The label would read:"From, Reuben R. Cross, Lew Beach, New York" and inside of the package would be some of the finest flies ever tied. Reuben "Rube" Cross grew up in the Neversink region where Theodore Gordon spent alot of his fly fishing hours. Reuben liked to proclaim that "Mr. Gordon taught me how to tie flies, himself". A statement that many folks of the region dispute, but then again how is one to know?

Reuben cross did tie some beautiful flies, and collectors value his work still today. Reuben was one of the early 20th century "Professional" fly tiers, a classic Catskill style tier. Creator of the "Cross SpeciaL" and the "Hair-winged Coachman" dry flies. In 1936 Reuben authored "Tying Americam Trout Lures", the first book on fly tying, written by a professional American fly tier. Other books by Reuben Cross were"Cowdung, of Shin Creek", The Complete Fly Tyer and "Fur, Feathers, and Steel". Reuben Cross also helped pioneer the raising and breeding of roosters for select fly tying hackle.