Historical Society on lookout for donation of piano

Veldron Hall of McCook, a member of the board of directors of the High Plains Historical Society, plays the Steinway piano at the Museum of the High Plains in downtown McCook. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Daily Gazette) [Click to enlarge]

Directors of the High Plains Historical Society are looking for a piano that can be tuned, and whose keys aren't out-of-tune or -- worse yet -- completely silent.

A piano technician several years ago recommended not attempting to tune the early 20th-century Steinway piano on display at the Museum of the High Plains in downtown McCook because replacement wires and repair parts are not available any longer.

The piano was originally owned by an early-McCook banker named B. Franklin.

Museum board members decided at their monthly meeting Thursday that they would like to find another piano that museum tour guide and board member Veldron Hall can play while she works at the museum.

"You can't replace a Steinway," said board member Mary Poore, so Mr. Franklin's Steinway will be retired to display status only, and hopefully a second piano can be located for daily use.

Anyone interested in donating a piano -- however historical -- to the museum is encouraged to contact curator Marilyn Hawkins or board president Russell Dowling at the museum (308) 345-3661.

In other action during their meeting Thursday, directors:

* Reviewed a recalculation by Nebraska's state auditor in the historical society's budget, lid limit and tax levy that resulted in the society receiving $1,217.24 less in taxes.

* Acknowledged the donation of, for reference purposes, a copy of "Memories and Records of the Veterans of the Danbury-Marion Communities and Surrounding Vicinity," a collection of biographies of soldiers with ties to the Danbury and Marion areas. The 250-page book was compiled and published by members of McDonald Ryan American Legion Auxiliary Post No. 276. It was donated to the museum on Nov. 11, Veterans Day, by Pat Redfern, Auxiliary president, and Wanda Miller, Auxiliary secretary and historian.

* Accepted the donation of collectible bottles and "Life," "Look," "Post" and "Colliers'" magazines from McCook Recyclers, as they dismantle the former recycling center in South McCook.

* Accepted the donation of a Chicago, Burlington and Quincy (CB&Q) Railroad scoop and a railroad "STOP" sign that belonged to Mike Schoup's father, who worked for the railroad. They are on display in the museum's railroad room.

* Decided to close the museum for Thanksgiving Day.