Thanks - Oregon Gunmakers Fair

[ChipK]

Many thanks to Ron Scott, Warren Adair, and the rest of the folks who pitch in every year to put on this event.  This year saw new faces and a commitment from some of the best in the Northwest to jointly work through a Southern Rifle Project that will show off their skills and the grace of these rifles.

[David Rase]

Chip,  You are indeed right.  It was a fantastic weekend.  I was extremely pleased to see so many people step up to the plate and answer the call to help with our project rifle.  I was equally impressed when I ask them all the volunteers to come up to the podium and speak on behalf of their commitment to the project and they accepted.  I feel kind of like Tom Sawyer.  Anyway, it was and is going to continue to be a great learning experience for all involved.  I received an email last evening from one of the participants who said he did not feel he was up to the challenge of working on the rifle but was going to assist you in the manufacture of the pouch and horn.  Bravo Zulu
Rob, now that Chip has started this thread I would hope (hint, hint) that you will post a few of the many pictures you were snapping during the weekend.
DMR

[Dave B]

It was a great time of sharing and discussion.  Dave Rase and Mike Keller did a great job of leading the Saturday program through the course of the day.  The food that was provided was excellent. Bill Johnsons Elderberry wine was very good as well with the barbeque that he cooked up for Saturday dinner. Warren Wife did a fantastic job with the lunch menu as always. Ron Scott did a engraving class for those who signed up for the Thursday Friday sessions. Lots of talent out this a way.
However due to my late arrival on Friday evening Bill got dibbs on the couch be fore I could get my sleeping bag out of the car. I think it was the lure of the originals on the far wall that distracted me and I should have been aware of the tone when I heard the statement when some one says did you see the"originals for sale over there."That some other motive may be at play. As luck would have it I brought the fold out cushions just in case. Thanks guys for the fun weekend.

[Brian]

I'm going next year!  Period!

[smorrison]

Yep, it was a good fair this year, no doubt about that.  I gotta say though that Dave Rase had his Tulle on display right behind where the speakers were giving their presentations.  It was very difficult to concentrate with that beautiful gun hanging there.   
The Thursday and Friday workshops were very well done, my hats off to Ron for the instruction on metal engraving.  That is a skill that I definitely want to improve on.
I have to second David on the volunteers stepping up to take on the Duncan rifle project.  I was really impressed with that.  I'm the one that David mentioned.  My rifle building skills are not there yet to have taken on one of the tasks, though when Chip mentioned making a bag to go with the rifle, I immediately volunteered to produce a horn to go with it, completing the "package".  Horn building is something I know, and now I will be able to contribute...
Scott

[ChipK]

I second Dave's thought for Rob posting some pictures.  It was a great weekend that made being at work all day today just not seem right.  Fortunately Costo makes great calendars with your photos so I have some wonderful pictures of long rifles to look at handing on the way when my head wandered back to Oregon.

[Ron Scott]

I would like to thank the many people who helped with the event.  Like Dave, I am pleased to have this many individuals participating in the construction of a project. We are accumulating materials for a Moravian Rifle Project and a Flint pistol. These will constitute teaching projects and give us a chance at a little fund raising.

The two day workshops appear to be popular additions.  I allowed the number of registrants in the engraving workshop to grow, as I hate to turn people away. I want to thank the participants for their patience. It seems there is enough interest to do engraving again next year. Several other interesting workshops were proposed and will be evaluated.

Bill Johnson indicates a willingness to do his famous Ribs again next year.  He started cooking at 6:30 AM and tended his smoker all day.

[Dave B]

Will he bring more of the 2007 vintage though???

[tg]

Was this in Monroe? I have not been there for quite a few years, maybe next year

[Ron Scott]

The Oregon Gun Makers Fair is held the first weekend of May in Corvallis Oregon. If you would like to be on our mailing list I can do so.

Ron

[duca]

does anyone know if mike keller is still making tow-worm? thanks Anthony.........

[David Rase]

Nope.  Mike is building Harleys and roadsters.  He is building a couple of rifles for himself and his son but is currently not performing work for any customers.
DMR

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Ron, I would like to be included in your correspondence regarding the fair.  Thanks for the offer.  I can't go to PA for Dixon's every year, or every second year for that matter, but I might be able to come to Oregon for some famous West Coast hospitality.  I'll see if Brian can get his ball and chain off.

[Brian]

Yup!  I'm good to go, and planing on it for 2010.  Would certainly welcome your company Taylor.  With two of us driving no big deal.

Count us in guys!

[California Kid]

Put me down as well. I have a better chance of getting to Oregon than to Dixon's, 3000 miles away.
Been wanting to get up there, but I always hear about it after the fact.

[Ron Scott]

Hi Guy's, Thanks for your interest. I will make a note to add you to the mailings.  I need to make time to get the list updated. Sitting down to office chair is a bit harder to get done than making shavings.

Ron

[FlintRock Rob]

Ron, thanks for the fantastic engraving workshop, and coordinating the fair.

Chip, I just got home from sailing, etc. I will try to post some photos of the fair soon, but might have to 'forget' to post any photos of my engraving practice.

This was my third year at the fair, and for those who have never been, it is filled with so many originals and outstanding modern builds that you have to walk by the gun racks a few times before you notice some things. I took photos of one of the guns and was commenting on it being a flint sxs when someone mentioned the percussion sxs across the room. Huh? How did I miss that? Way too much fun!

-Rob

[T*O*F]

Mike Keller is building Harleys and roadsters.  He is building a couple of rifles for himself and his son but is currently not performing work for any customers.

Does anyone know where he lives?  Nick Keller was my Dad's best friend and Mary Keller was married to my uncle and they all ended up in the Cave Junction/Grants Pass area.  They are all gone now or in their 90's but Mike may be a relative of mine.

[Ron Scott]

Mike lives in Enumclaw Wa.

[ChipK]

Mike's Dad is named Waly and also lives in Enumclaw.