Saturday, December 21, 2024

2024 HCH Officers and Committee Members


Clinton E. Byers- Guildmaster and Executive Committee Chair

Clint Byers lives near Boone, North Carolina with his wife, Kerry, and their two young children. The son of a flintlock rifle builder, Clint grew up immersed in longrifle culture. Accouterment making was just a natural part of that upbringing and Clint began making powder horns in 1984. Through the years Clint’s interests took many directions: from classic motorcycles, to primitive archery, to aboriginal skills, to blacksmithing, but always there has been the love of eighteenth century history and the thrill of being in the woods with a flintlock.

For Christmas 2008, Clint’s father gave him a copy of Jim Dresslar’s The Engraved Powder Horn: Folk Art of Early America. Inspired by the full color pictures of those original horns, Clint began working hard to make powder horns that were authentic in both form and function. While doing research, he stumbled across the HCH web site and in 2010 became a dues paying member. Under the tutelage of many in the Guild, Clint has blossomed as a horn worker expanding his skills well beyond powder horns. Today he is a Journeyman level horner in the Guild.

Clint’s passion for muzzle loading and longrifle culture is as strong today as it was in his childhood. Clint shoots regularly and hunts each fall with his flintlock. He and his family are regular interpreters and demonstrators at many local historic sites and events. Besides being a member of the HCH, Clint is also a current member of the Contemporary Longrifle Association, the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, and the Overmountain Victory Trail Association.

Clinton E. Byers, Master Horner
828-929-9983


Brett Davis- Guildmaster Elect

Brett Davis lives in Green Lane, Pennsylvania with his wife Antonia (Tone) and his 4 children, Brendan, Avery, Samuel and Nathaniel.

Brett is new to the 18th Century life and began building Pennsylvania Longrifles in 2018. He was taught by Paul Allison from Gap, PA after immersing himself in a 2 year rifle building apprenticeship. Brett enjoys building, researching, carving and shaping the many Styles & Schools of the Pennsylvania longrifle. His primary focus is on Early Germanic, Federal period and Golden age rifles as well as Bucks County Fowlers in particular.

While living in Doylestown, Brett spent many hours at the Mercer Museum, Fonthill and the Moravian Tileworks. He learned about redware, tinwork, hornwork and the many trades that the museum had to display.

Bucks County also offered many farms to hunt on. He learned how to hunt deer and waterfowl in the woods and fields near Lahaska. This is also where Brett learned how to Blacksmith in Mechanicsville near Peddlers Village. He was taught by Joe Beck from Iron Apple forge after many cold mornings in the woods.

Brett became interested in horn work in 2018 after Tim Sanner introduced Brett to John DeWald. He showed John his first Early Philadelphia horn attempt. John gave him an honest critique and Brett took notes. John then mentioned to Brett that he should attend the Advanced horn class with Frank Willis, John DeWald and Daniel Boling. After making a flat horn, gorget and pewter spoon Brett was instantly hooked. Not only were these men talented artisans and instructors, they quickly became close friends. Brett eventually began to create things to compliment the rifles he was building. These Gentlemen encouraged and educated Brett to build some of the most fascinating accoutrements, always trying to build on different ideas and learning new techniques.

Brett currently spends most of his time kayaking, fishing and hunting with Tone and his 3 youngest children. When Brett’s in the shop, his children are in the shop, he encourages them to build as well, from rifles to leather bags to powder horns to ironwork. The Davis family loves to build!

Brett Davis
5063 McLean Station Rd
Green Lane, PA 18054

Ph: 215-350-1251
Email: Bdavis1975@comcast.net


Kris Polizzi- Past Guildmaster

My name is Kris Polizzi and my husband, Jerry and I live in Lancaster County, Pa with our four sons. We met while both working at a local gun shop, so we share an interest in hunting, fishing and shooting. I also love to garden, especially growing heirloom varieties. A few years into our marriage we discovered a common dream to participate in a reenacting or living history group. We joined a local Civil War unit and the fun began! Our interest soon spread to earlier time periods as well and we began further study of the 18th and 19th centuries.

