Bark canoe at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum

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:
Benson Gray said:
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
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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
 

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Hi Ferdy

That looks like a nice piece of bark. I have heard some builders are getting bark from Siberia. Pricey. Beautiful canoe.
 
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!
 
Hi

Yes, if you're watching Ferdy, we'd love to see the entire process. Ever consider a video? It looks exceptional.
 
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.
 
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
 
Wow, that is truly astounding. How lucky and fortunate to have that opportunity. It looks like a slice of paradise, mosquitoes and all.
 
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
 

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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 :)
 
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