I started my collection shortly before I started working for the City of Bronson. I found a reel that had my towns name on it at a garage sale. I've always been a bit of a collector. Anything really, if it was cool I'd collect it. I have 50 harmonica's, scads of old wrenchs & tools, wood pulley's you name it.
When I hired in with the City we had just been served notice that we were a potentially responsible party in a Super Fund Site. The City manager had me going through all the old Council minutes and any archives I could find. I got to know so much more about my home town and started collecting all things Bronson.
Bronson Reel Company had their own plating line so I researched information on them. They ceased manufacturing at the end of 1967. They were actually in business when we moved to town in 1962 when I was 5. I don't remember that, but my brother who is 5 years older that me remembered going down to the "Reel" to get his spin cast reel fixed on a number of occasions. He fished every summer of his youth.
I now have over 500 Bronson reels and haven't wetted a line since free fish weekend in 2000 when a few of my fellow Kiwanians took a bunch of children to Gilead Lake to introduce them to fishing. Hooks flying everywhere and birds nests. I quit fishing after two casts and spent the rest of the time baiting hooks, untangling lines and laughing my *bass* off at the kids. They were all excited. We didn't land too many fish but everyone had a good time.
I'll collect forever too (If my wife lets me
)
and I like it.
