View Full Version : The Wouff-Hong and the Rettysnitch
KA9VQF
07-21-2004, 10:58 AM
Here is something interesting. I've only ever heard of the rettysnitch before never saw any kind of picture.
The Wouff-Hong and the Rettysnitch
http://www.cebik.com/wouf.html
K8ERV
07-21-2004, 12:19 PM
I recently bot a wood snag cribbage board at a yard sale that looks much like the wouff-hong. Have it up on my wall. Neat. I use it to bring my wife/dog into line.
TOM K8ERV
K4JSR
07-21-2004, 03:33 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KA9VQF @ July 21 2004,03:58)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Here is something interesting. I've only ever heard of the rettysnitch before never saw any kind of picture.
The Wouff-Hong and the Rettysnitch
http://www.cebik.com/wouf.html[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
It is just too awful. I don't want to talk about it!
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
73 Cal K4JSR
There is a TRIUMVERATE OF TERROR..
The Wouff Hong
The Rettysnitch
The Uggermumfp
All can be seen at ARRL HQ.
The Wouff Hong is by far the most well-known (amongst hamdom) of the three.
In fact, if you look around you, you MIGHT just find a great deal of objects that remind you of the Wouff Hong shape..
J-pole antennas
Saguro catcii
I believe that there are pictures of all three of these items that can be had from ARRL HQ if you ask.
However, it is the WH which has the longest history and is the most widely publicized of the three.
"T.O.M" (The Old Man - Hiram Percy Maxim 1AW) used to invoke the WH quite often in his editorials entitled 'ROTTEN __ (fill in the blanks)'. The WH also featured prominetly in several of W6ISQ's stories as well as W9BRD's column on occassion.
Those who have seen the WH will ALL acknowledge a certain degree of 'shiver' that ran down the back when it was observed.
Just FYI
K3FT
Member R.O.W.H
1975, Reston VA Convention
Com'on, Chuck, you HAVE to tell us how you got the Royal Order of the Woulf Houng ( R.O.W.H. for those of you who haven't figured it out yet ! ) bestowed upon you !
No. . . Wait, maybe the story is too awful and frightening to repeat ! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Nah, go ahead, I gots ta hear this !
73 from Jim AG3Y
(as the fire flames dance.. and cause shadows to move about the wall, K3FT motions all who choose to hear the tale of the WH to gather round... The story begins...)
'While I cannot reveal the intimate details surrounding the Ceremony that occurs which initiates one into the Royal Order of the Wouff Hong <as we are all sworn to the strictest secrecy> I CAN tell you this much...."
"At midnight... during an ARRL Convention... there is held a 'conclave of the Royal Order of the Wouff Hong'
Each person who wishes to join said Royal Order MUST be 'sponsored' (and accompanied) by a ham who is already a member of the R.O.W.H.
At midnight.. the members and their guests meet in a solemn gathering. There is a ceremony - the actual activities of which are shrouded in the mists of time and space AND are classified - which ALL initiates must pass through in order to be properly inducted into the ROWF.
What this does is impart the meaning, purpose, and intent of the WH to those present so as to better educate them on the REAL and ACTUAL purpose and intent of the WH (along with its sister devices - the Uggermumpf and Rettysnitch.
The ceremony provides graphic and evidentiary presentations of the WH, its meaning and purpose, and provides a stark reminder to those present of the power with which it holds.
While some may scoff and laugh at such things.. ALL those who have come through the WH ceremony will attest to the preceeding as being fully true and accurate. For those who have NOT yet passed through.. you will either have to seek out such a time to pass through OR accept what is given as truth.
K3FT
While my own induction was back in 1975.. my memory is sharp and vivid of said ceremony and the residue remains to this day.
K9STH
07-21-2004, 05:18 PM
FT:
You are just a "babe in arms" as a member of the ROWH!
Glen, K9STH
ROWH ARRL Central Division Convention
Springfield, Illinois
1961
WA5KRP
07-21-2004, 06:10 PM
Next time I see one of those muthers whipped out I'm getting me some protection!
http://rock103.com/crew/pics/y2kvibrator.jpg
http://rock103.com/crew/pics/weird-headgear.jpg
WA5KRP
Texas
I must hang my head in shame! I have never attempted to become a member of that astute organization ! Oh Woe is me ! Wooooeeee is me ! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Jim AG3Y http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif
Hon Moderator, Sir!
I wouldst NE'ER deign to challenge such a wise one as you. I am but a 'Crystal' compared to "The Old Man" of 43 years membership!
1961... DAMN! Well, I have ONE (feeble) excuse... I wasn't exposed to ham radio until mid-1968 and did not attend my first ARRL convention until 1975 simply because no one ever mentioned it to me.
But the FIRST one I ever went to, I went to SPECIFICALLY for the purpose of aspiring to enter the Sanctum Sanctorum of the ROWH.
However, it makes little difference - the years difference - as you know.. because once you pass through the Crucible of Initiation into the R.O.W.H.... all become one..
AG3Y... I suggest that you should make the effort to attend such an event. Check ARRL and see when their next ARRL convention is going to be held and see if ROWH Ceremony is happening. IF so, I would be pleased to sponsor you just as I was sponsored lo those many solar cycles ago)
73
K3FT
ANY OTHER MEMBERS OF THE ROWH around?? Anyone's membership more ancient that K9STH 1961http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif
Notice.. I did not say GLEN was ancient.. only the membership!
BTW.. There is NO protection from the WH. Once unleashed and wielded.. it's force cannot be stopped.
