Hi MMD,  First I want to thank Mike and Holly Walter plus all of their
helpers for a beautifully organized event.  I don't know how it could
have gone more smoothly.  There were several events that left many
pleasant memories. The walking tour of downtown Buffalo was great even
though it left me exhausted.  Buffalo is lucky to have so many large
magnificent pipe organs.

If I had to select the one event that will stick in my memory the
longest it would be the trip to the band organ rally on the Wurlitzer
factory grounds and the side trip to Herschell Carrousel Factory
Museum.  I could have spent many hours watching the Wurlitzer roll
punching machine in action.  Doug Hershberger, the operator, did
point out that he was willing to teach anyone how to operate the roll
punching machine.

At the COAA organ rally there was one outstanding exhibit in my mind
and that was the one-ton late 1929 Model A Ford truck with the organ
on the bed powered by a very antique one-lung hit-and-miss gasoline
engine.  In other words, three different restorations in one exhibit!

Another pleasant surprise was meeting Robbie Rhodes.  I had no idea he
played the piano but he does so with very talented fingers.

Thanks to all that made this fine event happen.

Tom Hutchinson