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The Star Line History in a timeline
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| 1959 |
George Walbridge, Ray Gaedke, and Merl Smith purchased the Ludwig Baton Company and renamed it STAR LINE. Star Line incorporated in the state of Indiana. |
| 1960 |
The Venus baton was introduced. |
| 1961 |
The Star Line Clinic program was initiated. |
| 1962 |
Star Line began distribution of batons to music stores through the Conn Company. |
| 1964 |
Star Line Baton moved from Syracuse, Indiana to Oakland Park, Florida.
The Sparkle case was introduced.
Ray Gaedke of Chicago, Illinois, became an active partner in Star Line.
Star Line News first published in typewritten, two-page mimeograph form. |
| 1965 |
First Star Line National Clinic held in Miami Beach.
The baton testing machine was introduced.
Starlet baton was introduced. |
| 1966 |
National Clinic was held in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Baton cases were imprinted in gold foil. |
| 1967 |
National Clinic held in Palm Springs, California.
Opening of new plant in Pompano Beach, Florida, with gala Open House and Clinic held in April. The 3/8" batons were introduced. |
| 1968 |
Cooling Coils were added to the Star Fire baton.
Dick Miller joined Star Line as Production and Purchasing Director.
"Star Styles" an exciting book of ideas for costumes and uniforms was written by Donna Leffingwell, illustrated by Ray Gaedke, and published by Star Line - a free pattern was sent with the book.
National Teachers Clinic was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. |
| 1969 |
National Clinic was held in Portland, Oregon. |
| 1970 |
Star Flag and Swivel Tube introduced.
The Galaxy baton was introduced. |
| 1971 |
The International Twirling Teachers Institute (ITTI) was formed and International Clinic was held in the Bahamas.
The Super Star baton was introduced.
Venus, Comet, and Starlet were redesigned (twirl-weighted shaft, newly designed balls and tips with smaller proportioned shapes giving a graceful and streamlined look) |
| 1972 |
International Clinic held on the Costa de Sol, Spain |
| 1973 |
International Clinic held in Fuiggi, Italy.
Professional baton case was introduced. |
| 1974 |
International Clinic held in Acapulco, Mexico.
Batteryless lighted baton was introduced.
Star Line installed a computer. |
| 1976 |
International Clinic held on Caribbean Cruise |
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