July 3, 2008

Fellow John Wayne fans,

Here's a new opportunity to further support the new museum and learning center. Right now you can purchase a 4" x 8" Tribute Brick with your choice of three lines of text (limited to 13 characters and spaces per line) and have it placed on the walkway leading to the front steps of the Birthplace home! (see photo) For all the bricks that were sold previously, those purchasers are being contacted and about 90% of them want to be a part of this new brick sidewalk project. In addition, about 100 4" x 8" bricks are still available for this project if anyone is interested. It is expected that they will go fast, since the word is being spread to everyone that is a member of the Birthplace Society and other fans as well.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Proceeds from the sale of these bricks support the effort to build the new John Wayne Birthplace and Learning Center--the ONLY museum in the world dedicated to John Wayne. This offer is only available while the supply of brick spaces lasts!

Go to Brickwalk ([Only registered and activated users can see links]_brick) for a direct link to the information for this special limited-time offer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~
May 25, 2008
I'm happy to report that we have reached our goal of $1500!! :hyper:

We had a late arrival with a donation and that sealed the deal, and we're set to purchase the brick!

The Alamo Brick has been purchased, and will be engraved with the following:

[Only registered and activated users can see links]


Thanks again to all who contributed to the JW walk of fame. We put our $$ where our mouth is with this effort, and we have put our mark on the museum, & and on this noble effort.

Kevin - JWMB Admin



We are kicking off the Walk Of Fame donation drive and we'll need your help!

[Only registered and activated users can see links]
Donate Today!

We are attempting to raise funds to purchase a granite block at the John Wayne Birthplace's planned museum. The Walk of Fame will connect the Birthplace home with the new Museum.
This is a great opportunity for the members here at the JWMB to contribute to the building of the new museum in Winterset, and make our mark in stone!

We are suggesting that JWMB members consider donating $50 - $100 so that we can shoot for the $2500 laser-engraved granite block. Of course, donations of ANY size will be gratefully accepted - each one will bring us closer to our goal. We are using PayPal to handle the electronic donations, but if you need to make a donation via postal mail then please contact us ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) and we will get you that information.

You can follow the progress by watching the Goal meter at the top of each page of the site. As members contribute the meter will advance.

Thanks for your support!

Feel free to post comments and/or questions. We haven't settled on the text to have engraved on the stone, but we're open for suggestions!

The text is limited to three lines, with

28 characters in the first line (including spaces and punctuation)

23 characters in the second line (including spaces and punctuation)

18 characters in the third line (including . . . you know :wink_smile: )

Chester :newyear:

I would like to use paypal to send a donation--what e-mail address do I send it to? --Thanks, Carol

Hi Carol,

The best way to go is to go to [Only registered and activated users can see links] and then choose the amount and hit the "Donate" button.

This allows us to record your contribution and also update the goal meter located at the top of the page.

Hello Everyone:

This is an interesting thread however I would like to express a number of concerns I have.

$2500 does seem to be quite a lot of money to spend on a block, is purchasing this block really the best way to advance the cause of John Wayne?

Secondly what benefit will the purchase of this block have overall with regards to the museum? Personally I would have felt that if its going to a museum then Dukewayne.com would have been better off purchasing some John Wayne memorabilia/props or some rare items of interest to fellow fans etc.

These are only my opinion and perhaps at the moment I don't know enough about this to come out and actually criticise it, perhaps if someone could educate/enlighten me on this scheme and the significance of the block I will be able to understand it and maybe even support it.

Thanks in advance

:agent:

Hello Everyone:

This is an interesting thread however I would like to express a number of concerns I have.

$2500 does seem to be quite a lot of money to spend on a block, is purchasing this block really the best way to advance the cause of John Wayne?

Secondly what benefit will the purchase of this block have overall with regards to the museum? Personally I would have felt that if its going to a museum then Dukewayne.com would have been better off purchasing some John Wayne memorabilia/props or some rare items of interest to fellow fans etc.

These are only my opinion and perhaps at the moment I don't know enough about this to come out and actually criticise it, perhaps if someone could educate/enlighten me on this scheme and the significance of the block I will be able to understand it and maybe even support it.

Thanks in advance

:agent:

Engraved bricks and/or granite blocks are a popular custom in the US, Rob, used to signify respect and admiration for the entity cited in the engraving. I don't know if other countries have the same custom but it's pretty widespread in the states.

The walk of fame stones are used as a fund raiser for the birth place to raise funds for the museum. This is certainly not the only channel for funding, but one of many. So this isn't a scheme.

This gives us a way to contribute in a tangible way, and also gives the community here away to show to the public visiting the future museum that our little group here supported the effort.

Engraved bricks and/or granite blocks are a popular custom in the US . . .
They are also a popular way to raise funds for any number of projects. The community pool in our area was partially funded by engraved tiles that are in a large bench near the swimming pool, and you can see different families, individuals, and businesses that helped by making donations. Currently, they are trying to raise funds for some kind of all-weather sports complex, and are selling engraved bricks.

Thanks, Robbie, for expressing your concerns, as you may not be alone in your thoughts.

