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ROAD NOTES
2008
End of Summer 2008
We are winding up our summer
schedule and though we're a bit road weary......we've had
our batteries recharged! My wife and I have just attended
the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. Buffalo ranchers and
spectators alike can appreciate the amazing spectacle that
occurs each fall. Our friend Chad Kremer has the position of
being Custer State Park herdsman and overseer of thousands
of buffalo. Chad fits the role to a tee, mustache,
boots, chaps, hat, horse....is what most people see.......as
he gallops off up the southern hill with nothing but prairie
surrounding him, perfect as a movie script.
There's a great deal more than meets the eye. Chad tends
this herd throughout the year and for a couple of days each
fall the public shows up .......in the thousands and
thousands & thousands from many corners of the earth.
From our small vantage point as "vendors" at the Buffalo
Round Up Festival, we met people from throughout the U.S.
Finland, Norway, Germany, Italy, Philippines, Bali and
certainly a few more & we didn't have the time to ask.
Camera's and film crews from points unknown....show up to
film this spectacle. In the far distance the hillside
appears to be turning brown.....and then you realize that
the color altering is being done by a vast herd a buffalo.
The public has been awaiting this spectacle (they awoke at
4:30 a.m.) and have arrived on site about 6:30 a.m. They
cordon off the roadways...ensuring the safety of the public.
The buffalo move ever closer to the corrals, awaiting the
"ranching" aspect of this event. The movement of this herd
is to facilitate the identifying, culling, inoculating,
branding and separating of the animals.
The camera's roll as the herd starts to move with some
pace.....you see the dust rising, you feel the dust and
grit, you didn't realize that this is part of the event.
Some of the Bison break away and have to be herded back into
the fold. Dignitaries, bison, tourists, spectators all
jockey for position, then, as they approach the
corrals...you feel it. At first you thought you might be
getting weak knees, but then you realize that you can feel
the weight of the animals.....as the ground shakes.
The Eastern Bluebirds that we've been watching in the
distance (with our binoculars) have moved closer. They are
as abundant as then have ever been.....they hang close to
the bison. Opportunists that they are, the bluebirds await
the chance to catch the grasshoppers and insects that the
bison stir up, as they move ever closer to the corrals. The
insectivores and herbivores have a symbiotic relationship
that most of the public fail to see, all eyes are on the
bison.
The corrals consist of a large palisade of heavy duty
fencing, posts the size of mature pine trees and the extra
heavy duty squeeze chutes that are required to slow down
this huge monarch of the prairie.
Its a curious blend of yes....."tourism"..the spectator
sport, but more importantly, it is a real working ranch with
free ranging bison. It is sponsored by the Great State of
South Dakota. Custer State Park enjoys the good fortune of
having one of the largest herds of bison in the
nation/world. If you think this is just another state park,
you're dead wrong! Its the largest state park in the lower
48.
The larger and older bulls are diverted through another gate
because they are to big to fit in the "squeeze chutes". They
pass under a bridge that is made for spectators. You can
feel the breeze as the largest bulls go galloping past,
inches below your feet. These older bison go back to a
distant field for future consideration. The calves get
branded, inoculated and ear tagged, then regain their
composure and dandily gallop off.
Throughout this process, heavy gates are swinging open and
close by park volunteers & the weight of great big animals.
Its a dangerous job and the many people that serve Custer
State Park deserve profound recognition for their efforts
and perseverance.
I see Chad and his associates working the bison, the
spectators, the media, the public... its an effort & tribute
to the Great State of South Dakota and this Nation.
As Aldo Leopold (father of the conservation movement) once
said; "The prerequisite to all intelligent tinkering......is
first, you must maintain all the pieces"
Surely that includes...Custer State Park!
Thanks for an Event of Uncommon Merit!
bill keitel
buffalo billfold company
2008 Summer Camps/Festivals Sept. 1st 2008
If you are reading this, then we've probably met out on the trail somewhere. Early July we untethered the horses and headed westward. Our destination was Cody,WY. Home of the Buffalo Bill Museum, the Irma Hotel and all things related to the Wild West and Buffalo Bill Cody. Our show in Cody was a gamble......a two day drive (coming and going.....4 days) nine days on the road..but our reception in this Cowboy Town was amazing. . We enjoyed the Western Mystique' and the international tourists that we encountered.....all were headed to Yellowstone. Cody was a small but very dynamic festival. We were quite pleased with the response! We hope to return next year.
We tarried on the way out to Cody, spending a few extra nights in the high elevations of the Northern Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming. The air is thin, clean and clear. The campsite is within reach of the Medicine Wheel. The Medicine Wheel is an ancient site where indigenous stone age people worshiped, it was considered a place of reverence. It is located at the 10,000 ft. level and has vista's of 50 miles..or more. We have visited this site over the past few decades and enjoyed pondering the curious possibilities. In recent years, the parking lot for those that want to see the "Circle/Wheel, is located about 2 km below the summit. You have to "earn" the right to see it by trekking into the thin air. This is a perfect way to discourage "drive by" sightseeing and providing a better experience for those that want to enjoy the solitude of this site. (yes, the make exceptions for those with limitations)
The elevation and the incredibly steep incline/decline limits the people that can enjoy these reaches. The road grade is 10% on the westward slope of the Mtns. Its considered some of the steepest road grades in the U.S. It's not for the faint of heart, but there are "runaway truck" ramps and turnouts every ½ mile or so. You can expect to find Parking areas every two miles to provide places to cool the braking systems.
Porcupine Campground...We have yet to find a better campsite. I believe its National Forest Service and has limited accommodations. We arrive at our campsite around the first of July. The park and this northern roadway have only been open a few weeks, snow depth is the factor. In past years we've always had a bit of morning snow on the tent. Our first morning we peek out the window and find a pair of moose eyeing our StarShip wondering what we are doing in their pasture. Our campsite is nearly at the treelike, so the trees that do grow are more diminutive. It creates an effect of "Bonsai" on a slightly larger scale. It is surely what the Japanese saw in nature and wanted to replicate. This aspect also enhances the already enormous size of moose. Moose the sizes mature pine trees!
