OOPS!   in my report last night, I credited "John" Bogatko as the
composer of a new player piano roll - "There will be no new tunes on
this old piano."       As I bought a copy of his roll at the Mart
earlier this evening, I realized I made an error.  I should credited
"George"  Bogatko as the composer.  My apologies George, the roll is
outstanding!

Today, Day 3, we had an early start with our choice of 3 tours -
Highland, Joplin House/Garden, Landmarks, or stay in hotel for an
in-depth seminar on Ampico expression system.  I chose the Joplin
tour.

The Joplin tour began with a tour of the Fox Theatre, very similar to
the Fox Theatre in Detroit and Atlanta.  It still has its original
Wurlitzer pipe organ, and we were treated to a few selections.  The
tour took us through many of the hidden features of the theatre, and
standing in awe of its opulence.  A neat feature was the autographed
walls backstage proving attendance by many contemporary artists.

As we entered Joplin House, the first thing to hit my eye was a neat
surprise.  On the reception counter was a current June 1996 copy of the
Mississippi Rag, the voice of traditional jazz and ragtime.  Who is on
the cover in full page splendor, followed by a 7 page profile, but our
own Robbie Rhodes.  The article is "Reminiscing with Robbie Rhodes",
written by Bill Mitchell.  Great article, Robbie!

The "Professor" of last night, J. Douglas Hamilton, turns out to be Jay
Douglas, Director of Scott Joplin House, who could charm an eskimo into
buying a refrigerator.  The depth and strength of his conviction and
commitment are quite remarkable.  Under his leadership and vision, St.
Louis will be certain to have a major tribute to not only Scott Joplin,
but to the birth and evolution of ragtime.

The persona we saw last night was of an aging minstrel who personally
knew and worked with Scott Joplin.  The persona we saw today is of an
exciting, enthused visionary committed to the growth and expansion of
not only Scott Joplin House, but also of ragtime itself as a uniquely
American musical form.  Jay is an immense storehouse of knowledge about
the parental artists who gave us ragtime, and is a talented musician
who enthralled us with a number of wonderful ragtime pieces.

Under Jay's vision, a new "Rosebud Cafe" will emerge next door, but he
needs support.  I believe this is a worthwhile cause, and I encourage
support and contributions in any way you can to:

    Scott Joplin House State Historic Site
    2658 Delmar Blvd.
    St. Louis, MO   63103
    (314) 533-1003

The tour concluded with a 2 1/2 hour visit to the Missouri Botanical
Garden, a gorgeous place to roam, particularly on yet another day with
flawless weather.  Visitors to the Gardens are served by an internal
tramway that circulates every 20 minutes, making it possible for people
to stop and go as slaves to their whim.  I chose to take in the
geodesic dome "Climatron" conservatory and the Shaw House Tour, home of
Henry Shaw, the owner of the original Garden.

This evening, the Mart opened up for 2 hours 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  I
believe it was a great success, but then I did not have a booth, so I
can't speak for the vendors.  However, I did note many people, myself
included, walking out laden down with boxes and bags of goodies.  With
regrets I had to be cautious in my purchases relative to available
luggage space.

Among the rolls available for sale was the Laclede's Landing Rag,
composed by Eric Bernhoft.  I bought a copy and am delighted with his
performance.  Eric also puts out a series of other ragtime piano rolls,
many which are his own amazing arrangements from old sheet music, some
never before published as a music roll.  Those rolls based on old sheet
music include a color leader replicating the original cover of the
sheet music.  Ask him to put you on his mailing list:

    Eric Bernhoft
    PO Box 421101
    San Francisco, CA   94142
    (415) 563-3135
    (415) 885-3335 (fax)

The "Table Favor" this year was once again manufactured by Past
International President, Ron Connor, from Rogers, Arkansas.  This year,
it was a fine quality ceramic representation of a fairground organ.  It
is yet another outstanding souvenir which will take its position of
honor on top of my Cremona nickelodeon at home, along with all the
others I've acquired over the years as I attended various AMICA
Conventions.  Some may recall that Ron manufactured the Wurlitzer Harp
table favor for the Kansas City AMICA Convention in 1984.

Ron also included a display of his handiwork, showing this table favor
in each of its major production stages, commencing with conception,
planning, and drawing; through the various moulding, firing and glazing
steps required to come up with a quality finished product.  What makes
this so unique is that Ron had never done any kind of ceramic work
previously.  Amazing!  Ron is to be commended for his commitment to
AMICA.

Following the Mart, we were treated to another concert from a different
Barber Shop Quartet.  These guys are great, and thoroughly
entertaining!   Dick Merchant was once again invited to play the piano
for all present, and proved once again that he is a not only a great
sport, but also a competent pianist.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's report which should focus on the Band Organ
Rally at Laclede's Landing, followed by the annual pumper contest,
followed by a "Fox Orchestra Dance".

Regards to all from beautiful downtown St. Louis.

Terry

•Terry Smythe                    (204) 832-3982 (voice/fax)
55 Rowand Avenue                smythe@mts.net
Winnipeg, MB, Canada   R3J 2n6  smythe@freenet.mb.ca
Home page: http://www.mts.net/~smythe