HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM HAWKEN

October 26th is an important day for those of us harboring a fascination with HAWKEN rifles and rifles of that style. On that day in 1792 Samuel Hawken was born to Christian and Juliana HAwken in Hagerstown Maryland. Sam was one of their many children and is closely associated in history with his older brother Jacob. It is thought that the bothers learned the gunsmithing trade from their father Christian who some believe worked at the Harper’s Ferry Arsenal/Armory. Sam and Jacob eventually joined together in St. Louis and created what has become a rifle of much notarity. This renown half stock plains rifle is most recognized from the 1970’s movie Jeremian Johnson. The movie staring Robert Redford did much in establishng an aura of irrepressible mystique and rekindled an ever growing interest in the rifle and the era in which it was portrayed. It is a place and time in American history that has captured and held the interest of many ……it needs to be preserved. We at the HAWKEN SHOP are working to do just that and with that in mind decided to pay homage to Sam by acknowledging his birthday with a celebration!H

A small gathering of others also involved with muzzleloading came in full dress to join us in the celebration. The weather threatened to dampen our spirits with a tiny sprinkling of rain but it did not succeed. Smoke was made as shots were fired in a friendly competition. When the shooting was finished and the targets checked “TWO BALLS” was the overall winner. He will be the first to have his name on our S. Hawken Annual Birthday Shoot perpetual plaque. He received an individual trophy to take home as well.
The day concluded in our little cabin with a hearty meal of chili, macaroni salads, deviled eggs, apple crisp, coffee, brownies, and more. Of course there was cake……….not the typical birthday cake but a delicious lemon cake provided by B.Z. One of our newest inductees.

And what’s a birthday party without presents?!!!! All attending received a short printed article about Sam himself, a HAWKEN SHOP key fob and a small pocket knife.

We had fun celebrating Sam’s 224th birthday Andt while we didn’t see the guest of honor wandering around we figure he was there in spirit. Then again…..at the end of the day all the lemon cake had somehow disappeared. Guess Sam might like cake.

We thank everyone who attended and look forward to next year’s celebration.