Upcoming 2020 Guildmaster’s Challenge at the 24th Annual Meeting

Hazaah!
The Guild Master Challenge is approaching quickly and time enough to gain an appreciation for the skills required by early horn carvers. The challenge is open to HCH Members.  Those taking on the challenge must create a horn object utilizing only those tools and atmospheres available to 18th century hornsmiths. This means no electricity or modern lighting. This was a valuable learning experience and one that Scott Morrison details in his article highlighted in the last edition of The Horn Book.

The award is presented to the winning entry of the challenge. This year, the award is a hand-thrown Sgrafitto plate made by Steve Earp especially for this event.

Good luck and I look forward to seeing what you can do!

Your Most Humble Servant,

Carl Dumke
Master Horner and Guildmaster

2019 Summer Reception at the Gunmaker’s Fair at Dixons – Friday, July 26th, 2019

The months have passed and it’s time for another great summer reception for the Guild!

We’ll once again be meeting at the (very nice) pavilion at Ontelaunee Park at 7911 Kings Highway, New Tripoli, PA 18066. Snacks and drinks will begin at 5:45pm with dinner starting at 6:30. The menu for the evening begins with fruit, chips, pretzels and assorted dips followed by a fresh salad bar, marinated chicken thighs, pot roast in Au jus, mashed cheddar red potatoes and green beans almandine. To top it all off we’ll have the ever popular assorted cakes and ice cream for dessert.

The cost will again be $25 per person. Please remember to register for the picnic by July 20th.
We hope to see all of you joining in for this great time of fellowship and fun!

If you have any questions, please contact Events committee chair Jerry Polizzi at 717-367-3883 or polizzifam@ net zero.net.

 

This years Lap Desk and Horn Items fundraiser for Dixon’s will proudly include;
• A lap desk, horn pen, horn pencil, and Horn grease pencil along with a parchment map by John DeWald, Master Horner
• A horn glass pane, horn bound journal and compass by Daniel Boling, Journeyman
• An inkwell by Freeman Jerry Polizzi
• A bookmark by Freeman Kris Polizzi

 

Read! 2019 Annual Meeting – Message from the Guildmaster – Feb. 2019

The 23rd Annual Horn Fair is March 1 & 2, 2019 so is time to get your reservations in for the 2019 Annual Meeting in Carlisle, Pennsylvania! Please do it now as we need an accurate headcount! Thanks. To make arrangements, click here.

Carl Dumke

A friend of mine, Joe-d Baxter, who is a new horner and just completed his first horn box.  He was so excited about his newfound ability that it sparked, or should I say re-sparked, me into wanting to get back into the shop.   That is what is so interesting about this art, hobby, obsession—call it what you will.  There is an innate connection for us in this material.  My friend’s horn box harkened me back to a time when I first joined the guild and made my first horn.  I was greener than the horn I was working on.  Armed with a few references, some sage advice from Jim Leach, and I was off. The horn dust seemed to just get everywhere and I swear it smelled like steak.  I am not sure my wife agreed, especially when it came to heating the horn in the house.  By the way, you can only do that once in the kitchen…

I worked diligently on that horn, not quite sure if it was going as planned, but felt I was making some progress.  When it was engraved and I was ready to add patina to the horn, I set it in front of a heat gun and turned away for “only a minute” only to turn back to be greeted by a scorch mark.  Panicked, I paced the floor.  The area on the horn shown like a beacon of failure!  Dejected, I turned everything off and went to contemplate on my blunder…

The next morning was a new day and I came to terms with my mistake.  There were no songbirds singing or flowers blooming.  Instead, it was a grey, foggy morning.  I was hoping this was not the visitation of the horners of old, haunting my day.  I put on a brave, but nervous face and set about “fixing” the damage.   With an intrepid hand, I took a sharp razor and set about scraping the area back.  So far, so good.  A little more smoothing and re-cutting my lines, and it was done.  Once the dye was applied, you could barely see the blunder. But I knew it was still there.

