However, this was a short-lived proposition and Canadian and American operations were merged in 1934. Business was reasonably good during the Depression as evidenced by the plant expansion described above. 2018 Antique Rod and Reels… South Bend was one of the biggest tackle companies in the United States boasting a full line of rods, reels, lures and just about anything you can think of for fishing. Post by Ron Mc » Tue Apr 24, 2007 3:46 pm. South Bend Fly Reels Good morning avgfan and Ron: Very nice looking reel. South Bend Bait Co. Oct 24 Thomas Rod Co., F. E. Oct 24 Winston, R.L. South Bend lure index. south bend fly reel model 1180 (523.6k) south bend futura 101-202-303 (557.2k) south bend g2000a (543.3k) south bend ginger quill rim 1154 page 1 (487.6k) south bend ginger quill rim 1154 page 2 (476.7k) south bend hurricane (518.2k) south bend norseman 110 (549.8k) south bend norseman 110g (550.8k) south bend oreno 355 parts list (550k) south bend oreno 355-365-365(1) (529k) south bend … According to the patent, the rods were designed to mimic the flexible and resilient properties of laminated hunting bows that were in favor at the time. With the installation of Cross Rod here, South Bend was making split bamboo and steel rods, and wooden and bucktail lures. Long-time employees still blamed many of the company’s problems during this time on the abrupt changes brought about because of Hennings’ death. 450A Vintage Casting Reel. $24.50. Antique and Vintage Pflueger Fishing Tackle . Contact Us Working conditions in the plant, as well as pay, were issues in the strikes. And of course the gear. Sorry no box. Burstein became President. The patent was for a half round, intricately laminated, bamboo rod and it was issued on August 4, 1928. It's many variations were manufactured possibly by South Bend, certainly by Winchester and latterly by Shakespeare, alongside their own equivalent Kazoo model. Over the next year they moved production to other plants and suspended operations in South Bend, claiming that the plant was uneconomical. Vintage Fishing Photos Other than Ivar Hennings, information is sketchy on the early management of the South Bend Bait Company. During the Depression, Ivar Hennings offered to make good any employee deposits at a savings and loan company where he had been an officer. Some dirt, scratches, scuffs, etc. By early 1942, South Bait turned to war production subcontracting to major producers, such as Bendix, and making small machined parts. $8.85 shipping . Our Sponsors. Large Production Reel Companies, Big Game & Salt Water Reels South Bend dubbed these rods the "Crossbow Stave". New THE SOUTH BEND ANTI-BACK-LASH CASTING REELS, 1905-1934 South Bend History! It cost $15.00 new. 6 watching. According to the patent, the rods were designed to mimic the flexible and resilient properties of laminated hunting bows that were in favor at the time. By 1912, the company moved down the street to the second floor of the old St. Joseph Hotel which had become a center of light manufacturing. You'll find new or used products in South Bend Vintage Fishing Reels on eBay. Free shipping on selected items. This stimulated the sale of multiplying reels … Shows some signs of wear with minor scuff marks around item. During World War II, bait production stopped, although the company produced red, white, and blue lures for bond drives and other similar purposes. In the exploration of skeleton reels it looked very much as if South Bend products were made initially by Winchester then subsequently by Shakespeare. Our shipping cost is for orders … Judd Leighton of the bank was added to the company’s board. Most of these makers were trained as jewelers and had experience cutting gears and producing precision lathe work. Bryan and Dennis, officers at the Indiana and Michigan Electric Company in South Bend, may have met Hennings through the electrical company connections. South Bend Oren-O-Matic 1140-A. After further research, the South Bend #47 was first built in 1942. In 1923, manufacturing operations moved to South Bend bringing with it key management and manufacturing personnel. Employees became a part of the United Furniture Workers Union, in conjunction with employees at nearby South Bend Toy Company. Vintage South Bend … South Bend's big game rods were designed and patented by Wesley Jordan and assigned to South Bend. Snyder’s reels were developed in the 1820s, and became the basis of the “Kentucky Reels”, made by such artisans as Meek, Milam, Sage, Hardman and Gayle. $24.95. Oct 01 The Heddon De Luxe Rod. Free shipping. The South Bend 1131/1131A family of reels was one of the most important in American fishing history, and it is covered in exquisite details in this book. Harold Stream joined the company as bookkeeper in 1916 and would remain in various capacities until the 1960s, eventually becoming Chairman of the Board. For the first time he was listed as the proprietor of the Worden Bait Company, although several sources claim that he was manufacturing lures during the 1890s. An index of information on South Bend fishing lures. When Ivar Hennings married Helen Fisher in 1928, she became a director of the company also. Click Here for Directions and Map. (tried to show what I could in photos), but still works smoothly. On November 11, 1950, South Bend Bait received a shocking blow with the death of 68 year old Ivar Hennings. Oktober 1851 erreichte die erste Dampflokomotive South Bend und das benachbarte Mishawaka. Frank Worden was no longer listed in the directory and may have gone to New York. In 1920, South Bend Bait moved to 1108 South High Street, the former Miller-Knoblock wagon factory which had most recently been the Burn-Oil engine plant. The officers stabilized and Hennings, Pagin, Graham (who returned as secretary by 1921), and Stream (who had been appointed Treasurer) continued in office until the deaths of Pagin and Graham in the 1930s. South Bend also made many private label products (for Sears and Montgomery Ward) and some items for competitors. Vintage South Bend Finalist Fly Reel 1155. Finding you excellent vintage & antique lures. Following the deaths of John Pagin and A.G. Graham the company management changed. Harold Stream came back to the company as Chairman of the Board and H.S. South Bend Finalist 1155. years, competing head to head with Montague and South Bend. Then graduated to Ru Mer reels until the 80″s. The purpose of this board is to discuss, ask questions about, and give answers concerning fly reels, their makers and their history. By the time these modifications were completed, the factory buildings had a streamlined up to date façade, although interior views prove that the factory’s interiors were a motley of new and old construction. Times under the caption, "Biggest Fishing Tackle Plant Founded in Akron Farm House." As noted earlier, much of the company’s manufacturing had been moved to Iowa. And the last one shown is the SB1110, which is their version of the Shakespeare AuSable. Also, during 1922, John Pagin joined South Bend Bait Company as Vice-President. South Bend 1926 catalog: color plate for underwater minnows. Tackle. I recently came to own a SB Finalist 1155 fly reel- a very large reel that was maybe designed for salmon, steelhead or salt. Honor Built Honor Sold Shakespeare Made in the U.S.A. 1357 - 8 1/2' Circa: Condition: Remarks: Donated by: 1952: Excellent (Material.. Split Bamboo) Terrance Puchtell: Shakespeare Fiberglass. They staged two strikes in 1937, one of them a sit-down strike. The South Bend Bait Company grew out of a small company founded by Frank G. Worden, who manufactured bucktail fly lures in his home. Gerard Brooks became President. Fabricated in brass, the 1180 was the first example of a reel that enjoyed a chequered career. The most comprehensive reel site on the internet, Big Game & Salt Water Reels Photos & Info. South Bend's big game rods were designed and patented by Wesley Jordan and assigned to South Bend. Ivar Hennings became Chairman of the Board by 1940 in order to devote more time to outside interests and Stream became President as well as Treasurer. I However, the main entrance to The History Museum and the Studebaker National Museum is located on Thomas Street, which is between Washington Street & Western Avenue (one block south of Washington Street). The first South Bend St. Joe appeared in the catalogue in 1924 in the shape of the Model 1180. Fly Fishing Reels My first spinning reel in the early 50’s was a Langley with a Harnell rod. Related Categories. However, during the 1950s and 1960s, South Bend subcontracted many operations, so many products were made by other companies. Worden first appears listed in the South Bend city directories in 1896 as an agent for the Grand Union Tea Company and lived with an Alexander Worden at 850 Forest Avenue. None of the later years match the picture. He apparently felt obligated to do this, since he had heavily promoted the saving and loan among employees. Mrs. Hennings became Corporate Secretary, and Larry Haffner resigned. reels rods tackle boxes Makers. High Quality Makers Local attorney A.G. Graham was added to the board. South Bend dubbed these rods the "Crossbow Stave". Edges and corners. Like Hennings, most of these officers were active fishermen and involved in conservation groups such as the Izaak Walton League. Guest. The South Bend lure collection: How to Identify underwater minnows by Pflueger, Heddon and South Bend. In June 1910, three South Bend men; Fred Dennis, F.A. The company soon employed about 50, mostly women, and made both wooden lures and the bucktail lures. In 1955, the company’s name was changed to South Bend Tackle to dispel the image of live bait given by the company’s original name and to let the public know that South Bend marketed a full-line of rods, reels, lures, and accessories, as it had for over 30 years. This latter organization would become the Associated Fishing Tackle Manufacturers and would write the NRA codes for the fishing tackle industry. As part of the agreement, Jordan moved to South Bend to set up the machinery, organize a rod production facility and train the employees. 4 posts • Page 1 of 1. chase Member Posts: 3 Joined: 07/12/17 22:22. Vintage Rods Made in USA Orig. The increase activity of the business allowed expansion of the factory. 1140 MODEL D FREE STRIPPING FLY REEL ROD in good working condition. During most of South Bend’s history, Shakespeare of Kalamazoo, Michigan, manufactured South Bend Bait Company’s fishing reels, but when this arrangement started is unknown. Hennings’ considerable holdings in the company came under the control of First Bank and Trust Company as trustees for his estate. ORCA Online Forum - Feel free to talk or ask about ALL kinds of old tackle here, with an emphasis on old reels! All sales are final. South Bend Bait Co., South Bend, Ind., began its reelmaking by acquiring the rights to an antibacklash wire bail, which was used on many of their reels into the 1960s. 7/8" Capacity: Approx. In 1954, Harold Stream became Chairman of the Board and Martindill became President; John Macy was added to take charge of research and development. Copies of these hand-made reels were soon available from mass-production assembly lines from the major producers at a fraction of the price of a hand-fitted reel. Post by Guest » Mon Sep 05, 2005 4:47 am. The one pictured with the Maroon Lite Lock reel seat is the one you have and it was built in 1942. The History Museum’s postal address is 808 West Washington Street, South Bend, Indiana 46601. The contents of this site may not be used for commercial purposes, without written permission of the Northern Indiana Historical Society d/b/a The History Museum. Heyward Gibson joined the company in 1932 and became a Vice-President and advertising manager. This … F. Austin Cass, who received the patent for the Pike-Oreno lure, became Vice-President by 1921. Reel Grading System Today, a variety of fishing tackle items are sold under the South Bend name by a company in Chicago. 1140 MODEL D FREE STRIPPING FLY REEL ROD This auction is for a USED SOUTH BEND OREN-O-MATIC NO. The 1920s and 1930s were very big years for Pflueger, and they were keen on trumping their own history. South Bend made an affordable line of fishing rods for freshwater fly fishing and baitcasting as well as salt water and big game fishing. Moderator: Ken M 44. Box. One corner shows to be torn. The Kuntz family took over the business in 1908 and the company operated at the South Bend Dowel Company plant. The company operated in this manner, with headquarters in Chicago and manufacturing in Iowa, until about 1962 when the Fohrmans gave up their management responsibilities. However, he also left the company in late 1958 when Seymour and Benjamin Fohrman of Chicago purchased South Bend Tackle. At any rate, by 1957, William Martindill decided to leave South Bend Tackle, after he had made an unsuccessful offer to purchase the company. During the 1920s Ivar Hennings became involved in industry and conservation organizations and he was elected to the presidency of the Indiana Chapter of the Izaak Walton League in 1929. Mr. Forsyth died suddenly in 1925 and his heirs sold the Cross Rod Co. to the South Bend Tackle Co. in South Bend, Indiana. Im Jahr 