Lee Munsick wrote in 020226 MMDigest;

> As the years rolled on, they grew older and passed on.
> I don't believe any of the original members still live ...

Dear Lee and others,  Just to set the record straight, there are still
some early members around.  Marguerite Fabel was a founding member of
the MBSI and she is still alive and active and serves as the recording
secretary for the Society.

Francis Ryder, the widow of Hughes Ryder, is still living in Summit,
NJ, and attends meetings when she can.  Although not a founding member,
Marion Roehl is still very active in meetings, rallies and other doings.
Keep in mind that these people have been active for over 50 years and
are still going strong.

I would like to say that my own experience is that there are certainly
people who are more interested in the investment more than the music.
_But,_ the instruments are not that great an investment, so anyone who
collects must like this stuff or they would be clipping coupons.  Most
people are friendly and will allow members to view their collection
with some advance notice.  Prices are high for the rarer instruments
but that reflects not only rarity and desirability but also the cost
of restoration.

We have a number of fine restorers who make a living doing quality
restorations (and not that great a living but it puts food on the
table).  The machines in the more advanced states of decay can require
a daunting amount of work to restore.  Many of these would not be
restored or would be poorly restored if it were not for these
"expensive" restorations.

If someone has invested this much in a machine, who would not wish to
get back some portion of it when it comes time to sell.  And who would
not invest in a protection system to prevent its loss from fire or
theft.  And who would not be careful about letting strangers in to view
their collection?

By and large, I have found MBSI and AMICA members, as well as
independent collectors, to be enthusiastic and very willing to talk
about the machines to anyone with a few credentials and who is
enthusiastic in return.  In 30 years of "playing" with pianos, organs
and music boxes, I have met many super people and have made many
friends and I am not a big moneyed collector.  I can count the number
of jerks and turkeys on two hands and I just don't bother with them
any more.  The rest I consider friends and extended family.

For what it's worth,
Bob Conant
Endicott, NY USA