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Bark canoe at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum

Discussion in 'Birchbarks, Dugouts and Primitive Craft' started by Benson Gray, Sep 1, 2010.

  1. Benson Gray

    Benson Gray Canoe History Enthusiast Staff Member

    I was at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, Mass. last weekend and saw an old bark canoe high up over the front door balcony. It was owned by Mrs. Anderson and may date from the early 1900s. The ends appear to be an Ojibwe style similar to the one shown at http://forums.wcha.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=6383&d=1225887637 here. More information may be available from Sheldon Steele at (617) 522-6547 x19 who works there or http://www.larzanderson.org/ on the web. Please reply here if anyone ever gets a chance to go look at it more closely. Thanks,

    Benson
     
    Last edited: Sep 2, 2010
    Benson Gray, Sep 1, 2010
    #1
  2. beaver

    beaver Birchbark CanoeingBuilder

    Benson,,,,,,The photo link of the canoe that you posted is an old Ojibwe built, old style canoe built some time in the early 1900's. This canoe is in a private collection near my home here in Northern Wi.
    I am currently finishing a reproduction of a similar style birch bark canoe and should be launching it soon.

    FG
     

    Attached Files:

    beaver, Sep 3, 2010
    #2
  3. Dave Wermuth

    Dave Wermuth Who hid my paddle?

    Hi Ferdy

    That looks like a nice piece of bark. I have heard some builders are getting bark from Siberia. Pricey. Beautiful canoe.
     
    Dave Wermuth, Sep 3, 2010
    #3
  4. rakwetpaddle

    rakwetpaddle paddle dipper

    Another beauty

    Ferdy, you have done it again. Beautiful canoe!
     
    rakwetpaddle, Sep 3, 2010
    #4
  5. beaver

    beaver Birchbark CanoeingBuilder

    That's a mighty long portage to get a piece of birch bark for a canoe eh;)
     
    beaver, Sep 3, 2010
    #5
  6. Dave Osborn

    Dave Osborn LIFE MEMBER

    I helped Ferdy collect the bark for that canoe. The skeeters helped us pack it out of the woods!:eek:
    I'm hoping that Ferd will post photos of the whole process on this one. Stunning canoe!
     
    Dave Osborn, Sep 4, 2010
    #6
  7. Dave Wermuth

    Dave Wermuth Who hid my paddle?

    Hi

    Yes, if you're watching Ferdy, we'd love to see the entire process. Ever consider a video? It looks exceptional.
     
    Dave Wermuth, Sep 4, 2010
    #7
  8. beaver

    beaver Birchbark CanoeingBuilder

    On the Building Bed

    Here we go Dave.......Enjoy:cool:

    http://picasaweb.google.com/beaverferd/LacDuFlambeauOjibweStyleCanoe#

    Stay tuned for the winter-bark decoration, pitching and launching
    BEAVER BARK CANOES
     

    Attached Files:

    beaver, Sep 5, 2010
    #8
  9. Kathryn Klos

    Kathryn Klos squirrel whisperer

    It's a great story, Ferdy.
     
    Kathryn Klos, Sep 5, 2010
    #9
  10. Dave Wermuth

    Dave Wermuth Who hid my paddle?

    Thanks Ferd

    The story took me there. I could smell the smoke and the coffee. And the earth and the cedar. Really gives one a true sense of the process. I love the w/c canoe and am aware of my limitations with it. But the masterpieces you turn out capture my imagination. The bark canoe connects man to creation in a way that leaves man humble. Would I trade any three of my canoes for a BB? In a heartbeat. And then some.
     
    Dave Wermuth, Sep 5, 2010
    #10
  11. François Rothan

    François Rothan Enthusiastic about Wooden Canoes

    Gorgeous canoe Ferdy, you really rock! What is the length, width and depth of the boat? Keep up your good work. I admire you.

    Francois
     
    François Rothan, Sep 5, 2010
    #11
  12. Nutkin

    Nutkin Canoodler

    Wow, that is truly astounding. How lucky and fortunate to have that opportunity. It looks like a slice of paradise, mosquitoes and all.
     
    Nutkin, Sep 6, 2010
    #12
  13. SWEETWATER

    SWEETWATER LOVES Wooden Canoes

    Benson i live 10 minutes from there, never noticed it. But i have not been there for 10 years, i must go see it. Next time you visit give me a pm. I will show you that little 11' old town i have it is still all original and the canvas is holding up great. Will post some more pics soon. Derek
     
    SWEETWATER, Sep 8, 2010
    #13
  14. beaver

    beaver Birchbark CanoeingBuilder

    The canoe has been decorated with winter bark etchings & powder pigment designs on the headboards and ribs. The gumming of the seams and ends of the canoe with traditional spruce pitch renders it waterproof and ready to paddle.
     

    Attached Files:

    beaver, Sep 19, 2010
    #14
  15. Kathryn Klos

    Kathryn Klos squirrel whisperer

    The man who builds beautiful canoes appears to have a matching hat...
     
    Kathryn Klos, Sep 19, 2010
    #15
  16. Murat V

    Murat V LOVES Wooden Canoes

    Another stunner Ferdy! Really like the rustic pigment decoration. And if you ever get out of the canoe business, you can always work the runways of Paris with your wearable bark hat fashions :)
     
    Murat V, Sep 19, 2010
    #16

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