by John and Jeanie Jacobus SAH #2220
This next resulted from a recent exchange of “memories” between the writers and your correspondent (hvh) and begged to be shared with all regarding:
We have many wonderful memories of working on the Guild and getting to know and work with the Fisher Craftsman guildsmen. Featuring the Guild books in SAH’s Journal was fitting as I credit Taylor Vinson (SAH # 417H 1933-2009) for connecting us and the Guild with SAH.
At the time, Taylor was the AHR’s editor. He worked in an office near mine at the US DOT. We became acquainted thru my Guild volunteer work at the Smithsonian as Taylor was a Smithsonian volunteer, too. One day he recommended to McFarland that I could complete a credible Guild book. That’s how I got the job.
The McFarland books caught the attention of the Guild community. They became super-charged with enthusiasm and a desire to restore, donate and preserve their models. Guild model shows and reunions were organized at top venues across the US (e.g., MFA, Art Center, Petersen, Gilmore, Antique Automobile Club of America, the Piston Palace, Great Salt Lake Model Championship). Many permanent exhibits were created at these and other venues (e.g., National Transportation Museum in St. Louis, the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, OK). Earlier, the National Museum of American History, Washington, DC contacted Guildsmen; it was the first venue to create a Guild collection and design a public Guild legacy exhibit (1990-2000). Some of the top styling scholarship winner’s models were featured in a European auto show at Victoria and Albert Museum of Design in London (2020). At least 150 -160 models have been preserved as a result of the McFarland books.