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I had one very interesting visit Saturday to the Eminence, MO area with the opportunity to visit historic folk artist/Turkey call makers David Ferguson, Jake McCormac, Dan Searcy, John Spurgin, Jim Chilton and Jack Burrus. Here is the short version of a 12+hr visit and how it evolved.
I saw a thread here started by Porter about a fence post caller from one Mr David Ferguson. After exchanging pm's, emails and phone calls I asked David if he thought he could put the deer scene from my business card on a call. A short time after sending him the pdf file I received an email with the artwork on one of his callers *bowing*
The pictures simply do the call no justice and it runs as nice as it looks!
(http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/ae150/Ferguson-photobucket/SmithCall223.jpg)
(http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/ae150/Ferguson-photobucket/SmithCall222.jpg)
(http://i966.photobucket.com/albums/ae150/Ferguson-photobucket/SmithCall221.jpg)
The phone conversations and email exchanges with David showed me just how dedicated this man is about preserving and carrying on the heritage and tradition of the Eminence community. The next picture is David, Harley (his son and next generation call maker) and myself in his wood shop.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/DaveHarleyJohn640x480.jpg)
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That is one beautiful call and the woodburning is absolutly top notch. Looks like you had a great time.
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David and his family our fine fine people. I always enjoy my time in the Eminence area! David sure knows his history and I've had a blast meeting many of the call makers down there!
His wood burning is top notch too! You got you a good caller there!
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I have the 3 books written by Earl Mickel and I like getting as many signatures as possible of the call makers that I am fortunate enough to meet. Dave had contacted Mr Francis "JAKE" McCormac who lived up the road and he arrived shortly after I did at the Ferguson's.
Jake is a very knowledgeable person and his area ancestry in Shannon county dates back to the early 1800's! USA *up* USA
Jake told us a lot about the local area that even included some civil war history and he was in the Army during WWII and Korea. Jake showed me some of his calls and I am proud to have acquired these two before he left.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/Jakewithmy2calls640x480.jpg)
Another item introduced in the conversation that I had never even heard of was a "bow-gig". After a big grin from Jake and David they showed me a few and after finding out that Jake also hand forges these bow fishing points I had to learn more about them as well, especially since I am heavily into bowhunting.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/Jakesbow-gig640x480.jpg)
That did it, now I had to have one! Here is Jake notching a nocking point on the shaft of my new "bow-gig" arrow.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/Jakebow-gig-2640x480.jpg)
I enjoyed the morning and hope to visit with you again some day Jake. *cheers*
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It didn't work out this year but someday I want to visit Eminence. Looks like you guys had a great time!!
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After Jake went home we went into town for a burger at the local diner, it was there that we ran into the son of Bud Fry who is a deceased call maker from the area. I was starting to feel a turkey callmaker karma that follows David. :)
After lunch it was on to meet Dan and Letha Searcy who are two of the most genuine people you would ever want to meet.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/Dan-n-JaneSearcy-2640x480.jpg)
Dan's talent goes without saying and to be able to pick up and handle the pieces of art that he creates was an honor that I will always treasure. They allowed me to take pictures of his wifes collection that she understandably treasures so well. As she will quickly tell you "Those are not for sale!". (So please enjoy the pics but don't ask)
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/Searcycollection-1640x480.jpg)
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/Searcycollection-3640x480.jpg)
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/Searcycollection-2640x480.jpg)
Here is Dan holding my personal favorite.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/DanSearcy640x480.jpg)
A part of call making history that many do not know about is the call made by Dan's father R.E. Searcy back in 1912!!!! This is the call that Dan won the first annual Eminence, MO turkey contest with in 1968.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/Dan-RE-3640x480.jpg)
After seeing some of R.E. Searcy's work it was obvious that Dan's talent was indeed something passed down from one generation to the next.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/Dan-RE-2640x480.jpg)
Here is Dan running his fathers call that will be 100 yrs old next year!
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/Dan-RE-1640x480.jpg)
Ferguson & Searcy - Two fine Eminence folk artists in my opinion
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/DaveFerguson-DanSearcy640x480.jpg)
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Thank you for sharing that History with us, I am truly grateful!
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I am pictured out for now but we also met with John Spurgin, Jim Chilton and Jack Burrus. All of whom signed their page in my books and gave me memories to cherish. These six call makers are all in the Eminence area. *cheers*
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Man, Looks like you had a ball in Eminence. It is a special place for sure. So much call history down there.
It looks David knocked it ouit of the park on your call . His woodburing is second to none.
PS I've got Harleys #1 call sitting right here at my desk... Its a great caller from a fine young man.
