2024 HCH Officers and Committee Members

Clinton E. Byers- Guildmaster and Executive Committee Chair

My name is Kris Polizzi and my husband, Jerry and I live in Lancaster County, Pa with our four sons. We met while both working at a local gun shop, so we share an interest in hunting, fishing and shooting. I also love to garden, especially growing heirloom varieties. A few years into our marriage we discovered a common dream to participate in a reenacting or living history group. We joined a local Civil War unit and the fun began! Our interest soon spread to earlier time periods as well and we began further study of the 18th and 19th centuries.

In 2008 I made my first powder horn as a surprise birthday present for my husband. Although I deemed it “not quite a success”, the time was well spent. My interest grew and I soon met some HCH members who were extremely helpful and full of advice for my “next horn”. I became more involved with the Guild in 2012, serving as Fundraising Chair and Events Chair. I’ve loved to see the Guild grow over the years and I’ll continue to work toward spreading the mission of our group to others.

I would like to thank the many members of the HCH who extended such a warm welcome into the hobby all those years ago. So many were willing to share their knowledge and experience and are truly a credit to the group! I feel honored to be elected your Guildmaster and look forward to serving the Guild with all that I have. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, concerns or suggestions that you may have.

Scott Morrison- Advancement Committee Chair

My name is Scott Morrison and I was born, raised and still live in the heart of the Willamette Valleyin Western Oregon, commonly known asthe end of the Oregon Trail. Since I was young I’ve had an artistic bent and as I was growing up I would express this ability in mostly pencil sketches and some sculpture. After high school I pursued a degree in biology at Southern Oregon State Collegebut also supplemented this with some art classes such as print making and water color. One of my favorite classes though was biological illustration and at one point I considered going into the medical illustration field. These plans changed after I married my high school sweetheart and needing a job I went in a different direction and started my 38 ½ year career with the Oregon Transportation Department, retiring in 2016 as the Lead Right of Way Surveyor.
My journey in horn work began in the springof 2007 after constructing a muzzle loading rifle kit the previous summer. Wanting a decent powder horn to use with my newly built rifle, I learned about a class being offered at the Oregon Gunmaker’s Fair on making a French and Indian War period powder horn, taught by California horn maker Steve Vance. I jumped at the chance and sent in my registration for the class. Steve was an excellent instructor and I discovered during the two day class that I thoroughly enjoyed making a powder horn. Something seemed to click within me and I felt that my artistic bent finally came to fruition and that I had found my “calling” with art. Immediately started two more horns for my son and daughter so they could shoot black powder with me, then followed with making horns for family, friends and others and I haven’t stopped.
In the fall of 2007 I ordered some polished horns from Powder Horns and More, and when I received the order I found included an application card to join the Honourable Company of Horners. I had not heard of the HCH, but I thought why not, sent in my application and have never regretted it.
I love all things horn, whether a powder horn or horn items such as a box, comb or spoon. My greatest joy when making a horn is to try to bring out the simple grace and beauty that lies hidden within it. When I examine an original item I long to uncover the story it has to tell. Whenever I have the opportunity, I enjoy educating the public at rendezvous or events or mentoring a new student by sharing my passion of horns. I am honored to become the new Awards and Advancement Committee Chair and will represent the Guild to the best of my ability.

Scott Morrison, Journeyman
(503) 510-0853
smorrisonhorns@gmail.com

Frank Willis- Education Committee Chair

Frank is a native of Morris County, NJ. As a boy, he spent many hours hunting and fishing in that beautiful area of the Garden State. He was always interested in the important role that Morris County had played in the history of the American Revolution and felt drawn to it’s past.

Willis was educated at Morristown High School , Franklin College of Indiana, where he received a BA in Biology, and attended Graduate school at SUNY College of Forestry at Syracuse , NY . While at Franklin College he became friends with fellow Biology student, Jim Pease. Jim took him to the NMLRA Spring shoot in Friendship Indian in 1969. This turned out to be a life changing event. Upon their return, Jim gave him a horn and said “make a Powder Horn”. The rest is history. Though he was trained as a field biologist, he has spent his professional career in the truck/transportation industry.

He assisted Roland Cadle at the Connor Prairie’s Arms Makers’ workshop for several years and has conducted an HCH horn class at the Jacobsburg Historical Society for the past 11 years. Six years ago an advanced class was added and he and John Dewald are the instructors. Frank has been a member of the HCH since it’s inception in 1996.  He served as Treasurer of the Guild for 3 years, Fund Raising chairman for 5 years, and started the HCH picnic, which he and his wife ran for 10 years. Frank and John Proud were Co-chairmen for the Hartley Book project. Other affiliations include the NMLRA, CLA, and a Patron Life Member of the NRA.

According to Frank, the most valued reward of being a member of the Honourable Company of Horners are the people he has met and the wonderful friendships that have developed.