COCA Returns to Jasper's
By Bill Petrochuk
Photography by Thomas Hatting and Roy Leatherberry
Our spring meeting was held near Chicago at the home of Jasper
Sanfilippo. More than two hu ndred members and guests were bussed
from the Pheasant Run Hotel to the "Victorian Palace" for an evening
tour. Jasper greeted us in the main entry foyer where the centerpiece
is a large Imhof and Mukle, barrel-operated orchestrion made in the
late 1860's. We continued through this grand 44,000-square foot
home admiring the largest collection of restored automatic musical
instruments in the world. While music machines dominate Jasper 's
collection, it also includes a vast array of penny arcade and gam-
bling machines. The attention to detail in the restoration and display
is impeccable. Chandeliers and stained art glass are also displayed
throughout the mansion . To amass a collection of this size is amaz-
ing, but to also have each and every piece in perfect original or re-
stored condition is truly extraordinary.
A brief meeting was held in the music room where the world's
largest 8,000-pipe theater organ is located. The sound produced by
this five-room, four-story wonder is magnificent. Many members
lingered in the balcony li stening to the concert treat that curator
Robert Ridgeway directed for us. Jasper has added many old penny
arcade machines to his collection, which includes over 30 cast iron
Mutoscopes. Many fortune tellers, strength testers, diggers, and all
other types of penny arcade games are well represented.
Following our two-hour tour of the main home we moved to the
carousel building, home of the most complete example in existence
of a European Eden Palace salon carousel. It includes an 89-foot
wide by 42-foot tall carved facade. Large steam engines, railroad
locomotives, and towering street
clocks, along with fairground and
dance hall organs surround the car-
ousel. The biggest treat of the eve-
ning came when Jasper invited us to
go for a ride on the carousel. This
baby really moves. What a ride!
On behalf of everyone in atten-
dance our sincere thanks go to J as-
per Sanfilippo and his family, as
well as curator Robert Ridgeway
for their hospitality. Door prizes
included a Crosley Radio provided
by Fred Bingaman, and an Online
Price Guide by Dave Burrit. Thanks
to Mark and Chris Heston, Bill and
Loretta Lippay, John and Linda Fi-
fer, Ken and Jackie Durham, and
Jim Slifko for their help at check-in
time.
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