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MMD > Archives > November 2000 > 2000.11.27 > 01Prev  Next


Mechanical Music Museums in Wisconsin
By Tom Gregory

Greetings:  Having lived in Wisconsin my entire life I have had the
opportunity to visit the House On The Rock museum on more than one
occasion.

This tourist attraction has many mechanical music displays.  Most are
in need of maintenance.  There is a Steinway Duo-Art grand in the house.
On my last visit several years ago it was hardly playing.  There is a
room called the "organ room".  In this huge display there are many
organ components, including a console containing at least 8 or 10
manuals!  Alas, the music in the background is canned!

The displays at the House are often not labeled accurately.  There
is often no indication what is original and what is a copy.  The best
attraction in the House on the Rock is the beautiful south-central
Wisconsin scenery viewed from the house proper.

I recommend a visit to the Circus World Museum in Baraboo.  The museum
is owned and operated by the Wisconsin State Historical Society.  There
is a modest collection of mechanical musical instruments which are in
excellent playing condition.  During the summer months there are
several knowledgeable musicians on staff who demonstrate and answer
questions regarding the collection.  The Circus World Museum also has
one of the finest collections of circus wagons in the world.

Baraboo also has a beautiful theater, presently being restored.  The
three manual Barton organ is in fine condition.  The tour guides for
the theater are pleased to have visitors play the instrument.

Sincerely,

Tom Gregory
Waukesha WI  USA


(Message sent Mon 27 Nov 2000, 01:21:06 GMT, from time zone GMT-0600.)

Key Words in Subject:  Mechanical, Museums, Music, Wisconsin

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