posted
Like any Letterhead meet, there are things that have occurred that really stick out in one's mind, and become part of the fabric of that particular meet. Letterville is no exception, and over the years that this "meet" has been in existance, some memorable topics and situations have arrisen that have become part of the Letterville experience. Some were quite humerous, while others were sad. Here are a couple that I recall:
1. Some time after Mike jackson sold his shop to a new owner, she hired a manager...a former cowboy. He posted some of his frustrations with his new employer, only to have her show up on this board, much to his embarassment. Foot in mouth didn't come close to describing that encounter.
2. Obituaries: The passing of Mayor Steve, Mike Stevens, Keith Knecht, Bob Harper, and others.
3. That initial burst of energy that a newby brought with them, after discovering Letterheads, and the interaction with fellow craftspeople that this site afforded them.
I'm certain that many of you have other memories of individuals or situations that have graced this forum. Feel free to reminice.
-------------------- Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail: kjmlhenry@rogers.com
Why do I get all those on-line offers to sell me Viagara, when the only thing hardening is my arteries ? Posts: 2684 | From: London,Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 1999
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The musings of Mike Languein in his Lennie Chronicles and Pierre's stories about Lost Prairie were some favorites of mine. They challenge me to remember my own stories and write them.
I also remember after chatting for some time with Doug Bernhardt on here what it was like the first time that we met face to ace and we both found out the we were really who we thought each other was.
I also learned from the conflict of direction for this site over whether it should be toward high level craftsmanship or relationships. Shortreed chose relationships and Mike J started another group. This certainly had me questioning my own values and the merit of both sides.
[ August 28, 2015, 05:24 PM: Message edited by: Rick Sacks ]
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6712 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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A couple of years ago I was up in Pasadena and I spotted an early 70's Suburban in a parking lot. It had a really well done wood grain paint job all over it and a flying eyeball on the back and some small lettering. A guy was just getting out of it, so I approached him and said "I don't know if we've met but if you tell me your name I'll bet I know of you." It was Mike Languein. We had a nice chat.
-------------------- Chuck Peterson Designs San Diego, CA Posts: 1050 | From: San Diego, CA USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I went to my first letterhead meet back in the early 90's at Roy Frisby's sign shop down in El Dorado Arkansas. I was very young and mainly walked around observing. I joined the site even though I wasn't really in the "sign biz" anymore, but I was designing for a bunch of fields.
A few of my memories here: Meeting and hanging out (at least online) with all kinds of great creative people all over the world! Pat King, George Perkins, Si Allen, OP, Dan S. Pierre Tardiff, Doug Allen, Arvil Shep, Raymond Chapman, Amy Brown, Bill Reidel, Bobbie Rochow, Bob Peach, Cat Kennedy, Dave Grundy, Dave Sherby, Deb Fowler, Derri Russell, Diane Balch, Donald Thompson, the Diaz fam, Glen Taylor, Duncan Wilkie, Janette Balogh, John Tater Deaton, Jon Butterworth, Kelly thorson, Karen Bush, Mark yearwood, Neil Butler, Preston McCall, Rick Sacks, Robert Beverly, Stevo, Todd Gill, Bob Burns... more as I can think of them
-------------------- Michael Clanton Clanton Graphics/ Blackberry 19 Studio 1933 Blackberry Conway AR 72034 501-505-6794 clantongraphics@yahoo.com Posts: 1735 | From: Conway Arkansas | Registered: Oct 2001
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Neil..It's just a matter of whether you want to go to a meet or not.
We've been to meets in many provinces and states. All were well worth the time and cost spent to attend.
We met many of our online hero's and friends that way.
Airfares aren't that bad and the wealth of knowledge you'll pick up is worth the price of a flight...Not to mention the FUN you'll have!!!
Go for it Neil...You'll never regret it!
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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Barb..A couple of weeks ago I decided to do some "house cleaning". I sorted through a large stockpile of old VHS tapes and burned the most important ones onto DVD. What was a "large" pile of VHS tapes is now a "very small" pile of DVDs. The memories are still there but they take up much less space and will probably last longer.
The sad part for me was that, when I asked, I was told that VHS tapes are not yet recyclable, they have to just go to the garbage dump.