In 2008 I made my first powder horn as a surprise birthday present for my husband. Although I deemed it “not quite a success”, the time was well spent. My interest grew and I soon met some HCH members who were extremely helpful and full of advice for my “next horn”. I became more involved with the Guild in 2012, serving as Fundraising Chair and Events Chair. I’ve loved to see the Guild grow over the years and I’ll continue to work toward spreading the mission of our group to others.

I would like to thank the many members of the HCH who extended such a warm welcome into the hobby all those years ago. So many were willing to share their knowledge and experience and are truly a credit to the group! I feel honored to be elected your Guildmaster and look forward to serving the Guild with all that I have. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, concerns or suggestions that you may have.


Scott Morrison- Advancement Committee Chair

My name is Scott Morrison and I was born, raised and still live in the heart of the Willamette Valleyin Western Oregon, commonly known asthe end of the Oregon Trail. Since I was young I’ve had an artistic bent and as I was growing up I would express this ability in mostly pencil sketches and some sculpture. After high school I pursued a degree in biology at Southern Oregon State Collegebut also supplemented this with some art classes such as print making and water color. One of my favorite classes though was biological illustration and at one point I considered going into the medical illustration field. These plans changed after I married my high school sweetheart and needing a job I went in a different direction and started my 38 ½ year career with the Oregon Transportation Department, retiring in 2016 as the Lead Right of Way Surveyor.
My journey in horn work began in the springof 2007 after constructing a muzzle loading rifle kit the previous summer. Wanting a decent powder horn to use with my newly built rifle, I learned about a class being offered at the Oregon Gunmaker’s Fair on making a French and Indian War period powder horn, taught by California horn maker Steve Vance. I jumped at the chance and sent in my registration for the class. Steve was an excellent instructor and I discovered during the two day class that I thoroughly enjoyed making a powder horn. Something seemed to click within me and I felt that my artistic bent finally came to fruition and that I had found my “calling” with art. Immediately started two more horns for my son and daughter so they could shoot black powder with me, then followed with making horns for family, friends and others and I haven’t stopped.
In the fall of 2007 I ordered some polished horns from Powder Horns and More, and when I received the order I found included an application card to join the Honourable Company of Horners. I had not heard of the HCH, but I thought why not, sent in my application and have never regretted it.
I love all things horn, whether a powder horn or horn items such as a box, comb or spoon. My greatest joy when making a horn is to try to bring out the simple grace and beauty that lies hidden within it. When I examine an original item I long to uncover the story it has to tell. Whenever I have the opportunity, I enjoy educating the public at rendezvous or events or mentoring a new student by sharing my passion of horns. I am honored to become the new Awards and Advancement Committee Chair and will represent the Guild to the best of my ability.

Scott Morrison, Journeyman
(503) 510-0853
smorrisonhorns@gmail.com


Frank Willis- Education Committee Chair

Frank is a native of Morris County, NJ. As a boy, he spent many hours hunting and fishing in that beautiful area of the Garden State. He was always interested in the important role that Morris County had played in the history of the American Revolution and felt drawn to it’s past.

Willis was educated at Morristown High School , Franklin College of Indiana, where he received a BA in Biology, and attended Graduate school at SUNY College of Forestry at Syracuse , NY. While at Franklin College he became friends with fellow Biology student, Jim Pease. Jim took him to the NMLRA Spring shoot in Friendship Indian in 1969. This turned out to be a life changing event. Upon their return, Jim gave him a horn and said “make a Powder Horn”. The rest is history. Though he was trained as a field biologist, he has spent his professional career in the truck/transportation industry.

He assisted Roland Cadle at the Connor Prairie’s Arms Makers’ workshop for several years and has conducted an HCH horn class at the Jacobsburg Historical Society for the past 11 years. Six years ago an advanced class was added and he and John Dewald are the instructors. Frank has been a member of the HCH since it’s inception in 1996.  He served as Treasurer of the Guild for 3 years, Fund Raising chairman for 5 years, and started the HCH picnic, which he and his wife ran for 10 years. Frank and John Proud were Co-chairmen for the Hartley Book project. Other affiliations include the NMLRA, CLA, and a Patron Life Member of the NRA.

According to Frank, the most valued reward of being a member of the Honourable Company of Horners are the people he has met and the wonderful friendships that have develope


Eric Borneman- Fundraising Committee Chair

Eric Borneman here, the Guild’s new fundraising committee chair.  I currently reside in Salisbury, MD outside Ocean City where I work in the Fire Department, with my wife Jennifer and our 3 daughters- Kolbie, Kallie and Kennedie.  In a history deprived area we travel a lot to attend events or classes regarding historical trades in horn work, arms making or spinning and dyeing and cooking.  Relatively new to the Horn Guild I wish I knew about this earlier than just 4 years ago.  I’ve been participating in living history since the age of 14, and it has become a family affair.  We each have our own horn style we love and all are different.  The girls have all become interested in turning and scraping and enjoy watching the horn making process.

A traditionalist at heart, I enjoy the period correct approach in working horn, wood and metal.  With the support of family and the knowledge and encouragement of the guild, I hope to contribute with a traditional approach, and as chairman, would love to see the guild grow in its success to promote the appreciation and understanding of the proper skill and technique in horn work, whether it be a traditional or modern application.

Always open to learn and will help in any way I can, stop by if you’re ever at the beach- my workshop and home are open.  I am also appreciative and open to any contributions anyone would like to make to the guild for fundraising efforts to help our growth!

Eric Borneman, Journeyman Horner
(410)202-6080
mdlonghunter@gmail.com

 

 


Rick Sheets- Publications Committee Chair

RickSheets.pngMy name is Rick Sheets and I grew up Southern California, spending much of my childhood drawing, painting and sculpting. Early on I had an affinity for history and old guns as well as art. I have been involved in shooting black powder since the age of 14.

As a freelance graphic artist and web designer, I found myself rebuilding the Honourable Company of Horners website several years ago and became enamored with their art. Since that time, I have had the privilege of working with some of the best 18th Century style artisans in the word! And at last, I found an artistic endeavor that combines history, cartography, calligraphy, engraving (scrimshaw) and illuminated script all in one object!

I enjoy building historic style horn items and presenting horn work to school age kids and the general public at historic venues.

Rick Sheets, Master Horner
919-321-8349
curator@hornguild.org
www.patriothorns.com

 


Dan Shirely- Events Coordinator

My name is Dan Shirey.  I was born in Lancaster, PA but was raised and currently live in York, PA with my wife Janet.  I received a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University and have spent most of the past 40 years working in manufacturing and machining. I am proud to have been involved in providing equipment that supports personnel and weapons systems keeping our armed forces safe around the world.

About 25 years ago I was handed a raw horn from a coworker; I had never seen one in its raw form.  Once I started to scrape and colors started appearing, I was hooked.  Then about twelve years ago, I camped at Fort Frederick Market Faire where I was attracted to the reenacting and muzzleloading hunting. I thrived on learning about processes and techniques that were utilized in the 18th and 19th centuries and was consumed with both the artistic and utilitarian aspect of the guns, horns and various accouterments.

As I attended more events and met several horn makers, I was introduced to the Horn Guild and with very little deliberation, became a member. My knowledge of horn building and collecting grew at a rapid rate, being fueled through interacting with the other HCH members and attending the various events sponsored by groups such as the HCH and CLA. I attended several workshops with Art and Roland and my first horn project was, of course, a York County Screw Tip Horn. Over time, I have followed a path more focused on history and collecting horn items and have enjoyed sharing my collection at the Horn Fair for several years now.  I still desire to continue building with a plan to pursue advancement to Journeyman in 2024.

In addition to the education and personal growth, I have greatly appreciated the friendships and relationships that have come from the HCH events, for myself and my wife.  Accepting the position of Events Committee Chairman allows me to give back to a great organization.

Dan Shirey
Archer-59@comcast.net
717-880-6322


Bruce Hoover- Secretary
Nancy Hoover- Membership
Jim Steele- Treasurer
Pam Lappegard- Merchandising Committee Chair
Art DeCamp- Strategic Planning Committee Chair