I was mercifully in Washington, D.C., for a field trip yesterday.
I miss the feel of a city while I'm at school!  I took a moment to
ride this carousel and I recalled Andy Park's MMD posting here a few
days ago.

I recall a sign describing the Wurlitzer 153 as "under restoration,"
but it was removed at least a few years ago, and recordings have
been played from a stereo inside a Merri-Org box for as long as
I can remember.  If I had to guess, I would say that there are no
current plans to return the band organ to this location.

Of course I wish every carousel in the country had a band organ, but
the lack of one here is particularly too bad.  Although the carousel is
considered something of a tourist trap at $3.50 a ticket, its location
on the Washington Mall makes it very visible and much discussed.

If a band organ were there, it would be a fine opportunity for
someone to consider working with the owners to install a small display
describing its operation and perhaps offering pamphlets describing the
activities of the various enthusiast groups.  I don't doubt that some
folks would take an interest in mechanical music, and information about
how to pursue that interest, home with them.

I would be glad to volunteer myself for such an endeavor if that band
organ returns.  I wrote down the number to contact the current owner
and will call for information.  I'll report here if I learn anything.
It's worth noting that I believe the carousel is a fully private
concession, not subject to the Smithsonian, so the Institution won't
have had any interest in the return of the organ over these many years.

Really, in such a visible location, it's too bad not to have an organ
if the owners have one available!

TJ Fisher
Lexington, Virginia

 [ Found at http://mallhistory.org/items/show/197 --
 [
 [  "On April 12, 1967, a classic wood merry-go-round with 33 animals
 [  and 2 chariots moved to the National Mall near the Smithsonian
 [  Arts and Industries Building.  Rides cost 25 cents apiece.  In
 [  1981 museum officials replaced the worn-out merry-go-round with
 [  the present, larger carousel, a 1947 vintage model with 60 horses.
 [  Music for the first merry-go-round came from a Wurlitzer band
 [  organ with wooden pipes and bellows.  Today the carousel's music
 [  wafts from a CD player."
 [
 [ -- Robbie