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See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124357 02/11/08 11:28 AM
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Tony C Offline OP
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Good Monday Morning!

Just when you thought it was safe! I'm back!

Yes, Harbour Lights Company Founder, Bill Younger, will make In-store Event s in 2008. Those Events will be limited to (8) and the (2) Regionals.

Bill and Nancy plan a busy 2008 travel schedule, taking time to enjoy family and friends!

I am still working on a complete Event Calendar -I am a bit behind to say the least!


The FIRST 2008 In-store Event will be hosted by:

Saint Augustine Lighthouse and Museum
81 Lighthouse Ave Saint Augustine FL 02180
Phone: 904.829.0745

Date: Friday March 14th 6:30PM-8:30PM
Saturday 15 March 11:00AM-2:00PM

Harbour Lights is planning something unique with this event!

AJC

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124358 02/11/08 03:29 PM
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Tony,

welcome back!

Any news on the HL home front is good news! cool

Good to hear that Bill will be making in-store/regional event visits this year! We have missed Bill and Nancy! smile

Looking forward to the Event calendar!

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124359 02/12/08 03:17 PM
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Will this years HL In-store edition be available to buy at this event? Either in person or by mail.


Stan M
New Jersey Lighthouse Lovers
------------------------------------
Harry Wishlist: Tinicum Rear Range, Miah Maull Shoal, Finns Point, Bergen Point, Cross Ledge, Old Ambrose Lightstation, Romer Shoal, Barnegat Lightship, Liberty Lightship.
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124360 02/12/08 05:34 PM
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See you there! applaud

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124361 02/14/08 02:17 PM
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I will be there. I missed last years because of a signing with Chris Leak(Gator QB and MVP of the National Champions Gators). Couldn't be both places at once. This year I'll be giving up a company picnic(good old home cooking) to be there.


Rich
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124362 02/14/08 02:40 PM
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DANIEL Offline
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Quote:
Will this years HL In-store edition be available to buy at this event? Either in person or by mail.
I would assume so, if not they will take orders and mail the event piece when it is available. In the past they have given out special stickers with Bills signature that could be stuck on latter.


DANIEL
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124363 02/14/08 02:45 PM
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This is great news.
I will be at both the Friday night event and the Saturarday Lighthouse Festival.


DANIEL
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124364 02/14/08 04:17 PM
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Middle I-land MI Max Offline
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Tony- just when YOU thought it was safe to take a few weeks off from posting on the CF, you found out how restless us natives

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124365 02/14/08 04:36 PM
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Middle I-land MI Max Offline
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Well,that was another surprise from this old IBM ThinkPad with Windows 2000--it posted for me before I was finished with my message.
So, to finish: ...get when you take a few weeks off from posting on the CF. Glad to have you back with important info about HL! Your posting regularly on the CF is another positive about the "New Harbour Lights". Keep up with these customer friendly ideas. Max

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124366 02/18/08 11:32 AM
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We are considering making the trip to St. Augustine for the event. Having not been to one there, what is Friday night 7 to 9 time listed for? Is the signing at the museum? Any info or thoughts would be appreciated.

Warren

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124367 02/18/08 12:08 PM
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I don’t know for sure what is in the planning but I recommend for you to be there.
What was last year was a private signing and social with Bill younger with around 50 collectors. We had orderves and a special night tour of the lighthouse and keepers house.

We enjoyed the Friday night event more than the Store signing on Saturday.


DANIEL
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124368 02/18/08 02:20 PM
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Thanks for the info Daniel

Warren

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124369 02/18/08 04:50 PM
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Tony C Offline OP
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Good Monday Afternoon!

I just got off the phone with Rosemarie Miller, Buyer, Saint Augustine Lighthouse and Museum; please note a change in the Friday Evening Event:
Friday March 14th 6:30PM-8:30PM. Please note the time change!

