Folks, in response to the several distressing reports on the sorry
state of America's carousel organs, I would like to add some good news
to the mix.  The Santa Cruz, California Boardwalk's beautiful Looff
carousel has two restored band organs: an 1894 Ruth, which is original
to the park, and a recently acquired 1912 Wurlitzer 165, originally
from San Francisco's long-gone Playland at the Beach.  The following
links will provide information on this well-run amusement park's
attractions.

- The Boardwalk and the Looff carousel:
  http://www.beachboardwalk.com/carousel 

- An article on the Looff carousel's 100 year anniversary in 2011:
  http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_16898199 

A quote from the article: "Although it's quiet now due to the Boardwalk's
off-season, music for the carousel is typically provided by two antique
band organs, one built in 1894, the other constructed in 1912.  They
have both been restored in the interim."

- This third link was written just after the SF Playland's Wurlitzer
165 was installed in 2007: http://www.scsextra.com/story.php?sid=47583 

Wishing all of you a very happy and musical Christmas!

Chuck Schoppe
Los Gatos, California