In the end, I still have that horn and take it out now and then… and smile.  This was the first of many lessons we all have as horners. There are many times we fail, but pull ourselves back into the light and press on.  Sometimes our “experiments” work, other times they are best left to the scrap bin.  We always make mistakes, but find ways to hide them or work around what the horn was trying to tell us.  The lesson is to keep pressing on and let inspiration take you to the new level—and never be afraid to push ourselves past our own preconceived expectation.  When I look at that horn, I am reminded that it is our mistakes that make us better.  In the end, it is also our fellow horners that push us to strive to improve.  Well done Joe-d.

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

 

 

Message from the Guildmaster – July 2018

As we get ready to celebrate the anniversary of our nation’s independence, I want all of us to take a moment to think about those heroes who risked everything to make our life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness possible.  These patriots saw a future for a nation unfettered by the chains of tyranny.  The most resounding, inspiring speech was heard at the Second Virginia Convention March 20, 1775.  At what is now called St. John’s Church in Richmond, delegate Patrick Henry presented resolutions to raise a militia, and to put Virginia in a posture of defense. Henry’s opponents urged caution and patience until the crown replied to Congress’ latest petition for reconciliation.  In response and in final, he decried those profound words

 “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?  Forbid it, Almighty God!  I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

The powder horn played a small, but pivotal role in the journey to 1776.  In the spirit of our freedoms and the craft we pursue, I would like to invite all the guild members to the annual Dixon’s Gun Makers fair 27-29 July in Kempton, Pennsylvania.  This is my first time for the event and I am so excited about attending.  Our annual social will be Friday night and, from what I hear, is going to be a great time!  So come out that weekend, stop by the HCH table for our “back to basics” display, great educational presentations, great food, and, as always, enjoy some horn camaraderie with our friends.

Guildmaster Message March 2018

On March 2-3, 2018 our annual meeting was held… What a phenomenal weekend for the HCH!  I want to thank all of the members for coming out and enjoying the fellowship and friendship at the annual meeting in Carlisle. We had a great show for our members and the public.  As always, the AHEC staff provided top-notch support for a truly historic event.   The Master row was extremely busy both days as something was learned by everyone!  A highlight to the weekend was to see the lifelong collection of Glenn Beall!  What an impressive collection to say the least.

In addition, as the subject of this meeting was folding combs, Roland Cadle provided a great lecture on the history and making of these rare pieces.  Additionally, we were fortunate to have about 1/3 of the known examples on display!  Jay Hopkins was also on hand to showcase his fantastic new book, which is an essential primer for the study of bone-tipped and banded horns.  If you have not gotten yours, I would be remiss if I did not encourage everyone to get their copies. (Buy the book here.)

Historically, this meeting was unprecedented.  We had four talented Journeymen petition and achieve the rank of Master in the guild.  Making Master is a tremendous achievement, but awarding four in a single meeting was truly inspiring!  I especially want to say how proud I am of our new Master Horners: Tim Sanner, Ed Long, Walter Mabry, and Rex Riddick.  This is a memorable accomplishment for these members and for the company as a whole.

Hazzah! and hearty well done!

Carl Dumke, Guildmaster

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

January – February 2016 – Message from the Guildmaster

 

The 20th anniversary of the founding of the Honourable Company of Horners will be celebrated in high style at the 2016 annual meeting held in the US Army Heritage and Education Center at Carlisle, Pennsylvania.  The dates of the meeting at their convention center are March 4th and 5th.  Public is invited starting 1PM to 5PM Friday and 9 AM until 4PM Saturday.  The Guild business meeting and Journeymen/Masters award ceremonies will take place 10:30 to 1PM on Friday.

The sale of display tables for this convention is well ahead of previous years and with limited space Guild members want to contact Art DeCamp, Treasurer, quickly at 814-386-1880 to reserve one.

At every national meeting Guild members are asked to support the cost of the meeting by paying for entry.  As a non-profit, non-advertising organization we count on membership support to carry the cost of the meeting so that money generated by publication of important books like the Hartley book and the upcoming book series about Jay Hopkin’s horn history are possible.  In accordance with the USAHEC regulations the general public is free for a non-profit organization’s event even though the facility comes at an expense to the Guild.

