Mechanical Music Mechanical Music
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments
Volume 64, No. 3 May/June 2018
496 First Street, California 93463 ¥ Ron & Julie Palladino
Open Seven Days a Week 10-6 ¥ 805-452-5700
www.renantiques.com ¥ info@renantiques.com
RENAISSANCE ANTIQUE S
Visit the charming European Village of Solvang, half an hour
above Santa Barbara in CaliforniaÕs Central Coast Wine Country
S
Below Right: Rare 18k Gold
French 1/4-hr repeating Musical
Pocket Watch signed Ls Duchene
& Fils w/ key wind sur
plateau movement,
56mm diam, circa
1810. $12,500.
gg
ABove: Swiss Interchangeable Cylinder Music Box by Paillard
playing 24 tunes on three 13Ó cylinders with exceptional tonal
quality and arrangements, in beautifully inlaid rosewoood case
with matching table, 36Ó high by 39Ó wide by 20Ó deep. $11,950.
Right: Polyphon Music Box Clock
playing a 15-1/2Ó disc in the base, in
carved oak case with weight-driven
time and strike movement that auto
matically activates the music box on
the hour or at will, 102Ó high by 27Ó
wide by 13-1/2Ó deep, $17,500.
spring barrels, five engraved bells and mandoline attachment.
Original tune sheet, in rosewood case with mandoline inlays.
28Ó wide by 11Ó
high x 14-1/2Ó
deep, $3,750.
left: Large Swiss hand carved walnut
mantel clock with hunter and his dog
in a forest, high quality six-tune
10-1/2Ó cylinder music box in the
base, 29Ó high, 30Ówide, $21,500.
ABove: Coin-Operated Gypsy Fortune Teller
496 First Street, California 93463 ¥ Ron & Julie Palladino
Open Seven Days a Week 10-6 ¥ 805-452-5700
www.renantiques.com ¥ info@renantiques.com
RENAISSANCE ANTIQUE S
Visit the charming European Village of Solvang, half an hour
above Santa Barbara in CaliforniaÕs Central Coast Wine Country
S
Below Right: Rare 18k Gold
French 1/4-hr repeating Musical
Pocket Watch signed Ls Duchene
& Fils w/ key wind sur
plateau movement,
56mm diam, circa
1810. $12,500.
gg
ABove: Swiss Interchangeable Cylinder Music Box by Paillard
playing 24 tunes on three 13Ó cylinders with exceptional tonal
quality and arrangements, in beautifully inlaid rosewoood case
with matching table, 36Ó high by 39Ó wide by 20Ó deep. $11,950.
Right: Polyphon Music Box Clock
playing a 15-1/2Ó disc in the base, in
carved oak case with weight-driven
time and strike movement that auto
matically activates the music box on
the hour or at will, 102Ó high by 27Ó
wide by 13-1/2Ó deep, $17,500.
spring barrels, five engraved bells and mandoline attachment.
Original tune sheet, in rosewood case with mandoline inlays.
28Ó wide by 11Ó
high x 14-1/2Ó
deep, $3,750.
left: Large Swiss hand carved walnut
mantel clock with hunter and his dog
in a forest, high quality six-tune
10-1/2Ó cylinder music box in the
base, 29Ó high, 30Ówide, $21,500.
ABove: Coin-Operated Gypsy Fortune Teller
Automaton in mahogany floor-standing case.
When activated the fortune teller points
to the cards, her head follows her hand, her
Below left: RARe Longue Marche
Cylinder Music Box playing eight
bosom heaves and she breaths deeply before
tunes for over one hour on a winding.
dispensing your fortune card. Measuring 72Ó
The 13Ó cylinder movement with four
high by 31Ó wide by 31Ó deep. $27,500.
¥
¥
Editor/Publisher
Russell Kasselman
(253) 228-1634
editor@mbsi.org
MBSI Editorial Office:
Iron Dog Media
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
editor@mbsi.org
Publications Chair
Bob Caletti
All manuscripts will be subject to editorial
review. Articles submitted for publication may
be edited or rejected at the discretion of the
Publications Committee and the Editorial
Staff. The article will not be published with
significant changes without the authorÕs
approval. All articles are considered to be the
authorÕs personal opinion. The author may be
asked to substantiate his/her statements.
Mechanical Music (ISSN 1045-795X) is published by
the Musical Box Society International, 130 Coral Court,
Pismo Beach, CA 93449 six times per year. A Directory
of Members, Museums and Dealers is published
biennially. Domestic subscription rate, $60. Periodicals
postage paid at San Luis Obispo, CA and additional
mailing offices.
Copyright 2018. The Musical Box Society International,
all rights reserved. Mechanical Music
cannot be copied, reproduced or transmitted in
whole or in part in any form whatsoever without
written consent of the Editor and the Executive
Committee.
MEMBERS: SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO:
MBSI, PO Box 10196,
Springfield, MO 65808-0196
Or, make corrections on the website at www.mbsi.org.
POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO
MBSI, PO Box 10196,
Springfield, MO 65808-0196
Mechanical Music
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments
Volume 64, No. 3 May/June 2018
MBSI NEWS
5 PresidentÕs Message
6 Endowment Committee
Report
8 EditorÕs Notes
10 Mid-Year Trustee Meeting
Minutes
16 MBSI Renews Instrument
Loan with MIM
FEATURES
18 Nickel Notes
35 Interesting Tidbits
40 The Organino
42 An Introduction to
Mechanical Music
CHAPTER
REPORTS
45 Golden Gate
48 Southern California
On the Cover
A small portion of Lelland
FletcherÕs collection, which he
shared with the Southern California
Chapter at a recent meeting. For
more, see Page 48.
28 – The Barrel Organ and
the Disabled Veteran
Robert Penna reveals the reason
there were so many barrel organ
players after the Civil War.
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 3
The World of Mechanical Music The World of Mechanical Music
Copy this page, and give it to a potential new member. Spread the word about MBSI.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Last name First Name Initial
Last Name First Name Initial
Address
City
State / Zip
Postal Code / Country
Phone
Fax
Sponsor (optional)
A
A
fascinating hobby! It combines all the appeals of
art, history, craftsmanship, and music all into one.
Automatic music doesnÕt just sit there; it is ever
willing to perform for those who care to hear it. Play an
automatic music machine in a room full of people and all
else will stop as the machine enraptures the audience with
the sparkling melodies of yesteryear!
A ÒMusic BoxÓ is any sort of automatic music instrument
that plays music via the plucking of teeth on a tuned steel
comb through various mechanisms; musical automata;
orchestrions; player and reproducing pianos and organs;
phonographs; and self-playing stringed, wind, and percussion
instruments of any kind.
The Musical Box Society International, chartered by the
New York State Board of Regents, is a nonprofit society
dedicated to the enjoyment, study, and preservation of
automatic musical instruments. Founded in 1949, it now
has members around the world, and supports various
Check or Money Order Payable to: MBSI Treasurer (US Funds Only)
Mail to: New Member Registration – MBSI
PO Box 10196
Springfield, MO 65808-0196
Visa/MasterCard
Exp. Date CCV
Signature
Membership Dues
US members (per household)……………………………………….$60
Student Membership…………………………………………………….$20
(online journal access only)
Canada…………………………………………………………………………$70
Other International………………………………………………………$75
(Add $20 for International air mail.)
Join online: www.mbsi.org/join-mbsi
Member Benefits
Six magazines annually Ñ Mechanical Music plus the
Directory of Members, Museums, and Dealers (published
every two years). Membership also entitles you to participate
in the Annual Meeting and to join regional chapters.
New members receive a welcome letter, a Goods & Supplies
Order Form, Directory of Members, Museums, and
Dealers, and a list of the regional chapters.
educational projects.
Regional chapters and an Annual Meeting held each year
in different cities within the United States enable members
to visit collections, exchange ideas, and attend educational
workshops.
Members receive the scholarly journal, Mechanical
Music, which also contains advertising space for members
who wish to buy, sell, and restore mechanical musical
instruments and related items; the Directory of Members,
Museums, and Dealers.
The only requirements for membership are an interest in
automatic music machines and the desire to share information
about them. And youÕll take pride in knowing you
are contributing to the preservation of these marvelous
examples of bygone craftsmanship.
More Information:
Phone/Fax: (417) 886-8839
Email: jbeeman.mbsi@att.net
4 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
By Clay Witt
MBSI President
This message is being written
shortly after my return from our Mid-
Year Trustees meeting in Phoenix, AZ,
in March. The meeting was, I believe,
a success. We got some good work
done, as you can see from the minutes
published on pages 10-14 in this edition
of Mechanical Music.
The real star of this experience was
the setting for our meeting. It was held
at the Musical Instruments Museum in
Phoenix, in conjunction with a meeting
of our Southern California Chapter.
MBSI has had an association with
the MIM almost since the museumÕs
beginnings. We provided a modest
monetary contribution at that time.
Thus, our name appears on the large
wall plaque seen in the accompanying
pictures. We have had instruments
from our collection on display in their
Mechanical Music gallery for several
years. Hundreds of people are introduced
to mechanical music in that
gallery every week. The instrument
loan agreement was just extended,
as Trustee Wayne Finger notes in his
article in this issue on pages 16-17.
I donÕt think it is hyperbole to say
that the MIM is just spectacular. There
are about 4,000 musical instruments
from the simplest to the most complex
from all around the world on display in
the public galleries. Some were used
by celebrities we would all recognize.
Some are sophisticated, but many
are humble instruments people have
made out of whatever was at hand
wherever they were just to have music
in their lives over the years. They are
displayed in a very professional way
in a number of galleries devoted to
different parts of the world; Europe,
Africa, Asia, North America, Canada,
Latin America, etc. Visitors are
provided with a headset to wear and
when they walk up to display tableaus
they begin to hear music being played
on the instruments by the people who
used them. Many instrument displays
MBSI Vice President Tom Kuehn (left) and MBSI President Clay Witt point out the
societyÕs name on the Musical Instrument MuseumÕs wall of major contributors
A close up of the societyÕs name on display on the MIMÕs wall.
also have accompanying video kiosks
showing the instruments in use. I
would urge you to put a visit to MIM
on your Òbucket listÓ and set aside at
least two days to do it justice.
I suspect many of our members
do not realize it, but one of the more
important things we do is loan instruments
to museums like the MIM and
similar institutions to display. This
is an important public service and
it is a way to spread the word about
mechanical music. This is one way
to keep the passion for our beloved
hobby alive. New people cannot come
to know and love mechanical music
unless they are exposed to it.
This gives me a segue into another
topic. Did you know that MBSI has an
Endowment Fund? Its stated purpose
is: Òto financially assist MBSI projects
and/or programs which will have a
lasting impact on the preservation and/
or presentation of automatic musical
PRESIDENT | See Page 6
Endowment Committee Report Endowment Committee Report
What is the MBSI Endowment Fund?
By Ed Kozak
The Trustees of The Musical Box
Society International (MBSI) established
an endowment fund to be used
exclusively for the benefit of special
projects or programs approved by the
MBSI Board of Trustees.
No part of this fund is to be distributed
for the general operation of
MBSI. The Trustees may distribute
money from the fund in the form of
grants or loans to MBSI chapters for
projects and/or programs which will
have a lasting impact on the preservation
and/or presentation of automatic
musical instruments; projects and/or
programs of historical or scholarly
merit; and other projects and/or
PRESIDENT | From Page 5
instruments; projects and/or programs
of particular historical or scholarly
merit; and other projects and/or programs
as approved by the MBSI Board
of Trustees.Ó One example is the large
public exhibit that MBSI mounted at
the Orlando Science Center several
years ago. Small projects that get
programs as approved by the MBSI
Board of Trustees.
The Endowment Fund is held separate
and apart from other MBSI funds.
Up to 67 percent of the accrued interest
earned on the fundÕs principal can
be distributed for projects or programs
but the remaining 33 percent interest
and the original principal amount of
the fund cannot be spent, thus ensuring
continued growth of the fund.
Loans of available accumulated
income must be secured, with a promissory
note drafted that establishes a
reasonable interest rate and payment
schedule.
Applicable programs or projects can
be submitted to the Board of Trustees
for consideration.
mechanical music before the public
can be good too, like the recent efforts
of an individual society member who
took some instruments to demonstrate
for a school class. Projects can be
large or mall or anywhere inbetween.
You often see good examples here in
Mechanical Music in reports from our
Special Exhibits Committee.
If your chapter has ideas for projects
The Musical Box Society International
is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization, which means all donations
to the Endowment Fund are
tax deductible. Gifts of any size are
welcome. Outright gifts in the form of
cash, appreciated real estate or securities,
automatic musical instruments
or other real property, art objects,
bequests, life insurance, and individual
retirement accounts are just some
of the many ways in which you may
contribute. A gift of long term appreciated
property could have beneficial
tax implications for the donor, possibly
more tax advantageous than cash.
When renewing your membership
please consider making a contribution
to the Endowment Fund.
that need a bit of funding, all you need
to do is write up a proposal telling us
a little about what you have in mind
and the funding you need and send it to
Ed Kozak, our Endowment Committee
chair.
The committee will evaluate the
project and send its recommendations
to our trustees, who are very open to
good projects.
A Lasting Legacy In order for anything
once alive to have
meaning, its effect
must remain alive in
eternity in some way
Ð Ernest Becker, Philosopher
Throughout its history, MBSI has fostered an interest in and
preservation of automatic musical instruments. Your gift to the The Musical Box Society International
Endowment Fund will support programs that will help future is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
All donations to the Endowment
generations appreciate these achievements of manÕs creative
Fund are tax deductible.
genius. Visit www.mbsi.org to learn more.
A gift of any size is welcome.
6 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
.
.
..
¨.
(INTERNATIONAL)
ORGANIZED IN 1949
DEVOTED TO ALL MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
.
.
..
¨.
(INTERNATIONAL)
ORGANIZED IN 1949
DEVOTED TO ALL MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Musical Box Society International
P.O. Box 10196
Spring eld, MO 65808-0196
Phone/Fax: (417) 886-8839
Musical Box Society International
P.O. Box 10196
Spring eld, MO 65808-0196
Phone/Fax: (417) 886-8839
MBSI MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
EACH ONE/REACH ONE NEW MEMBER
MBSI is pleased to offer new members a $15 discount off their rst year of membership dues. You
are considered a new member if you have not been a member in the past three years. This discount
is also available on our website, www.mbsi.org.
Current MBSI members who sponsor a new member will receive a $5 discount off their next yearÕs
MBSI membership renewal for each sponsorship. Attach a copy of the discount voucher below to a
copy of the membership application form from Page 4 of this issue of Mechanical Music. Place your
name as ÒsponsorÓ on the application form.
Please make copies of these forms as needed and send the completed forms with checks to the MBSI
administrator at the address listed below.
Dues Voucher Ð $15
New U.S. members may join MBSI for one year at $45 (instead
of $60); Canadians $55 (instead of $70; and, other International
members at $60 (instead of $75). This certi cate must accom-
pany payment and a copy of the completed membership
application from page 4 of this issue of Mechanical Music.
New Member Name(s):
Expires: 01/01/2019
Authorized by MBSI Administrator
NEW MEMBER
GIFT CERTIFICATE
New members are those who have never been members
of MBSI or those who have not been members for three
years prior to submission of this voucher.
New members are those who have never
been members of MBSI or those who
have not been members for three years
prior to submission of this certi cate.
Gift Membership Name
Sponsor
Address, City, State, ZIP
Phone Email
Please mail this form together with your check made payable to ÒMBSIÓ to the MBSI Administrator at the address listed
above. Memberships are $45 for U.S. residents, $55 for Canadian residents, and $60 for International residents.
SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase one or more rst-year MBSI gift
memberships at $45 each U.S., $55 Canadian, or $60 other Interna-
tional and you will receive $5 off your next year’s MBSI membership
renewal for each ÒNew MemberÓ gift.
.
.
..
¨.
(INTERNATIONAL)
ORGANIZED IN 1949
DEVOTED TO ALL MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
.
.
..
¨.
(INTERNATIONAL)
ORGANIZED IN 1949
DEVOTED TO ALL MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Musical Box Society International
P.O. Box 10196
Spring eld, MO 65808-0196
Phone/Fax: (417) 886-8839
Musical Box Society International
P.O. Box 10196
Spring eld, MO 65808-0196
Phone/Fax: (417) 886-8839
MBSI MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
EACH ONE/REACH ONE NEW MEMBER
MBSI is pleased to offer new members a $15 discount off their rst year of membership dues. You
are considered a new member if you have not been a member in the past three years. This discount
is also available on our website, www.mbsi.org.
Current MBSI members who sponsor a new member will receive a $5 discount off their next yearÕs
MBSI membership renewal for each sponsorship. Attach a copy of the discount voucher below to a
copy of the membership application form from Page 4 of this issue of Mechanical Music. Place your
name as ÒsponsorÓ on the application form.
