Page 19 - Leisure Living Magazine: May 2021 Edition

Admiration For Thomas Edison Shaped Life Of Milan Man
In college, Gfell majored
in physics and mathematics,
because Edison’s work was
in physics. Later, he taught
physics and became the Superintendent of Edison Local Schools. “Edison became the hero of my students when I taught physics,” he added.
As Gfell got more interested in Edison’s work, he began to collect Edison memorabilia, often called Edisonia.
“Phonographs were Edison’s favorite and they became my favorites too,” Gfell said. In fact, he collected 75 phonograph machines in 15 years and became one of the approximately 1,000 serious phonograph collectors in the world.
As he collected phonographs, he discovered that he was unable to find wooden horns for the machines. So, he decided to make one and soon became the most famous wood horn maker in the world.
“It became an obsession. Today, I’m known as the Wood Horn Man of the World,” remarked Gfell, who has been making the wood horns for more than 35 years. The horns, with delicate wood inlays and designs, are truly a work of art.
www.LeisureLivingMagazine.com
By Maggie Kelch, Feature Writer
Don Gfell’s fascination with Thomas Alva Edison began when he took an elementary school field trip to Edison’s birthplace in his hometown of Milan. His admiration for the inventor started that day and shaped his life in many ways, including his choice of a career and a hobby.
“Thomas Edison became my hero and my hobby in elementary school,” Gfell said. “In school, every time we had a project where we had to write about someone famous, I always chose to write about Edison.”
Don Gfell at The Sights and Sounds of Edison in Milan, Ohio
Today, Gfell and his wife, Bobbie, have an antique shop called Sights & Sounds of Edison, located on Main St. in Milan. His workshop for making the wood horns is located in the back of the shop.
“We used to do major shows all across the
Continued on page 20
CATAWBA MUSEUM AT
UNION CHAPEL Operated by
(419) 967-5363 • No Admission Fee
Call to confirm days/hours of operation.
Typically open 10-4 Mon/Wed/Thu and 2nd/4th Sat., Mid-May to Mid-Oct.
5258 E. Porter St., Catawba Island donated P.O. Box 396, Port Clinton, OH 43452
info@catawbaislandhistoricalsociety.com www.catawbaislandhistoricalsociety.com
This ad
facebook.com/CatawbaIslandHistoricalSociety
May 2021 LeisureLiving | 19