September 2013 – Message from the Guildmaster

Hello:

With the coming of September, fall is beginning to make its presence. A few leaves are changing colors, and nights are definitely a bit cooler. The sun is a little later coming up each morning, promising to lose some of its intense heat from prior months. We look forward to the changing colors, and hopefully a decline of yellow jacket nests buried in our yard.

We are fortunate to have a beautiful Izaak Walton park not far from our house. This park was established many years ago and grew to its present 325+ acres through the years. It features two lakes, one reserved for swimming and paddling, another devoted to fishing. The central clubhouse is bordered by a large picnic area, campground, kids playground and wading pool, skeet, trap, and sporting clays ranges, a beautiful wooded 28 station walking archery course, a 300 yard rifle and pistol range, hiking trails, and much more. We enjoy going there, and supporting the national organization which focuses on conservation and preservation of our natural resources. With annual family dues under $200.00, this park is one of the best values in our local area.

A couple of weeks ago the park held its annual open house. This day-long event is held each year late in August to promote membership and make the public more aware of the benefits available to them as members. This Saturday proved to be a perfect choice with sunny skies and moderate temperatures in the lower eighties. One member brought a half dozen kayaks and canoes for all to try out on the lake. There were food vendors, free rounds at the shotgun sports and shooting ranges, raffles for a new canoe and other prizes, tours of the facilities, and special incentives for new members. The national organization was present to talk about Izaak Walton and educate folks about its programs and goals.

Jan and I invited two of our best friends who had two young grand nieces visiting their farm for a couple of weeks. My older cousin’s grandsons were staying with them for the weekend, and we offered to take them along as well. We packed picnic lunches, swimming suits and sunscreen, shotguns and bows, and off we went.

Needless to say, the park was busy that day. All the kids (and adults) swam and paddled in the lake. By three o’clock in the afternoon, we had to pry them out of the water to go home. Seemingly tireless, they were enthralled with paddling kayaks and diving off the board into the clear lake. Our friends enjoyed the lake as well as the archery course, and we had a large turnout of folks at the shotgun ranges. At the end of the day, the park had gained over thirty new members.

I was at the park the next day to shoot some skeet and trap. Gazing down the drive toward the lake, I was not surprised to find it deserted. The picnic grounds were empty as well, and only a few cars passed during the afternoon as a couple of campers returned to their sites, and other folks ventured down to the shooting ranges. Life at Izaak Walton Park had returned to its normal state, one that is sad and frightening at the same time.

Talking with other older members reaffirmed my initial impressions. We reminisced about earlier days in the 1960’s and 70’s when the park would be filled each weekend, buzzing with activity. During the summer months, the lake and beach would be crowded every weekend with folks driving out from Lynchburg and other areas to enjoy the park. There was a busy concession stand at the lake, selling snacks, ice cream, and drinks. The clubhouse was often rented for weddings, family gatherings, and other events. Membership was much higher than it currently stands. The park was a popular place for many people.

Even though the park has managed to maintain a good membership level, and several of its facilities are well-used, I wonder what happened to the other areas. I suppose with the advent of urban swim clubs, there is less interest in spending the day outside at a beautiful lake, listening to kids splash and play, and cooking out on the grills at the picnic grounds. Folks just don’t have time any more, nor do they seem interested in preserving and enjoying the natural resources around them. I suppose it is much easier to drive to the pool in town and stop at a fast food place on the way home, all the while talking and texting on their mobile devices, ignoring the world around them.

The kids we brought to the park had an incredible time. They were outside all day, enjoying themselves, but learning as well. Only one of them had ever paddled a kayak before. When we went to the archery range, they each had turns shooting the bow. They had new experiences, met new people, enjoyed their picnic lunch, and never mentioned cell phones, fast food or video games. I encourage you to spend some time with folks, young or old, outside in the natural world. A small amount of encouragement may be all that is needed to help some people gain a better understanding and appreciation of the world around them, beyond the artificial confines of their homes, cars and electronics.