Let's face it - the cost of the granite block or any of the other tribute bricks is relatively small in value compared to the amount of the donation, so what is happening is that we are making a sizable donation, getting tangible credit for it, and most if not all of the donation will go to the museum. If we buy merchandise, certainly we are getting something in return, but you can be certain that a much smaller portion of that merchandise contributes to the museum, because of the costs involved in selling the merchandise (cost of the product, overhead of the gift shop itself, employee costs, etc.).

As Kevin said, in addition to helping finance the museum and learning center, there will be a perpetual memorial showing that the group here at the JWMB was part of the effort!

I hope our comments allay your concerns, Robbie. Donating is purely voluntary, and there is NO pressure on anyone to contribute. An email went to the membership at large solely to let everyone know about the opportunity to be part, not to place undue pressure.

Chester :newyear:

Just out of curiosity, how long will this fund drive last? The reason I ask is because I want to make a contribution but January is a bad time for me as I'm trying to recover from large Christmas expenses, plus my car insurance comes due this month.

Just out of curiosity, how long will this fund drive last? The reason I ask is because I want to make a contribution but January is a bad time for me as I'm trying to recover from large Christmas expenses, plus my car insurance comes due this month.


We hope we can achieve the goal by March 1st. If we can accomplishment the goal sooner, than that would be best.

I will make a contribution next month to fund. January is a bad month after Christmas and I also have Birthdays everywhere as well.

I voted for She Wore a Yellow Ribbon because as Smokey says we have a direct link to that movie through our esteemed member William Brooks being in it and it seems to me to make it more personal to us.


Mike

Thanks, Mike!

We certainly understand about January being a hard month, financially, after the holidays!

And more birthdays for you, on top of that!

Chester :newyear:

Come on You Cowboys and Cowgirls,
:headbonk:
Get Up Off Your Wallet and give "Kevin" the Man that Gave Us This Great Web-Site "AND FOR FREE" that we have All This Fun On for the Past Years and that We Call "OUR WEB-SITE," and Send Him a Few Bucks for this John Wayne Birthplace Thing at Winterset.
:stunned:
This is our Chance to get the Name of This Web- Site Up Where Many People can See About Us, and Help Out get the New John Wayne Museum to get Going.
:vampire:

If You Can Not Afford $50.00, I will just Bet That Kevin will take and use Any Amount That You Send !!!
(bud)

Chilibill
:cowboy:

Just out of curiosity, how long will this fund drive last? The reason I ask is because I want to make a contribution but January is a bad time for me as I'm trying to recover from large Christmas expenses, plus my car insurance comes due this month.
Stumpy,
You are certainly not alone in being "financially impaired" at the beginning of a new year.

Donations have been a little slow, but we are hoping that will change now that we are headed into a new month.

Chester :newyear:

we are hoping that will change now that we are headed into a new month.

I have both a suggestion and a belated complaint. It would be nice to know that those of us who contribute to this fund drive are at the very least acknowledged and some measure of appreciation extended by those doing the soliciting.

The reason I say this is that when Kevin asked for donations to buy the program needed to run this site, some of us (including me) sent him money but there was never a word of thanks from anybody, including Kevin. People who know that their help is appreciated are more likely to give.

I personally feel that a list of contributors should be posted, with the dollar amounts contributed.

Finally, I don't use Pay Pal because I don't like to give out information about either my bank account or my credit card numbers over the internet. Accordingly, I submitted a request to be given a mailing address where I can send a money order but haven't heard zilch from anybody.

I have both a suggestion and a belated complaint. It would be nice to know that those of us who contribute to this fund drive are at the very least acknowledged and some measure of appreciation extended by those doing the soliciting.

The reason I say this is that when Kevin asked for donations to buy the program needed to run this site, some of us (including me) sent him money but there was never a word of thanks from anybody, including Kevin. People who know that their help is appreciated are more likely to give.

I personally feel that a list of contributors should be posted, with the dollar amounts contributed.

Finally, I don't use Pay Pal because I don't like to give out information about either my bank account or my credit card numbers over the internet. Accordingly, I submitted a request to be given a mailing address where I can send a money order but haven't heard zilch from anybody.

The reason I say this is that when Kevin asked for donations to buy the program needed to run this site, some of us (including me) sent him money but there was never a word of thanks from anybody, including Kevin. People who know that their help is appreciated are more likely to give.
I apologize for not thanking you for your help back last year for the help you gave to cover the message board license. I thought I had thanked everyone at the time that the donation was given. Some back then didn't want their names post in public so we decided to keep it private.

I personally feel that a list of contributors should be posted, with the dollar amounts contributed.We had discussed this and decided to not post the list, we'd be happy to revisit this again. We'd be happy to post the names of whoever donated if they want us too.

Finally, I don't use Pay Pal because I don't like to give out information about either my bank account or my credit card numbers over the internet. Accordingly, I submitted a request to be given a mailing address where I can send a money order but haven't heard zilch from anybody.I sent you an email reply back on the 2nd at 9:07am to your email. I'll re-send it to your email or better yet I'll PM the response.

We had discussed this and decided to not post the list

Any particular reason? Hell, let's see who the real Duke fans are, instead of those who just pay lip service to the cause.

You can view who has contributed to the cause by visiting here ([Only registered and activated users can see links]).

