I'm sure many MMD readers are aware of the 1000-pipe organ which
resides at the Todd Lincoln Homestead Museum in Manchester, Vermont,
and is played daily throughout their tour season for all visitors to
enjoy. It is certainly worth a visit, not only to see and hear the
incredible, fully restored Aeolian Organ (which was a gift from Todd
Lincoln to his wife in 1908), but also for the tour of the mansion,
its expansive grounds and formal floral gardens that the Friends of
Hildene have restored and keep in immaculate condition for the thousands
of visitors who come annually from around the world. A glimpse of the
organ and a (very inadequate) sampling of its sound can be had at
http://www.hildene.org/Organ.htm
Hildene is already -- and maybe unknowingly -- doing its part to keep
mechanical music alive and well, but perhaps with the expertise from
some MMD subscribers, its efforts can be multiplied in ways not yet
realized by the Hildene foundation.
Martha Nitschelm
Keene, New Hampshire
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