Between 1888 and 1890 Fred's staff grew to five in number (including his brother-in-law George McDufee, Francis, Louis, George Becraft, and George Penfield), and Fred incorporated his rod business as "Fred D. Divine & Co.". During the 1890's business boomed. Divine and Co. introduced numerous grades of rods, camping gear and even a folding boat. It was during this time that split bamboo rods of calcutta cane were introduced. Divine built 6 strip and 8 strip rods and patented the unique spiral rod during this time period. The spiral rod was of standard split construction except the strips were twisted during the glue up. The spiral rod was evidently too difficult to manufacture and was soon discontinued. Later in the decade Fred traded rights for the spiral patent with Chubb for use of it's Silkien process developed by Kenyon. The Silkien process involved wrapping a rod from butt to tip in a fine white silk. When the rod was varnished the silk would become "invisible".

The rod is described in Fred Divine's 1884 catalog as "Combination Trout Rod, all Lancewood, consisting of one butt, two second joints, four tips and case, Making two distinct rods for bait or fly. Length 10 and 10 1/2 feet. Weight 8 3/4 ounces. $10.00. Same rod of Bethabara, weight 9-12 oz. $14.00" The rod has spiked ferrules, hanging ring guides, red wraps with full intermediates, a rattan-wrapped grip and a form case that holds all the mids and tips.

Fred Divine was a Master Mason, a member of Oriental Lodge No. 224 F.&A.M., A Royal Arch Mason, Knight Templar, Utica Commandery No. 3, and was working toward his 32nd degree in the Lodge of Perfection at the time of his death. Fred was also a member of the Ziyara Temple (Nobles of the Mystic Shrine). That's an important link we share and the reason I included my Masonic ring in the photo. I am a Master Mason, Albert Pike Lodge No. 117 A.F.&A.M., Denver, a 32nd degree Mason, A.&A.S.R., member of the El Jebel Temple, (Nobles of the Mystic Shrine), Knights Templar, J.E. Abbot Commandery No 40, Royal Arch Mason, and a Past Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Peace Chapter No. 151, Denver.

Although many people regard the Masonic organizations as suspect, their actual goal is "Making good men better". The Masonic craft reminds us to direct our attention to being
"on the level with all men" as well as giving a "square deal" to all. I'm not going to claim that the sayings "on the level" and "square deal" are Masonic in origin, but I will say that two of the most important symbols in Masonry are the level and the square.

While not a religious organization, no atheist is allowed to become a Master Mason and it's no accident that the letter "G" is at the center of the Masonic emblem. I once heard a good friend say "What I get from Masonry is hard to explain. If you are outside, looking in, you can't understand it - but if you are on the inside, looking out, you can't explain it."
I couldn't have said it better myself. If you would like more information about Masons and Masonry, just ask! The only real secrets we have are the passwords and methods of recognition.