Introduction

      Guild year 2000-2001 was a major year of significant changes and initiatives, perhaps the

most significant year since its inception. It became a more professional organization with the

development and implementation of bylaws, designating committees to better meet the needs of a

growing Guild, adoption of guidelines to address the transitioning of officer vacancies, procedures

for the proper banking transfer of Guild funds and began procedures for obtaining a federal tax

number and filing for a 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. In addition to these major implementations, a

webpage was also developed.{1} President Clay Smith felt these initiatives were a required necessity if the Guild's growth was to continue.

      Another major issue the Guild faced during this period was Secretary Young's resigning in

December of 2000 to pursue his PHD at Saint Andrews College in Scotland.{2} This was the main

cause for the above mentioned need for the transitioning of officer vacancies reflected in Article VI,

Subparagraph 4, Section J of the bylaws. Russ Young had been a key factor in the development and

growth of the Guild since its inception in 1996 and a replacement was urgently needed.

      Of note, with the adoption of the newly adopted bylaws in April 2001, the titles of President

and Vice President were officially renamed Guildmaster and Guildmaster Elect to better reflect the

historic norms of a true guild structure.

Key Highlights 

      Newly elected Guild officers: New officers were needed to fill the vacancies in December 2000

before the next business meeting at the Horn Fair in March 2001 due to Russ Young's resignation.

Byron Smith volunteered for the treasurer's position, but didn't want to also fill The Horn Book's

editor position. Lee Larkin also volunteered for Secretary but volunteered to only publish The Horn

Book temporarily. Clay was very appreciative for Russ' past service and to Byron and Lee for filling

the vacancies.

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Initiatives Accomplished:

Bylaws - Lee Larkin wrote and proposed a set of bylaws. He stated that he had "borrowed

liberally from bylaws from other guilds and 501(c)(3) organizations and attempted to integrate the few rules and traditions we do have with a solid set of operating procedures. It's a unique document." A copy of the bylaws were attached to the February 2001 Horn Book for members to study and be prepared to vote on them at the annual meeting.{3}

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Committees established - According to Article VIII in the proposed bylaws several

committees were established to include: Membership, Nominating, Meetings, Publications,

Education and Awards.

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Transferring funds - After the resignation of Russ Young, Byron Smith (Treasurer) was

responsible for acquiring a Tax ID Number in early 2001. This was necessitated by the needto

move funds from New Mexico to Sun Trust Bank in Virginia for continued management of Guild

funds.{4}

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Requirement for a 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Status - Byron was also burdened with obtaining

the 501(c)(3) tax exempt status for the Guild. This became an ongoing process requiring application, fees, consulting fees for a CPA which continued over many months.{5}

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Website - Clay Smith completed the Website, a project that was approved by the

membership at the 2000 Horn Fair held in Conner Prairie. It was noted by Lee Larkin (Secretary) that Clay "had done an exceptional job of designing the site and supporting it."{6}

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      Ongoing Planning for the 2001 Horn Fair: Clay Smith, Jim Leach, George Suiter and Byron Smith were designated the primary organizers of the 2001 Horn Fair which would be held in Williamsburg, Virginia on March 9-10, 2001. Due to the construction at Colonial Williamsburg, the Patrick Henry Inn and Conference Center was chosen as the host facility. The planned theme was 'Southern Powder Horns and Accouterments.' {7} 

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      Members in the news: The March/April 2000 issue of Muzzleloader Magazine featured an article by Paul Jones, "Engraved Powder Horns and the Quest to Recreate Them." It highlighted Ron Elhert, Scott & Kathy Sibly, Bruce Horne and Frank House with interviews and their horns on display. Other Guild members mentioned were David Wright, Mark Odle, Roland Cadle and John Pylon.{8}   

      Skip Hamaker submitted a pair of powder horns for a fundraising auction at the "NMLRA Winter National Matches" held in January in Phoenix, Arizona. $800 was initially raised; however, the winner offered to re-auction them - result -another $650 was raised for a total of $1,450!

      Ron Elhert made the horn for the 2000 Gunmakers' Hall raffle which he also led and managed.

      Early American Homes Magazine featured Guild members Brad Jenkinson and Michael Slease in their '200 Top Traditional Craftsmen.'{9} 

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      Ft. Frederick: John Proud attended this year's Fort Frederick Trade Fair and stated that he was pleased to see other Guild members present to include: Roland Cadle, Bill Carter, Mike Clemons, Art DeCamp, Peter Dobbs, Jim Leach, Spark Mumma, Bruce Shroyer and Mike Slease. 

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      Gunmakers Fair at Dixon's: Russ Young noted the annual frustration of recording the accouterment award winners at the Gunmakers Fair at Dixons which is akin to 'herding cats!' Please note that the winners names marked by an * next to their name are Guild members. The winners recorded by Russ were: {10}