May – June 2016 – Message from the Guildmaster

Spring is upon us and the mid-winter blues are over. The trout are rising and the ridges and hollows echo with mating calls of gobblers seeking hens. I know a least one fellow who took his bird this season as it came in to his hand-made horn call. Not his first bird lured to the seductive clucks from his call but his first taken with a flintlock fowler. The bird didn’t seem to mind that he was wearing buckskin breeches and a green wool over-shirt instead of a camouflage coat and face mask. From the past comes a lesson for some of our more modern nimrods who are lured into the cammo and magnum craze in their effort to be the successful hunter, home from the hill.

By the time you read this, guild member, Robert Coffey and I will have presented a craft demo for veterans from our local VA Medical Center. As representatives of a national rehabilitation program, “Project Healing Waters,” we have found it interesting how involved these veterans have become. Tying flies, building rods and trips a’stream takes their mind off their infirmities. Robert and I will soon be presenting a hands-on instruction class with the veterans making leather fly& leader wallets. Introduced to the historicity and the art behind the techniques of fly fishing and fly tying, these young men have found new purpose and their interest in the “old stuff” over plastic and synthetics is astounding. Whether tying a fly or recreating a turn of the century leather fly wallet, new talents are exposed and the veterans’ interest is electrifying. Very much like that which we share through the body of our guild, they have found the most curative prescription for positive direction is offered through sharing in trusted relationships with folks who can understand them.

For the individual, there is but little difference between horn working or tying flies and making leather accessories. Coordination, imagination, knowledge of history and, motivation are the ingredients to open the doors of creativity. I encourage all to take someone under wing and teach them our historic values and the basic procedures of working horn. Mentor them, foster their trust as they are awakened in knowledge, skills and understanding by creating something that will bring them satisfaction.Taking a trout on a fly they have tied of feathers and floss or a long-spurred gobbler on a horn call they have made, adds to the pleasure of experiencing the boundless opportunities the field and stream can offer one in search of satisfaction.

Speaking of veterans, Memorial Day is nearly upon us. This year marks the 150th year anniversary of national recognition. It’s but one day out of 365, set aside to pay respectful tribute to those who gave their lives so that our flag shall still wave over a nation of free people. With family picnics and the opening of the vacation season, not to mention consumer “holiday sales,” it’s so easy to forget their most precious sacrifice.Our national heritage runs much deeper than flag waving on holidays as a proclamation of self-identity. So please take a moment to reflect upon the cost of our heritage, not only on Memorial Day, but throughout the year. Their sacrifice is what we, the living, shall make of it.

I recently had the honor of being asked to fashion a horn and pouch complete with other accouterments, in recognition of a young Marine who served with distinction in Afghanistan. Along with a commemorative flintlock rifle made by riflesmith Wayne Watson, honoring the historic service of the Marine Corps as well as this Marine’s distinguished service, the presentation took place in Wilmington, NC on 8 May. Wayne’s contemporary embellishment on the rifle embraced the history of the USMC from its inception at Tun Tavern on 10 Nov. 1775, through all eras that followed. Inspired by Wayne’s rifle and more importantly, by the service of this young Marine, Capt. William J. Kavanagh, the horn and pouch followed suit in contemporary styling. Guild member Kris Polizzi made and donated the straps for the pouch and horn, color coordinated with the red and gold of the USMC for the powder horn and multi-colors representing the Afghanistan Service Medal for the pouch. I am very grateful for her personal contribution as her hand woven straps complimented not only the rifle and accouterments, but the spirit of serving others with devotion and commitment as well—a commitment Kris certainly takes to heart as she serves your guild. Therefore, without reservation, I feel that the horn and pouch represented the guild’s contribution to that special project rather than just my own. Complimentary to Part-2 of a feature article on a period powder horn in the Marine Corps Museum, there will be a short follow-up in the summer issue of the Horn Book on this special presentation.