The Izaak Walton Member’s Pledge:

“To strive for the purity of water, the clarity of air, and the wise stewardship of the land and its resources; to know the beauty and understanding of nature, and the value of wildlife, woodlands and open spaces; to the preservation of this heritage and to man’s sharing in it. I pledge myself as a member of the Izaak Walton League of America.”

In my mind, these are certainly important values for us all. Until next month, your thoughts, opinions and feedback are always welcome.

All the best,

Jeff Bibb
Guildmaster

Special Announcement – Muzzle Blasts Features “Guildmaster-End of Day”

 

Dear Members,

The Honourable Company of Horners has had a longstanding, positive relationship with the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association; one would be hard-pressed to find an issue of the NMLRA’s membership magazine that does not reflect the closeness of our two organizations.

We are  excited to see that Bob Albrecht’s “Guilmaster-End of Day” not only made the cover, but the story behind the painting of Roland Cadle, master horner and founder of the HCH, is featured in the September issue of Muzzle Blasts.

To find out more about the NMLRA, check out their website here.

Bob Albrecht, journeyman horner and fine artist, has a website and can be found here.

All the best,
Jeff Bibb, Guildmaster

August 2013 – Message from the Guildmaster

Hello,

On the drive home from Dixon’s Gun Maker’s Fair last Sunday night, I had a lot of time to think and review the events of the weekend.  Dixon’s is always a special time for many of us. This year was no exception. Our HCH table was well-staffed, and a special Thank You goes out to all who helped this year. Sales for raffle tickets,  Horn Books, and our new Dixon’s Accoutrements Pamphlet were brisk, and I received many compliments about our organization. Dick and Regina Toone showed up with our “fully-functional” spring pole lathe, and drew a crowd all weekend. Several guild members were also set up in the tent, and we all had a grand time. Friday night’s dinner at Jacobsburg was well-attended, and the weather was beautiful.

The accoutrements competition is a big event. and several of our members were involved for most of the weekend.  Many of us have entered over the years, and guild members make up a portion of the judging staff. We were once again treated to a wide range of entries with horns, bags, knives, powder measures, hawks,  and items of every possible description. If it was period gun-related, it was there for us to see. I  hope you took time to come by and view the outstanding array of entries presented on the tables.  Also, I would like to extend a special congratulations to the guild members who won ribbons and special awards in this year’s competition.

I will note that the overall number of entries has fallen off over the past couple of years. Whether this is due to natural attrition of the artisan base, the economy and cost of travel, or if there are less folks interested in making items to enter, it is disappointing when entries decline. On the other hand, the number of first-time entries was much higher, and almost one third of the items entered were in this category.  I cannot speak for the gun judging, but looking at their tables, I did not see the quantity of guns usually displayed.

All of this, and more,  occupied my thoughts as I motored down Interstate 81 toward home. Art is a creative process. Certainly the work that our artisans produce greatly relies on this ability. It is the same in any artistic endeavor….  painting, gun-making, sculpture, powder horns, metal work, mixed media, knives, music, landscaping, hunting bags, weaving, quill work, and so on. Last month I wrote about a particular friend who was a prime example of this creative force. Whether making a new gun or crafting a piece of furniture or jewelry, he embodied a sense of creativity that never dulled.  He loved to learn new skills, and would tackle any project.

Our ancestors were certainly creative folks. In one sense they had to be with the demands of their difficult daily lives. In those times, one could not drive over to the store and procure whatever was needed, or order it on-line.  Money was also a concern since the standard of living in colonial and early American times was not particularly high. Being a largely agrarian society, folks stayed at home and made what they needed, or traded for it if they could not produce it themselves.

All of this contributed to a populace who saw a problem or need, and then proceeded to fashion it themselves. Guns were of course mostly made by “professional” gun makers, and a large group of uniquely American gun makers appeared and thrived following the revolution. Today these individuals are revered for their amazing ability to build fine rifles, fowlers and pistols with nothing more than basic hand tools. They were some of  the true artisans of their time.

