May 19, 2024
Archive

Volo Auto Museum debuts music machine collection

By NORTHWEST HERALD

Volo Auto Museum Director points out some of the carved detailing on a 1927 Steinway Duo Art Grand Piano. The piano can be set to self-play or may be played manually and was, when new, worth the equivalent of a luxury Duesenberg. Restored for exquisite sound, it will be featured at the museum's music room grand opening Dec. 26, when pianist Ronald Vaughan Sr. will perform. (Photo provided)

VOLO – With their hand-carved, ornate cabinets – some bearing backlit stained glass and others art deco styling – the machines are as beautiful to see as they are to hear.

What they are isn’t tough to guess: They’re self-playing music machines. But where they are might surprise. This collection of Steinways, Mortiers and more – a grouping easily worth hundreds of thousands of dollars – is among the newer facets of the ever-evolving Volo Auto Museum, where the trip from engine roars to musical scores is now a waltz across a marble floor.

In the museum’s Duesenberg Room, featuring the automotive stylings of 1930s-era wealthy elites, a newer addition is a 1927 Steinway Duo Art player piano, which in its day was of roughly equal value to the cars now bookending it. Featured nearby are a 1940s Mortier dance hall organ, a 14-foot-tall Link player piano, an Otto Accordion, a Hohner Soprani accordion, an Accordeo Boy and more.

“During the last couple of years, we’ve brought in some amazing self-playing music machines,” said Brian Grams, director of the museum at 27582 Volo Village Road. “We’re celebrating them with a music room grand opening the day after Christmas.”

Each machine has a story. The Accordeo Boy is a ’20s-era attraction whose eyes, eyebrows and head move as he “performs,” just as he did against his original French bistro backdrop. The Mortier dance organ is a towering, 15-foot-wide gizmo that plays everything from drums to accordions and saxophones.

“This is very rare,” Grams said of the dance organ, noting a previous owner spent $350,000 restoring it. “It came out of the Crystal Palace in Belgium ... the first time this machine played in the United States was here at the Volo Auto Museum.”

Those visiting Dec. 26 will hear and see all of the music machines. Visitors also may enjoy a wine- and cheese-tasting from noon to 3 p.m., and live performances by pianist Ronald Vaughan Sr. from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Volo Auto Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $15 for adults, $9 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children 4 or younger. For information, call 815-385-3644, visit www.volocars.com or find Volo Auto Museum on Facebook.