Any particular reason? Hell, let's see who the real Duke fans are, instead of those who just pay lip service to the cause.

Hello Stumpy,

I understand what you are saying. It is nice to be appreciated for what a person does. A general thanks would be great to those who can give and have given in the past. But there needs to be some understanding in the fact that some people just don't have the money. It is a tough time we live in right now and family needs to be taking care of first and foremost. Just because some people don't or can't give, does not make them any less of a fan.

I intend to try and give soon, but it won't be easy. I have my wife's mother living with us now because of a terminal illness, which taxes my family budget. My wife loses time from her work to take care of her. So things are real tight here at my house. I am sure there are others here also who have their own stories and reasons they can't give or will have a hard time trying to. But we all are true Duke fans here. Why else would we have searched this forum out?

I just wanted to pipe in here so that there will be understanding for those who can't pitch in at this time. Thanks for listening.

Mark

Hello Stumpy,

I understand what you are saying. It is nice to be appreciated for what a person does. A general thanks would be great to those who can give and have given in the past. But there needs to be some understanding in the fact that some people just don't have the money. It is a tough time we live in right now and family needs to be taking care of first and foremost. Just because some people don't or can't give, does not make them any less of a fan.

I intend to try and give soon, but it won't be easy. I have my wife's mother living with us now because of a terminal illness, which taxes my family budget. My wife loses time from her work to take care of her. So things are real tight here at my house. I am sure there are others here also who have their own stories and reasons they can't give or will have a hard time trying to. But we all are true Duke fans here. Why else would we have searched this forum out?

I just wanted to pipe in here so that there will be understanding for those who can't pitch in at this time. Thanks for listening.

Mark

Mark,
I know where you're coming from and in no way belittle those who can't contribute, for whatever reasons. Nevertheless, I see no reason why the powers-that-be can't post a list of contributors, by amount given, and at least show their appreciation by a simple thank you. I don't think that's too much to ask.

Any particular reason? Hell, let's see who the real Duke fans are, instead of those who just pay lip service to the cause.

Now I would probably fall into the category of paying lip service to the cause, as I have not contributed anything to the collection.

The reason why is simple, I am still considering the merits of this scheme, and the overall benefit of buying a block, perhaps it could be explained in the original post a little more.

In addition to this I concur with some of the things Dukefan1 one said in relation to money being tight at the moment which is very true for me as well. However I also think the target of $2500 is unachievable as its too much to expect from such a small group. There should also not be a suggested amount of between $50 and $100 as someone thinking about contributing less than this may be put off with a felling of inadequacy.

I have noticed that on several forums I am a member of, there are always folks looking for donations, this is only the second time Kevin has asked for donations since I have been a member so perhaps this is something to consider.

One final note, Kevin and myself have disagreed on almost all aspects of this forum we have completely clashed, and have little common ground with the exception of being fans of John Wayne. I have been his biggest critic and feel that at times he has made the wrong decision. However he is also the best forum administrator I have ever came across and the only one who would have tolerated me for so long. He has done a great job running this forum and I have come to believe that behind it all he just a nice guy. Whilst I do agree with Stumpy on the necessity of good manners, I have also witnessed too many rubbish administrators with bad manners to realise that on this occasion it may have simply been a genuine mistake by Kevin.

:agent:

Now I would probably fall into the category of paying lip service to the cause, as I have not contributed anything to the collection.

The reason why is simple, I am still considering the merits of this scheme, and the overall benefit of buying a block, perhaps it could be explained in the original post a little more.

In addition to this I concur with some of the things Dukefan1 one said in relation to money being tight at the moment which is very true for me as well. However I also think the target of $2500 is unachievable as its too much to expect from such a small group. There should also not be a suggested amount of between $50 and $100 as someone thinking about contributing less than this may be put off with a felling of inadequacy.

I have noticed that on several forums I am a member of, there are always folks looking for donations, this is only the second time Kevin has asked for donations since I have been a member so perhaps this is something to consider.

One final note, Kevin and myself have disagreed on almost all aspects of this forum we have completely clashed, and have little common ground with the exception of being fans of John Wayne. I have been his biggest critic and feel that at times he has made the wrong decision. However he is also the best forum administrator I have ever came across and the only one who would have tolerated me for so long. He has done a great job running this forum and I have come to believe that behind it all he just a nice guy. Whilst I do agree with Stumpy on the necessity of good manners, I have also witnessed too many rubbish administrators with bad manners to realise that on this occasion it may have simply been a genuine mistake by Kevin.

:agent:

Let's face it, Rob, almost all posters on this forum have computers and access to the internet. So obviously, they're not as destitute as they would have you believe. I feel, therefore, that the poorest among us could contribute something, even if it was only 5 or 10 dollars. I certainly don't expect everyone to be able to contribute as much as I did but every little bit helps.

Yes, Kevin is an excellent administrator, even though I've had several disagreements with some of his moderators about censorship I thought was unreasonable.

Good morning, all!

When we first discussed the possibility of the message board purchasing a granite tile on the Walk of Fame at the future John Wayne Birthplace Museum and Learning Center (at the suggestion of our very own Hondo Duke Lane), there were several thoughts.

(1) It was a tangible way that this message board could help support the cause and help "Keep the Memory Alive!" at the birthplace/museum, and also show (by the JWMB name and web address on the tile) who we are and where we are.

(2) By making a "suggested" amount, we did not mean that smaller amounts could not (or should not) be made. From the same paragraph suggesting $50 - $100 -
Of course, donations of ANY size will be gratefully accepted - each one will bring us closer to our goal.Of course, if the average donation is between $50 and $100, the goal is reached much sooner (25 people X $100 = goal, or 50 people X $50 = goal, but also 250 people X $10 = goal).

(3) As was discussed earlier in this thread, the idea of paying for a granite tile (bigger $) or a brick (much smaller donation) is a popular way for people to donate to a cause and receive some recognition in the form of their name (or whatever they choose) on said tile or brick. It is not a "scheme" but a valid and proven form of fund-raising, at least in this country. I won't repeat that discussion here.

(4) As far as listing the donors, that was discussed at the onset, and not knowing if people would be comfortable with a public disclosure, we opted not to do that. Kevin has changed it so donors are listed, but not the amounts (to avoid just the thing Robbie expressed concern about - someone perhaps feeling "inadequate" for making less than the "suggested" donation).

(5) This was meant to be a team effort, purely VOLUNTARY, a donation that would not only help to preserve the legacy of John Wayne in the form of a museum dedicated to him, but also show that our little message board was part of that effort.

(6) A person's willingness or ability to contribute to this should not be considered a measure of how much of a fan that person is, or their "loyalty" to the JWMB. People may have any number of reasons for not being a part of this effort. Quite honestly, some folks may prefer to plunk down their money for their own granite tile or brick, and that's OK. Support of the project to complete a museum and learning center in Winterset is the goal. We just thought it would be fun to show our message board's effort, immortalized in granite or brick, for all to see, while at the same time being part of the big picture
.
So now is the time for all good men (and women) to come to the aid of their message board and make a donation (if he or she is able :wink_smile: and desires to do so). The sooner we get the funds together, the more likely we will get our first choice of the movie title Red River.

Most respectfully,

Chester :newyear:

(4) As far as listing the donors, that was discussed at the onset, and not knowing if people would be comfortable with a public disclosure, we opted not to do that. Kevin has changed it so donors are listed, but not the amounts (to avoid just the thing Robbie expressed concern about - someone perhaps feeling "inadequate" for making less than the "suggested" donation).

IMO, this option should have been put to a vote of participating members instead of just you "wheels" arbitrarily deciding to do it your way.

I myself have organized and ran fund drives and it's been my experience that you get more and better participation if all concerned are aware of who's giving and how much. In effect, it creates a bit of competition and many contributors try to outdo others. Not only that but this exaggerated concern for feelings of "inadequacy" suggests you folks have caught that disease called political correctness. In other words, you're more concerned about "self esteem" than raising funds.

Hi

Perhaps this is my thick day :stunned: because I have been following the comments made in this thread and wondering what the hell its all about particularly with the references to the films. It only now when I clicked on to the walk of fame that I began to understand that you can have your favourite film put on the slab .

On the occasions that we have been to Disney World at Florida the carved bricks of contributors are very much in evidence and as you say it seems to be common place in the United States. Perhaps its not so common over here but what the hell some things we can learn from others.

It seems nice that if the goal is achieved it will provide a lasting memorial and future generations will get a chance to see what groups contributed even if indviduals are not named. I work in a museum part time and the importance of memories and history cannot be under stated and as such I have made a donation albeit small but working on the premise that every thing helps.


Regards

Arthur

I echo what was said above. Let me also add that you can donate a little now (like I did), and donate later. I know money is tight right now, and I know people are reluctant to give. And I also know that you get bombarded with people or organizations asking to give to worthy causes. This is a way to help get the word out about our message board and we'd like you to be a part of it.

Cheers :cool: Hondo

Hi

In 1545 the Mary Rose, a 700 ton Carrick whilst attempting to prevent a French invasion of Portsmouth capzised and sank in the Solent between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.
Initial attempts to salvage her failed and after a few days the ship was left to its fate.
In the late 1960s a man with a vision named Alexander Mckee searched and found the wreck of the Mary Rose lying on its side half rotted away.
Through his efforts and determination assisted by a small group of helpers thousands of artifacts were removed and stored and treated so that eventually these could be put on public display. On October 11th 1982 the Mary Rose was itself brought to the surface for the first time in over four hundred years and is currently undergoing preservation treatment. From 1982 onward the ship has been on public display, further up the historic dockyard is the Mary Rose Museum in which a small proportion of the thousands of available artifacts are displayed.
It has always been the plan to unite the ship with the museum and in \january this the lottery funding announced that they were going to donate £21,000,000 towards building a brand new museum.
Immediately people went into print criticising the decision saying that it was a waste of money etc spending a fortune on what is half a wooden ship. They failed to realise that the Mary Rose was important as it was the only mediaeval ship in existence.

