Well, we just got back from a trip to New Orleans. Last night we dined
at the "Olde Nawlins Cookery," a very fine restaurant at 729 Conti St.
in the French Quarter.
I noticed a rather elaborate upright piano at the rear of the place.
On closer inspection, it turned out to be what looks like a restored
nickelodeon. There's a piano, a rank of square wooden organ pipes,
a metal glockenspiel, a tambourine, a cymbal, a couple of drums, and
a rather inexpertly-refinished oak case. The paper roll is visible
though a window just above the pedals. The only sign of a brand name
is "Strohber" on the gold-finished piano plate.
The restaurant manager told me that the machine was out of order,
and that nobody suitable had been found to repair it. I told him that
I'd post the matter on this group. It seems to me that someone should
be familiar with this particular instrument or might be able to
recommend a restorer or repairer in the New Orleans area.
I don't have any connection with the restaurant, nor do I have any
further information except that their telephone number is 504.529.3663
and their e-mail address might be oldenawlins@aol.com. The catfish
is highly recommended.
Mark Kinsler
back in Athens, Ohio, where the food is, well, Appalachian
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