GARRISON The North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame is looking to gain some respect, at least some more attention. The Hall has moved from the cabin-like structure in Garrison's City Park to North Country Marine and Motorsports on the community's south edge.
"It's going to be a nice addition to the business and open to the community with more flexible hours than before," said Jason Foss, North Country Marine.
Previously the Hall of Fame was primarily open only during special events, such as the North Dakota Governor's Walleye Cup. Most of the time, however, the displays were kept behind closed doors where they remained nearly forgotten. Now several of the displays, including photos of inductees, are beginning to line the walls in the North Country showroom.
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Kim Fundingsland/MDN - - Cean McCullough, North Country Marine & Motorsports, holds a photo of a northern pike that formerly hung in the old Ulrich Bait Shop in Garrison. The date on the back of the photo is Sept. 20, 1982. Although no weight is listed for the big fish caught by Eddie Ulrich, it is an estimated 48 inches long and likely in the 30-pound class. The photo was donated to the North Dakota Fishing Hall of Fame.
"It's kind of neat. There's a lot of neat information here," Foss said. "We're hand in hand, so it's a nice addition. It fits right with us. It's open for public viewing during any normal business hours."
Special display boxes are being installed at North Country to house some of the old fishing memorabilia of interest such a reels and lures. A few antique motors are included in the collection and are on display. The work is being handled by volunteers who wish to see the Hall of Fame regain some of the luster of the past.
"We want things in here that are presentable," Foss said. "It takes some motivated people to keep it alive. Hopefully this will spark some more statewide interest and we'll get more applications once again."