It’s almost Valentine’s Day, the time of year when we all think of accordion music!
Well, perhaps that’s not completely true. The February holiday is a time to think of true love, and one love that no one can doubt is the love that retired accountant and Salisbury resident Paul Ramunni feels for his impressive and large collection of accordions (which he also plays).
Ramunni now has his accordion museum and shop in a building that also was a love of his life — and, as is often the case with deep love, it was also the source of a significant heartbreak. Ramunni and partner Ross Grannan owned the historic one-time railway depot in North Canaan, Conn., at the time of the massive arson fire that essentially destroyed the building.
At that time, in 2001 (a month after the terror attacks of Sept. 11), the financially sensible choice for Ramunni and Grannan would have been to knock down the remaining timbers of the L-shaped structure.
But they just couldn’t do it, in part because the depot had been so much a central part of life and identity in North Canaan. Eventually, ownership of the depot was transferred to the Connecticut Railroad Historical Association, a local volunteer nonprofit; and the depot was slowly (so slowly) rebuilt.
It is now complete, and is the home of the popular Great Falls Brewing Company. And Ramunni has returned to his beloved old building, with his beloved collection of old accordions.
There is a sale of the instruments going on now — and coming up is a Valentine’s week open house from Thursday, Feb. 10, through Sunday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The museum has two rooms with more than 400 accordions from around the world dating back to 1829. Take a tour through musical history, and sign up for lessons if you feel inspired (there is a Beginner’s Accordion Playing Package that will be offered at 15% off during the Valentine open house).
There will be various performances including — of course — love song mini-concerts!
Admission is free, donations are appreciated. Face masks are requested. Go to www.neacmc.com or contact Ramunni at 860-833-1374 or ramunni@comcast.net.
