With reference to public displays of mechanical musical instruments,
when I started in 1960, continuing for a decade or two later, there
was a long list of places where music boxes, coin-operated pianos, and
other instrument could be seen and enjoyed.

A short list includes Clark's Trading Post in Lincoln, New Hampshire
(marvelously, still with exhibits today); Osborn Klavestad's Stagecoach
Museum in Shakopee, Minnesota; Horn's (later Bellm's) Cars and Music
in Sarasota, Florida; Musical Wonder House in Wiscasset, Maine; Knott's
Berry Farm and Disneyland in California; Cliff House and Sutro Baths
in San Francisco, California; Paul Eakins in Missouri; Arthur Sanders
in Deansboro, New York; the museum-town of Virginia City, Montana; and
others, plus dozens of band organs on carousels.  These acted as
catalysts interesting people in the subject.

Harvey and Marion Roehl of the Vestal Press were the key people in
publishing books and other printed items.  Player Piano Treasury
launched hundreds of new collectors.

The Musical Box Society and Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors
Association had more members and were more dynamic than they are today;
at a breakfast meeting in Minneapolis my talk about my experiences
drew 700 people early in the morning.  Rebuilding player pianos was
a widespread hobby with great books by Larry Givens and Art Reblitz
giving guidance, and with Durrell Armstrong offering a large line of
rebuilding supplies.  QRS Music Rolls was a beehive of activity; in
New York City Macy's had a department featuring them.

Of course, the modern era, while completely different and attracting
fewer people, still has many attractions.  The Sanfilippo Collection
open to the public is wondrous beyond belief; MIDI systems are
available to play many instruments; and if you want to hear what
a Helios or Seeburg orchestrion sounds like or a Phonoliszt-Violina,
YouTube offers almost endless opportunities.

The challenge in nearly all fields of collecting is to attract
newcomers, especially Millennials and others who often find computers
and other devices to be a substitute for in-person collecting and
observation.

I have many nice memories of the people I have met and the things
I have seen and done ever since I bought my first instrument,
an 11-inch Regina music box, in June 1960.  My gosh, that was 58
years ago!

All good wishes,

Dave Bowers
Wolfeboro Falls, New Hampshire, USA

 [ Dave, thanks for writing to us on this topic and especially
 [ for the list of places with public displays of instruments.
 [ My first exposure to Mechanical Music was a visit to Svaboda's
 [ Nickelodeon Tavern in 1970.  A long time passed before my
 [ interest in Mechanical Music blossomed, but that visit planted
 [ the seed.   I hope the places you listed are visited by many newcomers.
 [
 [ For those that have already developed an interest in mechanical music,
 [ as is certainly the case for many of our readers, I strongly
 [ encourage you to join one or more of the societies (Amica, MBSI,
 [ etc.) if you haven't done so already.  Your participation helps
 [ them to further the goals of keeping the hobby alive.   In some
 [ cases it will also get you invitations to see private collections,
 [ either as local chapter activities or activities associated with
 [ conventions.  I'm grateful for all the invitations I've received
 [ over the years.  Thank you!  --Jody