The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1922-07-14
BLIND BACHELOR MAKES MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
 WITH PENKElFE
By. Tad

Fairmont, W. Va, July 14-Although l blind for more than thirty-eight years Thomas Dooittle has made in that time more than tEo hundred musical instruments ranging from viollns to creation of his own which" he has
 Doolittie lost his sight when but nineteen years of age through scro- fulous affection. Despondent as consequence of the 1ost of hts sight, he tried to forget hls misfortune through absorption in his violin, an instrument which he already played we'll
 In course of time Thomas became an expert violinist and in order to capitalize his ability he decided to tour the rural districts giving ole and two-night concerts in country school houses and churches.
 This idea proved very popular in the rural communities. where good music was not heard often. Doolit- tie continued these concerts for many years. In this time he played in nearly every county in the State of West Virginia, following regular cir cult. In giving these concerts he ac- qusred a reputation as a musician that has withstood the years Prior to the loss of his sight Doc little had been carpenter. and he still kept trying to make things | with soft WOOD and a penknife. He fourd this interesting, and it was not | long until he attempted work that
 
 As Doo1itt1e became more and more interested in this work he again saw possibilities ahead and decided to try really difficult work. One of l the first sincere efforts he made to accomplish something worth while was | put into the making of a hope-chest. The result was highly satisfactory. and | there came soon afterward dresser, piano bench ,chiffonier and library | table. All these were well done, but his interest was not in that class of work, and he accordingly turned to | the manufacture of musical instru- ments.
 His first attempt in this line was 1 a violin; not such a good one, but it | as was each succeeding one. In all | Doo1ittIe has made one hundred and 1 one yiolins, f1fty-eight guitars, thir- | weight mandolins, one ukelele, sev | violin -mand olins.
 | The ninety-seventh and last violins are still in his possession, the former 1 being considered one of the best he | has ever made. This violin is one of exceptional tone. and it has been said by experts that the volume is
 violins. All his later instruments are noted for the sweet. mellow tones
 which their maker brought out 1 Quits Instrument Making. | Doolittle has not made any inst~u- 1 ments for several months and de-
 clares that he may never make an- other one. He is more content now l to remain at home with his two sis
 ters, with whom he lives, and potter
 around in his little shop on odd jobs
 brought him by friends and neigh
 bors. A great deal of his time is l also taken up by repair work. Musical 1 instruments from all over the State
 are sent to him for repair. and he | makes them as good as new.
 Loss of sight has only served to 1 increase the kindliness of this man
 and. if possible, make him more ap- | prsciative of the more beautiful. things
 in life. He has a kindly. humorous | spirit that endeaTs him at once to | new friends and old.
 Never married, DooTittle gives his l affection to his beloved instrume nts I and to the two sweet little old la dies, | his sisters, who care for his wants.
 There is no hardness in Thomas life-only pleasantness and cheer.
 Possibly this is because he. in his
 many years before the public. sent his music deep into so many hearts and left it there a softening. mellow ing influence, and the echo is now
 repeating itself in his own life. soft
 er sweeter, grander than before.