editoradmin
The Rosewood Rambler, Number 2 >
Why Join NAPA?
BEFORE David left home for college, I decided to learn to print, partly to fill time and avoid the empty-nest syndrome, partly to avoid losing contact with Jake who can barely spare time from the print shop for meals, and partly from a genuine interest. (The empty-nest syndrome never developed. I have more interests than time, but the second and third reasons remain.)
David assumed the task of teaching me, and although I was not a very apt pupil, he persevered. He would frequently lose his temper and shout at me, “You absolutely must learn the proper terminology. Don’t call that a skinny little stick, it has a name – it’s reglet!” and, “No, that’s not the thing-a-ma-jig to fasten the locker upper, this is a quoin key and this is a quoin,” or, “Don’t ask me if you should move that do hickey up, it is a gage pin for (expletive deleted).”
We both survived and slowly but surely I learned a little. I still wouldn’t rate an A from him, but he did permit me to set type for his Offshoot Number 11.
As soon as I started printing, both Jake and Dave began urging me to join NAPA. My reaction has been to ask why I should. Are there any benefits that I don’t have already? I can and do read the bundles, I read the National Amateur, and I attend the conventions and the VAPA meetings. Best of all, I have the friendship of the many people we have met in the organization. Why not remain the power behind the throne and bask in reflected glory?
At a post-convention luncheon at Gale Sheldon’s on Sunday, July 7, I found Jake giving my name and dues as a new member to Keith Gray. He had decided I had procrastinated long enough. (Or was it just an inability to pass up the bargain of family membership?)
So at last I am a NAPA member. Now what? I considered taking over as managing editor of the Boxwooder. Jake did offer to let me set type and print one. I appreciate the generosity, but no, thanks. I have contracted the disease of Amateur Journalism for which there is no known cure. And in my light-headed state, the advantage of membership becomes clear. My own journal – all mine!
Travelog
David and I have just returned from a trip to Kentucky. I make that trip twice a year to visit my invalid mother and other relatives, and this time I took Dave along as chauffeur. It was easy to twist his arm since Blaine Lewis had put him on the trail of a Pearl. (The story of the search will probably appear in an Offshoot soon.)
While in Louisville, we visited The Innominate Press. The friendly hospitality of Belle and Blaine Lewis added greatly to the pleasure of our trip.
Hand set and printed by Leah G. Warner at the Boxwood Press, Greenbelt, Maryland 20770.
Type used is ATF Century.