Watch for Utah

Subject: Watch for Utah
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 29 Feb 08 - 12:03 AM

Now that Utah is home and well we can once again start seriously talking about the watch. Nobody has stepped forward to actually take charge of this effort. Since I brought it up in the first place it seems reasonable that I should do so. So be it.

    As I write this my wife, Ingrid, is doing a wedsearch to get a handle on what a good, gold watch will cost. Knowing Utah's fascination with railroads Ingrid is, of course, looking at watch designs in the image of proper motormen's watches. If you know of a good watch, please, post a link to it so that we can all take a look at it.

    Meanwhile, I'm going to look into the feasibility of setting up a temporary PayPal account (or something like it) for the watch fund so that we can each conveniently contribute to it.

    I'm posting here to make sure that people see it. However, I am going to set up a seperate thread for the watch fund. Please, post any watch related comment there so that we're all, if you'll pardon the expression, on the same page with this thing.

    One more thing. If you are in some manner going to be in personal contact (phone, letter, or whatever) with Utah, please, keep your mouth shut about this. It would be better if we can keep it a surprise.

Thanks,
Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: BK Lick
Date: 29 Feb 08 - 05:03 PM

Good on ya, Stephen Lee, for stepping up.

If anyone spots a suitable timepiece on Ebay, I suggest that we don't bid on it until the last possible moment (i.e., we snipe it). I have a good sniping utility and know how to use it -- I'd be glad to do this if y'all want me to. (Previous thread on sniping here.)

Here's a DTI watch fob that might make a nice addition.

—BK

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Feb 08 - 05:11 PM

I'll be happy to pitch in.

Wake me up when you find a watch.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 29 Feb 08 - 07:10 PM

I'm confused - I thought there was one particular kind of watch he spoke about in his podcast, and that's what we're looking for.

Warmly,
Dan

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Art Thieme
Date: 29 Feb 08 - 08:17 PM

I think Dan is correct. It was one specific watch.
Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 01 Mar 08 - 02:47 PM

Could somebody, please, post a link to that podcast?

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: BK Lick
Date: 01 Mar 08 - 03:02 PM

Utah's Modest(?) Proposal Regarding His Retirement

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Hollowfox
Date: 01 Mar 08 - 04:23 PM

Thanks for the update. If I find anything (doubtful), I'll let you know.

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: open mike
Date: 04 Mar 08 - 01:08 PM

there is a benefit for Utah featureing Laurie lewis, Tom Rozum and others MOnday March 10 near Santa Cruz, CA
Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum perform at Benefit Concert honoring U. Utah Phillips, "the Golden Voice of the Great Southwest," at Don Quixote's Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9, Felton, Calif.    Co-presented with Snazzy Productions on Mon. March 10 at 7:30 p.m, Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum with Alisa Fineman and Kimball Hurd, Keith Greeninger and others will sing and tell tales for Utah, a true folk bard, who, over the years, has made so many others laugh and sing along. 100% of all ticket sales will go to Utah's defray medical expenses. Tickets are $25. For info go to www.donquixotesmusic.info or 831/603-2294. Contact John Sandidge at [e-mail] for information on how to send in donations for U. Utah.

U. Utah Phillips, born May 15, 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio is a labor organizer, folk singer, storyteller, poet and humorist. Utah, the self-proclaimed "Golden Voice of the Great Southwest" is a raconteur extraordinaire, a historian describing the struggles of labor unions and the power of direct action, a hobo, and a wonderful musician whose songs enliven his audiences.

"Please work some magic ... Utah has just gotten out of the hospital, and is dealing with congestive heart failure. Like most musicians, he needs financial help," says Laurie for her longtime friend and mentor.

Artists performing include:

Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum (www.laurielewis.com) Since forming a musical partnership in 1986, when Tom first joined Laurie's acclaimed band, Grant Street, Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum have recorded 12 albums and performed around the globe. These Grammy-nominated artists (for their 1995 album The Oak and the Laurel) are widely regarded as among the leading lights of modern bluegrass and are highly prized by their peers as sidemen and producers. Lewis & Rozum released their third duo album, Guest House (HighTone Records), a characteristically versatile and engaging offering of love songs, laments, social commentary, and freewheelin' fun in the spirit of old-time music.

Keith Greeninger & Friends (www.keithgreeninger.com) Keith Greeninger paints intricate portraits of the human condition with powerful melodic images, deep engaging guitar rhythms and warm heart wrenching vocals. He is a multi-award winning singer songwriter and this year's winner of the prestigious Telluride Troubadour National Song Writing Competition. A third generation Northern Californian, Keith grew up at the edge of the vanishing orchards of the Santa Clara Valley

Alisa Fineman & Kimball Hurd (www.alisafineman.com/alisakimball.htm) Long-time favorites in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas have also earned national acclaim, touring all over the country. Renown for her world-class alto voice with its dusky tones and depth of emotion, Alisa is perfectly complimented by multi-instrumentalist Kimball Hurd. Hurd, a Bammie Award (Bay Area Music Association) winner, adds dimension to their sound with his harmonies and an array of tasteful musical accents on guitar, mandolin, mandola, dobro, banjo and slide guitar.