We spend the day hiking in the thin air. We are not yet acclimated and hiking up and down 3 or 4 miles of small inclines allow us to feel throughly spent. We also enjoy icy cold fast moving trout streams within a short walking distance from our campsite. I spent the better part of the morning adding to the "turbidity" of the snow melt streams. Rocks are everywhere and they call out to me!.. to make small dams in the little streams that are swiftly flowing. I'm in charge of making the small dams, it increases the turbidity and adds to the oxygenated level of the water. The trout in these parts will perhaps benefit by my dogged perseverance. I make dams until I'm sweating in the cool mountain aire. I continue to make dams.....I can't seem to stop...compulsion?....bring it on! Looking up the mountainside... I raise the water level 6 to 8 inches each time I complete these dams. Hmmm?, 32 dams times 6 or 8 inches each, slowing the flow of an additional 500 cubic feet of water each time I create a dam? Hmmm? 15,000 cubic of water! I'm Neptune of the Big Horns! My dams slow the snow melt water, they slow its progress on its way to the Mississippi. Hmmm, I'm so far west that I'm not sure where the continental divide might be. Either way, the trout are happy and I'm exhausted within a few hours. I'm 50 miles from the nearest McDonald's and miles from any cell phone connection. I'd say this feels like a vacation.
Brookings SD. Festival of the Arts has been a mainstay in our travels. A number of Festivals to the East have hearkened...but we've remained true and faithful to this South Dakota tribute to the Arts. The community and volunteers do a tremendous job........Hey! they been at it over three decades and they've got the hang of it! We appreciate their hospitality.
A few weeks later we attend The UpTown Art Festival in Minneapolis it attracts 350,000 people each year, 2nd only to the State Fair. 1,300 artists and artisans apply to this show.....350 get accepted. Our experience ...is that we are able to get in 3 out of 4 years. This year we received a "FINALIST AWARD" which ensures us a space in next years show. If you only go to one art festival during the summer.....make it this one! Artists and artisans from the U.S. and beyond show at this festival. It is rated as 8th in the Nation by ArtFestival Mag.
The summer is waining and we've traveled far and fast. We have only four shows left in our 2008 schedule. We've worked harder than usual....yet, meeting our retail store owners, customers and friends...fuel our enthusiasm. We value your friendship and patronage. You all play an integral part in our continued success.
In the blur of retail activity that you often find us....we want you to know that you are appreciated!
The current 2008 schedule has been quite rewarding and we intend to pursue a similar festival schedule next year. We hope to see you out on the trail.
Find a few photos below from our sojourns.
See you out on the trail,
bill and lauri keitel
buffalo billfold company
Walker Minnesota-Minnesota Bison Educational Conference
Winter 2008 Road Notes
The Buffalo Travelin Show lit out on its maiden voyage with a new
ship/horse.... a Great West Van with trailer in tow (hereafter known as
the StarShip) left for the South Western quadrants of the U.S. We left
the docking bay of the MotherShip with temps at -13 and wind at 24 knts.
Our heading was due south....bound for Texas. This sojourn is one of
commercial enterprise....going where few leathersmiths have gone
before. Our mission is to continue to seek gainful employment outside
the historic trade area of our ancestral homelands. The intended and
contracted art festivals and wholesale exhibits are in Tucson, Tubac
(Art and Artisan Community) and the Denver Merchandise Mart. We worked
26 days of exhibits while spending 36 days on the road.
The trip south was uneventful and I had the enjoyment of reading
about the history of Oak trees and also another book on the history of
Cotton. The tippy top of Texas was the first place of
curiosity. We
breezed past miles of cotton fields and I had the opportunity to stop
and walk thru one of the fields.....looking for a sample of a real
cotton boll. The word is boll, not ball. The machinery used to pick
cotton is precise and thorough, the gleaned 160 acre field yielded two
cotton bolls of the new world variety "barbadense" (strands about an 1
to 1 5/8 inch long. The history behind cotton is profound.....its
commerce, its wars, its inhumanity, stories were to be told all in this
little boll. Nearing the end of the tippy top o' Texas we came across
a town that touted the "Largest Cross" in the western
hemisphere.....hmmm...they make'em big in Texas. We'll give'm that
claim to fame....and move on.
Prior to setting up our exhibit in Tucson we headed up to Phoenix
and spent a little time in Sun City with good friends. A place where
everyone is over 55 , semi active and talks of golf, truly the most
homogeneous place we've ever been. We paused and ten lit out down the
road to the Tucson Rock Gem and Mineral Show.....a place that we find
magnetically curious. Universities send their paleobotanists,
geologists, anthropologists, sedimentologists, palentologists to look
for new rock and fossil finds in this amazing environment. The show is
an eclectic mix of purveyors, (which is why we are here). Mining
concerns from all over the world come to Tucson to show and sell their
particular geologic finds. This is touted to be the largest rock, gem
and mineral show in the world. Thousands of exhibitors come from most
every country in the world to buy, sell, trade, swap and purvey their possessions.
An exhibit on "Meteorites From France".....is a testament to the
numerous and specific interests of the many buyers and sellers.
Our exhibit is set up next to a friend from China, on the other side,
a friend from Australia. The mix gets more complex as we wander around
this exhibit site. The "bead show and metaphysical sciences" are part of
this blended stew of humanity. A sign on a tent in the distance states
"Anti-Aging Water"....hmmm, where is the Academy of Science when you
need them and didn't Ponce De Leon already do that? Rastafarians mix
with the Tibetans, the folks from Antanarivo have a Malagasy party, the
whole place is teaming with (what we have come to appreciate) profound
diversity. Chrystal worship?....you've got it! bones and antlers
placed in man made orifices....you can find it here!
