A 501c6 Non-Profit Organization
MEET THE CANNON MAKER
Gillmor Ordnance Cannon Factory Tours,
Old Fort, Ohio
In 1998, C. Robert Gillmor from Old Fort, Ohio founded Gillmor Ordnance, Ltd. He bought a foundry and has since been fulfilling cannon orders for customers and producers of motion pictures including:
Field of Lost Shoes (2014)
John Adams (2008)
The War that Made America (2006)
Into the West (2005)
Mail Call: The War of 1812 Special (2004)
The Last Samurai (2003)
Gods & Generals (2003)
Antietam: A Documentary Drama (2000)
His career started early in his life, when as a kid, Bob Gillmor just liked to "blow stuff up". Now he has made this life long hobby a career. He started out by participating in civil war reenactments and experimenting with cannon making in his spare time when he wasn't at his salary job.
Groups can experience Bob and his talented crew in action as they cast, pour and machine these beautiful cannons. There is lots of opportunity for questions and the experience is great for groups that enjoy seeing the process of "How it's Made".
When Bob is not making cannons, he is also a part of many events like the annual Pyrate Fest at Put-In-Bay, Ohio where he fires cannons every hour to keep everyone's attention. He has also made cannons for college football teams including University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University. Shots are fired after every touchdown.
This experience is not open to the general public and is only available for group tours through the Sandusky County Convention & Visitors Bureau. This experience can be combined with one of many of our amazing group tour experiences, call today to let our team put together the perfect itinerary for your group.
Call Brenda Havens, Sales and Promotions Specialist at 419-332-4470 to discuss booking your visit.
Watch as Bob and his crew pour molten aluminum or bronze into sand cast molds. Bob's cannons ship around the world and have been seen in major Hollywood movie productions!
Photo above: Molds are heated with a propane torch and sprayed with a liquid graphite solution that ensures a non-stick and successful casting.
This tour allows guests to get a behind the scenes look at the cannon making process. Cannons are manufactured in all sizes from palm sized up to battleship sized!
"Meet the Cannon Maker" photo gallery, use arrows below to scroll
Additional Information and Maps
This group tour experience takes approximately 1.5-hours and does involve moderate walking and moving through and active facility. Hear the story about how Bob Gilmore made this life long hobby a career. call today to customize your experience.
The Gilmore Ordnance is located:
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35 minutes from the Lake Erie Island Ferry in Downtown Port Clinton
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65 minutes to Cedar Point Amusement Park
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55 minutes from downtown Toledo
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110 minutes from downtown Cleveland
Downloadable PDF Information Sheet about Meet the Cannon Maker
ADDRESS:
Gilmore Ordnance (Not open to public, groups by booking only!)
911 Pleasant Street,
PO Box 101,
Old Fort, OH 44861
BOOKING CONTACT:
Brenda Havens
Sandusky County Visitors Bureau
712 North Street
Fremont, Ohio 43420
Telephone: (419) 332-4470
712 North Street, Fremont, Ohio 43420 | 419-332-4470 or toll free 800-255-8070 | Fax 419-332-4359