Please come out for an evening of harmony in support of U. Utah Phillips.

###

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Mark Clark
Date: 04 Mar 08 - 02:04 PM

A list of possibly suitable watches may be found by performing an eBay search though I haven't checked them all to see if there is a "DTI" railroad watch among them.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: open mike
Date: 05 Mar 08 - 02:59 AM

is there a pay pal fund established for this yet?
(a place to send funds)

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: open mike
Date: 07 Mar 08 - 05:04 PM

update...on watch.

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 10:51 PM

I haven't forgotten about the Paypal account. I just haven't gotten to it yet. I have, amongst other things, been involved in helping with a benefit for Utah to be held here in Madison, WI this coming May.

   It has occured to me that we might not be the only ones to come up with this notion. I emailed Duncan to ask him if he knew of anyone else trying to scare up a watch for Utah. If there is one that is already a work in progress it might be better for us to join that effort that to duplicate it. If Duncan hasn't heard of another bunch trying to scare up a watch I'll get right on the Paypal thing and we'll move ahead here. If he has heard of one I'll pass the information along to you in this thread.

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Big Mick
Date: 11 Mar 08 - 10:59 PM

I have a paypal account if that is helpful.

Mick

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 13 Mar 08 - 10:11 PM

Allright. Update on the PayPal account. I've got a couple of verification hoops to jump through yet with PayPal. Once I've done that we'll be good to go. The site tells me that it will take about three business days, so figure that we'll be off and running by Tuesday.

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Andrez
Date: 14 Mar 08 - 04:31 AM

Well count me in when Pay Pal has been set up. How much would be reasonable to put in? The US/Aus dollar exchange rate is really great at the moment. If you divvy it up perhaps we could buy "shares" in the watch and become stockholders? Ho, ho, ho! Any change of getting a picture of the ticker once its bought?

:-)

Cheers,

Andrez

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 14 Mar 08 - 03:43 PM

There will be lots of pictures of clocks. We still have to chiise one.

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: iggypopforyou
Date: 15 Mar 08 - 04:04 PM

To: Mark Clark

Regarding Eddie Balchowski, an old dear friend of mine.
I read something where you mentioned Eddie.
Are you in Chicago?
Did you know Eddie at all?

I'm at [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 02:34 PM

Allright, the PayPal account is up and running. All you need to do is go to http://www.paypal.com, click on "send money" and do what the site tells you from there. The e-mail address that you're sending it to is [e-mail] .

I used an existing e-mail address just to make this a bit easier for me to manage.

Beforte we start putting money into this, though, let's do two things.

1) Let's choose a watch.
2) PM or e-mail as many people as you can think of to go in on this with us, or, at least, to help us find the right watch.

To make the first thing happen we need those of you who have found things online to post links to what you've found. Please, help to get this done right.

Thank you.
Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 02:36 PM

Mark Ross is the expert. Mark, are you out there?

Dan

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Mark Ross
Date: 19 Mar 08 - 02:42 PM

Yeah, I'm here. Remember what Utah said, "Ex is a has been, a spurt is a drip under pressure." And Gambel Rogers was heard to remark once that , "An expert is an ordinary man far from home." Give me a call.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 25 Mar 08 - 12:24 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Pocket Watch for Utah Phillips
From: open mike
Date: 25 Mar 08 - 02:03 PM

i have pay palled you $25 for the watch...
i hope others will put in for this too.
i hope the title of this thread can be
made more specific such as:
Pocket Watch for Utah Phillips

otherwise some may think it means we are looking at
something in salt lake city in the state of utah...

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 26 Mar 08 - 02:14 AM

open mike is right. Joe, is there a way to make that happen?

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 26 Mar 08 - 02:24 AM

I thought that it might be useful for those of us who have not read it to see Utah's blog entry about the watch. I've cut and pasted it, in its entirety from the blogspot.

Stephen Lee

*********************************************************************


Utah's Modest(?) Proposal Regarding His Retirement

    Dear Friends,

Well, this is it; I finally decided to retire. What normally happens when one retires? Gardening? Eating rubber chicken at the senior lunch? Traditionally, no. Tradition demands a gold pocket watch. I have no expectation of receiving same from any particular individual or organization, since over the years I have worked for so many different people. Therefore I leave it up to you, dear friends, to invent a marvelous yet subtly nuanced campaign to acquire one without being burdensome in the slightest to any single person or organization. Something clever, bordering on, but not invading, bunko. A lottery? A treasure hunt? I just don't know.

