Help Tony Gangi Revive a Boston Treasure

The Mario Persechini Hurdy Gurdy/Street Piano

Current Photos & Story

Tony Gangi is an adjunct college professor on the Northshore of Boston, Massachusetts. In addition, he is also an organ grinder and provides presentations of the history of organ grinders and their instruments, particularly when it comes to its strong connections to the immigrant experience of the early part of the twentieth century.

Recently, Tony and his wife, Suzanne, became the proud owners of a piece of Boston history: The Marino Persechini Hurdy Gurdy.

Marino Persechini came to the United States from Italy and, while in New York, purchased the Hurdy Gurdy/Street Piano in 1899. He brought the instrument with him to Massachusetts, where he became a staple on the streets of Boston. He performed with the instrument until 1974, when he turned 94 and the instrument 75. At that time, he sold the piece to Town Antiques in Brookline, Massachusetts, who kept it in their store and invited people to come and hear it play.

The recent closing of Town Antiques found the instrument finding its way into the hands of another antique dealer and then into our hands with the thanks of New Hampshire magician, Andrew Pinard

Pictures tell the story that the piece, now 125 years old, is in need of some love. The outer case has been coated with a thick layer of brown paint, which, ultimately, blotted out the artwork that adorned the piece. In addition, the musical guts of it need a complete restoration all their own. With your help, we're hoping to bring this instrument back to life so as many people can hear this unique piece of Boston history as possible.

All donations will go to the preservation, restoration and transportation of the instrument.