Our First Visit to Kaywoodie
Our First Visit to Kaywoodie - by Andy Camire
December 13, 2003
The day started off leaving Hubbardston, MA the Central Massachusetts location of "Man's World" and residence of Jay (Gavel) Beard. The two of us took our leisurely drive to Vernon, CT where we always stop at the great Rein's NY Deli for breakfast, and then onward to Peekskill NY the home of S.M. Frank Co. maker of Kaywoodie, YelloBole, and Medico pipes. We arrived around 1:30 pm. and Bill Fuerbach, VP of S.M. Frank Co. greeted us with a smile and a smoke. It was my first visit to the factory, and must admit it was a super experience to view the displays in the office area that go back to the late 1800's and the KB&B days. Bill had a superb collection in showcases on the floor; walls covered with some old prototype Kaywoodie pipes, along with many other brands that the company manufactured in years past. It was a history lesson on the brands we all enjoy today and Bill also had a terrific display of recently made HandMade high grade Kaywoodies for viewing or purchasing. Along with Bill Fuerbach, noted funny man and pipe crafter extraordinaire was Paul Bonaquisti. You know that the day is going to be spectacular when you match those two guys together in one room. LOOK OUT!!!! Altogether I believe there were about 20 people in attendance. After enjoying some fine hors d'eouvres. We all lit our pipes, filled the room with fragrant aromas of latakia perique, burley, Turkish, Virginia, and many others.delectable fragrances of fine leaf. Read more....