Topic starter
03/05/2009 5:12 pm
I found this photo while doing one of my obsessive Google searches for calliope information. Can anyone identify what instrument this is? The caption states that it appeared in August 1963 near the unincorporated town of Kinzers, PA. Sure looks like a Nichol to my eyes.
03/05/2009 6:22 pm
Jon, that date appears to be a little "off" to my eyes. Looking at the clothing and the cars in the background, I would say mid to late 1950's would be more like it. That may have a bearing on what instrument it actually is.
03/05/2009 10:38 pm
Jonathan,
Well, 24 hours after the computer came back from the shop, it has died again!!! So, I am using a friends computer....ratz!!!
Since I don't have my archives to compare it to...I am gonna agree with you based on the keyboard and manifold lay out. However (and a big however to that!), there are too many whistles showing in my estimation. Looks like 38 or more. So, perhaps this is the Getz Calliope in its early years? Mr. Noah Getz built a 40-note calliope around this time period. See this link for more information on him and his association with calliopes and the circus (Steam Notes). He also lives in the area your picture came from...so perhaps this is the answer....Of course......
It could also be William C. Clark's 37-note Nichol I have heard so much about and never seen.
Dave...any ideas?
Travis
03/05/2009 11:59 pm
WELL,,?? I don't think its a Nichol ,,looks likes one,!! But,,It has to many notes ,something like 37 or 40 ,..Nichol built one 36 note CaLLiope "the Two Jesters" and it was on the Ringling show in the early 40s to the mid 50s,and is now in Sarasota at the Ringling museum.. But let me do some Crunchin on this ,,...
Good work Jon...
04/05/2009 5:02 pm
Check the web page for the Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association at Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association . From the home page, search this site for "calliope". The photo is probably from an annual "steam up" about 50 years ago. The 2009 reunion will be in mid August. Even the corn on the cob is steam cooked!
Roland
04/05/2009 8:24 pm
Hay All ,,and JON ;;
From the Historical sources in Baraboo,Wi..
This must be the GETZ CaLLiope before it was placed in a semi-trailer ,it is 40 notes and was copied from a Nichol CaLLiope that use to travil on the Cristiani Circus.. And,, the Cristiani Show was the last Circus to carry a Steam CaLLiope with its show in 1962...