Met Ray (Butch) Borgert in Bronson Mi on Aug 15. He repairs reels and has a lot of Bronson reel parts inventory. Butch used to work at the Bronson plant when it was closing down, so he has some interesting first hand knowledge about Bronson. After several hr, I left 9 reels for Butch to Fix. He has a small shop in his garage. His tel is 517-369-9398. Does not have an email address, but is working on getting one.
Of course, it would be unconstitional to visit Bronson, Mi, and not go to City Hall. Well, just by chance, the Top Man, Mr. Dave O'Rourke was there to met us. At 1st look, it was just like any other City Office, but away in the corners, on shelves, and on desks were - Guess What - Bronsons, Bronsons, Bronsons.---- A great privilega to vist with Dave. He let me take some photos, and even brought out a "small" box of Bronsons. Dave gave me a copy of the History of Bronson Reel Co. Tried to slip a Silver Princess in my pocket, but no luck. A great visit. Thanks Dave for the hospitality.
(Change of venue)
Two days later - 4 weeks ago today, I visited an amazing town in Indiana - Shipshewana. Attended the "normal" Wednesday auction. Starts at 8Am so got up early. If you ever have been there at the Auction start, it is an unbelievable event. The auction barn is about 150' wide x 4-500' long.
When the bell rings, eleven, yes eleven auctioneers start at the same time. Each has a bull horn, a scribe and a step ladder. There were 4 auctioneers in the first row separated by about 20', then about 30' further there are another 4 auctioneers, and finally the next row with a paltry 3 auctioneers. Now, to keep things interesting, you pay as you go by CASH, or unless you have a previously approved auction Number - you pay the Scribe. It is unreal to watch this process.
Was unable to find a fishing reel at the auction, but did find a hard rubber sided Pflueger in the Flea Market. This is a HUGE Flea Market - 1000 vendors -that is in operation each Tues and Wed from 1st of May through end of Oct. Be careful driving as this is Almish country and buggies are everywhere.
Hoped to get to Niles, and stop to vist with Jim Madden; however, the time was too short. My reason going to Niles was to check out some print blocks as noted by Jim in one of his Posts. Hope to visit next time I go to Angola. Thanks Jim for the invite.
Returning to Angola, I was given a name of a "SHOP" in Orland Indiana by Mr Dave O'Rourke. This shop sells suntans, fishing reels, tapes, etc., and is under the careful operation of Mr. Stew Onstott. And guess what, he has a wesite Fishnutts.com. Stew fishes tournaments besides operating his shop. Told him I was a membe of ORCA and was looking for old reels.
The fist thing he ask me was if I know HARVEY GARRISON. As we talked more, he explained that he was looking for a special kind of lune, and somebody directed him to Havey. Well, after an exchange with Harvey, I think over the web, Stew told me that Harvey just sent some special lure stuff - at no charge. Harvey, he was so impressed, that he said he had to repay you somehow.
Well, thats the trip. ORCANs around the WORLD - maybe not quite. Now to get back to trying out my new camera, and enjoying my memories of this grand tour.
Dale
