All of us who enjoy mechanical music, especially the fun side of it,
lost a great friend with the passing of Harold Freiheit of Columbus,
Ohio, last Sunday.  Harold, 75, had suffered a severe stroke several
months ago.

Harold was a gifted historian.  He served on the board of the Columbus
Historical Society.  He especially enjoyed Ohio amusement park history.
He and I spent a lot of time talking about park history, especially the
history of Idora Park of Youngstown, Ohio.

For many years Harold was an avid collector of mechanical antiques,
with a special focus on mechanical music.  He especially enjoyed
sharing his hobby with the public.  For a time he had a music museum
in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Band organ rallies were special times for Harold.   He could always be
found at the annual Mid-Am Band Organ Rally, usually in the company of
his late best friend, Frank Rider.  Harold organized one of the most
memorable rallies which was held at the Wyandot Lake Amusement Park in
Powell, Ohio.

Harold Freiheit is survived by his wife Mary Lou and several children.
Our deepest condolences are extended to his family.  Funeral
arrangements are as follows:  viewing Friday 6-8 PM and funeral
Saturday at 11 AM with viewing 1 hour before.  The funeral home is

  Schoedinger
  1740 Zollinger Rd.
  Columbus, OH, 43221
  Tel.: 614-457-5481

Tim Trager