I just rediscovered a CD in my collection that may be interesting
to some subscribers, "Songs by Stephen Foster," Elektra Nonesuch 9
79158-2.  It features Jan DeGaetani and Leslie Guinn, accompanied by
Gilbert Kalish on piano and melodeon, as well as other period
instruments, from the Smithsonian collection.

Quoting from the liner notes, "The piano used in this recording is
a Chickering square piano ... made in Boston in 1850."  Also, "The
melodeon ... used in this recording was made by Carhart, Needham & Co.
of New York in 1864.  It has two manuals and two sets of reeds, 4' and
8', which can be coupled.  The player provides the wind supply by
pumping the right pedal; the left produces a swell-effect."

I was blown away (again) by the melodeon accompaniment for, "Was my
Brother in the Battle?"  I highly recommend the CD.

Steve McCollum