If you have stayed with me this long you may well ask what has this to do with the John Wayne museum?
When I was aked to become a moderator to this board I felt quite proud and honoured and still do.
Perhaps being in England my situation make it difficult to do as much as Chester or Hondo so perhaps this is my way of trying to do my bit.
The analogy with the Mary Rose and John Wayne Museums is such that both are trying to become permenant reminders to famous people or events.
In his way Kevin is a man of vision and is trying to ensure that for the next 100 years this
board will have a permenant record by having its name inscribed on a granite brick in the John wayne Museum.
it may be that Kevin pitched his appeal slighty high, and looking at the results so far they seemed to have stalled, perhaps some kind fan may be prepared to give the total a kick start, who knows just a few dollars from three or four like minded people may be enough to give us the impetus to enable us to go on and reach the target.

Thanks for listening and now I'll get off of my soapbox.

Regards

Arthur

If you have stayed with me this long you may well ask what has this to do with the John Wayne museum?
When I was aked to become a moderator to this board I felt quite proud and honoured and still do.
Perhaps being in England my situation make it difficult to do as much as Chester or Hondo so perhaps this is my way of trying to do my bit.
The analogy with the Mary Rose and John Wayne Museums is such that both are trying to become permenant reminders to famous people or events.
In his way Kevin is a man of vision and is trying to ensure that for the next 100 years this
board will have a permenant record by having its name inscribed on a granite brick in the John wayne Museum.
it may be that Kevin pitched his appeal slighty high, and looking at the results so far they seemed to have stalled, perhaps some kind fan may be prepared to give the total a kick start, who knows just a few dollars from three or four like minded people may be enough to give us the impetus to enable us to go on and reach the target.

Thanks for listening and now I'll get off of my soapbox.

Regards

Arthur
Arthur,

Thank you for getting on your soapbox. Like you, I made a donation not a big one, but with the mind that "many hands make light work" if you know what I mean.

I know that with a few more $$$$ I could have my own brick but I liked the idea of being part of a whole gropu and showing that this message board was part of a bigger effort.

I hope more people are able to join us, and that they don't feel pressured to do it I know I didn't feel presssured, I felt like it was a priviledge to be part.

clancy

Hello all,

I wanted to give you an update to the project. This drive has slowed in recent weeks, so I wanted to post some new/updated information. We haven't posted a closing date for the fund raiser, until now. We didn't envision this going but for just a few months and we certainly don't want this to carry over till the summer. Summers around here can be quiet. :sleep_1:

So, we will end the Walk Of Fame block fund drive on May 19th 2008, and this will be one week before Duke's birthday on May 26th. This will give us the opportunity to get the funds in the hands of the museum before his birthday, just in time for the 101st.

We originally set our sites on the $2500 block. There are only ten blocks available at that donation level, and 6 are already taken. Realistically, that may not be an achievable goal. It will be great if we do it, but if not, we would go for the block closest to our accumulated amount, and donate any amount over that to the museum.

Also, I do have plans of creating a static web page on dukewayne.com with a photo of the completed stone, which will include a listing of all who have contributed (big or small) to the cause. This would be a permanent online tribute to all who helped with the effort, and would document our efforts.

I think that's it for the update. If I missed something, or you have other questions or comments, of course feel free to make your thoughts known.

Kevin

Anticipating that we may not reach our initial goal of $2500, we thought we should add a poll of the movie titles that are available with the purchase of a $1500 granite block. That way, our members can offer up an opinion. If our donations hit $2000, I will adjust the poll accordingly.

So scroll to the top of this thread, look over the titles in the poll, and vote for the one you would like to see immortalized along with the JWMB name.

Thanks for your input!

Chester :newyear:

I chose The Alamo because it was closest to Duke's heart and he put so much into making it.

Cindy

I Chose The Alamo for same reasons as Cindy

Mike

I also voted for The Alamo

I chose The Alamo because it was closest to Duke's heart and he put so much into making it.
In looking over the list, I was trying to decide how to choose, and I came upon the same reason as you, Cindy. The Alamo was a labor of love for John Wayne, and honestly, even before I read your post, the words "near and dear to his heart" were what came to my mind.

Now we just need to get together the rest of the $$$ to pull this off.

If there happens to be a rush of money at the end :hyper:, we could be in the enviable position of having to decide whether to go for the bigger block (where the poll indicates the choice would be Red River), or go for the smaller block (The Alamo so far) and just donate the balance of the money. Hm-m-m-m-m . . . decisions, decisions, decisions.

Chester :newyear:

I was considering the Alamo and went instead for Donovans Reef. I think some of his non western or war films show the depth of character of the man. Any one will be fine though.

Hi Ya'll,

Chester, given the choices of Red River and The Alamo, it not hard for me to choose. I'd much rather have one Duke was passionate about. So I'd have to say in this situation, size does not matter....:wink_smile:

Go for The Alamo and donate the rest. Or get The Alamo and a few small bricks simply with JWMB Forever True To The Duke on them...Just a suggestion...I think it'd be cool to have more than one brick/block from us....:hyper:

Hi Ya'll,
Or get The Alamo and a few small bricks simply with JWMB Forever True To The Duke on them...Just a suggestion...I think it's be cool to have more than one brick/block from us....

Hey, We LIKE that idea, the more the merrier

:hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper: :hyper:

Chester :newyear: and the Mrs. :angel1:

In looking over the list, I was trying to decide how to choose, and I came upon the same reason as you, Cindy. The Alamo was a labor of love for John Wayne, and honestly, even before I read your post, the words "near and dear to his heart" were what came to my mind.

