Picture Vernon: When Fans Took Fishing Advice From Teddy Ballgame

VERNON, CT — In the private memorabilia collection of one Vernon resident sits a brown plastic fishing tackle box that dates back to the 1960s. What makes it interesting is the signature of a famous pro athlete who endorsed the product — Ted Williams.

It's the latest installment of the Picture Vernon series.

Williams' signature was found on many pieces of athletic and outdoors equipment back then because the Red Sox great was a consultant for Sears' sporting goods division. His endorsement meant a lot to a lot of outdoors enthusiasts, because Williams was not only considered to be a great hitter, but expert fisherman with not only a fly rod, but offshore on the salt water.

Several Ted Williams tackle boxes can be found floating around online auction houses and one in good condition can fetch upwards of $70.

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Picture Vernon is a periodic series featuring images of the town, past and present.