Not content with reading history and playing it, Todd Fisher, long time miniatures gamer and activist, decided to make history with the opening of his new business, The Emperor's Headquarters, in Chicago on February 3, 1990.
The Emperor himself would probably have been right at home at this event -- a champagne reception followed byasix coursre meal featuring the finest of foods and wines. The main course was, appropriately, Chicken Marengo and Beef Wellington -- not a choice of either, but both! All accompanied by the music of the Chicago Chamber Orchestra conducted by Dr. Dieter Kober. As talented a group of musicians as you will ever hear playing selections chosen by Todd appropriate to the occasion.
Did I forget to mention the six horse drawn carriages to move the guests from the reception to the dinner? The Chasseurs a Cheval of the Guard outriders were missing but I am sure it was only for lack of uniforms.
The guest list included some one hundred of the best and brightest stars of the hobby: Don Featherstone, Ian Dickie, Scotty Bowden, Jim Getz, Duke Siegfried, Keith Leidy, Dick Sossi, Ken Bunger, Bill Protz, Johnson Hood, Dick West, Bob Coggins, actually, too many to list. And most in black tie! In addition, Todd's charming wife and parents, as well as many of the women -- wives and others -- who have for years backed their menfolk and now are known to many of us.
With so many friends, such excellent food and drink and the best of musical talents to distract one, it is almost easy to forget the shop itself. Built from the ground up specifically forThe Emperor's Headquarters, the shelves are quickly fillingwith games, paints, books, figures and the other needs of miniature wargamers. But take a minute to look at the walls. One of the two standards ever made for the Marines of the Guard is encased there. And autographs of the Emperor are also framed for viewing. You will surely be drawn to the gaming tables in the rear room. The larger table, which could easily accommodate forty garners, was laid out with Geo-Hex and masses of French and Russian 15mm. A smaller table features some finely sculptured landscape and 25mm American Civil War figures.
The shop will hopefully become the standard for hobby shop design and sales layout.
Memorable seems like an inadequate word to describe this gala affair. But I am sure that as long as any of the attendees are alive and meeting with otherwargamers, the openingof the Emperor's Headquarters will be remembered and mentioned.
And while wargamers might not get quite the same reception we did at the opening, I am sure that the spirit of service and comradeship will prevail at Emperor's Headquarters making your visit a memorable one also.
The Emperor's Headquarters is at 5744 West Irving Park Road, Chicago, Illinois.
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