Norman Baker reportedly invented the calliope and founded the Tangley
Calliope Company in Muscatine, Iowa.  A lesser known fact is that the
same Norman Baker purchased the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs,
Arkansas around 1938 and turned it into a cancer "curing" hospital
called the Baker Hospital.  The Baker Hospital and Norman Baker were
enmeshed in controversy and opposed by the AMA, he was eventually run
out of town by the Feds.

Elise and I purchased the Crescent Hotel about two years ago, and are
changing one of the lounges to a Norman Baker theme.  One thing we are
looking for is a "special" Tangley calliope.  Certainly a 58 note,
hopefully one that is a little more decorative (but still clearly
"factory") than the run of the mill example.  We want to display and
use this in the hotel as a historical artifact.

If anyone out there has an interesting 58-note Tangley for sale (it,
of course, has to be a Tangley), or knows of one for sale, we would
appreciate hearing about it.  We are also looking for Norman Baker
memorabilia that we can hang on the walls (from Tangley or from Baker
Hospital).  Thanks for your help.

Marty Roenigk
mroenigk@aol.com
www.mechantiques.com

 [ A Tangley advertisement is reproduced on page 842 of Bowers'
 [ "Encyclopedia of Automatic Musical Instruments".  It says that
 [ the model ST-58 Tangley Calliaphone was operated by a pipe organ
 [ blower, and voiced at low volume for inside use.  The price was
 [ $2250 including the blower, less motor.  Hope you locate one, Marty!
 [ -- Robbie