Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor in Columbus, Indiana, has long been known
as a beautiful example of an old fashioned ice cream parlor, but was
closed two years ago due to health issues in the Zaharako family, and
the Welte Style 3 Cottage Orchestrion was sold to a California
mechanical music collector.

Tony Moravec, the new owner of the historic confectionery, purchased
the ice cream parlor in 2007 and is currently in the process of
renovating the building.  As part of the renovation he was able to
acquire the same Welte that was in Zaharakos for close to 100 years,
which has recently been restored by Durward Center.  Zaharakos Ice
Cream Parlor re-opened for business on June 6, 2009, and the
magnificent Welte orchestrion is back in playing condition in its
original location.  Visit http://www.zaharakos.com/ 

Joshua Scott, a former student of Dr. Mike Kukral, recently visited
this stunning attraction and took some great pictures, now displayed
at  http://members.shaw.ca/Talia122/Zaharakos.htm 

Those planning to attend the upcoming AMICA Convention in Cincinnati,
22-26 July, are encouraged to take a side trip to Columbus, Indiana,
and take in this charming, rare opportunity to see not one, but two
Welte Cottage Orchestrions and much, much more.  It's well within
modest driving distance.  Many thanks to Joshua for sharing these pics.

It goes without saying that anybody travelling through the Midwest
should take the time to visit Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor in Columbus,
Indiana.

Regards,
Terry Smythe
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada