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MMD > Archives > September 1999 > 1999.09.09 > 08Prev  Next


FS: 52 Key National Calliope on Circus Truck
By Jeffrey Donahue

Dear Jody and Robbie:

Thanks for your tireless editing of the digest, I enjoy following the
trail of topics.  I have always been interested in Calliopes and I'm
writing about one that came my way. They started as a circus truck with
the calliope mounted in back. It was owned by Steffen's shows, and was
used to advertise the show in the 20's and 30's. The truck is a 1927 GMC
van with openings in the sides and top for the calliope. It hasn't run
since the 30's. It is complete in good restorable condition.

The truck and calliope were donated to the Inglewood Fireman's
Association in 1964.  At that time the calliope was removed from the
truck and restored. It was mounted on a trailer with an engine and
blower. It was used in community events right up to the recent past. The
plaque on the calliope says it was made in 1924 by the National Calliope
company. It has 52 keys and pipes, and plays paper rolls. They have
4 or 5 rolls in poor condition. The calliope is beautiful, in wonderful
condition!

They are both being sold to the highest offer. The firemen asked if I
knew anyone who might be interested and I offer MMD'ers first chance.
I would like to know what happens to it if one of you buys it. I only
wish I had the time and space.  Also there is a Model T Ford made to
look like a fire engine, which was used to tow the calliope. It is also
for sale.

The man to contact is the fire chief;

  Mr. Rick Pheiffer
  310-412-5254 - work
  805-492-4637 - home

I hope someone gives this a proper home, and lets us all see and hear it.

Sincerely,
Jeff Donahue

jdonahue24@aol.com.geentroep [ as usual, please drop .geentroep to reply]


(Message sent Fri 10 Sep 1999, 04:28:15 GMT, from time zone GMT-0400.)

Key Words in Subject:  52, Calliope, Circus, FS, Key, National, Truck

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