Here’s the Cap’n when he as just little Eddie…. you can tell he is already thinking about Big Guy Productions [1950].
“Who am I, and how did this all get started?”, was the question presented me by the Administrative team of WorldwideWoodturrners. I think I can either give the credit, or the blame, to my Dad, the original Eddie Castelin. He was the original renaissance man, strong, forceful, a mathematical genius and an overall likeable person. Nolofty goals in his life, just be nice and kind, things will work out.
We lived a very modest life in New Orleans, never had a repair man ever visit the rental house we lived in. We fixed everything, for us and the neighbors. That was the best education I could have ever received. I attended high school and a trade school for cabinetmaking. That was where I wanted to go for a career. As a kid, a great day for me was a day in the shop with my Dad, building or fixing everything in the world.
I joined the Air Force right out of school and upon departing for basic my dad gave me one piece of advice, “If you are ever in a situation where it appears that no one is in charge, take over”. That may appear to be somewhat bold, but it makes all the sense in the world. Got me into, and out of, more trouble in the past 60 years that you would ever believe.
As bad as the circumstances were there in SE Asia, we all know Cap’n Eddie was the magnet and charisma in this group (God bless them all!) [1969, Kadena AB].
I spent my Air Force years as an AMMO troop, doing the most with the least. And surprisingly using that one piece of advice an awful lot.
When I returned to civilian life the world had changed and I ended up in the rough side of construction. I then realized that field management almost didn’t exist and moving up to Superintendent was the way to go.
I was a pretty efficient bass fisherman and formed a bass club and bass tournament series. To get promotion on local media I had to visit local radio and television stations for interviews. I found a weak spot in staffing, stepped in and eventually hosted radio, television, cable and video programs on fishing, outdoors and weekend activities for WWL New Orleans and others. I was spending lots of time on the water so a USCG pilot’s license became necessary. That’s where the Captain Eddie title came from.
All went well in that world until a boating accident wrecked my back, ended my being in boats and put me on the sidelines. (my boat wasn’t even moving in the accident)
With all this happening, I never lost my love for creating things. I still had a great workshop, still built furniture, puzzles, toys, etc. I loved to get into the shop and just experience sawdust.
Most folks think Cap’n Eddie learned gouge and skew sharpening like the rest of us: the hard way. Oh no, he was demonstrating and refining his technique on fish hooks, all the while having it broadcast to tens of thousands of viewers on his outdoors and fishing show [1988].
Look at the head on that guy! Cap’n just found out he had to clean 70+ Speckled Trout caught on his morning charter boat. I bet they were good too! [1988, Joe’s Landing LA].
I purchased a lathe from a closed out high school. A Delta powered by a ¼ HP motor and a six-step pulley system. This lathe ran as smooth as the day it was made in 1936. Then, I was hooked.
I probably changed lathes ten times in the first year or two. I found a newly formed club, The Bayou Woodturners, became a member, and acted as president for almost ten years.
We were on our way to building a club based on friendship, geared towards learning for every level of woodturner. Every meeting would begin with what became to be known as a “mini”, focusing on tips, tricks and techniques for all woodturners.
Even doing an advert for a local small business, Cap’n was getting that “point” down for “just watch” [1988].
I invited everyone to attend, if you can’t pay your dues, don’t worry about it. We are just a bunch of turners gathering around a lathe talking woodturning. We endorsed mentor programs and gatherings, had an annual pig roast bar-b-que and Christmas activities.
I believed then, as I do today, that it’s never been about by-laws, rules and dues. If you gathered to talk about anything, do as you learned in kindergarten, “be kind, be fair, and make a friend”.
I suffer from several health issues related to multiple exposure to Agent Orange. It has stolen my ability to work in my shop and do what I love, create. About five years ago I had an idea, create a woodturning club just for woodturners.
Well, it worked out and here you are. Thanks for Joining me and others as we enjoy woodturning.
Capt. Eddie Castelin, 2019. Thank you Eddie, for all you have done, survived, and for bringing us all together. We love you.
