Thursday Review: July 2010 ORCA Reel News

Thursday Review: July 2010 ORCA Reel News

The latest edition of the ORCA Reel News has hit the stands and it is a good one. Coming off the ORCA Nationals in Tennessee in early June, we get a nice retrospective with lots of great photos of this wonderful trip. I really enjoyed myself and hope we can return there in the future.

By far the most important--and moving article--was penned by Stu Lawson, noted collector and author. In his regular "More Reel Stuff" Stu gives us his "Farewell to Fellow Junk Collectors and Friends." In this poignant column, Stu reveals he has Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia (AML) which, he says, has a life expectancy of "weeks to months." What awful, awful news. I truly hope the experimental treatments he is on will fend off the disease and that he will go into remission, and continue to grace us with his presence and work for many more years. Stu, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bob Miller gives us a new article on Pflueger. "Pflueger vs. the Backlash, Part 2" gives us the second and final part of his detailed study on the anti-backlash feature. Another nifty article by the Dean of Pflueger researchers. Jim Madden gives us his latest "South Bend Bits" column, this one on the first South Bend Fly Reel box. Jim just keeps finding new and interesting stuff! Jim Schottenham weighs in on an awesome Auction Report.

My own contribution was a detailed study of the H.H. Kiffe firm of New York City and Brooklyn. Kiffe reels are popular and plentiful, and I had a fun time putting this article together.

In addition to extensive convention coverage, a couple of small articles include an obituary for noted Mitchell collector Bill Arp, as well as Walter Catucci (son of Pliny of Meisselbach fame).

Another great issue! If you are not an ORCA member--and why aren't you?--you can join us by Clicking Here. The Reel News is capably edited by Richard K. Lodge.

-- Dr. Todd