Dr. Grabow/IP&A tour and open house

ted · Dr. Grabow/IP&A tour and open house

For those of you that live fairly close to Sparta, and even if you don't, Alleghany County is celebrating it's sesquicentennial through this year and 2009.

I just picked up a list of events and find that Grabow/IP&A are giving factory tours on July 7,8, ans 9. Some of you might want to drive up for a day if you can. If anyone is interested...www.ac150.com. There isn't much info there yet, but I think they will post the schedule that I have.

Sparta isn't "blessed" with many motel rooms (only the Alleghany Inn), but they are nice and clean. I have 3 extra bedrooms, a huge deck, and a spectacular view of Mt. Jefferson, Beech, and Sugar Mountains, Mount Rogers VA, and Roan Mt., TN. I also live about 10 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, have a fish pond, and the New River is a mile away.

Joy and I would be delighted to "put up" any of you that want to come (up to 3 couples).

I'm certain IP&A will be selling stuff out of their showroom and maybe off the factory floor. It certainly would be an opportunity to talk with the "powers at be" with Grabow and see the operations. A nice leisurely drive on the Parkway is also in order.

If you are interested, let me know and I'll send the schedule and keep you posted. My offer of accomodations stands.....ted

ozark southpaw

While I doubt seriously that I could that is something I would really love to do! Three days at the factory!! Maybe I could lose my visitors badge(if they issue them) and just kinda melt in and act like a "new" employee! Wife keeps telling me I need to go back to work!

drbridges

I'm going to be waist deep in Summer classes by then, but ... it is so tempting.

Terry292

Ted, according to MapQuest, it's 127.37 miles, 2 hrs, 44 mins, from my house to Sparta, NC. If nothing comes up, count me in for the tour on at least one day. I'll check into the hotel situation before the wife and I impose on you and your family. How far is Mt Airy from Sparta? We've stayed there before when we've been to the Hillsdale, VA, Antiques weekends.
Terry

steverino

Ted, thanks for that info. I will definitely plan on being there one of the days. Do you have a feel for whether or not any particular day is better than another?

As an aside, I will be up at Mt Jefferson tomorrow for a meeting. Been driving a lot lately for work except for today, had to bring the younger boy home from App State for the summer.

ted

Terry and Steve. Haven't forgotten you. You were the two members that I was certain would want to come. Perhaps we can work it out to go together.

I'll send more information (including better directions Terry) in a day or two. My house is, Terry, directly between you and Sparta and is 90 minutes from exit 1 on I-81.

We've had rain for 11 days and my yard grows faster than I can keep up. Almost got caught up today.

More later....ted

Flycruiser

Hmm.. Just over 6 hours for me. I might be visiting family in east TN that weekend, which would cut the 6 hours about in half. Would be nice, I'll have to look into this.

Terry292

Flycruiser, if your travels bring you anywhere near the Tri-Cities, PM me. Maybe we can get together for a smoke and a cup of coffee, well, at least a cup of coffee. Or, maybe we could sit on the terrace at Starbucks and do both?
Terry

Flycruiser

Terry, will do. I have an aunt and uncle Bristol and plan on visiting them sometime this year. Also if you're ever in the Nashville area let me know. I'm just a short drive away from Uptowns. You mean they wont shoot us for smoking near a Satrubucks??? You know, I was at a Waffle House the other day (accidentally of course) and it's just not the same since they banned smoking in those places....

LokoMac8 · Re: Dr. Grabow/IP&A tour and open house

Terry292

Ted, I'd like to post this info on the Smokers Forums. There seem to be quite a few NC, SC, VA, and TN members. A few of them might be interested. Think the folks at IP&A would mind?
Terry

ted

Terry, I mailed you and Steve a brochure about the whole celebration. You'll see the dates again.

The open house is advertised so post it and lets hope a "bunch" come....ted

steverino

Just wanted to mention that we plan to drive up on the 7th. My wife is off work that day and I can take the day off, so we look forward to the trip.

LokoMac8

ted

Mac...The open house is listed for those 3 days.

There are several airport options, but first forget the rental car. I'll pick you up wherever you land.
Charlotte is the airport I use. It's big enough to have plenty of options. Greensboro is as close, but smaller and and may be more expensive. The other choice is Bristol TN. It too is about the same distance and Terry lives 1/2 hour or less from it.

Remember, I've got you a place to stay. Joy and I would be thrilled to have you.

Really hope it works out.....ted

Terry292

Steve, thanks for the heads-up on the date. It gives me a day to shoot for. My schedule is pretty flexible (I'm the owner), so the wife and I might be able to get away for a day on the 7th.

Mac, if I were you, I'd probably go for the options in NC for flights. Our airport is pretty small, and only one or two airlines fly into it. If you do decide to use the Tri-Cities airport, give me a call. Depending on the date, we can probably give you a ride, if you can stand a car full of Walnut smoke. That's one thing I never compromise on: people who come to my home, or ride in my vehicles, have to abide by my rules. Laughing

Also, I'm awaiting a reply from Rick Wooten about some questions I had about scheduled times, etc. When, or if, he replies, I'll post here.
Terry

ted

Had to go to Sparta this morning and stopped to see Rick Wooten. I had a few questions also.

Rick said the tours were all 3 days and he was "shooting for" 10:00 and 2:00, but he also said that if someone shows up at 11:00....they would get the tour.

Rick is the tour guide.

Didn't ask, but am certain pipes will be for sale and I must say they have some beautiful stuff for sale in the lobby.

A suggestion would be to take the 10:00, eat a leisurely lunch, and catch the 2:00....Just a thought.

Hope this helps....ted

Terry292

Thanks for the info, Ted. Sounds like a plan.
Terry

steverino

Yeah, that sounds like a good plan Ted, I will plan in that direction. Does the local drug store still have the Dr. Grabow display? I'd like to see that too while I'm there. Just want to go back to my childhood a bit.

ted

Great, I'll plan to be available on the 7th.

Yes, Halsey Drug....downtown Sparta....still has a great selection, and a bit cheaper, but the Grabow lobby also has 2 wall displays and many of the pipes displayed are from the Lane era. I saw a dozen or so Big pipes and they have a huge selection of lucite Royalton.

Funny about Halsey Drug. I looked last week and intended to buy either a Royalton #19 or #65, but had no "pocket money". I'll be back....ted

Terry292

LokoMac8

ted

Mac, I'm thrilled. I get your old tired ass for 3 days and it'll be a pleasure. Right now I'm planning to pick you up at Charlotte at noon on 7 July. If that changes, let me know......Charlotte is about 1 1/2 hours from Sparta and 1 3/4 hours from my house. If your flight is on time we can make Sparta for the 2:00 tour and I'm certain Steve and Terry will be there.

Mac, You've made me the happiest "white man" on the planet...

Last person I picked up from Charlotte, in my official capacity, was Tommy Hunt who owned the Smoke Shop in Amarillo.

David.....Get your butt in gear....Think about it!..ted

jjtroutbum

Hoping someone will be able to post some pictures from this tour!

ted

JJ, Bet we will. Including a pix of Steve, Terry, Mac, me, and whoever else comes. Really looking forward to it.......ted

Terry292

Mac, glad to see you're going to be able to make it after all. After reading your posts here and your web site, if any member of this forum deserves to have a guided tour of the Grabow factory, you would certainly get my vote. I'm looking forward to meeting you, Steve and Ted.
Terry

steverino

I"m looking forward to it a great deal as well. Hey, I had a thought - is anyone planning on bringing any "show and tell" stuff? I thought I might bring the Eldorados and the Regals, since I've got a fairly good collection of those. Would certainly like to see some of the rare stuff you guys have if you can bring anything.

Terry292

Steve, I'm bringing some of my Dr G's, nothing special though because, except for my unmarked CDL, I don't have anything out of the ordinary. I just figure if I'm going to visit the Grabow factory, I should bring some of their pipes to smoke. I intend to come back with more than I brought, though.
Terry

drbridges

Sounds like you guys are going to have a great time.

Take lots of photos. Keep the DG staff distracted while Mac rifles thru the files.

And no matter how inadequate he appears on the golf course, don't let ted talk you into playing for money. Laughing

TheDuke

Sound's like a great time in the making! I'm very envious! Look foward to the report's though!

ozark southpaw · Grabow tour

sniff--

ted

Guys, Mac just confirmed that he was coming. Gets into Charlotte at noon on the 7th. I'll pick him up, and as I've said it'll be a "chore" to get to Sparta by 2:00.

Terry and/or Steve, please send me a PM with your cell number ( I know the Grabow number) so that, if I have to, I can call and delay the 2:00 tour till Mac and I get there.

Really shouldn't be a problen 'cause it's only 1 3/4 hours from Charlotte, but if Mac's plane is late, I don't want anyone to miss meeting him.

OS, Get your "tired ass" to Sparta on the 7th, or I'll sent the "hilbilly police" to pick you up......Dr. B ???? Yes, I understand, but we'll miss you.

As I've said before, How many forums have a "field trip"???? Regards........ted

LokoMac8

LokoMac8

Terry292

Looks like my trip to Sparta is turning into a major vacation trip. My wife has been talking to John Kilmartin at the Alleghany Inn, and he's been telling her about the Sparta Teapot Museum, the Churches of the Frescoes, New River Arts & Crafts, Mangum Pottery, and other places. Now, while we're there, she wants to visit all these places, too. I was just planning to come down, spend a night, visit the Grabow factory (maybe twice) and Halsey Drug, and come home. I don't know if we can do all these places in a day. Might have to spend two.
Terry

ted

Terry, I'm delighted that you might stay another day. I hope your wife wins the extra day.

Downtown Sparta is pretty simple. It's only 2 blocks long and the teapot museum, new river arts and crafts, and Mr. Henry Thorn's antiques are all within the 2 blocks. There's also Farmers Hardware which is a "destination" in itself (next door to Halsey Drug).

I know you like antiques, and Mr. Thorn was a music teacher who filled his house with wonderful antiques. He retired from teaching, moved into a smaller place, and opened an antique shop to sell his "stuff". He owned no trash, therefore he sells no trash.

Mangum pottery is just off hwy 93 between Piney Creek and Sparta. Look for a small sign as you go toward Sparta. You'll pass, in a curve left, an old store building. On the right is a BIG potato patch. Just past the tater patch, on the right, is Halsey rd. The Mangum sign should be there. Bet Mangum has been sick, so may or may not be open while you are here.

The frescoes are fantastic. Done by Ben Long. They are in the area of Jefferson/West Jefferson. Thats about an hour from Sparta. I live exactly half way between Sparta and Jefferson and had planned to take Mac on a short drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway to show him the similarities and differences between Laurel and Rhododendren. We'd start our drive within 5 miles of the fresco church in Glendale Springs. Perhaps I could take you, your wife, and Mac to see the frescos and for an hour drive down the Parkway which will end up back in Sparta.

Jefferson/West Jefferson is a larger town than Sparta and has become an artists haven. I think there are 9 or more semi-famous artists in residence in West Jefferson. It's a treat to just walk main street and go into the artists shops. Stephen Shoemaker is fantastic. Many of the buildings on main street have murials on them, done by these artists. Neat thing is that it's only about 45 minutes from Mountain City TN. Play a lot of golf in Mt. City. It's only 45 minutes from my house, 'course the roads are a bit crooked. I'll give directions if you want. Might want to keep this from your wife!!!

Anyway, I'm delighted. Mac and I (he's a captive) will be available to take or direct the two of you. This also "goes" for you, Steve, OS (if you make it), and anyone else that is able to come.

By the way, Browns Restaurant in Sparta (behind the Pantry c-store) is really good, and the Ship's Wheel....if it's open...ted

ted

http://www.americanartshow.com/Pr...At%20Stikes%20Hollar%20Giclee.htm

My wife was born and raised about a mile from this Shoemaker painting...ted

steverino

Now that's what I call art. Really.

ted

The Virginia Creeper was a steam train that ran from Abingdon Virginia to West Jefferson...over the mountains. It used to haul timber out of Ashe county to Abingdon and Bristol.

The Creeper cease operations in the early 70's. It continued to run as a tourist train in the fall for a few years, but finally stopped altogether. The tracks have been taken up and a bike/walking trail was built along the ROW.

I was about 12 and my parents ordered a clock from Ellmans in Atlanta. It came by Creeper and I'll always remember how fascinated I was by the train. Mac, Guess I should have been an engineer.

There is a huge (probably 18x40) murial of the Creeper on the building next to the Ford dealership.
Shoemaker did this one also.

ted

http://www.ashecountyarts.org/publicart.htm

Sorry, Off topic but I found a few pictures.

http://www.ashecountyarts.org/BarnQuiltProject.htm By the way, my wife and I have done a couple of these....ted

ozark southpaw

Are those actual quilts Ted?

ted

OS...They are copies of "old timey" quilt squares, painted on 3x3, 4x4, and 8x8 squares of plywood. For example the yellow takes 7 coats...8 with the primer, and hung on barns that are really old, usually.

I'm making a 2x2 to hang on my outhouse....

It's a combination of geometry and art. My old math teacher...E. Max Absher....would be proud..ted

Terry292

Ted, I have several quilts my Mamaw made with those patterns. We used to use them when I was a kid to keep warm in the winter (no central heat and air, then). When Mom sold her house and moved into an apartment, my brother, sister, and I all got a few of Mamaw's quilts.

