Weavers & Spinners Guild
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One year after Vernice Myers moved to Cody from Ann Arbor, Michigan, she still hadn't connected with anyone who shared her enthusiasm for spinning and weaving. Vernice decided to go on "Party Line," a local radio program that covered events in Cody and neighboring areas. On that morning show, she announced the date, place and time for a meeting of folks who might be interested in weaving and/or spinning. Seven people turned out for the meeting at Vernice's house, and they were so enthusiastic about the new venture that they chose the name for the group that very day. Yellowstone Weavers and Spinners Guild was born at that meeting in September, 1976. For about ten years the group continued to meet at Vernice's house. YWSG was a member at the outset of Handweavers Guild of America, and they were helpful with ideas for programs. During those years, Vernice presented most of the programs at the monthly meetings, she offered one and two day workshops, and she gave both weaving and spinning lessons to anyone interested. Vernice was also largely responsible for getting the Frontier Festival at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center off the ground. YWSG was a big presence after the first year of Frontier Festival, and demonstrations of weaving, spinning, dyeing, and carding were going on continually during the two day event. The guild continued to participate in the Frontier Festival until it was discontinued after 2000. In subsequent years, the guild has met in other members' homes, in the extension office in Powell, and for the last six or so years, in the Garland Community Church. Meetings are still monthly, on the second Saturday of the month, and the greater part of the meeting is set aside for a program. Show and tell is the most popular feature, and there is time during the pot-luck lunch to look over new and old items in the library. The guild owns many pieces of equipment that are available for members' use, as well as a large collection of books and periodicals on fiber arts. Anyone interested in joining the Yellowstone Weavers and Spinners Guild is encouraged to call Sue Smith in Powell (307-754-9492) or Lynn Pitet in Cody (307-587-9039) for further information. |