Now we just need to get together the rest of the $$$ to pull this off.

If there happens to be a rush of money at the end :hyper:, we could be in the enviable position of having to decide whether to go for the bigger block (where the poll indicates the choice would be Red River), or go for the smaller block (The Alamo so far) and just donate the balance of the money. Hm-m-m-m-m . . . decisions, decisions, decisions.

Chester :newyear:
CHESTER! ALL THE TRIBUTE BLOCKS ARE THE SAME SIZE 16X16.
WHITE GRANITE $2,500
BLACK GRANITE $2,000
RED GRANITE $1,500
SANDSTONE GRANITE $1,000
I hope we can get the 1,500 dollar one with the Alamo as I also believe it was his act of love.

We're at 44% of our goal, moving on up.

CHESTER! ALL THE TRIBUTE BLOCKS ARE THE SAME SIZE 16X16.
WHITE GRANITE $2,500
BLACK GRANITE $2,000
RED GRANITE $1,500
SANDSTONE GRANITE $1,000
I hope we can get the 1,500 dollar one with the Alamo as I also believe it was his act of love.
Bill,

Yes, I know the blocks are the same size, just different colors to designate the level of donation. It sure is looking like the $1500 block is very likely. And it looks like The Alamo is a top choice!

Hey Guys (& Gals),

We are in the home stretch with just over 10 days left until the close (May 19th). We are sitting at 45% of our original goal amount of $2500, so we have some distance to go. But, where ever we end up will be an amazing feat, and a feat we all can be proud of!

(bump) Just 4 days left!!

(bump)-ing this again - 2½ days left!!

Let's rally!

Chester :newyear:

Hey Gang,

Just an update.

We're getting real close to the finish line, and we're only 11% away! We are currently at $1335 (89%) of the $1500 goal. If your interested in helping the cause then this is the time to do it, because we're in the eleventh hour. We would like to purchase the block sometime mid-week so that it's done before next weekends birthday celebration in Winterset.

Bill Of Pa has agreed to be our representative in Winterset, and he will update us (as time permits) from Winterset.

Bill Of PA has agreed to be representative in Winterset, and he will update us (as time permits) from Winterset.
We are so excited that there will be one of our members there to represent us!

Go, Bill!!

We look forward to hearing about everything.

Chester :newyear: and the Mrs. :angel1:

UPDATE:

We are leaving the donation drive open until the final 3 members (who began the donation process) complete their donations with PayPal. We are currently sitting at $1400 & we're $100 away from our goal!!! Amazing that a small core group here have saddled up and met the challenge.

I want to personally thank everyone who visits this site and are members that contribute so much time, and information. Without the many who have taken up here, we would have a very quiet place here where we would see far fewer posts. We have become a very tight knit family here.

This effort should show us just how passionate we are about all things Duke. :beer_yum:

Just watched the clock run down to zero and start back up again. Interesting.

We are kicking off the Walk Of Fame donation drive and we'll need your help!

[Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
Donate Today! ([Only registered and activated users can see links])

We are attempting to raise funds to purchase a granite block at the John Wayne Birthplace's planned museum. The Walk of Fame will connect the Birthplace home with the new Museum.
This is a great opportunity for the members here at the JWMB to contribute to the building of the new museum in Winterset, and make our mark in stone!

We are suggesting that JWMB members consider donating $50 - $100 so that we can shoot for the $2500 laser-engraved granite block. Of course, donations of ANY size will be gratefully accepted - each one will bring us closer to our goal. We are using PayPal to handle the electronic donations, but if you need to make a donation via postal mail then please contact us ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) and we will get you that information.

You can follow the progress by watching the Goal meter at the top of each page of the site. As members contribute the meter will advance.

Thanks for your support!

Hello Gang,
I'm happy to report that we have reached our goal of $1500!! :hyper:

We had a late arrival with a donation and that sealed the deal, and we're set to purchase the brick! There is a slight delay in the purchase until I can verify the paypal account that the funds are in, that should be done late next week. Once the confirmation of the account is done then I'll be able to move the money.

Thanks again to all who contributed to the JW walk of fame. We put our $$ where our mouth is with this effort, and we have put our mark on the museum, & and on this noble effort.

a very big well done

Hi

Just like to add my congratulations to all concerned very well done. it just shows what can be achieved internationally when like minded people act in accord.

Regards

Arthur

Hi

Just like to add my congratulations to all concerned very well done. it just shows what can be achieved internationally when like minded people act in accord.

Regards

Arthur


Well said!

This will look good when it's placed at the time of the building of the new museum.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

I'm happy to report that we have reached our goal of $1500!! :hyper:



Hi Kevin

I presume you mean our goal of $2500?

:agent:

Hi Kevin

I presume you mean our goal of $2500?

:agent:
NO 1500 there are goals and then there is the bottom line.I think what we did was pretty good.

Hi Kevin

I presume you mean our goal of $2500?