At home, people crafted their own clothing, tools, furniture, knives, utensils, horns, bags, and grew most of their own food. Many of these items have survived to be as respected as their firearm counterparts. Up through most of the 20^th. Century, a sewing machine was a standard fixture in most homes. Making one’s own clothes was a valuable (and money-saving) skill. The Singer Sewing Machine Company produced many thousands of machines from the later 1800’s onward. A lot of these 100+ year old treadle machines are still in operation and capable of producing beautiful work. Our friend, Suzanne, collects and regularly uses these early treadle machines.  Often found in near perfect, original condition for less than $100.00, they are ready to run for another 100 years.

So it is with other “tools of the trade” in our modern times. Useful and well-made tools can often be purchased for little cost at yard sales, auctions, and other shops. Many of these are in excellent condition and ready to use for many years. I suspect the main reason they are so readily available is that few people have an interest in using them any longer. Skills that were once respected and admired have been relegated to a position where they are largely ignored by much of our population. In our complicated modern lives, no one is interested in taking the time to learn to make something when it can be easily purchased. With this comes the loss of personal satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment when one makes something of their own.

The need to create in our own lives has been supplanted by technology and consumerism. Much of this has occurred over the past 50 – 60 years following World War II, and risen sharply in the last several decades.  The danger in all of this is obvious. When our population loses its ability to support itself, what will the outcome be if the need arises? Much has been written on this subject by far more intelligent individuals than myself, but I cannot help wondering how these millions of folks will take care of themselves if they have to? I suspect the answer is painfully obvious. From my own prospective, an important part of our “freedom” is the ability to think first, and then act as needed to make our way. Without practicing these skills, we are simply sheep who can be herded as needed by their handlers.

I hope that this loss of creativity and individual skills will change in coming years. From the direction of our society I do not see much hope, but it is a goal that we, as artisans and thinkers, can perhaps help sway in some small way. As always, I welcome your thoughts, observations, and criticisms.

 All of the best,

Jeff Bibb
Guildmaster

Special Announcement- Bring Your First Horn to Dixon’s for Display

Greetings!
Let’s fill the guild’s table at Dixon’s Gumakers Fair.  (www.dixonmuzzleloading.com)

Here is an opportunity for you to bring your First Powder Horn to be displayed on the Horn Guild’s table! Please tag your horn with your name and the approximate year you made it.

It will be fun to see where you started in your journey of horn making.

Best regards,Jeff Bibb, Guildmaster

July 2013 Message from the Guildmaster

Greetings:

The summer seems to be flying by, or maybe it is the advent of older age, where one feels there is never enough time for everything. July 4^th. is just past, and I spent another rewarding day at Poplar Forest where the holiday is celebrated in grand 18^th. century fashion. This year Rick Sheets was able to join me and capably demonstrated traditional horn working for the many attendees. Our tables were crowded all day with folks asking questions, and experiencing something many had never seen before.

July signals the approach of another grand celebration, this one held annually in Kempton, PA. Yes, it is time for Dixon’s Gunmakers Fair! Mark you calendars for the 26^th, 27^th, and 28^th. The Guild will have a table in the Accoutrements Tent. Please come by to say “hi“, purchase a raffle ticket, and spend some time with us. I ask once again that if you can spare an hour or two from the busy schedule, please help us out at the table. We will have an outstanding array of prizes for the raffle, Hartley books will be available for sale, and out newest publication about the accoutrement judging at Dixon’s will be unveiled and available for purchase. Contact Dick Toone if you can help out. I will be working at the table as much as possible this year, in addition to my duties as an accoutrements judge.

Plan to join us Friday evening at the Jacobsburg Historical Museum for our annual dinner. This year promises to be a splendid time. In addition to the dinner, tour the rifle museum, the house, and the new workshop, where the HCH has been teaching beginner and advanced horn making classes. The reservation form is available on our website.

