Fishing Lure Company to Receive Historical Marker
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana Historical Bureau will Saturday hold a public dedication ceremony in Garrett for a new state historical marker commemorating the Creek Chub Bait Co. The bureau says the marker represents how Creek Chub, which was founded in 1916, "revolutionized" fishing lures in the twentieth century.
The dedication ceremony will take place at 8:30 a.m. at 113 East Keyser Street in Garrett, which was the site of the primary factor for the company. The event will feature Garrett Mayor Todd Fiandt and descendants of the company’s founding families, among others.
The state marker reads as follows:
In 1916, Henry Dills, Carl Heinzerling, and George Schulthess established the company, which became one of the country’s leading manufacturers of artificial fishing lures. Crafted by a largely female workforce, the high quality lures featured a patented spray-painted scale pattern and metal lip, giving them a lifelike appearance and motion to help attract fish. The company shipped products all over the world and became a key industry here. Popular lures included the Wiggler, Pikie, Darter, and Injured Minnow; many fishermen used them to catch record-setting fish. Business slowed during WWII as European supply markets closed, but grew rapidly in post-war years. Factory closed by 1979; lures remain popular among collectors.
Following the dedication, the Garrett Museum of Art will host an open house featuring Creek Chub items. Author Harold Smith will also sign copies of his latest book which chronicles the company.
You can learn more about state historical markers by clicking here.