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Oh my...where to begin on this one. Heritage and tradition rank very high on my list of personal interests. I have exchanged many emails with David and followed his work for some time now--he is as genuine as I believe one can get from what I can tell and his work, well that speaks volumes for itself. Without him knowingly aware Dave is largely responsible for my push in wood burning...I became so fond of his work and a BIG admirer that it inspired me. This deer scene by David is truly fine fine work *up* *bowing*and the whole scene on the other rail, well what can I say, IMO he is following in the footsteps of the talented company he keeps down there in Eminence and with work like this...he isn't far behind.
I think every call maker should make a pilgrimage to Eminence to meet David in his shop and all those call makers that remain. The stories I am sure are at lest half the enjoyment and value that comes from such a visit. I have been wanting to contact David to build me a call, but unsure what to have him burn on it....nice to see his talents continue to blossom and seemingly have no bounds. I suspect I'll be calling him before the summer is over and get on his long waiting list.
We are very lucky to get a peek into the wonderful worlds of these legends and those soon to be. Thanks so much for sharing this--this has been a fulfilling thread indeed.
Scott
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augiedog55 - I totally agree with you.
PS - I'm on the list for #2 from Harley and yes he is a fine young man that would make any father proud. Hey was the Ferguson watch dog Gobbler around when you made your visit? My cousin took a video of him struttin and gobbling on the front porch while he stood guard. He is getting a pretty good set of hooks on him. *wha*
*lol*
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/fergusonGobbler.jpg)
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GEEZ WHAT A TRIP! that is a day that you wont soon forget... *cheers*
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Wow!! Thanks for sharing this.. *cheers* all that call making history.. Congrats on very fine looking caller..
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Great Post. 8)
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You got to see a lot of turkey call history and call making royalty. I'd love to have the opportunity to meet them myself one day.
I'm very envious..
*cheers*
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Great post thanks for sharing it with us there is a lot of history there.
Jon
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Sounds like a great day you had. I had the chance to meet Dave in Nashville.... Stand up guy for sure! I love a good history lesson!! Congrats on your trip !! RkLu
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augiedog55 - I totally agree with you.
PS - I'm on the list for #2 from Harley and yes he is a fine young man that would make any father proud. Hey was the Ferguson watch dog Gobbler around when you made your visit? My cousin took a video of him struttin and gobbling on the front porch while he stood guard. He is getting a prety good set of hooks on him. *wha*
*lol*
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/fergusonGobbler.jpg)
Now that is my favorite reason to go see David... that bird hates me!!!! Bruce tormented him and he flogged me... those spurs are SHARP!!!!
It's been almost a year since he flogged me and he still hates me... who says turkeys aren't very smart ???
I got to play Dan's dads call. I loved it and it sounded so good. I've also got to play Walt's call that he built after that design. David has done wonders for me. He's just a class act for sure!!!
I wish I would have been able to come visit you down there too!
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Dan had this call that I believe he made in memory of his fathers call.
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/DansREremake-1640x480.jpg)
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/DansREremake-2640x480.jpg)
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h248/gslam95/DansREremake-2640x480.jpg)
I did not see a Winterbottom call while I was there. Walter if I understand correctly took measurements off the original 1912 call from R.E. Searcy to later make his box calls. Neil Cost later hunted this area and was given the OK to take and use dimensions from Winterbottom's call. If this is incorrect I hope that David will step in and correct me.
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You should have seen the guard turkey get after Mike. *lol* *lol* *lol* *lol* Priceless. David sent that turkey reeling when he hit him. That bird was spinning for sure... It was hillarious.
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The way I understand it told to me and from Neils book, he traded for one of Walts calls from Red Rhodes. That is how he originally came to own one of Walts calls. Later he met with Walt and they became good friends and hunted together some. I'm not sure how Dan and Neil became freinds but will ask the next time we talk. Neil would come here and hunt then load his old car up with walnut lumber that Don Basinger would collect for him during the year. Don and Neil became good friends and Neil made calls for and hunted with their family too.
John,
I appreciate the kind words of me and my family but the real story is Dan, Jake, John, Jack, and the rest of the local callmakers and their history. Some has passed but not forgotten. They are the ones this local long box legacy is all about. There was one more call maker we didn't get to meet. Doug Conway. He is part of this heritage too. The next time you come down we'll get in touch with Doug. Spreading their words, stories and legacy so that they are not forgotten and fade away with time is my goal.
David
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Did you ask to see the Calls that Jim Chilton has of his dad, Walt??? He has 2 he was willing to sell earlier this year. He also has one for his granddaughter sittin around.