:agent:
While our initial goal was $2500, when it appeared it was not likely we would reach that, Kevin reset the goal meter to reflect our secondary goal of $1500, which we did reach. The block for The Alamo was purchased Friday, online. The picture of the block above is a computer-generated version of how it should eventually appear when the block is placed in the Walk of Fame. The wording is what was selected, to stay within the limit of number of characters per line.

Thanks to ALL who contributed to this effort! By pooling our money, we have donated to the museum and will have our block on the Walk of Fame where all who visit will learn of our message board, and that we were a part.

Chester :newyear:

Congratulations to all! Great accomplishment....I feel proud just to belong to this group!

I am just so excited we were able to get The Alamo...What a wonderful way to honor our Duke on his birthday!

Great going and good on ya everyone!:thumbs_up::thumbs_up::thumbs_up::thumbs_ up::thumbs_up::thumbs_up::thumbs_up::thumbs_up:

Thanks for that update Chester, I was unaware the boundaries had changed.

$1500 is a great achievement, I think choosing "The Alamo," was highly appropriate, this movie was Dukes passion and represented everything he stood for.

Well done to all who contributed, people on here have shown they can pay more that just "lip service" to the cause of John Wayne.

:agent:

I am excited about the purchase we have for the Birthplace of John Wayne. This is something that is well over due, and we have a lot to be proud of. Thanks to all who contributed to this cause and hope we all get to visit to see it's place in history.

Cheers :cool:

Why don't the administrators take down this post - after all, the fund drive is finished and we did manage to achieve the $1500. goal that was set. This thing just takes up a lot of bandwidth that could be saved.

No additional bandwidth or resources are being used by having this post here. This post will stay until a future time when a static page is placed on dukewayne.com honoring the effort.

I don't know about the rest of this board's posters but I for one am getting tired of these interminable solicitations to buy bricks. Hell, I'd rather just get a direct plea for donations from the birthplace/museum.

Actually, Stumpy, it was at the request of the birthplace museum that we updated the post to reflect the most recent program. This message board will not be collecting funds, any transactions would be between each person and the JW Birthplace.

Let's face it, this place certainly would represent a receptive audience, and has a world-wide reach, and doesn't cost a thing to the birthplace in terms of advertising or mailing costs. There may have been members who didn't participate in our Tribute Block drive for whatever reason, and this is a chance for anyone who wishes, to be involved in the building of the new Museum and Learning Center.

There is no pressure here, we are just passing on the information.

Chester :newyear:

Hi
It looks like I could be caught in the middle here as I can see both sides of the arguement.
I agree with Stumpy that the buying of the Alamo was a magnificent example of like minded people working together with a common cause, and a successful conclusion.
But now is the time to let it rest until perhaps someone with a camera takes a photograph of the brick in place and gives a fitting amen to it.
As for the latest appeal while it is not my personal wish to buy a brick coming after the other effort, the fact that Kevin and Chester have raised it is another matter. Perhaps I am reading too much into this perhaps not but I think it is important to pass on the fact that bricks are available for the reason that this is a request from the John Wayne board or whatever they call themselves.
For various reasons I feel that the lines differences or whatever are getting more and more faint as we all come together to what after all is a common cause. There is room enough in the world for all supporters, fans and officials of John Wayne to come together and the fact that this board has the world wide appeal it has is making a significant difference.
if this sounds that as a moderator I am appealling for moderation or sitting on the fence then I apologize, but I see this as part of my role, and as a moderator I certainly do not mean to cause offence.
Regards
Arthur

Hi
It looks like I could be caught in the middle here as I can see both sides of the argument.
I don't think there's any argument here.

I agree with Stumpy that the buying of the Alamo was a magnificent example of like minded people working together with a common cause, and a successful conclusion.I couldn't agree more with both of you.

But now is the time to let it rest until perhaps someone with a camera takes a photograph of the brick in place and gives a fitting amen to it.
As for the latest appeal while it is not my personal wish to buy a brick coming after the other effort . . . Initially, I felt the same way, as we had busted our rears making the Alamo tile happen. But then I realized that many newer members may not have had the opportunity to help out the new museum. We are not specifically asking anyone to buy anything. All we were doing was passing on current information, about the latest opportunity to have a brick on the walkway to the original birthplace, more immediately.

. . . the fact that Kevin and Chester have raised it is another matter. Perhaps I am reading too much into this perhaps not but I think it is important to pass on the fact that bricks are available for the reason that this is a request from the John Wayne board or whatever they call themselves.The request was from the John Wayne birthplace/museum. We were simply passing on the information.

For various reasons I feel that the lines differences or whatever are getting more and more faint as we all come together to what after all is a common cause. There is room enough in the world for all supporters, fans and officials of John Wayne to come together and the fact that this board has the world wide appeal it has is making a significant difference.
if this sounds that as a moderator I am appealling for moderation or sitting on the fence then I apologize, but I see this as part of my role, and as a moderator I certainly do not mean to cause offence.Arthur, you are doing an outstanding job as moderator! I, for one, take no offence. I realize the goal is bigger than all of us, and a worthy one.

One more time - we were simply imparting information. NO pressure was intended, and if it felt that way to anyone, we apologize.

