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MMD > Archives > May 2011 > 2011.05.04 > 03Prev  Next


The First Collectors
By John Swesey

When I was a little girl in the 1940s my dad, Tom Sawyer, and a friend,
Mr. R. J. Leonard, both of Minneapolis, got together and traded and
played piano roll pieces.  Mr. Leonard had two sons I knew, Grant and
Richard.  Richard is now in California and retired from the business.
Grant was the second from the last dealer in the Twin Cities.

My husband, John Swesey, inherited my dad's rolls and player piano and
has kept up the interest for years.  We've been married almost 53 years
and have had interesting times meeting and sharing with others who love
the piano rolls.

Jean Sawyer Swesey

 [ Mr. Leonard conducted business in Minneapolis as R. J. Leonard
 [ & Sons Player Piano Company.  His twin sons were active for many
 [ years in the player piano field:
 [   Grant Leonard, of Minnesota & Florida
 [   Dick Leonard, Leonard's Player Pianos, of San Francisco
 [ -- Editor (Robbie


(Message sent Wed 4 May 2011, 21:49:00 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Collectors, First

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