Curiously comfortable, we have once again, come to realize that we
are drawn to people and their differences. We've come to appreciate the
mix of sciences, academic's, the hucksters, the down and outers, the
snake oil salesmen and the genuine artisans with whom we can
associate. Our shows were modestly successful and we'll do something
similar next year.
On a day off we found ourselves at a place called La Peralta Trails.
The washboard roads slowed many people down and we continued into the
backcountry desert. The week prior was wet and the desert was as green
as we've ever witnessed. The density and diversity of cactus was the
best we've ever seen. The arroyos we're still running and these aren't
the decorative ones that you see in front of every house in AZ. and NM.
We would have to stop and check the depth before we would decide to ford
the fluvial barrier! None of this trekking would have happened in a
larger StarShip. Our little craft (with trailer in tow) handled every
challenge it was set upon.
We move on to the Petrified Forest and then up to Mount Princeton Hot
Springs, the best kept secret in the west! Real, natural, hot
springs! unfettered with crass commercialism. Real natural pools of
hot and steamy water (no sulfur, no stink!) Our fifth return visit, Mt.
Princeton is a place of solace and is good for the soul. The owners of
this resort are to be congratulated. Mt. Princeton Hot Springs has
suffered many a partial remodel over the past 75 years....at long last
the new owners have created an amazing new remodel & resort that is in
keeping with the integrity of its surroundings. Mt. Princeton Hot
Springs gets our vote ( I need a gig at this locale!)
We cross the mountain pass at 9,500 ft and the weather goes from
sunny 50 degrees to near serious blizzard conditions. It lasts 20
minutes and we start to descend and return to the sunlight and lower
elevations, Whew!
The Denver Merchandise Mart and the Denver Gift Show
buoyed our
commercial spirits. The show was a roaring success as our distributors
(gift stores, Nat'l Parks, State Parks, Galleries, and Saddle Shops)
showed up in great numbers to reorder Buffalo Billfold products for the
coming season. We are grateful for their confidence in our products and
appreciate their support and friendship.
Musician friend Sonny Boy Elkins (harp player) is always a welcome & exciting in addition to our travelin show. In amongst our days spent in Denver town we were able to do some seriously fun, improv, train time, music jammin... we hope to do some performing next fall in western South Dakota. (yet to be announced).
Cheyenne Wyoming was a beacon of hospitality! The kindly folks at
Cheyenne Welding and Machine Shop repaired a serious collapse of our
"trailer tongue". The oversight was due to ...to much "tongue weight"
, they welded another tube beam underneath the broken channel beam.
Our journey continued to Hot Springs SD. (Hey folks....this is the
tour of Hot Springs!) We spent the night and hiked the a.m in Wind
Cave National Park (South of Custer).....another best kept secret!
Our trek and sojourn was continually punctuated by the numerous folks
that stopped us along the journey, most were past friends that we've
have met out on the trail and some were even more kindred......like
yourselves. Thanks for reading this far!
Glad to be home, looking forward to the next trip.
bill and lauri
BBC-Road Notes
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 Artisans and craftspeople are a rare find. The folks at Willy Mocs get our seal of approval! |
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 Homeland Security on horseback kept us safe thru the night while residing at the Denver Merchandise Mart. |
2007
2007 FALL FINALE'
As the summer waned we realized our friends Mark and Kathy Gehl were having the Octoberfest Celebration on their River Hills Buffalo Ranch (River Hills Wisc.) We hadn't unpacked the week before from the Custer buffalo round up. So we lit out down the road. The Gehl's have a bison ranch just 45 minutes from Mpls-St. Paul. Their ranch is as picturesque as you can imagine. Few (if any) privately run festivals can top the Gehls River HIlls Buffalo Ranch/October Fest. Mark and Kathy Gehl are great hosts!
Back home, production is in full swing for the upcoming Christmas season. Plans are being made in earnest for the coming year, as we start to book our tradeshows, exhibitions, and art festivals for the coming season. Look for us in Tucson, (perhap Tubac) and Denver during the month of Feb. 2008. The 2008 calendar will be forth coming.
As we've mentioned in past seasons.......the friendships that are made out on the road continue to encourage us to return to these venues. We will be adding at least an additional month of road travel in 2008 to accommodate expanding markets. Your patronage and support make much of this possible. We're grateful.
bill and lauri (including our dedicated staff back at the store!)
ROAD NOTES 2007 SUMMER
The summer took off with a short fuse....and we have been fired up every
weekend and beyond.
I'd like to take some license and introduce step-grandson Augie Dale
Jewett.
A way cool "wave boarder" from Pewaukee WI. He showed up
in Wgtn. for the
United States Windsurfing National Race Tour (His dad competed-past
national champion). Both of these amazing dudes can be seen doing their
stuff on
www.worthingtonwindsurfing.com (under
the video links).
After the USWA National Race Tour ended, we officially hit the road! Our
first Art festival is ArtFalls in Sioux Falls-Great people, Great Customers,
Best Scenery and the Big Sioux River, Rated #10 !
On to Brookings SD. to the biggest festival in the tri state area! We
stop by Susland, a company that produces the blades for wind generators.
Ten years ago there were 80 million dollars worth of wind generators
in the area.....today we use the word BILLION! What better use of natural
resource. We stop for a photo op and see if they can retrofit our trailer
with a few of these blades.......they were to busy...!
While in Brookings a new "sound system" was purchased.........anybody
reading this has a musical "sneak preview" to the "next faze".
The
sound system purchased is a Temple speaker from the 1920's and an amp from
the 1930's. This was the formative years of something called
"amplification!" It is my intention to convert/create a sound system
using these early electronic devices. I am hopeful that with some advice
from some proficient sound production friends.....I'm going to create some
serious 30's thru 40's calypso sound thru this system. stay tuned!