Let's establish an outer limit. I do not want--I repeat, I do not want to provoke anything approaching a felony . . . as, for instance, with a Hamilton DTI railroad watch. The Detroit Toledo Irontown was Henry Ford's railroad. His engines and rolling stock were immaculate; his pocket watches, labeled Hamilton DTI, were calibrated once a day and kept overnight in a hermetically sealed cabinet. No, dear friends, lust resides not in my nature. But we shall moderate from there.

So I pass the problem along to you, that together we may eventually wallow in the joy of its solution. Once we have the watch (stem-wind, old, not electric, preferably with cover), I may truly say that I am retired.

Then, and only then, will we have the customary banquet. It will take place in a remote down-at-the-heels Odd Fellows Hall. Its fare will consist of the following: appetizer: limp shrimp floating in a pool of water that once was ice; entree: very ordinary Salisbury steak pommeled to a faretheewell and doused liberally with gravy saltier than the Dead Sea; vegetables: lukewarm canned peas and R.J. Simplot potato flakes reconstituted as maimed potatoes; accompaniment: canned peaches tasting of tin. The meal will be altogether silent save for the persistent clicking of 20 or 30 sets of dentures.

Oh, yes, and I shall be there. I will be in my shabby Sunday best: a simple 40s double-breasted tweed purchased on special at the Salvation Army. When I stand up to be introduced, I will have taken off my jacket, exposing years of ink stains on my galluses. I'll also be wearing sleeve gaiters and elasticized cuff protectors. There is a very good chance I will be sporting the green celluloid eyeshade I have used for nearly half a century, as well as my ancient pearwood pen with its well-worn nib, which will be lodged firmly over my right ear. There will be a smattering of applause as I shamble forward (I can manage a credible shamble when provoked). The watch will be tendered to me. The host will part with a few audible platitudes; I'll respond with a few inaudible ones, shamble back to my chair, and the deed will be done.

Theater matters, yes. But being in command of it matters more!

The plan of action, dear friends, is in your hands. Have fun. Excelsior!

Love and solidarity,
Utah

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: kendall
Date: 26 Mar 08 - 08:19 AM

What is the status of this quest?

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Amos
Date: 26 Mar 08 - 10:31 AM

FOr a minute I thought this was going to be a poltiical thread concerning a peculiar primary round.

However its actual theme is much more important.

WHo's anchoring the collection? I need a mailing address.

A

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 26 Mar 08 - 11:11 PM

Amos and all,

I'm anchoring the collection. Later tonight my wife, Ingrid, will post some links to some possible watches. Please, read the description from Utah above carefully. That's the criteria upon which we want to base the choice of a watch. Also above is my post about the Paypal account that I set up to take up the collection.

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Andrez
Date: 27 Mar 08 - 06:20 AM

Utah said:



Does this mean: No watch, no retirement?

Maybe I'll reconsider donating? Keep him at it I say!

Andrez

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: GUEST,Ingrid Frances Stark
Date: 27 Mar 08 - 11:35 PM

Can you hear me now?

I've tried twice to post info. If this works, I'll try again.

Ingrid

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: GUEST,Ingrid Frances Stark
Date: 28 Mar 08 - 12:45 AM

Is there a limit as to length of post? I still can't seem to get my list of sites to post.

Ingrid

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: GUEST,Ingrid Frances Stark
Date: 28 Mar 08 - 12:46 AM

Okay then. I'll try one more time.

I'm not going to make blue clicky links, cuz I think thats part of why I'm having trouble getting things to post. Cut and paste the links into your browser (easier if you open a second window).

Here's the Basic Hamilton Railroad approved Pocket watch, so we have a starting point:
thetimebiz.com/images/watches.htm

The official railroad pocket watch generally came in what is called an "open" case, meaning it has no cover. Since Utah says he'd prefer a cover, I've been trying to find something that looks like the real thing, but with a cover. The real deal has arabic numerals, not roman; all the minutes marked, with the fives in red; the second hand in a sub-dial.
I can find a watch like that with a cover easily, in a quartz movement. Its a bit harder in a mechanical movement.
Keep in mind, too, that an antique watch does not neccessarily come with a warranty.

Ok, here we go....

For those of you who would like to learn a little more about watches, terminology, styles, etc., go to this site and click on 'learning center':
www.diamondjewelersonline.com/

Here's a nice looking one, slightly more ornamented, but has both arabic numerals and a sub dial in a hunt case.
www.theclocksmiths.com/pages/pw2.htm

Another antique, 5th down the page:
www.renaissancejewelers.com/aeoddsends.html

Colibri makes a line of nice pocket watches, but they only make quartz movements. Here's one on Amazon:
www.amazon.com/Colibri-Pocket-Classic-Design-PMS095936W/dp/B000J0H5G8

A mechanical watch is all well and good, but the technological jump that happened when the quartz movement was invented makes it harder to find them. The cheapest quartz watch is still going to be more accurate than a high quality mechanical movement on a day to day basis. And I fear that the only chioces wwe have are an antique, and therefore questionable in its function, or a new quartz watch. You can "wind" a quartz watch, it has no effect, but it won't hurt it, either. As long as the battery gets changed about once a year, it should keep perfect time.