A special invitation has been extended to all NMLRA members to join us.  Access to all events at the conference including exhibits, horn work demonstrations, and all seminar speakers are included.  Attendance is by pre-registration.  Cost is $30.00 to attend the two days, or $15.00 for one day of the conference.  Spouses are free.  Registration by February 25, 2016 required and is available on the web site. See this web page.

Your admission entitles access to the important panel conversation put on Saturday featuring Roland Cadle, Art DeCamp, Dr. Jay Hopkins, and Wallace Gusler.  They will be discussing in depth horns of the Federal  Period Post Revolutionary War until 1814.  John DeWald will be giving his Master’s Presentation on the history of scrimshaw.  Frank Alcorn will introduce a new challenge to powder horn makers to bring a “story horn” to the 2017 annual meeting.  Something that they made for display, and by so doing  get a ticket for a drawing of an exceptional prize.  The prize is a cherry chest made by this extraordinary craftsman in 17th & 18th century design featuring holly and other light color wood inlay of “string and berry design.”  The chest is about 16″ x 12″ x10″ on ball feet and will be on display at this event and other HCH attended events such as Dixon’s Gun Fair and the CLA Show in Lexington, KY.  The horns will not be judged, but a “No horn-no ticket” rule applies for the drawing.

This message will be my last as Guild master as my two year term expires with the 2016 meeting.  I want to thank the wonderful, talented, generous (of time and money) membership for their encouragement and support to me the quick last two years.  The Guild is special and deserves your continued support as a new member takes the reins as Guild master in March toward a bright productive future.

One parting salvo for historical interpreters, trekkers and reenactors that want to project a correct 18th Century image of a long rifle carrying militiaman or hunter is not to have your horn and bag half way to your arm pit but rather at your waist/sash line and with the tip of the horn projecting outward not in.  There is empirical proof of this and reason for it.  I was guilty of the 20th century carry too.  Join the Horn Guild and learn.

NEW e-mail  rnrtoone@gmail.com  same web site LivingHistoryShop.com or call 609-261-3415  EST.

Your Guildmaster,
Dick Toone

November-December 2015 – Message from the Guildmaster

Christmas Greetings and a Happy New Year to all and particular the history loving folks.  Hope all your horn projects were finished on time so your presents were not late to friends and loved ones.  Mother nature is giving us in the mid-Atlantic states a present of milder weather and lower fuel bill so I’m loving it.

I always overestimate the length of winter in my mind and plan to get things done around the house and in the shop, but sixty days to March comes more quickly the older I get.  I seem to squander more time watching TV, hunkered down reading, and then half way through February I have to panic with March in sight.  I need an ejector timer on my recliner.  Remember March 5th is Annual Meeting of the Horn Guild at Carlisle, Pennsylvania! Please register as soon as practical so we can adequately plan for the event.

I recently found out I have Nantucket, Massachusetts ancestry in a great, great, Grandfather Merchant Ship Captain Joseph N. Toone who sailed out of there.  So I just had to see the new Ron Howard movie “In the Heart of the Sea” and must say it was a very fast 2 hours and 2 minutes based on the factual ship “Essex” adventures, which became the inspiration for Herman Melville’s epic book “Moby Dick.”  Lots of well done historical images and action.

Speaking of movies- this winter has another one that is of interest to all us muzzleloader people called “The Revenant” ( a person who returns after a long absence or as a spirit after death).  The movie is based on factual experiences of Hugh Glass portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio with technical historical support by AMA (American Mountain Men) personnel.  Great effort was made to portray 1820’s Fur Trade Era correctly including a Ron Luckenbill custom made Bucks County unique style Pennsylvania longrifle because Glass was from eastern Pennsylvania.  It is my favorite style too as you can see by the photos of the one I made for myself in 1986 from page 161 in Kindig’s “Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in the Golden Age.” Not often we that dwell in history get see two movies worth seeing within a year.

Regards,
Dick Toone, Guildmaster

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