John Dewald | Continuing the Tradition with the Gunmaker's Fair at Kempton
We’re talking with Artist and Historian John Dewald of Pennsylvania about traditional horn work, his muzzleloading story and the NEW Gunmakers Fair at Kempton - an event dedicated to preserve and present the art and industry of making early American muzzleloading firearms and accouterments. Bringing together artisans and crafts people that help create and support the gunmaking industry. Promote muzzleloading by giving seminars on topics such as gun making, horn making, bag making, gun collecting, match competition, hunting, historical re-enactments, and other educational based programs.
The Gunmakers Fair at Kempton: https://gunmakersfair.wixsite.com/gunfair July 29-31, 2022 Kempton, PA
John is a native of Northeastern Pennsylvania and grew up on the other side of the Muncy Creek, outside of the historical town of Muncy, PA. He started shooting black powder 40 years ago with his father. He inspired John, at age 12, to start making simple powder horns and doing scrimshaw while working alongside him at North East Trade Company (a muzzleloading and trapping supplies store).
In 2004, John began participating in French and Indian War re-enactments. Renewing his interest in making powder horns. While researching for information to construct a horn in 2009, John stumbled across information for the “Honourable Company of Horners," a guild dedicated to the preservation and continuing craftsmanship of horn work. John joined the guild in 2011 and attended my first conference that same year, winning a ribbon for my efforts on my friend’s horn. Additionally, while working on that same horn, he found a great family of craftsman on “The Horner’s Bench.”
Ever since, John has become completely consumed by this ancient craft. He spends countless hours doing research and tinkering away in his 1863 basement workshop. John’s work is both contemporary and historical. This includes; powder horns, spice boxes, wing-bone turkey calls and other fine accouterments from horn, bone, and wood. During his personal time, John enjoys hunting, fishing, and attending various 18th century events with my family and friends. John is currently a Master Horner in good standing with the Honourable Company of Horners.
John’s Website: https://pahorner.wixsite.com/pa-horner
Learn about traditional hornwork with the Honorable Company of Horners: http://www.hornguild.org/
The Northeast Trading Company: https://www.northeasttradeco.com/online-store