AS WE APPROACH OUR 60TH YEAR IN BUSINESS, WE WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU A LITTLE WAPSI HISTORY.
In 1945, Lacey Gee of Independence, Iowa began a fly tying business. photo of Lacey GeeWith some financial help and encouragement from the owner of Wapsi Produce Company, Lacey established the Wapsi Fly Company. Previously, he had been employed by the poultry processing plant, which provided a ready source of feathers. That, along with incentive, imagination and a good deal of skill in fly tying, became the basis for his new business. The name, Wapsi, was a natural, as the buildings housing it were located on the banks of the Wapsipinicon River.
Wapsi has introduced many fly tying products: Lead Eyes, Wooly Bugger Marabou, Dyed Grizzly Marabou, Soft Tanned Rabbit Skins, Dyed Pheasant Skins, Mylar Cord, three sizes of Ultra Chenille, Razor Foam, Thin Skin, Foam Popper Bodies, Fly Tails, Sili Legs, and Hour Glass Eyes. Such high quality dubbings as Camel, Antron, Angora Goat and Superfine are all processed at Wapsi. Premo Deer Hair, Lead Free Wire and Lead Free Eyes are also Wapsi firsts.
Today, Wapsi fills 62,000 square feet with plans to continue expansion. Wapsi is pleased to be a part of a growing industry where we can count our competitors as friends.
Ann and Tom look forward to the future. Three of their sons, Karl, Joe, and Eric, are now vital parts of the business. They plan to continue to be a part of Wapsi as it grows and changes.
We are proud of these accomplishments and plan to continue working hard to bring quality materials and ideas to fly tyers. You are our inspiration and motivation.