and False Bottom, Exactly like the 464 Dugan Rd. • Richfield Springs, NY 13439 originals, $4.00 ea. 88 note roll boxes in two sizes- Large (fits 2 3⁄4 315-858-2164 (2-07) flange) covered with Black Alligator paper (Top), Black Leather (Bottom). or Brown Leather Paper (Top & Bottom) $3.00 ea. Small (fits 2” flange) Covered with Black or Tan Leather Paper (Top), White Litho (Bottom) $1.80 ea. Other repair supplies available- Parchment Leaders, Tabs, Tubes, Flanges, Repair Tissue. Quantity Discounts available. Rich Ingram [email protected] (760) 244-ROLL (7655) (1-08) Piano Roll Repair Clinic THE GOLDEN AGE OF AUTOMATIC MUSICAL I will be offering a one-day Piano Roll Repair Clinic. The clinic INSTRUMENTS. Art Reblitz’Award-winning reference that brings will be limited to no more than four students in any one session to history, musical and technical information to life with hundreds of enable the instructor to give a high level of individual attention.The spectacular color photos. 448 oversize pages. Get your copy today! $120 plus $5 S/H (single copy USA ground shipment). course will consist of all aspects of roll repair and roll box repair. MECHANICAL MUSIC PRESS-A, Wild Ammonoosuc Rd., Each student will be supplied with; Woodsville, NH 03785. 603-747-2636. 1) A roll repair table, value $150.00 http://www.mechanicalmusicpress.com (2-07) 2) All supplies: tape, glue, end flanges, pull tabs when necessary WANTED and up to five new boxes when necessary. “STANDARD PLAYER MONTHLY” magazines wanted for use 3) Students will have access to a computer with the John Miller in this bulletin. Will buy or borrow. Mike Kukral, 812-238-9656, piano roll label making program. Label paper and spray [email protected]. (1-08) adhesive will be supplied. “MALOOF” BRAND PIANO ROLLS. Mike Kukral, 4) Students may bring their own rolls or they may select from our 812-238-9656, [email protected] (1-08) inventory of several hundred unrestored rolls at $1.00 each. ARTICLES FOR THE AMICA BULLETIN PLEASE! 5) Tuition is $225.00 and the student keeps all their repaired I need your help if you don’t want to see blank pages in the future. projects and the roll repair table. The Publisher. (1-08) WELTE-MIGNON AND DELUXE REPRODUCING piano rolls. 6) Restaurant facilities for the noon break are about a mile away. Mike Kukral 812-238-9656, E-mail [email protected] (1-09) 7) Numerous hotels are in Columbia, Missouri, which is 11 miles RED WELTE MIGNON piano rolls (T-100). Paying top dollar. to the south of the facility. Mike Kukral 812-238-9656 or [email protected] (6-06) You can test your newly repaired rolls on any one of six BOOK: WELTE-MIGNON — ITS MUSIC AND MUSICIANS different player instruments, from an Ampico A to a 192 pipe by Charles Davis Smith printed for AMICA by Vestal Press. Do player pipe organ. The schedule is to be announced at a later you have a copy you are not using that is sitting on the shelf or date. For further information contact Tom Hutchinson at in a box? Let me know. Robin Pratt, [email protected] . 419-626-1903 (2-07) Tom Hutchinson Sturgeon, Missouri (1-07)

105 The PA (Phillips-Ampico) eroll collection Now available from Bird Music Another way to hear Ampico rolls The PA erolls are optimised for performance on a MIDI-equipped Ampico or any MIDI piano (Disklavier, PianoDisc etc). There are 1431 performances by 483 composers, played by 283 pianists. Available on CDRoms in three file formats: ! standard MIDI files (type 0) for a MIDI piano ! e-MIDI or bar/ann for a MIDI-equipped Ampico Choose the lot, or just popular or classical. Also available are a Favorites CDRom of 400 erolls and a growing range of floppy disks. As little as 28c a roll, all CDRoms include comprehensive catalogs. We guarantee the performance quality For more information contact: Galen Bird 3300 Robinson Pike, Grandview, MO 64030, USA phone: 816-767-8246 email: [email protected] website: www.birdmusic.org Or contact Peter Phillips: email: [email protected] (1-08) website: www.petersmidi.com (1-08)

