The mechanical music societies (MBSI, AMICA, COAA, MBSGB, etc.)
frequently include collection visits as part of their meetings.  These
are not to be missed.  I just returned from a visit to two outstanding
collections in central Florida as part of a local chapter meeting of
the MBSI.  Wow!

At the first collection, an Encore player banjo was demonstrated, as
well as a Seeburg L nickelodeon, a Regina bow front changer, upright
coin operated disc music boxes and cylinder music boxes -- some with
bells.  The hosts not only played the instruments, but opened them up
so everyone could view the workings, make photographs and videos.

At the next visit, the group visited a world-class collection of
large automatic organs.  Here we saw and heard eight major instruments:
Gavioli fairground organ, Mortier dance orchestrion, Mortier cafe
organ, Prinsen street organ, Dutch street organ "Drie Kransen",
Carl Frei organ, Wurlitzer 153 and a calliope.  Each was beautifully
restored.  The facades were works of art.  One of the organs played
619 pipes.  Our hosts gave a description of each instrument, played it
and even took requests!

The MBSI Southeast Chapter schedules these visits three times a year,
all over the southeastern USA.  They always impress and inspire me.
The MBSI members collect all types of mechanical music and they share
information in a generous and friendly manner.  Please pass along to
others how wonderful and useful it is to belong to such a group.

The next meeting and collection visits will be next fall in the
Williamsburg, Virginia, area.  If you are not yet a member of a
collectors' society, I invite you to join MBSI now and make plans to
attend the next chapter meeting in your area for an amazing treat!

Wayne Finger