IBLS Journal 2008

April 13
Message posted by Steve Bratina on Chaski.org

Since the technology known as the computer has killed off various magazines and the need for a physical brotherhood secretary, lets use it for good purposes.

The books known as the Wandering Locomotive Books was started when paper, pens and a Kodak was the only way, other than going to a meet, of describing the locomotive you have. Would it not be possible to do the same only electronically?

Summer
In the Summer of 2008, Ken Shattock (senior member of GGLS) wanted to ask one of the BLS secretaries a question and knowing that Dick Thomas had passed away, he contacted the Editor of Live Steam magazine to find out the address of a secretary to write to. To his utter surprise, he was informed that the four regional BLS secretaries in the U.S. and Canada were no more. They had either passed on or had retired with no replacements.

Ken was also informed that most Live Steamers in the U.S. and Canada did not believe that the BLS was even needed anymore especially because of the modern day Internet. As it turned out, the "other" BLS secretaries located in Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand did not harbor those same views.

Ken then decided right then and there that he would endeavor to bring back the BLS as its Founder, "Carl" Purinton, originally envisioned. After discussions with Clover McKinley, Editor of Live Steam Magazine, and with Clover’s personal encouragement, Ken decided that only ONE new BLS secretary was required, for the North American continent which included the U.S. and Canada.

Hence the new "North American Region—IBLS" was born.