The [steam] calliope was invented 150 years ago, having been patented
October 9, 1855, by Joshua (Joseph?) C. Stoddard of Worcester,
Massachusetts.  I had not thought about it until my wife got an inquiry
from a writer at Smithsonian Magazine, but they want to include mention
of this anniversary in the "This Month in History" column of their
October issue.

In that regard they are interested in learning whether an original
Stoddard-era calliope is extant in either a museum or private collection
(near the Washington, DC, area and/or elsewhere) and whether a picture
of such an instrument is available.  Any information would be
appreciated.

Joe Orens

 [ Some information, republished in the book, "Player Piano Treasury",
 [ by Harvey Roehl, appears at http://mmd.foxtail.com/Calliope/ 
 [ and http://mmd.foxtail.com/Calliope/harmony.html 
 [ -- Robbie