Melodeons are keyboard instruments invented in Buffalo, New York in the 1830s. Similar to accordions, melodeons use reeds and airflow to create sounds, but the musician pumps the instrument by foot rather than using their arms.

Melodeons were popular with rural Maine congregations and for personal use in homes because they require little maintenance and are portable. The instruments are smaller and less expensive than pianos, yet they have a very loud and pleasing organ sound. Parishioners carried this fold-up melodeon to West Cumberland Methodist Church each Sunday where Evelina D. Morrill Montfort played it for the congregation.