Dixon’s has come to mean many things to many people. It is a time to gather and celebrate the heritage of our past. There are few places that one can find the level of talent and enthusiasm that is exhibited each year. In addition, how many venues offer the amount of knowledge that is available and freely passed along during the numerous workshops each year? The gun and accoutrement judging offer the opportunity to have your work reviewed by nationally known artisans who generously donate many hours each year. For three days one can wander the hillsides, trying to take in as many sights and experiences as possible, often making promises to themselves to return next year and see more.

My own experience with Dixon’s is perhaps more limited than some. I was taken there as a guest in 2007 by a family friend who made guns for many years. He firmly stated in typical Germanic fashion that I would attend Dixon’s with him and learn to make guns. There would be no other option. His optimism was fueled by his lifelong love for early antique firearms, their design, and creation. These were subjects he was very familiar with.

In 1957, a German citizen named Guenther Kurth and his wife, Gerta, packed their belongings and immigrated to North America. The walled division of Germany was drawing near, and he did not want to be held as a virtual prisoner in his own country. After settling in Ontario, Canada, they moved to Rochester, NY, where Guenther enjoyed a long career with Eastman Kodak as an engineer. In 1998, they retired and purchased a home next to our farm in Virginia.

During the 1970’s Guenther’s interest in traditional muzzle loading guns grew. In addition to his love for fine German guns, he developed a particular interest in American muzzle loaders… pistols. A .69 English Tower pistol was his first disappointing purchase. In addition to the sloppy workmanship, the lock was horrible, and would not spark. Guenther proceeded to dismantle the lock, professionally construct new internals for it, and make a new frizzen and springs. He now had a working gun, and shot it for many years.

Following this project, he discovered that there really wasn’t much available for him unless he made it himself. After buying some books he found about traditional rifles and pistols, he began making his own. Since he did not have good sources for parts for his guns, Guenther designed and made everything including his rifled barrels. He fashioned a small rifling machine for his pistol barrels, similar to the large devices used by the colonial gunsmiths. Working mostly from photos in books, and looking at original guns, he developed his own talent for duplicating the work of the past, and bringing it to life once again.

His particular love was the German wheel lock, a beautiful, but very complicated lock that many builder shy away from. Guenther located an old book written in German, that showed detailed drawings of the wheel lock mechanism. Following these drawings and photos of originals in museums, he constructed two wheel lock pistols, both first place Dixon’s winners.

During his gun making career, Guenther built several dozen flintlock and percussion pistols, along with his prized wheel locks. He made one Pennsylvania long rifle, several Hawken style guns for hunting, and a beautiful Jaeger rifle. Many of his pistols were first place Dixon’s winners. He once dryly joked that he was disappointed with his award at Dixon’s that year. His pistol had only won a second place ribbon….. but that it was okay since his other gun won a blue ribbon.

I suppose the most startling aspect of Guenther’s talent was the lack of machinery that he owned. In his basement workshop was a small metal lathe, a tabletop drill press, and a small metal band saw. Other than that, there were only hand tools, including his rifling machine. He usually made every part of his guns, carved and decorated the stocks, inlaid the silver wire, and engraved the metal surfaces. Following completion, he made cherry or walnut presentation cases for each one, shot them to be certain of their accuracy, and then started his next project.

Sadly, Guenther is now 85 years old, and stricken with Alzheimer’s. The disease has left him with almost no memory of his gun making friends, or the many beautiful works he created. He still smiles and heartily greets his friends, but conversations have become difficult and more halting than the times I remember so well.

For me, this type of talent exemplifies the true spirit of Dixon’s Gun Making Fair. There are many artisans working today who exhibit this level of skill and art in their work. Many of them are not as young as they used to be, and there does not seem to be many younger people taking up the craft. It has been said that we are in the midst of another golden age of traditional gun making. I hope that we treasure it as we should.

I look forward to seeing all of you later this month. As usual, your comments, suggestions, and criticisms are always welcome.

Thank you,

Jeff Bibb
Guildmaster

June 2013 Message from the Guildmaster

Greetings:

Summer has arrived in central Virginia with a vengeance. Temperatures in the upper 80’s are combined with frequent showers and thunderstorms. The humidity is approaching its normal sticky level of discomfort. This year also marks the return of the cicada, and we are assaulted with a loud thrumming drone each time we step outside. Interestingly, cicadas seem to be some kind of delicacy for the local dogs. Our dog, Sparky, can consume a couple of dozen on his walk. This must be the canine equivalent of oysters on the half shell.

