Hello All-
I'm dredging for any information on Dan Brenan, a maker from the 30's - 40's from Central New York. It turns out he lived and produced rods not 4 blocks from where I presently live in Fayetteville, NY, just outside of Syracuse. I have the article from the 1984 Nov/Dec Rod and Reel magazine, www.bamboorodmaking.com links to Luis Marden's Rodmakers Guild transcripts (Brenan and Sparse Grey Hackle, co-founders) and a copy of "In the Eye of a River" in which the author devotes some time to Brenan. I will soon be contacting the local historical society to find more information too. What I don't have is any information on his rods, models, finish work, etc. I can't even find any pictures. I was told that there have been some threads on him in this forum but the search engine hasn't yielded anything for me. Any and all information is very much appreciated, and, if warranted, credited.
TIA,
Eamon
Dan Brenan
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BruceHandley
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Dan Brenan
#3Bruce-
I was hoping to know more about his production, what his favorite models were (and his cutomers), his influences, his finishing touches (wrap colors, grips, hardware, ferrules...everything really) I was also hoping to find the location of his equipment (I went cold in Homer NY as per the article from Rod and Reel magazine) it's design and whatever else I can dig up. I do know he hollowbuilt and made a lot of 1 piece rods.
Anything is helpful Bruce.
Best,
Eamon
I was hoping to know more about his production, what his favorite models were (and his cutomers), his influences, his finishing touches (wrap colors, grips, hardware, ferrules...everything really) I was also hoping to find the location of his equipment (I went cold in Homer NY as per the article from Rod and Reel magazine) it's design and whatever else I can dig up. I do know he hollowbuilt and made a lot of 1 piece rods.
Anything is helpful Bruce.
Best,
Eamon
Dan Brenan
#4Well...since nobody seems to have anything to contribute I guess I will use this forum to post what I find out, as I find it out. I hope nobody minds. I am pursuing this subject because I think this rodmaker slipped through the cracks and as with any maker, if they were makin', they were thinkin', and if they were thinkin' then they were probably answering some of the questions we ask ourselves today. Plus, it's always nice to trace the roots of our craft. It seems to me little is comparably known about the people involved in this craft, rather the fruits of their labor and very little else. I count myself as one of those who find it not only intersting, but also useful in my own rod making. I think like a rod maker, and leap at the chance to look through the eyes of others...I hope some of you do too.
The author of "The Forgotten Master," Rod and Reel Nov/Dec 1984, William N Fenton passed away June 17, 2005, at Cooperstown, NY at the age of 96. Dr. Fenton was a serious fly fisherman and president of Trout Unlimeted, Clearwater Chapter in Albany, NY. During the summers he could be found in his cabin at Keene Valley in the Adirondack Mountains of Northern New York, perhaps banging around the Ausable River. A graduate of Dartmouth College and receiver of his Ph.D. in 1937 from Yale, Dr. Fenton was a passionate anthropologist, distinguished professor at SUNY Albany, and founding board member of the Iroqouois Indian Museum in Howes Cave, NY. Iroquois studies were his main interest, and on this subject published numerous pieces and received many medals and awards.
Also, I did my best to pick up the trail of Dan Brenans equipment, including the beveller, and spoke with the family of Robert Holl, the last known owner. I was told the equipment was sold and the new owner not known. That's all they could tell me. I spoke with the grand-daughter.
On Tuesday I will be contacting the Fayetteville Historical Society and the current owners of Dan Brennan's home in Fayetteville, NY, in hopes of learning more. I will share what I find, including pictures, if I'm allowed(?)
Until then,
Eamon Lee
The author of "The Forgotten Master," Rod and Reel Nov/Dec 1984, William N Fenton passed away June 17, 2005, at Cooperstown, NY at the age of 96. Dr. Fenton was a serious fly fisherman and president of Trout Unlimeted, Clearwater Chapter in Albany, NY. During the summers he could be found in his cabin at Keene Valley in the Adirondack Mountains of Northern New York, perhaps banging around the Ausable River. A graduate of Dartmouth College and receiver of his Ph.D. in 1937 from Yale, Dr. Fenton was a passionate anthropologist, distinguished professor at SUNY Albany, and founding board member of the Iroqouois Indian Museum in Howes Cave, NY. Iroquois studies were his main interest, and on this subject published numerous pieces and received many medals and awards.
Also, I did my best to pick up the trail of Dan Brenans equipment, including the beveller, and spoke with the family of Robert Holl, the last known owner. I was told the equipment was sold and the new owner not known. That's all they could tell me. I spoke with the grand-daughter.
On Tuesday I will be contacting the Fayetteville Historical Society and the current owners of Dan Brennan's home in Fayetteville, NY, in hopes of learning more. I will share what I find, including pictures, if I'm allowed(?)
Until then,
Eamon Lee
Dan Brenan
#5Also, I wrote the title of the book in my first post incorrectly. It's "Small in the Eye of the River: Angling Essays and Stories"
by Frank Mele - 1988
by Frank Mele - 1988
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creakycane
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Dan Brenan
#6The main references I have seen to Brenan have been in the Mele articles in Fly Fishing Heritage, some if not all of which were reproduced in Small in the Eye, as well as the R and R article you mention. BTW, Banjo has that article scanned and available on his website.... I have seen 2 or 3 Brenan rods for sale over the years and, except for associating them with Mele's mention of them, I remember little of the details. According to amazon, he is alse mentioned in My Side of the River: Reflections of a Catskill Fly Fisherman by Roger Menard. Probably some of the Upstate NY cane rod collectors that frequent this board will chime in. Frankly, I believe he is remembered more for he persoanl characeristics than for his rods it seems.....
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BruceHandley
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Dan Brenan
#8I've owned 2 brenan rods and worked on a third. I sold my rods about 5 years ago, but have seen one of them since.
Rod #1 was a 7 1/2', 2/1, with a cap and ring reel seat. The wraps were b/y jasper, tipped red, I don't think these colors were orig. as the other rods were wrapped with tan silk.The grip and reel seat were just like a Garrison in type. All fittings were nickel silver with swiss style ferrules, the shaft was marked "Rod by Brenan". This rod was a nice 5WT. dry fly, and cast a nice line. About a year ago this same rod was sold at a Langs auction, I tried to buy it back but it went to Carmine Lisella
Rod #2 was a 8', 2/2 for a 5 WT. All the fittings, grip and reel seat, etc. were as above. The orig. wraps were tan silk and the shaht was marked "Rod by Brenan", the ser.# was 7011, I think. I never did find a line that this rod liked, so it spent a lot of time in the tube.
Rod #3 is owned by a friend, I've worked on this rod and the last time it was in my shop it was still all orig. I'll see if I can get the rod and send you some pictures. However that wont be for a week or so, I'm trying to get some rods ready to go to Langs next month, so my plate is full, so to speak
One odd thing about Brenan rods, each of the above 3 were in orig. tubes ( I think) and yet each had a diff. cap and thread cut.
Also someone on this board has or had a 1 piece rod, he sent me an email asking about a price to ask on ebay. I told him he should not sell it, but to hold onto it for a while. It is my understanding that Dan made very few 1 piece rods.
I'm not sure any of this will help you in your quest but I wish you lots of luck. I once lived in Chittenango and yet never took the time to look Dan up, my loss, hind sight is always 20/20. I did however get to know some of the people that were his friends, and they had some great stories.
Bruce
Rod #1 was a 7 1/2', 2/1, with a cap and ring reel seat. The wraps were b/y jasper, tipped red, I don't think these colors were orig. as the other rods were wrapped with tan silk.The grip and reel seat were just like a Garrison in type. All fittings were nickel silver with swiss style ferrules, the shaft was marked "Rod by Brenan". This rod was a nice 5WT. dry fly, and cast a nice line. About a year ago this same rod was sold at a Langs auction, I tried to buy it back but it went to Carmine Lisella
Rod #2 was a 8', 2/2 for a 5 WT. All the fittings, grip and reel seat, etc. were as above. The orig. wraps were tan silk and the shaht was marked "Rod by Brenan", the ser.# was 7011, I think. I never did find a line that this rod liked, so it spent a lot of time in the tube.
Rod #3 is owned by a friend, I've worked on this rod and the last time it was in my shop it was still all orig. I'll see if I can get the rod and send you some pictures. However that wont be for a week or so, I'm trying to get some rods ready to go to Langs next month, so my plate is full, so to speak
One odd thing about Brenan rods, each of the above 3 were in orig. tubes ( I think) and yet each had a diff. cap and thread cut.
Also someone on this board has or had a 1 piece rod, he sent me an email asking about a price to ask on ebay. I told him he should not sell it, but to hold onto it for a while. It is my understanding that Dan made very few 1 piece rods.
I'm not sure any of this will help you in your quest but I wish you lots of luck. I once lived in Chittenango and yet never took the time to look Dan up, my loss, hind sight is always 20/20. I did however get to know some of the people that were his friends, and they had some great stories.
Bruce
Dan Brenan
#9Bruce-
Thank you so much for sharing that. You may find this very odd (I did) but I have located 2, yes 2 empty 1 piece rod tubes for Brenan rods. I believe they are 7' and about 1" in diameter. I will have a chance to see them in person in the not too distant future.
Do you happen to remember node spacing or whether or not they may have been hollowbuilt?
Chittnango is a fine piece of water! I'm, on a first name basis with some of thos big fellas above the falls towards Cazenovia. I'll say hi to them for you this Spring.
Best,
Eamon
Thank you so much for sharing that. You may find this very odd (I did) but I have located 2, yes 2 empty 1 piece rod tubes for Brenan rods. I believe they are 7' and about 1" in diameter. I will have a chance to see them in person in the not too distant future.
Do you happen to remember node spacing or whether or not they may have been hollowbuilt?
Chittnango is a fine piece of water! I'm, on a first name basis with some of thos big fellas above the falls towards Cazenovia. I'll say hi to them for you this Spring.
Best,
Eamon
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BruceHandley
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Dan Brenan
#10Eamon,
I don't remember the node spacing, but I'll check my friends rod. I don't think any of these rods were hollow built, in fact I didn't know Dan made rods thart way.
I haven't fished the Syracuse area since 1965, I've lived on the Saranac river now for more than 40 years, thats "way upstate". But I remember some good fishing in your area, hope its holding up well!
Bruce
I don't remember the node spacing, but I'll check my friends rod. I don't think any of these rods were hollow built, in fact I didn't know Dan made rods thart way.
I haven't fished the Syracuse area since 1965, I've lived on the Saranac river now for more than 40 years, thats "way upstate". But I remember some good fishing in your area, hope its holding up well!
Bruce
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spruce grouse
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Dan Brenan
#11Hey, Eamon, I grew up a mile from Butternut Creek. Used to fish Limestone by the golf course when I started fishing. Never fished Chittenango, although I hiked to the Falls in my younger days. Still get up there to visit family a couple times a year.
I'd be curious if anything turns up at the Historical Society. I was looking to get a Brenan rod a year or two ago because of the local connection.
Howard
I'd be curious if anything turns up at the Historical Society. I was looking to get a Brenan rod a year or two ago because of the local connection.
Howard
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“On their backs were vermiculate patterns that were maps of the world in its becoming. Maps and mazes... In the deep glens where they lived all things were older than man and they hummed of mystery."
“On their backs were vermiculate patterns that were maps of the world in its becoming. Maps and mazes... In the deep glens where they lived all things were older than man and they hummed of mystery."
Dan Brenan
#12Howard-
I literally used to skip school and ride my bike to Butternut Creek and fish all day long, mostly in the valley by the rock quarry.....they built a driving range and 9 hole where my other favorite spot was next to 481.
I'll let you know about my sleuth work this week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed in regards to a shop space still being intact at his residence.
Best,
Eamon
I literally used to skip school and ride my bike to Butternut Creek and fish all day long, mostly in the valley by the rock quarry.....they built a driving range and 9 hole where my other favorite spot was next to 481.
I'll let you know about my sleuth work this week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed in regards to a shop space still being intact at his residence.
Best,
Eamon
Dan Brenan
#13Bruce-
The fishing's just fine, maybe even better than you remember. I'll be up to my alma mater Paul Smith's College in 2 weeks. I love the country up there. You're a lucky man. Caught a few Northerns up your way....
Thank you for all of help on this. I appreciate it. If anything ever comes up let me know.
Best,
Eamon
The fishing's just fine, maybe even better than you remember. I'll be up to my alma mater Paul Smith's College in 2 weeks. I love the country up there. You're a lucky man. Caught a few Northerns up your way....
Thank you for all of help on this. I appreciate it. If anything ever comes up let me know.
Best,
Eamon
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tim simbari
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Dan Brenan
#14Eamon, I plan on showing some of this stuff to a couple friends that not only fish but play with the Symphony, you never know. From the R&R article it sounds like the shop at one time was in my building or next door.
Dan Brenan
#15Thanks Tim-
I'm reading Small in the Eye of a River by Frank Mele right now. The musical connection is tremendous in this circle. Frank was a violinist for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and one of the youngest members of record. He came to Syracuse to continue learning from Andre Polsh, a conductor, and, as fate would have it, a fly-fisherman. Frank met Dan, a cellist, at a morning rehearsal, much to the shared excitment of Andre, who a day earlier exclaimed in excited broken english to Frank during a coffee break that this cellist was a "maker of rodts!" and not just any rods, but "goddamt specialiste von fly rodts! Dry-fly rodts!" Dan eventually invited Frank to his shop where he made rods and repaired stringed instruments. Frank found the shop a fly-fishing oasis during a time darkened by the Depression.
And I quote, "Coming in to the warmth of a little world of bamboo out of the whiplashing snows and icy sidewalks of Syracuse was no less than a bit of parochial magic, bringing easement and balm to a troubled soul. The shop's mood was a melange of violin-maker's shop and tackle store, sources both of repose and wonder."
I'm looking forward to what you find.
Best,
Eamon
I'm reading Small in the Eye of a River by Frank Mele right now. The musical connection is tremendous in this circle. Frank was a violinist for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and one of the youngest members of record. He came to Syracuse to continue learning from Andre Polsh, a conductor, and, as fate would have it, a fly-fisherman. Frank met Dan, a cellist, at a morning rehearsal, much to the shared excitment of Andre, who a day earlier exclaimed in excited broken english to Frank during a coffee break that this cellist was a "maker of rodts!" and not just any rods, but "goddamt specialiste von fly rodts! Dry-fly rodts!" Dan eventually invited Frank to his shop where he made rods and repaired stringed instruments. Frank found the shop a fly-fishing oasis during a time darkened by the Depression.
And I quote, "Coming in to the warmth of a little world of bamboo out of the whiplashing snows and icy sidewalks of Syracuse was no less than a bit of parochial magic, bringing easement and balm to a troubled soul. The shop's mood was a melange of violin-maker's shop and tackle store, sources both of repose and wonder."
I'm looking forward to what you find.
Best,
Eamon
Dan Brenan
#16I have a Dan Brennan rod 3/2 that has the flavor of Garrison.
It is at home and I will photo it and post if I can remember.
It has red wraps with Ritz grip.I do not think the tube I got goes to the rod. But the bag does.
Now about the hollow built?
If you were to ask me I would say it is, it feels like it is.
I have had a few rod builders look this rod over and get a feel for it.
They too thought it is hollowbuilt.
BDC
It is at home and I will photo it and post if I can remember.
It has red wraps with Ritz grip.I do not think the tube I got goes to the rod. But the bag does.
Now about the hollow built?
If you were to ask me I would say it is, it feels like it is.
I have had a few rod builders look this rod over and get a feel for it.
They too thought it is hollowbuilt.
BDC
Dan Brenan
#18G-Morning Eamon, et. al.:
Hey, you're riight... fun stuff... haven't found much of note in my research yet... sounds like you guys have the most available... never thought to refer you to Tim... when it comes to cars, boo, firearms, etc., I never met a more knowledgable guy... Gotta go now... later...
Bob
Hey, you're riight... fun stuff... haven't found much of note in my research yet... sounds like you guys have the most available... never thought to refer you to Tim... when it comes to cars, boo, firearms, etc., I never met a more knowledgable guy... Gotta go now... later...
Bob
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Furry Trout
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Dan Brenan
#19Eamon,
I own a Dan Brenan rod, and can send you some photos of the rod. It's a 8-foot 3-piece with two tips. It's in mint condition. I also what looks to be the original tube. In addition, I was lucky enough to get a bunch of Dan's correspondence with other rod makers of his time (referenced in the 1984 article as lost). My direct email address is douglas.walker@lehman.com. Send me an email, and I'll reply with pictures. I can also get you a copy of the correspondence if you're interested.
Some facts I know about Brenan's rods include:
Prior to 1939 when he moved to Fayetteville, his rods said "Rod by Brenan" after the move, they said "Rod by Brenan - Fayetteville".
I spent a bit of time trying to track down the numbering system Brenan used, and had no luck. I even spoke with his daughter, who still lives in NY. Any info about the numbering system apparently went with Dan in 1962.
I know his son, Bill, picked up the rod-making business for a short time, but didn't stay with it, and ultimately moved to North Carolina, where he passed away in the '90s.
The rod have is just beautiful, and works well with a 5wt triangle taper. I use the triangle taper because the guides are so small.
Hope this helps.
Doug
I own a Dan Brenan rod, and can send you some photos of the rod. It's a 8-foot 3-piece with two tips. It's in mint condition. I also what looks to be the original tube. In addition, I was lucky enough to get a bunch of Dan's correspondence with other rod makers of his time (referenced in the 1984 article as lost). My direct email address is douglas.walker@lehman.com. Send me an email, and I'll reply with pictures. I can also get you a copy of the correspondence if you're interested.
Some facts I know about Brenan's rods include:
Prior to 1939 when he moved to Fayetteville, his rods said "Rod by Brenan" after the move, they said "Rod by Brenan - Fayetteville".
I spent a bit of time trying to track down the numbering system Brenan used, and had no luck. I even spoke with his daughter, who still lives in NY. Any info about the numbering system apparently went with Dan in 1962.
I know his son, Bill, picked up the rod-making business for a short time, but didn't stay with it, and ultimately moved to North Carolina, where he passed away in the '90s.
The rod have is just beautiful, and works well with a 5wt triangle taper. I use the triangle taper because the guides are so small.
Hope this helps.
Doug
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sandy22pond
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Dan Brenan
#20For those of you that might be interested:
There is a Dan Brenan bamboo fly rod in the April 28, 2007 auction at Hessney Auction House in Geneva, NY. It is not listed on their website yet but it is in the auction. I consigned it and it is a beauty. I don't recall the details but it is marked "Rod by Brenan" with a number around #2500. Check out their website at www.hessney.com
There is a Dan Brenan bamboo fly rod in the April 28, 2007 auction at Hessney Auction House in Geneva, NY. It is not listed on their website yet but it is in the auction. I consigned it and it is a beauty. I don't recall the details but it is marked "Rod by Brenan" with a number around #2500. Check out their website at www.hessney.com