Homage to Larry Donley 1930-2026

[AudioAntique]

An icon of the phonograph hobby, Larry Donley passed away May 26, 2026, at the age of 95. Larry was born June 24th, 1930, and became captivated by vintage phonographs. He amassed a large collection and shared his enthusiasm for the hobby with the world by building a museum, theme park, and by hosting phonograph shows that brought in phonograph enthusiasts worldwide. For over 40 years phonograph collectors would gather at the Mecca of phonograph shows at Union Illinois.

 

As collectors we are indebted to Larry Donley for that first gathering of about a dozen collectors for a swap meet in 1974. That was only the beginning. That same year Larry and his wife, Halene, together with their two sons, Randy and Mike, transformed this passion into Donley’s Wild West Town also known as Seven Acres Museum and Village.

 

Our condolences to Randy and Mike Donley and their families who are active in the hobby and the Donley Auctions at Union Illinois.

 

We would like to share a video reviewing 40 Years of Union Shows we presented at the 40th annual Union Phonograph Show. Perhaps you’ll recognize many fellow collectors that are no longer with us. (Maybe you will recognize yourself when you had hair.)

 

Sit back, enjoy, and thank Larry Donley for his dedication and passion for the phonograph hobby that we all enjoy today.

 

Below is a link to view a 30-minute visit to the Union Phonograph shows that we enjoyed in the past and is continued with shows sponsored by the Antique Phonograph Society today.

 

 

 

[melvind]

Thanks for the announcement. We will all miss Larry and his enthusiasm. He lived a long and meaningful life.

[phono-phan]

LOVE IT!!!!  So many memories.