Hal Thinglum My introduction to wargaming came in about 1975 when I visited the Hobby Chest, an almost legendary store for "old-time wargamers" in Chicago, and discovered that grown men actually played with 'toy soldiers', Looking for written materials so as to educate myself on the subject, I happened to pick up a number of Donald's WARGAMER'S NEWSLETTERS and it is quite possible that the simutaneous pairing of "toy soldiers" and WARGAMER'S NEWSLETTERS resulted in the phenomenon known as imprinting as ever since then I have been an unabashed fan of Donald Featherstone and have nearly every book/article he has ever written as well as large collection of his WARGAMER'S NEWSLETTERS, Initially, I was put off by the "simple" approach to wargames rules that he utilized, thinking that I would rather play by more complex and "realistic" rules. However, as the years went by, I found that the "simple" fast-moving rules are actually, for me, the most enjoyable and it seems as though a great many other people agree with that premise, In my opinion, there has not been anyone else who has had the effect that Donald has had upon the hobby of wargaming. For nineteen years he continued to publish WARGAMER'S NEWSLETTER and I still pick up past issues to review them and greatly enjoy them, Many of the ideas he presented are still valid only the dates have changed, I can not image churning out 214 issues but Donald did this on a monthly basis - it boggles the mind to think of the dedication the man had to the hobby. I always found it of interest to review copies of WARGAMER'S NEWSLETTER and to look for the changes that came over Donald as the years passed. For a long time, he pushed and pushed to get more people involved in the hobby and his enthusiasm remained at a constant high. Then, every once in awhile, the discerning reader could denote references to the fact that he may have been thinking that perhaps the hobby was getting too big, too sophisticated, too "easy" for newcomers, and that perhaps he missed the "old days" when one cast their own figures or spent months attempting to obtain a 'range of figures that one had only heard of once or twice. One could actually come to know Donald fairly well by being a continual reader of WARGAMER'S NEWSLETTER, and I always felt that from what I read, I would like Donald Featherstone if I were to know him personally. His influence upon me extended beyond wargaming on the table and instilled in me my love of the printed word in wargaming, and eventually, gave me the initiative to start MWAN, which is based upon WN and I make no bones or apologies about it, His publication, in my opinion, was the best wargaming publication ever, and I will always remember his contributions via its pages. Donald has been sent a plaque on behalf of the MWAN membership and I wish to thank those members who contributed funds toward it, as well as those who took the time to jot down some thoughts as to Donald's influence upon them. If Donald has the time, it would be nice to have a picture in MWA0N of him with his plaque. Now, some other gamer's opinions of Donald Featherstone. Thank you, Donald! Terry Gore-Rochester, NY: I remember a trip to NYC for the 1964(?) World's Fair & visiting Erust Apfel (book dealer) and purchasing Don's (How to Play) wargames book. This inspired me to start buying multitudes of ACW metal figures and was my first introduction to any Ancients type of wargames rules. Jayson Gralewicz-Waukegan, IL: I never realized how much of an influence Don had on my gaming until many years after I had started, It was while searching for a simpler set of rules that I began to dig into his writings, which stirred memories of early games which had used many of his ideas of which I was unaware. His emphasis on speed, simplicity, and fun has struck a responsive chord in at least one aging gamer. Jed Docherty Princeton 'NJ; I discovered Donald Featherstone in 1976 when I had just started with minis and he gave me a sense of pleasure in the diversity of miniatures gaming which I have kept ever since. Tom Shydler Las Vegas NV Primarily, Don's books suggested to me that it was possible, to get some consensus on gaming rules for different periods. His book on solo wargaming also lightened some dreary afternoons. Walter LeBege-Mason, IL; I have read everything I could get my hands on that he has written. I feel he has contributed greatly to my enjoyment as a wargamer. Howard Whitehouse : I grew up on Donald Featherstone, and were it not for he, I might spend my time and money on shark fishing/basket weaving/hand craving models of Queen Victoria from soap. The Featherstone books showed me how to play for fun yet be serious in efforts, and that there is life beyond restricting ourselves to one kind of wargame, Don remains a true innovator. Thanks, Don! Glenn Grwidei Cincinnati, Ohio: As