| Playing in the drum line for Cincinnati Caledonian Pipes & Drums (2nd from left) |
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| Craig Cartography Jeff Craig, Proprietor 4200 Fox Hollow Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45241 (513) 324-9349 |
| May the Road Rise Up to Meet You! |
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| The North American Pipe Band & Highland Games Map & Guide Craig Cartography was founded to create and distribute the North American Pipe Bands and Highland Games Map and Guide. Craig Cartography aims to promote the Celtic culture in North America and beyond. This limited edition collectible item is a "must have" for anyone in a pipe band, a highland games attendee, or someone interested in things Celtic. It was only a matter of time that my two hobbies, maps and pipe bands, would meld together. The result of this is the North American Pipe Bands and Highland Games Map and Guide. It was an idea that came to me from out of nowhere, a lightning bolt, while working one July afternoon at my desk. I scratched down some ideas on a post-it note and it grew from there. By September 2001, I was looking for sponsors in order to pay for the printing. In October, Henderson Imports heard my idea, and pledged support. Later, other people were contacted, and by April, several thousand copies rolled off the presses at Signature Printing in Mississauga, Canada. I even drove 7 hours to pick up the maps and stayed with my friends from the Canadian Comedy & Theatrical troupe, the Tartan Terrors. |
| After crossing the international border in my SUV with dozens of boxes of maps, I began to find a way to distribute the maps. Pipe bands were contacted, and vendors were offered to carry the map. If you have yet to secure a copy of this unique product, don't wait. There are only a limited number of this first edition product. It is a timelss artwork. My background in maps goes back to times I sat in the back seat of the family auto trekking across the Midwest visiting relatives or taking vacations. Brother Dave and I had the road atlas out following every turn and exit. Many questions were asked to mom and dad about geography and Americana. I pursued an education that gave me a degree in geography and history from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. |
| It was here, while playing saxophone in the college band, that I met Amy Swihart, fellow saxophonist and future bride. Grad school followed at Univ. of Cincinnati in Geography. I studied the decline of the Scottish Gaelic language on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Part of my research took me to the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts. I took Gaelic language classes. It was at this time, I decided to become involved with a local pipe band. Cincinnati Caledonian Pipes and Drums had been around since about 1912. I started learning drums with them in 1992, and since then have voluntered as treasurer, secretary, and event chair for our annual Tartan Day celebration held in April. I am employed as a full-time cartographer with The Map Group, Inc., makers of street maps for Chambers of Commerce and other clients. It is my hope that as sole proprietor of Craig Cartography, that I can continue to blend my interests in Celtic culture and maps. . Regards, Jeff Craig |
| Thanks The following people helped make this map possible. Robert and Louise Reid appear on the cover of the map. I took the photo with downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River in the background. Already, the photo is dated. In Dec. 2002, Riverfront Staduim (or Cinergy Field) was imploded to make way for a new Reds baseball park. Julie Budden, Bill Rouse, and Gwynne Gabbard helped with sponsorship ideas. Margaret Callender, past president of ASGF endorsed the map. Jim Moore of Henderson Imports sponsored the map with a panel ad on the inside cover. And Glenlaurel Inns & Cottages sponsored the back cover. Special thanks to Amy, Evan & Katie and to Dad. |
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| Copyright 2007 Craig Cartography |
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