Build record for OT 17 footer

[pat chapman]

I just got a 17' OT in the shop today and could use the build record. The last digit is indistinct though, so the serial # could be 79440-17, or 79448-17 or 79449-17. It is an AA grade canoe and has the bow profile of an OTCA or HW model. Thwarts and decks are not ash and look to perhaps be birch.

Thanks, as usual for your help!

 

[pat chapman]

No one out there to help me out on this one?

 

[Todd F]

Pat, not an official WCHA rep but I do have a copy of the records, no idea how to down load them yet...

79449 shipped in 1924, birch vs mahogany 16'

79448 shipped in 1923, birch vs mahogany 18'

79440 shipped in 1924, birch vs mahogany 17' (shipped to Philly)

 

[pat chapman]

Thanks, Todd. Since this is a 17' canoe it must be the 79440. Right below the text box when replying is a button labeled "Attach files". Click on that and you can navigate to the file with the build record and attach it.

I appreciate your help!

 

[Todd F]

So it is IN the computer!?!?!

Will give it a shot...Benson may smack me in the back of the head if I mess it up!

 

[Todd F]

Yea...tried it, no joy. May need to get my son to show me the ropes. Will let Benson save the day!

 

[Benson Gray]

The Old Town canoe with serial number 79440 is a 17 foot long, CS (Common Sense or middle) grade, HW (heavy water) model with red western cedar planking, open spruce gunwales, birch decks, birch thwarts, birch seats, and a keel. It was built between July and August, 1923. The original exterior paint color was dark green. It shipped on March 10th, 1924 to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A scan showing this build record can be found below.

This scan and several hundred thousand more were created with substantial grants from the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association (WCHA) and others as you probably know well. A description of the project to preserve these records is available at http://www.wcha.org/catalogs/old-town/records/ if you want more details. I hope that you will donate, join or renew your membership to the WCHA so that services like this can continue. See https://www.woodencanoe.org/about to learn more about the WCHA and https://www.woodencanoe.org/shop to donate or join.

It is also possible that this canoe could have another number or manufacturer if this description doesn't match. I was at the Antique Boat Show in Clayton last weekend, which is why I'm so late in responding. I'm always happy to have Todd or anyone else respond to requests like this. Feel free to reply here if you have any other questions.

Benson

 

[pat chapman]

Thanks, Benson. That is the canoe!