Hello MMD-ers,  Harvey Chao wrote yesterday asking about an
orchestrion on a PBS biography of Andrew Carnegie.

It's possible that the orchestrion in question is the one at Clayton,
the Henry Clay Frick mansion, now the Frick Art and Historical Center
in Pittsburgh, PA.  Frick was an associate of Andrew Carnegie at the
turn of the 19th/20th century.  In fact, Frick was the person in charge
when the Pinkerton agents opened fire on steelworkers in Homestead, PA.
Much can be said about both men.

The orchestrion, however, is a Welte & Sohne Size 6 orchestrion,
purchased by Frick in 1892 for $6,000.  It is restored and plays
duplicates of the 200 original roles.  Tours of the Frick mansion are
open to the public for $5 by reservation. Telephone 412-371-0600.
I'm pretty sure the orchestrion is played briefly on each tour.

In 1998, in a (failed) attempt to organize a Western Pennsylvania
chapter of AMICA, a group of mechanical music aficionados was treated
to a half-hour concert on the orchestrion. It played beautifully.

I have a flyer on the orchestrion.  If anyone would like more
information, email me and I'll send a copy to you.

Eileen Jacobs