When Doctor Ted Waflart found an old pump organ while shopping at an antique store in 1973. Before he became a doctor, Ted was an engineer. He later went back to his engineering hobby when he started his collection now known as Doctor Ted’s Musical Marvels in Dale, Indiana. His passion for repairing antique instruments led him to collect instruments on his travels through Europe. The music museum features instruments from the 1800s through the mid-1990s. This unique Indiana museum is a fun destination for a day trip from Indianapolis.
One of the most popular parts of the collection is the Decap Belgian Dance Organ. It’s a huge portable organ that has 535 pipes. At one time it was moved from venue to venue, even though ti’s a whopping q12 feet high and 24 feet wide. The Decap Belgian Dance Organ is often referred to as an entire orchestra in one instrument. It houses drums, high hat, two saxophones and two accordions. It’s powered by air that’s forced through cardboard books. A crank forces the air through the holes and that moves the pulleys and bellows for it to make music.
One important piece of Doctor Ted’s Musical Marvels Collection is a reproduced Wurlitzer organ circa early 1900s. The piece plays next to three carousel horses, and it’s thought to be Doctor Ted’s favorite. The organ was made for him by Stinson Organ Company from Ohio. Rumor has it, the Wurlitzer took 10 years to produce.
Guided tours are available of this Indiana history landmark. They can be scheduled in advance, and each tour takes approximately 90 minutes. Doctor Ted’s Musical Marvels is a fun and unique destination for a day trip from Indianapolis. A small admission fee is charged, and tour guides show guests a Dutch Street Organ, an early Victrola and more instruments in action.
This museum is a unique destination for a field trip for Indianapolis kids. Dale, Indiana is only a 150 mile drive from the Circle City. It’s a perfect destination for a day trip and it can evolve to include visits to other must-see attractions. Just south of Doctor Ted’s Musical Marvels is Lincoln State Park and the Lincoln Living Historical Farm in Lincoln City. It’s also close to Holiday World and Splashing Safari in Santa Claus. Dozens of other attractions are spread out along the route to southern Indiana, like the Hoosier National Forest in Bedford, the Bill Monroe Memorial Music Park and Campground in Bean Blossom.
The quirky college town of Bloomington, Indiana is a few counties north of Doctor Ted’s Musical Marvels. Fun attractions there include the Wylie House Museum, the Mathers Museum of World Cultures and the Indiana University Art Museum. A day trip to scenic southern Indiana could be a fun adventure away from Indianapolis.
Doctor Ted’s Musical Marvels
11896 South U.S. 231
Dale, Indiana 47523
website
11896 South U.S. 231
Dale, Indiana 47523
website
