Introduction

      As the Honourable Company of Horners entered its third year, it had reason to feel optimistic as its membership continued to increase along with a sound financial basis. Plus, its officers Roland Cadle, Clay Smith and Russ Young had agreed to serving a second year. With their knowledge and experience, they were the perfect fit for the Guild during this formative period.

      It became evident that an unofficial relationship between the Guild and the Gunmakers' Fair at Dixon's was beginning to form. In less than three years, the ties between the two began to develop and strengthen. Several Guild members were set up in the accouterments tent, many submitted horn and bag items for judging, a few gave presentations and Tom Ames (head accouterment judge) recruited three Guild members as judges for the accouterments program.

      As noted in preceding years, the Guildmaster's primary responsibility was the planning and organizing the upcoming Horn Fair; however, as the Guild grew, more reliance was placed on members to assist in organizing the event. Such was the case with the upcoming 1999 Horn Fair at Colonial Williamsburg which tasked Jim Leach with the overall coordination of the event. Perhaps this was a sign indicating a need for establishing various committees to meet the growing needs of the Guild. 

Key Highlights 

      Planning for the Third Annual Horn Fair: Planning was well underway in the Spring of 1998 for the upcoming annual Hom Fair less than a year away. The primary organizer was Jim Leach{1}, who was assisted by Byron Smith, Clay Smith and George Suiter, all Colonial Williamsburg artisans.{2} Anticipation was running high and Russ Young noted four months prior to the Horn Fair that: "Every year the conference eclipses all previous meetings, but this will form the standard for years to come."{3}  A bold statement that would ultimately prove true. ​

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      The Horn Book: During this year, The Horn Book continued to average approximately 8 pages, not counting the pages containing membership data. And, as in 1996 and 1997, Russ continued to plea for articles from the membership. As both Secretary and Treasurer, Russ still had the additional Horn Book editor and membership responsibilities - no small task! 

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      Financial/Membership Status - The Guild had a balance of $2,871.86 after paying all the expenses for the 1999 Horn Fair. This put the Guild in excellent position for the 2000 Horn Fair and provided the officers needed flexibility in decision making on a multitude of issues. Dues remained at $15.

      Renewal problems were a constant problem as reflected by Russ in the The Horn Book which stated: "PLEASE NOTE: IF THERE IS A RED "X" NEXT TO YOUR MAILING LABEL, I have not received your 1999 renewal and this is the last issue that you will receive!!! !"{4} As delayed dues payments adversely affected the budgeting process and posed an annual problem, it is no wonder why frustration eventually occurs.

      Membership remained constant at 132 members as reflected in the Membership Roster attached to The Horn Book's May 1999 issue. 

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Members in the News:

      Ron Ehlert was chosen to make a powder horn for the outgoing President of the National Rifle Association and it was noted that the NRA was quite pleased. Ron had won several awards in the horn competition at Dixon's.{5}

      John Proud donated a priming horn engraved with his "rising sun" motif as one of the items to be raffled off to benefit the Primitive Range at Friendship. It was photographed along with other handmade pieces and pictured on the cover of Muzzle Blasts magazine. In the write up, John mentioned that he was a member of the Guild causing Russ to write: "Thanks for the plug, John! If you are also a 'Proud' member of the Guild, be sure to note it in any press releases!"{6}

      What made The Horn Book so unique was its personable quality of keeping members informed, whether the subject was horn related or not. As Russ wrote in the June 1998 issue: "Guild Brother Byron Smith became a father for the first time on May 21st. Congratulations to the Smith family - may she be a healthy & happy daughter - and a first class horn worker." 

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      Horn Exhibit at the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum in Coshocton, Ohio: Held from September 12th through November 22nd, 1998. The exhibit consists of vintage and contemporary horn work. Although this was not an official Guild activity, Russ Young, who was in charge of the event, wrote that "We have a golden opportunity to educate the public about the things we love so much."{7}

      It was to be a balanced exhibit of the history of horn work and items requested were not only powder horns, but cups, shoe horns, horn books, spectacles, penners, buttons, spoons, combs, etc. As noted in the November issue of The Horn Book: "The largest exhibit of American horns 
work ever shown will continue to be on display until November 22nd. The exhibit, drawn almost entirely from the collections of guild brothers, comprises 220 horn objects, ranging from dice cups to 18th century knife scales (there are also a few dandy firearms accompanying powder horns, such as a c. 1795 Irish rifle, a Leman Indian Trade rifle, etc.) One case displays horn and bag from curse to superb .... And there is an entire case of the work from guild brothers. The entire combinations, special exhibits room is lined with cases of Horn work!"{8} Eleven guild members provided their own work or objects from their collections.{9}

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      1998 Gunmakers' Fair at Dixon's - The Guild was now making itself known at events such as Dixon's as Guild members supported the event in several areas. It had seven Guild members set up in the accouterments tent selling their horn work: Roland Cadle, Bob Chattam, Bruce Horne, Lee Larkin, Mark Idle, John Proud and Jeff Renninger. In addition, both Roland and Bruce gave presentations in the seminar tent, while Guild members Bob Chattin, Mark Idle and Robert Coffey served as Accouterment Judges headed by Tom Ames.

    Two items of note regarding Dixon's accouterment judging program were that:  

1. Everyone who entered an item for judging received a detailed critique from the judges to assist in improving their skills and

2. The mention of a "Judges' Choice Award."

This is a special recognition of superb work and acknowledges a "special quality in the item, whether it be engraving, architecture, art work or whatever." Was this the beginning of a transition from the standard 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons to a new and innovative Judges' Choice Awards only? Tom Ames (Head Accouterment Judge) stated that the difference between 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards was minimal as all could be considered 1st place caliber work.{10} Solution: eliminate the current system and adopt the Judges Choice Award for any item reflecting 'First Place' caliber work. Will it occur and when? - Yes, it will occur but it may take another 10 years.

      Of note was a comment in The Horn Book by Russ Young that he was often asked "Where can I meet other homers?" His response was that except for the Guild's annual Horn Fair that 
"Dixon's is the best place to meet, see, talk" with homers. He elaborated further about the classes, demonstrations, displays and horn goods being sold and that "It's all very low key and relaxed .... you don't have to belong to any group to attend. In your editor's humble opinion, this is the best educational event there is anywhere. Go!"{11} The role of the HCH was becoming more prominent and would continue for years to come.

      The accouterments judging program has always been a big attraction at Dixon's with many items being submitted, particularly horn related entries. Again, the vast majority of those winning awards were members of the HCH.{12}