Real American Treasure: Washington Irving

Washington Irving was born in 1783 in New York City. He was an author, biographer, essayist and editor. After his initial works, written under different pseudonyms like Jonathan Oldstyle and Diedrich Knickerbocker, Irving became editor of Analectic Magazine, and became one of the first editors to publish Francis Scott Key's poem "Defense of Fort McHenry," later dubbed, "The Star Spangled Banner."

Irving is best known for his short stories, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,"  and "Rip Van Winkle."
Legendary Characters like these are a great part of the American Story that we love to share at the American Treasure Tour

Late 19th Century Music Boxes

Music Boxes?!?! These are a lot different than a modern music box with a twirling ballerina! The foremost one in the above image is also a clock made by Seth Thomas with a Regina music works, but the others pictured here are not timepieces-- just fabulous large style music boxes. Many of these were made in the 1870's.

Notice the ornate decoration and wood work on the cases! The large disc inside turns, and the perforated disc runs over a metal "comb" to play the music. Many of these machines were coin operated for commercial use in restaurants, taverns, and hotels.

In a time when machines this big were made just to play one song at a time, this item was a real innovation: an automatic three disc changer! Remember when the CD changer was the hottest thing since sliced bread? Can you imagine if each of your CDs was about 18 inches across and only played one song?

Accordion Music ... Bring it On!

This beautiful accordion sits atop of one of our dance hall organs in the Nickelodeon Room.  Lighting features it when the accordion plays along with the organ music.  Just one of thousands of sights and sounds at The American Treasure Tour.  Call us for reservations!

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