Re-published with the consent of Mary Ann Helmstetler and Legends of Davidson County
Nothing is more exhilarating than a good old-fashioned trip to the old ballpark where one can enjoy the thrill of a ballgame while feasting on hot dogs, popcorn and soda. This all-American past time is a tradition among many families, the Snyder family from the West Davidson area of North Carolina being one of those families.
The Curran Snyder family were a notable and distinguished family from Reeds Cross Roads. They would move into one of the most prominent residences in all of Reeds. William Bill Swicegood built the home circa 1880-1890 era. It was one of the most elaborate houses of its kind. The family would finish out the inside of the dwelling with plaster walls and made it a beautiful abode for raising their young family.
Curran and Sallie Frances or Fannie Myers Snyder would rear quite a large family in their new home. Born unto them were eight exceptional children Earley, Lizzie, Ray, Etta, Everette, Berniece, Eugene, and Frances.
It was in the Curran Snyder home that the Snyder boys learned many employable skills. Blacksmithing, farming, and carpentry skills were a must.
Two of the Snyder boys Earley and Ray were immensely popular in their neighborhood, and like any other teenage boy, they exhibited model traits of fishing, hunting and of course baseball. The brother brigade was known to frequent the river only to return with more than one hundred catfish at a time. The love of baseball along with their carpentry skills would follow them into adulthood, and in March of Nineteen Twenty-Two, they established The Snyder Bat Company of Reeds Cross Roads. The business was located on the current day (PCSI) Piedmont Communication Services Inc. property in Reeds. Although Earley was the predominant partner in the business Ray was always there for a helping hand.
The bats were described as made of excellent construction, turned from the finest ash procurable in this county, if not the state. The brothers couldn’t supply the demand for the bats fast enough, and production was full steam ahead. Snyder bats went on display at local dealers such as the old Reeds Motor Company, and in fact, most all local businessman cooperated in the placing of their output.
The Snyder Bat Company engaged in many contests where the winner would receive a custom Snyder bat. In Nineteen twenty-two one Charlie Leonard would win a Snyder Bat for making the highest percentage during the Lexington Amateur game vs. the Amazon Cotton Mill Boys.
Earley continued the labor-intensive tradition of making bats along with yo-yos for many years, in fact, he was so adept in his skill that he received many contracts with several big-league teams. Rumor has it that the baseball legend from Reeds, Johnny Temple started his career using a Snyder bat. Temple, a native of Reeds and second baseman in the major leagues, is seen in several early photos sporting what indeed resembles a Snyder bat. Temple who had a batting average of .284 was known to use various bats even having one named after him.
Today only a few examples of “The Snyder Slugger” remain and are well-kempt within the Snyder family. I was able to acquire one perfect example, and words can’t explain the induced feeling of power that overcomes you upon grasping this beautiful work of art.
On occasion, one might find a vintage yo-yo at local auctions or estate sales. I was honored and elated to be gifted a flawless example of a Snyder yo-yo from Snyder descendent Mr. Don Snyder of the Tyro community. It is an exquisite example of excellent craftsmanship that is still fully functional.
Time has elapsed, and sadly the Snyder Bat Company closed, A small brick and mortar business fell by the wayside, and all we have left are priceless examples and family photographs along with memories of yesteryear. Earley Snyder would eventually sell the land the company sit upon to the Reeds Phone Company, and so was the ending of a family era. However, the Snyder legacy continues with the preservation of each bat and yo-yo found. After all, we are not makers of history but rather made by history. It is up to us as a society to preserve our heritage and promote local history for upcoming generations, one lesson at a time. To understand today, we must pursue yesterday.
Contact Mary Helmstetler @ [email protected] with your suggestions or inquiries
