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IF a meet was planned for McCalla Alabama in the Fall who would be able to attend? I want to see how many people would want to attend and if it would make sence to even entertain the idea.
First option would be Tannehill State Park in November. Great Venue and Nice time of year.
What do y'all think?
Southern Muster? (mikey likes it)
[ May 14, 2008, 03:15 PM: Message edited by: Lee McKee ]
-------------------- Lee McKee McKee Studios Birmingham, Al Planet Earth (sometimes) Posts: 277 | From: Birmingham, Al | Registered: Jan 2003
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Cant wait to see what happens when you too guys are actually in the same room together. I bet it measures on the Reicter scale.
A little about the parks history for those too lazy to "google"
The Story of the Tannehill Furnaces : Daniel Hillman, a Pennsylvania furnaceman, first built a bloomery forge on the banks of Roupes Creek in 1830, where he had found the richest deposits of brown ore in his experience. He wrote his son: "I believe, George, that my prospects for making a handsome property are better than they ever were..." Hillman died two years later, the family's fortune unmade. Ninian Tannehill later took up the forge as a sideline to his farming operation.
Between 1859 and 1863, slaves cut sandstone rocks, transported them by skids and stacked them to form three tall furnaces. Tannehill No. 1 was built by the noted Southern ironmaster Moses Stroup, who later built the Oxmoor Furnance, the first in Jefferson County. William L. Sanders purchased the operation in 1862 and set about expanding the ironworks.
Like the wheels and gears of a huge machine, the industrial center at Tannehill kept up a fierce momentum. Trees on the hillsides were felled to be made into charcoal that fed the huge blast furnaces. Roupes Creek and a mighty steam engine powered the blowing machines to heat the fires that melted ore to be formed into "pigs" of iron which, in turn, formed the tools of war for the Confederacy. At the height of production Tannehill could turn out 22 tons of iron a day. The iron was cast into ordnance, skillets, pots and ovens for the Southern army.
On March 31, 1865, it all ended in fire and destruction. Three companies of the Eighth Iowa Cavalry swept through the area as a part of Union General James H. Wilson's raid on Alabama war industry sites. Smoke rose from the charred remains of the ironworks and cabins that housed 500 workers. At day's end the furnaces were no longer operational, and the foundry, tannery, gristmill, and tax-in-kind warehouse were in ruins.
-I used to work here in college- they love to hold handcrafter assoc. type events. They also have a national moonpie eating contest every Labor Day. -L-
[ May 14, 2008, 04:07 PM: Message edited by: Lee McKee ]
-------------------- Lee McKee McKee Studios Birmingham, Al Planet Earth (sometimes) Posts: 277 | From: Birmingham, Al | Registered: Jan 2003
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Lee, You can count me in. I'm sure Shelia Ferrell from Selma, AL will make plans to attend too. Thanks for the history lesson. I don't live far from the infamous Andersonville Prison. Looking forward to another great Dixie Meet. Alright yall...it's time to put your name in the pot for Bar B Q and enjoy the fellowship of some fine letterheads whether they are a Yank or a Reb!!!!! Judy
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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New head and eager to attend if you guys will have a new "kid". The rule is, under 40 you get to qualify for a happy meal at McDonald's. I don't think they have pig feet and neck bones there.
-at
-------------------- Aaron Taylor A Router Works Pensacola, Fl Posts: 69 | From: Pensacola, Fl | Registered: Apr 2008
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What........no chitlins yet? C'mon now. I'll bring the tabasco if Sonny brings the rest! Lee, I've been to the last 2 Dixie meets & would likely hit this one as well, although I have a 3 province/11 state road trip on for September. Put me at 70%. Weren't Dixie meets usually in March? Us poor snowbound saps are just itchin' to feel some warmth about then - just before our spring rush.
-------------------- Rodger MacMunn T.R. MacMunn & Sons C.P.207, Sharbot Lake, ON 613-279-1230 trmac@frontenac.net Posts: 472 | From: Sharbot Lake, Ontario | Registered: Nov 2003
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Rodger, there's plenty of cold to escape from in November. The whole time I was in Georgia I wanted to sneak a trip to Alabama but never got around to it. Looks like I have a reason now. Dixie meets are always a blast.
