Nathan (Nate) Boleus
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 Above is a 1953 Los Angeles Examiner, Sunday insert section, article about Nathan Boleus (1868 - 1965), who is shown painting a scenic panel for a band organ facade. Nate painted the wooden horses and scenic panels for carousels, as well as the fancy facades of band organs, and was easily capable of duplicating the intricate work of the original artist who painted band organ facades for Wurlitzer and other manufacturers. In 1954, when this author first met Nathan (Nate) Boleus, he lived in a small house trailer situated in the tiny parking lot adjacent to the Merry-Go-Round shop. His painting skills were legendary. He could accurately paint the pen-striping on carousel horses at an incredibly fast rate, and likewise paint beautiful pastoral scenes on band organ facades in just a few sittings. I remember being in awe as I stood and observed him work. |
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