Parker-Hawes Fly Rods

[stumpstalker]

When I removed the rod from its bag the tip guide slipped off the end of the upper section, and I could see that two loop guides were missing. Some helpful classic rod enthusiasts referred me to Dana Gray, current owner-operator of the Carlson Rod Company. As it turns out Dana’s shop is located in Townsend, Massachusetts, about four miles from my house; and not only does he build cane fly rods in the style, with techniques and equipment of C. W. (“Sam”) Carlson, with whom he worked and from whom he bought the business in 2002, but conveniently for me he does repairs.

I delivered the rod to Dana yesterday in Townsend, Massachusetts. It is an 8 ½-foot; 3-section, 1930s-era, Heddon-built, Weber Monogram, with Perfection tip; loop, and stripping guides.

Right off he began straightening the imperceptible-to-me bends in the rod and he will replace the two missing guides. Since there is a slight amount of play in the pined ferrules, he will re-secure those, as well.

Visiting the shop was a treat; and as for accessibility, who could ask for more?

[Parker-Hawes]

was likely made by Heddon of Dowagiac MI. They made many rods and had a complete line of rods under there own name such as Heddon Deluxe #35. They also made a line of quality rods that sold to the trade many of the same models and of similar quality. Your rod is in good hands with Dana. I have known him for many years and he is expert at repairs and building very fine rods himself.
Best of luck with your new classic bamboo fly rod, Paul

[stumpstalker]

My generous neighbor brought over what he called a “bonus”, to follow the gift of the Weber MONOGRAM rod: his grandfather’s aluminum fly box, containing some flies; and some vintage-looking rifle reloading implements.

The box itself I have started to clean up and restore, as the foam rubber material inside had petrified.

Below are pictured the flies. Large flies, I would say, for fishing in Big Country.

And the reloading items.

As it turns out, his maternal grandfather, George Alden Crandall (1906-1989), of Connecticut, farmed; was educated at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; had a military career, then became a guide and sporting goods wholesaler based out of Casper, Wyoming.

Below is a photo of Colonel Crandall (standing to the left), on Peleliu Island, in 1945.

[Big D]

I saw a box of flies from the 1930's for trout on the North Branch of Michigan's Au Sable River. They were nearly the size of golf balls -red, green, blue and yellow. Today, your flies nearly have to be anatomically correct. We've sure taught the trout well. Same thing with running phez and grouse.

[Dean Romig]

I see Humpy’s, Adamses, Bivisibles, Royal Coachmen, and several others. Standards of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.






.

[Mike Franzen]

Nice stuff Russell. The reloading gear looks like it’s for muzzle loaders.

[Richard Flanders]

Good stuff. I have a vintage patch remover just like that for my 1842 .69cal Springfield musket. I have the modern version of that same main spring clamp also.

[stumpstalker]

I now have the blessing of my neighbor, and the muzzle-loading items will be donated to the PGCA Silent Auction that will be held at the April annual meeting.

[stumpstalker]

Back to the Parker-Hawes fly rod.

I retrieved my repaired rod yesterday from the Carlson [split cane] Rod Company. Dana Gray, the owner and hands-on rod builder is also a collector of various sporting artifacts. He does not own a Parker-Hawes rod, per se, which brand he holds in high esteem; but he did show me a Parker-Hawes 1 ½ -foot long rod butt section, displayed with a vintage reel mounted on it. It had been owned by Hoagy Carmichael.

I note in the PARKER PAGES, Winter 2010 article, entitled THE PARKER-HAWES ROD (by Bruce Day, Charles Herzog, Mike Kobos, Paul Narlesky, and Louis Parker III) that not all of the issued rods of that partnership had a serial number; however, this rod had one stamped into the metal on the butt.

What should be of interest to any Parker-Hawes rod owner (or would-be one) is that Dana possesses the Parker-Hawes factory records, which he had purchased at auction, and had been owned by Martin J. Keane.

[Dean Romig]

Thanks for that excellent information Russell.
Where is the Carlson Rod Co.?





.