Gonna try... Rapid
-------------------- Ray Rheaume Rapidfire Design 543 Brushwood Road North Haverhill, NH 03774 rapidfiredesign@hotmail.com 603-787-6803
I like my paint shaken, not stirred. Posts: 5648 | From: North Haverhill, New Hampshire | Registered: Apr 2003
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Count me in as a definite "maybe", depending on my fundage at that time. Love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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-------------------- John Byrd Ball Ground, Georgia 770-735-6874 http://johnbyrddesign.com so happy I gotta sit on both my hands to keep from wavin' at everybody! Posts: 741 | From: Ball Ground, Georgia, USA | Registered: May 1999
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-------------------- Ryan Culbertson The Sign Shop at Quick Copies Greenwood, SC
Rock and Roll means well, but it can’t help tellin’ young boys lies. Mike Cooley - Drive By Truckers Posts: 453 | From: Greenwood, South Carolina | Registered: Apr 2007
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List as it stands.... 1. Me 2. Mark Fair 3. Mike Meyer 4. Pat Whatley 5. Bruce Ward 6. Judy Pate 7. Shelia Ferrell 8. Aaron Taylor 9. Sonny Franks 10. Rodger MacMunn 11. Rapid Ray Rheaume 12. Jillbeans 13. John Byrd 14. Ryan Culbertson
Now thats more like it! I know a lot of people have not been around the board lately that would love to make it. I think critical mass should be somewhere near 30 people. After that we will start making some sort of plans.
Let me take a minute to let you guys know about lodging options. If you have an RV or a pop-up camper then you will be in HEAVEN! Tannehill has some of the best camping this side of Jellystone national park. Full showers and electric hook ups even for those in TENTS! They also have REALLY nice cabins with full kitchens and the like. Everyone who attends should be able to stay on site in perfect comfort. But, there are a few five star Hotels not far away either for those who MUST have their HBO and MTV.
[ May 15, 2008, 08:45 AM: Message edited by: Lee McKee ]
-------------------- Lee McKee McKee Studios Birmingham, Al Planet Earth (sometimes) Posts: 277 | From: Birmingham, Al | Registered: Jan 2003
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Yeah, That hotel had changed hands a couple times since then. But, there are at least four or five nice new ones in the area now as well. We have a new Wal-mart, Target, Publix Grocery store, and 7 theater movie cinema as well. Things are getting all "Developed" out here...
List as it stands.... 1. Me 2. Mark Fair 3. Mike Meyer 4. Pat Whatley 5. Bruce Ward 6. Judy Pate 7. Shelia Ferrell 8. Aaron Taylor 9. Sonny Franks 10. Rodger MacMunn 11. Rapid Ray Rheaume 12. Jillbeans 13. John Byrd 14. Ryan Culbertson 15. The MONK 16. Don Hulsey
[ May 15, 2008, 09:06 AM: Message edited by: Lee McKee ]
-------------------- Lee McKee McKee Studios Birmingham, Al Planet Earth (sometimes) Posts: 277 | From: Birmingham, Al | Registered: Jan 2003
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Not too far from me... You can add my Monica and I to the most likely, maybe, might, could happen if the creek don't rise, plannin' on it list...
Also, not too far from my bro-in-law Blake Koehn in Macon, MS. He'd probably show with enough arm-twisting...
Edited to add... isn't Sam Sanfilippo from around that area? I haven't seen him post for quite a while, but sure would like to see him there if we have one... if it worked into his race schedule.
/Sanfillipino... //Sanfillipo ///Sanfilippio //Hmm.. Think it was right the first time.. /Sorry Sam!!!
[ May 15, 2008, 12:08 PM: Message edited by: Jon Jantz ]
-------------------- Jon Jantz Snappysign.com jjantz21@gmail.com http://www.allcw.com Posts: 3395 | From: Atmore, AL | Registered: Nov 2005
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Lee.....from my experience from both attending & hosting, about half of who say they're coming will actually make it. Lots of things can disrupt the best made plans. Location greatly affects attendance, as does "who else is coming" & competition with other events. The Dixie meets I've attended have averaged about 80 people, I think. BTW, it's way more fun to attend a meet than it is to host one.
