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Dear
Friends
Just a short E-Mail to say a very big thank you to every one who made
the convention one of the very best. I had a fantastic time and made
several new friends. It's not a convention any more it's a family
reunion. Keep up the good work. see you in 2006 if not sooner. Your
fellow Son of the Desert.
Douglas W. Rimmer
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Hello Jim,
I was just enjoying the photo archives of the convention. I don’t
know if it’s too late but I have a few digital images I’d like to
donate to the cause. This was my first convention and enjoyed it
thoroughly. I have some great shots of the theaters, the zoo, the
ceremonies and of course personal photos of Mildred & Jean.
C. Richard Chartrand
Photographer
Music Box Tent #228
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Hi, Everyone, Linda Caldwell here.
Now that Denise and I are slowly
coming down off the clouds, we want to THANK all of you for an
absolutely great time and the warm welcome that we received from
everyone there in Ohio. It was a fabulous time for us.
Especially visiting old friends and meeting new ones. I have
some great photos, which we will get up to you this week. Hope
it is not too late to put on line.
Well, take care all, and see y'all
in 2006.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
Linda Caldwell
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Hello, Jim!
Lee and I have only been home a
short while after the wonderful time we had in Columbus at the
Convention. Please convey to Rick Lindner and all his committee how
much we enjoyed all that you planned for us. Our accommodations at
the Hyatt were excellent.
The Thurs. Midway games were great
fun!
The dinner at the hotel was
delicious!
The Fri. tour of Columbus with
Gary, our tour guide, was very good. We enjoyed seeing Ohio State
campus.
The day at the Zoo was delightful!
It's been eons since Lee and I have ridden a carousel! The picnic
was good and we enjoyed sitting with you and Joanna.
Thanks to Gary's recommendation we
had a great night on the town.
The Saturday program at the Ohio
Theatre was just wonderful! What fun to see "Big Business" on the
big screen!The dinner at the hotel was very good and the after
dinner films, interesting.
The Sunday Brunch was very well
done.
All in all, many thanks for the
good planning and all the fun things you arranged for us. We had a
great time! Our Tee shirts, fezes and tote bags are good souvenirs.
Lee sends his greetings to all of
you.
Elizabeth Strong
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Hi Jim,
herewith I want to thank you and all the members of the Perfect day Tent
for the great time we had in Columbus. This was my first convention in
the USA, but I am sure I do not want to miss any of the future ones.
The theatre's, the Zoo, the Hotel and everything else but most of all
the very nice people were great. I have made a lot of new friends. Now I
started working again, looking back to a lot of beautifull moments and
specially that evening when the people putted their hands together for
the people outside the US, I stiil have tears in my eyes when I think
about this.
I hope to see you all in Harlem.
Best wishes,
Anton Huyps
Perfect Day Tent Amsterdam Oasis #13
anton.huyps@12move.nl
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Hi Jim,
I
wanted to tell you what I thought of the convention, please forgive
my tardiness. After the convention I spent some time in Chicago and
now I've been back home over a week now and I think I'm over the jet
lag at last! That’s my excuse and I’m stuck with it.
I
had a great time at the convention; it was a very sociable
atmosphere and everybody seemed to be having the time of their
lives. I think the friendly atmosphere was due, in no small measure,
to the fact that all of the organising committee had smiles on their
faces all through the weekend and always had time for everybody
which was so well appreciated. I have been to many conventions in
two continents and must say this one compared favourably with the
best.
Congratulations and thank you to all the guys and dolls of the
Perfect Day tent for all your hard work that went into a smashing
convention. Thank goodness you decided to bid again after the
disappointment of the first time.
Hope to see you in Harlem.
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Hi Jim, Rick, Mark!
Congratulations on an enormous job well done! Our convention will be
remembered vividly for a long time. We are the Sons of the Desert, and
we had the time of our lives! Seeing all the delegates again was
wonderful. The enire convention was well planned and well executed. You
should be proud and pleased. The PERFECT DAY DIARY was very well
done...priceless! Columbus is a wonderful city...first time there for us
and we were very impressed and delighted. We are Dancing Cuckoos (from
that "STATE UP NORTH"). Beautiful job by the Perfect Day gang. Looking
forward to Harlem in 2006, you guys are a tough act to follow.