If you are able to transfer those VHS tapes of past meets to DVD I would be more than happy to buy a copy or two.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
Online friends became personal friends, and one of those personal friends ended up being my neighbour, boss and main mentor for a spell.
The good 'ol chat days.. colour bars much, Nettie? I still have an email of mine called signmakergirl.
When Steve would call me GI on chat and flash the wav, "I am not an animal!"
When everyone heard of Cody's adoption, and helped suggest names for him! I printed that list out and still have it.
There's so much history in this forum. Feeling so grateful to still be welcome here, and folks caring about what you're up to, even after leaving the industry.
posted
What a rush of memories penned by Donna. Banff was my first meet too. It was like the Woodstock of Signmaking, complete with Rock Stars of signmaking and legions of fun loving followers. The difference is that these Rock Stars welcomed personal contact and were eager too, to learn from us.
I hadn't picked up a brush since the mid '80s and I was terrified. I couldn't bring myself to even sign the guest panel.
Since then, I've come out of my shell and I've pulled out the quills at many meets. The first time was Pat and Ruth Welter's Paint the Prairie meet. So many of my heros were working on a group project, a van for a local community group. I was quietly sitting back watching when a new friend of mine said, "Hey Dunc., lettering isn't my strength, would you add the lettering to my tree illustration?" Oh, cwap I thought, I haven't picked up a brush in a dozen years... What to do? I got some encouragement from my old pal Murray MacDonald and others and I cautiously jumped in, hoping no one was looking. The script was a little stiff, but I was back... thanks to my new friend Kelly Thorson.
I can't count the number of signdogs and panels I've painted since. I am so looking forward to doing it all over again in Cincinnati later this month.
None of this would likely be in my world without Letterville. Barb will be in Cincinnati. I'll give her a big ol' hug from all of us.
posted
I was painting a mural in Sarnia, Ontario when Russ Kelly dropped by and invited me to a Letterhead meet at Don Edwards place. I was blown away by everyone's friendship and sharing. I stumbled onto Letterville when I bought my first computer in late 1997... was invited to Banff as a presenter in 1998. To say I was a little intimidated was an understatement but with my team we did fine. I discovered that even though we may do things differently we have so much in common.
Since then I have been privileged to attend many meets across Canada and the USA. I've also had the opportunity to drop in to a bunch of letterhead's shops in my travels.
Letterville was the place to catch up with all the news, learn new things and stay in touch until we could visit in person the next time there was a meet.
Each time i go out of our shop I see the 'wall of fame' with hundreds of signatures and messages left behind by all my letterhead friends who have visited through the years. Each one reminds me of good times and fond memories. So much of it was made possible by this place. THANKS!
-grampa dan
[ September 05, 2015, 02:32 PM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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After last week's back surgery, I'm still a little buzzy and fuzzy with all the meds. I've had a truly great time in Letterville. I've learned techniques I never would have figured out otherwise and met some really nice folks. Some are still at the other end of the computer or phone line, others I've met with in person and worked with side by side. I'm enriched by it and wouldn't trade any of it.
I haven't been here much the last couple years as we've been dealing with health issues and Sophie and I have each had three surgeries since last summer and several other minor procedures. My focus has had to shift to take care of all of that. I do drop in when I can.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5084 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I rarely drop by anymore, I guess it's because, due to health issues I am now retired from signage and muralisms.....I still have the same signs, from my own journeys in Letterville as well as from swapages over the years hanging up in my old shop, that is now more of a storage unit on our farm. Here I am 15+ years later and I still miss everyone here and those who have left us. I keep in touch with Rick Sacks (who, btw, was my first connection with Letterheads and who invited me to my first meet in the late 90's) and Si who are kind enough to send me really great stuff in emails. (thanks guys, you always bring a smile to my face) I was just thinking how much I miss those meets (I am in a mobility scooter now and no longer travel) I really do miss the fun learning from everyone I came in contact with. Thanks everyone for all the great years
posted
I rarely visit Letterville anymore, it seems the Facebook social media is still pretty mainstream and I find myself visiting that fairly often. It does amaze me to see the familiar names from 20 years ago here in Letterville when I do drop in though. I remember the chat room and getting to know several of you and when I got to meet you in person at Letterhead meets, it was really exciting! I need to stop in more often. Sorry Barb about losing Steve and now Cisco too... I just sat next to him in Delavan at breakfast at the fire house, he was such a true Letterhead.
