Hello all:  Recently, several postings have caught my attention
regarding the demise of band organs in various parks.

I live near an amusement park that has been in operation for nearly
100 years.  They have a merry-go-round that has been there since the
'twenties, if not before.  In recent years, it has been restored and
the restoration is barely average.  I am referring to the animals,
paintings, and the like.

At one time, two band organs were a part of this ride.  One was an
Artisan, and the other a Wurlitzer 125.  I believe the Artisan was
a 46-key machine.  They would rotate organs at different times of
the day.

This park is located on a river, and so backwaters behind it exist at
different times of the year.  Over the years, a few major floods have
plagued the park with up to 8 feet of water!  Most of the time, they
have had enough time to remove the band organs and store them on higher
ground.  Also a skating rink floor is cut loose with chain saws and
allowed to float on pontoons.  The large pipe organ console usually
remains dry, although the relay room has suffered damages on occasion.

During the early 'seventies a flood finally reached those band organs
in the merry-go-round, as they did not remove them this time.  Since
then, canned music has provided the only music for park patrons.  The
canned music is just horrible and does not sound anything like a real
band organ.

The last couple of years, I have tried to interest the park management
in restoring one band organ as they are still around and are stored in
a warehouse.  Some of the parts from the Artisan are now missing and a
couple from the Wurlitzer.

The park management has said they are interested, but nothing ever
develops in the way of communication or planning.

I have even contacted one of the major charitable trust organizations
in my area for financial assistance etc.  Their philanthropic interests
are directed to historical, musical, and educational endeavors.  They
told me that money would likely be available for a band organ
restoration at this park, as it would be educational, historical, and
musical!

I have informed various park administrators and board members of this
potential money, that would also cover future maintenance, in addition
to the restoration.

It has been suggested that we restore the Wurlitzer 125 and also
include the mechanical means to play the old Artisan rolls.  Some of
the Artisan pipes might be used also.  Also, it has been proposed to
modernize the 125 as much as possible in order to reduce maintenance.
This would include solid state electronics and the necessary blower
and suction units.

My last conversation with the park was many months ago, as I told them
we would have to formally apply for this money, and present a detailed
plan of action and costs to the foundation, for approval of funds.
Again, the park management seemed interested and even asked one of
their employees to coordinate this.

I have found someone who can do a good restoration in this area.
However, my last phone call to those at the park has not been returned
to date!  Are they really interested?  Even without cost to them?
I really don't think so, for whatever reason!

I am no longer pursuing this project at this time.  Hopefully, someday,
it may happen, and those wonderful sounds will be heard again.

Glenn Morris