Posts from chester7777 in thread „JWMB sponsors a Walk Of Fame block“



    My purpose here is three-fold. (1) I wanted to bring back Wayne Davis' post from Febuary 2007 about the vision for the planned John Wayne Birthplace Museum and Learning Center, (2) bring to the attention of our newer members what members of this message board have done, together, to help that goal along, by pooling our resources to purchase one of the $1500 bricks on the Walk of Fame, and (3) make those same newer members aware of ways they, too, can be involved in furthering the goal of building the museum and learning center in Winterset, Iowa, to honor John Wayne! I encourage folks to read this thread from the beginning to appreciate the length and breadth of what we did.

    I'm proud to be part of this wonderful group of John Wayne fans!

    Chester :newyear:

    For all - I thought you might appreciate this photo of Bill of PA (left) with Brian Downes (Executive Director of the Birthplace of John Wayne, right), after our donation was made to the new museum.



    Bill's been trying to get this picture to me for a couple of weeks, but we've had some computer glitches that seemed almost insurmountable. But thanks to his friend Joe "Zuke" (a board member at the birthplace), we finally got the picture. Thanks to JWMB member Wayne (who also works in an official capacity at the birthplace) for taking the photo.


    Just thought I'd get this thread back on topic . . . sorry 'bout that, folks.

    Thanks very much for your understanding comment, Art.

    Like they say, you can't teach an old dog new tricks. :wink_smile:


    From one old man to another, I'd have to beg to differ. Look at us, using a computer and doing all sorts of things. I can't tell you how many of my friends never use a computer for anything, and have no desire to do so. Or a few who barely know how to do email and that's the extent of their knowledge.


    Let's face it - computers were not in common use 20 years ago, and you and I sit in front of one every day. I'd say you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!


    Chester :newyear:

    Stumpy, I've forwarded your suggestions on to the appropriate people - thanks!!


    For all - I thought you might appreciate this photo of Bill of PA (left) with Brian Downes (Executive Director of the Birthplace of John Wayne, right), after our donation was made to the new museum.


    548707f8dcc7a2.jpg


    Bill's been trying to get this picture to me for a couple of weeks, but we've had some computer glitches that seemed almost insurmountable. But thanks to his friend Joe "Zuke" (a board member at the birthplace), we finally got the picture. Thanks to JWMB member Wayne (who also works in an official capacity at the birthplace) for taking the photo.


    Chester :newyear:

    Hi
    It looks like I could be caught in the middle here as I can see both sides of the argument.


    I don't think there's any argument here.


    Quote

    I agree with Stumpy that the buying of the Alamo was a magnificent example of like minded people working together with a common cause, and a successful conclusion.

    I couldn't agree more with both of you.


    Quote

    But now is the time to let it rest until perhaps someone with a camera takes a photograph of the brick in place and gives a fitting amen to it.
    As for the latest appeal while it is not my personal wish to buy a brick coming after the other effort . . .

    Initially, I felt the same way, as we had busted our rears making the Alamo tile happen. But then I realized that many newer members may not have had the opportunity to help out the new museum. We are not specifically asking anyone to buy anything. All we were doing was passing on current information, about the latest opportunity to have a brick on the walkway to the original birthplace, more immediately.


    Quote

    . . . the fact that Kevin and Chester have raised it is another matter. Perhaps I am reading too much into this perhaps not but I think it is important to pass on the fact that bricks are available for the reason that this is a request from the John Wayne board or whatever they call themselves.

    The request was from the John Wayne birthplace/museum. We were simply passing on the information.


    Quote

    For various reasons I feel that the lines differences or whatever are getting more and more faint as we all come together to what after all is a common cause. There is room enough in the world for all supporters, fans and officials of John Wayne to come together and the fact that this board has the world wide appeal it has is making a significant difference.
    if this sounds that as a moderator I am appealling for moderation or sitting on the fence then I apologize, but I see this as part of my role, and as a moderator I certainly do not mean to cause offence.

    Arthur, you are doing an outstanding job as moderator! I, for one, take no offence. I realize the goal is bigger than all of us, and a worthy one.


    One more time - we were simply imparting information. NO pressure was intended, and if it felt that way to anyone, we apologize.


    Chester :newyear:

    Actually, Stumpy, it was at the request of the birthplace museum that we updated the post to reflect the most recent program. This message board will not be collecting funds, any transactions would be between each person and the JW Birthplace.


    Let's face it, this place certainly would represent a receptive audience, and has a world-wide reach, and doesn't cost a thing to the birthplace in terms of advertising or mailing costs. There may have been members who didn't participate in our Tribute Block drive for whatever reason, and this is a chance for anyone who wishes, to be involved in the building of the new Museum and Learning Center.


    There is no pressure here, we are just passing on the information.


    Chester :newyear:

    Hi Kevin


    I presume you mean our goal of $2500?


    :agent:


    While our initial goal was $2500, when it appeared it was not likely we would reach that, Kevin reset the goal meter to reflect our secondary goal of $1500, which we did reach. The block for The Alamo was purchased Friday, online. The picture of the block above is a computer-generated version of how it should eventually appear when the block is placed in the Walk of Fame. The wording is what was selected, to stay within the limit of number of characters per line.


    Thanks to ALL who contributed to this effort! By pooling our money, we have donated to the museum and will have our block on the Walk of Fame where all who visit will learn of our message board, and that we were a part.


    Chester :newyear:

    CHESTER! ALL THE TRIBUTE BLOCKS ARE THE SAME SIZE 16X16.
    WHITE GRANITE $2,500
    BLACK GRANITE $2,000
    RED GRANITE $1,500
    SANDSTONE GRANITE $1,000
    I hope we can get the 1,500 dollar one with the Alamo as I also believe it was his act of love.