1882 unternahm die South Bend Street Railway Company den weltweit ersten Versuch einer elektrischen Straßenbahn, die ab Herbst 1882 die beiden Nachbarstädte Mishawaka und South Bend verband. Hennings, Leusch, Gibson, and Harold Stream were referred to by employees at The Big Four and were apparently well respected. South Bend Bait Company. Other officers in South Bend Bail Company during these early years included: Claude Campbell of South Bend Chilled Plow Company who was company secretary in 1916, and William Holland of Sibley Machine and Foundry who became Vice-President by 1919. The History Museum’s mailing address is 808 West Washington Street, South Bend, IN 46601. Shop eBay for great deals on South Bend Vintage Fishing Reels. South Bend level-winding ANTI-BACK-LASH NO. Hi all, I'm new to Fly fishing. SOUTH BEND OREN-O-MATIC NO. The reel was manufactured by Shakespeare for South Bend and featured a 3 1/2-inch spool with a click and pawl drag system. However, permission is not required to create a link to the The History Museum’s Web site or any pages contained therein. 0 bids. There is a wonderful book available now written by Jim Madden, The Fishing Reels Of South Bend. The company moved out of the dowel works building to an old house on the corner of Lafayette and Colfax streets in downtown South Bend and about 1911, the owners hired Ivar Hennings, a 28 year old credit manager from Westinghouse Electric Company in Chicago as manager. F.G. Worden of South Bend, Indiana started making lures at home about 1894, and within a few years had made the South Bend Bait Company into a prosperous venture. Although South Bend rods are not considered high-end rods the larger big game rods were very well built and were used by many big game anglers. The South Bend 1122 Finalist reel is a vintage fly reel that was first introduced to consumers in the 1960s and 1970s. Frank Worden received financial assistance from J. Willard Shidler of Shidler Brothers Hardware and by 1905, the Wooden Bucktail Manufacturing Company was located on the second floor of the hardware store at 131 South Michigan Street. By 1928 the company have 400 employees. They felt that the new management did not enough of a feel for the sport of fishing and the company’s products. The 47 was the 7th highest rod built that year. Users may download material displayed on this site for noncommercial, educational purposes only, provided all copyright and other proprietary notices contained on the materials are retained. Bernard Voll, also of Sibley, was listed as Director in 1922. All bait production was moved to Iowa before 1950 and also the company’s early experiments with fiberglass rods. Thanks, you brought back great memories. Gladding continued to market “South Bend” rods until it went out of business in the mid-1970s. Vintage Fly Reel South Bend Finalist 1122 Fly Reel The item comes in its original box Balanced quick change spoools Rugged corrosion resistant housing and frame Spool diameter 3 1/2" Spool width. A company subsidiary called Fishing Tackle Products operated at 1108 South High Street, but it is unclear as to exactly what this subsidiary did. thanks … $8.45 shipping. Casting Reels Booz, Allen, Hamilton and the company’s new management recommended developing products to meet these new demands. The Fohrmans held interest in South Bend Toy and a local too and die manufacturer as well. The volume of bucktail lure production required keeping about 25,000 deer tails on hand. Not much is known about Worden’s early life or his activities after leaving South Bend. The management style of the new “professional managers” contrasted greatly with the old style under Ivar Hennings. In 1917, South Bend Bait published its first catalog, The Days of Reel Sport. The company suspended operations in Spencer, Iowa and moved production back to South Bend. Shakespeare produced South Bend’s reels and South Bend produced Shakespeare’s rods. About 1922 South Bend Bait Company acquired Cross Rod and Tackle of Lynn, Massachusetts, a manufacturer of quality bamboo rods. Burton Oliver became company manager. The company apparently operated out of Worden’s home in its earliest years. I don't know too much about this type of reel, but it is in overall good condition. The company felt that production could not be accommodated in the South Bend plant and built plants in Spencer, Maquoketa, and Estherville, Iowa. Over the years, the company