Whirlaway-like combo, not Great Lakes

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Wed Mar 30, 2005 8:02 am

This combo looks like a Whirlaway, with a swiveling spinning reel inside, but it's marked "Northfield Jr" and "Clay Mfg., Northfield, Minn." The patent for this doodad was granted in 1942. Does anyone know the history of these reels? Did Clay produce it before it was somehow acquired by Great Lakes? Inquiring minds want to know.

The reel housing:

The rod, which also has a Kingfisher logo:

Reel Geezer · Post by **Reel Geezer** » Wed Mar 30, 2005 8:12 am

Steve: I have one of those Northfield versions and did a little inquiring and the way I gathered it was that Northfield was the original producer before selling out to Great Lake (or reorganizing - I don't remember which).

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Wed Mar 30, 2005 7:07 pm

Thanks, R.G. Incidentally, I suppose you already realized that the rod was given to buyers of another popular two-wheeled vehicle.

Airexguy · Post by **Airexguy** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 12:14 am

There is an old fellow in Bloomington MN. who has collected this reel, and spoke with the daughter of the inventor out of Northfield MN. His name is Ray Homme and his number is 952-881-7867. I purchased some Airex reels and other Airex items some years back and was amazed at his knowledge regarding Whirlaway. Hope this helps, Bob Halver----->The Airex Guy

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Thu Mar 31, 2005 6:55 am

Thanks, Bob. It's always a pleasant shock to find someone with first- or second-hand knowledge of this stuff. Will get in touch.

Whirlaway-like combo, not Great Lakes

Whirlaway-like combo, not Great Lakes

Whirlaway combo