Review of September and Preview of October

September was a very active month; two busy open dates and two printing fairs.

The first was the .918 Club Heritage Printing Museum, Lancaster, PA letterpress fair.

Next came the fair at The Museum of Printing in Haverhill, MA.

Both were great events, well attended by vendors and letterpressers.

Lancaster had an unusual activity; tube roll printing, a fun take on laying ink on paper.

As always, nice to travel, see old friends, make new ones and talk a lot of letterpress.

But now we're preparing for October with two open dates (the 7th and the 21st) as well as the LA Printers Fair on the 14th.

Hope to see you somewhere along the way.

Update on San Jose Printers' Fair 2016

After two eye operations the past month the question was whether it'd be possible to make the trip. Initially the odds didn't favor it. But the surgeon, expressing very distinct precautions, has given the green light!

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Unable to do much physical work until shortly before the trip, Sarah has stepped up, pulled together and packed a complement of type and supplies.

It won't be the four tables we normally set up, but all the basic supplies will be on hand.

So please, support the Printers Guild by setting the GPS for History Park on the 9th!

And for sure, stop by to say hello to JoAnn and myself; I'll be wearing the big wrap-around sunglasses.

                                                                                                                - John B

2015 - A "Fair" Year!

The Barrett's were fortunate to participate is a number of Printing Fairs across the country this year.

Without question a lot of preliminary work goes into gathering and packing supplies, type, etc. West coast Fairs require shipping by UPS; generally a dozen or more cartons. East coast ones the van gets the miles.

April saw us in San Jose, CA with the Printer's Guild; their 3rd and best year yet.

May we motored out Rt 90 to Wells College, Aurora, NY for the Upstate New York Wayzgoose.

First time, an impressive gathering and program.

After a casual summer next came the LA Printer's Fair at the International Printing Museum, Carson, CA. the first Saturday in October.

This is a Fair for all Fairs; 50+ vendors, several thousand attendees in perfect Socal weather. Finish packing after the show, slap labels on the cartons and get them immediately to UPS for a journey to Lancaster, PA. Fly home, gather up additional supplies and four days later drive to attend the Lancaster Printing Fair produced by the 918 Club from the Heritage Printing Museum. Another excellent event put on by the Club; their third year also and bigger than last year!

Despite the physical work, the stress and the uncertainty of traffic and travel schedules, JoAnn and I truly enjoy attending these Fairs. We meet hundreds of letterpressers, many who have emailed or called for supplies or information through the years. Our compliments to the organizations and the many volunteers who make these events happen. And especially, our thanks to all who have stopped by our tables, said hi and bought a "thing" or two, your support is appreciated.

-- John and JoAnn