Back when Shortreed's started this site there were many of us that found a community here. We got to know each other. We got to know each others strengths and weaknesses and who had more skill it what and we helped one another with wisdom and compassion. We had some bickering that usually didn't last long. We teased each other. When traveling we'd visit those on this site and get to have real time. I've met many that way. I miss the activity here. So, we're all thirty years older and many have passed on, retired, or last interest for some reason. I'm thankful for what we had. Happy New Year.
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
Yeah, what Rick said.
Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous new year.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Don, I was just noticing how we all have these pictures of ourselves here showing us looking like younger adults, and imagining how our cell phone cameras take pictures of us and what it would be like if they automatically updated these photos?
Posted by PatRaap (Member # 4290) on :
Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy 2025.
Posted by Don Hulsey (Member # 128) on :
Rick, that picture of me was taken in 1999. Lighten the dark hair in my beard and mustache, and it would still look about the same. Posted by Bob Kaschak (Member # 3146) on :
Happy New Year, everyone!
I miss the activity also and I'm thankful of the few that still stop in to chat.
Being able to post pictures here, instead of a link to a FB account, or our websites, would be a nice way to show what we're up to, and lots of chatter would happen that way.
Hopefully all is as well as can be, and this year brings more joy, peace and happiness than the last year.
It is a crazy thing to realize that I've been visiting Letterville for more than a quarter century. (joined in 1998) So much has changed in that time! Back then, we were in Edmonton, Alberta, finishing off the giant West Edmonton Mall project.
I, too, miss the 'good old days' of this place, but life moves on whether we are ready or not. There is a season for everything, it seems.
As 2025 rolls in, we are excited to begin a host of new projects, mostly with far-flung clients across Canada and the USA.
I wish all of my friends a healthy, happy and prosperous 2025!
-Dan
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Yep, I do miss the old page, what are ya gonna do? But Happy New Year to all. Glad to see the ones that still visit Letterville.
Posted by Gary Boros (Member # 8487) on :
Well, I am grateful that y'all keep coming back here every once in a while. I'm as guilty as anyone but you know the old philosophy...you only get out what you put in...so if we make the effort to participate then things will be more like the way they were!
Rick, you have been making the effort this past year and I think you should get the award for keeping things alive here. We haven't met but we've spoken and done some things together, I hope we do get the chance to meet someday.
Bob, we were supposed to get together when you visited your son a block away from me but we missed that opportunity...let's plan it again sometime!
Dan, I know I'm just one of the many now that you are a world wide celebrity but I will always think of you as a good friend, my best to you and the family. By the way, I don't know if I mentioned it before but my son Brett and I got to see your work in the Mall of America in person a short while ago. Seeing the pictures is always amazing but what a thrill to see it all in person. I was going to post a picture here but I seem to be having an issue with that. Bob mentioned something about pictures so I don't know if it's just me today or if there is problem with posting pictures now.
Such a nice group of people here really...Happy, Healthy and Successful New Year to you all!
Posted by Chuck Peterson (Member # 70) on :
It' good to still be checking in with you guys now and then. It's good to still be anywhwre! My sign career has been a labrynth. Evolved through a few phases and you guys have helped me guide it along. Thank you.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Chuck, what are you doing these days?
Posted by Chuck Peterson (Member # 70) on :
Rick, I mostly have been designing bronze plaques. Most of them for historical homes and buildings here around San Diego. More homes are designated as historic landmarks just about every week. It’s something I did occasionally that somehow grew into my main line of work these last few years. I outsource the production, usually to Gemini. I’ve mostly retired from climbing ladders and doing installations that require help. I still love painting signs and have sold some replicas of signs from movies and TV shows. I remember the old days fondly, but do my best to live in the present. I recently looked at some old photos of wall jobs, etc, and can’t believe how hard I worked!
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Chuck,I understand the "can't believe how hard I worked."
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
I was working at City Sign Company and was in my mid twenties. Hal Benedict also worked there part time when he was needed and had his own shop in a two car garage behind his home in Corona Del Mar. Hal was in his sixties and was very fussy about everything.
On time he asked me if I could help him Saturday. I showed up, curious to find what we’d be doing. We often worked on lettering walls together and he depended on me to set up our staging. Sometimes it was a gold leaf window in a bank. Sometimes a yacht.
Well I was standing around talking to him and after a while I asked what he wanted help with? He pointed to a board that was stored up on the rafters and said we needed to get that down. He said he’d be right back and walked out. Meanwhile I jumped up and grabbed the rafter, did a chin up and held myself with one hand and with the other slid the board to where I could get it. I dropped down to the floor and a few seconds later jumped and grabbed the board. As I did that the other end went up to the ceiling and it easily slid down.
Well, Hal walked in toting a six foot stepladder and saw the board down and me covered with the dirt from that board sitting up there for who knows how many years. He looked at me, then looked at the board, then looked at the attic area and then repeated that routine one or two more times without saying a word. I was ready to go to work and wondering what today's job would be.
Eventually, maybe after a long two minutes, I mentioned that he wanted me to help for the day and asked what we’d be doing? He told me that what he wanted for the day was to get that board down.
Posted by John Smith (Member # 1308) on :
Community ?? ABSOLUTELY. When I moved to West Virginia in 2004, I found this single wide trailer in a very quiet neighborhood. The owner was an Old School guy 10 years older than me. No contract, just a handshake. I told him I could provide references and I went inside got a shoebox full of business cards. Maybe 0ver 2-3 hundred. I handed him the box and said pick any 5 cards and call them. He was shocked that I had so many friends. Yes, absolutely, we are a Family of Craftsmen. I just noticed I joined Jan-2000 which carries me 25 years as a family member here. Happy New Year to all.
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)