Description
Today, second, third and fourth generation family members have expanded their Swiss chalet-style museum into an amazing state-of-the-art facility. It showcases the 64 ebony, ivory and walnut train carvings created by Ernest ?Mooney? Warther, a one-of-a-kind collection that has been appraised by the Smithsonian Institution as a ?priceless work of art.? The original workshop, built in 1912 is still used by family members. Mooney?s son, David and grandson, Mark may be seen at times carving in the workshop or creating wooden pliers for visitors. This old shop is adorned with over 5,000 arrowheads. In the summer months, stroll through the Swiss-style flower garden?s to Frieda Warther?s Button house that holds a collection of over 73,000 buttons arranged in beautiful designs on the walls and ceiling. There is even a button from Mrs. Lincoln?s inaugural dress and a collection of original Goodyear rubber buttons. Today, the Warther family also continues to make Kitchen cutlery; Early in Mooney?s carving career he discovered the importance of knives that would hold their edge against hard surfaces such as ebony and ivory. Unable to find carving knives of such quality, he decided to make his own. His mother complained about never having a sharp paring knife. So he developed his own techniques for tempering and sharpening a steel blade that would keep its sharp edge. Thus, out of necessity, came the world?s finest kitchen cutlery. Today, the Warthers are in their fourth generation of knife makers, who still produce outstanding kitchen cutlery with the same expertise and fine craftsmanship.
The knife making process uses ?old world? craftsmanship and high quality materials to make the Warther knives some of the best in the world. The knives are made of high carbon tool steel, hand ground nine times and polished to a mirror finish. Then the trademark Warther swirl is added to the blade for a smooth distinctive finish. Watch as the birch handles are riveted onto the knife. The handles are then sanded and buffed to a luster finish. You will also view the wood shop where our Oak, Cherry and Walnut knife holders are made. There are no assembly lines here, just craftsmen creating fine kitchen knives by hand.
Hours
The guided tour of the Warther Carving Museum includes a visit to the kitchen cutlery shop. Here you can watch 3rd & 4th generation family members hand craft kitchen knives using the same techniques developed by Mooney Warther, generations ago.
Open 7 Days a Week 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Last tour starts at 4 p.m. Gift Shoppe is Open 7 Days a Week 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Holiday Closures:
New Year's Day
Easter
Thanksgiving
Christmas
Warther Museum Admission
Adults - $13.00
Children (age 7-17) - $8.00
Children (6 and under) - Free
Group Reservations
A group is considered to be 25 or more people. We recommend reservations so that we may be able to serve your group better. All groups, including school groups, may make reservations by calling 330-343-7513, Extension 508, or sending an email
[email protected] Group Rates
Adults $10.00
Children (age 7-17) $5.00
Dinner Tour $32.95
Hobo Lunch $24.95