Orville Gibson (Wikipedia)Born: May 1856
Died: August 19, 1918
Orville Gibson was a maker of stringed instruments; he founded the Gibson Guitar Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1896. In 1909, he stayed with his brother Ozro Gibson for a few weeks in Malone and then moved to Saranac Lake to live with his niece Minnie and her husband Merton Drury at 24 Ampersand Avenue. Orville lived with them at this address at least through 1912.
Malone Farmer, August 21, 1918
GIBSON—At Ogdensburg. Aug. 19. Orville H. Gibson, formerly of Malone, aged 62 years.
Mr. Gibson was a well-known musician and maker of musical instruments, particularly guitars and mandolins. He was born in Chateaugay, but went to Kalamazoo, Mich., early in life and established there the Gibson Mandolin Co., a going concern in a prosperous condition, with a fine plant and $75,000 building. His health finally failed him and he came back East about eight years ago, since which he had spent most of his time in Malone, where he was known as a man of high character and many admirable qualities. He still continued to be wrapped up in music and made here several beautiful instruments by hand, exquisitely inlaid and ornamented which were greatly admired by all who saw them. After his retirement from the company which he established he continued to receive royalties from his patents. The funeral will be held from the home of O. M. Gibson, on Webster street, this (Wednesday) afternoon. Deceased is survived by one brother. O. M. Gibson, and one sister, Mrs. C. M. Hastings.
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Adirondack Daily Enterprise, May 9, 2018
Orville's work should still resonate
Peter Crowley wrote a long, two-part article on Orville Gibson and the Gibson Guitar Company, published on May 9 and 10. The May 9 section contains personal information on Orville Gibson.