(Personal license).....we went to "McNerney Fest" in southern
Illinois-Carbondale to be exact. On the way we stopped by to see a
kindred friend BOB ARTLEY. Bob Artley is the most prolific author in the
state of Iowa. He has written numerous books about his farm experiences
while he was growing up in
Hampton, Iowa. Lest you all think that this is just a passing
fancy....His first book "Memories of a Former Kid" is in its 23rd
printing (I think). (#4) Our retail store has sold perhaps thousands of
copies of this book. I attribute Bob's first book to helping put diapers on
our children and his ensuing books helped put our kids thru college
(including a private college!). All this not withstanding......Bob Artley
is a dear and kindred friend. His interests and friendships know no
boundries. We surprised him on his 90th birthday, he had the honor of
Parade Marshall at the Hampton County Fair. We were afforded a priviledged
tour of the museum in Hampton, the have a new "Artley Exhibit" that has been
received with astounding success! Happy Birthday to Bob!
Seeing
Kentucky in the distance on a Sunday Morn.....we return home within
15 hours, we slept the night and set out the next day and wound up at the
International Bison Convention in Rapid City SD. This is the place where
bison are born! Hundreds & hundreds of ranchers and herdsmen from all over
the world, enclosed find a few of the fine folks that stopped by to say
hi....! (We reunited with Danish friends, Kaiko-Japanese tomodashi, Bronz
Zoo-Eva Fern-interesting bison history, Svitlaina-Ukraine & many others.
The event building presentation was met with a much larger than expected
attendance, not nearly enough handouts were available. This was good news
and I enjoyed the time spent with the fine ranchers that provide Lauri and I
with gainful employment.
So, So, so much of this happen within the space of a few weeks.....maybe
a bit more....it has been a whirlwind tour of midamerica. All systems both
automotive and human functioned seamlessly, we are grateful.
Today we found ourselves back at home in Wgtn.
Wgtn. is a community of incredible diversity rivaling most any big city
in the U.S. The picture enclosed is of the child of some new found
friends.....her name is Atung.
(meaning "child of the war or born
during war")...she is almost 2 years old, she and her parents are
Sudanese..."Dinkan" to be precise. Atung has a 7 month old sister named
Ahey-meaning; color of the cow. I find this curious because my most recent
encounter with the 2007 Ms.
South Dakota is named....."Sorel"..a color discribing the
horse-chestnut or tan. Our friends are the newest refugees/immigrants to
our community. They are from the "deep south" of the
Sudan...along the White Nile". They live close to Juba, quite distant
from Malakaul where many other Wgtn. Sudanese have roots. They broke
wedding tradition and didn't ask their parents for permission or dowry. No
cattle were transferred in their marriage vows....much to their parents
dismay. You can still sense the unease in their non-conformist ways. They
were glad to have our affirmations in this serious decision, and were able
to laugh about it. These are the fine folks that help sustain our fragile
rural economy.......along with yourselves, we appreciate your friendship!
See you out on the trail!
B & L
Stone Arch Art Festival - June 16 & 17 2007
A crane and derrick loom over the Pillsbury Building, they are ten stories
high and there are few buildings higher in the immediate vicinity.
I'm an artisian at the Stone Arch Art Festival one hundred and fifty feet
directly below (streetside) in front of the old Pillsbury Bldg. The
Pillsbury is a beautiful old 6 or 7 story building that is being restored.
On Sunday we spend the day with a watchful eye to the weather as the winds
gusts to 40+ mph. I'm a sailor (windsurfer) and have some concerns about the
ensuing hours….the wind is buffeting our tent with impunity at 11:00 a.m.
and from experience I know that generally the wind during the afternoon
hours tends to increase. Our cement blocks that hold the tent in place are
starting to lift with each gust of increasing wind. Next to me is a
porcelain artist and glass artist. I am keenly aware that my 10 by 10 tent
may well be blown into my neighbors, leaving me with the concern of having
an "unsecured tent" and costing someone else 1,000's of dollars worth of
damage. I elect to raise all the sides on my tent to create less "sail"….but
the wind continues to build and build.
I look to the heavens for a sign……and there in front of me looms the crane
and derrick. It is freely pivoting on its axis as not to create stress on
the upright tower.
In a "eureka" moment I realize that I have found my "tell tale" or my
weather vane. This device suspended 150 ft. in the air has many tons on
counter balance and it is being directed by meteorological events high above
and serves as the largest weather vane in the Midwest. More importantly….I
realize that when it is pushed past a certain point that the lower level air
will be gusting my way with approximately a 45 second delay, allowing us to
hold on to our tents and merchandise. This device could be used by us to
readily foretell the oncoming winds. With a pronounced shift in direction I
realized a serious gust would be hitting us on the ground in just seconds.
40 seconds later (the neighbor across the walkway) his tent was picked
up…turned upside down and landed dead on its top, 100% destroyed. Fifteen
minutes later the wind shift and strength occurred again….and the neighbor
to the right of me lost hundreds of dollars worth of blown glass objects.
By observing the cranes movements you could readily assess the oncoming wind
direction, speed and predict what was happening to the hapless artisans on
the street below.
I didn't realize how much attention I pay to the wind until this occurred. I
didn't realize the knowledge that is so inherent in sailing and how it could
be applied to this simple situation. Most every artist and artesian on the
street was a bit skeptical to my emphatic suggestions and was quite slow to
take heed. Perhaps they thought this was some apparition not to be believed.
Alas, they were made believers in the coming hours as the tents were being
quickly disassembled to avoid complete destruction.
We ended the weekend an hour early because of wind….but the total experience
was an affirmation of understanding "windborne" knowledge.
