Dan Hrinko Historic Boxmaker
Life in the rolling hills near Belle Valley has become a place of relaxation for Dan Hrinko. While he still maintains his regular position as Daniel Hrinko, Ph. D. , forensic psychologist, making replicas and helping preserve history are things he enjoys in his spare time.
Although Dan had frequently visited the Belle Valley area during his life since his uncle had a Christmas tree farm there, it was just eight years ago that he found a place to move to the area. His work as a forensic psychologist continues as he travels all over the state to work with challenging court cases involving parental custody, competency to stand trial, and sanity at the time of the offense.
For most of his life, Dan has participated in 18th century Living History reenactments. Much time was spent in museums learning more about life at that time. While there, he discovered that many places did not have perfect replicas of some things Dan felt were important to history.
About 40 years ago, he began taking lessons on woodworking and studying Fine Woodworking magazine. One by one, he learned the particular skills needed for each project. He made things that no one else was making.
There is variety in what he does. Besides creating the things he admires, custom pieces are also popular and he does commissioned work. Several of his pieces have become part of historical museums. Dan said he always tries to make them look new – not battered like some old piece. For example, a man in Texas wanted a writing box, which was originally made of pecan. After taking pictures of it and getting accurate measurements from every direction, Dan drew a blueprint of the box. Then, he built the 1836 box so it looked new.
Revolutionary War reenactors find replicas made by Dan an excellent addition to their performances. He has been a fan of Thomas Jefferson for many years and has done much research at Monticello, Poplar Forest, and Colonial Williamsburg. Jefferson’s writing slope, five tiered revolving bookstand, and cabinets from that era are all made to perfection.
Frequently, groups come to visit Dan at his workshop to learn more about the construction of Revolutionary War items. One recent group, the Society of American Period Furniture Markers – Ohio Valley Chapter, found his work to be outstanding.
At their meeting, he covered the construction of a reproduction of Thomas Jefferson’s personal writing box as well as research of the original, which is in the Smithsonian. Jefferson used that original when he signed the Declaration of Independence. Writing boxes served as a portable desk at home or while traveling. Beneath the writing surface is a storage area.
Other Joined Boxes which he makes include, Writing slopes in the English style, Spice boxes in the northern Virginia style, and traveling liquor cellerettes. He always uses traditional hand tools whenever possible.
His bentwood boxes are Shaker style oval boxes from the 19th century, and oval and round boxes with simpler joints to reflect the 18th century. Everything is meticulously constructed using cherry wood that is steam bent and hand finished.
Dan has many interests and one of those is the Masonic Lodge. He has written three books on Freemasonry development from a philosophical view. Their spiritual teachings lead men to make good moral decisions. He has designed, constructed, and made available sets of working tools to be given to each candidate at each step on his Masonic journey to be kept as a reminder of their deeper meanings. Brother Daniel Hrinko has been a Master Mason since 1977.
The Russian Orthodox Church in Belle Valley has a special interest to him as well. His dad grew up in that church so Dan is helping with its preservation. He has built shutters to help protect the glass and actually has the stained glass from the upper windows which he plans to use in the restoration. The group is hoping to open the church next year as a Slovak Cultural Center for Southeastern Ohio.
Another way Dan escapes from his regular routine is to travel near and far and takes photographs wherever he goes. You can find some of those adventures on his Facebook page, Dan Hrinko Fine Art Photography.
Check out some of those exciting journeys as Dan and his wife Lisa travel all over the world from dog sledding in Alaska to kayaking in Antarctica and many places in between. Soon they will be off on another adventure to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in the Jalapeños Islands.
If you would like to contact Dan Hrinko, you can call him at 937-215-5131 or email him at danhrinko@att.net. Visit his website at www.danielhrinkoboxmarker.com for more information on his boxmaking.
Dan is a perfectionist in everything he does and wants to pass on his knowledge to others. “I’ll teach what I know to anyone willing to learn.” Through all the things he does, he wants to make the world a better place.