With the warm season, our local snake population also emerges. This year, there seem to be more copperhead snakes than usual. A little investigation revealed that one of their favorite foods is the cicada. Yesterday, one of our friends was bitten by a copperhead while walking in her yard, carrying some plants. She had neglected to put on her normal work boots, opting for sandals instead.  She calmly retrieved a shovel, annihilated the offender, went inside and looked up her plight on Google, and then called us.  Jan drove her to the hospital where she was treated with anti-venom and kept for the night for observation. This morning she reported that her leg is still swollen and colored with a mixture of black and blue hues. She is ready to come home as soon as they let her go. She promises to never chide me again for my healthy respect and distaste for poisonous reptiles.

During colonial times, snakebite was a real threat for many settlers and explorers. Medical practice at the time did not have an understanding of  infections, cell destruction, and many other illnesses. Being bit by a poisonous snake could be lethal in a very real sense. While we in the modern western world take anti-venoms for granted, many countries around the world do not have this treatment available. As a result, their treatments harken back to older times and practices.

One of the most common treatments for snake bites in previous centuries involved consuming large amounts of alcohol. I suppose that the victim would be somewhat numbed from the pain of the poison. It was claimed that the alcohol counteracted the poison’s effects and vice versa. In addition a poultice of wet tobacco was often applied to the wound.  This treatment is still in vogue today, since the largest majority of snakebite victims are young males who are severely intoxicated.

When I was young, there was an old Native American woman who lived on our farm and often helped my mother. Cal would often look after me at home if my mother needed to visit someone or run errands.  She had a wealth of knowledge about the “old ways” including medical treatments. I remember her telling a story about her grandmother being bitten by a rattlesnake in the 1800’s. Her family got her very drunk and kept her that way for a week or more. She recovered and went on with her life.

Another common snakebite treatment was the application of plantain leaves, along with some powdered tobacco. Plantain plants and leaves are widely used in homeopathic treatments and much information is available regarding their use.  Harts horn was another common item carried by colonial settlers as a treatment for various afflictions. Made from the shavings of deer antlers, the powder was mixed with oils as a tonic, or applied as a powder with a wet compress.

I suppose the most interesting snakebite treatment is one used in Asia. It is known as the three chicken method. A chicken is cut open across the breast and tied over the bite wound. It is noted that the chicken will become lethargic, short of breath, and then die. A second, and then a third chicken are applied to the wound in sequence. One wonders how many folks have passed away looking at a chicken tied to their leg?

The point of all of this is that these remedies have been proven to work in many cases. With some brief research, it appears that there is some scientific fact to back them up. Many are still practiced in remote and underdeveloped parts of the world. My grandfather maintained that there were plants on our mountainside that would cure anything, and that modern medicine was moving in the wrong direction. He may have been correct, but in the event of a snakebite, I think I’ll take my chances with modern treatment.

As usual, I welcome your comments, criticisms, and other observations.

All the best,

Jeff Bibb
Guildmaster

May 2013 Message from the Guildmaster

Hello all:

Here in Virginia, spring has taken a turn backward. After a couple of weeks of warm weather, we are experiencing a week of much cooler temperatures, unending rain, and thunderstorms. May is traditionally much warmer here, but the month is still young, and we shall see what it brings for the next several weeks.

All if this is quite a contrast to the eighty degree weather that Jan and I recently experienced in southwest Louisiana. We journeyed there for the 27^th annual Festival International de Louisiane in Lafayette. Many thousands of folks descend on  the heart of Cajun country for this event each year. Downtown Lafayette is cordoned off for foot traffic, six or more performance stages are erected, local food vendors provide the best in Cajun and international cuisine, hundreds of artists from across the country show and sell an incredible array of artwork, and EVERYONE has a great time.