AJC

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124370 02/18/08 06:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by Tony C:
Harbour Lights is planning something unique with this event!
Anybody as curious as me?


Stan M
New Jersey Lighthouse Lovers
------------------------------------
Harry Wishlist: Tinicum Rear Range, Miah Maull Shoal, Finns Point, Bergen Point, Cross Ledge, Old Ambrose Lightstation, Romer Shoal, Barnegat Lightship, Liberty Lightship.
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124371 02/24/08 02:50 PM
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Tony,

What time change was made? Both of your messages quoted the same time for Friday.


Roy & Carolyn
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124372 02/24/08 10:23 PM
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I just found out that Loon Island, NH ($40) is the store event piece and Sapelo Front Range, GA ($75) is the Regional Event piece.

Judy

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124373 02/24/08 11:13 PM
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Hey Judy - nice detective work!

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124374 02/25/08 01:39 AM
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Quote:
What time change was made? Both of your messages quoted the same time for Friday.
I believe the original time quoted was 7:00 pm to 9:00 and Tony changed both postings to list the new times 6:30PM-8:30PM


DANIEL
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124375 02/25/08 01:43 AM
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[QUOTE and Sapelo Front Range, GA ($75) is the Regional Event piece.
[/QUOTE]

That is a lot of money for a very simple front range light. HL must have added a bunch of bells and whisles to this one. Maybe all the metal work drove up the price.

sapelo Front Range Light

I am happy to see the front range light is finally being made. I told Bill that I thought both the front and rear range lights should have been sold together. He said the family did discuss putting both lighthouses together, but dicided to put Sapelo by itself to keep the cost down.


DANIEL
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124376 02/25/08 02:09 AM
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Judy - where'd you get that info?

Glad to see that the price has come down even more on the signing piece, from last year's $45. For their purpose -- giving Bill/Harry/etc something to sign -- a low price and small size is key. Though maybe I could think of other lights I'd have picked. never mind, not much is left for NH in the Grand Tour.

Can't wait to get one!

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124377 02/25/08 11:29 AM
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Back in 1999 I suggested the Sapelo Front Range for an event piece and I was shot down for that suggestion. Just wanted to bring the post up for my last laugh.


Sapelo Front range on my wish list back in 1999

Maybe collectors will listen to me when I say the Jones Point should be made.


DANIEL
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124378 02/25/08 11:58 AM
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Both pieces sound good.

Loon Island was my guess for this years Grand Tour NH piece, But I was half kidding because of the name. Maybe Paul won't mind if I use his HL photo as my avatar.

The Sapelo Front Range seems a little small for a $75 piece. Looks more like a Collectors Society gift piece. Waiting to see some pics of the piece.


Stan M
New Jersey Lighthouse Lovers
------------------------------------
Harry Wishlist: Tinicum Rear Range, Miah Maull Shoal, Finns Point, Bergen Point, Cross Ledge, Old Ambrose Lightstation, Romer Shoal, Barnegat Lightship, Liberty Lightship.
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124379 02/25/08 01:41 PM
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Greg,

I got the word from St. Augustine Lighthouse gift shop. I use to be a member so am still on their mailing list which I appreciate. I'll probably buy my pieces from them so they will be authographed by Bill. They are very good to do business with.

Judy

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124380 02/25/08 02:12 PM
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Judy,

What is their telephone number?

bobo

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124381 02/25/08 04:00 PM
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904-829-0745

Ask for Rosemarie


DANIEL
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124382 02/25/08 06:34 PM
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Will both pieces be available to purchase at the St. Augustine event on the 14th?


Stan M
New Jersey Lighthouse Lovers
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Harry Wishlist: Tinicum Rear Range, Miah Maull Shoal, Finns Point, Bergen Point, Cross Ledge, Old Ambrose Lightstation, Romer Shoal, Barnegat Lightship, Liberty Lightship.
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124383 02/25/08 08:01 PM
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Hey Daniel, the price is only a little more than you suggested in 1999 and prices of almost everything has gone up.

