Just read this article on a railroad forum and I copied the
mechanical music part from the Orange County Register newspaper:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/knott-740497-park-auction.html
"Knott's is getting rid of a lot of their history and the silver
lining is that it will go into the hands of those who care," said
Eric Lynxwiler, co-author of "Knott's Preserved," who said he is
interested in many of the items.
Walter Knott built up an extensive collection of coin-operated
player pianos enjoyed by visitors. But those who knew how to fix the
aging instruments have left or died. More than a dozen are included
in the auction, along with a number of the rolls of heavy paper that
provided the music.
Ken Stack has collected several Knott's items for a theme park
museum he is planning near Temecula.
"Knott's Berry Farm was a park I grew up with," he said. "I hope
some of the items can go to good homes like ours, a museum where
people can come and visit to see the pieces they recall."
Heritage Auctions expects to have ready a catalog of all the items
available in late February. The auction is planned for late March in
the park's Charles M. Schulz Theatre, but a date has not yet been
announced. Those interested will be able to view the items for one
week prior to the auction, Lentz said.
One of the items listed is a Model 'T' Ford; I think that it's Walter
Knott's 'T' that used to be on display next to the original fruit stand.
Many decades ago, when I was there, the engine could still be cranked
over. (I probably wasn't supposed to do that!)
David Dewey
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