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Although a melodeon looks much like a piano it is actually a reed instrument powered by air much like a reed organ. The melodeon creates sounds by using suction to draw air through the reeds while a reed organ pushes air through the reeds using air pressure. Both are powered by using the feet to pump the treadles at the bottom to bring air into the instrument. A melodeon has a hinged lid like a piano. Today, the term melodeon usually refers to an accordion. Austin Carleton Chase (1834-1922) manufactured melodeons and pianofortes in Syracuse, NY from about 1857-1880. He manufactured melodeons under his own name at 62 South Salina Street. In 1880 Col. Chase leased the old Syracuse House dining room and altered it for use as a music hall and display room in connection with his store at 11 South Salina Street. At about this time he discontinued the manufacture of his own instrument. This melodeon can be viewed in Hamilton House.

Genesee Country Village and Museum