Ham & black-eyed peas & candied yams for supper here tonight. I'm about ready for some good ol' southern cooking, other than my own.
-------------------- Rodger MacMunn T.R. MacMunn & Sons C.P.207, Sharbot Lake, ON 613-279-1230 trmac@frontenac.net Posts: 472 | From: Sharbot Lake, Ontario | Registered: Nov 2003
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Lee, If it is not too much trouble, can you please list some information for those of us who don't know the area well, so we can research out some costs, etc.?
What is the name of the closest major airport? How far is the airport from the proposed meet area? Do they have rental cars available at the airport? How far are the motels from the meet? What is the cost to rent a cabin on-site at the meet?
Thanks in advance....put me down as a maybe!
-------------------- Susan Banasky Source Signs Nanaimo, British Columbia sourcesigns@shaw.ca
When in need....go directly to the "Source"!
Proud Supporter of this "Knowledge Network"! Posts: 1323 | From: Nanaimo, B.C. Canada | Registered: Oct 1999
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Well there Certainly seems to be some interest in a gathering of some sort in Alabama this Fall. I am hesitant to call it a Full Blown Letterhead Meet However. I'm not sure if a goal of 80 or so people is the object of happening at Tannehill. Not this year anyhow. If we have 30 or so people I would be happy. We still have heard nothing from the Mississippi Crew or anyone from Louisiana. I think that with Fuel cost being so darn High that our main group of folks would be from a State or two away. That being said EVERYONE would be more than welcome to come, just don't break your neck getting here. What I've discussed with the folks who agreed to help out planning this little event is maybe a glorified Campout with a bunch of sign stuff to fill our days. Panel jams and a group project for sure. Maybe a class on this or that. I was thinking (have not discussed it with anyone) would be a "Computer free" weekend. Lets brush up on our hand painting and mural type stuff. Would love to have a gold guilder and a wood craver showing off their craftsmanship. We will still have a plotter there to cut stencils or plot patterns but, No CNC or Digital Printing. I was thinking of teaching a little about what I know quite a bit about which is metal casting. I thought that it would be neat to help people make a mould and actually pour a Bronze Plaque. Anyway just a thought.
Couple of questions although -
Would people be put off if the meet was Friday, Saturday, and Part of Sunday? to give people time to get out of town before Sunday Night?
How much of each day would you guys want us to provide food? It maybe easier for everyone if we provided ALL the meals so no one has to leave the Park. This may result in a little higher cost for everyone compared to other Meets. But, It would be easier for everyone.
I will post a bit more about the details as they become more solid. But, as of now it looks like we will be having some sort of meet in November and I can't wait to see you all there! Thanks!
-------------------- Lee McKee McKee Studios Birmingham, Al Planet Earth (sometimes) Posts: 277 | From: Birmingham, Al | Registered: Jan 2003
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Lee.......smaller meets are a lot less work for the host, but I think you can expect to attract a lot more than 30 people where you are, without really trying hard. You should probably try to attend a couple of meets so you know what to expect. I'm not trying to discourage you, in fact, the opposite. Planning a meet is like planning a wedding.