Minnesota Horse Expo 4-30-07
Lauri and I have set off down the road to another curious venue. A few years
ago we attended the South Dakota Rodeo (as vendors, not as buckin horse
riders). We had such a fun time that we decided to attend this regional
event held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
The Minnesota Horse Expo is in it 25th year…so all stops were pulled and
horses from throughout the Midwest….(and far beyond) were present. We were
able to pursue the western mystique' to its fullest. Western hats and boots
were the norm and the only folks not towing the line were those dang
dressage' types (high brow in equestrian society)
With over 700 vendors we (buffalo billfold) were small fish in a big pond of
mainly western ware and horse tack.
Lauri and I would take turns strolling down the isles (and horse stalls)
that encompassed four or five of the largest buildings on the state
fairgrounds. Per chance, I ran into a curious fellow that I could see was
playing a custom built parlor guitar with an extraordinary voice and
confidence. I leaned back and listened (providing a small background harmony
to his yodeling!) I introduced myself …..only to find that this was …(of..Minnesota
Public Radio's fame) "Pop Wagner" the folk singer & spinner of ropes and
yarns,…he didn't look anything like he does on the radio! He was enjoying
the weekend, leaning up against his horse stall, playing tunes for those
that strolled past. We realized we had common friends that were kindred to
both of us and it made for an enjoyable encounter.
My passion for history was sated by finding the Paso Fino horses…the horses
that Coronado, Pizzaro and numerous conquistadors used to conquer the new
world. I always thought that the artists that drew these historic pictures
of adventurers were quite poor artists…because they always drew the
conquistadores with "legs.far .to long" and with the horses legs to short.
In fact, the true Paso Fino has short legs and undoubtly the conquitadores
had longer legs! It was a true representation! The Paso has a gate that is
the smoothest known.
On to the Spanish Mustangs…….another breed that holds great allure to those
that have a hankerin for history. (let me show you the charts that document
the decade by decade advancement of this horse thoughout North Americain the
14 to 15 hundreds) The equestrians that fancy this breed are proud to state;
"this is the horse they rode in on!"
With out a doubt, the horse that left the biggest impression on my psyche'
was the Gypsy Vanners…The Gypsy Vanners were horses that were bred to pull
the Romany Gypsy Carts of Eastern Europe, they are a muscular horse, (maybe..part
draft horse and a few other breeds thrown in) and have elegant flowing mains
and tails. They embue the Rom Gypsy Mystique' (however, my Hungarian born
friends will have nothing of the sort!)
I push myself into the presence of Dale Blomquist-expert Farrier & owner of
these amazing horses. (keep in mind, I'm wearing seriously western clothing)
As we earnestly visit with one another on the way to the coliseum with the
Gypsy Vanner trailing behind ,…..he hands me the reins to "Gypsy Hollow's
Culahill Castle" the most prestigious horse at the exposition. He explains
to me that he has forgotten something back at the stall and dashes off……and
I earnestly explain to him that (the clothes belie the fact) I'm a city boy
and I'm allergic to horse dander! Thinking to myself….please, don't leave me
holding the reins of a horse that costs more than my house! The owner runs
off assuring me that if I remain confidence and don't spook the horse I'll
be just fine. Dale returns and expresses confidence in my handling of this
prize possession, I'm relieved…..I also let him know that it should never
happen again! (beneath these clothes, once again...I'm a city guy!)
The air is punctuated with a loud crack…and then another. I first think
firecrackers and then realize that it is a few decibels lower than a
firecracker (not much).
To my surprise I focus on Dakota Rose (Bev Griffin), though a gal of
diminutive stature, When she's grabs a whip….she becomes the tallest person
at the State Fair. A whip snapping, whip crackin fire brand of a cowgirl!
She has just returned from the Western Arts Competition in Clairmore,
Oklahoma (and ranked pretty high, by all accords) We are then on to the art
of crackin a whip……not any ol'whip…but one made of kangaroo , a competition
whip ranges from $350.to well beyond.
I take the chance to wander outside with Ms. Dakota Rose and enjoy watching
her teach Ryan Lynn (a pretty young gal from Tennessee) how to command and
wield a serious whip! So, in front of me I've got two gals that are complete
entranced in the art of whippery! I am completely out of my element and
enjoying it thoroughly.
Whip lengths range from 6ft. to 24 ft. and can render an unsuspecting
bystander awestruck and wide eyed! They glance a'scance down the street
(about a block away) making sure that they are not causing a commotion. The
percherons are marching down the street in "high step" and the audience
would not be to keen on seeing them "stampede!" with alarm, because of the
whips a'crackin!
It is my extreme pleasure to encounter… and slightly understand the
relationship between horses and mankind…at the Minnesota Horse Expo.
We are headed home to do some production.
See you all this summer, out on the trail!
Bill and Lauri
Feb.22-28 2007
Our yearly trek to the Denver Gift Show started with a trip to Mt. Princeton
Hotsprings (Best Kept Secret in Colorado!), A natural hotsprings that doesn't
smell like sulfer. Sitting in a mountain stream....midwinter....arranging
rocks to maintain proper .it gets no better!
That evening we once again took up the hospitality of friends in Palmer
Lake. We were startled awake in the early hours by the caterwaul of a
mountain lion (puma, cougar, catamount, panther, puma concolor) outside our
window, a sound that is unlike anything in my auditory memory. The sound was
something similar to a baby crying and a women screaming...whew! The next
evening it was seen bounding thru their scrub oaks. We love the out of
doors, yet we also want to be positioned as high as possible ...on the food
chain.
The return to the Denver Gift Show has restored our "buffalo mojo" by
allowing us to re-unite and enjoy the fine folks that handle and sell our
products. It appears that rest will come in another lifetime....as this was
a near record show for the BBC.
We would like to welcome the new stores, galleries, that have chosen to
handle our products, they include Nat'l & State Parks, museums, galleries
and Tribal Entities. We are honored and humbled that you have placed your
trust in us. We will head back to the workshop and endeavor to make the
finest and most durable products available.
