Kevin Virden

Kent Ohio's Fishing, Fishing Tackle, and Outdoor History Kevin Virden

Kent, Ohio has a long history of outdoor heritage. It began many years after the foundation of Portage County. With the first settler who arrived in 1798, European settlers brought their traditions and moved into the region. They took an adventure that ultimately led to many communities being born. Portage County was formed out of the Trumbull County in 1807. Franklin Mills, Kent, Ravenna, and many other villages and cities grew within the next 100 years. In the last 100 years, many conservation and outdoor leaders have stepped up in Ohio. This book focuses on Kent, Ohio's fishing, fishing tackle, and outdoor history. As part of this history, fishing and outdoor leaders have participated in this heritage including: the Kent family, Davey family, Richard "Dick" Kotis, William M. Gressard, and the Kent State University. It includes stories on the Fageol legacy and Dan Arena. This book also explores history of fishing tackle manufacturing in the county which includes the Fred A. Pardee and Samuel H. Friend companies, the Schumann Fly Fish Kit Company, and the Barney Fish Lure Company, Incorporated.