This was the third and by far the best Maxdale Knap-in that I have attended. All who attended, I know, join me when I shout a Big HOORAAAAY!! to Dave Crawford and Howard Edgeworth for their efforts at organizing the event and providing assistance to every who attended; to the Retired Sergeants Major Association Chuck Wagon for making the excellent food and refreshments available; and last but not least to all of the knappers and venders that made this knap-in such a big success.

Robert Thompson of Plano, TX displays some fine workmanship.

Participants started showing up at Maxdale the weekend before the event and the numbers gradually increased to (my unofficial guesstimate) to well over 150. I met knappers from all across the country, including Oregon, Washington, California, Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Nova Scotia, Canada. There were many other states represented. Thursday night was so cold that some knappers sat by the fire in the Chili Hall and knapped through the night. The weather warmed Friday and was outstanding for the remainder of the knap-in.

There were many vendors with indian arts and crafts, knapping rock, tools, and excellently knapped points and blades for sale. There was a very large number of sightseers, onlookers, and shoppers from the nearby towns, which include Killeen Belton, Waco, and Georgetown.

Patrick Nickerson from Austin, TX plays an authentic reproduction of a Native American style flute for Knappers Annonymous.

There was plenty of time to refresh existing friendships, make new friends, and I especially enjoyed putting faces with those with whom I correspond on Flint Forum. Although, I find that there were many there that I, regretfully, didn�t get the opportunity to meet. Many took advantage of the opportunity to collect flint, for their own use, along the tank road which parallels East Range Road on Fort Hood Military Reservation. Base personnel were especially hospitable to those of us that took advantage of this opportunity.

I recommend that if at all possible y�al take advantage of the Central Texas hospitality and plan this knap-in into your March 99 calendar.

Report & Photos © Doug Kreis 1998
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