Although the total number of tables might not have compared to
some of the major shows of the lure collectors, it was great to look
down an aisle and see nothing but the glitter of brass, nickel and
German silver. Fly reels,
bait casters,
spinning reels, and even those giant offshore big game reels as far as
the eye could see! The Old Reel Collectors Association was in town.
Collectors from coast to coast returned to one of
the cradles of early reel-making for the second ORCA Annual Convention
and Show in Rochester NY on September 13-16. Collectors started showing
up on Wednesday, and that evening a gathering was held in the restaurant
of the Rochester Radisson. Most of the members were surprised at how
many ORCA devotees came early, but were happy to have some rooms full of
reels to look at. There were about six rooms open Wednesday evening and
everyone had a great time rehashing old stories.
There were no formal activities on Thursday, but by
evening there were over 30 rooms occupied, and lots of handle spinning
going on. Members from Michigan, Idaho, Georgia, and all parts in
between occupied the time with room searching, and socialization.
The
Show
After the conclusion of the casting contest on
Friday, the ORCA members were becoming restless, and were pleased to be
able to set up their tables.
It was a chance to look at the new stuff that was
not seen during the room to room phase of the show. The ball room
literally shown with the reflection of all the neat stuff available for
reel enthusiasts. Some was for sale, and some was only there to look at.
But there was something for everyone.
Seely Pratt, the son of the founder of the Union
Steel Chest Corp., of nearby LeRoy, NY had a display of the company's
old metal tackle boxes. Union has been out of business for many years.
Everyone was wowed by his solid copper box.
Across the aisle were spinning reels displayed by
Show Co-Chairman Ben Wright that 99% of the members had never seen
before, and would probably never see again. As always, Ben was more than
willing to show anyone how these intriguing reels worked, and explain
where they came from.
Who would ever
expect to see three Billinghurst reels in one display (photo to the
right), including a rare large size? Rochester resident Kyle Kuba had
those reels as a part of his "knock your eye out" rare reel collection.
And then there was the Ricketts reel mentioned on
the "Back Page" column of Reel News Editor Phil White in the Summer
issue of the Reel News. When the column was written it was thought that
none of these reels existed. Phil later learned that weird reel
aficionado Steve Vernon had one and they decided to put together a
display for this show. Before the week started, Vernon had added another
Ricketts reel to his collection and the display was to feature the two
reels.
The day of the show, Kyle Kuba brought out his
Ricketts reel, and turned the two reel + book display, into a three
person joint display. Kuba had a nickel plated version mounted on a
tubular rod.
Then there was the spectacular display of South
Bend 1131 reels that illustrated the well researched article of Len
Sawisch’s that has been running in the Reel News. The display was well
set up and very informative.
If you didn’t want to just stand and gawk at the
great "do not touch" stuff, there was always the wonderful reels Andy
Foster carried with him from Iowa, or the hundreds of reels that filled
the tables of Henry Caldwell. Andy did brighten the room with a very
unusual brass Talbot reel. No one present could remember ever seeing a
brass Talbot.
Well known metal collector Steve Hays had a fine
display of books that were useful for all collectors, and the books of
Steve Vernon, Phil White, Dennis Roberts, Ben Wright and all our
member-writers were there to educate us all. Vernon also had a
tremendous assortment of vom Hofe big game reels.
The show finally closed down at 9:00 PM, with
everyone retiring to somewhere to eat or just sack out.
Saturday
the show opened to the public at 9:00, and it was more of the same.
Reels everywhere, and everyone having a great time. I believe all would
have liked to see some great upper NY reels walk in the door, but it
didn't happen.
Around noon a halt was taken when show host Dale
York (photo to the left) thanked all his helpers, and all those who did
such a good job on this show. The ORCA Officers present were all
introduced - Ben Wright - Vice President, Roger Schulz - Sec-Treasurer,
Steve Vernon and Andy Foster - directors, and Phil White - Editor.
Harvey Garrison, ORCA Librarian was also introduced. ORCA was also
pleased to have the support of NFLCC President Doc Herr, and NFLCC
Regional VP’s Dave Hartranft and Steve Hays.
