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This 1902 Heddon “Dowagiac” Perfect Casting Bait, type No.2 lure, was Heddon’s first production model. There are still a few of these lures around which gives them a value of up to $500, if in mint condition. The box and paper could add considerably more value.This 1902 Heddon “Dowagiac” Perfect Casting Bait, type No.2 lure, was Heddon’s first production model. There are still a few of these lures around which gives them a value of up to $500, if in mint condition. The box and paper could add considerably more value. This photo shows the 1902 patented open-faced (quick-change) hook hanger and its cup. Special Note: On the first year’s production model the cups were washed in gold.This photo shows the 1902 patented open-faced (quick-change) hook hanger and its cup. Special Note: On the first year’s production model the cups were washed in gold.
This 1902 Heddon “Dowagiac” Perfect Casting Bait, type No.2 lure, was Heddon’s first production model. There are still a few of these lures around which gives them a value of up to $500, if in mint condition. The box and paper could add considerably more value." title="This 1902 Heddon “Dowagiac” Perfect Casting Bait, type No.2 lure, was Heddon’s first production model. There are still a few of these lures around which gives them a value of up to $500, if in mint condition. The box and paper could add considerably more value. This photo shows the 1902 patented open-faced (quick-change) hook hanger and its cup. Special Note: On the first year’s production model the cups were washed in gold." title="This photo shows the 1902 patented open-faced (quick-change) hook hanger and its cup. Special Note: On the first year’s production model the cups were washed in gold.

 

In the beginning, God made man, then he made woman, and then Heddon made fishing lures for them.

As we all know, this is not quite how it all went down, but if you were to believe the Heddon version of history you might think otherwise.


The next gathering for antique tackle collectors will be held at Heddon Museum Feb. 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 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.


The January gathering for antique tackle collectors will be held at Heddon Museum Jan. 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.

Anyone interested in old antique fishing tackle is invited and welcome to bring old tackle to learn what treasures they may have.


By Doug Bucha

A sampling of the valuable antique lures found in a smelly old tackle box.A sampling of the valuable antique lures found in a smelly old tackle box.The night began like most of our antique fishing lure collectors’ monthly meetings at the Heddon museum in Dowagiac.

Things were going slow; a couple of members brought in displays of old fishing lures for show-and- tell, something we do to share historical information with interested collectors.

It was getting late and everyone was about ready to call it a night when two men walked in with an old, dirty Kennedy tackle box.

This 1920’s relic was in such bad shape and stunk so bad that we smelled it before we saw it! The odor came from an accumulation of 60 years of dead fish, nightcrawlers, pork-rind juice, and who knows what else.


The December gathering for antique tackle collectors will be held at Heddon Museum Dec. 11 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.

Anyone interested in old antique fishing tackle is invited and welcome to bring old tackle to learn what treasures they may have.

If you have any questions please call Doug Bucha at 269-683-0686.