Please make copies of these forms as needed and send the completed forms with checks to the MBSI
administrator at the address listed below.
Dues Voucher Ð $15
New U.S. members may join MBSI for one year at $45 (instead
of $60); Canadians $55 (instead of $70; and, other International
members at $60 (instead of $75). This certi cate must accom-
pany payment and a copy of the completed membership
application from page 4 of this issue of Mechanical Music.
New Member Name(s):
Expires: 01/01/2019
Authorized by MBSI Administrator
NEW MEMBER
GIFT CERTIFICATE
New members are those who have never been members
of MBSI or those who have not been members for three
years prior to submission of this voucher.
New members are those who have never
been members of MBSI or those who
have not been members for three years
prior to submission of this certi cate.
Gift Membership Name
Sponsor
Address, City, State, ZIP
Phone Email
Please mail this form together with your check made payable to ÒMBSIÓ to the MBSI Administrator at the address listed
above. Memberships are $45 for U.S. residents, $55 for Canadian residents, and $60 for International residents.
SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase one or more rst-year MBSI gift
memberships at $45 each U.S., $55 Canadian, or $60 other Interna-
tional and you will receive $5 off your next year’s MBSI membership
renewal for each ÒNew MemberÓ gift.
EditorÕs Notes EditorÕs Notes
By Russell Kasselman
MBSI Editor/Publisher
I enjoy talking with members
around the country about the instruments
they are selling, the mechanical
music theyÕve recently seen or heard
or an upcoming event. ItÕs refreshing
to be part of an organization made up
of such intelligent, committed people
pursuing their passion and looking for
ways to preserve this hobby and share
it with a younger generation.
As this issue goes to the printer, IÕm
glad to report that MBSI is now part of
another program that gives something
back to the world, a cleaner environment.
Each time MBSI prints an issue
of this magazine, an organization
called PrintReLeaf will plant trees
to replace the paper we consumed
getting these pages to you.
Last issue, we printed a total of
66,437 pieces of paper and PrintRe-
Leaf calculated that to replace it, they
would need to plant 7.97 trees. Of
course, you canÕt plant 0.97th of a tree,
but our fraction of a tree gets added to
the fractions of other companies doing
this same thing and ultimately enough
trees are planted to cover our paper
usage. This, to me, is a great way to
guarantee that we have a sustainable,
long-term supply of paper to keep
printing with. ItÕs also a great way for
our organization to give back to this
world in a positive manner.
You can find the PrintReLeaf logo
on Page 3 of this issue. Occasionally,
IÕll provide periodic updates on the
number of trees we have planted.
The program costs the society only
$90 a year, or $15 per issue to participate
in, which seems to me a pretty
good value.
So, just let me say to all of you,
good job being part of an organization
that does so much to make this world
sound better, look better, smell better
and generally remain a great place to
live. Keep it up, and donÕt forget to
send in your stories of how mechanical
music makes your world a better
place to be.
MAILING ADDRESS
MBSI Editorial/Advertising
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
EMAIL ADDRESS
editor@mbsi.org
PHONE
(253) 228-1634
Welcome new members!
February 2018
Terri Coppens & Chris Deneau
Chesterfield, MI
Kent Williams & Romona Williams
Kenosha, WI
Gene & Monica Mock
Waterford, VA
Gary & Marva Rasmussen
Mason, Ohio
Alan & Kirsten Recce
Carlsbad, CA
Randy Donley
Union, IL
March 2018
Linda & Douglas Weidner
Allentown, PA
Kristi & Albert Loverde
Sandy Springs, GA
Cecil Dover
Los angeles, CA
Andrew Coleman
Los Angeles, CA
Kurt Morrison
Tacoma, WA
Sponsor: William Wineburgh
Timothy Johnson
Knoxville, TN
William & Janet Bird
Elyria, OH
Dale Koehn
North Fort Myers, Florida
Timothy Pitts & Kathleen Winkler
Houston, TX
Robert & Vivian Schmitt
Maricopa, AZ
James Harrington
Minneapolis, MN
Have a suggestion?
Send it in via email to editor@mbsi.org or drop us a note to the MBSI Editorial Offices at 130 Coral Court, Pismo Beach, CA 93449.
8 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
Save the Date
The 2018 MBSI
Annual Meeting
is coming
Aug. 28 – Sept. 1
MAKE PLANS NOW TO JOIN US IN
Meeting Sponsored by the Mid-America Chapter
DETROIT
MI
2018 Mid-Year Trustee Meeting Minutes
MBSI officers and trustees at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, AZ. Back row, left to right: Trustee Wayne Finger, Vice
President Tom Kuehn, President Clay Witt, Recording Secretary David Corkrum, Trustee John Bryant. Front row, left to right:
Trustee Sally Craig, Trustee Mary Ann Myers, Immediate Past President Judy Caletti.
Phoenix, AZ Ð Mar. 16, 2018
These minutes will be official when
approved and voted on during the
annual trusteeÕs meeting in 2018.
The meeting was convened at 9:07
a.m. Present: Clay Witt, President presiding;
Judy Caletti, Tom Kuehn, Sally
Craig, John Bryant, Wayne Finger, and
Mary Ellen Myers. (seven present of
nine, a quorum). Also present: David
Corkrum, recording secretary.
1. The minutes of the Aug. 29, 2017
Trustees meeting, held in Whippany,
NJ, were published in Volume 63, issue
#6 of Mechanical Music. There were
no corrections, additions or deletions.
Trustee Finger moved, seconded by
Trustee Caletti, to approve the minutes.
The motion passed.
2. President Witt presented old
business which is the support of
the English language version of the
book, ÒMusical Boxes of Prague and
Vienna.Ó In a previous meeting the
board had pledged the sum of $1,000
as a contribution to the project. The
Musical Box Society of Great Britain
(MBSGB) had pledged 500£ (pounds).
The publisher returned with a total
cost of 9,000Û (euros) of which 4,000Û
would be paid by them to cover the
cost of translation. President Witt
also discussed this with the president
of the Automatic Musical Instrument
CollectorsÕ Association (AMICA) who
indicated that he would talk to his
board about this. There has been no
further response from AMICA.
President Witt asked whether
MBSI should increase the amount of
its pledge. There was considerable
discussion about this possible
increase.
Mary Pollock and Ed Cooley joined
the meeting via teleconference.
There is $6,932 in the Heintz Publication
fund. Trustee Keuhn moved,
seconded by Trustee Finger, to
increase the pledge amount to 2,000Û.
Trustee Craig moved, seconded by
Trustee Myers to amend the motion to
make the pledge amount $2,000. The
motion to amend passed.
The original motion, as amended,
to increase the pledge amount to
$2,000 for the English translation of
the book, ÒMusical Boxes of Prague
and ViennaÓ with a further provision
that the donation be acknowledged
in the translated version. The motion
passed.
10 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
3. The recording secretary presented
the current board actions for review.
4. Trustee Kuehn presented the vice
presidentÕs report. The vice president
oversees the awards process. The Marketing
and Nominating committees did
not submit nominations for the Roehl
or Mirijanian awards respectively. The
PresidentÕs Award is still ongoing.
There were two nominations for the
TrusteesÕ Award, one nomination for
the Bowers Publication Award from
the Publications Committee and three
nominations for the Unsung Hero
Award. The vice presidentÕs report
was received.
5. President Witt presented the
administratorÕs report. The current
membership as of Feb. 28, 2018 is
1,289. Memberships as of Dec. 31, 2017
were 1,191. For the 2017 calendar year,
there were 110 new memberships, 54
of which came from the website (49
percent).
Because of the voucher program,
MBSI gained 13 new memberships
in 2017. New member lists are sent
each month to the chapter chairs,
trustees, and Membership Committee
coordinators and to the Membership
Committee chair. The gift/sponsor
program was initiated in July 2008,
resulting in 123 new members through
Dec. 31, 2017. Each sponsor receives
a ÒThank YouÓ post card and is added
to the $5 discount program. Also,
questionnaires were sent to those
members who are on the 90-days-past-
due non-renewal list. The report was
received.
6. Trustee Cooley presented the
Audit Committee report.
There was discussion about goods
and services. No inventory was taken
last year, and this yearÕs report gave
a vague indication of the amounts
in some instances. This must be
improved.
The committee was tasked with
comparing the amount of money
received from membership dues to the
estimated revenue received in 2017.
The actual 2017 membership revenue
was $81,013. The estimated 2017
membership revenue was $72,039.
The difference was $8,974 or 11 percent.
It is doubtful that these numbers
would ever be the same due to when
members pay their dues. Recommendations
were made by the committee
that would help to improve next yearÕs
comparison. Trustee Finger moved,
seconded by Trustee Craig, to adopt
the recommendations by the Audit
Committee (items one through three)
and include their requirements in the
appropriate sections of the Policies
and Procedures (P&P) to be presented
for approval at the fall meeting. The
motion passed.
Rob Pollock joined the meeting via
teleconference.
7. Marketing Committee Chair Rob
Pollock presented his report.
Program One: Auction Certificates.
As of 2016, there were 11 new members
with only three renewing for the
following years. This may lead us to
reconsider the effectiveness of this
program.
Program Two: Dealer/Restorer Certificates.
Nine dealers/restorers were
selected from across the U.S. A total
of 115 certificates were issued and
only two were redeemed.
Program Three: Advertisements
for museums. Five advertisements of
varying size have been prepared and
are available in electronic form,
The committee recommends a continuation
of the three programs with a
full reconsideration at the next annual
meeting.
Trustee Myers asked whether it was
possible to produce a brochure that
would be placed in hotels advertising
the American Treasure Tour (ATT)
museum. She also asked whether the
numbers of visitors to the museum
could be obtained. Chair Pollock
stated that this could be done, but he
would have to obtain approval from
the board for the brochure and would
have to contact the managers of ATT
for the visitor information.
Trustee Craig stated that ATT did
have, at one time, advertising about
MBSI on their brochure. This is no
longer being done. Perhaps they
could be approached to allow MBSI to
advertise on their brochure and MBSI
would do the same for ATT. Trustee
Craig suggested that the Publications,
Marketing and Museum committees
collaborate on this idea of producing
an advertising brochure which incorporates
advertising for ATT or any
other museum where our instruments
are displayed.
The marketing report was received.
8. Membership Committee Chair
Rob Pollock presented his report. The
membership level increased slightly
from 2016 and 2017 counts. The number
varies by about 5 percent up and
down throughout the year. About 60
percent of our lost members was due
to non-renewal.
Since last September, the committee
has posted nine articles, linking to
10 different mechanical music videos
and advertised chapter and national
meetings events on social media.
The new Student Membership level
was published on the MBSI website
and will appear in future journals.
A chapter leadership workshop was
held in September and the package
was requested by and shared with
our sister organizations in the UK and
France.
The Membership Committee has
accepted the Marketing CommitteeÕs
recommendation to completely overhaul
our welcome package and chapter
welcome procedures. The committee
recommends that our existing member
benefits should be increased by making
the Regina Certificate program free to
our members (one free certificate per
membership).
Trustee Finger moved, seconded
by Trustee Craig to provide one free
Regina Certificate for each membership.
The motion passed.
President Witt will contact the
administrator, the editor and the party
responsible for the certificate. The
membership report was received.
9. Meetings Committee Chair Tom
Kuehn presented his report. The
Annual Meeting schedule is as follows:
¥ 2018-Mid America Chapter
¥ 2019-National Capital Chapter
¥ 2020-Golden Gate Chapter (joint
meeting with AMICA)
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 11
¥ 2021-Southeast Chapter (tentative
joint meeting with AMICA)
¥ 2022-Lake Michigan Chapter
(tentative)
Chair Kuehn reported that the
review and update of the Meetings
Manual is in progress. The goal is to
have four hard copy manuals along
with a web version and ensure that
each manual is returned at the end of
an annual meeting.
The 2020 joint meeting is hopefully
the first of a long-term initiative to
partner with sister societies in planning
and conducting annual meetings.
A bi-society subcommittee has been
formed and includes three members
each from AMICA and MBSI. It is
believed that this collaboration will
benefit both societies.
The video recording of workshops
requires a different approach in planning
and recording these sessions.
Buzz Rosa has some equipment which
is owned by MBSI. Additional equipment
may need to be purchased. Chair
Kuehn has talked with Rich Poppe and
he has agreed to work with Buzz Rosa
and one or two others to draft a plan
with the intent of implementing it at
the Detroit annual meeting.
Secretary Corkrum requested
that there be an addition to the P&P
regarding the trustees meeting. The
request is that the meeting table be
either round, oval or rectangular and
be able to seat 12 persons. President
Witt felt that this should go in the
meetings manual and Chair Kuehn has
noted this for the manual. The report
is received.
10. Museum Chair Sally Craig
presented her report. The Roy Beltz
collection of MBSI table favors is on
display at ATT as are the post cards
from the Ralph Heintz collection.
The donation from last year is also
on display except for some smaller
pieces. Many of these pieces are good
candidates for new loans to museums.
All instruments from the Lockwood
Mathews Mansion museum (LMMM)
have been returned. LMMM would like
to revisit a new loan from MBSI once
they have their new curator. This item
remains open.
Chair Craig stated that the museums
where MBSI instruments are on display
include, Lake County Historical
Society, the Packard Museum and the
Case Barlow museum, all in Ohio and
the ATT museum in Pennsylvania.
Chair Craig requested the following
increases in the budget; transportation
to increase to $4,000; and restoration
to increase to $5,000. These requests
will be presented when the treasurer
makes his report. Chair Craig stated
that the committee is always looking
for more members to join, especially
those who are in areas where MBSI
collections are on display.
The Guitarophone is still awaiting
restoration.
The report was received.
11. Trustee Caletti presented the
Nominating Committee report of chair
Dan Wilson. The slate of nominations
for 2018 MBSI officers and trustees,
pending approval are as follows:
¥ Vice President: Tom Kuehn to
serve a second year of a two-year
term.
¥ Trustees: John Bryant to serve a
second four-year term.
¥ Treasurer: Ed Kozak to serve
another one-year term.
¥ Recording Secretary: David
Corkrum to serve another
one-year term.
All nominees have confirmed that
they are willing to accept these positions.
Per the bylaws, Clay Witt will
automatically serve a second four-year
term as trustee and Judy Caletti will
continue as trustee until 2019.
Chair Wilson stated that the committee
is not functioning as stated in
the bylaws. He recommends committee
members come from four of the
chapters. The members would serve
a two-year term with two members
appointed in even years and two in
odd years. The two trustees serving
would compliment the representative
members. A rotational schedule was
included with his report but is too
long to be printed here. President Witt
moved, seconded by Trustee Finger
to approve the committeeÕs recommendation
for future make-up of the
committee, in compliance with the
bylaws and to include the Japanese
chapter in the rotation. The motion
passed.
Secretary Corkrum stated that he
would not accept any further appointment
as of the 2020 annual meeting.
12. Trustee Caletti presented the
Publication Committee report from
chair Bob Caletti. MBSI continues to
sell the books, ÒThe Music Box MakersÓ
and the ÒGolden AnniversaryÓ at
annual meetings. The MBSI inventory
includes 327 ÒThe Music Box MakersÓ
books, 16 ÒGolden AnniversaryÓ
books, several lapel pins and 100
MBSI seals.
Chair Caletti has asked each of the
Publications Committee members
to write two articles per year and
encourages all other society members
to write articles for the journal. Even if
you donÕt think you can write one but
have some ideas, send it to the editor,
because he can help you make it a very
interesting article, chair Caletti said.
The printer for the journal has a new
program which MBSI will participate
in. It is called PrintReLeaf. Its aim is
to replant enough trees to cover our
future printing needs. The cost is $90
per year and our first print run is free.
PrintReLeaf will plant eight trees in
North Dakota for every print run and
MBSI will include the PrintReLeaf
logo in its publication stating MBSI is
a certified participant.
Because of the large number of
ÒThe Music Box MakerÓ books left in
inventory, Chair Caletti made a recommendation
to distribute the books
to chapters, museums, auction houses
and even members at the Detroit
annual meeting. Museums and auction
houses could sell the books and keep
the profit. Chapters could sell the
books also. In this manner, it is hoped
that the inventory will be depleted.
Trustee Finger moved, seconded by
Trustee Kuehn to have the Publication
Committee dispose of this book in an
economical manner using their best
judgment. The motion passed.
13. Trustee Caletti presented the
Web Subcommittee report from chair
Rick Swaney. The student membership
12 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
option has been added to the website.
Student members will receive the
journal in electronic format.
