What a sad coincidence;  I was just at the MM two weeks ago and there
was a sign in the window about the closing.  I talked to the guy on
duty and he said he had to admit that the collection has seen better
days.  The salt air and repeated playings take their toll and there's
precious left but love of the art to keep them maintained -- certainly
not money.

Since I came out to the Bay Area with my parents from Texas in 1952,
Sutro's and Playland at the Beach and MM and the Japanese Tea Garden and
Steinhart Aquarium and the Conservatory of Flowers were all dear, dear
places in my heart.  I remember having my nose pressed to the glass
watching the toothpick carnival; and marveling at Colonel Tom Thumb's
tiny uniform and shiny little boots; and of course the stuff at
Playland would be outlawed as dangerous now, but it was a kick.

Someone with presence of mind has started this petition; if you care
to you might add your name. I watched it after I signed and people are
definitely out there: since I started writing this email nine people
added their names and comments. (Of course what I would really like to
see is a fund for restoration...)

  http://www.PetitionOnline.com/musee/petition.html

Oops!  Four more people!  Yay!

Claudine Jones

 [ A pleasant on-line photo essay of Musee Mechanique may be viewed at
 [ http://www.sanfranciscomemories.com/musee/mechanique.html  -- Robbie