Pen club in Minneapolis/St. Paul area?

[Robert Hughes]

What can I say, that hasn't already been said? This event exceeded my expectations and was a lot of fun. Props to everyone who came from far & near to INK and play show-and-tell. Let's do it again!

[Cylvre]

I fifth (sixth, seventh, eighth?) everything said. Great people, great time, great view! For a newcomer to FPN and FP use and collecting this was a great opportunity for me to absorb information and just have a great time. I think I'm still sorting through most of what I learned in my mind, but going forward I'm glad to know that I have such a wealth of great people nearby to be able to ask questions, get advice, or just understand my giddiness when that new pen/ink comes in the mail.

[J-san]

Ah, so there is a club of sorts in MN. Glad to hear there was a meeting at Ink. If only I had known about it sooner I'd have made an effort to attend, if I may.

[Robert Hughes]

So, what do ya'll think? Could you stand to brave the frosty breezes and meet again in the next few weeks?

 

What about that place up in Crystal? Anybody have information about that? (I just called and left a message...)

 

Fountain Pen Recycler

 

7000 57th Ave N # 103

Crystal, MN 55428

(763) 535-1599‎

 

 

Edited February 24, 2009 by Robert Hughes

[jbn10161]

I'm game to reconvene, but I know nothing about the place in Crystal.

 

Anyone know about another, long-term pen group that meets--maybe--in St. Paul?

[Cylvre]

I'm totally up for another meeting, my little collection has a few new members to share. I am car-less so Crystal would be tougher for me than another meet in the Cities, unless I were able to catch a carpool from St. Cloud or the cities.

 

Any special guests from the far reaches of pen-dom this time?

[Robert Hughes]

I just spoke with Mike Carter of Fountain Pen Recycler, Crystal Minn. He's usually open weekday afternoons and evenings, but may be willing to open his shop to a group on a Saturday if we insist.

 

Also, he gave me information about the St. Paul Pen Club. They're meeting the 3rd Friday of every month (oops, that was last week, durnit) at the Associated Bank on Snelling Ave. in St. Paul, south of Hwy 94. I got a name and number to get ahold of their main guy; if anyone's interested, contact me backchannel.

 

So, when would fellow FPN'ers et al be available for our next Northern Pen Posse?

[Sproctor]

I just spoke with Mike Carter of Fountain Pen Recycler, Crystal Minn. He's usually open weekday afternoons and evenings, but may be willing to open his shop to a group on a Saturday if we insist.

 

Also, he gave me information about the St. Paul Pen Club. They're meeting the 3rd Friday of every month (oops, that was last week, durnit) at the Associated Bank on Snelling Ave. in St. Paul, south of Hwy 94. I got a name and number to get ahold of their main guy; if anyone's interested, contact me backchannel.

 

So, when would fellow FPN'ers et al be available for our next Northern Pen Posse?

 

Greetings Robert,

 

I would very much enjoy being included in the next go-around with the "Posse" and I'm also interested in the info about the St Paul group, who knows maybe there could be a joint meeting of both groups in our future? Just a thought. Anyway if I figure out how to "PM" you, I'll chat with you more about it, if that is okay... Thank you for all of your organizing and info.

 

As for Crystal, that would work out just fine for me, I live about an hour or so west and can cut over to Bass Lake road and come in that way...

 

I hope to talk with you soon.

Very Best Regards,

 

Stephen P.

(SProctor)

 

[philm]

Robert,

 

I would definitely be interested. Rena, Vivek, Sheila, and I went to Mike's store on a mini-posse trip last summer when viv was in town for something. Mike was great and a fountain (no pun intended) of information. His store is really nice, but the space is limited and you might want to check with him on spacing. He is also a regular member of the St. Paul (PENS) group. He gave us their newsletter that day and mentioned that if anyone wanted to go to their meetings, they would need to call in advance.

