Smithsonian Correction & Apology

Jim Buss

Registered
APOLOGY TO DENNIS DIECKMAN


Sometime back, there was a discussion on AZ Billiards about which cuemakers were selected to be part of a cue exhibit in The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History . Mr. Dennis Dieckman had said he was one of the original 12. I took exception to this and made a post to AZ Billiards listing the 12 cuemakers who had been invited to participate in the exhibit.

If Dennis had offered to bet me that he was one of the original 12, he could have won my house, my shop, and everything I had.

Last night, I spent a couple of hours digging through my file cabinet, looking for my letter from Mr. David Shayt, curator of the Museum. I wanted to show Dennis that he was wrong. When I finally found it, I was shocked and thoroughly embarrassed. DENNIS WAS RIGHT!!!!!!

I have posted this letter on my website. The address if http://www.jimbuss.com/smithsonianletter.jpg

I wish to make a sincere and serious apology to Mr. Dieckman for any embarrassment he may have incurred from my error.

In the letter, David Shayt called Dennis “the outsider”. I don’t understand what he ment by that. Dennis was not in the ACA at that time, but he certainly couldn’t be considered an outsider. Several other cuemakers selected were not ACA members at the time. Dennis, in fact, is one of the eight cuemakers who attended the initial meeting of the American Cuemaker’s Association in Columbia, South Carolina on Friday, January 24th, 1992. These eight are considered the ”Founding Fathers” of the ACA. They are Leonard Bludworth, Tim Scruggs, James “Whitey” Spach, Dennis Dieckman, Joe Porper, John Guffey, Joseph Jansey, and Thomas Wayne.

This exhibit may never open, however. I was told that the floor space that was supposed to be the billiards exhibit was taken over by a September 11th exhibit. In addition to this, Mr. David Shayt passed away late last year.

If anyone would like more information, I’ll be glad to share what I know. Hopefully, I won’t dog it again. Please email me at jimbuss@jimbuss.com. I don’t get on AZ billiards very often.

NOTE!!!
Originally, I had reported that Rick Chudy (RC3) was one of the original 12. After looking over all my records, I remembered that David Shayt had added him as number 13. David had a one cue display case, which allowed the showing of another cue. These were the only cues that were going to be displayed. David Shayt DID accept a few cues from other cuemakers, but they would go on display only if someone else didn’t come across with a cue.

--JIM BUSS—
http://www.jimbuss.com
jimbuss@jimbuss.com
 
I don't see George Balabushka on the list. I'm no collector of cues or a historian, but his are probably the most famous of all cues as far as I know. Was he not in the group?
 
Jim Buss, veryzzzzz Honorable thing you did.

In case other AZers' want to read the original thread http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=83555

In the letter, David Shayt called Dennis “the outsider”. I don’t understand what he ment by that. Dennis was not in the ACA at that time, but he certainly couldn’t be considered an outsider.

I believe Mr. David Shayt was referring to Dieckman style of cue design.
Bob Watson
 
I don't see George Balabushka on the list. I'm no collector of cues or a historian, but his are probably the most famous of all cues as far as I know. Was he not in the group?
The list included active/living cuemakers, George has been gone for some time.:grin:
 
First class apology. Congats to Dennis for being right and congats to you Mr. Buss for making it right.

I can't say it any better. Thank you Mr. Buss for being so very forthright in your apology.

I hope this apology reaches at least as many people who saw the post which acussed Mr. Dieckman of not being truthfull.
 
Dieckman Thanks Jim Buss

Dear Jim:

Thank you for finally setting things straight; you are an honorable and honest man. I takes some big ones to admit one has made a mistake and then put it right, especially in front of this crowd !! You are a good man, Jim Buss.

I also thank you for putting on the record who was at the FIRST meeting of The ACA, and thus should be considered on of the "Founding Fathers" of that organization. There was another person present who you did not mention, Leonard's late wife. Had it not been for her presence we might have seen some blood shed at that meeting !!!

Again thank you for your courage.

Dieckman, Cue Builder

PS: I have given up brown liquor, but would take a glass of wine next time we meet, probably Hopkins 2010 !!!!!
 
And it takes a big man to accept an apology as well, putting to rest any future issues.

Glad all is well.
 

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Nice, classy and he makes great cues

Indeed he does. I got mine at Hopkins from Dennis. My padauke wood BBC conversion is outstanding.

The story of that first meeting was a good one Dennis.
Hope to have time to buy you a few rounds at the SBE next year.
 
Dennis you the man

following will be the worst sounding sentence i ever typed.

Had a great time sharing the "brown stuff" with ya in "the Cave"


Jer

(those in the know, would know)
 
That is quite the list!!!!!!!!

APOLOGY TO DENNIS DIECKMAN


Sometime back, there was a discussion on AZ Billiards about which cuemakers were selected to be part of a cue exhibit in The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History . Mr. Dennis Dieckman had said he was one of the original 12. I took exception to this and made a post to AZ Billiards listing the 12 cuemakers who had been invited to participate in the exhibit.

If Dennis had offered to bet me that he was one of the original 12, he could have won my house, my shop, and everything I had.

Last night, I spent a couple of hours digging through my file cabinet, looking for my letter from Mr. David Shayt, curator of the Museum. I wanted to show Dennis that he was wrong. When I finally found it, I was shocked and thoroughly embarrassed. DENNIS WAS RIGHT!!!!!!

I have posted this letter on my website. The address if http://www.jimbuss.com/smithsonianletter.jpg

I wish to make a sincere and serious apology to Mr. Dieckman for any embarrassment he may have incurred from my error.

In the letter, David Shayt called Dennis “the outsider”. I don’t understand what he ment by that. Dennis was not in the ACA at that time, but he certainly couldn’t be considered an outsider. Several other cuemakers selected were not ACA members at the time. Dennis, in fact, is one of the eight cuemakers who attended the initial meeting of the American Cuemaker’s Association in Columbia, South Carolina on Friday, January 24th, 1992. These eight are considered the ”Founding Fathers” of the ACA. They are Leonard Bludworth, Tim Scruggs, James “Whitey” Spach, Dennis Dieckman, Joe Porper, John Guffey, Joseph Jansey, and Thomas Wayne.

This exhibit may never open, however. I was told that the floor space that was supposed to be the billiards exhibit was taken over by a September 11th exhibit. In addition to this, Mr. David Shayt passed away late last year.

If anyone would like more information, I’ll be glad to share what I know. Hopefully, I won’t dog it again. Please email me at jimbuss@jimbuss.com. I don’t get on AZ billiards very often.

NOTE!!!
Originally, I had reported that Rick Chudy (RC3) was one of the original 12. After looking over all my records, I remembered that David Shayt had added him as number 13. David had a one cue display case, which allowed the showing of another cue. These were the only cues that were going to be displayed. David Shayt DID accept a few cues from other cuemakers, but they would go on display only if someone else didn’t come across with a cue.

--JIM BUSS—
http://www.jimbuss.com
jimbuss@jimbuss.com
 
Heretic! Sorcerer!!! Dark Wizard!!!! Only dark magic can raise the dead! Burrrrrrn himmmmm!!!!!

:grin-devilish:

Actually, this is a cool thread. Respect between two cuemakers with reason for conflict. Love it.
 
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