J.R. Robertson Racing Canoe !!

Doug · Nov 25, 2024

Some members of the Normbega Chapter have recently started to evaluate a confirmed JR Robertson Racing Canoe number 306 30 16. It would be helpful if we could see some of the posted catalouges, I understand someone has some copies. Any info would be helpful in our research before we give it back to the museum.

Benson Gray · Nov 25, 2024

There are seven known Robertson catalogs as shown below but none of them list a racing canoe like the one from the Charles River Museum's collection.

His first three catalogs contain a page about "Cedar Work" as shown below so he was clearly familiar with this style of construction.

There has been a long running debate here about the meaning of the middle two digits in the Robertson serial numbers. Some feel that it is for the year it was built while others feel that it is the width in inches as indicated in the messages like the ones at the link below. What is the width of this canoe? Thanks,

Benson

R

Thread '16' J.R. Robertson found at a local auction recently...'

Apr 17, 2011

At an antique auction in Rhode Island last week I saw this wonderful Robertson sitting in the parking lot, and it was the first item to be sold. In looking at it closely, I saw that it had my name on it, so I bought it and brought it home to add to the other canoes I haven't restored yet. It is in very good condition, with no broken ribs, planking, or gunwales. It appears to have its original interior finish, and its original canvas. The gray paint is over what appears to be a light green hull, with a maroon stripe down the sides, edged with yellow or gold pinstriping.

In searching...

Dan Miller · Nov 25, 2024

I sure would like to see photos of this canoe. How did you confirm its identity?

Dan

Benson Gray · Nov 25, 2024

Dan Miller said:
How did you confirm its identity?

This canoe has been identified but the presence of two 'wavy' Robertson stamps and a serial number "306 30 16" in the 'outline' font that is commonly associated with Robertson's canoes. It is the third canoe shown at the link below. I have asked for permission to post more images of this canoe but haven't gotten an answer yet.

Benson

Thread 'Arnold canoes at The Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation'

Oct 18, 2024

My ongoing research related to unusual canoes at small museums led me to The Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation in Waltham, Massachusetts. The first link below has more details. They have a nice green Arnold canoe on display although it has no tag or obvious serial numbers. They kindly granted me access to their archives which include a red Arnold with a tag and serial number 658, a racing canoe with no tag (built in the style of a Walter Dean), two double paddles with a crescent moon design on the blades, a north woods style single paddle, and a wonderful collection of period...