DOVER, OH - 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.
MAP & DIRECTIONS