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The Silver Dollar City Years
Ask Don today what's the most unique thing about being a craftsman at Silver Dollar City, and he'll give you the same answer as when he first began - hands-on learning. "There are many crafts made here that you have to learn from a master craftsman. That's simply the only way you can learn them anymore," Bair says.
He remembers well Marty DeGraffenreid, who taught him to spin pewter on the lathe, crafting table settings such as mugs and plates. He also recognizes Mark Prater as the silversmith who taught him wax casting and stone setting. Don brought an expertise in gold and diamonds to the trio, and together the three men collaborated to make many beautiful pieces. "That was the first time I'd worked in a group where everyone could learn from each other. It was fun and exciting!"
Don acknowledges he's happiest crafting gold jewelry, or designing a custom piece in sterling silver. But he is still amazed at the skill that is passed from craftsman to craftsman. "The great thing about Silver Dollar City is that craftsmen always have the opportunity to master a new skill if they decide they'd like to learn something different. Just knowing that prospect exists makes you feel more creative," he says.
Interesting Extras
Don fishes all over the country, but believes the Ozarks offers the finest fishing in the nation -which works out well since its home. Whether he's casting a rod for trout on Taneycomo, landing a bass on Table Rock Lake or floating the Ozarks streams and rivers, he'd rather live here than anywhere. "When I fish other places, it always makes me appreciate what we have right here," Don says, adding, "My priorities are different now; it's about quality of life."
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