Glenn Thomas first became fascinated with automatic musical instruments as a small child when a neighbor had a working old fashioned foot pedal pumping player piano. Additionally, as a frequent visitor to the Griffith Park Carousel in Los Angeles where he grew up, he became fascinated with the large Wurlitzer style 165 Band Organ that provided the music.
The numerous coin-operated pianos, nickelodeons, orchestrions, and band organs at Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm added further interest on his frequent visits to these theme parks.
In the 1960's, he began acquiring examples of these instruments and collecting the music rolls to play them. Very few people were interested in this hobby then, and it was possible to find pianos and rolls by watching newspaper ads, visiting junk stores and flea markets, and looking in unusual places.
Many pianos and rolls have come and gone. A succesful business career has required nine separate relocations, and some of the pianos and rolls are extremely well travelled! Now, the collection has been refined to provide continual enjoyment.
The collection is located near Princeton, New Jersey and can be seen by qualified individuals and groups.
