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Sunday, October 13, 2024
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Hugh Davis was born in Dresden, Ontario in 1899.
He had a natural talent and interest in machinery. He relocated
to Windsor in 1926 and began working as a fireman for the C.S.I.R.
and eventually the Canadian National Railway and Grand Trunk Railway
systems. He studied extensively on his own and on January 25, 1955
Davis passed his marine engineer’s examination.
On February 8, 1955 Hugh Davis took his first post as a marine
engineer on the S.S. Huron. His role as an engineer required that
Davis supervise white workers. |
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Mr. Hugh Davis & Mrs.
Margaret Davis – Photo Courtesy of Rodney Davis
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This was a great advancement for workers of colour
in the field. He received the support of the Senior Chief Engineer,
T. E. Dubin, who directed all staff as follows: |
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| This is to advise that H. Davis, Second
Engineer, will be in complete charge of work lay out for firemen – please
see that his orders are strictly adhered to.” |
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| Hugh Davis began working on
mechanical devices of his own invention. On February 16th, 1954 he
obtained a patent, in both Canada and the United States, for his creation
which he named the “Tackle Retriever.” The manufacturers
of fishing tackle were concerned that the Tackle Retriever would reduce
demand for their products and therefore were opposed to its production.
Undaunted Hugh Davis and his wife Margaret began production of the
device in their home. The “Tackle Retriever” was popular
with fishermen along the Detroit River. Margaret also managed the
administration side of the home based business while caring for her
family of eleven children. |
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| Please click the following links to view
documents pertaining to Hugh Davis. |
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| Certificate of Discharge from the S.S.
Huron (Fireman) |
| Certificate
of Competency as Fourth Class Engineer |
| Patent
granted to Hugh Davis for his invention the Tackle Retriever |
| Sketch
of device patented as the Tackle Retriever |
| Sales
Tax License for the Tackle Retriever |
| Business
card advertising Hugh Davis and the Fishing Tackle Retriever |
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