 

I know that Robb Swenson, in attendance at last months Minneapolis Posse get together at INK, went to the St. Paul meeting last week and he may have additional information on how it works.

 

Phil

 

 

[Rena]

I'd be up for another gathering. Adding to what Phil mentioned about Mike's store in Crystal — our small group was comfortable there, but it would crowd out quickly with so many of us.

 

I loved visiting Mike's store in Crystal, and loved visiting Barry's store downtown Minneapolis, but my favorite part of both gatherings was interacting with fellow pen friends. I don't know how the rest of you feel, but my preference would be to gather together at possibly a restaurant or coffee shop, or possibly a meeting room at the public library, or?

 

This way we could bring pens to show and tell and just spend a nice amount of time together. Also, I think I may not be the only one on a tight budget right now — but I can't afford to buy any pens or ink, and meeting in a store does come with an obligation to purchase something. What do the rest of you think of this idea?

 

I may as well add that one of the downtowns works best for me since I rely on public transportation.

 

All that said, I'm adaptable and will try to attend whatever way it goes, because I had a GREAT time last month and I'm READY for another pen gathering.

 

 

 

 

 

[jbn10161]

Much as I'd like to see Mike's shop in Crystal, I agree with Rena's point about the buying obligation and her suggestion of alternative spaces, particularly library rooms. What about arranging in advance for us to gather with the St. Paul club? That would allow us to gather, eliminate the buying obligation, and also expose us to whatever it is that they do over there.

[Robert Hughes]

Ok, maybe we could set up a side trip to Crystal when we get together. I'd like to meet some of the St. Paul folks anyway - turns out I never did get a phone # for the St. Paul contact. Anyone else know how to get ahold of them?

[Sproctor]

Ok, maybe we could set up a side trip to Crystal when we get together. I'd like to meet some of the St. Paul folks anyway - turns out I never did get a phone # for the St. Paul contact. Anyone else know how to get ahold of them?

 

Hi Robert,

 

Well I'm kinda surprised that my idea of doing a combination meeting with the other group in St Paul seems to be taking off. I personally wouldn't mind meeting the first time at either Mike's in Crystal or someplace like a library, that way we can prepare sort of an agenda and talk about our meeting with the group in St. Paul first, before actually attending. That way, I know I would feel better prepared and more knowledgeable about what to expect... but I'll go with the flow and show up whatever and where ever everyone decides. Out of respect, I think we should probably contact the St Paul folks first and let them know what we are thinking before just showing up... My 1/2 cent worth.

 

Like I mention above, I'll do whatever and where ever the group decides...

 

Did you survive the blizzard? We got close to 9 inches yesterday... I'm pretty sore from all the snow shoveling/blowing of it. I think winter is back in Minnesota, it isn't suppose to get above 30F again until Monday or Tuesday. Wish the wind would die down. I'm so ready for Spring! BTW, I did send you a message backline but I understand now why you didn't reply. If you do get the info, please share it with me, I'd deffinately appreciate it.

 

All Of My Very Best,

 

S.P.

 

[RobbS]

I attended the PENS meeting last Friday as a guest of Phil Taylor, of Woodbury. He and his wife have marvelous collections. The meetings are monthly, the third Friday of the month at seven pm. At Associated Bank just south of 94 on the east side of Snelling. Use the parking lot on the NW corner of the bank and tap on the window. It is by invitation only, with approval from the President of PENS. I met the president and regret not buying that Silvexa he had, but that's another story. It was kind of a nasty snowy evening, so that took some of my pep away, but a nice meeting with a tight group. Francis gave a technical talk on resacing a Vac, which he did for another fellow, right at the meeting. I did not get a chance to show my pens, but I am fairly quiet and quite content to be a fly on the wall to watch and learn.

 

I have a contact list for the group and would be glad to make or share contact if you'd like me to?

 

I, too, greatly enjoyed the INK meeting and agree that the best part was just meeting people who "get-it!" This fountain pen thing. I love the old pens, and love the new pens.

