The day started for us at HomePlace at 06:00 AM. It was time for 'final assembly'. The sign was placed by the road to make finding us easier. Considering I still pass the entrance at night on occasion that's important.
Hangman set up his kitchen and got the fire started so he would have coals for his dutch ovens. Matt rolled in a bit before 07:00 and started with last minute arrangements, including getting the track back on the bulldozer AGAIN and moving it out of the right of way.
The first arrivals rolled in a few minutes before 09:00. They were met at the parking area by our gas powered stage coach, aka 1953 Dodge M-37. From there they were taken to registration where by Helene.
From registration folks headed either to the Ace In The Hole (non-alcoholic) Saloon or to Hangman's cook fire for breakfast.
Not surprisingly when I started setting up the firearms display folks started drifting over.
Over the next hour I covered the firearms development from 1400 give or take to 1899. Then it was time to move to the range.
We started with checking everyone out on a double barrel 12 gauge shotgun, a Winchester 1894 lever action lever action carbine in .45 Colt and a single action revolver in .45 ACP. Fur Cat is helping with scale.
My intention was to break for lunch as soon as everyone had qualified, but at least half of them came back with more ammo for a second round.
Before the main event folks had a chance to try out other firearms from the line up. A replica English Matchlock was one of the most popular.
Our good friend Susan brought a Savage .22/.410 combo gun that had belonged to her Step Dad. I have always wanted one of these. Several of us, myself included, had a ball shooting this one.Folks could have spent quite a while trying out old west rifles, shotguns and handguns but it was pumpkin time!
The hulking orange orbs formed a skirmish line. We stood our ground.I'm pretty sure we made the first move.
The carnage was impressive
In a moment the air was filled with smoke, lead and pumpkin guts.
Then all was silent.
But we know the pumpkins will be next year, and we will be ready.
My thanks to Amy Sharp for the use of the 3rd, 4th, 7th, 11th and 12th photograph used in this Blog.
It's as close to a pumpkin shoot as I could get and I enjoyed it. Thanks for "taking" me there!
ReplyDeletecher
You were missed out here and ask after. I will say again, when you are feeling up to it let Helene and I know. We will have Cher's Great Pumpkin Shoot, or milk jug shoot if pumpkins are not available. Most of the folks said they would come back to shoot with you.
ReplyDeleteThat matchlock was awesome. It was like grabbing a dragon by the tail. The Sharps was also a treat. This was a fantastic event. Art's history, Hangman's food, and the firearms experience made for a great day. You have to do it again, Art.
ReplyDeleteThought you might enjoy this post. Don't know if you have this problem. Russell's other posts are good also and remind me of yours.
ReplyDeletehttp://russellcushman.blogspot.com/2009/10/real-menace-to-society-pigpeii.html#comments
cher
Mr. Cushman is correct that Hogs are a huge problem. They tear up ground cover, crops and gardens. Some of them are extremely dangerous. I have found their sign but never encountered them on HomePlace. They are one reason we always carry a firearm on property, and NOT a .22
ReplyDeletelast year i saw a mother and two little ones after that i started to carry a larger handgun. anytime my kid are at the homeplace they have to stay around the house or with one of us. if your going to carry something for hogs dont carry somrthing thats going to make them mad they start the day with chip on their sholder. the first year we where on the homeplace i went to the autoparts store in bremond and they had a pic of a hog that had been shot just out side of town it was well over 1000lbs. and thats alot of pork to have mad at you.
ReplyDeleteThat was a wonderful event if I do say so myself!I've added a hint on my blog comments section about the next event, just after the clue Matthew left after my post about the shoot.
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