Also, I second the motion on Jones Point Lighthouse.


Eric, Florida Keys Reef Lights Foundation; Godfather of Jones Point River Lighthouse; member and District Commissioner of Florida Lighthouse Association et el
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124384 02/26/08 11:37 PM
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I just read Daniels 1999 Sapelo wishlist thread. Pretty funny now that Daniel's got the last laugh.

I third the motion Jones Point lighthouse.


Will both pieces be available to purchase at the St. Augustine event on the 14th?


Stan M
New Jersey Lighthouse Lovers
------------------------------------
Harry Wishlist: Tinicum Rear Range, Miah Maull Shoal, Finns Point, Bergen Point, Cross Ledge, Old Ambrose Lightstation, Romer Shoal, Barnegat Lightship, Liberty Lightship.
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124385 02/27/08 12:02 AM
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Just talked to Rosemarie today and she is taking orders for those that will be at the events. I asked if both store and regional are going to be at the signing and she said they are supposed to be.


DANIEL
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124386 02/27/08 11:27 AM
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Thanks for the info Daniel!

I'm pretty sure the Loon Island piece is only available at a signing event, but the Sapelo piece will be available at a larger amount of stores. If I can't buy any of them at my local HL dealer, I probably will buy from the St. Augustine event (via mail order).


Stan M
New Jersey Lighthouse Lovers
------------------------------------
Harry Wishlist: Tinicum Rear Range, Miah Maull Shoal, Finns Point, Bergen Point, Cross Ledge, Old Ambrose Lightstation, Romer Shoal, Barnegat Lightship, Liberty Lightship.
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124387 02/27/08 01:36 PM
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Loon Island is on my list.

Also, I support a replica of the Jones Point lighthouse. This is way over due.


-Christopher
"CAVR"
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124388 03/12/08 07:14 PM
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Anyone have any news on HL signing events other then the St. Augustine event for this weekend?

I would like to buy a signed Loon Island once they make it past the Panama Canal.


Stan M
New Jersey Lighthouse Lovers
------------------------------------
Harry Wishlist: Tinicum Rear Range, Miah Maull Shoal, Finns Point, Bergen Point, Cross Ledge, Old Ambrose Lightstation, Romer Shoal, Barnegat Lightship, Liberty Lightship.
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124389 03/12/08 07:31 PM
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signing event info should be available next week.

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124390 03/12/08 07:34 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by Dave H:
signing event info should be available next week.
Thanks for the update, Dave !!! cheers


Stan M
New Jersey Lighthouse Lovers
------------------------------------
Harry Wishlist: Tinicum Rear Range, Miah Maull Shoal, Finns Point, Bergen Point, Cross Ledge, Old Ambrose Lightstation, Romer Shoal, Barnegat Lightship, Liberty Lightship.
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124391 03/13/08 12:21 AM
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Another word of support for a Jones Point light here, too!

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124392 03/13/08 10:34 AM
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DANIEL
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124393 03/15/08 07:04 PM
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I was very disappointed by the turnout at St. Augustine today. I arrived at 0930 to take pictures befor Bill showed up and started signing. My 1st dissappointment was that St Augustine was charging $10.00 to park in their parking lot and calling it a donation. My 2nd diappointment was that the lighthouse store was almost empty with customers till the time I left and had very few Harbour Lights to buy from. The 3rd, and biggest, disappointment was the lack of turnout from Harbour Lights collectors.

Bill was early and started signing at 1045(I was 1st in line) and I had all 18 pieces signed by 1100. Except for Rip and Sharon, and two other couples that bought lighthouses from the store, no one else showed up and there was NO LINE or anybody waiting for Bill's signature. The 7 of us had a nice long friendly and informative conversation with Bill from 1100 till I left at 1215(I had to be home for another commitment). I talked to Daniel after I left and he said that when he got there at 1230 there was no one in line. He looked in the drawing box for the GOLD PIECE and other HLs that were to be given away at 1400 and said that he saw only 6-8 tickets in it. If ever there was a chance for unlucky me to win the Gold this would have been it, but, you had to be present to win and I had to go home.

