Join us at one of University Libraries Electronic Research Workshops!

These workshops will be held in the computer lab in room 116 from 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. at the South Campus, 2355 Nashville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101 (please enter using the right entrance.) These hands-on workshops are free and open to WKU faculty, staff and students and the public. The register, or if you would like more information about these or upcoming events, contact University Libraries Reference Office (270)745-6115 or web.reference@wku.edu.

October 26

Science Fiction on the Web

Science fiction and fantasy books, writers, reviews, publishing information, TV series, movies and more.

Beth Knight, WKU Libraries

November 16
Cooking & Recipes for the Holidays
Try out new recipes from a variety of sites, plus cooking tips and nutrition!
Ruth Kinnersley, WKU Libraries

Hascal Haile: Guitar Maker to the Stars

Two guitars made by Hascal Haile will be on long-term exhibit beginning September 16, 2000 at the Kentucky Museum, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY.

Mr. Haile was born in Monroe County, Kentucky in 1906. Throughout his life he worked with wood, becoming a master craftsman of furniture and later became famous for his guitars, receiving international recognition for both his classical and folk instruments. With the support and working assistance of his wife, Ravenel Haile, he made more than 300 instruments. He was truly an artist who produced guitars sought after by the best performers, including Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Dolly Parton, Bobby Goldsboro, Roy Clark, Waylon Jennings and Porter Wagoner, just to name a few.

In 1980, Mr. Haile was joined by Chet Atkins at the Smithsonian Institution to present one of Haile's guitars to the museum collection. While in Washington, he went to the White House and gave President Jimmy Carter a pocket knife he had made with inlaid abalone shell handles. He also participated in the National Folk Festival in Washington in 1981.

Mr. Haile, who died in 1986, worked with Chet Atkins to design a classical guitar which produced the sound of an acoustical guitar, but with amplified sound. The guitar was marketed by the Gibson Company and is in the Museum's exhibit. The other is a folk guitar Haile made for himself, elaborately inlaid and decorated.

In the lobby of the Kentucky Museum stands another Hascal Haile masterpiece, a beautiful reproduction antique grandfather's clock which he designed and made with the help of his wife, Ravenel. Mrs. Haile now lives in Columbia, Tennessee.

~Riley Handy

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