Sad news to report, re: Herbert Johnson

Henry Jones Sr. · Post by **Henry Jones Sr.** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 12:32 am

Michaelson wrote:Sorry, I can't say anymore that I already have (probably said to much as it is, but it ain't Stetson! ) Regards. Michaelson

So, uh, Michaelson...maybe you have already said too much, but could it possibly be that a fairly established someone in the Lone Star State might be getting the nod?!

Regards,

Henry Jones, Sr.

Henry Jones Sr. · Post by **Henry Jones Sr.** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 12:33 am

...And would a pound of whole bean coffee get any more out of you?!

Regards,

Henry Jones, Sr.

Indiana Texas-girl · Post by **Indiana Texas-girl** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 12:42 am

Henry Jones Sr. wrote:
Michaelson wrote:So, uh, Michaelson...maybe you have already said too much, but could it possibly be that a fairly established someone in the Lone Star State might be getting the nod?!

That'd make me as giddy as a school girl!

Henry Jones Sr. · Post by **Henry Jones Sr.** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 1:27 am

Indiana Texas-girl wrote:That'd make me as giddy as a school girl!

ITG:

Me too! I mean schoolboy!

(Just like my father, Henry Jones, Sr. Squared)

By the way, congratulations on the newer posting status...we hadn't noticed it until tonight. My Maryon just made "Professor of Archaeology" earlier today.

Regards,

Henry Jones, Sr.

Indiana Texas-girl · Post by **Indiana Texas-girl** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 7:52 am

Henry Jones Sr. wrote:ITG:

By the way, congratulations on the newer posting status...we hadn't noticed it until tonight. My Maryon just made "Professor of Archaeology" earlier today.

I did? I never read my posting status. Thanks for pointing it out. Congrats to Marion too.

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 8:37 am

Personally, I hope Optimo doesn't get the contract. Nothing personal against this fine company, but geez, their fedoras are priced too high for many fans. If price keeps you from wearing the hat, this will cut many folks out of the authenic gear group. My vote would go to the Fed Deluxe. What better hat to represent Indy than the Akubra? It was designed for what Indy does--rough and tumble adventures. I think it holds up better than all of the others. Those Optimos will taper if exposed to the elements, and it doesn't take long to do so according to one fan who emailed me. The Optimo is just.....too fancy.

But, I must say that Optimo's block is closer than most of the other hats, but so is the current Keppler. With our luck it will probably be a Stetson. Or perhaps they will just use CGI to recreate the Raiders fedora.

Fedora

Dakota Ellison · Post by **Dakota Ellison** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 9:26 am

Maybe they'll use Dorfman-Pacific.( Do I hear screaming?)

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 11:03 am

You'll be able to tell how good the script will be by the lid they choose -

Stetson - Wait to rent the flick when it comes out on Video.

Akubra - Be the first one in line... this one's gonna a be a WOW!

Post by **Mike** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 11:17 am

OK, guys, let's reel it in a little. This is starting to get a tad off topic and I fear we might get our mustachioed friend in trouble if speculation gets too rampant and it gets back to vendors.

Thanks,

Mike

P.S.: Besides, I have it under good authority that it'll be a Disney lid since there'd be a huge corporate kickback for tie-in merchandise.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 11:27 am

You guessed it, Mike!

Regards. Michaelson

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 11:29 am

Back on Topic:

What else can we do to keep our vendors from going out of buisness? Is there anything we can do?

Post by **Mike** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 11:37 am

Renderking Fisk wrote:What else can we do to keep our vendors from going out of buisness? Is there anything we can do?

Actually, I hate to say it, but as big as our group seems to us, I'm sure we're just a small part of the business most of the industry vendors take in. In Noel's case, he was hit with the British theaters doing poorly.

As far as the general public going after Indy items, I'm sure that if they'd want to get, say a hat, they'd be more than happy with a "low-end" fedora that looks close enough and probably wouldn't even think that there's a vendor out there that supplied the movies. I'm sure for the Average Joe, if a fedora wasn't available at the local JC Penneys, they wouldn't look much further.

So other than supporting vendors with our continued business, as small as that part may be, I don't see what more could be done if they see it necessary to close up shop. Maybe if you had more than one hat that was "the best yadda yadda yadda..." That's it Fisk. You found the perfect lid and stopped your search! I blame you sir!