During the festival, all of the performers are introduced in French, and many of the songs are performed in French, and other languages. English is spoken as needed, but the focus is truly centered on the multinational flavor of the event.  African drummers sing in their native languages, Celtic bands perform in Gaelic, The Soul Express Brass Band belts out lyrics in English, and the Cajun and Zydeco bands perform their traditional songs in French.

The entire festival highlights the proud individualistic spirit of the Louisiana French culture. The Cajun people (originally known as Acadians) were forced to leave their settlements in Canada by the British in the mid 1700’s.  Thousands moved toward the south, and landed on the southwestern Louisiana bayous and prairies in the mid 1760’s. They settled into a somewhat isolated existence that allowed them to preserve their culture for hundreds of years. Threatened by the expansion of our homogenized world in the 20^th. Century, they won the right to continue teaching French in their schools in the 1960’s.

This unique culture harkens to a time long ago. Many traditional Creole and Cajun customs are still practiced in this area of Louisiana, almost set apart from the rest of our country. The homogenized modern world makes this area stand in stark contrast to the rest of our nation. On Interstate 10, one sees restaurant signs for local eateries, not usually found on major highway markers. Hospitality is the rule of the day everywhere one goes. The local people welcome outsiders with an enthusiasm and politeness seldom seen in other regions.

In our modern time of mass media, electronic alienation, and selfish personal absorption, this pocket of culture seems refreshing in a sense that is difficult to describe. The people of this region have not lost their sense of pride, or the ability to communicate and share with others. These days, every marketing campaign tells us that we are not as good as our neighbors unless we have more money, sex, prescription drugs, and possessions than they do. The southwestern Louisiana culture reminds us of personal values, strong individualistic pride in their heritage, and times long past.

In many areas of our country, these values are quickly disappearing, if not already gone. We have become a nation of sheep, blindly following the consumerism and selfishness that is dictated by our society at large, while ignoring the values of our earlier times. Maybe we should take a long look at more simple lives that provide some true meaning to our existence.

As always, your comments, suggestions, criticisms and other insights are welcomed.

Thank you,

Jeff Bibb
Guildmaster

April 2013 Message from the Guildmaster

This Message was originally posted on the 8th of April. There was a small issue that necessitated this reposting.
Thanks, Rick Sheets (webmaster).

Greetings:

Spring is in the air. I don’t know about your part of the country, but in central Virginia the buds are popping, the grass is getting greener, and early flowers are starting to bloom. It is a time of rebirth, and growth, moving forward into maturity with the coming of summer. Fall will bring the dry browns, reds, golds, oranges and other colors. Winter will replace everything with its starkness.

As humans, we watch each year pass with growing awareness of our own birth, growth, maturity, and withering. How many of us long for the years when we could run as fast as we wanted, hike up mountains with little trouble, or work outside for hours on end with no ill results? When we were young, we felt invincible, time would never catch up with us, we had the world by its tail, and nothing could stop us. I believe many younger folks feel this and believe it will never change.

In middle age, one begins to see that things are perhaps not as rosy as we might have thought some years earlier. Aches and pains emerge that we could never imagine in previous years. Other health problems may surface that we have no control over. We can only hope that time will be good to us and that we will be able to accomplish some of the things that we dream of. The famous songwriter, Leonard Cohen perhaps said it best, “I ache in the places where I used to play.“ The inevitable is something we cannot change.

In older times, the death of a loved one was not treated the same as it is today. First, many people passed away at home. They were not put in hospitals or nursing homes, cared for by underpaid, overworked, and sometimes incompetent employees. In other times, family members would have taken care of the elderly and ill. They may have lacked the technological capabilities of our modern medical system, but I think they more than made up for it in compassion and understanding.

In modern times, following a loved one’s passing, we are bombarded with marketing schemes that truly astound me. First there is the “choice” of funeral homes and the services they offer. One must endure the explanation of the various “packages” that are offered including digital photo presentations at the funeral. The choices are overwhelming and have to be made during a very stressful and emotional time.