Chester :newyear:

Like most such institutions, the birthplace/museum will need funding. Funds to hire people who work there in one capacity or another, funds to pay the utility bills, and so on and so forth. (There ain't a doubt in my military mind that somebody could pry money out of the government for such expenses, since they are always ready to spend our money for one pork barrel or another. But IMO that would fly in the face of everything the Duke stood for and that conservatives, like me for instance, find abominable.)

Therefore, I'd like to offer a suggestion. Why don't one of you moderators, or Kevin, contact whoever runs the Winterset operation, and suggest that folks who love and respect the Duke, and who want to support the birthplace museum, contribute money regularly, such as monthly or annually (or even when they can afford it.) And as each person's amount reaches cumulative milestones, such as $250., $500., $1000., then that individual is recognized in some way, such as the titles used on the board, or by issuance of certificates signed by one of the Wayne kids, or by the head honcho at the museum. I think the museum should post a list of contributors online, together with the amounts they've contributed, so we can see who's serious about our cause, and who ain't.

Hi

That idea has a lot of sense. In the museum that I work for as a volunteer somehing similar is in being, as its a maritime museum the people who give money are called admirals or commodores (to be one of those you have to contribute £100s of 1000s) but the idea has merit.

Regards

Arthur

Stumpy, I've forwarded your suggestions on to the appropriate people - thanks!!

For all - I thought you might appreciate this photo of Bill of PA (left) with Brian Downes (Executive Director of the Birthplace of John Wayne, right), after our donation was made to the new museum.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Bill's been trying to get this picture to me for a couple of weeks, but we've had some computer glitches that seemed almost insurmountable. But thanks to his friend Joe "Zuke" (a board member at the birthplace), we finally got the picture. Thanks to JWMB member Wayne (who also works in an official capacity at the birthplace) for taking the photo.

Chester :newyear:

Yay, the photo!!

As to the recent post about the museum small block program, it was posted in an effort to help the museum. DukeWayne.com will offer any help it can to the birth place in it efforts to get this project realized.

That post was placed to let members know that the museum had other options for supporting the effort. In the future there maybe advertising placed here to direct people to the museum.

We are not attempting to pressure anyone to buy one, it is simply a post. Feel free to PM me directly with any concerns you may have about this, and I would be happy to work thru them with you.

We are not attempting to pressure anyone to buy one, it is simply a post. Feel free to PM me directly with any concerns you may have about this, and I would be happy to work thru them with you.

Just so you'll know, Kevin, my remark was not intended as criticism of you personally nor any of the moderators. It was just one of my often blunt and tactless comments about developments on the board.

You've seen enough of my posts to know that I usually say whatever pops into my head, without thinking about how others may view those remarks. If I've offended you or anyone else, I apologize.

Hi Jim

Don't change just continue in your normal way we know and like you for it.

regards

Arthur

Hi Jim

Don't change just continue in your normal way we know and like you for it.

regards

Arthur

Thanks very much for your understanding comment, Art.

Like they say, you can't teach an old dog new tricks. :wink_smile:

Thanks very much for your understanding comment, Art.

Like they say, you can't teach an old dog new tricks. :wink_smile:
From one old man to another, I'd have to beg to differ. Look at us, using a computer and doing all sorts of things. I can't tell you how many of my friends never use a computer for anything, and have no desire to do so. Or a few who barely know how to do email and that's the extent of their knowledge.

Let's face it - computers were not in common use 20 years ago, and you and I sit in front of one every day. I'd say you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!

Chester :newyear:

From one old man to another, I'd have to beg to differ. Look at us, using a computer and doing all sorts of things. I can't tell you how many of my friends never use a computer for anything, and have no desire to do so. Or a few who barely know how to do email and that's the extent of their knowledge.

Let's face it - computers were not in common use 20 years ago, and you and I sit in front of one every day. I'd say you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!

Chester :newyear:

But in my case, Jim, it's not really a case of new tricks. I've been using a personal computer since around 1984, which is about 24 years. Now I'll admit, I've only been surfing the net since around 1996 but began using computers at least 12 years before that to compose correspondence, organize various household files, etc. And in fact, I learned the basics of computer use in the early Seventies, while assigned to Headquarters, U.S. European Command at Patch Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany.

For all - I thought you might appreciate this photo of Bill of PA (left) with Brian Downes (Executive Director of the Birthplace of John Wayne, right), after our donation was made to the new museum.

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Bill's been trying to get this picture to me for a couple of weeks, but we've had some computer glitches that seemed almost insurmountable. But thanks to his friend Joe "Zuke" (a board member at the birthplace), we finally got the picture. Thanks to JWMB member Wayne (who also works in an official capacity at the birthplace) for taking the photo.
Just thought I'd get this thread back on topic . . . sorry 'bout that, folks.

Actually, Carolyn took the photo. Bill had asked me to do so, but later told me she had already taken it. That's part of the reason it took awhile to get it sent.

The bricks in the walkway was a new idea completely independent of the dukewayne.com's Alamo granite block. We were just letting members of the board know about this new option, that's all.

Wayne Davis
Birthplace of John Wayne
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Actually, Carolyn took the photo. Bill had asked me to do so, but later told me she had already taken it. That's part of the reason it took awhile to get it sent.
Wayne, thanks for the clarification, and thanks to Carolyn for taking the picture! It looks great!

Chester :newyear: