Background
Liz and Tim delivered this stunning old Peterborough canoe in early spring. Originally bought for the Huddersfield Fish and Game Club, which was rebuilt after a fire in 1914, the club was formed by group of affluent businessmen from New York City, including Mr. Hellman of Hellmann's mayonnaise fame. Liz's grandmother, Cecelia Kluke, worked as a cook for the club around 1920, and her father served as a guide in the late 1930s and early 1940s, likely using this canoe. In the 1950s, Liz's parents, Domina Gravelle, took over the club's ownership, which then transitioned to a lease. The canoe remained in its original condition, having spent the past 40-50 years in a garage unused, while a matching canoe in the same condition was sold by Domina 20 years ago.
The Project
this canoe's history, I recognize the importance of preserving its original while making it safe for paddling again. I carefully remove the flathead screws from the gunwales with the intention of reusing them later. Although I'll need to replace parts like the stern stem band and canvas hull, the overall condition of this 108-year-old vessel outstanding. Once the gunwales are removed and the worn canvas is taken off, what remains is an extraordinary example of engineering artistry.
Signatures
I have come across these unique penciled signatures about 2 feet off the bow and stern ends on both port and starboard sides. They resemble an M but could also be just a mark to signify a completed section of the canoe. I'm not exactly sure who made them or why but I know it is a mystery worth further investigation.
Furthermore, if you look closely, there are no other signs of pin marks along the edge of the gunwale which indicates that no other canvas has been put on this canoe which indicates this is possibly the first time in over 100 years the cedar planks have been exposed. That is impressive!
The high recurve in the bow and stern ends makes the recanvasing a bit more challenging but it makes for a visually appealing look.