Based on what I saw today, I would venture a guess that this will be the last ST. Augustine signing. You could tell that Bill was a little diappointed and ST Augustine must have been awfully disappointed with their sales. Of course they had very few HLs for sale so what can they expect. Remember, this is my opinion and does not necessarily mean others feel the same way.


Rich
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124394 03/15/08 07:24 PM
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That's a shame that there wasn't a much better turnout at St. A's. Do you think the $10 parking fee/donation might have scared a few away?

Maybe the dedicated HL Collector is becoming a thing of the past. One would think Bill's presence would have brought a decent crowd. He always had quite a following wherever he appeared in the past. I sincerely hope things improve at future events.

smile Bob

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124395 03/15/08 07:49 PM
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Maybe if the Loon Island store signing piece was available to purchase, more would have came.


Stan M
New Jersey Lighthouse Lovers
------------------------------------
Harry Wishlist: Tinicum Rear Range, Miah Maull Shoal, Finns Point, Bergen Point, Cross Ledge, Old Ambrose Lightstation, Romer Shoal, Barnegat Lightship, Liberty Lightship.
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124396 03/15/08 09:15 PM
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It seems that the St. Augustine event is always held the same time of year. Maybe they should mix it up a bit and try to attract people that could attend at different times.

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124397 03/15/08 09:47 PM
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I don't think the $10 parking, Event piece or Gold Piece not being there had a thing to do with the turnout and the fact that the event is held the same time each year should have been a benefit to the event.

My feelings are three things caused the demise in this years attendance.

1. The price of gas - driving whatever distance at $3.25 for regular to $3.65 for high test is a BIG expense. Getting 20 MPG and driving 200 miles like I did comes out to $36 and for a younger family with kids it is quite an expense one you add in food, drinks, etc.

2. People just not interested in spending money on lighthouses because the fad is over and they're spending money on other fads.

3. Bill Younger is not the owner of Harbour Lights anymore so why waste the time and money to have him sign pieces. Us older folks still relate to Bill, Nancy and Kim, but, the newer collectors could care less.

I also think that this event being held so close to Easter this year may have played a big part because people are staying home to rest up for next weekend. It's a shame!


Rich
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124398 03/15/08 11:28 PM
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I was at the event last night and also today. I drove over 100 miles each way both days. I don't have a particular problem with the St. Augustine Lighthouse charging for parking right in front of the lighthouse. I parked down the street when I arrived at around 12:45 P.M. I think the problem with this particular event started with a lack of pre-event communications. I am a member at St. Augustine so I received an email from the lighthouse about this weekend's events.

While I would suggest that the collectibles industry as a whole is going through a down portion of the cycle right now, I don't think that Lighthouse Depot, as the new owners of Harbour Lights has done a very good job when it comes to customer service. Although the Younger family no longer owns Harbour Lights, I think Lighthouse Depot has done a poor job including the Younger family in the ongoing marketing of the Harbour Lights nameplate, and I think we would all agree that Bill Younger is an absolute master marketer (just being around him last night and today reinforced that point again).

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124399 03/16/08 09:43 PM
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What was the surprise Friday Night?


Eric, Florida Keys Reef Lights Foundation; Godfather of Jones Point River Lighthouse; member and District Commissioner of Florida Lighthouse Association et el
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124400 03/17/08 05:45 PM
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It is Bill's choice to reduce the number of signing events he participates in. He and Nancy are enjoying a well earned retirement, doing quite a bit of travel. Although I miss the more frequent opportunities to visit with them, I am certainly happy for them that they are able to now devote the time to doing things they want to do. As has been often stated, I would expect the number of Bill signing events to continue to decrease each year.

