My grandfather grew up on the water and loved sailing. He was able to purchase a log canoe in the early 1940s, which had been built in 1864 on Kent Island, Maryland. My grandfather named the log canoe Valiant Lady and he sailed her for many years in the Chesapeake Log Canoe races in St. Michaels, MD.

 

My brother Samuel also loved the water and boating and around the age of 30, he became interested in cigars, which later led to an interest in pipes and tobacco. This became a passion for him. which he turned into a career. He bought and sold mainly estate pipes, but also artisan pipes, and was a big supporter of people he felt were up-and-coming pipemakers.

 

Samuel attended and showed his pipes at the Chicago Pipe Show for many years and was well-known and respected in the community with a devout following. He shared his incredible knowledge and enthusiasm for "everything pipes and tobacco" and helped others new to the wonderful world of pipes! I fondly remember him telling me years ago, when the Barnum and Bailey Ringling Circus proclaimed itself as "The Greatest Show on Earth," that the Chicago Pipe Show was the true greatest show on earth!

 

My brother passed away in September 2021 and shortly after I became involved in the pipe world, initially as a way to keep that connection to him, but it soon developed into a passion for me as well. So here I am, excited to be starting a new venture into the pipe world!