I believe the older customs had much to recommend them. The deceased was washed and dressed, often by family members, and laid out at home. Other family members and friends would come to call, bringing with them the best they could offer. Food, drink, and much conversation was the rule of the day. Whether the passing was untimely or expected, the same compassion and personal attention was expressed by all in attendance. Following the appropriate amount of time, a funeral was held, either in a church, or at a graveside, and the loved one was put to rest.

Our society has changed a great deal since the time of our forefathers. With modern laws and regulations, it has become difficult for folks to even die in a dignified manner. The failings of our healthcare system and the greed surrounding those who pass away from us are truly an example of a culture that has run completely amuck. I wish it was different, but I see no end to the degradation that we all experience.

 

Thank you,

 

Jeff Bibb

Guildmaster

March 2013 Message from the Guildmaster

Greetings:

I am still reeling from our annual meeting last weekend in Carlisle, PA. There was so much going on that it often became hard to keep track of it all. Between the excellent displays in the main room, the non-stop workshops in the hall, and Roland Cadle’s two thought-provoking presentations on Friday and Saturday, I believe we truly had something for everyone in attendance. The banquet on Saturday night was very enjoyable, and highlighted by the secretive work of the “Committee of Four” and their three benefactors. All of our past guild masters have now been honored in a magnificent fashion, and I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to the members who masterminded the awards. I am sure that more information will be published on our website and in the Horn Book for those who were not in attendance to witness these presentations.

After returning home, I was struck by several thoughts regarding our weekend of fellowship, and our lives in general. While in Carlisle, there was a general sense of calm that pervaded the conference. Folks milled around the display tables, asking questions, carefully examining horns, and enjoying themselves. Many were gathered outside at the workshops, often having the opportunity to try their hand at turning, carving, engraving, polychrome decoration, or other artistic pursuits. Everyone I saw was engrossed in their projects as if time stood still, and we were all catapulted back to an earlier, simpler period. Of course the fact that many attendees were attired in proper 18th. Century fashions helped the illusion.

As a child, I wonder how many of you thought that growing up to be an adult was a goal filled with “freedom?” We all thought that it would be wonderful to eat what we wanted, go to bed when we pleased, watch as much TV as we could stand, and generally operate our lives as we wished. Our young minds had a vision of adulthood that we now know never existed for our parents, our relatives, or their friends.

Our lives seem to become more and more complicated as we grow older. I know that I yearn for younger days when my responsibilities were no so great. Even as a teenager in the 1970’s, there always seemed to be time for friends, family, and everything else in my life. These days, I wonder how it will all get done. We rush from one thing to the next, send off emails at a frantic pace, take endless phone calls, try to get all of our jobs done around the house, and still make time for our friends and personal interests.

Horn work has proven to be a way to lessen stress. The hours spent carving, filing, turning, and perhaps decorating, move my mind away from many of the daily pressures that envelop us all.  If you were at Carlisle this weekend, you only had to witness young Mitch Almason, who enthusiastically took in all of the workshops and instruction that were offered to him. At eight years old, he has already made a very nice horn (or two?), and was fascinated by the artisans offering their experience and talent for his benefit. I wish that as adults, we could open our minds as he did to slow down, forget the other pressures in our lives, and just enjoy the experience of learning and sharing.

Previously, I have written something to the effect that we should pay more attention to the lessons of our elders. Perhaps we should also pay more attention to being a child, existing in that “wondrous” state that allows us to absorb and learn without questioning everything that we see, or allowing our lives to interfere with the process.  As horn workers, and as human beings, I think we might all be a bit better off.

Until next month, thank you. As always, comments or other thoughts are always welcome.

Your most humble servant,

Jeff Bibb
Guildmaster

February 2013 Message from the Guildmaster

Greetings:

In late winter or early spring, a lot of folks look forward to the celebration of Mardi Gras in new Orleans. This annual event reaches a fever pitch with Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. For a century or more, one particular faction, the Mardi Gras Indians, make their yearly appearance in elaborate costumes they have labored over since the previous year. These costumes typically feature hundreds of brightly colored feathers and beadwork, often denoting some important event in their lives,  their relatives’ lives, or their ancestors. The music they perform is directly linked to traditional Native American chants and songs, which they have passed down for well over a century.

