posted 08-20-2005 11:07 PM               

First of all, a huge thanks from Nolan and I for everyone's support. In particular our thanks to those individuals who went over and beyond, by donating their time to assist us throughout the weekend.

More specifically, thanks to Mike Feldser and family, Tracy Kornfeld, Jason Rubin, Karon Adams, Judy (Nolan's friend from Houston), Aztec Doug Henry, Francis & Erin French, Larry McGlynn, our friend with the cowboy hat whose name escapes me, and others I apologize to in advance, for leaving out, given my poor memory for names

We hope that the behind the scenes look at this event and the additional exposure to some of our history making guests, you all received in exchange for your time and energy, made for an enriched experience. One thing's for sure, without your help, pulling an event of this magnitude would not have been possible. To that end, we hope you'll all join us again next year in San Antonio.

Of course beyond the "civilian" volunteers, we owe thanks to such familiar and distingushed organizations as the UACC, the ASF, Autograph Collector Magazine (look for a feature article in the next few months), collectSPACE, the Kansas City Cosmosphere, The Cradle of Aviation Museum, Aurora Galleries, and CG Publishing. Now it's late and Im tired so forgive me if I've left someone out and oh, the above names are not listed in any particular order.

This year, we were able to strengthen some already established relationships with our Russian friends and even establish some new ones. I think it's safe to say that you'll see Alexei Leonov, Valery Kubasov, Valentina Tereshkova, and Pavel Popovich joining in 2006, barring health and scheduling issues.

To that end, expect to see most, if not all of this year's guests returning next year, along with several others including some that will be joining us for the first time.

There were many stories to share and even some I've been asked not to (lol). I think for now, I'll put my own stories on hold, though from what I'm reading, there are plenty already being circulated by many of you who were lucky enough to have been with us.

I encourage you all to join us next year and remind those who have never joined us, that it's not just about the autographs, but rather the experience of getting significant "face time" while rubbing shoulders with history.

Of course, if you couldn't attend, we most certainly understand, but suggest you try the next time because there's nothing to compare with the in person experience. Twenty years from now, the stories you'll remember, won't so much involve obtaining the autograph, but rather the personal time you spent face to face with the signer. As they say, those memories are "priceless". A bit hokey perhaps, but true and particularly so, based upon the feedback I'm receiving from so many who attended this year.

So for the moment, guess that's all I've got to offer except for one announcement that seems to have leaked out, so guess I'll go ahead and confirm it, here and now. If all goes according to plan, we will be taking our autograph show on the road when the astronauts land in Frankfurt, Germany for the UACC Convention and Autograph Show in 2007. We tried unsuccessfully in London (due to circumstances beyond our control)but looks like this one is a serious possibility. Stay tuned as more details become available.

Thanks to all and see you in San Antonio!

Steve Hankow

Sims/Hankow Ent. www.autographshows.net

Farthest Reaches Inc. www.farthestreaches.com

posted 08-21-2005 01:36 AM               

The most enjoyable part of the show for me (and for my son Chris who accompanied me, or vice versa) happened before the show began. Friday morning, August 12, we met Alan Bean, astronaut, moonwalker, and master artist, at the George Bush Airport in Houston; he was on the same flight to Newark as we were. We re-introduced ourselves (having met him first at a Walt Cunningham book-signing at The Space Store across the street from JSC, and having further run into him checking in at the hotel for the Burbank show last year, and then having visited with him in the course of obtaining autographs and photographs at that show). Always the gentlemen (what I call "a gentleman of the old school" -- and if you don't know what that means, it is no use to try to explain it, but it is basically what defines a true gentleman, a status becoming increasingly rare), Mr. Bean was most friendly and kind, talking with us for a short time before we boarded the plane. During the flight, he walked back to where we were sitting and visited with us some more.

Upon arrival at Newark, Mr. Bean awaited our arrival inside the terminal, and we asked him if we could provide him a ride to the hotel in Secaucus. He readily agreed. I am afraid that we then put Mr. Bean's status as the aforementioned type of gentleman to a rigorous test. First we had to await my checked luggage, then we had to walk and then ride a monorail quite a distance to the rental car counters, then he had to wait while I went through all the reams of paper to obtain the car, then we had to locate the car, and finally we were on our way. I had neglected to ask directions to the hotel (a Real Man never asks directions, does he?), but my son had a map, so off we set.