a long-time (15 years) subscriber to WARGAMER'S NEWSLETTER, I greatly appreciated the time, effort, and ideas Donald Featherstone has brought forth during the last 20 years, The monthly appearance of WN is greatly missed at my how, Don's publication was many times informaative, provocative, but always great fun. It's sad to see him "retire" but tine had come for others to carry on for him. John Sutton-Philo, IL: His book BATTLENOTES FOR WARGAMERS got me interested in miniatures. JosephMatthews Shalimar' FL Don Featherstone has set a standard in his writings and in rules for clarity, simplicity, and logical dev'elopment that not only keeps them valuable as rules in their own right, but also as model to those of us who enjoy writing our own rules. He stresses the point that wargaming pursuits must be pleasurable and enjoyable before all else -- a point of view that bears repeating today. Dick Bryant I always appreciated Don's support of THE COURIER both in reviews and articles. I am indebted to WARGAMER'S NEWSLETTER for many ideas for new periods which I now enjoy, especially Western Gunfight & Skirmish. Edward Mikus Philadelphia PA I am not a wargamer, though I do collect and paint figures. I enjoy reading books and articles on the subject. Mr. Featherstone's works are prominent in my collection. William Hupp No one has ever excelled Don Featherstone in writing about battles and making them so interesting that you purchase figures at the next available opportunity. Loren Wiseman When I was still in college, after I had become associated with the people GAME DESIGNER'S WORKSHOP, but before we formed the company, I became acquainted with Donald Featherstone's books on miniature wargaming. I cannot remember the titles, but they were the only books available to me at that time. I was a dabbler in miniatures in those days. I had played a game or two of WRG Ancients, and was convinced that the Ancient period was the only one of any interest. It was the works of Featherstone that introduced me to other periods and convinced me that there were facets of post-gunpowder warfare that were just as interesting. Bill Protz My very first wargame books included three of Don's from the 1960's and early 1070s. I consider them to have given me the necessary building blocks I needed and today I still refer to them for inspiration. Stephen Lawrence Aurora, IL: His WARGAMES was my first store-bought set of rules use in conjunction with Airfix figures, His basic attitude toward wargaming is still my own basic thrust also; the game and enjoyment comes before "true historical accuracy" (a dubious aim at best). Many thanks to Don for th~s and all his other contributions to gaming, God Bless! Ned Zuparko Receiving WARGAMER'S NEWSLETTER was like having a pleasant visit with a friend from England. I'm pleased to contribute to the plaque to thank Don for many hours of enjoyable reading and his personal wargaming touch. Chris Nelson,CT: Donald Featherstone has through his writings encouraged me years ago to think of campaigns instead of just battles. He gave me, through his books, ideas on wargaming. Paddy Griffith, England I can only repeat what I said in my MWAN interview. Maybe I should add that a great thing about Don, apart from his openness to ideas from (almost!) all sides, is his energy in getting things done , publishing, organising groups of hobbyists, running conventions, etc, That is a quality which is very rare in the hobby and very precious. Warren Burrus, IL Don's books were very interesting and inspired me to work at miniature gaming. His book WARGAMES (1968 reprint) is still in my possession. The set of French & Indian War Skirmish rules introduced me to skirmish gaming which is the only field of miniature gaming I personally collect for and write any rules for. The rules are found in the named book on pages 150-151. It still is an interesting set. Thanks for opening a door for the limited budget wargamer. Luigi Casali His book WARGAMES introduced, in 1966, me to this hobby. I think he did more for wargaming than anyone in the world. Tom Field, Elk Grove Village, IL I was surprised to find I have none of his books in my library although I am familiar with his work and recognize his contributions to the hobby. Doug Ziprick His books on solo wargaming and on tank battles were the the greatest influence on my development and understanding of fun, yet realistic wargames! Doug Rorex, Illinois; I think Donald is an excellent choice. I know of few if any, others who have done as much for the hobby as he has. Hal I hope that Donald Will receive this plaque knowing of the fact that people are very thankful for his efforts in the hobby. Back to MWAN # 24 Table of Contents Back to MWAN List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 1986 Legio X This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com