Message from the Guildmaster – August 2018

As many of you may already know, I have been trying to get to Dixon’s for over 10 years now.  This year, I finally made it!  What a great experience!  I was astonished at the organization of the event and the attendance was phenomenal.  The one aspect I was truly amazed by how much the HCH plays an integral role in the event.  While the focus of the gun fair focuses on just that, our guild enables the event to exist as a fully-matured experience that encompasses the full spectrum of the black powder sport.

Many of our members set up individual tables at the fair, providing some valuable visibility into our organization.  In addition, they provided essential expertise in the various seminars which enrich the overall Dixon’s experience.  To name a few, Roland Cadle gave a superb presentation on hornwork 101, while Billy Griner provided a great overview on southern banded horns.  As always, John DeWald conducted an excellent discussion on scrimshaw and engraving while Frank Willis (with the help of) talked extensively about hunting pouch styles and construction.  These were but a few of the worthwhile discussions I encountered either formally or through friendly conversations.  There were certainly too many interesting seminars and not enough time for them all.

Our annual summer reception was, even with the spontaneous downpour, was a class act!  The organization and the food was some of the best catering I have experienced at events such as these.  The fellowship, as always, was the best part of the evening.  The pounding rain surely did not damper the mood and my hat goes off to Ed Long for putting this dinner together!

In addition, the quality of craftsmanship on display was stunning to say the least.  There was such a variety in the bodies of work presented, that is served to inspire me to get back into the shop more.  In speaking to the jurors for the accoutrements judging, they related that the fair had more entrants this year than they had seen in some time.

This was a banner fair for the guild with our HCH table connecting with the crowd like no other.  For our display, we concentrated on the methodology of horn making with several key exhibits showcasing various aspects of the craft.  This really resonated with the public and we gained 10 new members in the process.  I have to credit Bill Carter, Don Ferrero, Carl Garman, Todd Searle, Bruce Hoover, Gary Elsenbeck, Walt Mabry, Dean Freund, Dan Boling, and Kris Polizzi with their tireless pursuit of spreading the word about our guild—Hazaah and well done!

Now that we can chalk-up Dixon’s 2018, we are now turning our attention to our annual meeting this coming March.  I am certain we will continue to build upon our success by focusing on and demonstrating basic horn skills.  Furthermore, we will have two premier presentations, one from Glenn Beall on The History of Comb Making and the other from John Proud on Richard Cresey, the Hellhorse Engraver.  We are lined up to have several of Cresey’s original horns on display—what a phenomenal opportunity to see and handle original, historic engraved horns.  Finally, I would be remiss if I did not mention the Guild Master Challenge!  Simple rules…anyone can enter and you can only use tools and environment available to the 18th century horner!  A special prize will go to the lucky winner.

Good Luck to all and I look forward to seeing all of you in March!

Carl Dumke Guildmaster