[ Thomas Schraeder wrote in 180619 MMDigest:

> This instrument was installed in about 1903 in the Potter Palmer
> mansion in Chicago.

Hi All,  Thomas Schraeder's posting reminded me of the opulence and
wealth of certain business titans in the so-called Gilded Age of the
1890's.  Potter Palmer's mansion was one of the largest private homes
in the city of Chicago at the time of its construction.  That he owned
an Orchestrelle makes sense as they seem to have been popular with
people of means.  You can see a period colored post card of his home
here:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmer_Mansion 

Having studied him when I was in high school in the Chicago area
I wondered if he might have owned a big Welte orchestrion like certain
East Coast magnates had in their estates, but now my long ago question
is answered.  His mansion was torn down in 1950 long before I was born
so I never was able to see his home in person.

I would hope that an organization like the Chicago Historical Society
might be interested in preserving this Orchestrelle.  Another
organization that might have interest is the Chicago Architectural
Foundation which owns several historic homes including the Glessner
mansion on the Near South Side.

Wishing Tom good luck finding a worthy recipient.

Warmly,
Marc Sachnoff