I’ve been around carpenters, electricians and plumbers for most of my work life. It’s a hardworking group who often sacrifice their bodies to build our world. What’s not so obvious is the secretive tricks and peculiar tools invented by these intelligent souls that make it easier for them to cut, staple, nail, wrap, measure or glue. These ideas and gadgets are rarely patented and brought to market, and some go to the grave of the inventor.
But the men and women in the building trades have nothing on commercial (and recreational) fishers when it comes to peculiar gadgets, unorthodox rigging, strange baiting concoctions, engine malfunction fixes, and technology glitch remedies. All closely held secrets. You know who you are.
Anyway, one day at a yard sale I stumbled upon this mildewed old store display “New Improved Mitchell Twister.”
I bought it for two dollars.
It sits on my desk at home. I stare at this thing and think of Mr. Mitchell who probably came up with this idea while fishing off Point No Point in one of those rented rowboats sometime in the 1940s. He pleaded with his wife to use the family savings to launch this ingenious tool. How could they go wrong? Did he make a fortune? I have no idea.
I’m not that certain of what it’s supposed to do. Need some help for that.
Anyway, here’s to the brave men and women who have an idea and go for it.
It’s hard to believe, but Seattle didn’t get a freeway until the early 1960s. This was sold at a store located at 1122 Pine which was demolished to make room for the freeway.
