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MMD > Archives > May 2003 > 2003.05.25 > 07Prev  Next


FS: Video of Paul Eakins & Gay 90s Village
By Chris Carlisle

Hi Gang,  I am pleased to announce that the new video that I had
made is now ready.  The cost is $25.00 shipped, DVD/VHS available.
You can email me at <Carly@semo.net> for more info or to order.

Here is a compilation of some great videos of old antique band organs
and arcade machines.  This video contains footage of Paul Eakins and
machines from his famous Gay 90's Village from Sikeston, Missouri.

Paul Eakins would take a few of his band organs and hit the state
fairs, like in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Iowa, Illinois and Arizona.
He also appeared on the "Today Show", the "Tonight Show" with Johnny
Carson, "I've Got a Secret" and many other shows in the 1960s and
1970s.

We have gathered what material that we had in our archives and
put together some of the great footage from years past.  Here are
the contents of the video:

The first part contains a 30-minute segment with Dick Bertel
interviewing Paul at the Eastern Exposition in 1970 in Pennsylvania.
This full color segment shows the wonderful "Loudmouth Sadie May",
a rare DeKleist organ (until recently thought to be Gavioli).  Paul
tells of the origin of the machine, where is was found, and how many
months it took to restore her.  She plays several tunes, including
"Let Me Call You Sweetheart" and "When the Saints Go Marching In".
Paul also gives the history of the beautiful "Gypsy Queen" organ
(not shown, though) and also the history of the Belgian organ,
"The Emperor".

The 2nd part of the interview shows the collection of rare arcade
machines that traveled with him.  These are all shown in operation:
Grandma's Fortune, a Mutoscope, an Exhibit "License for Anything
Machine" and "Your Future Bride/Family" machine, an automatic
stereo viewer machine with American scenes, and a very rare machine
from the 1800s.  "Sister Patricia (Madame Zita)" is shown in action
and Paul tells the origin of that machine and history and information
on the others also.  Each is shown in action.

The next part of the video shows is a 15-minute segment taken on
the Kentucky State Fair in 1965.  It shows the world famous Mortier
organ "The Emperor".  Paul is interviewed and tells the history of
the machine, and plays a few songs, including "My Kentucky Home".
Also shown are the arcade machines, including some sort of basketball
machine and one of the rarest machines, the "Puss N' Boots" machine.
It is shown in action.  The tape also features an interview done at the
Memphis Mid South Fair in 1965.  This segment is in black-and-white.

Part 4 contains color footage from the 1960's shows: Paul Eakins
operating "The Emperor" while it plays three selections including
"Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home."  It shows both the front
and back of the machines in action.

The last part hired Paul to record the music for the 1975-76 parades at
Disney World and Disneyland.  This segment shows "Loudmouth Sadie Mae"
being recorded, including two versions of "In the Good Old Summertime"
(one without the close microphones, for a different sound effect),
"God Bless America" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic."  This last
segment shows really great images of "Sadie Mae" at work.  Paul Eakins
is seen briefly trying to get out of the cameras way!  The total time
is approximately 1 hour.

This tape is great to see a great entertainer with his band organs and
his arcade machines.  Great vintage entertainment!

Chris Carlisle
Sikeston, MO


(Message sent Sun 25 May 2003, 14:34:44 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  90s, Eakins, FS, Gay, Paul, Video, Village

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