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The next gathering for antique tackle collectors will be held at Heddon Museum August 12 at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the former Heddon factory at 414 West St. in Dowagiac, Mich. The Museum is located two blocks north and two blocks west of the Mc Donald's.


The famous South Bend Bass-Oreno was first made in 1915. The lure on the left is an early, no eye example and the one on the right is a 1920 example, with glass eyes.The famous South Bend Bass-Oreno was first made in 1915. The lure on the left is an early, no eye example and the one on the right is a 1920 example, with glass eyes.Two retired Michiana school teachers have presented their historical displays of antique tackle at the Niles Riverfest for 23 years and they’ll do it again this year at the Riverfront Park Aug. 2-3 from 9 a.m. until dusk.

Ric Ladonski will display over 100 fishing reels ranging in age from the turn of the century through the 1950s. Ric also has also become a national expert on the St. Joseph River’s “mother-of-pearl” antique button industry. He has put together an extensive display of fresh water pearls and mother-of-pearl items for everyone’s enjoyment.

Doug Bucha presents an extensive display of antique fishing lures, which were manufactured by various local companies such as Heddon (Dowagiac), South Bend Tackle Co.(South Bend), Shakespeare (Kalamazoo), Paw Paw Bait Co.(Paw Paw) and Creek Chub Bait Co. (Garrett, Ind.).


The Antique Fishing Lure Collectors Club Nationals will be held from July 10-12 at The Grand Wayne Convention Center in downtown Ft. Wayne.

This is the largest antique fishing lure show in the nation with more than 800 tables filled with antique fishing tackle for sale, trade, or simple to enjoy looking at.


By Doug Bucha

Swap market for antique tackle.Swap market for antique tackle.Several lure collectors and members of the public stopped by the Heddon Lure Collectorsí public gathering last month and another good group is anticipated for the next meeting, June 10 at the Heddon Museum in Dowagiac, Mich.

Last month, the collectors had a busy time trading and buying fishing items among themselves. Trading lures is especially fun in that both parties are happy with the new lures they have exchanged. This adds to their collection with no cash involved.


The next gathering for antique tackle collectors will be held at Heddon Museum April 8 at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting will be held at the former Heddon factory at 414 West St. in Dowagiac, Mich. The Museum is located two blocks north and two blocks west of the Mc Donald's.

The informal meeting of antique fishing lure collectors is mostly a show-and-tell with some selling, trading, and buying of old tackle taking place.

It’s open to anyone interested in old antique fishing tackle or who has old gear that he or she would like to be appraised. For more information, email Doug Bucha at HYPERLINK "mailto:ndBucha@yahoo.com" ndBucha@yahoo.com.