P.S. We invite you to stop by and pay us a visit ...a working "leather
gallery" and workshop.
bill and lauri
Spring 2007
A note to those that might have a whit of interest to our
where-abouts,......we are home! arrived a few hours ago and are turning on
the water, heat and enjoying the cooler temps.
The recon-expeditionary trip ( buffalo billfold company) to the great South
West proved fruitful, even though we went a bit ill prepared (12 hours
notice), lacking a bit of our outdoor tent display.
We may well be putting this trip on our yearly itinerary, once the
logistics are figured out. We would like to couple the
Tucson
Rock and Gem show (2 1/2 wks) with the Tubac art festival (first week of
Feb.)
The rock show is a sedimental-geo-palentological overload, with an
overburden of hard science intermingled with crystal worshipers, bead
fanciers, rastafarians, and all manner inbetwixt. (we fit in just fine!)
All of our time was spent out of doors and the temps were a bit cool for the
season but no complaints were heard from Minnesotans.
Home feels good, but we are intending to head out again end of month
for Denver Merchandise Mart/Gift Show for a week.
A big thanks to those that offered us support in our unplanned travels.
Cousin, Kim and Dan Hill for the use of their condo in North Tucson, with
hot and cold running water to a couple of street merchants in need of hot
showers and food. (We enjoyed a night or two with them)
Susan Adams/Ron Heard in Lake Palmer CO. for a stay at their beautiful
mountain retreat with an unmatched view of the world.
and Kristy Lou & Dave on the offer we never took up!
The Triple T Truck stop for letting us bathe at their facilities,.....why
did they insist we go shower and then refuse to charge us? (our first
truck stop shower)
#1.
a prospective curiosity in Tombstone.
We met our share of curious folks & friends in a few short weeks but are
glad to get back to the Northern Tundra called
Minnesota.
An orange crate worth of bills and mail await our attention.....tomorrow.
The horses have been "rode hard and put up wet",
They'll have a few weeks to recover,
Bill and Lauri
2006
Fall 2006
Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley ended their summer tour at the Custer Buffalo
Round Up. An idealic weekend of buffaloes, buckin horses & a beauty princess
(Ms. Rodeo South Dakota) Sorrel McKay. Enclosed is a sneak preview photo of
Ms. Rodeo South Dakota 2007! She's the Gal! Wish her luck, (she doesn't need
it) , she's headed to the Nationals in Las Vegas. My hat is off to Sorrel
McKay!
Seldom have we "sold out" our buffalo products while on the road. This
occurred at the Custer State Park Buffalo Round Up and we are currently woefully
sold out of most purses (hey, its been a great summer!) Rest assured we will
be toiling away to create Christmas inventory in an expediant manner.
I also enjoyed doing some music,to a "standing room only" crowd, friday night
at the Songbird Cafe. The Songbird Cafe has become a magnet for people
interested in live music, besides.....they have perhaps the best food in the
Black Hills! John & Joy Mills have created the highest quality sound stage
anywhere in South Dakota and I salute their endeavors. This couple and their
staff were incredibly accomodating. I hope to return someday when I'm headed
in a westerly direction.
We're now home in time to repack and continue this journey, thanks for paying
some attention to our sojourns. We appreciate the friendships that are
rekindled while on the trail.
bye for now,,,
Winter 2006 Feb.
We so enjoy getting back out on the road and reconnecting with all our friends
and customers. In late Feb. we spent a week at the Denver Merchandise Mart
taking orders and resupplying the stores and galleries that handle our products.
(the total is well over a hundred stores and galleries ) We so appreciate their
help in marketing our products, as it allows us to continue our craftsmen &
leathersmiths way of life. If you have come to know us thru one of these outlets
we encourage to patronize them, as we are very grateful for their support.
Summer 2006
June & July
A time of summer art festivals and we saddle up our ponies and head out down the
road. First & second stop Art Falls-Sioux Falls SD. & Brookings Art Fest both
festivals record great attendance and being a part of these events is a
pleasure.
Spearfish Art in the Park was a withering 106 degrees ....yet miraculasly the
fine folks of this Black Hills Region showed up in amazing numbers yet to be
tabulated. Last year my music was full sun at 102 degrees and this year at 106
degrees (full sun), I intend to retire at 110 degrees! I am certain I'm getting
close to the heat index legal limit! Ardis Golay and the Spearfish festival
committee put together an event that not only shows off the beautiful city &
park but also the tireless dedication of all their volunteers. Way cool!
SPEARFISH!
Uptown (Metris) Art Festival
This art festival ranks amongst the nations finest. We are always beholden to be
juried into this event. We oft consider ourselves more "artisan" vs "artists",
we fit into the fiber catagory and are beholden. Good family friend Sigin Ojulu
assisted us with our festival endeavors, to her we give a big thanks!
Cindy Fitzpatrick and the Metris art crew expertly host one of the largest of
all festivals that we attend (300,000 or more?). The show was such a success
that it has depleted our fall and winter inventories...so we hastily beat a
retreat to resupply and get back to the work bench! Our "limited addition"
buffalo leather flight bags inventory is nearly sold out months before expected.
2004 production (3 sold out) 2005 production (1 -12 sold out) 2006 production
(13 to 24) 4 left as of 8-28-06)
The road trips this summer created new friendships and reaquainted us with old
friends. These trips validate our efforts and also create the energy we need to
head back to the workshop and commence production for the coming season.
Unbeknownst to many... production of our products take considerable time &
effort. We are quite humbled by your support and acknowledge that we are amongst
the very fortunate to be "self employed" and able to continue our journey.
2005
-- We are excited about starting a new year and have enjoyed
the road
trips that are becoming apart of our yearly schedule.