made what seems like an infinite variety of reels, but only the very earliest models have significant collector value. South Bend Finalist 1155. Worden is said to have invented the 'bucktail' lure, a minnow-shaped lure with a feathery tail. Bamboo rod production was just about all that had been left in South Bend and with the decision to eliminate bamboo rods, South Bend became the general office, warehouse, and customer service center for the company. South Bend 450 Model C Anti-Back-Lash Casting Reel Pat'd. 1000 Level Winding Anti Back Lash Fishing Reel NICE 561-818-1081 | 561-748-7508 | Ed@AntiqueFishingReels.com. Hennings had always been the creative leader of the company and there seemed to be no one to fill the void caused by his death. Bertha Conway, the company office manager, filled the post as Corporate Secretary, but it is doubtful whether she had any real authority. $22.99. In addition, the public was demanding spinning reels instead of casting reels. Research and development continued and in 1938 the company introduced OBITE lures and in 1939 the Peach-Oreno was patented. In 1923, manufacturing operations moved to South Bend bringing with it key management and manufacturing personnel. The company continued to operate at the dowel works building. Until now, Shakespeare has made almost all of South Bend’s reels, and many old South Bend reels have been repaired by using Shakespeare parts. Employment did increase, down to 250 in 1935 from the 400 mentioned in the late 1920s and hours decreased, somewhat, for those remaining employed. During most of South Bend’s history, Shakespeare of Kalamazoo, Michigan, manufactured South Bend Bait Company’s fishing reels, but when this … Miscellaneous Antique Tackle Antique tackle and information Below you will find several galleries containing photos of a wide array of vintage fishing tackle and memorabilia from days gone by. “Genuine South Bend Wood Lures” were made and sold by the Lhur-Jensen Company of Hood River, Oregon for a time. Post by chase » 07/12/17 23:05. The South Bend Lure Reel & Rod Company got its start in the late 1890's, its first Company name was the Specialty Manufacturing Company. I only ship within … Abu Ambassadeur Arbogast Bagley Bomber Creek Chub Heddon Orvis Paw Paw Pflueger Rapala Shakespeare South Bend Storm Related. These outfits replaced my original Calcutta surf rod and 155 penn conventional reel loaded with 36 lb braided nylon, which I could barely cast into the surf in Seaside Park, N.J. Ending Today at 7:00PM PST 15h 48m. Jim. This arrangement did not last long, as by 1906, Jacob Kuntz, owner of the South Bend Dowel Works had become Worden’s partner and the company moved its operations to 402 South Michigan Street. Despite their plans, business was rather poor and the company only had about four employees with sales about $7,300. In addition, the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame also credits Worden with introducing propellers fore and aft on wooden lures, an innovation that other lure manufacturers adopted in 1907. Following the war, Larry Haffner became company Treasurer, leaving Stream as President. The patent was for a half round, intricately laminated, bamboo rod and it was issued on August 4, 1928. This makes perfect sense when you look at the evolution of the South Bend Bait Co. Their earliest products were carved wooden baits, expanding into rods with the acquisition of Cross Rod and Tackle in 1922. Their announced plans included adding rods and reels to the company’s line of products which, at that time, included wooden minnows, bucktail lures, and hooks. Oct 24 Wright McGill Rod Company. This entailed completely changing the company’s products. This company that came to be known as the World's Largest Manufacturer of Fishing Tackle traces its history to 1812 but did not become involved with fishing tackle until 1863 when an English immigrant named James Horrocks was hired as … Ivar Hennings and an unidentified partner bought out the other owners in 1915 and in 1916 he acquired the right to a patent of James Olds of Benton Harbor, Michigan, for a lure which was to become the Bass-Oreno, the most popular lure made by South Bend Bait Company. I've picked up some vintage gear. The consulting firm of Booz, Allen, Hamilton was bought in to advise about company operations and they recommended retaining additional management. The pent-up demand for fishing tackle following