System Day 2024

“When we think how universally the Pipe has affected modern thought, in art, science, literature, politics, and even the pulpit how it has contributed to the best wit of our time; how it has given relief and solace to overworked brains; how it has drawn men together everywhere in many a jovial social smoke, and added comfort to countless chimney corners, the importance of supplying as perfect a Pipe as possible is at once recognized.” —Charles Peterson, Preface to the 1896 Kapp & Peterson Catalog Every once in a while I like to remember that pipe smoking is a very real, substantial blessing to the lives of many men and women across the world. When I do, I always recall the words Charles Peterson wrote for the preface to the first Peterson catalog in 1896, words important enough that he included them in the 1906 catalog as well.  Today we celebrate the 126th anniversary of Peterson’s final patent on his System pipe. I hope that today and in the week to come you’ll find something of value in quiet reflections offered here—poetry, photography, autobiography, digital art, and even a prayer or two. Happy Smoaks! Mark Z E N   M I N D ,    S Y S T E M  M I N D   Jason Canady, CPG.  There’s something to be said about the solace a pipe brings to a dark night. I light it with large hands cupping the precious ember shielding it from the wind as if protecting a small soul from the dark. I excel, blowing the smoke into the air and exorcizing demons.   Nate Lynn CPG. I was raised in a cult and I was always told my greatest issue was that I was a thinker, but a thinker I remained until I thought my way out at the age of 18, So when I discovered the "Thinking Man’s Pipe" I felt as if I found a pipe that got me; after all my thoughts have been my greatest ally. When I bought my first system pipe I found not only a great smoking experience but realized it was a pipe that let me not "think" about the pipe as much as I had before with an unfiltered pipe as I was always fiddling with it to keep the smoke dry and cool but instead it just let me think about what I wanted to, or even better not think. On cooler mornings, my family tends to find me with one of my system pipes in hand, my Pete geek mug filled with tea, or coffee and a good book, the morning books are usually something spiritual such as the Bible or something by CS Lewis. In the evening my family finds me outside on the porch swing, slowly swinging, system pipe in hand accompanied by a snifter of good cognac, or a Glen Cairn with my favorite bourbon, scotch or whisky. My system pipe, the cooler air, the creak of the porch swing all…