The steam calliope is a musical instrument that resembles a piano or organ, but produces sound by sending steam through whistles. When each key is pressed, it opens a valve that allows pressurized steam from the boiler to escape through a corresponding whistle, producing a specific tone. The WDM calliope is one of only two operating examples in all of Canada. It has performed in many Saskatchewan locations over the years, and was a summer-long attraction in Vancouver during Expo '86. (WDM Web site). The calliope that you see featured at festivals across Saskatchewan today, is the same one seen in this 1960 photo. Some years ago it was refurbished - given a new look.
Place: The Western Development Museum in Saskatoon.
Source: William Fichtner, Collection
Contact Terri Lefebvre Prince,
Heritage Researcher,
City of Yorkton Archives,
Box 400, 37 Third Avenue North
Yorkton, Sask. S3N 2W3
306-786-1722
[email protected]