 

Robb Swenson

[Sproctor]

Robert or Anyone...

 

Has anything more been decided about the next meeting of the "Mpls Pen Posse & Bar Crawl" or whatever it was called? I spoke with one of the principals of the PENS group in St Paul... they are interested in a potential "get-together" with them at their place in the near future. But we need to decide what our priorities are, if we are going to really be a group and when our next meeting is going to be. Perhaps the very next meet should be an organizational one so that we have one point person coordinating then when & where aspects of everything... I don't know if Robert wants to continue in that position or not, Robert?

 

What does everyone think about all of this? Input please...

 

Very Best,

S.P.

 

[RobbS]

Count me in for March 20th 7 pm for the PENS meeting.

I am still free that evening, having my taxes done at 3 pm, so I need something to cheer me up.

Personally I would enjoy going as a group.

 

As for a group name, Pen Posse was offered, and that may work fine.

I would like to offer a continuation on the name suggestions.

MINNESOTA PEN AND INK SOCIETY (MPIS)

My thoughts on the name are to be inclusive of all pens, pen and ink is an old term so that would be helpful in describing the group, and Society honors those who find the neat old stuff and show it to the group. The Minnesota part is there are group members that traverse the Minneapolis/Saint Paul divide.

 

Robb Swenson

 

[Sproctor]

MINNESOTA PEN AND INK SOCIETY (MPIS)

 

Wow, I really like that one Robb!

 

S.P.

[Sheila]

As much as I would love to attend the PENS meeting, it just doesn't fit my schedule. Driving two hours to the Twin Cities on a Friday night doesn't work for me. If there is a meeting on a Saturday, hopefully not too early in the morning (!), I would love to be there. Like others have said, I would rather not be obligated to buy something. Money is tight right now. (This is not a statement about the economy -- my situation is not related to that.) Meeting other pen fanatics is a lot of fun, so I look forward to seeing if this works out.

 

Sheila - in Willmar

[Sproctor]

As much as I would love to attend the PENS meeting, it just doesn't fit my schedule. Driving two hours to the Twin Cities on a Friday night doesn't work for me. If there is a meeting on a Saturday, hopefully not too early in the morning (!), I would love to be there. Like others have said, I would rather not be obligated to buy something. Money is tight right now. (This is not a statement about the economy -- my situation is not related to that.) Meeting other pen fanatics is a lot of fun, so I look forward to seeing if this works out.

 

Sheila - in Willmar

 

Hi Sheila,

 

There are two things... number one: You have my daily writer as your avatar. It is an absolutely incredible writing instrument in my opinion, & number two: I live about 1/2 way between you & the meeting... maybe a little closer to you than the Cities... along Hwy 12. We could always car pool the rest of the way if it would make it easier. I understand about the Friday thing though, a lot of people wouldn't want to leave work and do a bunch of driving go to a meeting and do a bunch of driving back... even for me it is 1 hour each way in addition to however long the actual meeting takes. The weekend is a different story for sure.

 

I deffinately wouldn't want to do it on a regular basis, though I guess I would be willing to do it maybe one time, possibly two... I have spent so many years as a collector and up until about a month or so ago I knew of no one around the Twin Cities save for a couple of close buddies nearby that got into collecting because of, or through me. So I am sure that I'll be willing to make an exception at least once in order to meet new folks around here that also enjoy the hobby as much as I do.

 

Very Best Regards,

S. P.

[philm]

All,

 

I am in agreement with Sheila here, as Friday nights are really difficult for me due to the kids' Sports and the fact that I am often gone during the week. Saturday is usually a better day for me. I would love to attend PENS, but wonder how they would react to a lot of us showing up at one time. Robb might have a better idea on that as he recently attended. If we could swing it, I am all for the "non-buying" get together where we can get to know each other a bit and go from there. Just my $.02.