Club Info & Events

Details from the February Club Meeting
So CB Perkins was closed before our last meeting.... what's that all about? Fortunately, Derek and Eric had gotten there early and were able to let the usual suspects know that we would be able to meet at the Sportsman's club until it was time for dinner. Funny thing is, being disjointed like we were, we ended up having one of the largest groups for dinner that we've ever had and broke from our usual routine of Papa Gino's to eat at Chinatown. Eric was very happy (insert smiley face here).

The meeting was a lively one with thirteen members present. There seems to be a bit of an upswing in enthusiasm lately, we're getting more organized and involved.

At the meeting our President informed us that we may expect a visit from our good friend and former Treasurer, Rick Frederics at the March meeting. We all look forward to seeing him after his "great hiatus". We hope you can make it Rick.

The new treasurer updated us on his plans to get the club monies situated and collected dues for the first time in a few years.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All member dues are due at the March Meeting!

The SHPC Club Tobacco Blends Committee updated us on their efforts to bring back some new club blends. More on that to follow.

The Activities Committee has been working on something that has only happened with this club once before. The details have only just started and we're keeping things under wraps for now. Stay tuned.

Sherlock Homes Movie Night: Merrick has suggested that we celebrate the namesake of our club by showing a Sherlock Homes movie at a couple of meetings each year. The first one is tentatively scheduled for the April meeting and may be held at the Sportsman's Club to take advantage of their TV.

The 2016 Club Pipe: The group has decided on a basic shape and style for the 2016 club pipe. Tim will coordinate with Premal Cheda to work out the details and possibilities to begin working on the pipe. The current plan is to have the pipes ready by the September meeting.

John Brandt the shops owner seemed to be pleased with the outcome. Along with our group was a group of locals that are fortunate enough to be able to frequent this great shop on a regular basis. I also noticed the age range of the Fall River group has expanded quite a bit from two years ago. Hopefully a good sign of where pipe smoking is headed. Unfortunately we missed the guys from the Cape Cod who have recently started the Cape Cod Pipe Club and are looking to build their membership. So if you are a pipe smokerw who lives on the Cape (or visits frequently) you might want to check them out.

A new addition to the shop from the last time we visited is pipe maker Robert Clarke of Clark Pipes who has set up shop in the front window and is there every Saturday repairing and cleaning pipes for customers. We also met the guy behind the YouTube Channel Pipe Leisure who did a short interview with Eric and I about SHPC. I also interviewed him, so those of you who like to check out pipe related YouTube channels, be sure to check out PipeLeisure.

There was plenty of open tins of tobacco to try and a couple of us had some bourbon to sample. John had a nice selection of pipes available including a dozen or so from resident pipe maker Robert Clarke and a selection of Peterson St. Patrick's Day pipes just in time to celebrate St. Patty's Day with. The shelves behind the counter were filled with tobacco and some of it with quite a bit of age on it. And for those of you who have always wanted to experiment with making your own blend, there was a nice variety of blending tobaccos available to purchase.

We spent about three and a half hours at the shop and made many new friends. The conversation and smoke competed with each other for room space. John, the manager was the perfect host and offered great discounts on pipes and tobacco for all of his IPSD customers. It was a great way to celebrate International Pipe Smoking Day or any day for that matter. So if you're ever in the Fall River area or are just looking to make a pipe pilgrimage, be sure to check out the Old Firehouse Tobacco Shop.

Check Out Our Road Trip Video

Tobacco Review...................... by Ernie Whitenack

Christmas Cheer - from McClelland

My choice from the tobacco drawing at the December meeting. “A fine vintage, naturally sweet, in limited quantity”

This pressed Virginia flake, from the 2011 harvest, is definitely prime tobacco in slices about an eight of an inch thick. It is delivered in various lengths and widths and must be rubbed out.

Upon opening the bright red and gold tin, the unmistakable sent of tea, so often associated with some McClelland’s blends was strong. However it has diminished some in the month I have had it.

The first thing I noticed when smoking is that it is certainly not a timid blend but a bold, flavorful tobacco with a heavy sweet/citrus flavor; to be expected in a premium Virginia, especially after pressing where the varieties of strength and flavor meld.

Although I prefer a Burley based blend, I find this one delightful. I now wish I had the patients to cellar it for a few years. I think this on will be perfection; might even buy another for that purpose.

Give the “2015” a try – but put it away ‘till 2020.