The index of journal articles has
been added to the archives section of
the website up through 2015. It will
be brought up-to-date before the 2018
annual meeting. Also, the instrument
gallery has doubled in size due to
recent additions, but more is needed
especially to showcase tabletop
instruments.
The website can be slow to respond
to users requesting journal information.
Since the server we use is shared
by other websites, the committee
has decided to move the website to
Dreamhost. The cost is $230 over
our current cost but would allow our
users a faster response time.
The website had 43,328 views in
2017, averaging 600 views per month.
The committee has also created a
Facebook group named Musical Box
Society Forum. It is open to everyone.
The forum will be reviewed for any
unwanted content, which will be
removed. We encourage our members
to use this forum, much like what they
do with MMD.
The report was received.
14. Trustee Caletti presented editor
Russell KasselmanÕs report. Advertising
revenue remains steady although
lower than desired. Efforts are in
effect to reach out to insurance agencies,
moving companies and other
industries tangential to music boxes.
Print costs remain low and MBSI is
receiving the best pricing available in
the market.
Content submitted for publication
continues to be outstanding in terms
of quality. Contributors who have not
published before seem consistently
happy with their experience and often
start looking for additional pieces to
write about. The search for new writers
is always ongoing. Also, updates
about committee activities and chapter
reports are also well received.
The report was received.
15. Trustee Myers presented the Special
Exhibits report from chair Wayne
Myers. The committee continues to
be active, especially in the southeast.
The Southeast and Piedmont chapters
have had events in conjunction with
the Circus ÒShow FolksÓ of Sarasota,
FL, demonstrations at the Orlando
Science Center, and Music Box Making
for Grandchildren held at The
Villages, FL summer camp.
Chapters are encouraged to report
about displays or demonstrations held
in their area to the Special Exhibits
Committee.
The report was received.
16. President Witt reported that
the MIM has requested ÒThe Marvels
of Mechanical MusicÓ DVDs from us.
The Publication Committee stated
that these can be reproduced at a cost
of $5 per disc. President Witt moved,
seconded by Trustee Myers, to have 50
copies of the ÒMarvels of Mechanical
MusicÓ DVD reproduced at a cost not
to exceed $300. The motion passed.
MBSI Treasurer Ed Kozak joined the
meeting by teleconference.
17. Finance Committee Chair Ed
Kozak presented the finance report.
The financial report received at the
end of the year indicated that total
fund balances increased by $6,128.
MBSI fund balance is $714,443. There
was a dues revenue decline of $4,697.
Convention net income was $1,580.
Publishing revenue was $18,217 and
expense was $65,090. Accounting,
tax preparation and administrative
expense totaled $28,771.
It was determined that the cost in
excess of par value on investments
purchased was not being amortized,
as an adjustment of yield on the investments.
An adjustment took place on
June 30 with appropriate monthly
adjustments to follow going forward.
Also, a more accurate definition of
cash equivalents is now being used.
Line items will now show cash and
cash equivalents, operating investments
and restricted investments. The
format of the financial statements has
now been updated to include a table
of contents with expanded notes to
the financial statements and supplementary
information.
Two non-endowment certificates of
deposit (CD) matured in 2017. Funds
that were placed in money market
accounts were reinvested into CDs
that continued to follow the societyÕs
investment laddering philosophy. One
CD with a maturity date of 2036 was
sold because it did not follow this philosophy.
A loss of $3,600 was incurred.
Non-endowment CDs and money
market deposits totaled $450,378 and
$69,918 respectively as of the end of
the year. After the 2017 annual meeting,
minor adjustments were made to
the 2018 budget.
An investment proposal from the
societyÕs broker called for the purchase
of a high dividend value equity
fund to become a part of the societyÕs
portfolio. The finance committee
considered the proposal but did not
accept it.
Temporarily restricted assets total
$154,985. The total of restricted cash
assets and the ÒcontingencyÓ amount
to $199,985. The amount of interest
available from the Endowment Fund
now stands at $30,200.
President Witt presented some
adjustments to the budget for the
Museum Committee. Treasurer Kozak
noted these adjustments and will
forward a revised budget to the board.
President Witt moved, seconded by
Trustee Bryant to approve the amendments
to the budget. The motion
passed.
18. President Witt presented an
amendment to clarify the meaning
of the first sentence of subsection c
of Article XIV, Standing Committees,
Section 12. The amendment would add
the word ÒchapterÓ before the word
ÒchairÓ in the phrase Òtwo currently
serving trustees and the chair.Ó The
sentence, as amended, would read:
The members of the committee shall
include a committee chair, the immediate
past-president of the society,
two currently serving trustees and the
chapter chair, or a chapter-designated
alternate, from four separate chapters.
President Witt moved, seconded by
Trustee Craig, to adopt the amendment.
The motion passed.
19. President Witt presented a proposal
to consolidate and update our
database of instruments owned by the
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 13
society. This database would be kept
on our main server.
Trustee Finger moved, seconded
by Trustee Kuehn to consolidate and
update our database of instruments
at a cost of not more than $2,500. The
motion passed.
20. President Witt stated that he and
Trustee Craig talked with the curator
of the MIM about extending the
contract with the MIM for two years.
President Witt moved, seconded by
Trustee Kuehn to extend the contract
with MIM for an additional two years.
The motion passed.
21. President Witt reported that a
joint MBSI/AMICA cooperation project
committee has been formed with three
members from each society. Their goal
is to explore ways in which the two
organizations can better cooperate
with each other. This would include, for
example, helping with the coordination
of future joint meetings and to ensure
that separate meetings do not occur in
the same areas sequentially.
22. President Witt reported that a
section of the P&P is misplaced and
needs to be moved to its proper place.
Section IV, Treasurer, paragraph 4,
subsection F reads: ÒA physical inventory
of sales inventory items such
as books, seals, pins, etc. should be
made by the Publications Committee
in early January of each year and
submitted to the Audit Committee.
(Trustees 3/04/94, Trustees Revised
3/28/14, Trustees 8/29/17)Ó
This section will be moved and
become Section XIX, Publications,
subsection I. Trustee Caletti moved,
seconded by Trustee Craig to move
this section to the publications section
of the P&P. The motion passed.
23. Trustee Caletti moved, seconded
by Trustee Myers, to adjourn the
meeting. The motion passed. Meeting
adjourned at 2:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
David W. Corkrum
Recording Secretary
March 30, 2018
The Music Box Makers, The History of the Music Box in Ste. Croix
Jean-Claude PiguetÕs compilation of two separate works chronicles the development of the musical
box industry in the Saint-Croix region of Switzerland. Beginning in the early 1800s before mass
communication and electricity were common and continuing through to the age of assembly lines,
this fascinating story describes the erratic fortunes of the people who were involved, their companies,
and the social and economic climate they endured. An outstanding and important work,
originally in French, now in English. Original Price: $77.50
SPECIAL: $10 PPD U.S.A.
The Golden Anniversary Book
A pictorial and editorial walk through 50 years of
MBSI. This is a 240 page hardcover treasure of
over 800 photos and 58,000 words. It is a must for
every member, new and old, of MBSI.
Original Price: $35.00
SPECIAL: $10 PPD U.S.A.
MBSI Pins
Proudly wearing your MBSI Pin shows your
membership in the society and will encourage
conversation about mechanical music.
$5 PPD U.S.A.
Order Online at
www.mbsi.org
Or send your order to: Administrator, P.O.
Box 10196, Spring eld, MO 65808-0196
All prices here include U.S. Media Mail postage. Make
checks payable to MBSI, or Musical Box Society
International
Additional shipping charges for 1st class U.S. or airmail
foreign shipments are shown on the checkout page.
For other shipping options or quantity pricing, please
email info2008@mbsi.org.
Prices subject to change.
WE WANT YOUR STORY!
Every mechanical musical instrument has a tale to tell. Share the history of people
who owned your instrument before you, or the story of its restoration, or just what
makes it an interesting piece. Send stories via email to editor@mbsi.org or
mail your story to Iron Dog Media, 130 Coral Court, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
14 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
PLAN AHEAD
ACT NOW
Reserve your advertising space now
for the 2018-2019 Mechanical Music
Directory of Members, Museums and
Dealers.
Placing your advertisement in an
MBSI directory means your companyÕs
name and contact information will be
a permanent part of this collectorÕs
reference book for the next two
years. Plus, your ad earns you a placeon the MBSI website where people
searching for your services can find
and click directly through to reach you
via email or phone.
Mailed directly to more than 1,300
member households, and given out toeach new member that joins the
society, it means your ad could be
seen several hundred times in the
next two years.
Call (253) 228-1634 or emaileditor@mbsi.org to reserve your
advertising space now.
MECHANICAL
MUSIC
DIRECTORY
MEMBERS,
MUSEUMS,
& DEALERS
2016 Ð 2017
ADVERTISING DIMENSIONS & COSTS
Dimensions Cost
Make an impact! Full Page 7.25Ó x 9.75Ó $290
Get a full page Half Page 7.25Ó x 4.5Ó $160
ad that costs you Quarter Page 3.5Ó x 4.5Ó $90
less than $12.25 Eighth Page 3.5Ó x 2.125Ó $50
per month
Non-members pay a 10% surcharge on the above rates
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 15
MBSI Renews Instrument Loan with MIM
By Wayne Finger
Our MBSI dues accomplish more
than just publishing this magazine
every two months. A portion of our
dues preserves, restores and displays
our historically significant and beautiful
instruments.
During the recent trustees meeting in
Phoenix, AZ, our president, Clay Witt,
along with the chair of our Museum
Committee, Sally Craig, successfully
negotiated a two-year extension of
the display of our instruments at the
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM).
The MIM is the No. 1 attraction in
Phoenix and is the most up to date,
state-of-the-art museum of its kind.
Families travel through the Mechanical Music GalleryÓ on their museum visit, becoming enthralled with the instruments
16 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
Its climate-controlled facility and
white-glove preservationists provide
outstanding care for our instruments
while displaying them to thousands of
people each day. A plaque stating ÒOn
loan from the Musical Box Society
InternationalÓ is displayed with each
of the societyÕs instruments. The society
is further honored by having its
name engraved on the Distinguished
Benefactors plaque in the main
lobby of the museum. The MIM was
founded by Robert J. Ulrich, former
CEO and chairman emeritus of Target
Corporation.
MBSIÕs instruments on display at the
MIM are in a prime location Ð right next
to the Artist Gallery. The Artist Gallery
includes instruments and artifacts
such as Johnny CashÕs guitar, Elvis
Presley memorabilia, Pablo CasalsÕ
cello and the piano John Lennon used
to compose ÒImagine.Ó Across the
hall is the Conservation Laboratory.
Consequently, numerous families
walk right into the Mechanical Music
Gallery on their museum visit and
become enthralled with seeing and
hearing so many mechanical musical
instruments. They see and hear our
Calliope, Dutch Street Organ, Railroad
Station Cylinder Music Box, Cuff
Music Box and 12 other MBSI instruments.
MBSIÕs ÒMask SellerÓ automata
catches everyoneÕs eye with its colorful
and whimsical character and its
five animated masks. Even a face on
the bottom of its shoe is animated!
Just before noon and 3 p.m. on most
days, the following announcement is
heard throughout the museum, ÒPlease
join us in 15 minutes in the Mechanical
Music Gallery for a demonstration of
the Apollonia Orchestrion.Ó The Apollonia
is a large Decap Dance organ. I
saw several families get excited and
rush to the gallery. By the time the
presentation started, there were more
than 100 people crowded around to
hear an explanation of the instrument
and then watch as it played three rock
and roll tunes. Children danced to the
music. The Apollonia is one of several
instruments in the Mechanical Music
Gallery owned by the museum. It is
a 27-foot-wide organ built in Belgium
in 1926 by Theofiel Mortier, S.A., and
remanufactured by the Decap brothers
The displays at MIM are thoughtful and professionally made. They explain the devel-
opment and history of the instrument
Large crowds gather to hear the Decap Organ play
in 1950. Along with the 680 wooden
and metal organ pipes, the instrument
also incorporates two accordions, two
saxophones, a xylophone, a drum set,
and other percussion instruments that
play mechanically.
The MIM is unique. I judge it to be
the best of its kind in the United States.
They display the societyÕs instruments
beautifully. Their display highlighting
interchangeable cylinder music boxes
features a video showing how to
install a cylinder. It displays the extra
cylinders in sight at eye level. MBSIÕs
long-term relationship with the MIM
and our ability to negotiate continued
instrument displays is a tribute to
the value and quality of the societyÕs
instruments and our restoration/preservation
of them.
Individually, many MBSI members
do not have the floor space or financial
resources to restore, display
and demonstrate these instruments.
Together as a society, we accomplish
great things. Whether you are an instrument
donor or support the societyÕs
work through your annual dues, you
should feel especially proud of being
a contributing part of the preservation,
restoration, display and performance of
such marvelous historical instruments.
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 17
Nickel Notes
The Krughoff Collection
By Matthew Jaro
Jim Krughoff
There are three major collections of
mechanical music in the U.S. Upper
Midwest. Robert and Sharon GilsonÕs
collection is in Wisconsin. In the
Chicago area, there is the collection
of Jasper and Marian Sanfilippo, and
then the Jim and Sherrie Krughoff
collection. I am sad to report that Jim
Krughoff passed away on Feb. 20th,
2018. Jim was one of those people that
you always remembered after meeting
him and a person everyone seemed
to always like and respect. The hospitality
of Jim and Sherrie was truly
extraordinary. Jim had a great sense of
humor and an infectious enthusiasm
and he will be surely missed.
In this issue of Nickel Notes IÕll
provide details of a visit I made to Jim
and SherrieÕs home in Downers Grove,
IL, as a way of honoring JimÕs memory.
Whenever there was an MBSI or Automatic
Musical Instrument CollectorsÕ
Association (AMICA) convention
in the Chicago area, the Krughoff
Sherrie Krughoff
collection was always on the tour. In
fact, the three collections mentioned
earlier were the reason so many
mechanical music conventions ended
up being held in the area.
In addition to having a wonderful
collection, Jim was the nicest person
you could ever meet. I have traveled
with the Krughoffs on two Bumbling
Bruder Tours and they were always
great people to spend time with. The
Bumbling Bruder Tours are travel
events organized by Ron and Mary Jo
Bopp to visit important mechanical
music sites in Europe and the tours
always coincide with the Waldkirch
Organ Festival held every three years
in June.
The Krughoffs once collected early
cast iron slot machines and Corvette
cars. They had one of the largest and
most important collections of both,
but they decided to liquidate these
collections because the slot machines
didnÕt do much and they couldnÕt put
mileage on the valuable cars without
reducing the value of the collection.
Jim had once seen a player piano at
a ShakeyÕs Pizza Parlor and knew a
deep interest had been born. Jim first
acquired a Seeburg KT Special, then
went home and told Sherrie he had
bought a nickelodeon and it would
be delivered the next day. Sherrie
asked ÒWhatÕs a nickelodeon?Ó Jim
explained, ÒIt is a wooden box that has
musical instruments inside.Ó She said
it sounded like a Òpiece of junkÓ and
she wouldnÕt want one in their home.
Upon seeing and hearing it, however,
she fell in love with mechanical music
and since then the couple has shared
an obsession with the hobby.
Around the same time they bought
their first nickelodeon, they also
discovered the MBSI (1983) and met
other area collectors. While visiting
Dave Ramey to see an available
machine, Dave remarked that since
they liked mechanical music and
18 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
The De Grote Steenput Concert Fairground Organ mounted on a trailer so that it could travel to organ rallies and provide enjoyment
for many people.
had collected slot machines, they
must know Jasper Sanfilippo. Jim
and Sherrie asked, ÒWhatÕs a Jasper
Sanfilippo?Ó Jim and Sherrie soon
acquired a Regina changer, some cylinder
boxes, a Seeburg H and finally a
Weber Unika, restored by Dave Ramey.
While Jim and Sherrie both liked the
American machines, their visits to the
Sanfilippo and Gilson collections and
their purchase of the Unika, marked a
transition to European machines that
could play more sophisticated music.
The Krughoffs joined AMICA in 1986.
The Krughoffs were in the real
estate development business and built
more than 3,000 homes in the Chicago
suburban area. Jim and SherrieÕs son,
Dan, his wife, Nikole, and their two
grandchildren, Gavin and Gillian, live
next door and assist with hosting
musical events. Dan has a major role
in the operation of the family music
collection. They are members of both
AMICA and MBSI.
In 2009 and 2013 Jim and Sherrie
were presented the AMICA
International Award. Also in 2013,
they received the Roehl Ambassador
Award at the MBSI convention in Chicago.
The Roehl Ambassador Award
is given to Òan individual, group, or
couple for promoting interest in and
appreciation of automatic musical
instruments.Ó Additionally, Jim and
Sherrie Krughoff founded the Lake
Michigan Chapter of the MBSI.