To not make this long story too long, suffice it to add that first my son and then I myself managed to get us lost, even while a good part of the time the hotel was in view (there was a small matter of a body of water between us and it). At any rate, we obviously finally made it to the hotel. And I am finally at my point, which is that throughout all of this, Alan Bean maintained his friendly, cheerful, talkative self -- in other words, the sunny disposition that he apparently displays all of the time. It was a magical experience for Chris and me: here we were riding with, talking with, a man of worldly fame, a man who along with only 11 others has walked on the Moon, and a renowned artist of distinctive style and accomplishment -- and he treated us like he was a regular guy and we were friends of his. The explanation is, of course, that Alan Bean is, despite all his fame and accomplishments, a regular guy, or, in Alexei Leonov's simple but eloquent words, "a good guy." It is, in fact, part of the essence of being a gentleman to treat others with kindness and respect and not flout one's own importance. Alan Bean is a gentleman with class.

After we had left Mr. Bean at the hotel when we checked in, Chris said to me that, the experience with Alan Bean's being so enjoyable, we could go home right then and he would have considered the trip a complete success. I agreed.

But, of course, there was much more to come. I think all of us who attended the show would agree that the astronauts and cosmonauts who were placed at the end of the meeting room where the air-conditioning failed on Saturday were first-class troopers. I spent a good deal of the day there and never heard one complaint, never saw anyone out of sorts. They all soldiered on in the best tradition of -- well, of astronauts. These are people with a kind of discipline the likes of which most of us have no familiarity with. But they not only showed their discipline and did not complain; they were downright friendly to all of the attendees. I speak particularly of Buzz Aldrin, Alan Bean, Walt Cunningham, Dick Gordon, Jack Lousma, Dave Scott, Rusty Schweickart, and Rick Searfoss, and to a lesser extent (not because they are cosmonauts but because they were a bit closer to the A/C), Valentina Tereshkova, Alexei Leonov, and Valery Kubasov. If I have left anybody out, please forgive me and chalk it up to my fading short-term memory. All were real professionals.

A handful of other observations: Buzz Aldrin was quite outgoing and talkative at the show and the dinner. At Burbank he had been somewhat more reticent. Alan Bean signed a photo of him (Alan Bean) and me that was taken at Burbank, and he added an inscription that stated, "To Richard -- Thanks for the interesting ride around Secaucus with Chris -- 8-12-05 Alan Bean Apollo 12." It is, needless to say, one of the most treasured items in my collection. Did I tell you he is a great guy? Dave Scott, Walt Cunningham, Dick Gordon, Jack Lousma (whom I call "Mr. Congeniality"), and Rusty Schweickart all kindly signed photos that they all had kindly agreed to have taken with me at Burbank. It is always wonderful to see and talk for a short time with two of the Mercury Seven, Scott Carpenter and Wally Schirra.

Valentina Tereshkova (who is unbelievably 68 or so years old, but who could easily pass for 50 or less -- maybe she sent her daughter?) kindly added an inscription to the photo she signed for me: "First Woman in Space"; and Alexei Leonov added "First Spacewalker." As someone else has noted here, the Russians seemed to light up when there were children around. I saw Ms. Tereshkova take a little girl on her lap and make sure the little one was looking at the camera when the proud dad took the picture. Seeing Edgar Mitchell, since he was unable to be at Burbank, was a real treat. He is another to add to my list of gentlemen, and he is justly proud of his son Adam who assisted him.

My son Chris particularly enjoyed visiting with the SpaceShipOne guys, Michael Melvill and Brian Binnie, and also with the ladies, Dee O'Hara and Cece Bibby. We had another enjoyable time talking with Jim Lewis and his charming wife (whose name, my apologies to her, is lost to me at the moment) who gave us a great recommendation for a restaurant in San Antonio. It was good to see, as always, Sy Liebergot, whom we had had the pleasure of being with before (at The Space Store and at his table for the Burbank banquet). Ed Buckbee is great to talk with and is a veritable fountain of information, and I was pleased to learn some things about Wernher von Braun from him. I was particularly glad to hear his (Mr. Buckbee's) positive recommendation of the new biography of Dr. von Braun, "Dr. Space" by Bob Ward. By the way, I have almost completed reading, and I highly recommend, Mr. Buckbee's own new book, "The Real Space Cowboys" (although he certainly deserves better proofreaders than those whom Apogee Books apparently provided him).

The banquet was an unqualified success. Thanks to Nolan Sims, we were seated at Jack Lousma's table. He was his usual smiling and friendly self, fielding all questions and providing thoughtful and complete answers. He is very close to the top of "My List of the Nicest People I Have Ever Met."