Its not too early to plan to attend our Summer Reception & Banquet at the Dixon event at the end of July. Amid the rural charm of Berks County, Pennsylvania, it is a time to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of reuniting with friends and making new acquaintances. Stay tuned for details soon to be posted on this site.

I hope to see you there.

I remain your obedient servant,

Thos. Ames
Guildmaster

 

 

 

March – April 2016 – Message from the Guildmaster

As your newly installed Guildmaster, I am pleased to take this opportunity to introduce myself and express my thanks to the HCH membership for electing me to represent you as your Guildmaster.  I know that the HCH Executive Committee and our membership is committed to seeing the guild grow and to continue to foster interest in our heritage in horn.  My thanks are extended to each and everyone one of you in supporting our (and your) efforts to promote the artisanship of horn working, researching and documenting various aspects related to the craft, the collecting and preservation of horn artifacts and sharing our information at public venues so our unique heritage is not lost to the future.

For many years the collecting of longrifles had long overshadowed general interests in powder horns and other horn artifacts.  For decades, powder horns took a back seat to the “Kentucky” rifle.  Thankfully, that has changed.  Over the last 25 years, interest has grown tremendously, not only in powder horns but for general items of horn as well.  Who would have thought that 20 years ago, when the first horn fair was organized by Roland Cadle, that our organization would have stabilized with a membership that hovers around 400?  The guild has come a long way folks.  From a meager beginning of devoted attendees, the HCH, now with a score of years behind us, can count itself as a prestigious and professional association.  The Honourable Company of Horners can be proud of the inroads we have made to bring our lowly horn artifacts of the past to the attention they deserve in this new age of discovery when everything seems to become obsolete soon after it hits the market.

Horn gives us a sense of stability in our world of synthetics and plastics.  Working horn has its way of soothing the soul when we become stressed by daily activities.  It seems give us a sense of belonging to our past as well as strong and lasting connections with others who can understand our particular interests and passions. For many individuals who never suspected they had a creative bone in their body, horn working has awakened newly discovered talents.

The guild has several projects on the horizon.  The publication of a new book by Dr. Jay Hopkins devoted to southern horns—an area that deserves attention and will be the very first work to cover the subject in detail. The On-line Horn Museum is still being finalized.  A formal HCH Library is in the process of being formed.  It will be comprised of contemporary books & research material, as well as rare volumes devoted to horn work and will be made available to members for research at each annual meeting.  Thanks are gratefully extended to HCH member Glenn Beall for the opportunity for the guild to acquire some very rare books devoted to horn working for the general interest and knowledge of our membership.A formal presentation ceremony has now been integrated into recognizing our Journeyman, Master and Historian advancements.  These are but a few additions that have or will be taking place in the near future.

I want to remind everyone that the guild is an active organization comprised of a dedicated membership for the purpose of promoting horn work and researching the varied avenues associated to the craft.  It is up to YOU to help advance the skill and knowledge and thereby, help YOUR guild grow.  There is much work yet to do: Committees need your help.  Our Horn Book is a premier publication but it takes additional funding in order to maintain the level of professionalism expected of it. Any help you can provide to offset this expense is gratefully appreciated.  If you are delinquent in paying dues, please remit them.  If you have thought about joining the guild but are hesitant for whatever reason, please join—we have a lot to offer.  The HCH is comprised of members from all walks of life, members who may be varied in their interests, skills and abilities, but as a new member you will find yourself on common ground with all.  Life is too short to let opportunity pass.

In this, my introductory message, I also want to congratulate and thank Guildmaster-Elect Carl Dumke and Awards Committee Chairman,Clinton Byers for their dedication and their willingness to take on new responsibilities.   I do not wish to take the wind from outgoing GuildmasterToone’s sails, so please check out the upcoming issue of the Horn Book for his complete review of the 2016 Annual Horn Conference.  If you weren’t there, you missed a great weekend of interactive learning and reuniting with good friends and associates.

Thank you all for your support.  I am honored to have your confidence and to have been elected your Guildmaster.

Thos. E. Ames
HCH Guildmaster