The 2012 Pouch and Horn Raffle Set (Drawing at Dixon's July 29, 2012)
January 12, 2012 by Ed McDilda
Filed under Raffles, Web Announcements
The 2012 HCH raffle features the Clash of the Titans North Carolina squirrel rifle set entered by the South in last year’s monumental competition at Dixon’s Gunmakers Fair. The set will be displayed at the annual HCH conference in March, and at Dixon’s in July.
The drawing will be held at Dixon’s Gumakers Fair, which is held in Kempton, Pennsylvania every July. (See their website by clicking here.)
The horn made by Billy Griner, is a copy of an original Rowan County, NC piece. It features three bands with a turned, applied antler tip, and a pecan wood base. Overall length is 11 inches around the curve. (See Billy Griner’s website by clicking here.)
The pouch was made by Jeff Bibb and is a copy of an original pouch from Iredell County, NC. Constructed from cowhide, the pouch is 6.5 inches wide by 7 inches deep. The flap is bound and backed with hemp. There is a hanging ball or patch pocket inside. (See Jeff Bibb’s website by clicking here.)
This awesome Southern pouch and horn are complimented by other handmade items. The measure was turned from horn by Mark Ewing, and pick and brush set were made by Jeff Bottiger.

HCH Annual Meeting – Rooms at Days Inn Carlisle, PA
December 31, 2011 by Rick Sheets
Filed under Web Announcements
The Honourable Company of Horners 2012 Annual Meeting will be held at the Army Heritage Education Center in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
We have a block of rooms at the Days Inn, Carlisle. You must call them at (717) 258-4147 to get the Special Rate of $62.95 per night. Please mention “horn guild” to get the special rate.
NOTE: You must call for the special rate. Trying to book the room through the website will not work. In addition, the website might show the Days Inn as full when in fact there might be rooms left for the Horn Guild.
Days Inn, Carlisle, PA
101 Alexander Spring Rd, Carlisle, PA
(717) 258-4147
Interstate 81, Exit 45
Lord Nelson’s Gallery in Gettysburg, PA. Stolen Items. Please be Aware.
December 7, 2011 by Rick Sheets
Filed under Web Announcements
Lord Nelson’s Gallery suffered a break-in over the Thanksgiving weekend. Several contemporary items were stolen. Please contact the gallery if you encounter these items.
Please have a look on Art and Jan Riser’s blogspot for pictures and contact information.
Update to the HCH 15th Annual Meeting. Fort Roberdeau County Park.
February 2, 2011 by Bill Carter
Filed under Web Announcements
The Honourable Company of Horners
Proudly Announces Its 15th Annual Meeting
March 11-12, 2011
Fort Roberdeau County Park, near Altoona, Pennsylvania
The Honourable Company of Horners will host its 2011 Annual Meeting at Fort Roberdeau, near Altoona, Pennsylvania, March 11th through the 12th and promises to be an event you don’t want to miss.
The fort played an important role in the Revolutionary War. In the spring of 1778, the struggle for independence appeared to be over. The British occupied the rebel’s capital city, Philadelphia and Washington’s army was destitute at Valley Forge. Supplies for the army were in short supply and there was little lead for bullets and musket balls. Daniel Roberdeau, a member of the Continental Congress meeting in York since the capture of Philadelphia, became aware of lead mines in central Pennsylvania. He volunteered to organize an expedition to the mines to see if it was possible to obtain a supply of lead. At his own expense, Roberdeau built a stockade to protect the lead mining and smelting. The fort became a storage depot for ordnance, ammunition, and other supplies until 1780, and was garrisoned by militia of Cumberland and Bedford Counties and the Bedford County Ranging Companies. Settlers often found safety at Fort Roberdeau during times of raids by parties of British rangers and their Indian allies.
One attribute our Guild has always espoused is that we have never sought out the norm, never been reluctant to do things differently, but instead have always done what was in the best interest of our organization and never hesitated to be different. This year’s meeting clearly reflects that practice, as it will indeed be completely different from any organizational meeting that you will ever attend. All Guild members are highly encouraged to attend, for it will indeed be different, be new, be innovative, and promises to be one of the most complete learning experiences you’ll ever enjoy! Spouses are welcome as well (no extra charge), so come join us for our annual meeting that you will surely find different, rewarding and one of the best educational experiences you’ve ever had! Hats off to our Guildmaster, Ed Long, for the establishment a new format and to Art DeCamp and Roland Cadle for making sure the guidance becomes a reality!