All in all, a great event and a great time was had by all (if you did not have a great time, it was certainly not for lack of lots of hard work by Steve and Nolan and their helpers, nor for lack of friendly and kind astronauts, cosmonauts, and other guests).

One thing to add: I agree with Steve Hankow completely. Autographs are nice, especially for those of us who go to the trouble and expense of collecting them. But when all is said and done, years from now when, sadly, these great space pioneers are gone, what you will remember, long after the autographs have faded or have been lost or have been sold for a profit or loss, is the person-to-person experience of shaking the hand of and talking to and with these makers of history. There is no substitute for that, and you cannot get it except face-to-face. It is Nolan and Steve who bring them together for us to see face-to-face, and thus, again, my sincere thanks to them.

posted 08-21-2005 10:48 AM               

A tip for future show goers:

If you happen to have something like a pristine Bill Dana album cover signed by Bill Dana in gold ink, make sure that you WAIT a few minutes for it to dry BEFORE putting it back into the protective sleeve! I don't want to say who was THAT incredibly stupid when he should have known better.......

....because I'm STILL kicking myself!!

posted 08-21-2005 12:26 PM               

Thanks for putting together a terrific show in New Jersey. I'm looking forward to attending my second show in San Antonio. Are there any specific dates that you are targeting that we might be able to mark on the calendars now to "keep the deck clear."

Thanks,

Rob

posted 08-21-2005 01:45 PM               

------------------
Steve Hankow http://www.farthestreaches.com

posted 08-21-2005 02:22 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by farthestreaches:
Was my pleasure helping you out Gene. Hope you're enjoying the photo.

---

Actually I didn't get that photo. But your answer helped me pick another. I wanted a nice Wally Schirra and I liked that photo. If it was a picture of Gemini 6 from Gemini 7, I would have grabbed it. Instead, I went for the classic B/W shot of Wally standing there, hands on hips, a/c on the floor, full up in his Mercury suit.

It's just a GREAT shot and so 'America'.

My Bill Dana story above wasn't too much of a debacle. He had already signed the album cover in silver Sharpie but didn't like the way it came out. He leaned over and borrowed one of those 'gold ink' pens from Scott Carpenter and signed it AGAIN.

Plus, I already had his signature on a great photo signed by both him and Scott Carpenter.

Steve, if you don't mind me asking and since you said something about it above, how did the Russians like the idea of coming to an American show just to get paid to sign their name? It was great to see them there. One wonders what it would be like to have a similar show in Russia and how our astronauts would be received. I bet that they would be a hit there too.

posted 08-21-2005 03:03 PM               

The Russians were very pleased to earn their signing fees as you can imagine. I seem to remember Valentina mentioning a charitable cause she's aligned with that would get some percentage of hers.

They are all quite comfortable with regard to their personal lifestyles, so I can say with confidence that if their experience here wasn't to their liking, the chances of them returning would be slim to none.

Fortunately, they couldn't have been happier. The relationships between Nolan and I with the cosmonauts has developed beyond business and into friendship. Subsequently, we expect you'll see them back in 2006.

A show in Russia? Hmmm...not a bad thought. Look for us in Frankfurt in 2007 though, as that one is now in the planning stages.

------------------
Steve Hankow http://www.farthestreaches.com

posted 08-21-2005 03:19 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by farthestreaches:
The Russians were very pleased to earn their signing fees as you can imagine. I seem to remember Valentina mentioning a charitable cause she's aligned with that would get some percentage of hers.

They are all quite comfortable with regard to their personal lifestyles, so I can say with confidence that if their experience here wasn't to their liking, the chances of them returning would be slim to none.

Fortunately, they couldn't have been happier. The relationships between Nolan and I with the cosmonauts has developed beyond business and into friendship. Subsequently, we expect you'll see them back in 2006.

---

quote:

---

A show in Russia? Hmmm...not a bad thought. Look for us in Frankfurt in 2007 though, as that one is now in the planning stages.

---

Just a thought.

Gene

posted 08-22-2005 12:34 PM               

I really enjoyed Saturday's dinner although I would have preferred that any presentations take place after the meal. I was about running on empty at that point plus I wanted to videotape some of those short speechs, but hunger took over and was downing as many rolls I could get until the main course arrived. In retrospect, all those little presentations, Leonov in particular, were a lot of fun.

