It was hot, real hot, but there was a modest wind moving that kept most attendees upright. Chuck had coolers of ice water out (actually free) and it was most appreciated.
Here is what made it fun. The people. All in one afternoon, interactions with Allan Martin and Son, Art DeCamp, Chuck and Greg Dixon, Jim Correll, Fred Miller, Jim Chambers, Scotty Shea, Reaves Goehring, Joe Flemish, Tim Lubenesky, Mac Spencer and Wayne Dunlap. Then the two best stock men with patterning machines...Fred Miller and Ron Rohde.
Need barrels? There were plenty of Colerains there, cash and carry. Rice was there selling barrel after barrel. Custom orders could be placed with John Getz. I witnessed no shortage. For wood...in addition to Wayne, Deathwind was there with some reasonably priced sticks with some curl, and Tiger Hunt had some good sugar and red maple, as well as walnut, ash and black cherry, some precarved, some solid blanks. There were likely over 100 semi-finished rifles to be had, from blanks with a rough-inletted barrel to 75% finished guns. Plus raw parts...loads of them. Something for everybody.
There must have been twenty gunsmiths and "significant others" at the Fogelsville Hotel for dinner. Steaks 2" thick, cooked to perfection, steamed clams on special, and a freshly tapped keg of Guinness, which really went down easily in this heat.
As usual, time flew and cash disappeared with no regrets. Also, feasted on a true Pennsylvania Dutch seven-course lunch. A 6-pack of Yuengling's and a ring bologna.
Thanks to all of the volunteers who gave of their time to make this possible for us.