Jan. 19 thru 21 Denver the National Bison Assoc.
We enjoyed the great response from the bison producers, they are the
primary source of our raw material and exhibit unflagging patronage (we
are beholden)
Enjoyed meeting the rest of "Ted Turner Enterprises" ranch managers
(Mr. Turner is the largest bison producer in the U.S.) Ted's ability to
hire the best people is exhibited in these fine folks. Dave, Orana,
Jim, Laurie,and Anita from the NBA put on the premire bison convention,
you all are doing a great job! The industry is indebted to your efforts!
Feb.24 thru March 1st. Denver Merchandise Mart/Gift Show
Thanks for the great response from retailers throughout the western
"front range" we are humbled by your patronage and will keep this message
short...as we've got way many orders to fill!
Sonny Boy Elkins (spinning aspen) was on hand, we enjoy a few smooth
blues tunes. He's one of the most entertaining, effective and sought
after harp players in Colorado/New Mexico. We look forward to his
possible appearance at the Unvarnished Music Festival in June. (how bout it
Sonny?)
March 18-19 Minnesota Buffalo Association - Luverne,
MN.
We spent the prior week on vacation, when returning, we hovered
over
Sioux Falls SD. trying to land in blizzard conditions. We were
diverted to Omaha NE. then to Sioux City IA. then by bus back to Sioux Falls.
Our journey was halted at the Comfort Inn in Luverne because the
interstate was blocked by the blizzard.
After 24 hours enroute trying to get back to Worthington, so I could
give presentation at this event. I found myself stranded (after 2,600
miles of flight) 30 miles from home. At which time I realized that I was
in the town where the event was occuring! I looked out my motel room
and realized that the convention was a mere block away. As I entered
the convention I was met with a collective gasp of relief!
I had intended in showing up in nice clothes fully prepared to
deliver. Instead I found myself in two day old travelworn
windsurfing
clothes. thank you all for your understanding and warm reception.
I appreciated the invitation and hope you all found it informative.
The Bowrons (John and Jeanne) from Prairie Heights Bison received
the honor of hosting the convention. The event was an amazing success
and the attendance was quite astounding in spite of the raging blizzard!
(10 to 14 inches of snow) most attendees got there early. We attend
numerous bison conventions and John and Jeanne are to be commended for
their Minnesota Convention.
P.S. I don't know who the primary chef was.....? but, he has our
vote
for the best tasting bison! Invite us back some time...we are always
hungry!
bill and lauri-BBC
July 15-17th Spearfish
S.Dakota Art Festival- Ardis Golay and her
volunteers take a "back seat" to nobody when in comes to art festivals,
(10's of thousands). The 104 to 107 degree heat made my performances tad bit
warm, however the beautiful clear and cold running waters of Spearfish creek
felt
like Gods own mercy. Thanks for the invite, we had a great time.
July. 22-24 The McNerney Festival- Chicago, IL.
Nepotism, Cronyism,
Rascalism, so enjoyed my boon companions! thanks, see you all in a
year
or two.
July. 25-28 Hood River, Oregon U.S.
Windsurfing Nationals-Scotia Bauer
and Darrin Rogers, Great Event! and thanks to Portland Channel 2 for
the airtime.
Aug. 5,6,7- Uptown Art-Metris
Festival- *rated one of the top ten art
festival in the U.S. We've always enjoyed the high caliber of artists
and artisans that show up for this prestigious event. We enjoy ( and
are humbled) being apart of this amazing event!
Sept. 30-Oct 2nd - Custer State Park -Buffalo Round-Up
The serious business of "tourism" in the Black Hills has come to a
close. The locals show up by the thousands (including a bus load or
two of European visitors). The dance floor inside the performance tent is
used by uninhibited locals that just get up and dance when the feeling
strikes. The chili feed is a serious food competition that is overseen
by the local fire dept. incase the chili peppers get to hot and self
ignite. Real horsemen riding quarterhorses, pasafino's and
other
breeds, most all are working horses.
Kristi and Allen Scott emcees, Dee McCarthy and all the State Park
Personel put together the most curious event known to the western
states. Imagine rustlin up a couple thousand buffalo in the largest
state park in the lower 48 (20 miles x 30 miles?). The most beautiful
color change of leaves anywhere. This is where the west begins! Hats
off to String Bean for his quality sound reinforcement, (miking my
resonators is not for the faint of heart!) Mr. Bean also plays the
best & cleanest fiddle this side of the Atlantic! This
event ends to
quickly....we pack up and head to our winter camp!
Oct. 8th Private
wedding reception-Historic Dayton House
Sooo....can I talk about the gigs that aren't open to the public?
Hmmm?
yeah!
Kristi Woll and Erik Gelg from NYC had a beautiful wedding and
reception in this grand old mansion. Whisperings throughout the state,
ponder this as "the best historic restoration in Minnesota" Kristi &
Eriks wedding had to also rank high on the list. Had I understood
the
% of NYC music instructors on hand, I surely would have tried to be
more inhibited! When you are in Manhattan, look up these fine
folks.
thanks Kristi & Erik
Oct. 12th KO 95 Radio-Three
Eagles Communications - interview 9:35 to 10:00 a.m.
Oct
17th Best Wishes to Marie Schaller of Wessington Springs - Miss Roedo
South Dakota - Shiny guitars & shiny tiaras, The treat was mine!
(the perfect Emisary for the Great State of South Dakota!)
Marie,
enjoy your reins....I mean... enjoy your reign.
bk
Nov. 1st Cable 3 TV- Music for - United Way Telethon
& Fund Drive 7:30 to 7:45 p.m. (aprox)
2004
We are now planning our 2005 tour/roadshow.
The Buffalo Billfold Company will give demonstrations and limited disertations on the history of bison and its uses.
We enjoy making ourselves available to art/artisian festivals throughout the middle and western states. If you would like to see us at your event please inquire. We are also available for (short term) artisian in residence upon request (also see
music web page).
