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ACQUISITIONS
CZECH CYLINDERS
Gifts of culture & Iowa family history
BY KATIE BUEHNER, HEAD, RITA BENTON MUSIC LIBRARY
The wooden case is opened, revealing metal spools, latches, and a motor wheel reminiscent of an old sewing machine. The needle mount is lifted, and Alan January carefully slides the cylinder into place. He reaches down and puts the crank handle into the side, winds it half a dozen times, and then flips the lever on the top of the player. The cylinder starts to spin, the needle is lowered, and a scratchy, thin stream of music begins to play. 32
SUMMER 2021