It is unfortunately true, as pointed out by Matthew Caulfield, that Band
Organs are a rare occurrence at fairs and modern parks. The Texas State
Fair (two weeks ago), however, was blessed with a very lively and very
durable Wurlitzer 153 organ installed on an antique carousel (including
old carved wooden horses) on the midway. Thanks for this goes to the
good musical and esthetic taste of Dwain Steck (a Carney by trade) who
manages the midway.
As an added bonus, for the last two years the Sunbelt Chapter of the MBSA
have sponsored a Band Organ Rally at this fair. I don't have the
official count but quite a large number of Band Organs and Monkey Organs
show up for one weekend. The public is thrilled. The old timers
appreciate the opportunity to hear this music and see the organs in
action. The young ones ask questions and stare in amazement, trying with
little success to conceal their frozen grins. Many come back the
following year looking for more.
Bill Finch
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