-------------------- Kurt Gaber Chippewa Falls, WI Thank You Letterheads for being a part of both Brush Bashes in '02 & '06!
posted
We attended our first Letterhead meet in 2005 - the Mezzepa Muster at Mike Meyers. We met a lot of great people and made lots of new friends. In the last few years - we have managed to attend a few meets around - have always had a blast and made lots of memories. We have since hosted a couple in the fall of 2013 and 2014. We would love to host a Meet in 2016 - and wondering if we might get a bigger turn out in the spring. So stay tune or let us know if you might be interested! We would love to keep the tradition of the Letterhead Meets going!
-------------------- Patricia A. Raap Raap Signs 2615 Arthur Coopersville, MI 49404 616-677-0158 pat@raapsigns.com Posts: 574 | From: Coopersville, MI 49404 | Registered: Nov 2003
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My first meet. Was at Bruce Bowers in Tonawanda, Ny. (1993 or 94) I was trying hand lettering for the first time. I was using a 1" dowel as a mal stick. Tramp Warner was next to me and commented that I was using a piece of firewood. He handed me his mal stick and spent a few hours teaching me lettering. We went to 2 Mass mayhem meets, where Bill Riedel lettered a panel for me to use as a guide for practicing lettering.Moose mania 2 was beautiful setting, meet the Diaz,s and The Peaches. Cornwall was good, Dan Sawatsky. Was kind enough to let me paint on his mural. Jill's Mars meet was so much fun. Joe C. Carving classes introduced us to hand carving. I couldn't tell you how many chisels and gouges we own. We were invited to Michael Boones for a mini-meet in 2001. If it wasn't for Letterville and letterhead meets we wouldn't still be making signs. Thank you Barb & Steve for everything you have done.
Diane
-------------------- Balch Signs 1045 Raymond Rd Malta, NY 12020 518 885-9899 signs@balchsigns.com http://www.balchsigns.com Posts: 1695 | From: MaltaNY | Registered: Jan 2000
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Watching Rick Glawson doing the Angel Guild thing. Chit, just watching anything Rick did.
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3812 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
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Diane, my first meet was also at Bruce Bower's. I was scared "****tless" to even be there. But once we got involved, everyone was so friendly and helpful. It was, for me, an eye opening experience.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
posted
I love reading about the meets and seeing photos in SignCraft. I have not been to one yet, 'cause I'm a little scared, but now after reading these great memories, and encouragement, I think I will try hard to make it to a meet. Thanks ever so much for sharing these memories - what a great post!
-------------------- Kathy Weeks Weeks-End Signs & Graphics Lake Elmo, Minnesota Posts: 248 | From: Lake Elmo, Minnesota | Registered: Mar 2009
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My first Letterhead meet was around 1996 in southern Georgia given by John Smith. Met a lot of great people there - Pat King, I will never forget. Steve & Barb were there. Barb had been bugging me for a photo for the BullBoard but I never sent one. She took one of me that day and it's still on the board 20 years later. Went to a mini-meet locally in Jacksonville in 98 and then Shane Durnford's in 2008. Got to meet several extremely talented people. Would love to attend more meets.
-------------------- Jean Shimp Shimp Sign & Design Co. Jacksonville Beach, Fl Posts: 1265 | From: Jacksonville Beach, Fl. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I went up to the Cincinnati Letterheads 40 last month. Great event! I was talking with some youngsters, who were working on projects after a class. I had on my Letterheads 3 t-shirt from 1993, and this one young man's jaw dropped. He said "Man, dude, how old are you anyway?" That'll get your attention. We had a good laugh; and he was eager to learn....lots of young folks there. Made me feel good that, as some of us pass on, there will be others to take our place.
1993 was my first meet; though I didn't join this board til '99. We've seen lots of good people come and go, either through some horrendous health issues or their passing. Many great memories for the rest of us....some we'll be able to cherish and carry with us for the rest of our own lives.
