I've just joined the FPN today. I make my home in Jackson, MI. My high school fountain pen (a black Esterbrook LJ) still works (purchased in the early 60's). For a number of years its only companion was the copper Esterbrook J that belonged to my dad (inherited in the mid 80's). My wife purchased a Waterman Laureat fountain pen for me in the late 90's.

This last Christmas my interest in fountain pens was stirred up when I looked at the collection of pens accumulated by a flea market dealer at my church. Since Christmas I've added 6 Esterbrook fountain pens and 1 pencil to my collection and a Laureat rollerball to go with my fountain pen. Also a Parker desk pen (dipless, I think) with a Parker dipless style inkwell (I need to learn more about these two items).

Learning to do some simple restoration intrigues me (I've already replaced the sacs in my original 2 Esterbrooks). The use of desk sets also intrigues me because a desk pen setup best fits my opportunities to use a fountain pen at work (it's awkward and time consuming to uncap and recap a fountain pen just to write a phone message).

Does Michigan still have a pen show?

Welcome to FPN! Jump right in and enjoy yourself!

Welcome to the show, PaFitch, from one who lives a few miles to your east. You should enjoy the stay here at FPN, but your wallet will no doubt become lighter.

I believe there was a pen show in Dearborn in late summer last year; that is if my memory serves me. Not sure if this is the regular time frame, but it should give you a starting point.

Welcome, from another Michigander. Yes, there is still a Michigan Pen Show. I attended last year at the Hilton Hotel in Troy. According to the Pen Collectors of America web site (and some other pen collector web sites), it is going to be held this year on September 5-7, 2008 at the same location.

If you haven't attended a pen show before, the Michigan Pen Show is a great place to get your feet wet. It is smaller and therefore not as intimidating as some of the other shows. Nonetheless, there is plenty of merchandise, and very impressive. My wife and I had a wonderful time there, and plan to attend this year.

Welcome to FPN from another Esterbrook fan.

Welcome to FPN.

Hello and welcome to FPN.

PaFitch- greetings from Ann Arbor. Well the Michigan Pen Collectors are a very active pen club, with monthly meetings. Most of the time the meetings are in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area. Sometimes in Southfield. Here is a link to their site:

Michigan Pen Collectors

A big New York City welcome to FPN!

From one Michigander to another: Welcome to the Fountain Pen Network.

Welcome to the madness PaFitch! I grew up in Jackson, but I haven't been back for over 20 years...Is the L-J Dairy still open?

Dale