......I nominate Cliff Hall, Doc Ski, Dale Clemens, and Billy Novonafoshoma(lmao)....and Hiro.

NERB that types with a bar of Ivory soap in his mouth.

OK, I agree with your choices, but I'd also add Michael Joyce, Scott Throop and Randy Search.

Also Our Host Tom Kirkman and Dick French

This sounds more like a thread art hall of fame and if so, I would include Wayne Fowlkes from VA Beach. Wayne is the guy who has provided the wraps on all the Gudebrod thread catalogs for the past two or three decades.

How about Mark Blaubaum and perhaps Terry Henson? Not to mention the couple in Alaska( sorry,can't remember their names) that do the great handles and scrimshaw work?
Chuck

How about Mark Crouse, He does alsome thread work

I nominate Raymond Adams for his excellent Rod Builder's Library in addition to his fine wrapping.

[www.rodbuildingtutorials.com]

Kerry Hansen from WA along with Doc Ski and Mr Crouse for Art Weavers, Raymond Adams for information library, We need one for Thread Art and one for general information correctness for beginners

Good Wraps Bob

You gotta be in the game for a long time to get into the Hall. I'm still getting over Rookie of Year nominations, lol. I hate to name names as you always leave people off, but here is who I would put:
Dale Clemens - His involvement in Rodcrafters, his books and supply shop.
Doc Ski - His weaves, instructional videos on weaving, looms, innovator
Bernie Cohen - best known for his grips, headlining seminars for Rodcrafters, innovator
Tom Kirkman - articles in Rodcrafters Journal, ROdmaker MAgazine, RBO

I see a few names I left off already, I knew I shouldn't have typed anything. Cam & BD I apologize.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/25/2009 05:37PM by Billy Vivona.

I agree with every one's list and know that there are quite a few others that should be listed, but can't think of them right now. I would also add BD Ehler, Jack Justice (Bernie already listed) for what they added to the Clemens books. Also Billy for promoting the rod building craft.

It would be impossible to include all the great craftsmen-all are the best at what they do be it weaves, snake skin, Eva foam, woodwork, weaves, tiger wraps, abalone, marbling, etc. I have to go with the guys who have "pushed the envelope-the ones who showed us the possibilities and thus inspired hundreds to incorporate, improvise and devise; and in my case, made me want to build custom rods instead of assembling pre-made rod components. My nominees, in no certain order-Dale Clemens, Tom Kirkman, Rich Forhan, Ralph O'Quinn, Doc Ski, Gene Bullard and Andy Renzetti.

There was a great guy who did wonderful inspiring thread art in Dale's Books. I am sorry to say he is no longer with us, Cam Clark shared a lot of inspirational time atr RodCrafter get togethers

Good Wraps Bob

Thanks David & Bob but I think it should be a long while before I could be considered for such an award.

I'm very proud of my library website but the contributers should get the credit for making it what it is. I'm just the librarian.

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

I agree Ray. But with out you there would not be that kind of Library. Suggestion for you Library you need a cryptographic section for my spelling MC%HNYLMAO} Email me for translation

Good Wraps Bob

There was a rod builder who often graced the pages of Rodmaker that impressed me like few others. Have not seen him around in years. His name was Joe Emig. Not only was he a tremendous craftsman but he also pioneered a great many new ideas and techniques. Is he still active? Not to overlook any others but he was the best I have ever seen. If his work looked as good in person as it did in the magazine photos I would say he is well deserving of any such hall of fame.

This was just a twisted ploy of mine to say merry christmas...and kick back and think about rodbuilding past present and future...based on the responses...aint it cool whats happened?

NERB that types with a bar of Ivory soap in his mouth.

Mike is too funny, Merry Xmas to you & your family. I hope you are doing well.

Rich - I used to speak to Joe on teh phone here and there. The river by his house flooded him out, he repaired everything, adn it happened again and I left him alone and haven't been in contact with him. HE is a GREAT guy, I wish he'd come ot teh show again so we can hang out. He doesn't answer his mudcats e-mail any more, I know he barely checked his ccount, but he would usually say hay once in a whle. ANyone cotact with him? Tell him I said hello.

I guess I must have made a mistake with my post. If I stepped on some toes I am Sorry.

Did not know the back stories or politics

If you're referring to your earlier post, I just took it as a joke and let it go. No problem.

............

Interesting post! Having built a number of rods years ago, and owing my own business, I have a few I could think of as well:

I'll second the nomination of Bernie Cohen, Cam Clarke, Ralph O'Quinn, Dale Clemens and some of the others. I've had either personal or phone contact at various times with these four.

In addition:

Fred Stevenson - hosted a number of seminars in Huntsville, Alabama and a fine gentleman who helped many at the drop of a hat. I had the honor of enjoying home cooked meals with Fred and his wife Chris a couple of times. I've lost track of them - is Fred still with us?

A fellow who's name escapes me - also from the Hunstville area I believe and a math teacher as well as a great rod building educator.

How about Bob McKamey? Been in the business a very long time and has always been willing to lend his advice and provide help to new rod builders when asked.

There are quite a few more as well - but the names are not coming to mind.

Ian Scott