A little over a year ago, John Llewellyn sent me links for a patent and a design issued to Dr. Carl Weidenmier, Berlin Center, Ohio.  The patent, 2,179,018, describes a wooden lure with a wooden or aluminum lip, a recessed line tie with a swimming action. The body tapers down from back to front. Note, the barbershop pole style paint finish shown on the patent. The unique shape of the head and the paint finish may help identify this lure. The patent was applied for in 1937 and granted in 1939.
 
The lure is very similar to “Leg” lures made by various individuals in the Alliance, Ohio area: Lou Axe, Ray Clippinger, Charlie Woolslair and Ray Mehnert. Lou Axe coined the term “Leg” Lure. When rotated nose down, the lure has the appearance of a lower leg and foot. Berlin Center is a tiny town located very close to Alliance in North East Ohio.
 
The lure photo provided, has similarities to the patent, but is missing the notched recess for the line tie and the shape of the head isn’t quite right. It’s hard to tell if Weidenmier or another maker produced this lure.
 
Additionally, design 127,128 was filed in 1940 and issued in 1941. Again, this lure is very similar to a number of wiggler style lures.
 
Thru further research I was able to contact Dr. Weidenmier’s son. Dr. Carl Weidenmier, Jr. He provided some memories of his father:
 
Dr. Weidenmier was the General Practitioner for Berlin Center for over 40 years, working out of his home. The next doctor was at least 10 miles away.  According to his son, there was rarely a night the phone didn’t ring for him. He attended Wittenberg and Jefferson Colleges. He grew up in Crawford County Ohio.  Both his father and mother were active in the community, school boards, as well community events.
 
While his son doesn’t remember the fishing lures, he does have fond memories of his dad as an outdoorsman. He and his mother loaded feeders in the fields for quail and pheasant hunting.  He trapped frogs and turtles with his father. His father loved to shoot trap and skeet. Their home was full of sheep, elk, and moose trophies, along with a number of bearskin rugs, all from hunting trips to Montana and British Columbia.
 
Adding to the mystery, Barbara Hoyle, from the Berlin Center Historical Society, contacted people that knew Dr. Weidenmier. While they were aware of his hunting, none recalled his fishing background. The Weidenmier home is now the historical society township office. Mrs. Hoyle provided the photo of the doctor from one of his hunting trips.