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It took him 14 months to secure immigration papers, but in 1978 he and his wife journeyed from England to the Fresno / San Joaquin Valley area of California where he managed an irrigation company for 15 years. John says he decided to cross the pond because "in America he earned triple the income with half the cost of living." John and his wife had visited friends in Branson, and decided to move to the Ozarks in 2003.
The Silver Dollar City Years
John has worked at the Duplicating Lathe since he joined the Silver Dollar City family. He has also lent his skills to the foundry at Wilderness Road Blacksmith Shop, making repairs and new tooling. And he's even worked as an elf at Christmas. But visit summer through fall and you'll find John turning wood at the Duplicating Lathe, "I like to use my hands, I find it relaxing," he explains. John appreciates repairing family heirlooms that guests bring to him, and designing special orders. He has even teamed up with Warren Cook from Heartland Home Furnishings to create legs for dining tables. John finds the atmosphere at Silver Dollar City appealing, stating, "Here, I'm free to be creative."
Baseball bats are the most popular item produced at the Duplicating Lathe. John believes it's because baseball is the national sport, and parents want kids to own a piece of that. "We personalize them for souvenirs," he says, "and some people buy one every year with the date on it."
John is always eager to explain how a noodle cutter, biscuit cutter or corn bread knife is used. He's quick with an explanation of the types of wood used as well, from sumac and hickory to sassafras. People are often surprised with the variety of items produced on a lathe, and consider the root canes and hiking sticks with compasses a unique find.
Several generations will stand side by side and watch John turn the lathe. They often ask questions in hopes of taking a few tips home with them. John's best advice, "Buy good equipment and grind your chisels for a sharp edge."
Interesting Extras
John holds a US patent for the design of a quick coupler used on golf courses. He designed the part for Buckner Irrigation and was paid $1 for the rights. In his early years, John also played semi-pro soccer in England.
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