History of Morecraft Calliope

The steam calliope was an instrument used in the late 1800s and into the 1900s by circuses and showboats as a musical calling to let people know the show had come to town.  Being that the instrument was very loud, people all over the city would know were to find the traveling entertainment, because it could be heard up to five miles away.

    The steam calliope was an invention patented by Joshua Stoddard in 1855, but it would be the Thomas J. Nichol Company of Cincinnati Ohio that would redefine the instrument to its sweet toned sound.  Nichol was the premier builder of the instrument in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  Their instruments were seen and heard on various traveling circuses, showboats, and steamboats across the country.  Many still exist and operate to this day.

    The Morecraft Manufacturing Company has been building and restoring steam calliopes since 1978. The Morecraft whistles are crafted using the style pioneered by Nichol and are true to its quality and tone.  Like the Nichols from before, Morecraft calliopes to this day are heard around the world.