During the morning a three person judging panel
looked over the displays, and after a great deal of pondering came up
with their decision. The Reel Display award is based on a combination of
the reels, the presentation, and the educational value. All reels should
be labeled and their story told in a pleasant manner so that the
observer can learn from just looking at the display. There were some
wonderful displays, and it was too bad that all members who took the
time to participate couldn’t be a winner.
The display
winners were: Best In show - Len Sawisch for his South Bend 1131 Anti
Backlash Reel Display (see picture to the right). It was as complete and
comprehensive as Len's articles currently running in the Reel News.
Second place was awarded to Phil White for his Yawman & Erbe display,
and the third place winner went to the conglomerate of Steve Vernon,
Phil White, and Kyle Kuba for their display of J. A. Ricketts material
and Glide Reels. A new award was the best individual reel in the show.
This award was presented to the one individual reel that was a "Reel
Wowser". It doesn’t have to be the rarest, most expensive, or shiniest
reel. The award goes to the reel that the judges feel best makes you
want to say "Wow! That’s really neat!" The winner of this Best Reel In
Show was Bill Holbein for his 7" giant Billinghurst reel. Bill is a new
ORCA member that has been collecting for many years, and has a powerful
collection. The Billinghurst was the type of reel the judges were
looking for. When you saw it you had to say it was one awesome reel.
After the meeting ended, there was an auction
held for some things that came in the door, or were offered by members
in attendance. There were several lots of nice stuff that went for
bargain prices. By the end of the auction most of the attendees were
ready to call it quits for the day, and the tables were cleared, boxes
packed and hauled off, and a lot of reely happy people headed for their
cars or planes for the ride home.
As soon as possible, the date for the 2001 ORCA
National Convention and Show will be announced. The Board of Directors
met at Rochester, and have many hopes for a new concept in a weekend
full of fun for members. Stay tuned for more to come.
Meanwhile, many thanks to Dale York, Ben Wright
and their helpers for a show well done.
THE CASTING CONTEST
The annual ORCA National Antique Tackle Casting
Tournament was the first of the organized events, beginning at Noon
Friday. It started up with eight participants, but ended with nine
contestants. Pat Bianchi did a great job of organizing the event and
running it smoothly between wind gusts. The entrants were all happy to
keep Pat distracted and lower his score.
The Non Level wind events were held first, with
George McCabe winning the distance event, and Phil White the accuracy
event. George was casting with an E. F. Payne 6' model 304 bamboo
casting rod, and a B. F. Meek & Sons No. 3 free spool reel (Wow!). Phil
used a five foot Thomas Wilson tubular steel, four piece rod, because it
was the only one that fit into his suitcase. His reel of choice was a
narrow spool J. A. Coxe 25C.
Among
the crowd observing the events, was lure guru Joe Stagnitti. Joe who is
an avid bass fisherman, became intrigued, and tried out his hand with a
rod and reel borrowed from contest chairman Pat Bianchi. Joe was
encouraged to enter the upcoming level wind events. Little did everyone
(including Joe) know what was in store, as Joe ended winning both
events. Joe was casting a Heddon Pal 5-1/2 foot rod, and a Coxe 95
reel.
After this sterling performance by Joe, it was
decided to let the ringer cast for the overall trophy by reopening the
non level wind events. He did well, but not quite well enough to win the
overall, or change the results of the first two events.
Little did Joe realize that the whole scenario
was a plot, for before the day was over he had purchased a Shakespeare
#1740 Tournament reel, and was preparing himself mentally for next years
events. Then on Saturday he added to his tournament arsenal by
purchasing the rod and reel that Pat Bianchi had loaned him to use in
the tourney. Soon he'll be seen purchasing various oil weights and
testing them in all kinds of weather, stripping light lines off old
reels, and so on - for he's hooked.
After all the points
from the four events were tallied, the overall winner of the casting
contest was ORCA Editor Phil White (photo to the right) who proved that
luck is more important than talent. Phil cast both events with that old
Thomas Wilson tubular steel rod, and a pair of JA Coxe narrow spool
reels. You didn’t know Coxe made a non level wind reel? Just find one
with a broken level wind, and pull out the mechanism and gears and throw
them away. The hole on the inner side of the faceplate makes a great
port for oiling the gears.
All you spinning reel collectors get your old
reels and rods ready for action, for next year you'll probably be forced
to back up your words with action, as there are plans underfoot to
streamline the existing events and add some additional classifications.
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