I attended the 30th and what might be the final Richmond CORPS show yesterday. As usual, it was an oustanding event, but a bit melancholy. I did hear rumblings from CORPS members they might do it again, but perhaps every few years versus annually.
I left Maryland at 5:45 AM and made it to Richmond in time to open the show doors. I stayed until 4:30 PM and literally had to force myself out for the 3 hour ride home. My wife was hosting a big political fundraiser, I arrived home in time to help close that and made it to my house at 11 PM. I'm bushed today...
There were a number of forum members there, I hope that I was able to meet each of you. I posted a sign at a back table for a "Forums Meet & Greet" and enjoyed spending some time with folks I knew previously and some new members. Membes layinpipe,sailor jeremey, lestrout, samcoffeeman, vabriar, Jason Bard and others joined me. (forgive me if I didn't list your name!) It was great to see some old friends like Neill Archer Roan, Andy Camire, the Philly and NYC clubs, etc.
Brian Levine was there with Jim Amash from the Sutliff team. I had not met Jim before, he's just as gregarious in person as on the radio interview. It's always a pleasure to see Brian and experience his sense of humor in person.
There were a number of CORPS members walking around in yellow hats and I enjoyed chatting with some of these long-time members. If you live in this area, I highly recommend this active club.
The vendor tables were full with many new and estate pipe purchases. I thought there were some good deals to be had, even on the first day. I really wasn't in the market for a pipe but of course came home with two regardless. I found a GBD 549 to restore and a Sasieni Four Dot. I couldn't resist another brass Scottie pipe stand for $1 from Robin Adair!
Two of my favorite shops were there, Mel from Wingenroths and both Matt and John from JB Hayes.
Forum member Robin Adair was there with his incredible Mark Tinsky Christmas Pipe collection, including the 2014 pipe. I hope he won "Best Display".
I bought my GBD 549 from member "Ned".
Jason and his father-in-law from Bards Vintage Briar. Jason lives near me and we're hoping to start a local MD pipe club. He had a great selection of estate and unsmoked pipes and had a great show.
Layinpipe holding that Shitika (?) rope pipe.
Jiminks (Amash) was giving away hundreds of tins, including the new Edward G. Robinson blend, which I was anxious to try.
Brian and I showing Kevin my PipesMagazine gear.
Layinpipe with a Tinksy commission he was showing me.
The forum group!
King from the JB Hayes shop and Alberto Bonofiglioli, who is like a pipe rock star!
Robin Adair's Tinsky Christmas Pipe display.
Rad Davis with my 2014 Rad purchased earlier this year.
Brian and Ric Tompkins of Ye Olde Pipe and Tobacco and Stag's tobacconist, Phoenix
Premal from Smokers Haven.
Doverpipes at Joe Skoda's table.
Mel and Joe from Wingenroth's.
Sam with his incredible Dr. Grabow set, which drew plenty of attention!
JB Hayes. (John)
Reddog Pipes.
"Tidybowl" from the SmokersForums, who sold me this Sasieni.
Jeff Knoll and the NASPC table. Jeff lost a pipe in his travels, I hope he can find it on his return trip.
Misc pictures.
Feel free to add your own pictures and it was pleasure to meet you folks again!
I left Maryland at 5:45 AM and made it to Richmond in time to open the show doors. I stayed until 4:30 PM and literally had to force myself out for the 3 hour ride home. My wife was hosting a big political fundraiser, I arrived home in time to help close that and made it to my house at 11 PM. I'm bushed today...
There were a number of forum members there, I hope that I was able to meet each of you. I posted a sign at a back table for a "Forums Meet & Greet" and enjoyed spending some time with folks I knew previously and some new members. Membes layinpipe,sailor jeremey, lestrout, samcoffeeman, vabriar, Jason Bard and others joined me. (forgive me if I didn't list your name!) It was great to see some old friends like Neill Archer Roan, Andy Camire, the Philly and NYC clubs, etc.
Brian Levine was there with Jim Amash from the Sutliff team. I had not met Jim before, he's just as gregarious in person as on the radio interview. It's always a pleasure to see Brian and experience his sense of humor in person.
There were a number of CORPS members walking around in yellow hats and I enjoyed chatting with some of these long-time members. If you live in this area, I highly recommend this active club.
The vendor tables were full with many new and estate pipe purchases. I thought there were some good deals to be had, even on the first day. I really wasn't in the market for a pipe but of course came home with two regardless. I found a GBD 549 to restore and a Sasieni Four Dot. I couldn't resist another brass Scottie pipe stand for $1 from Robin Adair!
Two of my favorite shops were there, Mel from Wingenroths and both Matt and John from JB Hayes.
Forum member Robin Adair was there with his incredible Mark Tinsky Christmas Pipe collection, including the 2014 pipe. I hope he won "Best Display".
I bought my GBD 549 from member "Ned".
Jason and his father-in-law from Bards Vintage Briar. Jason lives near me and we're hoping to start a local MD pipe club. He had a great selection of estate and unsmoked pipes and had a great show.
Layinpipe holding that Shitika (?) rope pipe.
Jiminks (Amash) was giving away hundreds of tins, including the new Edward G. Robinson blend, which I was anxious to try.
Brian and I showing Kevin my PipesMagazine gear.
Layinpipe with a Tinksy commission he was showing me.
The forum group!
King from the JB Hayes shop and Alberto Bonofiglioli, who is like a pipe rock star!
Robin Adair's Tinsky Christmas Pipe display.
Rad Davis with my 2014 Rad purchased earlier this year.
Brian and Ric Tompkins of Ye Olde Pipe and Tobacco and Stag's tobacconist, Phoenix
Premal from Smokers Haven.
Doverpipes at Joe Skoda's table.
Mel and Joe from Wingenroth's.
Sam with his incredible Dr. Grabow set, which drew plenty of attention!
JB Hayes. (John)
Reddog Pipes.
"Tidybowl" from the SmokersForums, who sold me this Sasieni.
Jeff Knoll and the NASPC table. Jeff lost a pipe in his travels, I hope he can find it on his return trip.
Misc pictures.
Feel free to add your own pictures and it was pleasure to meet you folks again!
