The History of TAPS

Not since it’s heyday in the 1940’s has pipe smoking been as popular as it is today.  Pipes are no

longer something you see in old “ Father Knows Best” reruns or in tintypes of your great grand-dad.

Like their distant cigar cousins, pipes are becoming increasingly popular as a safe and moderate

way to enjoy tobacco.

Pipes are also making a strong comeback, with clubs and full-fledged pipe shows appearing

with more regularity and frequency across the country.  With this resurgence of pipes, Raleigh

is reacting with their own local pipe club:  The Triangle Area Pipe Smokers.  TAPS started

in January 1997 and the club has since grown from two members, Jim Carrino and Jim Swindell,

to more than 50 today.

Jim Carrino and Jim Swindell met at a pipe show in Richmond, Virginia.  They decided to start

a pipe club in the Triangle so that people who enjoyed pipe smoking could share their passion. 

Their hope was that one day Raleigh could have a pipe show of its own. Today this dream

has become a reality.   

TAPS has hosted an annual Pipe & Tobacco Exposition every spring since 1998. Our 2012 event

will be held at the NC State Fairgounds in Raleigh, NC.