I never sent a report of the Florida meeting, so I'll mention it now.
To say the Milhous Collection is impressive doesn't begin to describe
it.

Perhaps the most impressive feature of it is the magnificent and
tasteful display of the pieces.  As you enter the from door of the
43,000 square foot building, you look into the beginning of the 20th
Century.  The entire first floor is arranged as a village, with a
marvelous carrousel in the center, classic cars on the full sized
streets, and village shops around the outside.  And the band organs,
monkey organs, and various coin operated devises are placed in
appropriate places around the village.  I don't know of any villages
that have that many and that variety of mechanical music, but it
appears possible in this village.

After we rode the carousel and listened to the instruments on the lower
floor, we went up the stairs to another world, this one with the feel
of a Victorian mansion, with warm woodwork, comfortable furniture, and
appropriate mechanical musical instruments beautifully displayed, in
marvelous restored condition, and with seating arranged so as to be
able to listen to the pieces.  The ambiance of the display  was very
warm and comfortable, even with 250 people wandering about.

Another of the opportunities of this meeting was the chance to meet
many of the world's outstanding restorers, since 13 different restorers
were present, finishing or having delivered instruments to the collec-
tion.  I suspect that having that many world class restorers in the
same place at the same time was perhaps a first.

Paul and Robert Milhous and their wives are very warm and welcoming
people, and the visit was an altogether pleasant (if overwhelming)
experience.  Although the collection is not open to the public, they
are very generous of hosting various groups that inquire about
visiting.

For those of you who missed this meeting, you missed the largest
Southeast Chapter meeting ever, the largest Mart with over 35 tables,
one of the finest Sat. evening banquets, and certainly the opportunity
to see and hear this incredible collection with a great group of
friends.

Beatrice Robertson