By the way, this is another nail in my coffin. Now, Trease wants to visit Jefferson/West Jefferson, too.
Terry

steverino

I haven't told my wife about all the "stuff" yet.

Terry292

That's probably the best idea, Steve. lol

ted

I'll hush......ted

Terry292

Ted, it's not your fault, believe me. I'm the one who asked her to make the reservations. Then, she got to talking to Mr Kilmartin, at the Alleghany Inn, and from there it's been growing.
Terry

ozark southpaw

ted

Terry, My directions to Mangum's pottery were a bit "suspect". I had to go to Sparta this morning and the "store building" doesn't really look like one..even though we all know it was. And the "tater" patch has been eaten by the deer. And it's Halsey Knob road.

You'll pass a "tractor farm" on the left and right. Not truck farm, Tractor..Around a few curves and up the hill...few more curves, and two long (for Piney Creek) straight streaches. Curve to the left. There on the left is the store building, on the right, the remains of a tater patch. Halsey Knob road is on the right.

If you get to the Elk Creek bridge....in honor of Peggy Halsey... you've gone too far.

The tractor farm and in honor of Peggy Halsey, you'll understand as you drive.

Mac is a restorer of tractors and I can't wait for him to see the old rusty tractors that he could be restoring....ted

TheDuke

Reading through this thread, it sound's like it's gonna be a great time! Look foward to the stories and pics! Hope it's a great experience and safe trip for all who are able to make it!Enjoy!
EM

steverino

I thought I'd better let everyone know that my mother is now in the hospital and it's possible I may not be able to make the trip. If things remain status quo, I should be able to make it, but we are not clear at this point as to what her care situation is going to be after she leaves the hospital. Will advise further when able.

ozark southpaw

Hope she's doing better Steve!

ted

I also wish her and you the best. If you can't, we'll certainly understand. You'll be back in Sparta again and I'll bet we can get you a "rain check".

Hope everything works out for the best....ted

TheDuke

Prayed for your Mother ,Steve.
EM

Terry292

Sorry to hear about your mother, Steve. She's in our prayers. If you can't make it , we can probably work something out later this summer.
I know how it can be with mothers; mine's 82 and has her health problems, too.
Terry

steverino

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers, guys. Not to get the thread too far off, but we got her into a rehab center today. She had fallen several times before she went to the hospital and that's why they wanted to have her in rehab, I think mainly to watch her for a while. She's 89 and thinks she's 39, at least as far as getting around goes.

ozark southpaw

89!! I can only hope to be breathing at 89!!

Terry292

Happy to hear your mother's out of the hospital, Steve.

steverino

steverino

Mom has gotten settled into the rehab center okay, so I'm pretty sure we'll be able to make the trip barring any unforseen circumstances. Looking forward to it a great deal.

steverino

Well, crap. I get one issue resolved and I'm hit with another. I found out this afternoon that it looks like I'm going to have to meet the WTQR engineers at our radio site on Sauratown Mountain on Tuesday. We have been trying to resolve an interference problem they've been causing us for almost three years. I am under the gun to get this done and don't think I'd better try to put this off. Is there any chance anyone of the group will still be in Sparta on the 8th? If so, I could run up that day, though my wife won't be able to come with me. I really hate to miss this altogether.

ozark southpaw

That's the pits Steve!! Can't you tell them you have to go see a "Doctor" in Sparta?

ted

Steve...Mac and I should be available on the 8th. I'd hate for you to miss the tour and him.

We'll talk on the 7th if you aren't there ,to find out your schedule for the 8th......ted

Terry292

My schedule is flexible, Steve. If the 8th works better for you, Trease and I can come down the afternoon of the 7th, instead of the 6th. Actually, that would probably work better for me. I forgot today is a holiday here, and I can't get any work done until Monday. The first working day after a three day holiday is usually a bear for me. So, if you can make it on Wednesday, just let me know, and we'll adjust.
Terry

ted

Terry/ Steve....I'll have Mac as a "captive" for a few days, so if it becomes the 8th then he (unknowingly) and I can do it.

We aint...aren't....won't....will not....shaint...miss this opportunity to meet y'all...ted

steverino

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your willingness to be flexible - I certainly don't expect it. I will plan for the 8th and I should be able to be there by 10 a.m. with no problem, maybe earlier. Just let me know.