Just a few examples to back up that statement: All Guild members are encouraged to dress in the 18th and early 19th Century attire both days, when you register you are automatically eligible to win a commemorative engraved powder horn, there are no seminars scheduled, and the focus of the meeting is the Masters’ Benches. There will be eight interactive stations manned by Master Horners demonstrating varied aspects of horn working to include horn selection and preparation, heating and pressing, engraving, techniques of spout design, engrailing and carving, combining metal and horn, making applied and screw tips, staining, turning and proper procedures for sharpening tools. So whether you’re a collector, history buff, beginner or advanced horn worker, there will be plenty to learn and at your own pace! This schedule has been designed to allow everyone to interact directly with the Masters and discuss issues of specific interest to you. Bring your cameras, notebooks and plenty of questions. If you think you know it all, the challenge is to come and find out.
Other activities include the Hartley Book signing, the annual business meeting which will take place Friday morning, horn judging, Saturday night banquet, fund raising raffle, and of course, a wide array of display tables for all to peruse. Of particular interest to all Guild members will be a large collection of original screw tip horns.
From Bedford, PA head north on I-99 for 33.2 miles, take Exit 33 for .6 miles and turn right on 17th Street. Go .6 miles and turn right on Valley View Blvd/US 220-BR N for 1.6 miles. Turn right onto S. Kettle St. which will become Kettle Rd. following it for 8.4 miles. Turn left onto Ft. Roberdeau Rd. and go .4 miles and you will be at the Fort Roberdeau Historic Site. Their address is 383 Fort Roberdeau Rd, Altoona, PA 16601-8321.
Conference Registration & Schedule Information
| Day/Date | Time | Activity |
| Thursday (Mar 10) |
3:00-5:00 | Display Table, Masters’ Bench Stations Set-up |
| Friday (Mar 11) |
8:00 – 9:00 | Members’ Registration, Display and Table Set-up |
| 9:00 – 10:30 | Registration / Socialize | |
| 10:30 – 12:00 | Welcome by Guildmaster / Business Meeting | |
| 12:00- 1:00 | Open to Visitors and Public / (Paid Attendees-Lunch) | |
| 1:00 – 4:30 | Interactive Masters’ Demonstrations at Farm House / Open to Visitors and Public | |
| 5:30 – Until | Wine & Cheese Reception at Village RestorationsOffice & Training Center in Frankstown, PA | |
| Free Time / Dinner on own | ||
| Saturday (Mar 12) |
8:00 – 9:00 | Registration / Socialize |
| 9:00 – 12:00 | Demonstrations, Open to Visitors and Public till 4:30 PM | |
| 1:00 - 2:00 | Lunch | |
| 1:00 – 3:30 | Interactive Masters’ Demonstrations at Farm House / Display tables open | |
| 3:30 – 4:30 | Horn Competition / Judging / Display Area Closes | |
| 4:30 – 5:30 | Breakdown & Final Clean-up | |
| 6:00 – Until |
**Banquet at Liberty Hall, U.S. Hotel, 401 S. Juniata St., Hollidaysburg, PA / Awards and Raffle
|
|
| Sunday (Mar 13) |
Check Out | Check out of hotels unless you have scheduled an extended stay / Travel Home |
For your convenience, coffee will be provided on site in the mornings with sandwiches and drinks at lunch time for both days. This will help you to fully maximize and better schedule your time.
It is requested that you forward your registration form, along with payment, to Art DeCamp no later than March 4th, 2011. This will greatly assist our organizers and expedite registration. If you have already registered for the annual meeting for the other location, you do not have to register again.
Click here to print out the itinerary.
If you have any questions concerning our annual meeting or would like more historical information on the site, please contact Art DeCamp at (814) 643-6343 / e-mail at: ajdecamp@verizon.net, or Roland Cadle at (814) 695-7951 / e-mail at: villagerestoration@yahoo.com.
