This weeks feature is a letterhead dated March 27, 1952 from Orchard Industries of Detroit Michigan. Initially the company offered steel casting rods and by 1949 the company was advertising their Action glass rods as new. Throughout the years Orchard offered a large line of Spinning, Bait casting, Fly casting, Musky and Saltwater Action rods. This company had a rod for all budgets ,prices ranged from $4.87 for a plain low end casting rod up to $75.00 for a hexagonal tubular glass fly rod. Interestingly , in 1951 Orchard Industries made a color movie available to Sportsman's Clubs featuring Tarpon Fishing with an Action Rod.
The company made only a few lures, all of which are illustrated on this letter. The jointed bait is called the Slippery Slim, the bait with the cupped face is called the Kick-N-Kackle and the lure with the diving lip was named the Bottom Scratcher.
The letters content shows that Orchard Industries was among the many tackle companies that promoted their line through the use of exhibition casters.The letter is in response to an American Legion program directors request that Orchard Industries provide a representative to give a casting exhibition on August 15 or 16. Unfortunately Orchard Industries had prior commitments for those dates and was unable to accommodate the American Legion.
Best Regards,
Jim Jordan
4 comments:
Hi, I just bought a 5'10 " orchard industries bamboo bait casting rod with a bake o lite handle. On the handle it says seven eleven orchard industries inc. Detroit 5, mich. Makers of actionrod. I can't find any info on this rod or anyone who knew they made bamboo. Any help would be appreciated !
Turns out it's hex fiberglass that looks like Bamboo ! Boy do I feel stupid ! Still curious to know more about the rod though, like age, rarity and worth.
I have an Orchard Industries (Detroit Michigan) Model 1580fly rod. It has been stored in the original sleeve and tube for decades and perhaps was removed 5 or 6 times in all those years. The rod has no evidence there was ever mounted on it.
The rod was a gift to a friend and I never used it.
This is in truly pristine condition, except the original cardboard tube while structurally in perfect condition, is discolored from age.
Is there any value in this old rod.
Jerry Herrendeen
I cant offer any info on the above mentioned rods but just wanted to say my great grandfather worked for orchard industries making rods. My father and i still have and use many of the rods he had made in the late 40s early 50s
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