Being a funeralologist, thanalogist, and a hearse nut myself, I have found it very difficult to recover information about the past, finding sincere people today, or what can be preserved for tomorrow. The current market is opening to our advantage, but I've been collecting for forty years-so when you get the finger at the stop light, and people think you're weird, imagine what it was like forty years ago. That's when I learned to use the words: "F__you!" And here we are, we are out of the closet. And a very well educated society to boot-as most PHDs (Pro Hearse Drivers, or wannabes) are.

     The Society is not in place of or in competition with your hearse clubs, but an addition of many dark world people who have the same interests, and would like to share their experiences with others. I am sure it will prove quite interesting. All PHDs are invited to contribute to the newszine, which will not only be sent to members, but will also be sold in several places. In addition to the members' tales, we will include factual information and history about the entire funeral world: from embalmers to grave diggers, etc. We will have many areas of interest that will be listed at the end of the introduction.

    We also do not favor one club over another, but will include articles from all, and they can write an article every issue. Presently, we will publish every two months. We have an editorial staff, a couple of research librarians, an art director, etc.     In addition to the newszine, we will have a gift shoppe that is starting with thirty-plus items and growing. The members will receive a 20% discount on all merchandise, and for every membership you refer, you will receive a $5 gift certificate to use at the gift shoppe. No limit. We will sell to anyone, but there will be some items available only to members. These include: out-of-print books, new publications, the Mad Hatter top hat, priest robes and more to come.     We hope to help in areas in which there are no existing clubs, find out about others in their area, and then maybe they can organize themselves. We have several foreign members that have great stories to share, as well.     Eventually, we will have a message board on the web site-as well as full classified and want ads-free to members-and they will be offered on the net as well as the newszine.

     We are open to any type of comment or ideas you may have. And if you don't wish to e-mail or write, you may call and chat with the editor-Susie LaSalle.     The response has been overwhelming to date, and know we have great products to offer, as well as the state of the art newszine.     If anyone is dubious regarding spending $30 for a USA year's subscription, or $37.00 for foreign subscription, you may order a sample of the newszine for $7, including postage.     If you would like to tell us about yourself, your club, or would like to write a comment-you are welcome. We also welcome photos to include with your article (clothed please).     We offer several categories and you can review to see where you fit in. We will also have contests every issue for members.

     I hope you will become part of the society, and if the numbers come through, we would like to plan a meet with a swap-shoppe in the coming year. We have many, many ideas for the society and will share with you as they materialize.

Categories Being Considered:

1. Clubs
2. Hearses
3. Flower Cars
4. Miscellaneous cars
5. Ambulances
6. Ladies in Hearses
7. Humor
8. Funeral Homes
9. Embalming
10. Animals in Hearses
11. Motorcycle Hearses
12. Horse-Drawn Hearses
13. Museums
14. Grave Yards
15. Mechanics

    If you wish to be included with a story in our magazine issue, and have chosen a category-please include the following and any photos. If you would rather call and talk to a morbid human, call (303) 778-0853 or (303) 778-6508.

Name (real & stage):
e-mail address:
phone (optional):
state & location: