Photograph Courtesy of Stephanie M. Borits
The Grand Welte Cottage Orchestrion
Weighing in at 1,500 pounds, this German-made instrument is a Model D Welte Cottage Orchestrion. It was purchased in 1905 by Mary Packer Cummings on her travels to Geneva, Switzerland from the George Baker Company for $500 dollars. For that price, Mary received the orchestrion and the two oak chests that contained 100 rolls of music.
The 50+ pipes, base drum and cymbals are located at the top while the snare drum and triangle are located in the center. The volume is controlled by opening and closing the doors. It is one of two Model D orchestrions left in the United States today. The other is located in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. However, the Smithsonian's model no longer works as it is missing major pieces.
When Mary traveled to Keystone Bluff, the winter estate in Jacksonville, Florida, the orchestrion accompanied her. It was taken apart in 3 pieces, placed in crates, and transported to the Lehigh Valley Railroad Station across the Lehigh River. When Mary came home, so did the orchestrion.
The cost to ship the orchestrion and the two trunks of music by train to Florida amounted to $2.50. It was free transport up until the Georgia border as Mr. Packer did not have contracts with the Flagler lines.
The Orchestrion is maintained by The Action Piano Company.
Listen To The Orchestrion!
Selection: The Washington Post March
The Grand Welte Cottage Orchestrion
