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?

[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.






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[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.?





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[stumpstalker]

Carlson Rod Co.

124 Haynes Rd, Townsend, MA 01469

(978) 597-5004

Prop. Dana Gray

He says he is in the rod building, not rod repairing, business; but, he did take on the job of replacing the guides of my "new" Weber 8 1/2-foot Monogram cane rod.

While there yesterday I acquired from him a new sleeve for storing each section and a used and period-correct aluminum tube for the rod (but not one of the dressier brass-capped Parker-Hawes-style tubes, as is illustrated for us in the PARKER PAGES article).

If you (or any Members) are interested in further inquiry or research therewith, consider my house as a possible staging area for your convenience. I live less than a ten minute country road drive from where Dana's shop is located.

[Dean Romig]

Very cool! Thanks Russell.





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