Oct.7-9th
Taos New Mexico
Taos Mtn. Film Festival
Our journey found us quite by chance (and totally unrehearsed) at a festival
of uncommon merit. Taos Festival volunteers - Kristina, Doug, Bill, Anna,
Lydia & Lynn provided us sanctuary in friendship and a great musical venue. I
enjoyed the musical craziness & spontaneity that they all helped produce!
Performing on the fringes of the festival was fun indeed!
The Taos Film Festival was a cinemagraphic overload! Visiting this town and
festival once, surely isn't enough! I'm open for a return invite someday.
thanks billkeitel
P.S. Shamans Apprentice by Mark Plotkin - Harvard Ethno-biologist - Articulate
& inspiring Marks preface was met with mighty big accolades. The Buffalo
Billfold Company gives this film "4 thumbs up!"
Oct. 5th
We head out down the road thru Wind Cave National Park and enjoy watching
coyotes hunting in prairie dog towns.
Lusk to Douglas Wyoming - Before they leave our view we count three - "120
car" coal trains (15 mins. apart) being pulled by 4 engines each. They seem to
be hauling the geologic heart out of Wyoming, feeding the electro/conversion
plants for Colorado's ever expanding population.
October 4th Custer South Dakota
Ms Rodeo South Dakota 2004
Jessica Melvin from Fort Pierre
Past Rodeo South Dakota
Bobbi Jo Anderson
Our western sojourn commenced with a 3 day festival and buffalo round up at
Custer State Park. Lakota tribal dancers, western cloggers, bluegrass
musicians all assembled to create authentic contemporary western mystique.
The Custer Park buffalo create the finale' of this exciting event. Herding
1,000's park buffalo into the south corrals, to be culled, inoculated, branded
etc. Few places in the world can you witness an event of such magnitude. A
bridge spans the corrals to accommodate viewers.
Bill and Lauri personally extend appreciation to Ms. Rodeo South Dakota (2002,
2003-2004), KEVN T.V. & the A.P. for the musical photo ops!
Sept 25th- Dayton House-Premier/private
opening
Sept. 11th Sioux Falls Sidewalk Art Festival
Sept. 10th Fall Festival - Slayton Fairgrounds
June 25-27 Artfalls-Sioux Falls SD.
June 11-13 Unvarnished Music Festival
Bob Brozman-Ipso Facto-Sonny Boy Elkins-Noah Hoehn- Escandalo-Jose Rodriguez,
Cabin of Love-Julia and Nathan Bloom, Noah Keitel-Jennifer Rogers, Jimmy
Groth & the Stallions, Steve, Randy & Ride and many others. A festival of,
by and for musicians- the public is invited to attend.
Bryce and Yasmil Corman Bison Legacy (great folks and great leather) Peg at Diamond 88 , and the Cajon Restaurant "Tommy Jacks". Enjoyed doing the music, thanks for the venue, your western - southern cajon generousity & hospitality. I am certain there must be a Louisiana bayou just south of town!
March 30th Kinbrae Supper Club
S.W. Economic
Development- Thanks for the invite and also playing a part in my own
economic development.
March 25 Creole Cafe
Best Cajon food in the
deep south of Minnesota - Buddy (the Louisiana chef) will show off his
culinary skills while carrying on an enjoyable conversation with you'all.
I'll be back for soft shell crabs, soon!
Feb. 4th to the 11th 2004 Enjoyed a wedding &
some great "iry time" in Jamaica including some Rastafarian jammin with
new found friends. Also left an ember of Wilmuth Houdini/Trinidad (30' &
40's calypso) with friend Craig McCalla, seek him out in the Ocho Region.
Thanks Cindy & Marty for the invite, I sure do enjoy a noon performance over late nights! (I need my sleep!). Keep up your great work!
2003
Dec. 7th 2003 -
the date for the "Brandenburg Book signing" (in store @ BBC.) doors opened 1:00 p.m
| Click on Photo to See Larger Version | ||
 |
 |
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| Oliva,
Liam & Lindsey (Brandenburg grandchildren) took the Buffalo Billfold Company by storm. They spent the entire day at the book signing and were waaay to well behaved! |
Lana's mom, Jim and
Judy and shy guy Liam all had a fun time visiting with the public. The book signing was a great success & Brandenburgs stayed on an additional 2 hours to accommodate and the long line of people wanting to have Jim's new book signed. |
World
reknoun photographer and Minnesota native Jim Brandenburgs new book- WAITING FOR THE SUMMER can be ordered at the B.B.C. ($34.95 plus shipping) we'll ship it the same day. We are proud & grateful to have been apart of the Brandenburg book tour. |
Nov. 13th-early evening "live performance" public television-cable 3 - local access United Way-Fund Raising.
Communiqué from Anoka Minnesota, Aug. 11th
Uptown Art Festival - MPLS. MN
Spearfish SD. July 22-03
ARTFALLS- Sioux Falls SD. June 30 communique
June 16th communique
Unvarnished Music Festival-United States Windsurfing National Championships A special thanks to
Kristina Olsen for the invite to "share the stage" I enjoyed her "back up"
I'll never find better than this "slide guitar wizardress of the universe"
Kristina, you the woman! bk
June 30 ARTFALLS- Sioux Falls SD. communique
Bio-Profile Road Notes Bill's Music Festival Building Testimonial Department
The life of an 1870's leathersmith was reborn a century later when the Buffalo Billfold Company started purveying quality leathergoods. Today, 35 years later we continue to strive, creating items the are functional, practical and durable. In a world obsessed with hyper production and ruthlessly cheap imports, we pride ourselves in our craftsmanship. Our claim......the most durable billfolds on earth! made in the USA- by The Buffalo Billfold Company give us a call today.
Worthington, MN 56187
