History of Grindstone 422
The History of Grindstone 422: A Personal Journey by Joshua Keurentjes
Introduction
The Grindstone 422 story is not just a narrative about social gatherings; it's a testament to the importance of community, friendship, and personal growth. I found camaraderie and solace in the ritual of smoking cigars and pipes with peers which I was using to try and break the habit of smoking cigarettes. .
Early Days and First Friendships
After immigrating to the United States, my social interactions gained more structure. My initial foray into meaningful friendships started somewhat late. It wasn't until I was into my twenties that I experienced the joys of true companionship, often facilitated through evenings spent sharing cigars or pipes. This slow-building of relationships taught me the value of patience and the importance of shared interests in forming bonds.
I established a routine of meeting with my friend Aaron, who only lived 120 yards away, a couple of times a week. During these meetings, we would smoke pipes and engage in long conversations that ranged from mundane day-to-day affairs to deep personal revelations. These sessions laid the groundwork for a friendship that would endure the complexities of life's many changes.
Establishing Traditions
In 2012, after moving to Redding, CA I recognized the need to create a platform for social interaction that went beyond casual meet-ups. This led to the inception of Whiskey Nights, a monthly, then bi-monthly, event where I and other members of my church community would gather to taste and appreciate various whiskies. These nights were about more than just whiskey; they were about fostering a sense of community and belonging through shared experiences. There were always cigars and pipes available as well.
The routine was simple yet profound. We would compare different whiskies, discuss their nuances, and through these discussions, forge deeper connections. However, the transient nature of our lives meant that the group saw frequent changes, with people moving away and new faces joining. Each departure was a reminder of the impermanence of things and the continuous effort required to maintain and rebuild our small community.
Adapting to Change
Change is a constant, and by 2017, it had once again swept through my life. Several close friends moved away, leaving voids that were hard to fill. In 2020 another large group of guys left, and my wife requested that I stop smoking cigars. Respecting her wishes, I quit smoking cigars and only occasionally a pipe or hookah, which marked a new phase in my social interactions. Despite these changes, the core idea of bonding over smoking persisted.
Grindstone Cigar Club
The turning point came when I met Brian Marker at the airport where we both worked, in the spring of 2021. His car's license plate holder, which read "Grindstone Cigar Club," piqued my interest. It symbolized a potential to revive the camaraderie I cherished. After discussing with Brian, I was invited to join the club under a selective process that emphasized the exclusivity and commitment required by its members.
Joining the Grindstone Cigar Club rekindled the joy of shared experiences. My wife, seeing the positive impact these gatherings had on me after the very first week, encouraged my continued participation. The second week, I came as a guest of Chet Sunde. The club became more than a place to smoke; it was a sanctuary where we could unwind, share our struggles, and support each other.
Ever since joining the Grindstone, I never missed a Friday unless I was out of town and even then I would be Grinding on my own.
Expanding a Legacy
Inspired by the support and structure of the 399 Grindstone Cigar Club, I decided to replicate its model when I moved again, back to the New River Valley of Virginia.
At first it was just me and my son, Judah. Then I decided to invite others. The first week it was Isaac, Jesse, Barry and Ty. Those four guys and all but Jesse are token members now. This endeavor was not just about maintaining a tradition but about creating a lasting legacy that could withstand the ebb and flow of life. Eventually Ty offered us a permanent space at Peppers Ferry Storage and we converted 6 storage units into a cigar club.
During the annual for the 399 in 2023, 422 was officially recognized as continuing on in the same vein and heart of the 399. Starting from scratch, I hosted gatherings on my back porch, slowly cultivating a new group in honor of the 399.
Our gatherings grew, both in frequency and in the depth of our discussions. We tackled everything from personal challenges to philosophical debates, always against the backdrop of shared rituals involving cigars, pipes, or hookahs and whiskey, or like I like to say, Sticks and Water.
Impact and Vision
Over time, Grindstone 422 became more than just a club; it became a community cornerstone that profoundly impacted its members' lives. It provided a space for men to be vulnerable, to challenge each other, and to grow together. The friendships formed here went beyond superficial interactions, becoming lifelines in hard times and celebrating in times of happiness.
Grindstone 422 Future and Vision
As I look to the future, I envision Grindstone 422 continuing to thrive and expand its influence. My goal is not just to maintain this community but to see it flourish and serve as a model for others. The principles of authenticity, generosity, and commitment that have guided us thus far will continue to be the pillars upon which we build. These of course stem from the values of Logos, Philos and Arete upon which The Grindstone Cigar Club was originally founded.
The story of Grindstone 422 is a powerful reminder of the impact that a group of committed individuals can have on each other's lives. It illustrates the transformative power of community and the enduring nature of friendships forged through shared interests and experiences. As we move forward, we carry with us the lessons learned and the bonds formed, ever hopeful of the positive changes we can bring about in each other's lives and the broader community and extending the legacy of all those who have come before us. Long live the 399 and the 422!