    Bill,


    Yes, I know the blocks are the same size, just different colors to designate the level of donation. It sure is looking like the $1500 block is very likely. And it looks like The Alamo is a top choice!

    I chose The Alamo because it was closest to Duke's heart and he put so much into making it.


    In looking over the list, I was trying to decide how to choose, and I came upon the same reason as you, Cindy. The Alamo was a labor of love for John Wayne, and honestly, even before I read your post, the words "near and dear to his heart" were what came to my mind.


    Now we just need to get together the rest of the $$$ to pull this off.


    If there happens to be a rush of money at the end :hyper:, we could be in the enviable position of having to decide whether to go for the bigger block (where the poll indicates the choice would be Red River), or go for the smaller block (The Alamo so far) and just donate the balance of the money. Hm-m-m-m-m . . . decisions, decisions, decisions.


    Chester :newyear:

    Anticipating that we may not reach our initial goal of $2500, we thought we should add a poll of the movie titles that are available with the purchase of a $1500 granite block. That way, our members can offer up an opinion. If our donations hit $2000, I will adjust the poll accordingly.


    So scroll to the top of this thread, look over the titles in the poll, and vote for the one you would like to see immortalized along with the JWMB name.


    Thanks for your input!


    Chester :newyear:

    Good morning, all!


    When we first discussed the possibility of the message board purchasing a granite tile on the Walk of Fame at the future John Wayne Birthplace Museum and Learning Center (at the suggestion of our very own Hondo Duke Lane), there were several thoughts.


    (1) It was a tangible way that this message board could help support the cause and help "Keep the Memory Alive!" at the birthplace/museum, and also show (by the JWMB name and web address on the tile) who we are and where we are.


    (2) By making a "suggested" amount, we did not mean that smaller amounts could not (or should not) be made. From the same paragraph suggesting $50 - $100 -

    Quote

    Of course, donations of ANY size will be gratefully accepted - each one will bring us closer to our goal.

    Of course, if the average donation is between $50 and $100, the goal is reached much sooner (25 people X $100 = goal, or 50 people X $50 = goal, but also 250 people X $10 = goal).


    (3) As was discussed earlier in this thread, the idea of paying for a granite tile (bigger $) or a brick (much smaller donation) is a popular way for people to donate to a cause and receive some recognition in the form of their name (or whatever they choose) on said tile or brick. It is not a "scheme" but a valid and proven form of fund-raising, at least in this country. I won't repeat that discussion here.


    (4) As far as listing the donors, that was discussed at the onset, and not knowing if people would be comfortable with a public disclosure, we opted not to do that. Kevin has changed it so donors are listed, but not the amounts (to avoid just the thing Robbie expressed concern about - someone perhaps feeling "inadequate" for making less than the "suggested" donation).


    (5) This was meant to be a team effort, purely VOLUNTARY, a donation that would not only help to preserve the legacy of John Wayne in the form of a museum dedicated to him, but also show that our little message board was part of that effort.


    (6) A person's willingness or ability to contribute to this should not be considered a measure of how much of a fan that person is, or their "loyalty" to the JWMB. People may have any number of reasons for not being a part of this effort. Quite honestly, some folks may prefer to plunk down their money for their own granite tile or brick, and that's OK. Support of the project to complete a museum and learning center in Winterset is the goal. We just thought it would be fun to show our message board's effort, immortalized in granite or brick, for all to see, while at the same time being part of the big picture
    .
    So now is the time for all good men (and women) to come to the aid of their message board and make a donation (if he or she is able :wink_smile: and desires to do so). The sooner we get the funds together, the more likely we will get our first choice of the movie title Red River.


    Most respectfully,


    Chester :newyear:

    Just out of curiosity, how long will this fund drive last? The reason I ask is because I want to make a contribution but January is a bad time for me as I'm trying to recover from large Christmas expenses, plus my car insurance comes due this month.


    Stumpy,
    You are certainly not alone in being "financially impaired" at the beginning of a new year.


    Donations have been a little slow, but we are hoping that will change now that we are headed into a new month.


    Chester :newyear:

    Engraved bricks and/or granite blocks are a popular custom in the US . . .


    They are also a popular way to raise funds for any number of projects. The community pool in our area was partially funded by engraved tiles that are in a large bench near the swimming pool, and you can see different families, individuals, and businesses that helped by making donations. Currently, they are trying to raise funds for some kind of all-weather sports complex, and are selling engraved bricks.


    Thanks, Robbie, for expressing your concerns, as you may not be alone in your thoughts.


    Let's face it - the cost of the granite block or any of the other tribute bricks is relatively small in value compared to the amount of the donation, so what is happening is that we are making a sizable donation, getting tangible credit for it, and most if not all of the donation will go to the museum. If we buy merchandise, certainly we are getting something in return, but you can be certain that a much smaller portion of that merchandise contributes to the museum, because of the costs involved in selling the merchandise (cost of the product, overhead of the gift shop itself, employee costs, etc.).


    As Kevin said, in addition to helping finance the museum and learning center, there will be a perpetual memorial showing that the group here at the JWMB was part of the effort!


    I hope our comments allay your concerns, Robbie. Donating is purely voluntary, and there is NO pressure on anyone to contribute. An email went to the membership at large solely to let everyone know about the opportunity to be part, not to place undue pressure.


    Chester :newyear:

    The text is limited to three lines, with


    28 characters in the first line (including spaces and punctuation)


    23 characters in the second line (including spaces and punctuation)


    18 characters in the third line (including . . . you know :wink_smile: )


    Chester :newyear: