Greetings:

Living in Southeast Wisconsin I have had the opportunity to visit House
On The Rock on numerous occasions, always with an out of town guest that
has heard of the place and wants to visit.

The House has probably one of the largest collection of mechanical
musical instruments in the world!  It also has the largest collection of
out of tune, barely playable, and hacked together collection of
mechanical musical instrument imaginable!

There are many priceless instruments in the collection.  Unfortunately,
they seldom work properly and are NEVER in tune!

On my last visit there was a large Steinway Duo Art located in the house
itself.  The instrument was exposed to the elements throughout the year.
There was a quarter slot next to the piano which started the instrument.
It played through a short roll with little, if any, expression!

Many years ago Alex Jordon, the original owner and builder of the House
intended to have the world's largest pipe organ!  The room was build,
organ chambers designed, solid state relay designed, etc.  Then, Mr.
Jordon passed away....this project stopped....others took over in a
rambling expansion which covers several acres.

If you are ever in the south central part of Wisconsin a trip to the
House might be in order.  Plan on a several hour visit.  Take a camera
and plenty of film.  Wear very comfortable walking shoes.  It is a visit
you will never forget!

Tom Gregory
Waukesha  WI

P.S. On second thought...  If you are traveling in Wisconsin, skip the
House On The Rock and travel to the Circus World Museum in Baraboo.  They
have a large, well maintained collection of mechanical circus instruments
and band organs that are a delight to hear.  The staff at the museum are
more than gracious and go out of their way to let you inspect the
collection.

The museum also has a vast collection of restored circus wagons which
will keep the interest of all age groups.  There is also a circus  and
other activities that will take several hours to cover.  This museum is
run and operated by the State Of Wisconsin Historical Society.

Compared to many commercial tourist attractions, this is the best deal
for your $$$.

(sorry for the rambling message)