For those who have not been to Jim
and SherrieÕs home, I would like to
give you a look at some of the instruments
in their remarkable collection.
De Grote Steenput Concert
Fairground Organ
The Steenput Frres Company of
Puurs, Belgium, built this wonderful
organ in 1928. ItÕs a 97-key instrument
with 786 pipes and 14 automatic registers.
In 1963, the large Steenput was
purchased and preserved by Herman
A shot of the detailed carving and paint-
ing found on the figurines adorning the
front of the Steenput organ.
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 19
Wind who also obtained a large library
of music from Carl Frei. The organ
was rebuilt by the Perlee Company in
Amsterdam. This was the only organ
described as phenomenal by the
mechanical organ preservation group
in Holland.
In 1992, the organ became available
and was recommended to the
Krughoffs by Tim Trager. They purchased
the instrument after hearing
Tom MeijerÕs superb arrangement
of LisztÕs Hungarian Rhapsody No.
2 performed on the organ via an old
78 rpm recording. Johnny Verbeeck
and his staff completely restored the
organ in 1993. The Krughoffs bought
an extensive library of music from
the only other Steenput concert organ
(destroyed in a World War II bombing
raid).
One exciting note Ð The Steenput
organ was on the list of the National
Treasures of Holland and could not
be exported from Holland. However,
the law restricting the export did not
go into effect until a month after the
Krughoffs received the shipment.
The Krughoffs had the Steenput
mounted on a trailer and would take
it to various organ rallies pulled by a
Ford F-350 dual-rear-wheel truck. It
made its American public debut at the
MBSI Mid-Am Organ Rally in Musca-
tine, IA, during the Mississippi River
flooding in July 1993, only hours after
being delivered to the Krughoffs from
its restoration in Belgium. Johnny
and Jeffrey Verbeeck accompanied
the Krughoffs and their organ on
this journey. (Some readers might
remember the impromptu meeting of
the ÒSteenput Concert Organ ClubÓ at
that rally). It was certainly AmericaÕs
largest traveling concert fairground
organ. There are two wonderful CD
recordings of the organ, one with
light classical overtures (including the
Hungarian Rhapsody) and the other
with favorite popular selections.
The machine is now permanently on
display in KrughoffÕs music building.
The Ruth 38er Keyless Concert
Fairground Organ
The Ruth & Sohn model 38 (96
keyless) organ was built in Waldkirch,
Germany, for a showman from Berlin
Jim purchased the Ruth & Sohn model 38 because of its authenticity and original
condition. The restoration aimed to preserve as much of this originality as possible.
named Hattenhorst. The following
is an extract from Andrew PilmerÕs
website (acpilmer.com):
An inscription in the bellows is
dated February 26, 1907. This organ
is reputed to be the last with which
Adolf Ruth I was personally involved,
for he died shortly afterwards, on
March 21 of the same year.
On HattenhorstÕs retirement, the
organ passed to his son-in-law, Otto
Viol, who was based in Erfurt, East
Germany. Having somehow survived
the ravages of the Second World War,
the instrument was acquired by
Berlin showman Ludwig Rausch
in 1949. Eventually, his son Dieter
20 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
This organ now has 2,675.5 meters of music, or more than 11 hours, that can be played to keep audiences entertained.
became the organÕs owner, and he collection. Perhaps the scarcity of States), wind chest, glockenspiel
often used it at fairs alongside his organ builders in the communist and primary action; in all many
Dodgem track. Restrictions enforced state and a general lack of money hundreds of hours of work. A careful
by the East German authorities there had spared the instrument tuning at the correct pitch and to the
limited what he was able to do with from later enlargement or Ôimprove-original temperament completed the
the organ, but Rausch did succeed mentÕ. Anxious not to spoil the job.
in acquiring some new music for it integrity of the instrument, the task During this time, the faade and
from Carl Frei, and was also able to of restoration was entrusted to AC figures remained in the United States
have the faade re-decorated. Pilmer Automatic Music Ltd. and as the decorative work of the 1980s
After the Berlin Wall fell in 1990, the organ was duly shipped to York, is still in very good condition. The
the organ gradually became known to England, where the work was carried organÕs return to Chicago in July
a number of collectors in Europe and out over the next couple of years. 2006 coincided with the AMICA con-
the U.S., but it was Jim who eventu-Under the direction of Russell vention when it was premired in its
ally succeeded in acquiring it in June Wattam, workshop manager, every restored state. Its majestic, dignified
2002. It was shipped to the United component of the instrument received sound, optimally balanced between
States in its original showmanÕs attention. The open flue pipework the silvery upper work of the mixture
display trailer and set up at his home had particularly suffered from and the deep, full, rounded trumpets
near Chicago. Its travels were not at unsympathetic handling in the past and trombones is an example of
an end, however, for it was discovered and much care was bestowed on the very best in German fair organ
on further inspection that only a com-returning it to its original state. The building.
prehensive restoration could bring wind pressure had been increased Jim Krughoff, realizing the poten-
the instrument back to its intended at some time, and this was returned tial of the extensive library of music
playing standard. to its correct level. The work also available for the Ruth 38 scale, also
The absolutely original condition involved the complete overhaul, repair ordered around 1,300 meters of new
of the organ had been a major factor and re-leathering of the large bellows books, which were produced from the
in JimÕs decision to add it to his (ÔpumpÕ to our readers in the United original patterns of the Ruth firm
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 21
(acquired by Voigt Orgelbau, Frankfurt
am Main, Germany in 1936), as
well as the patterns of Carl Frei and
Gustav Bruder, now in the possession
of Keller & Kern, of Saverdun,
France. Gustav Bruder produced
some exceptional arrangements for
this scale after World War II.
Amongst this music are some of
the finest arrangements of operatic
overtures and fantasias, concert
waltzes, characteristic pieces, selections
from operettas, marches etc.
ever made for fairground organs. A
particularly challenging piece is
TchaikowskyÕs Cappriccio Italien,
the well-known symphonic tone
poem, in a masterful arrangement
by Gustav Bruder. Such repertoire
elevates the fairground organ to that
of a convincing interpreter of serious
music. These books were cut on a
traditional foot-operated punching
machine while the restoration of the
organ progressed.
After the restoration Jim and
Sherrie ordered an additional 1375.5
meters of music, making a total of
2,675.5 meters, or a total of 11.5 hours
of music for the Ruth!
On one of the Bumbling Bruder
tours, I heard the Cappriccio Italien
played on a Ruth 38. It was the Gustav
Bruder arrangement. I was so excited
Ð I had to drag Jim to the train station
to hear it. Imagine how I felt when I
visited JimÕs at the AMICA convention
and heard the same arrangement on
his own Ruth 38. It was positively electrifying
Ð especially so with a brand
new restoration by very skilled craftsmen.
IÕll never forget the experience.
Of all the mechanical music machines,
the Ruth 38 would have to be at the
very top of my list. Andrew PilmerÕs
website has a sample of music you
can hear.
The Hupfeld Phonoliszt-Violina
machines
Jim and Sherrie acquired a Model B
Phonoliszt from a Butterfield and Butterfield
auction in San Francisco, CA,
in 1987. According to Art Reblitz in
his ÒGolden Age of Automatic Musical
InstrumentsÓ book (a MUST for every
collector), the machine was in the
A challenge was issued to create an instrument with six violins. The challenge was
accepted, and met and the result is now in the Krughoff collection.
Smallwood collection, the Eakins Gay
90s Village, HornÕs Cars of Yesterday
(Sarasota, FL) and MangelÕs American
Museum of Public Recreation (Coney
Island, NY) in the late 1920s. It was
retailed by Ernst Bšcker in New York
City. The Krughoffs had it restored in
1989 by Dave Ramey. They later sold it
to J Douglas Cusick.
The Krughoffs also acquired a Model
A Phonoliszt, which was restored by
Siegfried Wendel in 1993. The story
was that it was taken out of Eastern
Europe by gypsies.
Tim Trager asked Siegfried if he
could construct a machine with six
violins (instead of the usual three).
Though they no longer existed, six-violin
machines had appeared in the
literature, so Siegfried Wendel experimented
with playing two machines
with two rolls at the same time to see
how multiple violins sounded. Jim
had agreed to buy one if it could be
made. So, Siegfried and his son Jens
designed a bigger pneumatic system
and built the machine. The result is
currently in JimÕs music room.
The Wurlitzer 4/33 Theatre
Pipe Organ
The beautiful theatre organ, known
as the Ò7th Street OrganÓ came from
the Organ Stop Pizza Restaurant in
Phoenix, AZ. The restaurant currently
has a location in Mesa, AZ, with
another organ. According to their
website:
In 1984, Bill Brown decided to
retire from the restaurant business.
The Phoenix Organ Stop was sold
to a real estate developer, who sold
the pipe organ and demolished the
building in favor of an office complex.
Incidentally, that instrument was
sold to a couple in Downers Grove, IL,
for installation in their home!
The couple, of course, is none other
than Jim and Sherrie Krughoff! The
incredibly talented David L. Junchen
was hired to move the organ and install
it. It took Dave and two organ technicians
approximately nine months to
do this. There were two semi-trailers
full of parts. The organ console originally
came from the Missouri Theatre
in St. Louis, MO. According to the
blog ÒCinema TreasuresÓ in a string of
commentary:
The first console of the Missouri
died in a fire due to a careless smoker.
The 2nd console along with a new
expanded unification relay took its
place and made the organ noteworthy.
In 1954 the console was purchased
by Harvey Heck who made it part
of the GraumanÕs Egyptian Theatre
22 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
This organ console once graced the stage at the Missouri Theatre in St. Louis, MO. It
was installed in GrummanÕs Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, CA, and also spent time
as part of a pizza restaurant in Phoenix, AZ. It is now part of the Krughoff collection.
Wurlitzer that he owned. In 1972 it
became part of Bill BrownÕs Wurlitzer
in the first ÒOrgan Stop Pizza.Ó In
1987, the restaurant closed, the organ
was removed and was sold to Jim and
Sherrie Krughoff in Downers Grove,
IL. Dave Junchen restored it and it is
now part of the Krughoff Residence
Wurlitzer since Aug. 5, 1989 when
it was formally dedicated with three
concerts played by Walt Sorony.
More history on the organ
To be clear, Harvey Heck did not
own GraumanÕs Egyptian Theater, he
only purchased the Wurlizter organ
from that location in 1956. He had
the organ installed in his home in
Tarzana, CA, and then later added the
four-manual Wurlitzer console from
the Missouri Theatre in St. Louis, MI.
Harvey sold the organ, along with the
console, to Bill Brown who installed
it in his Organ Stop Pizza restaurant.
During its pizza parlor days, the organ
was a testing ground for determining
what were the best sounds for a public
venue restaurant theatre organ. Today,
the organ is still controlled by the
same console from the Missouri Theatre
(minus the layers of grease from
its pizza parlor days). Jim and Sherrie
expanded the organ to its current 4/33
configuration.
The Seeburg H Orchestrion
Jim and Sherrie acquired their
Seeburg H orchestrion in 1985 from
Bob Brown. Before that, it belonged
to Sam Robins (Play it Again SamÕs,
Chicago, IL). Before that, it belonged
to Steve Hecht (Chicago) and before
that, the salvage yard (Paris, IL). It was
restored by Dave Ramey around 1977.
The elaborate facade to the Philipps
Monstre Paganini Orchestrion is imposing
and has a stately beauty.
After enjoying it for several years, the
Seeburg H was sold to Glenn Thomas,
editor of The AMICA Bulletin.
There is an interesting story about
the acquisition of rolls for this particular
machine. Apparently, someone
familiar with mechanical music saw a
truck hauling rolls from a flood-damaged
theater. They turned out to be 60
untouched original Seeburg H rolls on
their way to the dump! Fortunately,
these were saved and are now also
safely in the Thomas collection.
The Philipps Monstre Paganini
Orchestrion
This is one of the most stunning
machines you will ever see. It was
restored from many original parts
and a gorgeous reproduction cabinet
was made by Siegfried Wendel
and his Mechanische Musikwerke
Manufaktur. ItÕs one of the largest
orchestrions ever made. Philipps said
it represents a string orchestra of 40 to
50 musicians. Siegfried discovered the
machine in Budapest and describes
his adventures in his book, Datenspeicher-
Musikinstrumente (Data Storage
Musical Instruments). On his visit to
Budapest, Siegfried says:
The place was filled to the ceiling.
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 23
Instead of walking on the floor we
had to climb over suitcases, valises,
trunks and old furniture. ÒWhere is the
Paganini Kino machine?Ó ÒWe have to
climb on this trunk to your right and
then on the armoire.Ó Behind this, we
saw the Paganini. We saw, among the
bric-ˆ-brac, the only instrument of its
kind that likely survived in the world.
ÒIs it complete?Ó ÒYes, and it works!Ó
It was evident that the instrument was
not likely in a working state but its
survival was certainly a miracle.
The Hupfeld Pan Orchestra
Model I
The Pan Orchestra was originally
retailed by Duwaer and Naessens,
Amsterdam (1920), then in the 1940s
it was purchased by Lou Bennet, then
Jim DeRoin (1950s), then Otto Carlsen,
then Haning and White, then Harold
Freiheit, then David Bowers (1986)
and finally the Krughoffs in 1987. It
was restored by Reblitz Restorations
in 1989. When the Krughoffs bought
the machine, it was being stored on
Harold FreiheitÕs porch where it had
been sitting for several years. The
Pan has a full reproducing piano, a
10-roll changer, and many multiplexed
functions, making things even more
complex.
A Tour of the Krughoff Collection
The extent of the collection is staggering,
and some instruments are the
only known examples. A full list of the
instruments (and their restorers) is
shown on Page 22. Some are no longer
in the collection as Jim was trying to
downsize before he died, but the list
represents the instruments that were
on display when I visited:
All of these machines were beautifully
displayed and everything worked
wonderfully. In short, visiting Jim and
Sherrie Krughoff was an exhilarating
experience.
I gratefully acknowledge the help of
Art Reblitz in compiling this article.
Jim was certainly an important presence
in the mechanical music world
and his loss is devastating.
The Hupfeld Pan Orchestra Model I was first sold in Amsterdam, then made its way
to the Krughoffs via several other owners, even surviving several years on a front
porch.
Please feel free to email Matt Jaro at Reprinted with permission of the
mjaro@verizon.net if you would like author and The Automatic Musical
any information about style ÒAÓ, ÒGÓ, Instrument CollectorsÕ Association
Ò4XÓ, ÒHÓ or ÒOÓ rolls. Also, comments (AMICA). Originally printed in the
and suggestions for this column will be March/April 2014 issue of The AMICA
appreciated. Bulletin.
24 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
The interior of the Hupfeld is a tightly-packed masterwork of Art Reblitz, of Reblitz Restorations, brought the Hupfeld to its
engineering. current fantastic condition.
Dave Ramey in front of the Welte Style IV orchestrion.
The finished Welte Style IV in gorgeous playing condition.
An ornate Mason and Hamlin Ampico A model reproducing
piano features carved figurines and intricate patterns on
nearly every surface.
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 25
The Krughoff machines
¥ Ruth 38 Concert Fairground Organ (Andrew Pilmer
and Russell Wattam)
¥ Steenput Concert Fairground Organ (Johnny
Verbeeck)
¥ Mason & Hamlin Italian Carved AMPICO A Piano
(Bob Taylor)
¥ Wurlitzer CX Orchestrion with bells (Jerry Biasella)
¥ Philipps/Wurlitzer PianOrchestra Style 33 (Tim
Westman) obtained from the RKO prop department
¥ Philipps Monstre Paganini Orchestrion (Siegfried and
Jens Wendel)
¥ Welte Briscovia C Luxus Orchestrion (Hayes
McClaran.
