History Videos and Music CDs

Parke County, Indiana is known as the Covered Bridge Capital of the World, with 31 existing covered bridges. Having been built between 1856 and 1920, these bridges have stood the test of time, maintaining a visual link to our past. Indiana once had over 600 covered bridges throughout the state, but, unfortunately, a mere 90 remain today. You can find 31 of them in Parke County!

Three years in the making, this video describes the basics of covered bridge history, discusses the architectural differences in the building truss designs, answers the question of why there are so many covered bridges in Parke County, and provides a visual tour of all of the bridges throughout the county. Historic photographs provide accents to the contemporary photos, and video footage from on the water and in the air offer rarely seen visuals of these architectural marvels.

$20 DVD
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This great collection of musical favorites was recorded live by Greg Menke, a one time calliope player aboard the Belle of Louisville steamboat. His lively renditions come from real life experieince of playing for audiences cruising on the Ohio River in one of history’s greatest methods of transportation: a river steamboat.

The instrument used in the production of this wonderful CD was a 1939 Tangley Calliaphone, known as a calliope. Originally purchased from the Columbia Amusement Company in Paducah, Kentucky, it was used for public appearances on the showboat docks in Paducah, the Mayfield, Kentucky roller skating rink, Ford Motor Company picnics in Dearborn, Michigan, private events and parties, and functions hosted by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Paducah.

In 1994, the antique calliaphone was donated, to the City of Paducah, Kentucky and restored by the River Heritage Museum, where it is currently on display.

$20
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Audio samples from Steam Calliope Music CD: