Back in August, 2011, Paul Fischer, of Paul Fischer Pipe Organs in
Erie, Pennsylvania, posted a short "for sale" item here on MMD [110810
MMDigest].  As a result of the information exchange which followed,
Paul attended the DeBence Music Museum Crank Organ Rally in Franklin,
Pennsylvania, and I got a chance to pick up some information on
"Hurdy-Gurdy Italian Ice," Hofbauer crank organs, and the OSI (Organ
Supply Industries) Street Organ / Strasse Orgel.

Paul was at the heart of the matter, and he sent along a short write-up
on the history of the OSI project.  It extends to include Bishop Fulton
Sheen and sending German MIDI files to Japan!

As "the editor" noted, in August I had a short web page devoted to the
OSI 20-note organs.  Since meeting Paul I have added his history of the
OSI crank organ and some related notes.  The web page is at
http://www.wallace-venable.name/mechanical-music/OSI_Strasse_Orgel/index.htm 

I had a small problem with the organ at the time, and Paul was kind
enough to look at the organ and give me some technical information.
I used his tips to fix the problem, and made photos of some of the
process, so my web site now includes a lot more "technical/service"
information on the organs.

Wallace Venable
Morgantown, West Virginia