¥ Early style Weber Maesto (Dave Ramey)
¥ Hupfeld Violina-Orchestra (reproduction by Siegfried
and Jens Wendel)
¥ Hupfeld Model A Phonoliszt-Violina (Siegfried Wendel
and Jens Wendel)
¥ Bursens Arburo Dance organ (Johnny Verbeeck)
¥ De Cap Robot Band (Andrew Pilmer and Russell
Wattam)
¥ Weber Grandezza with moving scene (Dave Ramey)
¥ Seeburg H Orchestrion (Dave Ramey)
¥ Le Ludion Organ 32-note Baladin Organ (Eve and
Philippe Crasse)
¥ Verbeeck 40-key small Dutch Street Organ (Johnny
Verbeeck)
¥ Bruder Aerophon roll-operated Fairground Organ. It
has a pinned cylinder that plays bass drum and snare
drum during rewind
¥ Holl German barrel organ (Hohl)
¥ Bacigalupo Trumpet Organ (reproduction by Kurt
Niemuth)
¥ Welte Multitone (Motion Picture and Cabaret Midget
Orchestra). Same as a Coinola X with four extra foot
pedals and extra control buttons on the keyboard for
hand use to play the instruments in the machine. The
Welte version was probably something special that
Welte had ordered from Coinola to be able to offer a
photo-player in the Welte lineup. Only two are known
to exist. (Dave Ramey)
¥ Mills Bow Front Violano Virtuoso (Dave Ramey)
¥ Wurlitzer 4/33 Theatre Organ (David L. Junchen)
¥ Hupfeld Pan Model I (Art Reblitz)
¥ Welte Style 4 Concert Orchestrion (Siegfried Wendel
and Durward Center)
¥ Hupfeld Peasant Band Orchestrion. From 1897
catalog. (Pipes play from metal disks)
¥ Double Phonoliszt-Violina (reproduction by Siegfried
Wendel and Jens Wendel)
¥ Hupfeld II/25 Helios Orchestrion (Hayes McClaran)
¥ Popper Felix Orchestrion (Hayes McClaran)
¥ Hupfeld Symphonie Jazz Orchestrion Model 19 (Ron
Cappel)
¥ Weber Unika with moving scene (Dave Ramey)
An early Weber Maesto restored by Dave Ramey, Sr.
¥ Oehrlein Flute Player (Franz Oehrlein)
¥ Oehrlein Organ Grinder (Franz Oehrlein)
¥ Cremona J Orchestrion (Dave Ramey)
¥ Mason & Hamlin Hepplewhite AMPICO B Piano (Jim
Blanchard and Bob Taylor)
¥ Steinway Model AY Duo-Art with original Concertola
changer
¥ Ramey Banjo-Orchestra (Dave Ramey)
¥ Lochmann Disk Music Box with bells
¥ Regina Corona Style 35 Disk Changer Music Box with
clock
¥ Reginaphone Rookwood Style 140 (15. inch disk
music box with phonograph)
¥ Le Ludion Musical Secretary Desk
¥ Various Cylinder Music Boxes
¥ Nicole Frres Variation Box with 194 teeth, 6 octaves
fully chromatic except for lowest four notes.
¥ Monopol Gnome Automat (Style 71)
¥ Symphonion Gambrinus Style 25GS
26 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
The Duo-Art Concertola in perfect playing condition.
The Welte Brisocvia C Luxus restored by Hayes McClaran.
The Krughoff collection also includes an excellent example of The Popper Felix with its spinning wonderlight is always a hit
a De Cap Robot Band orchestrion. with visitors who enjoy the colored light show.
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 27
The barrel organand the disabled
Civil War veteran
Two organ grinders ply their trade on the
streets of New York in the 1890s.
by Robert F. Penna, Ph.D.
Growing up in Union City, NJ, in the 1950s,
I remember a disabled World War II veteran
lying on a blanket in the cityÕs old shopping
section on Bergenline Avenue. He sat
there selling pencils for five cents each.
Having traveled extensively since the early
1970s, my wife, Angela, and I sometimes
find similar maimed survivors from wars
now past, begging or selling some simple
items in front of religious institutions, in
markets or tourist areas. In reflecting on
these experiences, I began to wonder what
happened when huge numbers of young
men suddenly returned from the front
lines in the 1860s, many missing one or
more limbs, especially during an age when
prosthetic limbs were crude at best?
28 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
A drawing of an organ grinder with a wooden leg and his trained monkey entertaining children outside their home. The drawing
is dated 1873.
Such was the case during and shortly
after the American Civil War. Although
the exact number is not known, many
respected research sources report
that approximately 30,000 amputations
were performed on Union
Photo Credits:
Facing page: The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of
Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The
New York Public Library. ÒOrgan grinder.Ó The New York
Public Library Digital Collections. 1896. http://qa.digitalcollections.
nypl.org/items/510d47d9-a8db-a3d9-e040e00a18064a99
and http://qa.digitalcollections.nypl.org/
items/510d47d9-a8d2-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
This page: Art and Picture Collection, The New York Public
Library. ÒThe organ-grinder.Ó The New York Public
Library Digital Collections. 1873-06-07. http://qa.digitalcollections.
nypl.org/items/510d47e3-395f-a3d9-e040e00a18064a99
soldiers during the war. These same
sources agree that a similar number of
operations was likely done on Confederate
soldiers, but there is no formal
documentation remaining to provide
concrete proof. Why, you might
ask, were so many limbs removed?
Mainly it had to do with the fact that
there were vast numbers of men
severely wounded in battle, and it was
impossible for the limited number of
surgeons to undertake more delicate
and time-consuming procedures such
as building splints or removing only
part of the bone or flesh damaged by
bullets. Add to that a lack of operating
rooms and other battlefield challenges
of the time, and it was a situation
where drastic surgery was the best
option for most patients. An amputation
would often be performed to
prevent deadly complications such as
gangrene.1
Those veterans who survived an
amputation faced their next challenge
as they returned to civilian life in an
era where most employment required
physical labor, and options for legless
or armless men were extremely
limited.
Many amputee veterans seeking to
earn a living opted for a profession
pioneered by veterans of earlier European
conflicts, in particular the Seven
Years War (1756-1763) where disabled
warriors were taught to play barrel
organs on their return from battle.
This was especially encouraged in the
German-speaking regions of Europe.
Empress Maria Theresa of Austria
was the first to authorize permits to
crank a Leierkasten (barrel organ) in
public. Licenses often went to invalids
of the Seven Years War to help them
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 29
An advertisement for cigarettes shows
a drawing of an organ grinder with a
monkey in mock military uniform from
London. Civil War veterans looked to
Europe for ways to earn a living and may
have seen this as a possible solution.
Photo Credit: George Arents Collection, The New York Public
Library. ÒThe Organ GrinderÓ The New York Public Library
Digital Collections. http://qa.digitalcollections.nypl.org/
items/7cfd6dbb-a9ac-1aa2-e040-e00a180667bd
make enough to eat and live. In 1810,
Prussia copied Austria and issued
permits as well.2 This practice continued
in Germany until after World
War I. Joseph RothÕs ÒRebellion: A
NovelÓ describes a German World War
I amputee vet who becomes a street
organ grinder and then
ends up losing his license
and which leads to him
experiencing many more
misfortunes.3
According to Terry
Bender, who wrote an
article titled ÒA Short History
of Organ Grinders,Ó
European organ grinders
were often despised or
even feared. The authorities
in 17th and 18th century
Europe were often afraid
of itinerant musicians
because they carried
information and news
from place to place, and
they sometimes stirred
up trouble. It was one
reason organ grinders
had to obtain licenses in
order to play. Other times,
the licenses were simply
granted to disabled soldiers
in lieu of pensions or
medical care.4
Barrel organs, also
known as hand organs or
Ògrind organs,Ó were first
imported to the United
States during the mid
19th century by European
immigrants. German
instrument builder Franz
Rudolph Wurlitzer set up
shop in Cincinnati, OH, in
1856 and helped establish a domestic
barrel organ trade based in the northern
states.5
Drawn to the instrumentÕs portability
and the ease of operating
its simple hand crank mechanism,
Italian, Irish, and German immigrants
continued the old-world practice of
playing the barrel organ as urban
street performers. These buskers,
or those who entertained in public
places for donations,6 were already
known in cities throughout the north
prior to the outbreak of the Civil War
in 1861. This ready audience made the
barrel organs especially attractive to
disabled veterans. The organs could
be carried on the chest thanks to a
shoulder strap and supported by a
stand which meant they acted almost
like a crutch for men who had lost a
leg. The carved ornamental frontages
charmed passers-by, who would marvel
at the instrument while the crank
turner took a rest.7 Antique hand
organs decorated with symbols of
America are often traced to disabled
northern veterans of the Civil War.
Michael Accinno, in ÒThe Oxford
Handbook of Music and Disability
Studies,Ó explains how some amputees
operated an instrument colloquially
referred to as a Òhand organÓ without
the use of a hand. In these cases a
young boy would often accompany
the veteran supplying youthful arms
and hands to turn the crank of the
instrument while the veteran talked
with the public and collected coins.
These able-bodied young assistants
helped transport the barrel organs,
and sometimes the disabled men too.
The young boys might also wear a
blue uniform that matched those worn
by the veterans.8
According to Accinno, the number
of disabled veteran organ buskers
peaked during the 1870s. It is difficult
to establish an exact number of
amputee veteran performers, but in an
article in the New York Times (March
20, 1895), one writer estimated that
Òthousands of invalid and wounded
veterans purchased organsÓ after the
war. Newspapers and periodicals
in California, the Midwest, and the
Eastern seaboard expressed alarm in
documenting the presence of injured
soldiers performing in public spaces.9
Writing in the New York Herald, one
reporter captured much of the shock
that crowds felt at witnessing the
sight and sound of disabled Civil War
veteran buskers:
As we pass at the various corners of
the streets the organ grinders, who are
disabled soldiers, we cannot but think
that some other provision should be
made for these armless or legless men,
who have suffered for the perpetuity
of the nation. That those who fought
30 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
This drawing from 1854 depicts a barrel organ grinder with monkey accompanied by a tambourine and triangle. Note the man
in the background covering his ears while the children in the foreground dance and sing along.
and lost their limbs for their defense
of our homes should be compelled
to stand and beg for pennies at our
street corners is a disgrace (Jul. 21,
1871).Ó 10
A change in attitude against all organ
grinders began to appear by the mid
1870s as Italian organ grinders who
predominated in the antebellum period
but started to see their income decline
after the war with the influx of disabled
soldiers started to pretend to be former
servicemen to earn more money. The
Photo Credit: Art and Picture Collection, The New York
Public Library. ÒThe five senses.–No II. Hearing.Ó The New
York Public Library Digital Collections. 1854-10. http://qa-
.digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e3-3962-a3d9e040-
e00a18064a99
public soon had a hard time trusting
the stories of the buskers and all performers
then saw negative reactions to
their presence begin to rise.
One observer in AppletonÕs Journal
(New York) noted, ÒThe maimed
soldiers of the last war É excite more
sympathy than the able-bodied Italians,
and often earn twice as much moneyÓ
(Jan. 24, 1874). The influx of veterans
into the once immigrant-dominated
profession was so pronounced that
when a reporter for the New York Sun
asked a proprietor of barrel organs
in 1874 about his clientele, he could
readily reply that they were Ònearly
all Italians and old American soldiersÓ
(reprinted in Scientific American, Jul.
15,1874).11
Yet, it is likely that many of the
immigrants were actually disabled
veterans of the northÕs Army of the
Republic. According to Bladek, as
many as 200,000 German-Americans
and 150,000 Irish-Americans served in
the Union Army and Navy.12 Between
5,000 and 10,000 Italian-Americans
also served in the Union and the
Confederate armies.13 However, for
many of the writers of the times, an
immigrant organ grinder, whether an
amputee or not, was scorned while
American-born street performers
were not.
A prime example of this attitude is
represented in the 1868 book by John
Mc Cabe, ÒThe Secrets of the Great
City: A Work Descriptive of the Virtues
and the Vices, The Mysteries, Miseries,
and Crimes of New York City.Ó14 He
exudes nothing but scorn for immigrant
organ grinders actually calling
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 31
This depiction of an organ grinder from 1873 shows him as bearded and a bit disheveled. There is no air of celebration around
his music, which possibly reflects the growing dissatisfaction with the people plying the trade at that time.
their music Òthe most horrible discord,Ó
but his descriptions of Òsoldier
minstrelsÓ who use the same instruments
is very supportive. McCabe
strictly separates the veterans from
immigrant street musicians reasoning
that their service and bodily sacrifices
merit consideration as a special
category of performers. He narrates
the story of John Williams, a gallant
private in the Army of the Potomac
who lost both an arm and a leg during
the course of the war. McCabe notes
that Williams Òconsoled himself with
the hope that the people for whom
he had fought and suffered, would
not let him lack for some means of
employment.Ó As the hoped-for work
failed to materialize, Williams was
reduced to playing the barrel organ on
city streets, a profession that, owing
to it associations with immigrants,
is described as Òrepugnant to oneÕs
manhood.Ó15
If one researches further, evidence
of disabled immigrant veterans as
musicians can be found. An article
in the Washington Post reported the
story of an Irish immigrant who lost
Photo Credit: Art and Picture Collection, The New York
Public Library. ÒThe organ-grinder.Ó The New York Public
Library Digital Collections. 1873-12. http://qa.digitalcollections.
nypl.org/items/510d47e3-3432-a3d9-e040e00a18064a99
32 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
In this street scene from 1896, an organ
grinder and his wife do not appear to be
attracting much attention as her cup is
empty and the street sweeper behind
them is clearly not interested in what
they are doing.
Photo Credit: The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of
Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The
New York Public Library. ÒOrgan grinder.Ó The New York
Public Library Digital Collections. 1896. http://qa.digitalcollections.
nypl.org/items/510d47d9-a8ce-a3d9-e040e00a18064a99
his arm during the Richmond-Petersburg
campaign. Lacking family ties
in the United States, the man later
received a barrel organ that he claimed
was financed personally by the editor
of the La Crosse Democrat, Marcus
Pomeroy (Jan. 2, 1884).16
A particularly disturbing story of
a one-armed German veteran in Milwaukee
was recounted in a series of
outraged letters written by readers of
the Chicago Tribune. According to eyewitness
accounts, the veteran arrived
outside of the offices of the Wisconsin
State Register and started playing a
hand organ, only to have a pail of dirty
water dumped on him from the window
of the office by the newspaperÕs editor,
Jack Turner (Chicago Tribune, Jul. 11,
1872). A corroborating account by a
different witness indicates that Turner
continued to berate the man and may
have even kicked him down a flight of
stairs (Chicago Tribune, Jul. 15, 1872).
These accounts suggest that immigrant
veterans may have had particular difficulties
in navigating postwar benefit
and employment networks. 17
Identifying himself only as
ÒOtsdama,Ó an indignant veteran
organ grinder wrote to the editor
of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle in 1869
to protest against the onslaught
of critiques that had been leveled
against the performers by the newspaperÕs
readers in recent weeks. His
anonymous remarks, employing a
mixture of humor, sarcasm, guilt, and
wit to silence and shame his critics,
demonstrate the power of disabled
self-representation:
ÒAs a member in good standing
(on one leg) of that much abused
class of musical purveyors, I beg the
privilege of giving to the public a few
of the reasons which govern us in the
choice of this profession. While many
persons with musical cultivation
and education enjoy the opera and
so-called classical music. É the great
mass of common people are better
satisfied with simple airs, finding
little pleasure to elaborate and intricate
compositionsÉ. But what have
these censorious scribblers to say on
the score of their own patriotism? Do
they not consider that while they were
enjoying their ease at home, we who
are now maimed and crippled for
life, were fighting the battles of our
country? And when we are unfit for
active labor, we must do something
to support ourselves and those dependent
upon us, for a living. Give us
something else to do, we will gladly
do it. We have sometimes thought that
Uncle Sam might with great propriety
give us a place in his service, to do
such light work as is now performed
by stay-at-home politicians. As for
example, see the inner workings of
the Brooklyn Post office. Perhaps you
do not like our music. Possibly you
do not like our organ grinding. What
else shall we do? Perchance our music
annoys you.
ÒPay us our wages, and we will sit
by our music boxes in proper silence,
to please you. Is our music disagreeable?
We have heard that which was
more so, on the fields of Gettysburg
and the Wilderness. When you hear
our wheezing instruments, consider
it but the faint echo which we have
brought from the battle-fields which
saved our Republic, and look upon our
employment as the necessary resort
of the fragments of your countryÕs
defenders, and we hope these considerations
will make you less easily
annoyed and less irritable (Brooklyn
Daily Eagle, May 11, 1869).Ó 18
Some Americans hated the
rinky-tinkiness and repetition of the
street piano Ð ÒIt is a dull crowd the
organ grinder appeals to,Ó observed
the Reading, Pa., Times in July 1898.
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 33
In this street scene, we see a blind
man cranking an organ in the streets
in the early 1900s in New York City. By
this time, the job of organ grinder was
quickly fading from society.
Photo Credit: The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of
Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The
New York Public Library. ÒStreet scene on East side, New
York CityÓ The New York Public Library Digital Collections.
