It is surprising to hear that a traveling amusement troupe or midway
provider is carrying an authentic carousel organ.

For the past nine years I have been involved with making sure a local
carousel organ was playing at the Pitt County, N.C., Fair.  In the past
the midway operator, Amusements of America, has contributed financially
to having an organ prominently positioned on the main walkway.  Everyone
entering the fairground had to walk past the organ.

In years past Susan Parrish's organ was the organ of choice, with Louis
May's organ, a converted North Tonawanda 184 now playing Wurlitzer 150
rolls, located near a concession area.  Susan is no longer in the picture,
but it is not clear why.  This was the second year she was absent.  I miss
seeing her and the organ.  Hopefully she is well and still able to show
her band organ.

Louis May suffered a stroke, and has not been personally active for the
last four fair seasons.  The Susan Parrish deal may have fallen through
because Louis was no longer in a position to lobby for her and the organ.

For the past four years I have been maintaining and running the May organ.
This year a new midway operator was contracted, and they were in no way
going to contribute anything to have an organ playing.  They have their
own music system, and in the manager's opinion paying for an organ would
be a foolish investment.  Carousel organ music was being played via CD on
the midway's carousel.  These folks are business folks, and when you
compare the cost of purchasing and maintaining an organ with the cost of
playing CDs, it is obvious why so many midway operators no longer have
authentic instruments.  Besides, the sound system has a volume control!
You band organ owners know what I mean.

Through a deal with the Pitt County, N.C., Fair Board, the Louis May organ
was in its place and playing for the 30,00 to 40,000 fair-goers.  This is
only the second year I will be paid for my time in maintaining and
operating the organ.  If there is to be any compensation for the organ
next year, I will have to find sponsors.  But if need be, my time will be
donated, provided the visible spot we have enjoyed over the last few years
is again made available.

About 1997 I visited the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh and the
Texas State Fair near Dallas/Fort Worth.  There were no carousel or
fairground organs to be seen.  In fact the double-decker carousel at the
N.C. State Fair was playing country music!  In 2002 Susan Parrish had her
organ at the NC State Fair.  After that, it is uncertain whether there was
an organ present and playing.

The time spent getting the organ ready and then being there onsite to
answer questions and show those interested how it works is a thrill!  It
is true we are only caretakers.  Someone else will be the caregiver when
we are gone.  I'm fortunate to be able to enjoy this time with Louis May's
organ.

I took great pride in arranging for Louis to hear his  organ.  Seeing him
sitting in his chair, smiling and shouting out the tune names, brings a
tear to my eye.  It is a great privilege to have this responsibility.
Thanks, Louis, for your friendship and your trust.  You are in my prayers!

Sam Harris, Music Minister
Parker's Chapel Free Will Baptist Church
Greenville, NC.