Hi, lovers of real band organ music!  The Griffith Park merry-go-round
has a 188 North Tonawanda Band Organ that has not played for many years
now and needs a major restoration.

A Los Angeles councilman recently gave us a small grant to do a
restoration project and I thought it could possibly be this band organ.
I have always loved its sound, we have many rolls for it and I would
love to hear it play again.  After getting three estimates (one from a
noted band organ restorer and two others from folks who have experience
in this area), the estimates were three times the amount of the grant.

Unfortunately, the city officials here have told me that we are a
concession and not an attraction, so I think we have received all the
financial support that we can expect.  And, as you folks already know,
our groups of appreciators/collectors are not growing.

When we bought the carousel we were told several stories of the history
of this North Tonawanda band organ.  Does any one out there have any
info on it to share?

Rosemary West
Griffith Park Merry-go-round

P.S.: And yes, our Stinson band organ is still delighting riders with
real, roll-played band organ music.

 [ The Stinson Model 87 band organ plays at
 [   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f8eOTeMsZ4 
 [ The 1926 Spillman carousel is described at
 [   http://www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithpk/mgr.htm 
 [ -- Robbie