1900 – 1937. http://qa.digitalcollections.nypl.org/
items/510d47d9-a99a-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
In hamlets such as Allentown, PA, and often-treacly tunes, played on infinite years. The Civil War had been devas-
Brooklyn, NY, organ grinders were repeat, just set peopleÕs nerves on tating. The country had suffered as a
actually fined or arrested because edge.19 Not all Americans, however, whole. No part of it had been spared
they refused to stop playing. The city hated these players. Enough people the loss of life and injury. Disabled
of Somerville, MA, declared Òwar on loved the lilting, uplifting tunes, waft-veterans, standing or lying while play-
organ grinders,Ó the Fitchburg Sen-ing through the breezes and showed ing the attention-getting barrel organ,
tinel stated in September 1893. The their appreciation with tips that the eventually became a reminder of bad
performers Ñ machine operators, occupation of organ grinder persisted times. Perhaps the disappearance of
actually Ñ were sitting ducks. They for as long as it did. the organ grinders and their machines
were vulnerable, attention-drawing As the years passed, the nation had more to do with helping citizens
characters encumbered by the tools began to heal and Americans wanted forget the war than a dislike of the
of their trade. Perhaps the same to forget the hardships of the war music and the profession.
Sources:
1. ÒMaimed Men,Ó Life and Limb: The Toll of the American Civil
War, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Found at: https://
www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/lifeandlimb/maimedmen.html
Also, ÒSurgery in the Civil War,Ó http://www.pbs.org/mercy-
street/uncover-history/behind-lens/surgery-civil-war/
Also, ÒCivil War Battlefield Surgery, Ó https://ehistory.osu.edu/
exhibitions/cwsurgeon/cwsurgeon/amputations
2. Buchner, Alexander. 1959. Mechanical Musical Instruments.
Translated by Iris Urwin. London: Batchworth.
3. Roth, Joseph. Rebellion: A Novel. (original title: Die Rebellion):
a 1924 novel by the Austrian writer Joseph Roth. It tells the story
of a German war veteran who has become a street musician
after losing one leg. The novel was published in the newspaper
VorwŠrts from 27 July to 29 August 1924. A synopsis can be
found at: http://www.librarything.com/work/2098435
4. Bender, Terry. A Short History of Organ Grinders. 2010. Found
at: http://bendermelodies.com/org_grinder_history.htm
5. Bowers, Q. David. 1972. Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical
Instruments. Vestal, NY: Vestal Publishing.
6. Busker Ð Definition of. Mirriam-Webster Online. Found at:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/busker According
to Mirriam-Webster, the word originated in print in 1851.
7. Le Ludion, company that services, trades and manufacturers of
barrel organs, Toulouse, France. Found at: http://www.leludion.
com/pag_barbarie/barbarie_e.htm
8. Accinno, Michael. ÒDisabled Union Veterans and the Performance
of Martial Begging.Ó In The Oxford Handbook of Music
and Disability Studies, edited by Blake Howe, Stephanie
Jensen-Moulton, Neil Lerner, and Joseph Straus, 403Ð422. New
York: Oxford University Press, 2016.
9. Accinno (same as above)
10. Article in The New York Herald, July 21, 1871.
11. Accinno, Michael. 2010. ÒÔOrgan GrinderÕs SwingÕ: Representations
of Street Music in New York City, 1850Ð1937.Ó MA thesis,
University of Iowa. http://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/636
12. Bladek, John David. 2000. ÒImmigration.Ó In Encyclopedia of
the American Civil War: A Political, Social, and Military History,
vol. 2, edited by David S. Heidler and Jeanne T. Heidler,
1028Ð1029. Santa Barbara, CA
13. ÒItalian Americans in the Civil WarÓ found at: https://en.wikipe-
dia.org/wiki/Italian_Americans_in_the_Civil_War
14. McCabe, James D. [Edward Winslow Martin]. 1868. The Secrets
of the Great City: A Work Descriptive of the Virtues and the
Vices, The Mysteries, Miseries, and Crimes of New York City.
Philadelphia, PA: Jones Brothers.
15. Accinno (same as above)
16. Accinno (same as above)
17. Accinno (same as above)
18. Accinno (same as above)
19. ÒStrange Stories Surrounding Street Pianos,Ó NPR History
Department. July 8, 2015. Found at: http://www.npr.org/
sections/npr-history-dept/2015/07/08/420837852/strange-sto-
ries-surrounding-street-pianos?utm_source=facebook.
com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=
nprnews&utm_content=20150708
34 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
Interesting Tidbits
MBSI member Walter Nuss sent in
the following batch of photos and recollections
from the 25th Anniversary
MBSI Annual Meeting that took place
in 1974 in Saddlebrook, NJ. Among the
highlights from these photos are shots
of J. Lawrence Cook, famed piano
roll producer for QRS Music Roll
Company listening to his rolls on a
7-foot Steinway Duo-Art Grand piano.
People gathered to hear the tunes
and get CookÕs autograph, and Nuss
said Cook appeared to be having a
wonderful time talking with everyone
who had enjoyed his rolls so much.
Nuss remembers Cook not having a
ride home to Mount Vernon, NY, that
night and volunteering to give the legendary
piano player a lift. A few wrong
turns took the duo on a tour around
almost all of New York City, says Nuss,
during which time Cook shared some
entertaining stories. Nuss says Cook
shared stories from his early start in
the music roll business at US Music
Roll Company and then his transition
to QRS. Nuss even includes a copy
of the letter sent from QRS to Cook
offering him a sum of $200 a month to
produce music rolls (Page 33).
More on Cook
Michael Meddings, on his website
www.doctorjazz.co.uk/page11.html,
provides an extensive history of
CookÕs life and work, including copies
of correspondence between Cook and
himself over the years. According to
Meddings, Cook was orphaned at age
4 after his father, a traveling minister,
died on the road. Raised by relatives
who introduced him to music, Cook
took some time to break into the
industry. He washed and unloaded
cars, and worked as a candy maker in
Illinois before getting freelance work
for the Bradford Song Roll Company,
Aeolian, Republic, and, as mentioned
before, the US Music Roll Company. In
one of the letters from Cook to Med-
dings, Cook estimates he produced
between 10,000 and 20,000 piano roll
masters in his lifetime.
Who are these folks?
Do you know any of the people in
the photos on pages 36-37 taken at the
25th Anniversary MBSI Annual Meeting?
Send an email to editor@mbsi.org
and help us put names to faces.
Remember these?
Photos from the 25th Anniversary MBSI Annual Meeting in 1974, Saddlebrook, NJ
Remember these?
Photos from the 25th Anniversary MBSI Annual Meeting in 1974, Saddlebrook, NJ
The Organino
Luuk GoldhoornÕs last article
Luuk was working on this article when
I visited him on the 27th of November 2017.
We discussed it but he was not happy about it
because he could not identify what the abbreviation
HARO stood for.
The following dayÕs it was found that it
was shorthand for the name of Hans Ršlz.
Hans Ršlz had musical instrument factories
in Klingenthal, Germany and Graslitz (now
Kraslice) in the Czech Republic. Luuk found
much information about him but was not
given the time to write an updated version.
Ð Niko Wiegman.
By Luuk Goldhoorn.
Suppose you had never seen a
musical box, and only knew that it
produced music with the help of tuned
steel combs and a cylinder with pins.
Now you are asked to make a cylinder.
Do you think you would choose brass
as the material? Brass is expensive,
why not use wood? It would be far
easier to hammer pins in a wooden
as compared to a brass cylinder, and
besides, self-playing large organs
had been using wooden cylinders for
centuries.
But Antoine Favre-Salomon, said
to be the inventor of the musical box,
felt wood was not the right material.
He was a watchmaker, after all, and
watchmakers donÕt use wood.
That attitude persisted until about
the 1930s when the first wooden cylinders
were placed into a musical box.
The heyday of cartel musical boxes
was long past when the idea to use a
wooden cylinder as part of a toy, called
a manivelle and intended for children,
came about. The mechanism was
housed in a tin box with dimensions of
10 centimeters wide by 6 centimeters
tall by 7 centimeters deep (Figure 1).
The firm that first brought these
manivelles onto the market was
named HARO. Their trademark was
a mouthorgan which was held high
by an arm. In the mouthorgan is
printed 881 Mein Stolz (Translated:
Figure 1: An Organino featuring a picture of three girls on the top.
Figure 2: A trademark stamp displaying only the word Organino, no maker name.
40 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
My pride). The letters H and R are
depicted in the trademark as well as
ÒMade in GermanyÓ (Figures 2 and
3). Most probably the letters H R are
the initials of the maker but even with
these letters no traces of him nor his
firm could be found.
This new product was called an
Organino. It must have been some
sort of a success because I found two
almost identical examples. The difference
was the tin used for the housing
which in one case was bright while the
other had a dull character.
The printing on these boxes was
also different. On the dull one the
trademark was printed as well as
HARO and Organino. On the other one
HARO is missing. Also the inside is not
identical: the plate on which the teeth
are screwed on is painted brass in
only one of the instruments (Figure 4).
On the top of the box is a little picture
of three girls, the first one turning
the Organino which is kept around
her neck with a cord. Such a cord
seems never to have been on the real
instrument.
The handle that turns the cylinder
is not straight fastened to the rod, so
if you turn it backwards the cylinder
doesnÕt turn. I presume that during the
time it was used the handle came solid
to the rod and by turning it backwards
teeth were broken. In fact, in both
manivelles this had occurred. In one,
three teeth are broken and in the
other, two teeth are broken.
The bass teeth are weighted and as
to be expected, there are no dampers.
The teeth are so delicate that I
presume that they also were used in
the mouthorgans the firm was better
known for building. The music was
not the type normally marketed to
children. Home sweet home and Silent
night were pinned on the cylinders.
This attempt to change the brass cylinder
to a wooden one did not cause a
furor. Musical box makers didnÕt seem
to see the advantages, and maybe they
were right.
Figure 3: A trademark stamp with Organino and the HARO (manufacturerÕs) name.
Figure 4: Two Organino movements, both with wooden cylinders but one movement
is painted to look like brass and the other is left without any paint.
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 41
An introduction to Mechanical Music
Recently, the Association of Musical the wide-range of items that people in shared with MBSI and will
Box Collectors (AMBC) in the United musical box societies often collect. be published a few pages at a time in
Kingdom produced a wonderful book Written by Paul Bellamy and Juliet Mechanical Music, for the enjoyment
let introducing many different types of Fynes, with additional materials con of all our members, both new and long-
mechanical musical instruments and tributed by Ted Brown and design/ time veterans.
providing brief descriptions of each for photography work by Chris Fynes, For more information, visit the
people who might be unfamiliar with this booklet has been generously AMBC website at www. ambc.org.uk
An introduction to Mechanical Music
An introduction to Mechanical Music
Golden Gate Chapter
Chair: Richard Hughes
Reporter: Jenny Hoyt
Photographer: Jonathan Hoyt
Feb. 11, 2018 Ð San Francisco, CA
Members of the Golden Gate Chapter
gathered for their first meeting of
the year at the home of Philip Strauss.
The meeting was held on Feb. 11 and
was attended by approximately 20
members.
Phil lives in the Alamo Square Historic
District of San Francisco, CA,
a neighborhood characterized by its
rows of Victorian-style row houses,
including the famous ÒPainted LadiesÓ
that are often featured in movies and
other media pieces talking about San
Francisco. Truly, it was a remarkable
venue for our meeting! The home
was built in 1871 and is a gorgeous
example of Victorian Renaissance
Revival style architecture. The homeÕs
interior was lovingly remodeled, furnished
and accessorized exclusively
with pieces from 1871. The results of
such intentional design are inspiring
A view of the formal dining room with oil
lamps and serving station.
Meeting host Philip Strauss with what he calls the most extraordinary piece in his
collection, a console by Herter Brothers, a maker regarded for its production of
high-quality Renaissance Revival furniture.
Member Judy Caletti, right, leads the group in a discussion The Mason and Hamlin reproducing piano that graces the
during the business meeting. Chapter Chair Richard Hughes parlor.
is on the far left and David Corkrum is seated in the chair near
the center.
The homeÕs dazzling entry hall A glimpse of the stained-glass entry and enchanting gas
lamps which are found throughout the home.
46 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
The Regina Music Box is conveniently located in the dining
room, so guests were able to enjoy it before and after the meal.
and a delight for visitors! The home features gas lighting
throughout, original period artwork, heavy and elaborate
furniture with intricate carving and marble tops, and a
beautiful stained-glass entry. Musical instruments in the
collection include a Regina Music Box (notably, a Model 1),
and a Mason and Hamlin reproducing piano.
The warmth and bold character of the home certainly
was a highlight of the meeting, but in addition guests
enjoyed drinks, delicious homemade dishes, and lively
conversation. A business meeting led by Chair Richard
Hughes concluded the afternoon event.
The Chapter would like to express its sincere thanks to
Phil Strauss for inviting us into his home, and for his warm
hospitality. A day with friends is lovely, but enjoying it in
such a special home made it genuinely exceptional.
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 47
Southern California Chapter
Chair: Robin Biggins
Reporter: Linda Birkitt
Photographer: Lowell Boehland
Feb. 24, 2018 Ð San Diego, CA
Lieutenant Lelland Fletcher (age
91) hosted the Feb. 24, 2018, meeting
of the Southern California Chapter in
his captivating home in San Diego, CA.
Fletcher looked very dapper and official
in his original U.S. Naval uniform
from 1942. Not only is FletcherÕs home
noted for its wall to wall clock and
mechanical music boxes, but also his
extensive collection of palms in both
his front and back yards.
Some 40 plus members attended
this meeting. The weather gods were
shining brightly the day of this event,
providing perfect San Diego temperatures
for the affair. The event began
at 1 p.m. Various desserts and finger
foods were provided by the members
to enhance the soiree, including
frosted brownies, chocolate almond
bunt cake, grapes, blueberries, blackberries,
chips and dip; poppy seed and
almond cake and cracker appetizers.
Fletcher provided drinks.
Fletcher was in his element explaining
his collection to small groups of
the membership. Fletcher notes that
he has found many of his treasures at
the San Diego Swap Meet. As Fletcher
demonstrated his collection, other
members took time to socialize.
Chapter Chair Robin Biggins called
the meeting to order at 2:45 p.m. for
the MBSI group. A number of guests
were introduced. There was no formal
report from the chapter treasurer, as
Bob Lloyd was unable to attend this
meeting. Diane Lloyd, however,
notified Robin that there was plenty of
money in the treasury.
A discussion was held regarding the
upcoming mid-year MBSI TrusteesÕ
meeting to be held at the MIM (Musical
Instrument Museum) in Phoenix,
AZ, March 16 and 17. This will be
a combined chapter and trusteesÕ
Lelland Fletcher, in his original U.S. Navy uniform from 1942, demonstrates a
Reginaphone for the audience.
LellandÕs collection of RCA ÒmasterÕs voiceÓ statues sit near an RCA Victor pho-
nograph. Nipper was the name of the dog used as a model for the RCA marketing
campaign shown in the background.
meeting. There was a show of hands to be held in South Dakota. The meet-
as to who planned to attend. ing was then adjourned.
AMICA Chapter President Diane Following the meeting, Fletcher
DeTar called on Frank Nix to promote demonstrated more of his treasures,
the upcoming AMICA annual meeting one of which was a newly tuned Mills
Lelland pauses to let one of his many clocks complete a performance.
The chapters gathered in LellandÕs backyard amid his collection of palm trees.
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 49
The photo on the left shows more of
LellandÕs clock collection while the picture
on the right features a Capital Cuff
music box and an Olympia disc box with
the same lid picture.
Violano. The tone was magnificent! A
massive skeleton clock on the wall
is always a showstopper and spoken
of extensively. Additionally, Fletcher
showcased his automata of a tree full
of mechanical birds with clock, his
wooden Morning Glory Horn with
an Edison wax roll, a golden carriage
with four horses and a clock, as well
as his golden Lyre clock, and his Mira
Music Box. FletcherÕs kitchen is overflowing
with clocks and various music
boxes.
On behalf of MBSI members, I want
to thank Fletcher for opening his
home to our membership. A grand
time was had by all.
Lelland demonstrates an ornate piece for members who attended.
Lelland listens to an early-model cylinder box with Frank Nix.
Each One
Reach One
New Member
50 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
Clocks and music boxes cover nearly every surface in LellandÕs home.
Chapter Chair Robin Biggins (left) with Kathleen and Christian Chapter members take videos while Lelland demonstrates a
Eric enjoying the tour. cylinder box for the enjoyment of all.
WE WANT YOUR STORY!
Every mechanical musical instrument has a tale to tell. Share the history of people
who owned your instrument before you, or the story of its restoration, or just what
makes it an interesting piece. Send stories via email to editor@mbsi.org or
mail your story to Iron Dog Media, 130 Coral Court, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 51
In Memoriam In Memoriam
Jim Krughoff
By Marty Persky
Whatever Jim took an interest in, he
gave it his all. Very little could distract
the sportsman in Jim during duck hunting
season. As a builder and a pilot, he
developed a group of hangar-equipped
homes including his and SherrieÕs
within what is now Brookeridge Airpark.
His affection for the Chevrolet
Corvette yielded a collection of some
of the most desirable specimens in
existence. Jim also assembled one of
the foremost collections of early cast
iron slot machines.
