The Peppers of Rome, N.Y.

by Jack Gallagher, with Larry Mayer

In this 124 page book the authors explore the well known, but little known about, family of tackle makers - The Pepper family from upstate Rome, N.Y. After more than a decade of research, author "Pepper Jack" Gallagher was able to compile this highly informational book with the help of Larry Mayer.

The book covers the history of the Pepper family and all three Pepper fishing tackle companies (lures, rods and nets). This book serves as an identification and price guide for Pepper lures, listing many lures never before identified. Much of this new information came from 1904 and 1909 catalogs that were uncovered during the research. To the author's knowledge these are the only "early" Pepper catalogs that have been found, and the information contained therein had previously been unknown. A fair amount of rod information was found in the 1909 catalog, which supplemented that found in an 1888 Hook, Pepper and Company Rod catalog.

The book is divided into two main sections, the history of the Pepper family and their companies, and the products produced by these companies. Chapters include: Family History, Company History, Pepper Rods, Pepper Nets, Pepper Lures, and the miscellaneous information that a book of this type uncovers. The book contains a good index. There are hundreds of photos and illustrations throughout, with eight pages in color.

The Peppers of Rome, N.Y. retails for $25.00, plus $2.50 shipping. To order this book please send your check or money order to: Jack Gallagher, 30 Reedy Ct., Manning, SC 29102. For more information you can email Jack Gallagher

Reviewed by Phil White
August 1999