I was seated at Ed Gibson's table. Ed and his wife were very gracious, taking time to talk to each of us at the table. I was always a big Skylab fan, so I had a million questions. When Ed found out that I was a graphic designer he came over and sat with me and we talked software for a half hour. I kept telling myself, This man has been in space for 3 months and prbably done a thousand things I can only dream about and he's asking my opinion on software.

Sunday morning was more of a relaxed pace. I came down on the elevator with Cunningham and Carpenter who were laughing about how late last night's party went. I was able to fill in the autographs I didn't get, listen to many stories being told, and take the photos I put off all weekend.

posted 08-22-2005 05:42 PM               

I can sit at home and order pics on the web (My Dh would probably prefer it that way as it would save him a TON of money<G> )But this is So much better. the stories, the chance to simply chat and discuss our favorite movies or who likes to garden.

The stories from this weekend will always be favorites of mine.

Karon, who cannot wait to see Robin Again!!

posted 08-22-2005 09:45 PM               

I am planning for next years show already. I was thinking about starting to watch for photos to purchase. I just want to check to make sure this is right.

They had "hundreds" of photos for sale at the show? "Hundreds" of different photos? And I seem to remember someone saying they were selling for 6$ each??

Please let me know and I will stop looking for photos to take.

posted 08-22-2005 10:29 PM               

I could spend a FORTUNE at Steve and Nolan's table and I STILL have to go to the guests and find the cash left over for the sigs!!

Karon, who is looking at her dwindling bank account<G>

posted 08-23-2005 09:19 AM               

Have been following this thread and wanted to jump in. Yes, our photos are high quality and custom produced using the same facilities used to produce the imagery for Farthest Reaches. They are sold at our events for $6 each. Worth noting is that several astronauts have asked us to produce images for their personal use following this year's event. Each celebrity signer is well represented with a variety of different shots to choose from (generally 5 or more). We focus heavily on providing a great selection, so that you can come to the show with nothing in hand and still find anything you might need to have autographed. In fact, the photographs we offer are often sold at twice the price on ebay or through other sources (often at lesser quality), so that at $6, we feel they're a bargain. Yes, I am blowing my horn a bit, but do take pride in the selection and quality since the photography is not only my focus for our autograph shows, but also an area I spend a great deal of time developing for Farthest Reaches.

----------------
Steve Hankow http://www.farthestreaches.com

posted 08-23-2005 11:29 AM               

One of the things I really like is that not only do they try to find these shots, they actively try to find the history of the shots as well. If they are not completely sure, they go to the source. there is a TON of history to be learned just from these pics and Steve and Nolan are always digging to find it for us.

Hats off and many thanks for making my life easier!

karon
Space Enthusiast and Certified Groupie

posted 08-23-2005 04:15 PM               

>Yes, I am blowing my horn a bit,

But you are also answering my question which is great. That is the kind of information I am looking for and if it comes from the source, no problem. As I have mentioned I am planning on attending in 2006 and I like to plan ahead.

Thanks for the information.

posted 08-23-2005 04:24 PM               

Best,
Bruce

posted 08-24-2005 10:45 AM            

Other than reiterating that it was a fantastic event, well planned, well executed, and filled with outstanding memories… I thought I’d share a few special experiences of my own.

1) Alan Bean and my Daughter
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I had the opportunity to hear Alan Bean speak about 8 years ago at a business function. He was fascinating to listen to. He signed autographs after the show, and I got one signed for my daughter (didn’t even think to get one for me!). My daughter really cherished that picture, and it started a love of the space program for her. She now wants to be an astronaut/scientist, is a straight A student, and has attended SpaceCamp down in Huntsville AL for the past two years (a great program by the way!), She showed me a moon rock that was at the Space and Rocket Center that Alan Bean collected (and he had signed the display in the museum saying “I remember this rock – it was one of my favorites!”.

This year at Alan Bean’s table, I asked him to sign a photo for me (finally ;-) and told him the impact that he had had on my daughter and helping to spark in her a love for science, math, and space. I shared with him her experiences at space camp, her pointing out “his” moon rock, and how she cherished her autographed photo from many years ago. He looked thoughtful for a moment, pulled out a print of one of his pieces of artwork, and proceeded to write “Dear Kelsey – Hold on to your Dream! Alan Bean, Apollo 12. He told me to give it to her, and especially have her read the back, because it has a lot of insights on Apollo and the future. He asked me to wish her all his best for the future. What a wonderful gentleman…

