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Working in Ivory, The Story of the Warther Carvers

In the Amish countryside of east central Ohio there exist a rarity—two museums and a knife factory all bearing the name Warther. These are not typical small town history museums. They are dynamic exhibits of unique American art. Both museums and the cutlery facility are nationally known for their excellent craftsmanship.

This book tells the story of the two carver-artists, grandfather and grandson, and the man in the generation between them who developed the knife factory and is solely responsible for building the first museum that inspired the second.

The journey begins in Switzerland during the early 1800’s. The story is told by David Warther II, the grandson who carves daily at his museum utilizing legal antique ivory and other exotic materials from the stirring heart of the earth.

This story is one of adventure where you meet men and women who struggled as Swiss immigrants in America. There are vaudeville performers, big game hunters, and wild-eyed family members who would tear a house down just as a Halloween prank. Most importantly, it is a true story of a family of artists and artisans who have simply tried their best to improve the world around them by bringing some art and beauty into our daily lives.

The book is written humbly from David’s Christian perspective. He reminds the reader that the Warthers are minor artists, not major, but that there is nothing minor in following your true calling and doing your best.

100% of the money from book sales go to our non-profit museum. This intriguing book has 325 pages and 60 photographs. Books that are purchased from our museum will be signed by David and shipped directly to you. These books are also available on Amazon as a print book or as a Kindle eBook.

Purchase by phone to 330-852-6096 or buy online below.