So far I have been looking only on line. There are several good watch and clock shops in the Madison area where I may be able to find more variety. Let me know where you all want this to go.

Ingrid

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: GUEST,Ingrid Frances Stark
Date: 28 Mar 08 - 12:48 AM

Now I get it....I think. I had to remove the h t t p : / / from each link, and then it posted. Computers are weird.

Ingrid

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 28 Mar 08 - 12:50 AM

When you cut and paste Ingrid's links you will have to add the "http://" at the begining of each one. She was having trouble getting that message to post. When she cut off the "http://" before each link the post suddenly went through. I don't know why.

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 28 Mar 08 - 02:18 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: kendall
Date: 28 Mar 08 - 03:28 PM

If I know Utah, and I think I do, he would prefer the old original movement.

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: open mike
Date: 29 Mar 08 - 03:01 AM

blicky number one
jewelers

blicky number two clocksmiths

blicky number three antique

blicky number four amazon

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 04 Apr 08 - 05:58 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Andrez
Date: 20 Apr 08 - 05:23 AM

So just curious folks, where have we got as far as the watch purchasing is concerned?

Cheers,

Andrez

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: kendall
Date: 20 Apr 08 - 06:13 AM

Good question

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 20 Apr 08 - 11:47 PM

Isn't this the one shown on Utah's website? Looks like it to me. Right kind of numerals, etc.
http://www.bidwit.com/item.cgi?show_item=0000393115
    Sandy

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Mark Ross
Date: 21 Apr 08 - 11:35 AM

That would be a good one.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 10 May 08 - 08:46 PM

We haven't actually gotten much of anywhere on the watch choosing or buying project. This thread isn't getting enough attention to stay posted long enough for that to happen. Nobody is paying attention I'm afraid.

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: BK Lick
Date: 11 May 08 - 12:12 AM

Here are two currently for sale on eBay that look good to me:

The first one is for sale at a fixed "buy it now" price of $340 (including UPS shipping and insurance) from a seller with a 99% favorable rating for 2170 eBay sales over nine years and who has a 7-day return policy.

The second one is for sale at auction at a current bid of $301 and a week to go until the auction ends, from a seller with only one year on eBay and with no stated return policy -- uninsured priority mail is $10, insured   Express Mail is $25.

—BK

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Mark Ross
Date: 11 May 08 - 09:06 AM

I'd say the first one is it.


Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: GUEST,Big Mick
Date: 11 May 08 - 09:28 AM

I am away at a folk festival but I am in on this one. If folks get serious, I will put in $75.00 right away.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: GUEST,Kendall
Date: 11 May 08 - 05:12 PM

I'm in.

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 11 May 08 - 11:23 PM

Has anyone found one with a cover. Utah's description of the watch he, ideally, would like he specifically mentions a cover.

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: open mike
Date: 12 May 08 - 12:10 AM

tick tock precious seconds are slipping away--
i suggest we go for one that is close to the
ideal and go for it.

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: BK Lick
Date: 12 May 08 - 12:13 AM

Hmm... Utah also seemed to be saying he would like a "railroad watch" and that would rule out a case cover;
see here and also here for example.

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 12 May 08 - 06:32 AM

I know it's a bit of a contradiction there. I'll run with the majority choice. I was just making an observation.

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: Mark Ross
Date: 12 May 08 - 06:33 PM

By the way, Utah will turn 73 on May 15, I think that's this Thursday.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: BK Lick
Date: 13 May 08 - 06:25 PM

Here are links to a couple of eBay searches, one for railroad watch hamilton, and one for railway watch hamilton -- together they should turn up all the likely prospects on eBay, I think. (I find it useful to select Sort by: Price + Shipping: highest first.)

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: BK Lick
Date: 15 May 08 - 09:47 PM

I wonder if this project is really ever going to get off the ground. So far afer eleven weeks only four posters have indicated they will take part (two of them specifying a dollar amount totalling $100). If there's not sufficient interest, so be it -- otherwise, perhaps it would help get things rolling if all who plan to contribute to the watch fund would post their intention now.

The fixed price auction I linked to above ends in 25 hours.

—BK

Subject: RE: Watch for Utah
From: open mike
Date: 31 May 08 - 01:06 AM

If we have gathered $100 or so, I propose we send this to Utah's widow to be used as she sees fit. I have put some $ in, and we should decide what to do with the money that has been sent, now that Utah's time has run out.