For those who were looking for places in the great state of Texas
to hear and view mechanical musical instruments, a short list
(in no particular order) follows:
Beaumont Heritage Society
John Jay French Museum
Beaumont, TX - (409) 898-3267
Wind-up music boxes
The Jefferson Theatre
Beaumont, TX - (409) 832-6649
3/7 Robert Morton Theatre organ in its original installation - they
still use the organ before shows and sometimes even show the 'silents.'
Parkdale Printing Co.
Corpus Christi, TX
Hand cranked 'monkey grinder' organ which is sometimes demonstrated
at the historical homes park.
Olden Year Musical Museum
Duncanville, TX (214) 298-5587
By appointment only - I haven't seen this collection, but they have
an impressive list.
Harris County Heritage Society
Downtown Houston, TX (713) 655-1912
Around Christmas is the best time to 'catch' one of the
instruments being shown.
The Strand Emporium
Galveston, TX (409) 763-9445
This is a deli/sweet shop, but in the back, in the seating area,
is a fine military band organ, an automatic banjo, and a nickelodeon.
You can put quarters in and sit back with your hero sandwich.
Wishing everyone lots of luck in finding sites in north Texas, I am,
Daniel Weilby, Jnr.
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