N7AAO
07-22-2004, 12:17 AM
I'll have to go to an ARRL convention just to see if I can get inducted into that group meself. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
KA9VQF
07-22-2004, 05:38 AM
I'd stay away from such a conclave for fear they would sic it on me.
N7AAO
07-22-2004, 12:31 PM
Maybe having it used on you is one of the qualifications for getting in? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
It is assumed, that anyone who chooses to attend such an event seeking induction into the R.O.W.H. is doing so with an earnest desire to learn and understand the awesome power of the WH. Therefore, they shall not be subject to application of the WH.
However.. AFTERWARDS...well, that's another story!
K3FT
Glen. would you not agree such is true? I believe you also would confirm that the Ceremony of Induction into the R.O.W.H. is quite solemn and rather unique.
N7AAO
07-22-2004, 02:25 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (K3FT @ July 22 2004,06:05)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">It is assumed, that anyone who chooses to attend such an event seeking induction into the R.O.W.H. is doing so with an earnest desire to learn and understand the awesome power of the WH. Therefore, they shall not be subject to application of the WH.
However.. AFTERWARDS...well, #that's another story!
K3FT
Glen. would you not agree such is true? #I believe you also would confirm that the Ceremony of Induction into the R.O.W.H. is quite solemn and rather unique.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
If I go, FT, would you sponsor my humble self? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
K9STH
07-22-2004, 03:38 PM
FT:
Actually, it depends on just how much of an "event" that the sponsors want to make it. I have heard of some induction ceremonies that were not that much involved. Other times there is a lot of "pomp and ceremony".
The one that I went through had a lot of "pomp and ceremony" including candles, costumed participants, and so on. I have heard of other ceremonies in which only the written ceremony was read and everyone there became a member of the ROWH.
As such, just how the ceremony is conducted is going to be a factor of just how seriously those who are "putting it on" take it to be.
Just remember the "secret handshake" and the "secret password"!
Glen, K9STH
I posted this in another thread, but you might have missed it, and I think it is interesting enough to post here.
The following quote comes from the fine web page below:
http://www.cebik.com/ugger.html
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">
The "editorial" was reprinted in the December 1940 issue of QST. The word "ugerumf"--while mentioned in this writing, was actually part of poorly sent exchange by a "poor gink."
A portion of the text reads:
"BIRRGRMP BRU ROTARY GE GE UGERUMF OM WITH MY SET RETTYSNITCH SPITTY TONE HIT IN POTIMUS? Now what do you suppose the poor gink was trying to say when he unreeled that? You have to guess a lot in wireless, and how would you guess this?" (TOM)
Yes UGERUMF--not the more popular spelling--UGERUMPH--was used (at least in the 1940 reprint) Perhaps the "ph" modifies this to a noun?
[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Kinda looks like the sort of CW I have tried to read on occasion ! # # # #BTW ( TOM ) refers to Maxim, himself "The Old Man"
73 from Jim AG3Y
K9STH
07-22-2004, 04:08 PM
People sometimes get confused and attribute the machine gun to Hiram P. Maxim. It was his father, Hiram S. Maxim, who invented the version of the machine gun that was known as the "Maxim Gun" and it was his father and his uncle that are associated with the invention of smokeless powder and the torpedo as we know it today.
Hiram P. Maxim did invent the first practical silencer for firearms, wrote a few plays, and was involved in the manufacture of electric driven "horseless" vehicles starting in about 1898. All this before he became associated with the group that eventually became the ARRL.
Glen, K9STH
H.P.Maxim is buried in the city cemetary in Hagerstown ( my fair city ) MD. Several years ago, our local ham club had a big meeting with several of the top honchos of the A.R.R.L. at the gravesite, and it made the local newspapers, QST Magazine, etc. !
Unfortunately, I was not a citizen of the town at the time, but I have seen pictures of the gathering, etc. A bit of history, indeed !
73 from Jim
Dave AAO, I would sponsor you but it means that either I'd have to go with you out there or you would have to with me here in my area.
AG3Y.. Yes, the W3CWC Club (I got this from WA3EOP, who is oru local version of K9STH) told me all about it. I didn't know he was buried out here. I am GOING to go see the gravesite.
It's gonna be a LOT less expensive to go there than to make the pilgramage to Dayton! <GRIN>
Yep T.O.M. had quite a bit of involvement in a lot of things. If he was alive today he'd be labeled a 'Reinaessance Man' since he was involved in a myriad of various things.
K3FT
N7AAO
07-22-2004, 04:44 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (K3FT @ July 22 2004,09:39)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Dave AAO, I would sponsor you but it means that either I'd have to go with you out there or you would have to with me here in my area.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Actually, I want to see W1AW, and the DC area someday, so I might decide to schedule a trip out there around convention time. Someone's probably gonna have to drag me out of the Smithsonian, tho. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Beam me up, Scotty, and set me back down at W1AW!
k4kyv
07-22-2004, 06:27 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (K9STH @ July 22 2004,08:38)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I have heard of some induction ceremonies that were not that much involved...The one that I went through had a lot of "pomp and ceremony" including candles, costumed participants, and so on. #I have heard of other ceremonies in which only the written ceremony was read and everyone there became a member of the ROWH...Just remember the "secret handshake" and the "secret password"![/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I have a genuine cast iron wouff-hong dated 1938, that was awarded to inductees that year. #The orginal recipient was an old friend #of mine and a former league employee at ARRL headquarters, lab technician and operator of W1MK before it became W1AW. #Wonder if there are any more of those still in existence.
No, I am not interested in getting rid of it.