In the mid 1970s a fine Wurlitzer style YO (I'm 90% certain it
was a YO) was restored by a former acquaintance and friend, Denis
McMenamy, in Medford, Oregon.  It was an impressive instrument,
housed in a specially constructed music room behind his home,
which also contained a wealth of period pieces including a couple
of reproducing pianos and about 4,000 rolls.  Denis also had a part
time player restoration business and was a QRS dealer for many years.
We spent many hours in that room listening to the diverse and powerful
sounds that only a photoplayer can produce, sometimes to accompany
vintage silent films.

I came to know Denis because of a mutual interest in mechanical music.
He was the one who mentored me as I tackled the restoration of my
first pumper, then an Ampico and finally an A-roll piano.  During
a period of eight to ten years we were heavily involved in building our
roll collections through sources such as Mike Schwimmer's roll auction,
Ray Siou, Ed Sprankle and others.

In 1987, Denis retired from his "day" job at BLM [Bureau of Land
Management] and moved his entire collection (including the Wurlitzer
Photoplayer) to Redmond, in central Oregon.  At that point we went our
separate ways, but I understand he continued to restore players and
collect rolls.  He was particularly passionate for any roll arranged
by Herman Avery Wade.

I recently learned that Denis passed away in December.  Even though
we had not been in touch the past several years, I am grateful for the
passion he instilled in me for all things mechanical music.  Now, with
the recent post about the photoplayer census, I can't help but wonder
the current status of his Wurlitzer.  Has it been sold, or is it still
a part of his estate in Redmond, Oregon?  I would appreciate hearing
from anyone who knew Denis or might know the whereabouts of this
fabulous instrument.

Ron McUne
Medford, Oregon