The sound of a piano or organ drifting from the open doors and windows of the May-Stringer House might have been a common occurrence in the early 1900s. Families gathered in the evening to be entertained by family and friends. The May-Stringer has a number of musical instruments and devices on display. The Moller Organ Company organ in the foyer is a very impressive piece with eleven stops and entertained the Hoffman/Vaughn family for many years in Pennsylvania and then in Brooksville. There is a surprise in the parlor in that the piece that looks like a piano is actually an organ! When organ music in the home went out of fashion, the Cornish Piano & Organ Company thought they could sell more organs if the instrument looked like a more popular piano. The dining room features more music makers with the highlight being an Edison Amberola. The Amberola uses cylinder records. Some are made of wax and some are of blue celluloid with a plaster core. There is also a Silvertone Tru Phonic Victrola that was the Sears, Roebuck brand that played the 78rpms. Of course, there is a standard upright piano and, also, a restored violin. One of the most simple music makers is the Thorens music box that continues to plink out familiar tunes. It’s a lovely collection of what people cherished for making music in the home.
The Museums are open!
Reservations are recommended.
The May-Stringer: Tours Thursday, Friday & Saturday – 352-799-0129
The 1885 Depot: Tours Wednesday, Friday & Saturday – 352-799-4766
The Countryman One Room Schoolhouse: By appointment – 352-515-3054 or 630-464-2313
www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com
