Despite the wide use of whistles, today there is only one manufacturer of metal whistles in the United States; the “American Whistle Corporation.”
That singularity is what makes the factory tour at the “American Whistle Corporation” so unique. It is the only place in America where visitors can witness the creation, shipping and marketing of metal whistles in action.
What follows is a brief description of whistle history as well as information on the factory and how to go about arranging a factory tour.
History of Whistles
Whistles, in various forms, have purportedly been in use for well over 5,000 years.
During such time whistles have been made from such materials as bird bones, wood, clay, plastic and an array of metals and various amalgamations of such.
The use of whistles has also varied over the years. They are used in sports, personal safety, public law enforcement, animal training, special event management and as entertainment for adults and children alike.
Hours of Operation
The “American Whistle Corporation” gift shop is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.
Forty-five minute, guided factory tours are also given during the same time frame with advance reservations.
Tour Description
The guided whistle factory tours begin with the introduction of the raw materials that go into metal whistle manufacturing; copper, zinc and nickel.
The tour then proceeds through the entire metal whistle manufacturing process up to an including distribution and marketing.
While on tour, participants will get to see the factory’s thirty ton presses and other equipment unique to metal whistle manufacturing.
In addition, the well-versed guide will provide participants with little known facts about whistles like what the little balls inside of the whistles are made of and are designed to do.
At the end of the tour all participants are given a souvenir, metal whistle and given access to the on-site gift shop.
While in the gift shop visitors may purchase whistle factory memorabilia and whistle accessories such as lanyards and safety tips.
Tour Reservations
In order for a factory tour to occur at the “American Whistle Corporation” one must be part of a group consisting of fifteen or more people. The price of admittance for a group tour is $4 per person.
Those that are not part of a pre-formed group may partake of the guided tour by either requesting to be added onto a pre-existing group tour or paying $60 for a private tour.
Either way, advance reservations are required and may be made by calling the corporation’s toll free line at 800-876-2918 and asking for Extension 4.
Additional Information
Travelers that would like more information on other things to see and do while in the area should log onto the “Experience Columbus” website.
American Whistle Corporation
6540 Huntley Road
Columbus, OH 43229
800-876-2918
Sources:
The Whistle Stop, “History of the Whistle” The Whistle Stop
American Whistle Corporation, “Home” American Whistle Corporation
Experience Columbus, “Media” Experience Columbus
Ceramics and Pottery, “Animal Pinch Pot Whistles” Teachpottery.net
