We Live and Breathe Letterboxing... A Decade of Obsession

History- The Traveling Exhibit of Letterboxing Patches

Gather 'round, friends. These patches have a tale to tell...
What we are now calling the Traveling Exhibit of Letterboxing Patches was initially intended to be a small display for the "We Live and Breathe Letterboxing" event in 2008. It has since grown to be much more than anticipated. Attendees at that event referred to it as the "wall of patches" due to its impressive size, but closer inspection reveals that the collection isn't just large. It has literally become an illustrated history of letterboxing!


You see, once word got out that an exhibit was being prepared, several people stepped forward to donate patches that were no longer in circulation or were one-of-a-kind. As a result, the display has developed into a museum-worthy exhibit.

Our realization of the display's significance caused us to reconsider its future. It seems unforgiveable to present such an exhibit for a single event and then throw it into a closet. In our opinion, this collection now belongs to the letterboxing community and we are merely its caretakers. So, we've commissioned a portable display for the "wall of patches" and are making plans to take it to various gatherings around the country. (Yes, the exhibit will be at LB Con 2009!) Meanwhile, the collection continues to grow. It is now almost twice the size it was when it appeared at Live and Breathe!

It's important to realize that the Exhibit is a work-in-progress. There are still a few holes from the past that need to be filled, and it will take a community effort to keep the collection up-to-date in the future. But as long as the letterboxing community continues to support this exhibit and recognize its importance, we are determined to keep it on display, both online and at upcoming events. If you have a patch that you wish to contribute to the exhibit, please write to mail@WeLiveAndBreathe.com.

 

CATEGORIES:
 

Websites and Online Groups
States, Provinces and Regions
Awards and Accomplishments
Scouting Organizations
Events and Gatherings
Fun and Friendship
Dartmoor Badges


The original "wall of patches" at the Live and Breathe event, 9/12/08.


Over 5 feet tall and nearly 10 feet wide, the traveling
version of the exhibit made its debut at the
"Back to Our Roots" gathering in Vermont, 6/20/09.
 

 

Please note that this online version of the Traveling Exhibit of Letterboxing Patches was not created to facilitate the sale of patches or provide links to information about purchasing patches. Its only purpose is to preserve this aspect of letterboxing history for generations to come. To find out about patches that are currently for sale, we recommend consulting other established resources including...

 

DONATIONS

If you would like to make a financial contribution to the Traveling Exhibit of Letterboxing Patches, please visit our PayPal Donation page.

If you have a patch to donate to this exhibit, please send it to the address below.

Der Mad Stamper
2767 SW Hewitt Ave.
Troutdale, OR 97060

Please provide as much historical background information as you can (designer, date released, purpose, etc.) and be sure to tell us how you wish to be credited for your donation (real name and/or trailname).

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