B.C. Milam - Frankfort, KY
B.C. Milam reels were made starting in 1881 after Milam ended the reel business with B.F. Meek. He was also a jeweler and watchsmith by trade in Frankfurt, KY. He is credited, however, with being one of the earliest of the high quality Kentucky reel makers. Milam had started off in the reel making business in a partnership with B.F. Meek. The earliest B.C. Milam reels do not have serial numbers. Ones made after 1883 were serialized. In 1890, he made his son, John W. Milam, a partner. Starting in 1896, the B.C. Milam reels were also marked "The Frankfort, KY Reel."
Benjamin Cave Milam was born in Frankfort, KY in 1821. Mr. Milam earned a lot of respect in Frankfort because of his accomplishments. He was Captain of a Calvary Company in the war with Mexico in 1846. At that time, he was only 25 years old. Later, he was mainly involved with his reel making business. He was also very active in the business community. He served two terms as a member of the Frankfort City Council and was later president of the Council and mayor pro tem. In 1893, he was elected president of the Deposit Bank of Frankfort. B.C. Milam died in 1903.
Early Milam History - The first Milam reels were marked Meek & Milam. Meek & Milam reels were made under the partnership of B.F. Meek and B.C. Milam. Reels that bear the Meek & Milam name were made by Milam from about 1854 to 1881, a total of 27 years. During this time, Meek was in charge of the watchmaking and jewelry portion of the business. The earliest Meek & Milam reels have numbered screws that match the screw hole number stamped in the reel's head plate.
Photo of B.C. MILAM
B.C. MILAM No. 1, 2, 3 and 12 Reels
Brass Reels Made by B.C. MILAM
The B.C. MILAM No. 3 Sterling Silver Reel, circa 1885
The B.C. MILAM No. 1 Reel, circa 1885
The MEEK & MILAM No. 2 and B.C. MILAM No. 2 Reels
The Fancy Model B.C. MILAM No. 2 Reel, THE FRANKFORT KENTUCKY REEL, circa 1902
B C MILAM No 2 Marking Variations
B.C. MILAM No. 3 Reel Name Engraved, circa 1879
The B.C. MILAM No. 3 Reel, THE FRANKFORT KENTUCKY REEL, circa 1902
The B.C. MILAM No. 3 Reel, THE FRANKFORT KENTUCKY REEL, circa 1902
The B.C. MILAM No. 3 Crank Handle Location Variations, circa 1885
B.C. MILAM Brass No. 2
B.C. MILAM Brass No. 3
B.C. MILAM Brass No. 2, THE FRANKFORT KENTUCKY REEL
B.C. MILAM German Silver No. 4
B.C. MILAM German Silver No. 6
B.C. MILAM German Silver No. 6
B.C. MILAM German Silver No. 3 and No. 6 Size Comparison
B.C. MILAM & SON German Silver No. 9
B.C. MILAM No. 12
B.C. MILAM Reel Catalog, circa 1885
B.C. MILAM Reel in 1888 Catalog
The B.C. MILAM Wooden Box and Reel
Outing Magazine, "Evolution of the Kentucky Reel", by Dr. James A. Henshall, Dec. 1900
Forrest and Stream Magazine, "History of the Kentucky Reel", Interview with J. L. Sage, Jan. 1915
Forrest and Stream Magazine, "More About The Kentucky Reel", Dr. James A. Henshall, Feb. 1915
Field & Stream, "The Kentucky Reel", by Robert Lincoln Page, March, 1930
Field & Stream, "My Old Kentucky Reel", by A.J. McClane, January, 1953