4/2/2008 10:37:00 AM
Old piano given a second chance
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By Angela Halverson
A piano destined for the woodpile has been given a second chance thanks to the generosity of its previous owner, Paul Norby, and Mabel House Hotel manager, Tammy Berkley.
When Norby made the decision to retire and move away from Mabel, he sold his home and personal property at auction. At the sale, the piano's bench sold, but the piano did not.
It was left in the basement of the house where the new owners contemplated chopping it up and burning it.
When Norby heard of the piano's plight, he got in contact with Berkley at the hotel and a deal was struck.
Norby would pay to have the piano moved out of the basement, donate it to the hotel and Berkley would take it from there.
"The piano is dated 1919 and the hotel was built around that same time so it just seemed right," Berkley explained.
After the piano was settled into its new home in the lobby of the hotel, Berkley contacted Finley Piano Services in Decorah.
"Mr. Finley had serviced and tuned the piano for Paul," Berkley said.
Finley removed the insides of the piano and took them to his shop to be refurbished. Then, after replacing the insides, he tuned the piano.
"It sounds wonderful now," Berkley said.
Berkley also contacted the people who bought the piano bench at the auction. "They were happy to sell it back to us," Berkley explained, pointing to the bench which once again holds its place in front of the piano.
In November, the piano was officially dedicated.
The Olga Dahlen family members, who stay at the hotel every year for Thanksgiving, were present for the dedication and three generations of the Dahlen family sang the Messiah.
"It was very moving," said Berkley, then added, "The acoustics are wonderful in here," as she pointed toward the original tin tile ceiling and walls.
On Saturdays, Regina Noel of Decorah gives lessons on the piano. Currently, seven local children, including Berkley's son, Cobe, age 7, and daughter, Adalee, age 5.
"People had been driving their kids out of town for lessons," Berkley said. "This is a great opportunity for the community."
If one is interested in lessons, Noel can be reached at (563) 379-8121or one can contact Berkley at the hotel at (507) 493-5768.
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