Otselic Valley plans Fishing Heritage Day
SOUTH OTSELIC – The South Otselic Community is planning an event to celebrate the town’s fishing heritage. On Saturday, May 16, the community will hold the first Fishing Heritage Day.
South Otselic has a long standing connection to the fishing community. The town has been home to the South Otselic Fish Culture Center for over 70 years. The former B.F. Gladding Company, established in 1816 just outside the village, employed some 200 people during its heyday, and eventually moved its manufacturing complex into South Otselic, next to the Otselic River. Over the years, Gladding grew to become the largest and oldest fishing line manufacturer in the world, turning out what many anglers considered to be the highest quality lines available, and earning South Otselic the reputation as “the fishing line capital of the world.”
With this historic tie to fishing, retired United Methodist minister Carl Johnson conceived the idea of an event that could highlight this heritage. “Since the fish hatchery has had a long standing presence in the community, and there’s such an established relationship between the Gladding fishing line company and the local residents, it seemed only natural to consider such an event to promote this history, and perhaps help stimulate the local and regional economy at the same time,” Johnson said. “With the help of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Chenango Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Otselic Valley Grange, and many local individuals, we think this event will provide an enjoyable experience for all ages. Of course, having the trout-stocked Otselic River literally flowing through the village as a traditional destination for anglers, doesn’t hurt either,” he added.
Some of the activities planned for the day include special tours of the fish hatchery’s operation and history; fishing clinics to familiarize young and novice anglers with techniques, tackle and species of fish; fly tying lessons and fly casting demonstrations; and aquatic insect collection, viewing, and other related programs by the Rogers Environmental Education Center. There will also be walking tours of South Otselic’s National Historic District, which still includes homes of former Gladding Co. executives and employees. While these programs are taking place, artisans, crafts people, antique dealers and sporting goods vendors will be set up in the town park.
In addition, the Otselic Valley Grange will be sponsoring the community’s annual yard sale day. The Grange will be offering a beef barbecue luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grange Hall. Other food sales are being considered by the American Legion and the Otselic Fire Department, while The Daily Grind, Donna’s Lunchbox and the South Otselic Store will be open during their regular business hours.
Drawings for fishing tackle and equipment will be held for those who participate in the DEC-led fishing clinics. Admission to all activities is free, and parking is available throughout the village. “Come rain or shine and spend an enjoyable day with the residents of South Otselic, as they share a glimpse of their historic past, while promoting the future sport of recreational fishing,” Johnson said. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 in South Otselic.
South Otselic has a long standing connection to the fishing community. The town has been home to the South Otselic Fish Culture Center for over 70 years. The former B.F. Gladding Company, established in 1816 just outside the village, employed some 200 people during its heyday, and eventually moved its manufacturing complex into South Otselic, next to the Otselic River. Over the years, Gladding grew to become the largest and oldest fishing line manufacturer in the world, turning out what many anglers considered to be the highest quality lines available, and earning South Otselic the reputation as “the fishing line capital of the world.”
With this historic tie to fishing, retired United Methodist minister Carl Johnson conceived the idea of an event that could highlight this heritage. “Since the fish hatchery has had a long standing presence in the community, and there’s such an established relationship between the Gladding fishing line company and the local residents, it seemed only natural to consider such an event to promote this history, and perhaps help stimulate the local and regional economy at the same time,” Johnson said. “With the help of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Chenango Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Otselic Valley Grange, and many local individuals, we think this event will provide an enjoyable experience for all ages. Of course, having the trout-stocked Otselic River literally flowing through the village as a traditional destination for anglers, doesn’t hurt either,” he added.
Some of the activities planned for the day include special tours of the fish hatchery’s operation and history; fishing clinics to familiarize young and novice anglers with techniques, tackle and species of fish; fly tying lessons and fly casting demonstrations; and aquatic insect collection, viewing, and other related programs by the Rogers Environmental Education Center. There will also be walking tours of South Otselic’s National Historic District, which still includes homes of former Gladding Co. executives and employees. While these programs are taking place, artisans, crafts people, antique dealers and sporting goods vendors will be set up in the town park.
In addition, the Otselic Valley Grange will be sponsoring the community’s annual yard sale day. The Grange will be offering a beef barbecue luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grange Hall. Other food sales are being considered by the American Legion and the Otselic Fire Department, while The Daily Grind, Donna’s Lunchbox and the South Otselic Store will be open during their regular business hours.
Drawings for fishing tackle and equipment will be held for those who participate in the DEC-led fishing clinics. Admission to all activities is free, and parking is available throughout the village. “Come rain or shine and spend an enjoyable day with the residents of South Otselic, as they share a glimpse of their historic past, while promoting the future sport of recreational fishing,” Johnson said. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 in South Otselic.
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