DeBence Antique Music World

[2] Dairy farmers Jake and Elizabeth DeBence began their collection in the 1940s in Grove City, Pennsylvania.

The DeBences became avid auction attendees after purchasing two Tiffany style lamps for a low cost.

After Jake's death in March 1992,[3] Elizabeth put the collection up for sale, and a Japanese interest offered her $13 million.

[2] She contacted the Chamber of Commerce and Local residents formed a non-profit organization (Oil Region Music Preservation Museum) that raised $1 million in a little more than seven months to buy the collection.

The effort included selling wooden music notes for placement in storefronts and local yards as a show of support for keeping the collection in Franklin.

DeBence Antique Music World Band Organ by Artizan Factories Inc., at the Drake Day Circus at Drake Well Park, August 24, 2013
The Mills Virtuoso is one of a series of historic instruments that are played during the museum tour.