As a survivor of a stroke myself, I thank the Lord every day for bringing me thru it, and back to a pretty decent semblance of my former self. It's a great feeling to be able to do most of the work I've been blessed to be able to do......very probably the most satisfying and rewarding craft that I've ever enjoyed doing for 40-some years. I have no immediate intentions of retiring, and hope to be able to do more neat stuff for quite a few years to come.
Met Bill Reidel in Cincinnati. It was amazing to watch him climb on the scaffolding on a walljob, and see the quality of his work, and only 86 years old. A truly remarkable man, and a true example of the excellence of many of those who have graced this profession, thru the years. God Bless Ya, Bill!
When I discovered Letterville - I instantly recognized how special and full of creative and uniquely gifted people were to be found here!! I latched on - probably to the dismay of many - butI literally never felt more at home anywhere bc I had been so isolated in the hand-lettering side of signbiz for so many years in my small town.
I'll never forget how Judy (Pate) reached out to me - she instinctively knew we would be fast-friends - since then we've arranged visits, worked together, and made meets together.
I only wish I lived closer to everyone so getting together would be easier!! Since we are all scattered across the globe, Letterville IS where we become next door neighbors- don'chalove that!?! That is all due to Steve & Barb, who recognized exctly how to bring us all together in one big community ...
I realize it takes a LOT to build a town ... but I am SO thankful they did!
I'll never forget Jillbeans at my first meet in Laurens, SC. When I met her, we immediately engaged in conversation. at some point, I mentioned how I've always been told all my life by family & friends that I'm different, or weird, '' or 'think different'. And she said 'You seem normal to me.' She is still to this day, the only person who has evsr told me that!
I need to paint her a panel huh!?!
I have collected a few panels over the years and they fill my office walls. They might as well be Monets or DiVincis - they are all priceless to me.
And I dont even wanna start naming names, cause I might leave someone out and ALL are incredibley special, talented, unique,gifted individuals who I have had the good fortune to be incredibley enriched by meeting here or in person.
HUZZA Letterville!
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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There is only one problem with you living in Letterville. I guess it is because it is based in Canada, but you seem to have lost your SOUTHERN DRAWL. I always really enjoyed reading your posts, and trying to figure out what the hell you were saying.
Oh Yeah... By the time I figgered it out, I usurely lacked what ya sed.
-------------------- Don Hulsey Strokes by DON signs Utica, KY 270-275-9552 sbdsigns@aol.com
I've always been crazy... but it's kept me from going insane. Posts: 2273 | From: Utica, KY U.S.A. | Registered: Jan 1999
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I still see Bruce and Sonny on here some, and Doug and Bobbie once in a while. And then there are people like me... I type so damn slow that I don't post very often, but I check the board at least once a day.
Shore wuz gud ta see yer voice agin to.
-------------------- Don Hulsey Strokes by DON signs Utica, KY 270-275-9552 sbdsigns@aol.com
I've always been crazy... but it's kept me from going insane. Posts: 2273 | From: Utica, KY U.S.A. | Registered: Jan 1999
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It was Shep, who introduced me to Letterville and to Bill Wood. Shep tried to get me to go with him to a meet, but time just did not allow that to happen. I would like to make one someday and maybe I will, the good Lord knows, but he hasn't told me yet. I haven't laid a brush in my hand for too long a time, the neon aspect keeps me busy these days. But I am only 78 years young, so I think I may make a meet someday. I would very much like to visit all of you to be able to put a live voice next to the pictures. Ya all have a good'un. Peace, Don
-------------------- Donald Miner ABCO Wholesale Neon 1168 Red Hill Creek Dobson, NC Posts: 842 | From: North Carolina | Registered: Apr 2006
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Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6712 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I went to trade school at Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design where they had a Signs & Outdoor Advertising program. We graduated in lat 1985 and so I was in Denver for the 10th anniversary Letterhead meet. That was an unbelievable kickoff to a new career/craft, we finished on such a high because the meet was in the summer and we finished school a few months later.
-------------------- Rick Heller Ohio Technical College 1374 E. 51st Street Cleveland, OH 44103 IOAFS Posts: 210 | From: Cleveland, OH | Registered: Nov 2001
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I still have an email of mine called signmakergirl.
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