For those wanting to make early reservations, there are several options available. Primary lodging is with Comfort Suites Altoona, 140 Stroehman Rd, Altoona, PA, phone number (814) 942-2600. Cost is $89 + tax per night. There are a limited number of rooms in this block, so reserve early and be sure to mention you’re with the Horners’ Guild to get the special rate. Other lodging in the area includes: Super 8 Altoona, (814) 942-5350, www.super8.com, approx rate $49 per night / Econo Lodge Altoona, (814) 944-3555, www.econolodge.com, approx rate $54 per night / Holiday Inn Express Altoona, (814) 944-9661, www.altoonaexpress.com, rates from about $118 per night / Arch Spring Farm B&B, (800) 262-2655, www.restandrepast.com.
For additional B&B’s you may also Google Bed & Breakfasts in Altoona, Tryone, and Spruce Creek, PA areas.
Please continue to monitor our website for up to date information on the annual meeting, banquet and lodging facilities.
Regards,
Bill Carter
Web Announcement – More Information – Changes to the 2011 Annual Meeting
January 25, 2011 by Ed Long
Filed under Web Announcements
The new meeting location will be at Fort Roberdeau Historic Site and Natural Area in the Sinking Valley of Altoona, PA. The dates are March 11th and 12th, 2011 with the afternoon of March 10th reserved for early setup. The program will remain the same with the exception of the general membership meeting, it has been moved to Friday mid-morning.
Within two weeks, each member will receive a mailing covering full details of the entire program. My Guildmaster message for February will also expand on it.
I apologize for any inconveniences this may have caused.
Ed Long
Guildmaster
Here is the link to Fort Roberdeau.
Web Announcement – We have a Change of Venue for the 2011 Annual Meeting
January 19, 2011 by Ed Long
Filed under Web Announcements
“Due to circumstances beyond our control,
the 2011 Annual Meeting has been moved from
Morristown, NJ to Fort Roberdeau at Altoona, PA.
Details will follow early next week.”
Ed Long,
Guildmaster
Web Announcement – The 2011 Annual Meeting Mailing
January 6, 2011 by Rick Sheets
Filed under Web Announcements
All of the current membership should have received the official mailing for the 2011 HCH Annual Meeting by now. The mailing consists of three pieces: 1. Letter from Ed Long, Guildmaster, 2. Meeting Agenda, and 3. Annual Dues Form.
If you did not get the mailing, you may download it here (in three parts):
[These were removed as the meeting has been changed.]
Regards,
Rick Sheets
HCHwebmaster@jwwebsolutions.com
Our Member’s Gallery Has Been Upgraded and Updated
December 8, 2010 by Rick Sheets
Filed under Web Announcements
The Member’s Gallery has been upgraded and updated. This newer gallery gives the viewer the option of looking at the work in extreme closeup. The gallery is also easier for me to update. If you have a digital picture and description of a completed horn project, please send it in. Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Rick Sheets
HCHwebmaster@jwwebsolutions.com
Web Announcement – August Update by The Horn Book Editors Posted
August 31, 2010 by Rick Sheets
Filed under Web Announcements
Be sure to check out the update from the Editors by clicking here>>
I have two gallery submissions to post, but I need a couple more as they are added four at a time. If you have a digital picture and description of a completed horn project, please send it in. Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Rick Sheets
HCHwebmaster@jwwebsolutions.com
Web Announcement – A New Annual Reception Committee is Needed.
August 26, 2010 by Rick Sheets
Filed under Web Announcements
The HCH is seeking several enthusiastic individuals to form and maintain a committee to organize the HCH Summer Reception in Pennsylvania each summer. This event has traditionally been held on Friday evening during Dixon’s Gun Making Fair, and has become a very popular gathering during Dixon’s Fair. Attendance has been over 100 for the past two years. Frank Willis has done a great job handling this event for the past six years, but is unable to continue due to growing obligations during Dixon’s Fair. Frank has graciously volunteered to serve on the new committee in an advisory capacity to help get everthing started in the right direction.
The committee will be responsible for planning, scheduling, arrangement of the necessary food, drinks, and accommodations for the event, as well as the subsequent removal and clean-up following the event. In addition the committee chairman will coordinate with the HCH Executive Committee for all planning and execution of the event.
Please contact Jeff Bibb at jwb58@msn.com or via phone at 434-384-9431.








