Svoboda's Nickelodeon Tavern and Museum

March of Dimes electric sign.

(Photograph courtesy of Al Svoboda.)

Large “March of Dimes” electric sign set up with the original coin-pitch funnel in the bar in March 1959. This funnel collected many thousands of dollars which were contributed to various charities over the years.

Letterheads

(Art Reblitz Photograph.)

Letterheads from a few of the many organizations expressing appreciation to Al Svoboda for his contributions and performances.

Procession of antique cars

(Photograph courtesy of Al Svoboda.)

A common sight in the south suburbs of Chicago: Svoboda's procession of old cars in local parades. Shown here in 1958 are Al driving the 1921 model T Ford, followed by the EMF, Overland and other old cars.

Al Svoboda driving his 1908 EMF.

(Photograph courtesy of Al Svoboda.)

Handsome portrait of Al Svoboda driving his 1908 EMF.

Wurlitzer band organ used in parades

(Photograph courtesy of Al Svoboda.)

One of the small Wurlitzer band organs used in parades, with an attention-getting display facade, photographed in November 1967.

World's Fair of Music and Sound.

(Photograph courtesy of Al Svoboda.)

Svoboda's exhibit at the “World's Fair of Music and Sound” held at the original McCormick Place in 1962. Al displayed a whole truckload of nickelodeons, including a single Mills Violano, Seeburg G, Cremona 10, Link 2E, Josef Stern barrel orchestrion, Regina Hexaphone, Nelson-Wiggen 8, Seeburg E, a small jukebox, Edison “Eclipse,” and tables full of smaller instruments.

Al Svoboda performing.

(Photograph courtesy of Al Svoboda.)

Al Svoboda and Remo Firenzo performing for members of a businessman's club on a Lake Michigan cruise.

Go-Back