Trav,
Here's my relics. Dan Holland's " The Trout Fisherman's Bible" and the "Noll's Guide". That's my vise from the Guide kit and a copy of the first fly I used to catch a trout.The fly recipe came from the Bible and is referred to as a hackle fly. Mine was grizzly and black thread. I had to purchase a little package of grizzly and #16 hooks to tie the flies. These were not in the Noll kit as well you might remember yourself. After the first trout I was hooked. These worn relics have been with me it seems forever. I really don't know how they have made it. The only time we will ever separate is at my estate sale.
One regret was not having been to Jim Deren's, Anglers Roost in NYC, to visit the portal of American fly fishing. I went west instead like a few others of our kind to find the grail.
When we're gone may our relics rest in peace and hopefully not in the local landfill, but at least to be sold cheap to the next kid who finds our passion for the sport.
Your article says it better than I ever could. Thanx for your thoughts.