Mike

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 11:38 am

Ren, our 'vendors' have our business as a side bar to their REAL business, that being subcontractors to the movie industry. Noel Howard told me that the drop in contracts with the movie industry pretty much sealed his final decision to close his doors. If the business isn't there for them to keep their doors open, then there's not a whole lot we CAN do regarding this type of industry, except maybe buy more tickets. Regards. Michaelson

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 11:43 am

Mike wrote: Maybe if you had more than one hat that was "the best yadda yadda yadda..." That's it Fisk. You found the perfect lid and stopped your search! I blame you sir!

Mike

That's it... I'm buying more fedora's as gifts this Christmas!

Michealson wrote: then there's not a whole lot we CAN do regarding this type of industry, except maybe buy more tickets.

Well, if they just made more period pictures...

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 2:23 pm

Dakota, I did not feel like screaming regarding the Dorfman-Pacific, but it made me go running for the nausea medication. Please God..........

Fedora

cliffhanger · Post by **cliffhanger** » Fri Sep 19, 2003 8:05 am

I just got off the phone with Herbert Johnson. I spoke to a nice lady, and I asked about the availability of the McApline Indy hat in my size (She said price is 145 Pounds, 235 Dollars). She said they didn't have any 59s in Sable, and to call back in three weeks.

I confirmed Swales's retirement, and then I asked for Mr. Guitard. Apparently, he has been retired for two years!

Oh well, Dale's idea is looking better all the time.

I didn't ask about the white liner, as I'm sure she either didn't know or would have taken it as a nitpicky-Indiana-Jones-fan thing. Anyhoo, as I am calling back in three weeks when they have a new shipment, they may not be going out of business at all, just getting things shifted around.

Also, since I asked for the McAlp, I have no idea about the Poet. So John, if you want one, call today! I didn't get a name, but she was quite congenial.

Peace,
Cliffhanger

JohnNdy · Post by **JohnNdy** » Fri Sep 19, 2003 4:09 pm

That's JUST what I wanted to hear. In terms of going with the McAlpine...why? Is there a benefit. Isn't the Poet the Raiders hat? Should I consider getting the McAlpine? Also, do you think I should just ask for a poet, or mention that I want it in the Indy Jones style. I don't want to be another gearhead pi$$ing them off with Indy orders. Will a standard poet have the right ribbon etc? Finally, when is a good time to call given the time difference? I live in L.A. Wow, sorry about the 20 questions but I guess I'll just have to give them a call.

-John

cliffhanger · Post by **cliffhanger** » Fri Sep 19, 2003 6:12 pm

JohnNdy wrote: Also, do you think I should just ask for a poet, or mention that I want it in the Indy Jones style. I don't want to be another gearhead pi$$ing them off with Indy orders.
-John

I didn't say anything about Indiana Jones this morning, with the same mentality in mind. Maybe that had some bearing to the lady on the other end.

John, the McAlp has a shorter crown than the Poet. That's the only reason why I want it. Indy Magnoli was the first to use the McAlp instead. Yeah, the Poet is THE hat, but it wouldn't look right on my face to have a 5/6 inch crown.

When I call in 3 weeks, I am going to ask for the 39mm ribbon, just in case, and ask if I could get the brim to be cut down to 2 1/2 inches. I know that would work for my face. As far as shaping the crown...if it comes open crown, fine. I just want a Sable brown McAlp (or Poet) in size 59. Period.

I was VERY relieved today. Um, you're on the coast...I called right before 7am (CDT), 1 pm their time. My advice is to get up early and call. I got an international phone card at Walgreens for $10. Again, the lady I spoke with was very courteous (perhaps because I didn't mention Indy) and I'm just gonna call back in 3 weeks, when my size is in. Good luck!

Peace,
Cliffhanger

P.S. Let us know how it goes!

cliffhanger · Post by **cliffhanger** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 9:23 pm

Hi Charlie!

I'm not Mac, but yes, HJ WAS owned by Swaine Adeney for a number of years. It's funny that you say you do business with them...I didn't know Swaine Adeney were in millinery until now. I thought they were some sort of other corporation. I found a derby on eBay tonight stamped with Swaine Adeney's name in the sweatband. What else do you know about them?

Peace,
Cliffhanger

cliffhanger · Post by **cliffhanger** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 10:05 pm

Thanks for the info and the email addresses. Perhaps she is who I spoke to Friday morning. She seemed nice, and I was being VERY careful not to say the wrong thing (not sure what that would be).

