The Warther Museum, Showcasing Priceless Works of Art from the World's Master Carver

The Warther Museum located in Dover, Ohio features very likely the most detailed and well-constructed train carvings worldwide. Not only are the carvings superbly well crafted they are also constructed of rare natural materials such as ivory and ebony. Perhaps most amazing about Mr. Warther’s steam locomotives, all operate mechanically and prototypically just like their real-world counterparts! The collection is a must-see and having been there a few times myself I can very much vouch for such a statement, you will certainly not be disappointed by a visit to Dover, Ohio. The Warther Museum is entirely self-funded and family operated so if you have time I would strongly recommend a visit to see these exquisite carvings, they are very much worth the price of admission to see. Also, while in the area you might want to consider driving over to Sugarcreek and Ohio’s Amish country to see the Ohio Central, roughly 20 minutes or so to the west. Below is a brief overview of the museum and biography of Mr. Warther, courtesy of the Warther Museum:

Visit the Warther Museum, in Dover, Ohio, and you’ll experience the story of the Warther family and how the Warthers combined love of family and a love of hobbies to create an amazing legacy.

Ernest "Mooney" Warther turned his joy of carving wood and ivory into creations that the Smithsonian has called “priceless works of art”. Mooney lived in a time when steam locomotives were king, so many of his carvings are steam locomotives made of walnut wood, ebony, and ivory. He combined history and artistry with motion by making the locomotives run authentically. His precision and sense of detail on the wood and ivory carvings reflect Mooney’s amazing skills and passion for steam technology. In fact, the perfection and mechanizing of his steam locomotives earned him the title of World’s Master Carver, in the 1920’s.

Mooney’s amazing carvings were not limited to steam trains. He also carved: canes for Presidents and dignitaries, a working replica of a steel mill where he once worked and the famous Pliers Tree of 511 interconnected working pliers. The carvings combined with the story of the Warther family makes the Warther Museum a special place to visit.

The world of Ernest and Freida Warther has grown over the years. Today, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation Warther’s operate the Warther Museum, knife making shop, button collection, arrowheads, gardens and the gift shop.

Ernest "Mooney" Warther’s amazing carvings now featured at the Warther Museum have been appraised by the Smithsonian Instititution as “Priceless works of Art”, but the man behind the carvings was truly one of America’s unrecognized geniuses. Warther was considered by many to be an artist, mechanical genius, philosopher, inventor, collector, family man, showman, and knife maker who used his focus and determination to create so much with only a second grade education. Ernest considered carving strictly a hobby and refused fortunes for his works of art.

His time management and goal setting skills were exceptional. After working in the early morning on these incredible masterpieces, he still had time to make a living, raise a family, travel, and enjoy life, family, and friends to the fullest.

Mr. Warther had several quotes he is remembered for, some of which are now quite famous. Here are a few:

“Start right where you are and act as if no one is trying to hinder you.”

“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”

“There is more wasted energy spent getting angry then there is in fixing what broke.”

“Everything has its’ own rhythm or tempo that is in step with nature and if you can find the tempo of the task at hand, the work becomes effortless.”

For more reading about Ernest Warther’s work you might be interested in the book Mooney: The Life of the World's Master Carver from author John Hayes. The book is now over 30 years old but gives an interesting and detailed look at the man behind the beautiful carvings. If you have any interest in Mr. Warther’s works of art you are sure to enjoy the book! If you're interested in perhaps purchasing this book please visit The Railroad Diamond by clicking the tab in the menu to your left marked "TRD Store".