Greetings from sunny Florida.  This past weekend I had the pleasure
of attending one of the best meetings related to mechanical musical
instruments.  The first meeting of the COAA (Carousel Organ Association
of America) was held in Kissimmee, Florida.  The highlight of the
weekend was a trip to the Milhous collection, located in Boca Raton.

I have been trying for many years to visit this fantastic collection
which only allows special groups like AMICA, MBSI, and COAA to attend
the two-hour tour.  The docent (curator) was extremely knowledgeable
when it came to explaining the historical background of each and every
instrument.  He was also very proficient at playing the theatre organs.

A highlight of the afternoon was riding the beautiful carousel that
was the centrepiece of the building.  A well-tuned Wurlitzer 153 band
organ provided the music and, needless to say, this participant enjoyed
more than one ride.  The members also got to meet one of the Milhous
brothers who was very cordial and spent time playing nickelodeons and
the many organs that were beyond description.  I met many members whom
I had known through AMICA, and NCA.

I wish to express my thanks to Ron Bopp and his wife, Mary Jo, who did
an excellent job in organizing the event.  I was so pleased with the
meeting that I had no hesitation in joining the National COAA and I
look forward to attending the various organ rallies around the country.

George Karpel
Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada (vacationing in Delray Beach, Florida)