Upon experiencing the world of
mechanical music, Jim and Sherrie
embarked on a steady campaign to
research and build a world-class collection.
In 1987, they dove into a full
restoration of a Style I Hupfeld Pan
Orchestra Ð one of the worldÕs most
sophisticated orchestrions Ð because
neither J.B. Nethercutt, Bob Gilson,
nor Jasper Sanfilippo were selling
theirs. It was not long before the music
collection displaced the airplane, most
of the Corvettes, and the cast iron slot
machines in their home. After building
an addition to hold a theatre organ,
they added a separate music building
across the road.
Jim and Sherrie fostered close
relationships with those restoring and
maintaining the instruments. Early on,
Jim built a complete wood and metal
workshop on the property facilitating
high precision repairs. When working
onsite or even just staying over for
a visit, the restorers were a part of
the Krughoff family. The names are a
WhoÕs Who list of restorers: Biasella,
Center, Crasse, Grunow, Junchen,
Kunzle, McClaran, Oehrlein, Pilmer,
Ramey Jr., Ramey Sr., Reblitz, Taylor,
Verbeeck, Wattam, Wendel, Wells,
Westman and Wrasse.
Acquisition and restoration did not
end the search as Jim sought to build
the most comprehensive music library
available for each instrument. In that
spirit, he supported many music recut
projects. His desire to share the music
was demonstrated by his production
of high quality CD recordings which
he distributed to all interested at no
charge.
The collection was open to enthusiasts
near and far whenever possible.
The local theater organ groups routinely
held concerts at their home.
Jim and Sherrie especially enjoyed
hosting meetings and tours of MBSI,
the Automatic Musical Instrument
CollectorsÕ Association (AMICA),
and the Carousel Organ Association
of America (COAA). Jim carefully
planned MBSI and AMICA convention
tours to accommodate two full bus-
loads of people so they could all listen
to a full morning of music, have lunch
and then hear more music. Jim was
fastidious in preparing the tour schedule.
Not only did his planning include
the order in which instruments were
played, it involved the introduction
to each and the description of the
rolls to be played. The timing of every
segment was scheduled down to the
minute. There would be no short cuts.
If the buses arrived late, they left late.
For years Jim and Sherrie brought
their trailer-mounted Steenput concert
organ to play for the public in
Milwaukee, WI, where they lived and
ate with the people of the Great Circus
Parade Festival.
Jim and Sherrie spearheaded the
formation of the Lake Michigan Chapter
of MBSI, which not only brought
new collectors but also many supportive
enthusiasts into the society.
Jim Krughoff by his Philipps Monstre
Paganini Orchestrion
To encourage new membership, they
personally subsidized first yearÕs
dues for many members. Jim will be
sorely missed by his many friends but
remembered as the instruments go on
playing.
52 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
In Memoriam In Memoriam
Sy Epstein
By Paul Senger
I am sad to report the death of
Seymour G ÒSyÓ Epstein of Silver
Spring, MD, on Jan. 29, 2018 at the age
of 82. He and his wife Margie were
members of MBSI and the National
Capital Chapter for nearly 15 years
and enthusiastic contributors to our
chapter including support of the MBSI
Annual Meeting in 2011.
Sy always loved to collect, including
coins, stamps, baseball cards and especially
old games. He and Margie loved
to stop at antique stores looking for old
games. He was also a member of the
Game and Prize Club. Sy loved playing
tennis and bridge and going to baseball
games with his family and friends.
He was born in Trenton, NJ, and was
a very intelligent person. He attended
Lafayette College on an accelerated
Ford Foundation program thereby
skipping his final two years of high
school and graduating at age 19. He
then earned a masterÕs degree in metallurgy
from Iowa State University.
He had a prestigious work career.
He worked for Battelle Laboratories
Margie and Sy at the 2011 Annual Meeting
and Brookhaven National Laboratory
before joining the Aluminum Association
in 1969 as technical director. He
held that position until his retirement
in 2000 and then continued on as a
consultant until 2013 which afforded
him the opportunity to pursue his
passion for travel.
He was married to Margie, who
survives him, for 62 years. He is also
survived by sons, Bruce (Rachael) and
Jeff; daughter, Sharon Ross (Greg);
two grandchildren, Ericka and Neil;
and sister, Lois Morris.
A memorial service was held in
Rockville, MD on Feb. 18, 2018.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to
Margie and the family.
Our most sincere condolences
Constance ÒConnieÓ Wolf
Constance ÒConnieÓ Wolf, nee Hlavacek,
age 72, of Western Springs, IL.
She was a retired manager of a group
practice of physicians and beloved
daughter of the late Dr. Louis Hlavacek
and Elizabeth Hlavacek; dear
sister of the late Elizabeth Hartman;
aunt of Carl (Kristine) Hartman and
great aunt of Stephanie Hartman. Loving
wife of Wayne Wolf. Connie has
Masters Degrees from the University
of Illinois and Northwestern Kellogg
School of Management. Known for her
photographic skills she was a member
of several photography groups and
clubs. Longtime member of Svobodna
Obec, CSA Fraternal Life Woodrow
Wilson Lodge and a volunteer at the
Morton Arboretum.
Divona ÒDeeÓ Eltzroth
Hope Rider, of Wabash, IN, wrote
to inform the society of the passing of
Divona ÒDeeÓ Eltzroth, of Cleburne, TX,
on Feb. 7, 2018. Dee was married to Art
and Hope says they started collecting
after seeing a Stinson Concert Organ
during a band organ rally in Wabash.
Dee was also quite interested in family
geaneaology. She was preceded in
death by Art, but is survived by two
daughters, many grandchildren, three
sisters and one brother.
Lucy Meyer
The society has also learned that
Lucy Meyer of Lousiville, KY, has
passed away.
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 53
HALF PAGE
HORIZONTAL
7.25Ó x 4.5Ó
QUARTER
PAGE
3.5Ó x 4.5Ó
EIGHTH
PAGE
3.5Ó x 2.125Ó
Mechanical Music
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Mechanical Music
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments
Volume 63, No. 3 May/June 2017
Mechanical Music
Journal of the Musical Box Society International
Devoted to All Automatic Musical Instruments
Volume 63, No. 1 January/February 2017
DISPLAY ADVERTISING DIMENSIONS & PER ISSUE COSTS
Dimensions 1 issue 2-3 issues 4-6 issues
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Mechanical Music is mailed to more
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Box Society International six (6) times
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PRINTING & ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS
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ALL ADS MUST
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The Musical Box Society International
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Contact MBSI Publisher Russell Kasselman at (253) 228-1634 or editor@mbsi.org
CLASSIFIED ADS
¥ 47¢ per word
¥ ALL CAPS, italicized and
bold words: 60¢ each.
¥ Minimum Charge: $11.
¥ Limit: One ad in each
category
¥ Format: See ads for style
¥ Restrictions: Ads are strictly
limited to mechanical musical
instruments and related
items and services
strictly
musical
related
Lake Michigan Chapter
ÒLighting the Way in Mechanical MusicÓ
An Invitation to all MBSI Members
A Weekend Extravaganza
May 4, 5 & 6, 2018
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Friday A Musical Pizza Party
5 PM – 9 PM
James Huffer & Chris Dysinger Home
A First Look after Renovation & Expansion
Skokie, IL
Saturday Courtyard Chicago Arlington Heights/North
10:30 AM Ð 11:15 AM George Glastris Presentation
ÒUntold TalesÓ
Lunch on your own
12:45 PM Ð 1:30 PM Mark Pichla Presentation
ÒTanzbar in the FleshÓ
Saturday Gala 2:30 PM Ð 9:30 PM
The Sanfilippo Estate
Barrington Hills, IL
Touring of the Collections
Art Reblitz ÒThe Chicago MakersÓ
Jelani Eddington on the Mighty Wurlitzer
Mini-Mart / Social Hour / Dinner
Fair Organ Concert / Carousel Rides
Sunday 12 PM Ð 5 PM
Monkey Organ Rally / Mechanical Music Fair
Herbert S. Mills Former Family Home & Park
Pleasant Home
Oak Park, IL
Lunch at 12 PM
Public arrives at 1 PM
Registration: All 3 Days $65, Saturday only $45
Contacts: Marty Persky persky@att.net 847 675 6144
James Huffer jhuffer941@aol.com 773 383 8750
Regina 15.Ó Changer Crest
Quality carving in Oak or Mahogany Ð unfinished, ready to stain – $1,100.
Price includes postage within the U.S.
Nancy Fratti Music Boxes
315-684-9977 – musicbox@frontiernet.net
BenÕs Player Piano Service
Repair and restoration of air powered mechanical music
devices of all description.
Player pianos
Reproduing pianos
Dance organs
Fairground organs
Nickelodeon pianos
Original historically
Correct techniques
And materials used
Throughout in the
Rebuilding process.
Benjamin R Gottfried
464 Dugan Road, Richfield Springs NY 13439
Bensplayerservice.com 315-858-2164
SAMPLE Restorations, LLC.
Joe Smith
Email: mbsi@irondogmedia.com to place your ad here!
This could be your ad right here!
56 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
Chet Ramsay
Antiques
Complete Restoration
Services Available.
Specializing in Music Boxes
Ð
Ð
Bought ¥
Sold ¥
Repaired
¥
Outside Horn Phonographs
¥
Music Boxes
Come visit our Victorian
showroom and workshop
East Fallowfield Twp.
2460 Strasburg Road
Coatesville, PA 19320
2 miles south of Coatesville
610-384-0514
Showroom open by appointment
2017 MBSI Annual Meeting Table Favors
Representation of a Regina disc player with two tunes available: ÒWhistle a Happy
TuneÓ and ÒEnglish Country Garden.Ó When the key is wound, the tune plays and the
disc turns. $25 each, inclding shipping to the continental U.S. Shipping elsewhere is
subject actual shipping charges. Accepted forms of payment are PayPal, check,
and money order. Contact Bill Guimes at bill.guimes@gmail.com or call (908)
850-1986 and leave a message.Will make a nice addition to your table favor
collection. Will make an unusual holiday gift. Only 60 of each tune left!!
58 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
Loesche Model 2 (Titania)
Peerless
Nickelodeon
Regina Style 35
Corona Automatic
Changer
Columbia Grafina
Console Phonograph
Mills Single
Violano
Victor Style V
Phonograph
Wurlitzer Style 50
Kiddie Band Organ
Wurlitzer
Pianino
National Piano
Seeburg KT
Special
Seeburg K
Nelson Wiggen
Nickelodeon
Seeburg KT
Special Mutoscope
Berry Wood
Auto Electric
Cabinet Grand
Please contact Dan at (949) 375 -2932 for pricing McAlister Collection
Loesche Model 2 (Titania)
Peerless
Nickelodeon
Regina Style 35
Corona Automatic
Changer
Columbia Grafina
Console Phonograph
Mills Single
Violano
Victor Style V
Phonograph
Wurlitzer Style 50
Kiddie Band Organ
Wurlitzer
Pianino
National Piano
Seeburg KT
Special
Seeburg K
Nelson Wiggen
Nickelodeon
Seeburg KT
Special Mutoscope
Berry Wood
Auto Electric
Cabinet Grand
Please contact Dan at (949) 375 -2932 for pricing McAlister Collection
PLAN AHEAD
ACT NOW
Reserve your advertising space now
for the 2018-2019 Mechanical Music
Directory of Members, Museums and
Dealers.
Placing your advertisement in an
MBSI directory means your companyÕs
name and contact information will be
a permanent part of this collectorÕs
reference book for the next two
years. Plus, your ad earns you a placeon the MBSI website where people
searching for your services can find
and click directly through to reach you
via email or phone.
Mailed directly to more than 1,300
member households, and given out toeach new member that joins the
society, it means your ad could be
seen several hundred times in the
next two years.
Call (253) 228-1634 or emaileditor@mbsi.org to reserve your
advertising space now.
MECHANICAL
MUSIC
DIRECTORY
MEMBERS,
MUSEUMS,
& DEALERS
2016 Ð 2017
ADVERTISING DIMENSIONS & COSTS
Dimensions Cost
Make an impact! Full Page 7.25Ó x 9.75Ó $290
Get a full page Half Page 7.25Ó x 4.5Ó $160
ad that costs you Quarter Page 3.5Ó x 4.5Ó $90
less than $12.25 Eighth Page 3.5Ó x 2.125Ó $50
per month
Non-members pay a 10% surcharge on the above rates
60 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
My 50thAnniversary thAnniversary
Serving the wonderful world of music boxes!
To celebrate 50 years of meeting and helping some of the greatest people
in the world obtain or repair their treasures, I am giving away this
lovely crystal case 50 note Sankyomusic box!
For every music box purchase or order received throughout 2018,
I will put that customerÕs name on an Ôentry formÕ. On Thanksgiving
(in November) I will draw one name who will receive this gorgeous box
in time for the holidays!
I will also be giving a for 5% discounton all supply/disc orders
the rest of the year as my continuing Ôthank youÕ to my customers for
helping this happen!
Nancy Fratti Music Boxes
PO Box 400 Ð Canastota NY 13032 –315-684-9977
musicbox@frontiernet.net –www.nancyfrattimusicboxes.com
THE MART THE MART
CLASSIFIED ADS
¥ 47¢ per word
¥ ALL CAPS, italicized and bold
words: 60¢ each.
¥ Minimum Charge: $11 per ad.
¥ Limit: One ad in each category
¥ Format: See ads for style
¥ Restrictions: Ads are strictly
limited to mechanical musical
instruments and related items and
services
¥ MBSI memberÕs name must
appear in ad
¥ Non-members may advertise at the
rates listed plus a 10% surcharge
PLEASE NOTE:
The first two words (or more
at your choice) and the memberÕs
name will be printed in all caps/bold
and charged at 60¢ per word.
Mechanical Music
Mechanical Music is mailed to all
members at the beginning of every
odd month Ñ January, March, May,
July, September and November.
MBSI Advertising Statement
It is to be hereby understood
that the placing of advertisements
by members of the Society in this
publication does not constitute nor
shall be deemed to constitute any
endorsement or approval of the business
practices of advertisers. The
Musical Box Society International
accepts no liability in connection
with any business dealings between
members and such advertisers.
It is to be further understood that
members are to rely on their own
investigation and opinion regarding
the reputation and integrity of
advertisers in conducting such business
dealings with said advertisers.
FOR SALE
RESTORED MUSICAL BOXES Offering a
variety of antique musical boxes, discs,
orphan cylinders, reproducing piano rolls &
out of print books about mechanical music.
BILL WINEBURGH 973-927-0484 Web:
antiquemusicbox.us
THE GOLDEN AGE of AUTOMATIC MUSICAL
INSTRUMENTS By ART REBLITZ.
Award-winning classic that brings historical,
musical, and technical information to life
with hundreds of large, vivid color photos.
We guarantee youÕll find it to be one of the
most interesting, inspiring, informative books
you have in your libraryÐor your money back.
Everyone has been delighted, and some
readers have ordered several copies. Get
your copy today for $99 plus S/H. MECHANICAL
MUSIC PRESS-M, 70 Wild Ammonoosuc
Rd., Woodsville, NH 03785. (603) 747-2636.
http://www.mechanicalmusicpress.com
THIS ANTIQUE style 11 Regina Music box
boasts its original elegant solid wood oak
cabinetry and base with 12 discs. Asking
4K obo. Contact: ROGER KUTZLER, (570)
977-2543, kutz357@ptd.net Poconos,
Pennsylvania
FOR SALE 151/2 MUSIC BOX DOUBLE COMB,
COMBS ARE BRAND NEW. MECH HAS BEEN
PROFESSIONALLY GONE THROUGH. THE
BOX NEEDS TO BE RESTORED. ALL PARTS
HAVE BEEN MADE JUST NEEDS TO BE PUT
TOGETHER. THE WOOD IS MAHOGANY.
I WILL TRADE FOR A 121/4 Contact: JON
GULBRANDSON, (763) 923-5748, JON.
GULBRANDSON.58@GMAIL.COM 1824
SHOREWOOD LNMOUND, MN 55364 United
States
WANTED
WANTED: ART Case Steinway Duo-Art & Raf-
fin Organ. Contact MARTY PERSKY at (847)
Display Advertising Dimensions and Costs
Dimensions 1 issue 3 issues* 6 issues*
Back Cover 8.75Ó x 11.25Ó $600 $540 $510
Inside Covers 8.75Ó x 11.25Ó $450 $405 $383
Full Page 7.25Ó x 9.75Ó $290 $261 $246
Half Page 7.25Ó x 4.5Ó $160 $144 $136
Quarter Page 3.5Ó x 4.5Ó $90 $81 $77
Eighth Page 3.5Ó x 2.125Ó $50 $45 $43
Add a 10% surcharge to the prices shown above if you are not a member of MBSI.