Peace,
Cliffhanger

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Wed Sep 24, 2003 12:26 am

Please keep this top of discussion going. I would have never connected the two.

Thanks,
Pyro

cliffhanger · Post by **cliffhanger** » Wed Sep 24, 2003 4:47 pm

Huh....I deliberatly asked for Mr. Swales and the lady on the other end said he just recently retired. Perhaps she was mistaken, or I heard wrong. He may have retired within that time frame indeed.

The plot thickens...

Peace,
Cliff

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Wed Sep 24, 2003 9:55 pm

######, enter into the discussion with her about the HJ Indy.

We need a place to buy the hat here in the States, and you look as if you could supply us with this hat. Just the name HJ, along with their new felt would sell these things like hotcakes. IMHO. You start stocking those hats, and I will buy one or two. Anybody else? regards, Fedora

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Wed Sep 24, 2003 10:33 pm

I hear you Charlie.

Still, I don't think you realize the gold mine that the HJ brand represents. It does not matter if the felt is prime, it doesn't matter if the HJ is a perfect fit, but what does matter is that it is the original brand.

There are many lurkers here, that never post, but seem to buy lots of hats. Most fans, and I am going out on a limb here, would not know an accurate Indy fedora if it bit them in the buttocks, but by George they know the name Herbert Johnson.

If this same company is used to supply the hats in the new film, there will more than likely be a huge surge of new folks buying hats. When the new film comes out, Indy Gear will be swamped with new people, young people, looking to find out where to get the Hat". Of course, they will discover that HJ was the original supplier, and they are still available. They will also discover how hard it is to get one from the UK. But, if someone here in the States could sell them the real deal, inferior, and all that, just imagine what would happen. I don't think you could be touched by advertising the HJ as the original, the real deal, etc. regards, Fedora

Pyroxene · Post by **Pyroxene** » Wed Sep 24, 2003 10:37 pm

###### wrote: but I am open to suggestions on what to do about alls needs / wants..

GH, a few things about this group is that 1.) Everybody sees something different. 2.) It's trial by fire 3.) Somethings will probably never be 100% satisfied. (Ask the jacket makers and I am sure they can spin war stories to the wee hours of the morning.)

That being said, I salute your efforts. It's encouraging enough to hear your enthusiasm for this hobby. Out of sheer morbid curiosity, I have approached local hatters and their response has been basically, "It's my way or nothing at all."

The field of work I am in, Voice of the Customer (VOC) drives what products the company produces. And, collecting information/feedback dictates what "must be's", "satisfiers" and "delighters" are in the product. So, in the end if somebody asks, "Why is this like that?" If can be traced back all the way to something like a customer survey form.

Keep up the good work. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Cheers,
Pyro.

Post by **Mike** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 9:57 am

######, I have been contemplating ordering a new HJ so I can keep my older edition pristine. As long as they are the color of Spaniards. I would like mine without the dimensional cut, as I'll do that myself with the template I made of Swales' cut. If you could let me know you're price, I'd just as soon order it through you as from HJ.

Mike

Whipcrack · Post by **Whipcrack** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 10:56 am

I called and spoke to Charlie / ###### in Virginia. I told him I have been trying to purchase a Herbert Johnson Indy for 10 years with no success. My emails have gone unanswered, when I call I am told they are “between suppliers”, or are “expecting an order in the Spring.” Then, when I call back in May they are “between suppliers” again. It’s has been like a merry-go-round, dealing with them.

I told Charlie that, like Fedora stated, there are a number of people who want a Herbert Johnson Indy hat and want to buy it in the States and that I am one of them. I told Charlie I am a 7 ¼ / 58 want one with a white liner and I.J. in gold in on the sweatband. Charlie took my phone number and told him when he got things nailed down within a doable time frame he could call me back for my advance order.

Like Fedora I think there is a market for a Herbert Johnson supplier here in the U.S. and that if the product they supply is a reasonable from the style and quality standpoints he could sell a lot of them. Like the voice in Field of Dreams says ‘If you build it they will come.” I know it is corny but it is true.

Thanks
Bill Walton

JohnNdy · Post by **JohnNdy** » Thu Sep 25, 2003 1:55 pm

Is there any way that HJ will reduce the price for you, since you are basically buying in bulk? I know that 264 dollars is the normal price. Can't they cut you a break? Man, HJ is so stingy!

-John