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Welcome The Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association (OVF&HA) is a new,
nonprofit
organization with a stated purpose to:
- Provide opportunities for persons to learn the history of the
region's role in sport fishing and the fishing line industry
- Develop fishing related skills, including awareness of fishing
tackle and equipment, fish species, seasons, locations, and services
- Promote awareness and support for the region’s natural and
historical resources, so as to help improve the quality of life for
those who reside within the river valley and to encourage others to learn and appreciate its heritage and
recreational resource opportunities
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Join Us!
We welcome you to join, and consider giving a
membership to your favorite anglers to the
Otselic
Valley Fishing & Heritage Association.
Membership in this local non-profit organization
provides valuable support for the annual Fishing
Heritage Day in the hamlet of South Otselic. This
special one-day event calls public attention to the
history of recreational fishing and its related
industry when the Gladding Fishing Line Co., started
in 1816, was the world's largest fishing line
manufacturer. Also, since 1932, the State of New
York has operated one of its twelve fish hatcheries
in South Otselic. Click on "Become a Member" and
join with others interested in preserving this part
of our American heritage, by educating young and old
alike to the healthy outdoor world of fishing.
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As the OVF&HA develops and matures, it is hoped that events such as
the Fishing Heritage Day and other programs and projects will
develop to raise awareness and appreciation for the history, as well
as future opportunities within the scenic Otselic River Valley.
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FISHING HERITAGE DAY 2013
The Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association, in partnership with
the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC),
hosted the fifth annual Fishing Heritage Day. The free event, held on
Saturday, May 18 at the State Fish Hatchery and the Otselic Town Park in
South Otselic, NY, was very successful. One of this year's special
features for Fishing Heritage Day was Remington Ryde, who performed
throughout the day in the Town Park. Special guest Mary Jeanne Bialas,
director of Victorian Whispers, presented her living history program
focusing on the the impact of Victorian society and politics upon the
fashions, gender roles, education, travel and transportation, social
expectations, and life in general during the 1800's, in the First
Baptist Church. In addition to the trout fishing clinics, and tours of
the hatchery facilities, fishing educator Mike Riordan of Central
Square, NY offered several program activities aimed at helping kids and
their parents learn the basics of fishing.
Several non-profit organizations were in the Town Park, along with
vendors demonstrating and selling their crafts and artwork. Across
the street, Gladding Braided Products, LLC demonstrated one of their
vintage braiding machines and offered various rope products for sale.
Food and drinks were provided by local nonprofit organizations, and the
Otselic Valley Grange hosted their community-wide garage sale, and
successfully sold out of their beef barbecue luncheon at the nearby
Grange Hall. The U.S. Postal Service introduced the 2013 special stamp
cancellation, featuring the artwork of Otselic Valley Central School
student Ryan Gillette, whose entry in 2012's art contest, displayed at
The Daily Grind, won the most votes. Buyers from twenty (20) states
ordered this limited, one-of-a-kind postal cancellation from the South
Otselic Post Office.
Over
these past five years, Fishing Heritage Day has provided an opportunity
for hundreds of families to enjoy the heritage of this historic
community, with its tie to the sport fishing industry. For more
information on how to become a member of the Otselic Valley Fishing &
Heritage Association, or to participate as a vendor or sponsor in next
year's event, please see the links on this website or call 315-653-7490.
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