The Mardi Gras Indians have a long history in New Orleans, much of it shrouded in secrecy and links to cultures long since extinct in the region. Modern Mardi Gras Indians are of African American descent. Originally barred from participating in the parades by the formal society of the New Orleans Krewes because of their race, they adopted the persona of the Native Americans, both in their costumes, and their songs, as a way to express their own persecution in the land where they lived.

Traditionally, the Indians are led by the Spy Boy, Flag Boy, and then the glorious appearance of the “Big Chief”. There is always a large back line of followers who parade with the Indians, sing the chants and songs, and support the effort. In earlier days the Indian  parades were noted for violence, sometimes fatal, as the occasion offered an opportunity to settle scores with rival tribes who had spurred social or personal disagreements. In modern times, the tribes meet on the streets, send out scouts to gauge the temperament of their “adversaries,” and then politely acknowledge each other’s presence as part of the celebration.  It is a fascinating cultural performance, and I suspect that those who have witnessed it, have been struck by the power and intensity of it.

A couple of weeks later, on St. Josephs night, the Indians once again venture on the streets to parade, chant, and sing, this time in a more private setting for their activities. It is documented that the Indians restrict themselves to their own ward neighborhoods, and the crowds of the previous Mardi Gras parties are not present to witness their performances.  Following this final night, they retire to their homes and clans to prepare for the next year’s festivities.

Mardi Gras is immediately followed by Lent, a traditional Christian period of sacrifice, leading up to Easter.  In modern times, we are admonished to “give up” something that we perceive as important in our lives for the several week period prior to Easter. Lent is an old custom that I think many have forgotten or forsaken in our modern world. In earlier times, I expect it was taken much more seriously, and the sacrifice would be viewed more importantly.  Today, what exactly do we give up in the spirit of the season? For a few weeks, it would be a terrible inconvenience to not stop by Hardees on the way to work for that sausage biscuit. Perhaps those two glasses of wine in the evening could be overlooked for a while… oh the inconvenience and suffering of it all.

When one thinks of  our ancestors, this type of sacrifice may have been much more serious. Food was always a struggle for many folks living in remote areas, and cut off  from urban civilization. Alcohol was often enjoyed by more wealthy citizens, but not taken for granted, since almost everything was made by the folks living in a particular area. I suspect that giving up any part of  a much simpler life was a greater impact than we can imagine in our time of convenience and rampant consumption.

One only needs to look around our households to see how much we accumulate, and how much is not really needed in our lives. As Jan and I contemplate a move this year, we have been looking at the “things” we have in our home.  I am often  amazed at the sparse furnishings and decorations depicted in modern interpretations of colonial and early American homes.  Furniture was a real luxury, and there was not a lot of it. Functional pieces like tables and chairs were common, perhaps there was a larger storage cabinet for the meager amounts of kitchen ware and china that might have been present. Bedding was necessary, but not as fancy or elaborate as our modern pieces.  Paintings and decorations were enjoyed by the more affluent, but not to large degrees except in extremely wealthy homes.

Perhaps this year, we should all take a look at what we have, and maybe what we can do without. I expect that the results will be revelatory in more ways than one. I know that many folks who live simpler lives with less material possessions seem to be much happier. Of course, consuming less makes our impact on the land and our resources much less demanding. Maybe Lent has a way of teaching what many have forgotten. I think this may have been much of its original message.

In closing, I look forward to seeing many of you at  our annual meeting in a few weeks. I have enjoyed serving as your Guildmaster for the past year, and I hope that my service has been valuable to the guild and its membership. I have enjoyed writing these messages each month, and sincerely hope that I have provided something to think about with each one. I always welcome your comments, and appreciate the ones I have received. Thank you for your support, and for your participation in our organization.

Your most humble servant,

Jeff Bibb, Guildmaster

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