Dr. Ted's Musical Marvels - Dale, Indiana - Musical Instrument Museum with Gift Shop

Dr. Ted's Musical Marvels, a collection of vintage musical instruments from the 1800s to the mid-1900s, began with the purchase and restoration of a single 1907 French fairground organ. Dr. Ted Waflart, the owner of the collection, bought the original collector's item in 1973, growing his assortment of marvels throughout the years by buying from amusement parks, other collectors and abroad, while traveling through Europe. The collection that has grown into a museum houses a Calliola made especially for Dr. Ted, the rare "Decap'' Belgian Dance Organ, a KT Special, a Limonaire organ, a Regina Music Box, and the owner's personal favorite, a Wurlitzer. The museum is located at 11896 South US 231, in Evansville, near Dale, Indiana.

The museum is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Monday through Saturday from 10am until 6pm, and Sunday from 1pm until 5pm. An exception is made to regular hours of operation for group tours. A qualifying group consists of fifteen or more people. Tours are offered year round for groups that schedule an advance appointment. Millie, Dr. Ted's right-hand girl, leads tours, lasting approximately one hour, for both individuals and groups. She says 97 tourists at one time is her limit, which she decided after giving a tour to a double-decker bus full of visitors. Millie personalizes every tour and plays each of the instruments, allowing for a full song to play before moving to the next item. There are benches, described as well placed and plenty, for viewing of the marvels and memorabilia along the tour route.

Admission to the museum is $6.00 for adults, $2.00 for kids (unspecified ages) and $1.00 for students. There is also a gift shop that sells collectibles in the moderate price range. Dr. Ted's is not handicapped accessible. Visitors who have been to Dr. Ted's Musical Marvels recommend picking up a brochure on the way to the museum to obtain a coupon for discounted admission. Guests have described Millie as a sweet older lady who personalized the tour for them and made them feel as if they took a step back in time.