Nevada City, Montana was originally a gold-rush boom town in the 1860s. Today, the Nevada City Living History Museum offers visitors an opportunity to experience the past. The Nevada City Music Hall contains machines which represent the pinnacle of musical entertainment from about 1880 to 1930. This is one of the largest public collections of playable automatic music machines in the world.
According to the display:
“The 27” Regina automatic disc changer has two driving springs (one for the music box and one for the disc-lifting mechanism). No electricity was needed for this instrument, making it great for the early mining camps of Montana.”
According to the display:
“It plays large cardboard music rolls which control a completely mechanical piano action. The music is unique, sounding like a chorus of strumming mandolins.”
According to the display:
“Player reed organs were among the first instruments to use the new pneumatic systems and ‘piano rolls’ beginning in the 1890’s. This organ has an especially beautiful inlaid oak case and porcelain pulls.”
Museums 101
Museums 101 is a series of photo tours of various museum exhibits. More from this series:
Museums 101: The Nevada City Blacksmith Shop (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Newspapers and Telephones (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Dairy and Canning (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Victorian Life (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: The Dalles Chinatown (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Remember Ramps (Photo Diary)
Museums 101: Ranch and Sawmill (Photo Diary)