WCHM Blog

Mike Bartz, Dennis Williams & Dusty

Chuck McCann of Wascott, Wisconsin, donated a 17′ Shell Lake Deluxe model canoe to the WCHM.  It has been slowly restored over the last 2 years by WCHM volunteers.  Mike Johnson, Jamie Dunn, Mike Bartz & Dennis Williams have all worked on the restoration at one point or another.  Since the museum already has a Shell Lake canoe in the collection the intent of this restoration is to make it available for on water use.  The restoration should be complete this spring and the old canoe, given a new life, will slip back into the cool clear waters near its place of birth.  Hopefully, the graceful old canoe will debut on the Namekagon River paddle sponsored by the St. Croix River Association this May.  Details for that trip can be located on the WCHM homepage or going to the St. Croix River Association website.

Jamie appies a coat of linseed oil to to the Prospector in preparation for canvassing.

Bending ribs onto the Cheemaun form.

There are three projects on the floor of the WCHM Canoe shop this January.  Jamie Dunn is building a snazy bookshelf for the store,  Mike Bartz is building himself a cedar canvas Cheemaun, and several of us are building a Chestnut Prospector, which is to be the 2012 raffle canoe.

The Prospector is cedar canvas and is exactly 16 feet long.  For the one or two readers who may not be familiar with this classic design, the Prospector was the favorite canoe of the great author, film maker and canoeist, Bill Mason.  It it the ultimate tripping canoe, deep and beamy with lots of rocker for whitewater travel.   We just built the two cherry quarter thwarts yesterday, along with a nice cherry portage yoke.  We are still discussing the color, but it is likely to be a deep green.

Stop by for a look.

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I hope that everyone is enjoying the summer on the water!  Our region is having a terrific season with ample rainfall to keep the Namakagon and St. Croix River water levels somewhat higher than normal for this time of year.  When you are planning your trip on these rivers, you might want to check out the web pages of the automated river guages operated by the National Park Service.

As a reference, Namakagon water levels on August 6 were posted as high and several of us enjoyed a terrific afternoon traveling from Co. K to Whispering Pines.  A week later, on the 13th, we bumped bottom in a couple of places while floating the same stretch of river.  Here are the web addresses.

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wi/nwis/uv?05333500

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wi/nwis/uv/?site_no=05331833&

Don’t let the summer slip away without enjoying a paddling adventure!  And on your way be sure to stop at the Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum.

WCHM treasurer Jed Malischke has authored a successful Joint Effort Marketing grant (JEM Grant) to help us promote Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Day on May 28, 2011 (see following post).  The award is $7,500 which will give us the opportunity to market the event throughout the midwest.  

 Wisconsin Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett said, “The Wisconsin Canoe Heritage Museum is a significant asset to this beautiful part of the Northwoods.  Its uniqueness has the power to attract new visitors to the area and provides an opportunity for the local tourism industry to sell their destination to these new travelers.  Getting people to the community is that critical first step that will lead to a growing tourism economy and jobs in Spooner.”

I recently completed my first major canoe restoration at the museum shop.  A number of people helped on the canoe including Mike Johnson, Jamie Dunn, Dennis Williams, Bruce Moss and Dave Nelson.  Thanks to each of you for your assistance.  It would be great to have more members bring in canoes for restoration.  Our shop has really come together as the necessary tools and equipment are now in place.  Additionally, we have lumber and hardware available as well.  However, the most valuable resource in the shop is the willingness of others to help you by sharing their knowledge and experience.  Bring in an old canoe or build a new one!

Take a look:

http://s126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/grousepoint/Canoe%20Restoration%20Project/?albumview=slideshow

What’s in your shed!