WANTED TO BUY MUSIC BOXES MUSICAL CLOCKS MECHANICAL ORGANS Always in the market for better quality disc and cylinder music boxes, musical clocks, singing birds, band organs, player organs, monkey organs, Wurlitzer 78 rpm jukeboxes, slot machines. Any condition. MARTIN ROENIGK 75 Prospect Avenue Eureka Springs, AR 72632 (800) 671-6333 • (479) 253-0405 www.mechantiques.com • [email protected]

(1-08)

106 http://www.revealer.com/caldwell/

[email protected] (6-07) (6-06)

Meliora Music Rolls Proudly presents a new 88-note roll: Piano Pro Moving and Storage

Piano Pro Moving is a small company that gives a personalized service. JOHN WRASSE, Proprietor • 25 years of experience in full time piano Mr. Laurel & Mr. Hardy moving and restoration. (Original cues by Shield and Hatley) • Oversees and directs every aspect of Medley #1 of Film Cues each move with competence and expertise from pickup to delivery. Transcribed by ear and arranged by • Specializes in rare and valuable Stephen Kent Goodman, composer of antique pianos. Painting the Town Red, White and Blue, also available from Meliora Music Rolls • A member of the AMICA Music Collectors Association. Download our complete catalog of 88 Note, Duo-Art, Ampico and Welte rolls from our website (or write us): • Climate controlled storage available

http://members.aol.com/meliorarol 31449 216th Street • Bellevue, Iowa 52031 e-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] (2-07) (563) 580-2472 Meliora Music Rolls / 939 Briarcliff Rd., NE / , GA 30306 (2-07)

107 The 2007 Automated Music Show Danbury, CT. Sunday, May 6, 7am-3pm EMPRESS ELECTRIC Ethan Allen Hotel. Exit 4, I-84 Why pay more at auction??? PIANO STYLE “Y” Contains piano, base drum, snare drum, tympani, 78rpm records--Blues, jazz, (loud and soft stroke), , triangle, Indian personality, etc. From the block, orchestra bells and mandolin attachment. inception of the recording Plays 10 tune “0” roll. Marketed by Lyon industry in 1900 onward! and Healy Piano Company of Chicago. Cylinder records-2 A Coinola “X” piano with a different minute, 4 minute, Amberols, and unique exterior case. Columbia, Indestructible, more! One of two or three examples known to exist originally from the Dave Bowers Collection. Horn phonographs early Edison, See “Put Another Nickel In” page 237 under Victor, Columbia. Mechanical Restoration. Case beautiful original Victrolas, Orthophonics, oak finish. Stained Glass, perfect original Amberolas condition. Serious Inquiries Only. Parts, parts, parts! JOE UHLER Advertising, record cabinets, catalogues! Box 126 Ingomar, PA 15127 724-940-4331 (2-07)

Music boxes - Regina, , Symphonion and others. Swiss THE cylinder music boxes. Restored and unrestored. Organettes and roller organs. Kukral Collection OUR 22nd YEAR! Offering high top quality reissues of SAVE $1 OFF THE REGULAR $8 ADM Welte-Mignon and WITH THIS AD OR FREE AFTER 12 NOON! 88 Note Player Piano rolls. 330-325-7866 www.intertique.com Featuring rare, important, This is one day prior to the world's and fun music rolls recut largest antique show in BRIMFIELD, MA. Visit Danbury, then go on to from the legendary Brimfield, only one hour away! Welte-Mignon library of recordings and great music of the teens and twenties It's easy to get to! One block on 88-note player piano rolls. north of Exit 4, I-84 on the Lake PLEASE CONTACT Ave. Extension. Mike Kukral Lodging: The 216 Madison Blvd. Ethan Allen Terre Haute, IN 47803 Hotel. 203-744- 1776. 812-238-9656 Email: [email protected] (2-07)

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