Introduction

      The Guild entered its fourth year and although amazing progress was being made, key organization features such as bylaws, certain state/federal financial matters and essential committees had yet to be addressed, especially in light of the Guild's potential growth.

      Both membership and finances were stable and Russ noted that the Guild was "in excellent position for next year's conference and allows a fair amount of flexibility for the officers to make decisions" and "probably indicates that the dues will remain stable at $15 per year."{1} 

Key Highlights 

      Horn Exhibit at the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum in Coshocton, Ohio: Russ Young, with the help of Bruce Horne, had video taped the exhibit at the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum which ran from September 12 through November 22, 1998. It was 116 minutes and showed about 190 of the 220 horn objects on display. It was made primarily for horn workers as close-ups and objects were rotated to show key details of interest to horn workers. The notice was in the May 1999 Horn Book to let members know that copies were still available.  ​

​

      Financial/Membership Status:  It is always interesting to track the financial status of the Guild and note its current year's balance. Over the first four years of its existence, the balance of funds had increased with each passing year. Near the close of GY 1999-2000 the HCH had a balance of 
$3,601.60, a good indicator for an all volunteer organization that has been in existence for only four years.{2}

      From GY 1996-1997 through GY 1999-2000 the average annual membership has stood at 
110 members; the current membership enrollment was reported at 118 - another good indicator.{3} 

​​     Members in the News:

• Ken Scott & Roland Cadle presented two sessions of instruction at Conner Prairie on making hunting bags and powder horns. Several Guild members attended.{4}

• John & Carole Proud were recognized in the September/October issue of Muzzleloader magazine in an article by Beth Gilguin concerning the knotted game bags they have been making -all excellent in quality and reasonably priced.{5}

• Mrs. Adele Schaverien archivist to the Worshipful Company of Horners (WCH), London, England sent the HCH some information regarding the history of the WCH and various other English guilds along with their precedence rankings.{6}

​

      Horn Book: A couple of new format changes occurred with the May 1999 issue of The Horn Book. Two columns were implemented, as in 'theory' it is more easily readable that one long line and adds a more professional look. Plus, an index was added making it easier to find articles.{7} Although these changes may seem minor, it clearly showed that key members were always trying to contribute in any way to further enhance the Guild.

      Another interesting Horn Book fact was the mention of the January issue costing $109.42 to assemble, print and mail! {8}

      Russ' pleas for articles was starting to pay off as in the SEPTEMBER 1999 issue two articles appeared: The Question ofImported Horns by Byron Smith and It is very hard to get fine horns anymore ... by John Proud. Both are excellent and it was coincidental that both were 'charter members' from the '1996 Hornsmithing Seminar.' Byron had attended the seminar with fellow Williamsburg artisans because he felt it was "a good opportunity" and John had been invited by Erv Tschanz and later said that he felt "More like a kid at the candy store without any money..... Erv's

invitation to attend certainly changed the course of my life in a very positive way!" This is mentioned solely because both both continued to support the Guild and eventually become key leaders.{9}

​

      Movie: The Patriot: Not only did the Guild have several members in the movie The Patriot, but Roland Cadle along with Frank House made the southern style powder horn used by Mel Gibson. Russ wrote that: "With luck, the success of this movie might spur a general re-awakening of interest in early American history and with it an increased demand for powder horns." Both proved true! {10}

      1999 Gunmakers' Fair at Dixon's: Perhaps the main attraction at Dixon's is the gunmakers and accouterments judging programs and again the HCH supported the latter with judges. It was reported that "one had to be there to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship" and that "words and even photographs fail in describing their unique qualities."

      One criticism of the horn entries in general pertained to proportions explained as "the proportion of the throat to the body were clumsy in many, or on the throat, the positioning of the rings to hold the strap. When in doubt about proportions, it is hard to go wrong if you apply the golden mean." An insightful observation and am sure it was annotated on applicable critique sheets. 

      As in the past, Guild members did well in all categories.{11}