Again, many thanks.

ted

Steve....We are nothing if not flexable. Mac and I will probably eat breakfast at Brown's restaurant on the 8th, about an hour before the 10:00 tour. Brown's is just off main street, behind the Pantry C-store.

Maybe you can join us......you to Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter......ted

Terry292

Wednesday works for me, too. See you then. Ted, we'll make plans for breakfast with you and Mac, too.
Terry

ted

Looking forward to it. Steve, guess you'll have to get up a bit earlier to make breakfast at 9:00 or so. Hope you can....ted

steverino

It's Tuesday morning and I just wanted to touch base - I plan to leave the house tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. I have no idea whether that will get me to Sparta by 9, but I'm thinking it'll be close. I will come to the place where you're having breakfast - you guys gonna have a big DGCF sign up?

Terry292

Steve, can't miss me. Just look for the red suspenders, glasses, and moustache. If I'm outside, I'll be wearing my panama hat.
Terry

steverino

Thanks Terry, sounds good. I don't know what I'll be wearing - I'll be the guy who looks like he's lost.

drbridges

Sparta is a small town. Just ask anyone to point out the other new stranger to you. You will find one another.

ted

David, We really wish there was another "stranger" in Sparta. Mac, Terry, Steve and I are meeting for breakfast this morning. Wish you were here..ted

drbridges

Me also, ted. Me also.

Terry292

I just got home from the most amazing day I've had in a long time. Just getting to meet Tom, Mac and Steve was wonderful, but watching Dr Grabow pipes being made was absolutely the icing on the cake. I'm going to have to let things percolate a couple of days before I can post any coherent description of today's events. I also have to edit the 150+ photos my wife and I took. All I can say now is, Thanks, Tom, for cluing us in on these tours, and thanks, Mac and Steve, for extending my knowledge base on Dr Grabow pipes.
Terry

steverino

Terry, you expressed the same basic feelings I had about today. A real high spot, and I hope we can repeat it sometime. It was really good to meet you and your wife and R.J. and Tom. And to see the pipes, too!

LokoMac8

Terry292

The Four "Grabow-teers"

http://s539.photobucket.com/album...w&current=DSCF4364_edited.jpg

Just wanted to get this one up tonight.
Terry

LokoMac8

drbridges

I like the 4 Grabow-teers, but I can't ID the pipes.

LokoMac8

ozark southpaw

Haven't gotten through all of them yet but really enjoy the pics ! Had to quit looking as I was slobbering all over myself! Tom? Who's Tom?

ted

steverino

What great documentation of the day's activities. Thanks sooo much for posting, RJ. I have now given my wife a tour of the Dr. Grabow pipe factory. And she was nice enough to sit and listen attentively.

ozark southpaw · Tom-Ted?

ozark southpaw

ozark southpaw

Oh,by the way! Did you guys let them know that their website is "lacking"?!!

Terry292

Ed, we talked with Rick Wooten about the web presence. He was kind enough to give us about half an hour of his time. There are issues he's still trying to work out, but he does have some good ideas about where to take the web page. I can't go into any details because of the nature of the problems, but just keep watching. I think we'll all be surprised in the not too distant future.

And, yes, Mac's pictures are great, much better than ours. I don't know now if I'll post any more, or not.

I really wish you and Dr B could have made it. We'd have had enough for a bowling team.
Terry

LokoMac8

LokoMac8

ozark southpaw

Thanks for that info Mac. I can see their position.

If there should be a second DGCF "convention" next year I would be there. I should be in a better position then to attend.

steverino

Terry, do post your pictures if you can - it would be great to have some additional views of the place.

Terry292

I'll try to get some posted this weekend. Unfortunately, most of my photos are so blurry even I don't know what they're supposed to be, and I was there. Digital cameras baffle me. I'm a point and shoot guy. If I'd had my little Instamatic, I think I'd have had better luck.
Terry

ted

Terry/Steve...First of all, thank you for being a part of a very special few days for me (and I hope for you). I really enjoyed your company and the time we got to spend together. I've decided that not all pipe smokers are crazy....based on our group...only about 25%.

Terry, Please post what you can of your pictures. I think everyone wants to see more. When you get 'em posted, I'll help you with the descriptions if you'd like.

I delivered the 25% safely back to Charlotte this afternoon. He's getting close to home by now.

Somebody pick a date for the "second annual". I'm pretty "liquid".....Thanks again....ted

steverino

LokoMac8

LokoMac8

LokoMac8

LokoMac8

Dr. Grabow/IP&A tour and open house

Re: Dr. Grabow/IP&A tour and open house

Grabow tour

Tom-Ted?