Al and Mary Lou Papcun, Dancing Cuckoos, Oasis 2, Canton, Michigan
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Dear Jim,
I just want to thank you, Rick and
the rest of the Perfect Day Tent for a wonderful convention. As
leader of the Belgian delegation I speak for all us of us (in fact
we were only two) when I say that everybody had a great time,
enjoying a perfect organization of the convention and enjoying the
wonderful people of the hosting tent.
I spoke to some conventioneers and
all agreed that this was a fine convention. So thanks again and God
willing we will meet again at Harlem 2006.
Best regards,
Marc De Coninck
Vice-Sheik of the Me and my Pal-Tent
Belgium
Ommegangstraat 30
B9420 Erpe-Mere
Belgium
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Hi everyone,
Many, many thanks for the great
convention we had in Columbus!
This was my first convention in The
States, and I come back for sure.
I miss already all the great Sons,
they where so lovely to the Dutch...
So Rick, Mark, Flip, Jim, Joanna,
many thanks for all..
best regards,
the flying dutchman is back home,
sjaak bolder
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Hi Rick and the Perfect Day Tent of
Columbus, Ohio:
Congratulations on a great job in hosting the 14th International Sons Of
The Desert convention. Janet and I
enjoyed not only the convention, but our first visit to Ohio. The
theater tours and especially viewing Sons Of
The Desert
with a large audience was most memorable. As in 1982 at the Detroit
convention, the memories of seeing "the boys" with a large audience will
always stay with me. Having attended 13 of the 14 conventions, it is
always a pleasure to see the many friends we have had the pleasure of
knowing since 1978. It's not always easy to say good-bye to everyone at
the farewell brunch, but on the other hand, it's a good time to start
looking forward to the next convention.
In addition to the theater tours, the
Midway Games Mixer was a great new approach which I thought went very
well. Jimmy Wiley's video presentations really brought back many happy
memories of conventions past as the crowd agreed when they responded
enthusiastically to his work. It was good to see Brad Farrell and Ron
Young acknowledged for their many years of dedication to the Sons. The
hotel was top notch and the staff really went out of their way to make
our stay very comfortable. The daily Perfect Day diary was an extra
added bonus which was appreciated.
In summary, you came through with everything you promised. Definitely
a successful convention. Once again, congratulations and many
thanks to all of you for your hard work.
Looking forward to 2006 !
All the best,
John and Janet Duff
The Early To Bed Tent Of South Pasadena
Oasis # 239
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Jim and Rick,
Having attended all 14 conventions I have to say that Columbus
2004 ranks right up there with the best. And my wife, who has only
missed one, concurs. I've always maintained that the best thing
about attending Sons conventions is the opportunity to see good
friends who only turn up every two years. This one was no exception
and you also managed to put on a great show. Charley Chase would
have said, "It's a darb!"
If asked to pick out our favorite convention activity, we'd have to
say there were several. The theatre tours were very entertaining
(and I even got my jacket back from the Southern). The docents knew
their business and communicated well. The day at the Columbus zoo
was a wonderful idea. And the noonday meal provided was just right.
How lucky we all were that our outdoor jaunts were held on clear,
sunny days. I don't know how words can describe the Ohio Theatre
program.
A theatre pipe organ concert, followed by three silents with organ
accompaniment was the 'piece de resistance'. A fourth candidate for
best activity was the Saturday night banquet where we saw those
marvelous videos. Indeed, a 'coup' by the convention committee.
What was best? A four-way tie in my mind.
And, speaking of the convention committee, your gang did a fantastic
job of keeping everyone informed and happy. I hate to mention names
because there's the risk of inadvertently leaving someone out, but I
have to express my thanks to Mark, Flip, Flip's lady, and Rick, all
of whom were ubiquitous and constantly helpful.