-------------------- Rodger MacMunn T.R. MacMunn & Sons C.P.207, Sharbot Lake, ON 613-279-1230 trmac@frontenac.net Posts: 472 | From: Sharbot Lake, Ontario | Registered: Nov 2003
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Lee, you could try limiting registration to 40. That usually makes a meet more desirable to attend for some reason. You will get a lot of people saying they will come, but about half of them don't. Nobody registers till the last minute (except Cat! She is prompt!) so it's hard to plan meals or get funds for supplies. Pur "feelers" out to your local suppliers to see what they will donate. Rodger's right, planning a meet is like planning a wedding. And the best-planned meets are the most fun for the attendees. I like an impromptu feel that's actually running like clockwork. Make sure to recruit a lot of help from non-Letterhead relatives for the "grunt" work. See if John Smith and his Travelling Grill are available for hire. With his breakfasts, you don't need to plan a lunch. My hosting days are over, but you know me, I gotta give advice every now and again. Love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Everything Jill says is good advice. The First Dixie Letterheads meet at my shop back in December of 1999 would not have flown without the help by the mother of all letterhead meets, Mike Meyer. I had a no frills meet and charged no cover, only everyone paid 6 bucks for bar-b-que. The meet cost me shop time and a couple hundred bucks. The 200 dollars was a great investment forme because I met some lifetime friends. here are the folks that attended... Mike Meyer Sonny Franks R.T. Thomas C.J. Allan Jimmy Chathan Bruce Bowers Matthew and Micki Broadus George Perkins John Bird Don and Nora Hulsey Pat and Bobbie King Mark Jordan Terry Teague Old Paint Judy and Roger Pate Steve Estes Chris Elliot Bob Harper Fred Holmes Johnny Hodges Michael Harris Robert Fair Sam Filippo Bruce Westfall Linda Silver Eagle Nancie Phillips
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It was a great time Bubba! I remember buying a $150 plane ticket to Atlanta, John Byrd gave me a ride to and from...Thanks John! I had a foreign exchange student with me at the time, an excellent kid from Holland named Aart Guertsen. He walked all over Montgomery! The memories and friends that I made from that meet are priceless!
The advice that Roger and Jill are talking about is right on the money..hosting is never gonna be a walk in the park, but with everyone's help, egos left at home, great learning FUN attitudes, the sky is the limit.
Successfull meets are all centered around one thing..........PEOPLE.
You can have a meet in a WalMart parking lot, and have a great time. This meet looks to be in a historic park that is rich in Civil War history, which makes it all the more "Southern!"
The sense of humor from southerners I know is pretty hard to match, they have a whole different outlook on life and it's really something to experience.
I will head up some sort of hands on seminar if ya like Lee. One thing I would stress for people attending is this........
I see many folks get to a meet, get all set-up at an easel, got their board in front of them all ready to go...then they hit the wall.....they do not know what to paint. They get intimidated by the other painters around them.
Well, here's a remedy to take away the guess work, and just have fun!
Make a pattern of something that you always wanted to paint....this way, the layout is already done for you......you pounce it on, or mask it first, pounce, cut, and then airbrush, bevel edge, etc. Something at a meet will inspire you to try something new. A technique that you know would work on a certain job back in your shop in your town.....well, everyone is in the same boat. We all have to walk up the same ladder one rung at a time, no one is way on the top, and no one is way on the bottom....we are all equal and the more you share, the more you learn.
The original Letterhead motto contained this sentence...."Letterheads is for the novice"
Who is the novice? We all are! We all never stop learning, when you think you know it all, you're done for.
There's nothing I like better at a Letterhead Meet than to find someone "hiding" in the corner and get to know them and show them some tricks and basics...it's great to see them "light-up" and start to really get into it!
This is just what the Letterhead mentality is all about....It was done to me by Jeff Cahill back at my first meet in Texas 1988, and it's my Letterhead duty to pass it on....I encourage you to do the same...see what the network is like, it can be fantastic!
This last March, I spent time helping fellow Letterheads Sonny Franks and Donald Thompson on jobs in Georgia and South Kack-a-lackie, and if not for Letterheads, I would not have gone to the Trashers/Wild Hockey game in ATLANTA, or seen toured the world's largest redneck museum in Laurens S. Carolina!
SOrry about gittin on the soap box here fols but get ta ramblin'......
maybe the meet will get you so fired up that in 3 months after this Alabama meet, you'll wanna come to my Meet in Balmy Minnesota in February!
Hey, ask Sonny and Rayn Young, and Donald, and Cisco! They had a GREAT time in the snow!!!!
Lee, will there be Hockey at this meet? Birmingham must have a team!
-------------------- Mike Meyer Sign Painter 189 1st Ave n P.O. Box 3 Mazeppa, Mn 55956
We are not selling, we are staying here in Mazeppa....we cannot re-create what we have here....not in another lifetime! SO Here we are!!!!!!!
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