Ron Bedard
Enthusiastic about Wooden Canoes
Hello
Gave a 2nd coat to the inside of a 1944 Guide 18' today. (see a post "varnish" if you'd like) With the radio off, I had time to wonder what life was like for Ralph Smith from Hudson, Ma. when he bought this canoe at the close of WWII. It must have been an expensive purchase back then. Could he have been a returning veteran?
Also, what were Old Town's circumstances at the time. Were they just ramping up production after lean sales during the war? Had they converted to production of war-related materiel?
I think that this canoe might have some components and construction details that reflect upon the production dates. The stem bands are steel (not bronze), and the plank tacks are also steel. (not sure whether they were ever bronze or copper)
I'm going to dig around for some Old Town history for the WWII period. I'd be happy to have anyone weigh in with whatever related info they'd care to share.
Thanks,
Ron
Gave a 2nd coat to the inside of a 1944 Guide 18' today. (see a post "varnish" if you'd like) With the radio off, I had time to wonder what life was like for Ralph Smith from Hudson, Ma. when he bought this canoe at the close of WWII. It must have been an expensive purchase back then. Could he have been a returning veteran?
Also, what were Old Town's circumstances at the time. Were they just ramping up production after lean sales during the war? Had they converted to production of war-related materiel?
I think that this canoe might have some components and construction details that reflect upon the production dates. The stem bands are steel (not bronze), and the plank tacks are also steel. (not sure whether they were ever bronze or copper)
I'm going to dig around for some Old Town history for the WWII period. I'd be happy to have anyone weigh in with whatever related info they'd care to share.
Thanks,
Ron