Vigo County Historical Society

Historical Treasure Article

Historic Treasure of the Week - June 10, 1984
By Susie Dewey
Vigo County Historical Society

Music boxes filled homes with song

The music box of the 19th century brought music into the home. Previously live performances were the only means to hear and appreciate the great achievements of the prolific composers of the era.

Although many people could play a musical instrument, few were skilled enough to present the music as it was written. Since modern society must seek means to control music, the lack of and the great demand for it in the 19th century is difficult to comprehend. Music boxes answered a need for operatic, orchestral and popular sounds.

The musical casket, no. 2 in the Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, was the portable record player of its day. Sometimes known as a roller organ, it played paper rolls as the player piano did.

Turning a crank moves two bellows on the bottom of the wooden box or casket. The paper roll moves over a bar that air moves through. Holes in the paper rolls produce notes. Where there are no holes, the paper blocks the sound. A crank rewinds the machine. This simple device graced the parlors of many homes.

The museum has three rolls for the instrument. "Where Is My Boy Tonight?" is 25 feet long and originally cost $1.12. "Home, Sweet Home," a favorite on the hit parade of the era, was 29 feet long but cost $1.16. The third roll is a medley of "Climbing Up the Golden Stairs," "Golden Slippers," and "Keep in de Middle on de Road." These were the popular songs of the day. At least two firms in New York City produced paper rolls for the musical casket.

Efforts to identify the producer of the roller organ have not been successful. The wooden case has no identifying marks still legible, but on the bottom some undecipherable letters are visible. Detectives might pursue these clues to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.

Music boxes were not made to be played in the late 20th century. The tone and volume were designed for quiet, carpeted and over-stuffed parlors. Listeners stopped conversation and distracting activities while the roller organ played. The instrument was considered a treasure and was carefully protected from harm.

The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St. , is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday. For more information, phone 235-9717