Illinois Railway Museum Blog

I have received a few notes from Jeff Calendine on the Benefit last Sunday at the Sanfilippo estate.

First of all a big thank you to all who attended and made it the great success that it was.  At this stage it looks as if we will have raised over $10,000 to support the ongoing work of the Steam department.

I think it is true to say that a great time was had by all ..... I certainly I did!!.

A huge thank you to Jasper Sanfilippo and the Sanfilippo Foundation who made us very welcome and allowed us to enjoy the superb collection of beautifully restored antique musical and other machinery.  Here Jeff and Dave sit with Jasper with the Grant locomotive in the background.

Jeff and Dave with Jasper

The steam engine house provides an example of the scale of the collection and the superb quality of the restoration

The steam engine house

A central part of the collection is the Super Wurlitzer organ on which Dave gave a masterful performance.

The Grand Organ awaits the performance

In the carousel house, aside from the most spectacular 19th century carousel I have ever seen, is a collection of fantastic fairground organs.  Here Nancy stands with Jasper in front of the  spectacular 1906 Gavioli which replicates a 50 piece orchestra.

Nancy and Jasper with the Gavioli

Much to our enjoyment the carousel was operated for our visitors and here Dave and Jeff are seen riding on it.

Jeff and Dave ride the carousel

Many thanks to Jeff's brother Dave for a superb performance on the grand organ and to Jeff for the effort that he has put into the development and organization of this event.  Plans are already in hand for an even more spectacular event at Sanfilippo next year so watch for the announcement of the date.

Nigel