the war was very good for South Bend Bait’s business. Misc. Ron Mc Star Board Poster Posts: 3086 Joined: Thu Apr 29, 2004 12:49 pm Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas. No manual. By 1901, Worden had married, was living at 419 North Stover (now Cottage Grove) Street, and was no longer with Grand Union Tea Company. Here for the first time three noted fishing reel historians — Leonard P. Sawisch, Jim Madden, and Dr. Todd E.A. 1357 Marvel Fly Rod: 8 1/2' Half Wells: 3/2???? The main entrance to The History Museum and the Studebaker National Museum is located on Thomas Street, which is one block south of Washington Street. In January 1909, Jacob Kuntz changed the name of his company to the South Bend Bait Company. About 1930 the company remodeled and added to these facilities and did further remodeling in 1935. Top. You will find glass eye baits, Indiana Lures, Die Cut Ads, Old Plugs, Various Oreno lures, Fly Rod Flyrod Flies, Frogs, minnows, and more! The Fohrmans moved company headquarters to Chicago. or Buy It Now. The company also established a Canadian subsidiary in 1930 with a plant at Coburg, Ontario and business offices in Toronto. A nice one just sold last night on Ebay for $47.00! There was a great deal of pressure on the tackle industry as a whole by imports, as well as, changes brought about by the public demand for the new fiberglass and spinning reels. South Bend Bait Company Fishing Lures & tackle for sale. Bryan, Burton Oliver, and Malcolm Carrington, of Pittsburgh, took over the South Bend Bait Company. This closing resulted in the layoff of 90 production workers, of which 75 were women. Box shows major wear around seams. Basically, bamboo rod production was all that was left to be produced at the South Bend plant. South Bend Dowel Company became the supplier for the red cedar blanks for Worden’s wooden lures, an arrangement that would last, at least, until the 1920s and possibly much longer. A number of changes occurred during 1953 as a result: William C. Martindill was brought in as Executive Vice-President, and soon after, Gerard Brooks joined the company as Vice-President. An interesting story of the birth and development of Pflueger tackle was printed recently in the Akron (O.) South Bend series with Comficient Grips (from 1941 South Bend Trade Catalog) South Bend had gotten into the bamboo fly rod market through the purchase of the Cross Rod Company of Massachusetts in 1926, a move that fortuitously brought the firm the great Wes Jordan, who oversaw production of South Bend Cross rods until the late 1930s. Heyward Gibson retired and a few months later, Bill Leusch moved to customer relations. He was elected Vice-President of the Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Institute in 1930. One former company official attributed this to the unemployed purchasing fishing equipment in order to catch fish and provide for their families. Really appreciated your history of Salt Water Reels. These changes apparently did not affect enough of a change in the company’s fortunes. During 1964 Gladding purchased South Bend Tackle and merged four rod and tackle companies with South Bend Tackle. Although bamboo rods had been the mainstay of the company’s rod business since the purchase of Cross Rod in the early 1920s, by the early 1950s fiberglass rods had become very popular with the public. Larson — combine forces to chronicle the detailed (and often confusing) history of the legendary South Bend Anti-Back-Lash baitcasting reel! ©2021 Antique Fishing Reels - All Rights Reserved | Design by: Virtual Dreamz, Inc. creels fish and game licenses fish and game patches and pins floats and bobbers Collectibles. Spinning Reels With the installation of Cross Rod here, South Bend was making split bamboo and steel rods, and wooden and bucktail lures. By 1941 South Bend was producing an impressive array of rods, … Unauthorized use of the Northern Indiana Historical Society d/b/a The History Museum’s logo and Web site logo is not permitted. Auction Alerts. William Leusch, a brother-in-law of Mrs. Hennings, joined the company as a sales representative, becoming factory manager in1936, and Vice-President of manufacturing in 1940. 4 posts • Page 1 of 1. Clarence “Larry” Haffner handled most of the defense contract negotiations for South Bend Bait during the war, assisted by long-time employee Ralph Paige. :@><193A5B=7;36;73045B:",o="";for(var j=0,l=mi.length;j