*Display Discounts shown above are calculated as follows:
3 consecutive ads 10% Discount
6 consecutive ads 15% Discount
ALL ADS MUST BE PREPAID
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ADVERTISING DEADLINES:
The 1st day of each even month:
Feb., Apr., Jun, Aug., Oct. and Dec.
Display ads may be submitted
camera-ready, as PDF files, or with
text and instructions. File submission
guidelines available on request.
Errors attributable to Mechanical
Music, and of a significant nature, will
be corrected in the following issue
without charge, upon notification.
Add a photo to your ad!
Photos are only $30 extra per issue.
Email editor@mbsi.org or
call (253) 228-1634 for more details.
SUBMIT ADS TO:
MBSI Ads
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
(253) 228-1634
Email: editor@mbsi.org
62 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
675-6144 or email Marty@MechMusic.com. DAVID CORKRUM 5826 Roberts Ave, Oak
land, CA 94605-1156, 510-569-3110,
WANTED: REGINA 20-3/4 inch style 39 www.polyphonmusic.com
music box in good original condition. Also
interested in acquiring a Restored Mills violin. SAVE $Õs on REUGE & THORENS MUSIC
Contact: DON KROENLEIN, (217) 620-8650, BOX REPAIR & RESTORATION Ð MBSI
fbac@one-eleven.net MEMBERS RECEIVE WHOLESALE PRICING.
35 + Years experience servicing all makes
NEED SOMEONE to repair a Regina disc player & models of cylinder and disc music boxes,
within a reasonable drive of Collegeville, PA. bird boxes, bird cages, musical watches, Anri
Please email me. Contact: TARA FLYNN, musical figurines, et al. All work guaranteed.
(215) 570-5925, taralflynn@comcast.net WeÕre the only REUGE FACTORY AUTHORIZED
Parts & Repair Service Center for all of North
America. Contact: DON CAINE -The Music
Box Repair Center Unlimited, 24703 Pennsylvania
Ave., Lomita, CA 90717-1516. Phone:
SERVICES
REPRODUCTION POLYPHON discs; Catalogs (310) 534-1557 Email: MBRCU@AOL.COM.
available for 19 5/8Ó, 22 1/8Ó, and 24 1/2Ó. On the Web: www.musicboxrepaircenter.com
Order Extra Copies of the
2016-2017
Mechanical Music Directory
MECHANICAL
MUSIC
DIRECTORY
MEMBERS,
MUSEUMS,
& DEALERS
2016 2017
only $10
ppd
Contact
Jacque Beeman
(417) 886-8839
Pipes and valves
restored 6 years ago
Cabinet excellent.
Plays style 125 6Ó rolls
$24,000
Contact: Ralph Clayton
(609)226-2338
EHT, NJ 08234 USA
1913 NIAGRA MILITARY BAND ORGAN
JJ4ClaytonCo@gmail.com
RAGTIME CALLIOPE MODEL D42R
Had recent leak check
and repair. Runs and
operates well. Plays ÒA
style roll. Comes with 4
rolls, additional rolls
available. $3,900
Contact: Ralph Clayton
(609)226-2338
EHT, NJ 08234 USA
JJ4ClaytonCo@gmail.com
Advertise in The Mart
Have some spare parts or extra rolls taking up the space where you should be
installing your next acquisition? Ready to trade up, but need to sell one of your
current pieces first? Get the word out to other collectors by advertising in The
Mart, an effective advertising tool at an inexpensive price.
Fill out the form below and mail to MBSI at 130 Coral Court, Pismo Beach, CA
93449. Call (253) 228-1634 with questions.
Name Phone
Text of ad
Display Advertisers
2 Renaissance Antiques
55 Lake Michigan Chapter
56 Bob Caletti Music Box
Restorations
56 BenÕs Player Piano Service
56 Nancy Fratti Music Boxes
57 East Coast Chapter, MBSI
58 Chet Ramsay Antiques
58 Cottone Auctions
58 Mid-America Chapter
57 McAlister Collection
60 StantonÕs Auctioneers & Realtors
61 Nancy Fratti Music Boxes
66 Marty Persky
67 Morphy Auctions
68 Auction Team Brekker
Our advertisers help make this publication
possible. Please visit them soon!
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 63
OFFICERS, TRUSTEES & COMMITTEES of the
MUSICAL BOX SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL¨
OFFICERS
President
Clay Witt
820 Del Rio Way Unit 303
Merritt Island, FL 32953
floridaclay@floridaclay.net
Vice President
Tom Kuehn
4 Williams Woods
Mahtomedi, MN 55115
kuehn001@umn.edu
Recording Secretary
David Corkrum
5826 Roberts Avenue
Oakland, CA 94605
musikwerke@att.net
Treasurer
Edward Kozak
3615 North Campbell Avenue
Chicago, IL 60618
kozak@seldenfox.com
TRUSTEES
John Bryant
Judy Caletti
Ed Cooley
Sally Craig
Wayne Finger
Tom Kuehn
Mary Ellen Myers
Mary Pollock
Clay Witt
BOARD ADVISER
Junichi Natori,
International Adviser
MBSI FUNDS
COMMITTEES
Audit Committee
Edward Cooley, Chair, Trustee
Mary Pollock, Trustee
G.Wayne Finger, Trustee
Endowment Committee
Edward Kozak, Treasurer, Chair
Mary Pollock, Trustee
B Bronson
Executive Committee
Clay Witt, Chair, President
Tom Kuehn, Vice President
Mary Pollock, Trustee
Judy Caletti, Immediate Past Pres.
John Bryant, Trustee
Finance Committee
Edward Kozak, Chair
Tom Kuehn, Vice President
Wayne Wolf, Vice Chair
B Bronson
Peter Both
Marketing Committee
Rob Pollock, Chair
John Bryant, Trustee
Wayne Finger, Trustee
Bob Smith
Meetings Committee
Tom Kuehn, Chair, Vice President
Mary Pollock, Trustee
Matt Jaro
Don Henry
Marty Persky
Rich Poppe
Membership Committee
Rob Pollock, Chair
Judy Caletti, Immediate Past Pres.
Tom Chase, Snowbelt
Mary Grace, Sunbelt
Linda Birkitt, Southern California
Florie Hirsch, National Capital
Julie Hughes, Golden Gate
Gerald Yorioka, Northwest IntÕl
Julie Morlock, Southeast
Dan Wilson, Piedmont
Museum Committee
Sally Craig, Chair, Trustee
John Bryant, Trustee
Ken Envall, Southern California
Julian Grace, Sunbelt
Wayne Myers, Southeast
Ray Parkinson, Northwest IntÕl
Bill Wineburgh, East Coast
Ron Yancy, East Coast
Museum Sub-Committees
Ohio Operations
Emery Prior
Nominating Committee
Dan Wilson, Chair
Mary Pollock, Trustee
Judy Caletti, Immediate Past Pres.
Carol Beck
Steve Boehck
Ray Dickey
Vernon Gantt
Publications Committee
Bob Caletti, Chair
Tom Kuehn, Trustee
Steve Boehck
Dave Corkrum
Christian Eric
Kathleen Eric
Terry Smythe
Publications
Sub-Committee
Website Committee
Rick Swaney, Chair
Wayne Finger, Trustee
Julian Grace
B Bronson
Don Henry
Knowles Little, Web Secretary
Special Exhibits Committee
Wayne Myers, Chair
John Bryant, Trustee
David Corkrum, Golden Gate
Robert Ebert, Mid-America
Jack Hostetler, Southeast
Judy Miller, Piedmont
Mary Ellen Myers, Southeast
Rick Swaney, Northwest IntÕl
Bill Wineburgh, East Coast
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Publications Back Issues:
Jacque Beeman
Regina Certificates:
Bob Yates
MBSI Pins and Seals:
Jacque Beeman
Librarian:
Jerry Maler
Historian:
Bob Yates
MBSI Editorial Office:
Iron Dog Media
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
editor@mbsi.org
Members can donate to these funds at any time.
Send donations to: General Fund (unrestricted)
MBSI Administrator, Endowment Fund (promotes the purposes of MBSI, restricted)
PO Box 10196, Ralph Heintz Publications Fund (special literary projects)
Springfield, MO 65808-0196. Museum Fund (supports museum operations)
All manuscripts will be subject to editorial review. Committee and the Editorial Staff. are considered to be the authorÕs personal opinion.
Articles submitted for publication may be edited The article will not be published with significant The author may be asked to substantiate his/her
or rejected at the discretion of the Publications changes without the authorÕs approval. All articles statements.
64 MECHANICAL MUSIC May/June 2018
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Date Event Location Sponsor
May 4-6, 2018 Lake Michigan Chapter Weekend Extravaganza (including the
Sanfilippo collection and the Herbert Mills Home)
Barrington Hills and
Oak Park, IL
Lake Michigan Chapter
May 6, 2018 Golden Gate Chapter joint meeting with AMICA Menlo Park, CA
May 27, 2018 22nd Annual C&O Canal Organ Grind and Music Box Demonstration
Potomac, MD Paul Senger
Jul. 21-22, 2018 Mid-America Band Organ Rally Dayton, OH Mike and Liz Barnhart
Aug. 28-Sept. 1, 2018 2018 MBSI Annual Meeting Detroit, MI Mid-America Chapter
Please send dates for the Calendar of Events to Russell Kasselman (editor@mbsi.org)
CONTACTS
Administrator Jacque Beeman handles back issues (if available) $6;
damaged or issues not received, address changes, MBSI Directory
listing changes, credit card charge questions, book orders, status of your
membership, membership renewal, membership application, and MBSI
Membership Brochures.
P.O. Box 10196
Springfield, MO 65808-0196
Phone/Fax (417) 886-8839
jbeeman.mbsi@att.net
CHAPTERS
East Coast
Chair: Bill Wineburgh
(973) 927-0484
Dues $10 to Geoffrey Wilson
804 Appleton Way
Whippany, NJ 07981
Golden Gate
Chair: Richard Hughes
(650) 593-1261
Dues $5 to Dave Corkrum
5826 Roberts Ave.
Oakland, CA 94605
Japanese International
Chair: Tomiju Endo x
+81-42-339-9099
Dues Japanese yen 4,000 to
Sadahiko Sakauchi
5-2-41 Nigawa-cho
Nishinomiya-shi
662-0811 Japan
Lake Michigan
Chair: Marty Nevel
(312) 613-8500
Dues $5 to James Huffer
7930 N. Kildare
Skokie, Illinois 60076
Mid-America
Chair: Dave Calendine
(810) 449-8037
Dues $10 to Harold Wade
4616 Boneta Road
Medina, OH 44256
National Capital
Chair: Matthew Jaro
(301) 482-2008
Dues $5 to Florie Hirsch
8917 Wooden Bridge Road
Potomac, MD 20854
Northwest International
Chair: Dale Tyvand
(425) 774-7230
Dues $7.50/person to Kathy Baer
8210 Comox Road
Blaine, WA 98230
Piedmont
Chair: Vernon Gantt
(919) 264-2222
vgjr123@yahoo.com
Dues $10 to Vernon Gantt
PO Box 20238
Raleigh, NC 27619
Traveling MBSI Display
Bill Endlein
21547 NW 154th Pl.
High Springs, FL 32643-4519
Phone (386) 454-8359
sembsi@yahoo.com
Regina Certificates: Cost $5.
B Bronson
Box 154
Dundee, MI 48131
Phone (734) 529-2087
art@d-pcomm.net
Advertising for Mechanical Music
Russell Kasselman
Iron Dog Media
130 Coral Court
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Phone (253) 228-1634
editor@mbsi.org
CHAPTERS
Snowbelt
Chair: Tracy Tolzmann
(651) 674-5149
Dues $10 to Gary Goldsmith
17160 – 245th Avenue
Big Lake, MN 55309
Southeast
Chair: Judy Miller
(828) 513-7007
Dues $5 to Julie Morlock
780 Cherry Grove Road
Orange Park, FL 32073
Museum Donations
Sally Craig,
2720 Old Orchard Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone (717) 295-9188
rosebud441@juno.com
MBSI website
Rick Swaney,
4302 209th Avenue NE
Sammamish, WA 98074
Phone (425) 836-3586
r_swaney@msn.com
Web Secretary
Knowles Little
9109 Scott Dr.
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone (301) 762-6253
kglittle@verizon.net
Southern California
Chair: Robin Biggins
(310) 377-1472
Dues $10 to Bob Lloyd
1201 Edgeview Drive
Cowan Hgts, CA 92705
Sunbelt
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Copyright 2018 the Musical Box Society International, all rights reserved. Permission to reproduce by any means, in whole or in part, must be obtained in writing
from the MBSI Executive Committee and the Editor. Mechanical Music is published in the even months. ISSN 1045-795X
May/June 2018 MECHANICAL MUSIC 65
MARTY PERSKY
AUTOMATIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SPECIALIST
SERVING COLLECTORS WORLDWIDE
Instrument Brokering & Locating
Appraisals / Inspections / Free Consultation
Popper Felix Mortier 84 key CafŽ Wurlitzer MPO 33A Welte 4 Concert
Bow front Violano Weber Grandezza Violina Orchestra Weber Maesto
Holl 43-Key 2 Barrels Knabe AMPICO 5Õ8Ó Louis XV Wall Box Collection Niemuth 45-Key Bacigalupo
Wanted: Art Case Steinway Duo-Art & Raffin Organ.
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for more information on these and other fine instruments.
Tel: 847-675-6144 Email: Marty@MechMusic.com
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NOW ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS FOR 2018
SOLD $1,020,000
SOLD $65,000 SOLD $57,500
SOLD $47,500
2000North ReadingRoad|Denver, PA 17517 |MorphyAuctions.com | 877-968-8880
NOW ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS FOR 2018
SOLD $1,020,000
SOLD $65,000 SOLD $57,500
SOLD $47,500
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Very Rare Symphonion
ÒNon Plus UltraÓ Disc-Changing
Musical Box, c. 1900
Estimate: 55.000 Ð 80.000 /
48.950 Ð 71.200 £ / 68,200 Ð 99,200 US$
Bacigalupo
Barrel Organ
Estimate:
8.000 Ð 10.000 /
7.150 Ð 8.900 £ /
9,900 Ð 12,400 US$
Rare ÒLo•e Fuller ƒlectriqueÓ
Musical Automaton by Gaston
Decamps, c. 1914
Estimate: 4.000 Ð 6.000 /
3.550 Ð 5.350 £ / 4,950 Ð 7,400 US$
ÒAubade ˆ la LuneÓ
Automaton by Gustave
Vichy, c. 1890
Estimate: 18.000 Ð 20.000 /
16.000 Ð 17.800 £ /
22,300 Ð 24,800 US$
Éand many more!
Nicole Frres Musical Box with Bells and Chinoiserie Automata, c. 1885
Estimate: 7.000 Ð 9.000 / 6.250 Ð 8.000 £ / 8,700 Ð 11,150 US$
Musical Gold Snuff Box by Piquet et Capt, c. 1810
From the collection of Luuk Goldhoorn
Estimate: 6.000 Ð 8.000 / 5.350 Ð 7.100 £ / 7,450 Ð 9,900 US$
Silver-Gilt Musical Snuff Box by F. Nicole, c. 1820
From the collection of Luuk Goldhoorn
Estimate: 2.500 Ð 3.500 / 2.250 Ð 3.100 £ /
3,100 Ð 4,350 US$
Hunter Watch with Alarm
and Musical Automaton
by Reuge, c. 1975
Estimate: 2.000 Ð 3.000 /
1.800 Ð 2.650 £ /
2.500 Ð 3.700 US$
Early Fusee Musical
Clock Base, c. 1820
From the collection of
Luuk Goldhoorn
Estimate: 2.000 Ð 3.000 /
1.800 Ð 2.650 £ /
2,500 Ð 3,700 US$
Key-Wind Part-Overture
Musical Box
by Lecoultre, c. 1840
Estimate: 4.000 Ð 5.000 /
3.550 Ð 4.450 £ /
4,950 Ð 6,200 US$
Grand Format Variations
Musical Box by
Nicole Frres, c. 1865
Estimate: 12.000 Ð 18.000 /
10.700 Ð 16.000 £ /
14,900 Ð 22,300 US$
ÒStationÓ Musical Box Chalet
by Mermod Frres, c. 1900
Estimate: 17.000 Ð 22.000 /
15.150 Ð 19.600 £ / 21,100 Ð 27,300 US$
Libellion Musical Box for Cardboard Book
Music, c. 1900
Estimate: 7.000 Ð 9.000 / 6.250 Ð 8.000 £ /
8,700 Ð 11,150 US$
ÈFine Mechanical MusicÇ
May 25 + 26, 2018
146th Specialty Auction