I have subscribed to MMD for a while and enjoy the wealth of
information that is being shared among this community.  I hope to
contribute when I can.

The instrument that launched me into the world of mechanical music was
the Gavioli organ brought to the Minnesota State Fair annually by Royal
American Shows.  This was some forty years ago.  I never knew these
machines existed until I saw and heard that powerful organ.  We were
fortunate to listen to it again last summer at its present location in
the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

In keeping with the tradition of public displays, the Snowbelt Chapter
of MBSI is sponsoring a musical event free for the general public at
Como Park in St. Paul, Minnesota on June 5 and 6 this summer.  Band,
fair and street organs will be located on the grounds.  Smaller table
top instruments such as music boxes and automata will be situated in a
nearby park building.  More details are given on the MMD web site
calendar.

Construction has begun on the new park building to house PTC #33, or
Cafesjian's Carousel, with installation planned for the summer of 2000.
I hope some of you will plan on joining us for a fun, well attended
event.

Tom Kuehn
President, Snowbelt Chapter MBSI

 [ Welcome, Tom, and thanks for the information.  Your Snowbelt Chapter
 [ certainly is active!  -- Robbie