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Next time you go to Eminence make sure you canoe down the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers.......
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what heritage and history and thanks for sharing those pictures with us.
I'd paid to see a video of that gue=ard turkey after Porter ROTFLMBO
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I love Eminence.....been there several times. I've spent some time hunting in the public land areas, and canoeing the Jacks Fork and Current rivers. The next time you go, you should hook up with Bob Fulcher " shade tree callers " he has spent alot of time there helping those call makers start a museum and writing a book about the call makers there....I'm sure he could have helped you out in your visit.....It's a fine place, and next year I hope to hook up with ole Dave Fergusen while I'm there...yes, his wood burning art work is awesome.....
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Great history and great photo's...thanks for sharing it all!!
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Did you ask to see the Calls that Jim Chilton has of his dad, Walt??? He has 2 he was willing to sell earlier this year. He also has one for his granddaughter sittin around.
He never mentioned having any of his step-father's calls for sale while I was there. David has one of Walter Winterbottom's call as well in his personal collection in which I did get to view. To now know that Neil Cost built his boat paddles after the Winterbottom call and that Walt built his call after the E.R. Searcy call is a nice part of history.
To see Dan Searcy hold and run his fathers call was truly the highlight of my visit at his house. I can never say thanks enough to David Ferguson for introducing me to so many different callmakers in a single day.
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Next time you go to Eminence make sure you canoe down the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers.......
I have been on the current river many times both in a canoe and also trout fishing. My Uncle who has now passed was form St James and I still go there to visit my Aunt and cousins. I have fished the Meramac several times as well but I have never floated the Jacks Fork. It is all beautiful country indeed and I hope to return again soon.
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I love Eminence.....been there several times. I've spent some time hunting in the public land areas, and canoeing the Jacks Fork and Current rivers. The next time you go, you should hook up with Bob Fulcher " shade tree callers " he has spent alot of time there helping those call makers start a museum and writing a book about the call makers there....I'm sure he could have helped you out in your visit.....It's a fine place, and next year I hope to hook up with ole Dave Fergusen while I'm there...yes, his wood burning art work is awesome.....
Where is this museum as I would be interested in a visit myself? You should definitely try to hook up with David while in the area. I must say that it is not just his wood burning that is awesome. The cedar fence post caller that I purchased from him runs as good or better than a lot of the top name long boxes that I have.
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It's on the main drag through town....the court house maybe.....I tried to hook up with Dave last year while I was there, but i was with my family and spent my days running around the beautiful lanf scape......Bob could tell you where its at...
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I think you all are referring to the place across from the court house beneath the Ozark Orchard restaurant.It used to be Bales Store. The Hawkins House bed n breakfast is between there and the lumber yard. The owners of the Hawkins place, Stanley and Patty Frazier have a good collection of calls. Spurgins Lumber yard is the family of John Spurgin. John is in Mickels books and makes a fine old style Eminence fence post call.
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I'm sorry Mr. Ferguson... I thought Bob Fulcher told me about a musuem he helped to start there in town.......I probablly have my wires crossed.............Bob....?????
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That may be correct. I was just describing where it was located. I thought that was the question? Location? Who all is associated with it I'm not sure. I think Mrs Hughes has something to do with it but not sure about that either.
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I'm sure ole Bob Fulcher can tell us....where you at BOB..............
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I'm sure ole Bob Fulcher can tell us....where you at BOB..............
Bob was probably sleeping on the job *lol* and KP did you have one too many of your favorite beverage(s) last night *lol*
At least you didn't post about your lovely pig you love so much *peep*
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The place mentioned is the Shannon County Museum which is located in Eminence. I have been working on an upcoming book about the callmakers of Shannon co. Missouri and have made several trips there over the last couple of years. I have spent alot of time in the little museum trying to dig up material for the book and also just enjoying the history found in there. I am a history buff so I love rooting through old pictures and papers. The fine folks who run the museum have been kind enough to let me go through everything on file and make copies of all important material . I plan on donating copies of my book to the museum to help raise funds that might help keep their doors open . It is soley funded by donations right now .
I helped start the display about the turkey callmakers of Shannon co. , not the museum. I came up with the idea and donated the first two calls ( a Cecil Fry caller and a Jim Chilton caller) just to get it kicked off and now other callmakers and their families have donated to the display or loaned callers to be included . I was surprised to visit the museum and find no reference to turkey hunting or callmaking so I just helped initiate that part of the museum . It is already filled with lots of area history it just needed to be expanded to include the rich heritage of callmaking that helped to put Eminence on the map .