George Bird Evans

[John Farrell, Charter Member #33]

I had the pleasure of flying down to Pittsburgh and drove down to see GBE at Old Hemlock in June 1997. Together, with GBE and Kay, we spent a pleasurable day talking about all things important to the lives of these two people and how they arrived at their own Shangri-la. The memory lives within me - as though it was last week I was there.

I was greeted by Manton, GBE's last dog, when I drove up the wooded trail they called a driveway. We sat together in Old Hemlock and whiled away the day, sipping tea, having light sandwiches for lunch and looking at the library of manuscripts, photographs and an original songsheet of Dixie on the piano. The conclusion of the day was GBE signing a copy of the 5 mystery books compilation in a slipcase.

Later, when I got back home, it came to me that they learned as much about me as I did about their lives. If ever there was a moment in the life of a book collector, Parker gun owner, English Setter owner and lover of gunning from days gone by, this was it. Truly, a magic day.

[Former User]

Originally Posted by John Farrell

I had the pleasure of flying down to Pittsburgh and drove down to see GBE at Old Hemlock in June 1997. Together, with GBE and Kay, we spent a pleasurable day talking about all things important to the lives of these two people and how they arrived at their own Shangri-la. The memory lives within me - as though it was last week I was there.

I was greeted by Manton, GBE's last dog, when I drove up the wooded trail they called a driveway. We sat together in Old Hemlock and whiled away the day, sipping tea, having light sandwiches for lunch and looking at the library of manuscripts, photographs and an original songsheet of Dixie on the piano. The conclusion of the day was GBE signing a copy of the 5 mystery books compilation in a slipcase.

Later, when I got back home, it came to me that they learned as much about me as I did about their lives. If ever there was a moment in the life of a book collector, Parker gun owner, English Setter owner and lover of gunning from days gone by, this was it. Truly, a magic day.

I envy you John. I corresponded with George through Kay for several years.

He was always very interested in my annual flush rates and was amazed and a bit envious of the grouse and woodcock hunting riches we have here in MN.

I have guided Roy Sisler and Glenn Baker who were both very well acquainted with the Evan's. Each shared stories about the couple and their dogs.

I would have liked to have spent a day with them as you did.

My new pup "Lily" is as close as I've ever been to a Old Hemlock type dog and my decision to go this direction was at least partially influenced by the writings and correspondence with George Evans.

Jay