Steven K. Vogel 1941-1991

[d findley]

Steve Vogel pictured here relaxing in his room after a busy day. Almost all of Steve's days were busy days. Ever busy and on the go; Steve seemed always to have/take time to listen to Ruger Collector's concerns.

[Brass Frame]

He passed away much before his early life was fulfilled. As collectors of Ruger products we really miss his help! Don, I believe he was about your age? Brass Frame/Lee

[Coogs]

For someone who STARTED collecting New Models, about 1982, when there was nothing to collect but OLD MODELS, according to some! Believe me, I tolerated a lot of criticism, a lot of shrugs and hrumps. But between Steve Vogel, D K Hummel and Pat Weich, I could not have asked for better encouragement and/or better friends, Sadly missed. Coogs.

[ElNumeroUno]

I met Steve at the 1983 Monroeville Show; he was always very supportive and helpful to me. "It is what it is" was a common response from Steve when a group of Collectors would corner him wanting to know why a certain Ruger was the way it was! Over the next 18 years, had a chance to visit with him a few times, mostly at the NRA Shows. Well recall the 1991 San Antonio NRA. Thinking K. D. Wilhite displayed his 44 Carbines there and visiting with Steve. He looked well, but died a month later.

[d findley]

I believe this was taken at an NRA show in the late 70s. If you remember and/or was there please commit.
Left to right: Steve Vogel-Joe Bowman-Jerry & Judi Wilson

[radicalrod]

Well I think it looks like you guys were have WAY TO MUCH FUN

Wish I had been there.....RR

[hittman]

I just love these history lessons and the old pictures!

[johncdougan]

Hello,

The photo was at the 1977 RCA booth at the NRA show in Salt Lake City, I think! The walnut Ruger plaque hanging on the wall was made by Neil Bennett. I don't know what ever happened to it.

The second photo was taken in a room that opened off the patio at Steve & Molly Vogel's home in Fairfield, the giant iron gates leading into the property had the words Pavilion de Chase cast onto them. The estate located on Merwin Ln. was 26 acres and the French style two story house was built before 1800, refurbished a hundred years later.

Out back was a large 200 year old barn/carriage house. On the second floor were 3-4 small apartments that were originally servant quarters. The first headquarters of the Ruger Collectors Assoc. was in one of the apartments for several years. One of the apartments served as a guest house. Molly always had a garden, and kept some chickens for fresh eggs.

Regards, John

[bigbore45colt]

Good to see you here, John. Thanks for the great info.

BB45C

[Ruger1nut]

John that walnut plaque being found would be a story in itself!! It looks amazing. It would be nice if it could be found and see the light of day again

Dave