As my current player restoration project grinds along, Arthur Reblitz's

player piano book is my constant companion.  While waiting for some glue

to set, I re-read the author's biography, which makes reference to a

"National Geographic television special, 'Treasures from the Past.'"



On a whim, I checked YouTube; someone has uploaded it, and it is currently

available for viewing (although this is subject to change on a moment's

notice):



    https://youtu.be/HP7XWe6jGyI
 



For those of you (like me) who didn't see it when it first aired over

thirty years ago, the show was a special presentation produced by Jo

Seamans for National Geographic, as a showcase for various restoration

projects, mostly based in the USA.



MMD subscribers will be especially interested in the segment on

the Kit Carson County Carousel in Burlington, Colorado, also known as

PTC No. 6.  Specifically, the show highlights the extensive mid-1980's

restoration work done by its conservator, the late Will Morton, as well

as an uncredited Arthur Reblitz, who maintained the Wurlitzer "Monster"

military band organ, the best example of its kind still in existence.



Although I am undoubtedly preaching to the converted, it's a fun and

informative segment to watch and hear.  The segment begins at the thirty-

two minute mark, and lasts about eight minutes.



Near the end of the segment, there's a poignant quotation to take away

from Will Morton, who I understand passed away just last year:



"I would like to look down from some place beyond fifty years from now,

and feel that I'm being complimented by the restorer who is then at work,

saying that 'the man who did this in the first place did a good job, and

I'm pleased with what he did.'"



What a succinct and noble statement to sum up the craft of conservation

and restoration!



There is a website for the carousel, which contains historical information

and samples of audio recordings:



    https://www.kitcarsoncountycarousel.com/history 



Unlike in the documentary, Mr. Reblitz is duly credited on the website

for his role in the restoration(s) of the band organ.  The site is a good

virtual proxy for those like myself who will likely not have occasion

to experience it in person.



Ian Gillis