2) Jack Lousma
------------------------
I had the pleasure of speaking with Jack Lousma both at his table (for about 45 minutes) as well as at dinner. He is a truly amazing man, and freely shared his experiences both as CDR on STS-3 as well as Skylab. I asked which he liked better, and he said “No comparison to Skylab”. Even being CDR on the shuttle, it was like a camping trip for a weekend. Skylab was a real adventure! I brought him a thermal blanket that was flown on one of the early Columbia missions (not sure if it was his, but the date makes it likely). He asked me if I knew what it is. I (embarrassingly) said that I didn’t really know. He said “rats – I don’t know either. I flew the darn thing and have no idea where this would be from!” We spent about 10 minutes conjecturing on what this could be and where it would be on the orbiter! He said If I figure it out, to write him and let him know! He was a real gentleman – and spent a lot of time sharing his experiences at dinner, and taking a personal interest in all of us sitting at his table. (And a special thanks to Nolan Sims for squeezing me into his table!!)

3) Walt Cunningham – Emergency Egress Procedures
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I acquired an early Apollo Saturn 5 Emergency Egress Procedures Manual – with a detailed set of instructions in the event of emergency, how to evacuate the Apollo crew. It’s a fascinating read. It was dated right before the Apollo 7 flight, so I asked Walt and Wally to sign it. Walt saw it and said “I haven’t seen one of these in years!” He looked at the date and said “yes, this was ours”. He said that he was going thru some of his old manuals and this one he didn’t have. (I offered to give him mine, but he said no, it would probably mean more to me). He flipped pages in it, and reminisced that this was one of the astronaut’s favorites since it was “someone looking after us if something happened!).

4) Moonpans Photo
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I ordered one of Mike Constantine’s Moonpan prints (Apollo 15 – Station 2). I wanted a single large piece to collect all of the Apollo astronauts autographs. I debated which to get, but I really liked this photo because I felt it captured the essence, majesty, and spirit of the moon. I first asked Dave Scott to autograph it (since it was him in the picture), and he really liked the piece and commented that it really captured the majesty of what it was like to be there. I then took it to all the other astronauts and asked them to sign it, and apologized since it wasn’t their mission. They each told me that was perfectly ok, and they were glad to sign such a beautiful piece.

I think Mike’s moonpans are an excellent ‘centerpiece’ for any collection to collect multiple autographs – and I really appreciated his efforts to rush one to me in time for the show. Thanks Mike!

5) Wally and Cece
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My apologies – I also posted this section on another thread, but wanted to share it with anyone interested in the NJ show…

I ordered a Sigma 7 panel from Dana Gareth which he was able to rush for me in time for the NJ show. It’s truly a stunning piece.

I first took it to Cece, and while she had heard about the panels, she said she had not yet seen one. She was definitely impressed. She called a number of people over to see it, and asked someone to take a picture of her with the panel. She spent about 30 minutes talking to me about how exciting that time was in her life, and for her to have a small part of the space program was a real thrill for her. One thing I never knew was that while Wally asked her to create the Sigma 7 design, he never specified what it should look like. He was expecting Sigma written out, but it was Cece that came up with the Sigma mathematical symbol. She made 3 or 4 designs, from which Wally could choose, and he immediately liked this one, and that started a friendship between the two.

Cece signed the panel in gold paint pen on top of one of the ridges. It was challenging to sign, but her signature was beautiful. She signed it “Mercury Artist”. She joked to me that with all the astronauts around, she has almost signed her name “Mercury astronaut”! She told me I had to take it over to Wally and show him.

I took it to Wally, and he likewise had not seen the presentation. He was impressed by it also. He saw the way Cece signed the panel (Mercury Artist) and laughed. He made a comment about her being the “key” to the Mercury program – and when he signed the panel, he signed it not as Mercury Pilot or Commander, but simply as “Mercury Crew” (citing that it was Cece that was the showpiece of the program!). He then told me I had to take it back to show Cece. I did take it back and Cece loved it. She laughed and she and Wally (from halfway across the room) laughed and bantered back and forth a bit.

It was a really neat experience – being in the middle of two such amazing people. Dana’s presentation is a proud showcase piece in my study, made all the better by the experience I had with both Cece and Wally.

My apologies for the long post (I hope this wasn’t inappropriate), but I just wanted to share a few experiences that I didn’t see others post. Having a few autographs in my collection from these amazing people is great, but having the memories of these and so many other experiences interacting with these people is a once in a lifetime experience. Thanks to all that made this happen, especially Nolan and Steve!

posted 08-25-2005 12:00 AM               

Chris Scheer