HL is owned by Lighthouse Marketing, not LH Depot. LH Depot is also owned by the same parent corporation though managed seperately from HL.

HL does help to promote signing events, but it is also up to the dealer to market the event to bring in their local crowd. From experience, I know that HL provides post cards to be used and also ad slicks that can be used. St. Augustine also had the major extra boost of having its event highlighted in the February Musings. If my memory is correct, I believe Tony once told me that goes out to over 12,000 email addresses.

The fact that this event is so early in the year, compared to other signing events, works against product always being there in time for the event. I do believe that HL will insure that all the pre-ordered pieces sold at the event are signed before they are sent to St. Augustine for delivery to their customers.

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124401 03/17/08 11:58 PM
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I enjoyed the St Augustine event last year and would have loved to be able to go agian this year, but with anything lighthouse related so far away from where I live and trying to save the money for gas, hotel, food ect. I can only get in one maybe two trips a year if I'm lucky.


Cyndi
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124402 03/18/08 12:34 AM
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imho the demise of the Tampa Bay Club and the reliance on this forum only to get the word out from Harbour Lights has the biggest impact on this event. This signing could have been mentioned in the latest Musings for instance. The lighthouse also was slow in getting any of the information about the signing on their own web site. I also think to many people are expecting a signing at the Bronze Lady and may be waiting to attend this one instead. With only 7 more signings this year I hope your not dissapointed.

I was there Friday and Saturday. I enjoyed the event! Bill was his usual entertaining self! You missed a great day if you didn't go.

smile

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124403 03/18/08 12:44 AM
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Sean, the signing was noted very prominently in the Musings - on the picture of the Loon Island event piece.

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124404 03/18/08 12:53 AM
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Well the Tampa Bay club does still exist, they had a meeting 3 weeks ago. But it's only a shell of it's old self. I personally haven't been to the St. Augie get together in 3 years. A case of other things to do, or as happened this year just plain forgot about it until after the fact. Lately, as much as I love listening to Bill and seeing the old gang, I just can't see driving 300 miles just to stay an hour or 2. Same with the signing at Bronze lady every year. I guess the HL bug has just worn off. I still love Lighhouseing, but haven't bought an HL since the last day of the reunion back in '05. I just ran out of room and money.


Eric
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I've been following the replies regarding poor attendance at the St. A's event, and have my own thoughts about why the crowd was sparse.LOI (lack of interest) accompanied with the ever rising prices of gas were the first two things that came to mind.

Gas prices is probably the real culprit. Some people would say why would an extra quarter of so a gallon stop someone from driving 300 miles to attend an event that they would have gladly driven 500 miles in the past to attend? It's not just the gas price. With the raise in gas prices comes a raise in everything we buy to sustain our existence. It's the old food, clothing, and shelter thing. Everything we need takes a bigger bite our of our wallets. Therefore, anything we don't need we don't buy to compensate for the high cost of living. People no longer have the expendable cash to do what many would consider frivilous.

LOI? Many old timers who would normally support this type of event are falling by the way side. They are discouraged by high prices on everything they need. They find it hard to justify buying two tanks of gas for an afternoon event when those two tanks of gas would have kept their car going for a month or more. In their minds it isn't worth it.

It would behoove Harbour Lights to plan events where they know they have a strong nucleus of supporters within a short distance away. They must know the areas where there are a large concentration of members of the Collector's Society where a mass mailing will bring a decent crowd. People are willing to drive an hour, maybe two to get there, but don't expect people to be driving 4-5 hours or jumping on planes to say hello to one of the Youngers for an hour of two. I'm sorry to say those days are over.

:rolleyes: Bob

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124406 03/18/08 12:13 PM
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Maybe this event has just played itself out? How many years has it been held? Maybe something similar at a new location would draw more people?

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124407 03/18/08 01:21 PM
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gatortom and others who attended:

Could you fill us in on more info about the "A Night with Bill Younger" on Friday, March 14 from 6:30-8:30pm? How was attendance, HL interest, surprise, and was the $17 cost a problem and did it include parking?

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124408 03/18/08 01:50 PM
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The Friday night with Bill probably had only 15 people including my three kids and me.
I would say there was around the same amount for the Saturday drawing at 2:00 (not including my three kids). I remember the good-old days when the Friday night had over 100 people and the Saturday drawings were so large that RIP and others had to go and shout the winners name so that the crowd of people could hear it. There was so many lighthouses sold that we had to go up to the keepers second floor and give our name for the pre-ordered event piece and wait in line till three or four of the lighthouse employees would walk thru the rows of lighthouses to retrieve our lights. Yes two of these events where regional but even on those occasions that were just store events it was still just as crowded.


What has happened? I think everyone above has hit the nail on the head. The question of what went wrong with why so few collectors came to the event would fill a grocery list, but let’s start with what went right.

For those that went on Friday had a very quiet peaceful night with a handful of the old faithful collectors. It was just us so the we could park right up to the museum. It was more of a family atmosphere with all of us gathering around Bill as he told his stories like a den leader teaching his squad as they are gathered around a campfire. We all received a signed HL St Aug mug, a free ticket for the HL dinning set and a thumbnail for those that asked for one. We were served Ordure’s with sodas or beer. Rosemarie and other St Augustine employees treated us as honored quest. What we learned from that night is that Bill plans on spending his summer out of the states with first trip being Ireland and flying back once in awhile for an HL event. It was a perfect evening but I think we were all concerned that so few showed up that this will be the last.

The Saturday Store event. As I said before there was also just a handful of collectors. The good thing was the odds were good for us to get something. There were two AP’s and the gold store event that was not present. We also had a chance for the HL dinnerware for $2. So with four items and around 6 couples, Sean and I, that was good odds in winning. A mater of fact I did win the Artist Proof Win Mill Point VT. So for me it was a very good day. Again it was nice that we did not have to put up with the crowd, but as Rich’s concern is if we had such a bad turn out will this be the last one. Yes it is the same event that we had year after year, but aren’t they all. Where could you find a place with such a good atmosphere as the ST Augustine lighthouse? I remember going to store events where we all had to pack in a tinny store and wait in line between the collectables to see Bill. All in all if your going to a Bill signing you can't beat the St Aug Lighthouse.

Okay next will be my list of why the bad turn out. And some of my ideas for solutions.
Stay tune to this forum.


DANIEL
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124409 03/18/08 04:39 PM
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Does anyone know when the 2008 In-Store Events Schedule will be posted?

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124410 03/19/08 11:41 AM
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Ahh.... Thanks Dave, I didn't pay much attention to the Musing's. I saw what this year's Event and Regional pieces were and immediately lost interest. frown

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124411 03/19/08 11:56 AM
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Daniel

Appreciated your comprehensive report on the St. Aug events. Wish I could have come with drawings with odds like that. Congrats on the recent AP !
Looking forward to your further comments.

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124412 03/24/08 03:58 PM
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The poor attendance is also a reflection of poor sales of HL lighthouses - when LE edition sizes are reduced to 2,500, 1,500 and they still do not retire from sell-outs? You have to wonder the future of HL in general. The new owners have done a real decent job in maintaining the line, the economics here must be difficult when you consider that many years ago, LE's with edition sizes of 10,000 and 5,000 sold out rather quickly.

Quite frankly, other than friendship, I'm not sure why anyone would really need to get Bill Younger's signature on a collectible line he no longer owns or controls.

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124413 03/25/08 07:51 AM
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Quote:
Quite frankly, other than friendship, I'm not sure why anyone would really need to get Bill Younger's signature on a collectible line he no longer owns or controls.
If you are or were a Harbour Lights Collector at any time during the HL lines existence, Bill Younger is a legend. As you state, Bill may no longer own or control the company, but he has achieved enough respect and admiration for all that he has done for lighthouses and the collectible industry, and that will never be forgotten. Having Bill, or Nancy, sign a piece adds to the mystique that built Harbour Lights in the first place.

Would you want a retired sports hero to sign a football, baseball, pennant, or whatever, even though they no longer play the sport or control the game? I think so. Those who have met the Youngers and were into what they did to help bring people together to restore and save lighthouses, will never forget them.

I must add I am not being critical of your quoted statement, and I can see where you're coming from as far as having recent releases signed. I'm just stating what I feel may be the position of many HL Collectors that will never forget the good times gone by, and what the Youngers meant to it all. They have achieved legendary status in my mind.

keyboard Bob

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124414 03/25/08 10:47 AM
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Here's a newbie's perspective on Bill Younger signing events:

Even though I've only been collecting HL's for a few years, I would still like to meet Bill at least once before he stops doing signings.

Even though Bill has nothing to do with the current HL's being produced, if he didn't start Harbour Lights, what lighthouse replica's would we be looking at today?

I would like to shake his hand and thank him for the enjoyment he has given me.


I hope he is enjoying his retirement years !!!

cheers


Stan M
New Jersey Lighthouse Lovers
------------------------------------
Harry Wishlist: Tinicum Rear Range, Miah Maull Shoal, Finns Point, Bergen Point, Cross Ledge, Old Ambrose Lightstation, Romer Shoal, Barnegat Lightship, Liberty Lightship.
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124415 03/25/08 07:54 PM
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I checked the HL website for the "event" schedule and I guess the dates for '08 haven't been firmed-up as of yet because '07 is still bannered. After finally opening THE MUSINGS, I don't believe I'll part with $75.00 for a 4 x 4 of Sapelo Front Range. That's steep as far as I'm concerned after you pay for all the other necessities to get to the Regional.

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124416 03/26/08 12:14 AM
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Bob makes a good point about Bill Younger. It doesn't matter if he owns HL or not. He is "family" to many of us and we never get tired of seeing him or Nancy. They might not own the company but they will always be Harbour Lights!

Judy

Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124417 03/26/08 06:16 AM
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Well said Stan!

I am also a Newbie collector and I - for the same reasons - would love to meet the Youngers and their family!

But I am content with the Christmas cards we get (what does that tell you about being family) and the hope that the retirement will be a happy one!


Margret
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Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124418 04/24/08 05:12 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by Lighthouse Loon:
Anyone have any news on HL signing events other then the St. Augustine event for this weekend?

I would like to buy a signed Loon Island once they make it past the Panama Canal.
Anyone get a Loon Island piece? Are they available yet?


Stan M
New Jersey Lighthouse Lovers
------------------------------------
Harry Wishlist: Tinicum Rear Range, Miah Maull Shoal, Finns Point, Bergen Point, Cross Ledge, Old Ambrose Lightstation, Romer Shoal, Barnegat Lightship, Liberty Lightship.
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124419 04/24/08 05:59 PM
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The Loon Island and Sapelo, both had to be ordered from the St Aug Event. My Sapelo has not come in yet.


DANIEL
Re: See Bill Younger Friday 14 March Saturday 15 March #124420 04/24/08 06:06 PM
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Quote:
Originally posted by DANIEL:
The Loon Island and Sapelo, both had to be ordered from the St Aug Event. My Sapelo has not come in yet.
Thanks Daniel!!! I tried calling the St. Augustine Lighthouse gift shop. They told me the Loon Island piece hadn't come in yet. confused


Stan M
New Jersey Lighthouse Lovers
------------------------------------
Harry Wishlist: Tinicum Rear Range, Miah Maull Shoal, Finns Point, Bergen Point, Cross Ledge, Old Ambrose Lightstation, Romer Shoal, Barnegat Lightship, Liberty Lightship.

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