Tom Curran caught Chuck Dixon in the shop and collected this interview for Black Powder Mag. Even if you know Chuck you are likely to learn more listening to the interview. (Larry Pletcher)
I had tried to call ahead to make an appointment to meet Chuck for this interview, but I don’t believe my message got through, judging from Chuck’s reaction when I asked him if he would grant me an interview. Everyone who knows Chuck knows how willing he is to talk, but never about himself.
Having already had these thoughts, I arrived at the shop, to find one customer being served by Chuck himself. No one else was around. When the transacton was done, and it was my turn, I stepped up to the counter and introduced myself. When I mentioned my mission, Chuck got this terrified look, and said, “Oh, no, you’d be better off talking with my son, Greg”. I told Chuck that wasn’t going to work, because this was kind of a living history, similar to Foxfire, and I wanted to hear his story. Chuck’s face lit up, and he ran over to the book section, and started piling books up on the counter. “There,” he said with a smile. “There’s the whole story.”
I thanked him for the books and explained what I wanted was to capture his voice. By now I can see he’s cornered and doesn’t know what to do. At this point, I asked him HOW he got interested in the longrifle. That was all it took to get Chuck into his element. Please sit back and let Chuck take you on a little tour of his story. by Tom Curran
Above is the sign one sees pulling into Dixon’s. The fair started in 1983 and has been going strong since then. (Photo used with Permission)
(Photo – Tom Curran)
The following is the intro of “Ten Years of Dedication”, Remembrances of Dixon’s Gunmaker’s Fair by T. E. Ames. It helps to put into words Chuck’s dedication to the Pennsylvania rifle. Used with permission.
(Photo – Tom Curran)
Directions: If you have a fast connection, simply click on the link “Download MP3“. If you are on a dialup connection, right click the link. You will get a menu that contains “save target as”. Here you can save the audio file to your hard drive. It should then play in real time.The interview has been divided into two parts. Click on the blue link below to begin Part 1.
Chuck was recognized as an inductee into the NMLRA Muzzleloading Hall of Fame for 2008. He was one of two inductees this year. Congratulations, Chuck!
Black Powder Mag also wishes to thank Tom Curran for conducting this interview. Tom’s interviews have been a valuable asset, and we understand there may be more to come. Thanks, Tom, for your contributions.
Chuck, thanks for being a part of the interview process. I enjoyed setting up the page and hope to meet you next year at the fair.