Just so I don't sound like Pollyana, I had to find something to
complain about. The 'reserved' signs that appeared on empty tables
at the Friday night banquet was disturbing to those of us who
weren't aware that tables could be reserved. It isn't a bad idea,
but all attendees should be given a 'heads-up'. (You can chalk this
gripe up to the fact that age is making me more grouchy than usual.)
Finally, I sincerely hope that Columbus came out of the convention
in good financial condition. I had mentioned to several of your gang
that 'seed money' isn't an iron-clad requirement. No tent should go
in the hole to provide it. But, if it isn't forthcoming, be sure to
give the Harlem group early notice.
Thank you for assigning us to a 19th floor room. It was a very
delightful extra bonus that we enjoyed.
I'm certainly glad that Rick perservered after the disappointment at
the convention vote in Seattle. It paid off for all of us.
Elaine and Dwain Smith
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Hi,
Please connect to (http://www.blotto.nl/index.php/international) for
coverage of the Ohio Convention.
Thanks,
Bram
Bram
Reijnhoudt
editor/webmaster Blotto en Blotto Online
http://www/blotto.nl
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July 20, 2004
Dear Convention Committee Members, Perfect Day
Tent, Oasis #42
I'm Charles Greenlaw of Sacramento, Calif (Another
Fine Mess, #49) who attended your recent Sons Convention with Irene
Velasquez. While Irene is a veteran of many conventions and well
known to many of you convention stalwarts, I've only been to one
Sons convention before, SeaTac 2000, also with Irene.
My heartfelt appreciation to all of you for your
splendid hosting of this convention. I was at every
moment delighted, entertained, and abundantly satisfied. Not only
that, I had a really good time, too.
So many impressively good features were part of
this convention that it would be tedious to note them all. A few
things that especially move me are the calm, cheerful and
expert event management by all of you host people, the seamless and
complementary mix of Laurel and Hardy-based Sons activities with
Columbus-area attractions, and the excellence of the venue at the
Hyatt and its own amenities and services, plus those nearby. The
little flourishes, like the Daily Diary archive reproductions, were
special treats.
In particular, the three theater tours and
narratives were of special interest to myself and to Irene-- for
quite different reasons. Irene is a long-time local theater
participant as a moonlight activity, in recent years as resident
production stage manager of one of Sacramento's best local theater
groups, in a modern facility at a community college. My own interest
focused on the architecture and construction methods, coming from a
career in structural engineering that early-on had involvement in
design of structure for Sacramento's new Community Center Theater. I
enjoyed after-tour chats with both of your expert docents, on
construction and restoration matters, but also on the organizational
enthusiasm evident in CAPA.
All four of we Sacramento attendees dined at
Schmidt's Tuesday night, soon after arrival in Columbus, and enjoyed
the trip there and return on foot through German Village, marveling
at the brick and stone architecture and pavements. We four made our
pilgrimage to R&R Hall of Fame by rented car Wednesday, where I took
in the building's flamboyant tube-trussed structure and a tour of
the ore steamer at the pier as well. You never know what eclectic
interests besides Laurel and Hardy that Sons conventioneers might
have, but there was a good chance of satisfying lots of it.
I have come home with the impression that both
Columbus (the city) and Perfect Day Tent are where notable
friendliness and purposeful excellence are a regular way of life.
Thank you all, very very much.
Charles Greenlaw
Sacramento, California
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Dear Jim:
I want to thank you for your web page and keeping us all informed for
the last year. It was a great convention. On the drive home my brother
Joe and I basked in the after glow of "another fine mess".
Also, I loved Columbus! You should be proud of your beautiful city.
Please remember me to your daughter "Deadeye" Joanna. (She throws a
mean dart) Joanna is the next generation of the Sons and is certainly
going to be Grand Sheik one day.
Bob Rooney
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7-20-04
Dear Jim:
Thank you for your beautiful letter with thoughts graciously expressed.
This was also my first convention, and honestly, I went not knowing what
to expect. I had the best time that I have ever had on a vacation. The
Sons are, indeed, a great group of people! I enjoyed everyone that I met
and came in contact with. Anthony, my nephew, was very excited about
winning and was talking about "defending his championship." For me, I
was glad to honor Stan, buy a few collectable books, and bask in the
cameraderie of people who love Laurel & Hardy as I do.
It meant so much to me to visit a theatre where they used to show real
MOVIES. Did anyone notice the audience fully participating in all the
L&H comedies, including BIG BUSINESS?
My special warm hug to all the people I made friends with, especially
the tent from Pennsylvania, Happy Harry, and many others. I miss you
already and I wish we could've had another banquet. I especially loved
the film clip sequence where all of the 107 L&H movies were shown in two
minutes. Is there any way to get this?
It was also good to get back home again. Ohio is where my roots are and
it was refreshing to see and feel the good, old-fashioned manners of
Ohio people.
If you wish to contact me, mail me at: bruceweaver14@hotmail.com
God Bless!
Bruce Weaver
Bacon Grabbers Tent # 10
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Hi Jim!
What a surprise that you mention brunch with my family as a convention
highlight! You're making me blush! I can tell you that it was mutual as
we enjoyed our brunch with you and Joanna.
The Columbus Convention was a most enjoyable one for the entire Conte
family. Please convey our thanks and appreciation to Rick, Flip, Mike,
Eileen, and of course you and all the rest of your tent mates for
throwing a great party!
See you all (or should I say "Y'all") in Harlem, Ga. in 2006.
Fraternally yours,
Bob Conte
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Jim,
I was sorry I didn't get to meet you... so much going on. Maybe next
time.
Rick gave me, my husband and our three friends from England a ride in
his antique car on Sat. morning to German Village. That was such a cool
experience. He's a really nice guy.
I thought you ALL did a great job with the convention. Everything seemed
to have run very smoothly.
I especially enjoyed the Ohio Theater on Sat. afternoon. I ended up
getting so sick on Sunday morning I couldn't attend the brunch to say
goodbye to our friends :-(
Good luck on the project of memories. I'll look forward to your email
when it's up and running.
Anne Turchek
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KUDO'S to everyone that worked on a wonderful convention from the
Perfect Day Tent.
Marty Hoffer
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For those of you who didn't attend the Son's International
Convention in Columbus this past week, I just wanted to say it was a
GREAT and FUN success. We owe the Perfect Day Tent Sons a great deal of
gratitude for their wonderful efforts. A sure highlight was seeing the
silent movie, Big Business, with the Boys on the giant sceen of the
fabulously beautiful Ohio Theater with hundreds and hundreds of people
(Sons plus the public), and to hear nothing but LOUD belly-laughter for
practically the whole film. At another convention event, there were
carnival midway games-of-chance (constructed and) manned by various
tents, and it was loads of fun and a great success. At the banquets, we
saw several audio-visual presentations about past conventions and
special guests who have attended--it's too hard to describe how
emotional it was, but it always will be remembered by Sons at the
convention who saw them. It was nice to see old friends and to make many
new ones. I recall chatting and socializing with folks from England,
Switzerland, Holland, and Belgium, in addition to many USA states. There
were many other fine events that others will be detailing to you in the
future, I'm sure.
Congratulations goes to Harlem, Georgia, for winning the bid for
the 2006 Sons International Convention. They have some great plans and
events that they showed us for that convention--it was very exciting.
And although the bid from Bridgeport, Connecticut, did not win, they are
to be congratulated on a VERY nice presentation and effort. Most of the
folks I talked to seemed very excited and were looking forward to going
to the Harlem convention--I know I'll be going. And hope you can make it
to the Oliver Hardy Festival in Harlem this October 2 (Saturday), with a
Son's dinner the evening of October 1, with another Son's "wind-down"
dinner the evening of October 2. We have great fun each year--try to
make it. If you have any questions I can answer, don't hesitate to ask.
Gino Dercola
Columbia, Maryland
member of Any Old Port Tent
