On the night of Friday, September 27, 1974, fire destroyed the complete machine shop and bassoon bodymaking facility at FOX Products, Inc. in South Whitley, Indiana. In addition to the loss of many priceless special tools the firm also lost three-fourths of its specially cured wood for bassoons and the all-important mandrels for making the various types of FOX bocals.
I am happy to report that by now the FOX firm has not only made a complete recovery of its ability to manufacture all models of oboes, bassoons, and contra-bassoons and bocals as before, but has also been making excellent headway on filling the many back orders for their instruments which were temporarily halted by the unfortunate fire.
As soon as three weeks after the fire FOX were able to produce all their instruments in polypropylene plastic. Delivery times for wooden bassoons are now: 6 months for the Long Bore Model and 7 months for the Short Bore Professional Model instruments.
In November, 1974, the Chicago Tribune newspaper ran a front-page article describing the FOX company's fire and its speedy recovery. This news story was later printed in the music industry magazine, Musical Merchandise Review.
Alan Fox, owner and director of the firm, extends his thanks again to the many tool makers and professional musicians who came to his aid at the most difficult time in the firm's long history.
IDRS sends its heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Alan Fox and to all his associates at FOX Products.