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.  

[Phonohound]

Thank you for letting the collecting community of our incredible hobby know about the loss of one of its founders.  

 

It is because of Larry and the Donley family that our hobby continues to this day in a manner where we collectors gather in a central location to rekindle and maintain friendships and are able to buy and sell phonographs all under 1 roof.  

 

Larry will be missed and my condolences to the Donley family 

 

The video says it all.  Wonderful memories!

 

Scott

Edited yesterday at 10:30 AM by Phonohound

[phonogfp]

The video really takes me back - it almost felt like being there again.

 

All that was missing were the ice cubes...

 

Thanks Robin and Joan!

 

George P.

[melvind]

17 minutes ago, phonogfp said:

All that was missing were the ice cubes...

 

🤪 I do remember contests to melt the most.

 

I miss some of what we had in those days and the video really does take me back. What a nice tribute.

[Phonolair]

So sorry to hear this, my condolences to Randy, Mike and the Donley family.

I remember back when Union was twice a year. And the parking lot hustle before the the show opened. Being a collector and dealer Union was a great part of my collecting life. 

Joan & Rob thanks for the great memories, with the video. So many familiar faces (now gone) from the early M.A.P.S. days.

Larry C

[Jerry]

23 hours ago, phonogfp said:

 

All that was missing were the ice cubes...

 

George P.

 

Very funny! If you weren't there, and weren't a guy, you have no idea what this means.  😉

[Jerry]

That's my dad & I at 13:35. A nice memory. Thanks for that.