Lakefield Boat and Manufacturing (1940s era) cedar strip restoration

Laker

New Member
Hi all:

Is anyone familiar with a qualified canoe restorer who would be able to repair water logged strips on a 1940s era Lakefield cedar strip canoe in central Ontario (Peterborough area)?

Also I understand that these canoes used Eastern White Cedar strips. The gunnels, thwarts and decks are hardwoods.

Serial/model #? stamped on the stem near bow is 550 79. I see this topic is involved but does anyone have any idea what these numbers signify.

Thanks in advance,
"Canoe out of water!"
 

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There are many here who know much more about Lakefield canoes than me but I will try to get you headed in the right direction. There are several restorers in Ontario listed at https://www.woodencanoe.org/builders-suppliers so you can start there. Canoe restoration can be very personal so I would suggest contacting a few to see which one you like best. Dick Persson at http://www.buckhorncanoes.com probably has the most experience with this type of canoe in that area.

My guess is that you have a model 79 with serial number 550. However, the known catalogs described at https://www.woodencanoemuseum.org/builder-history/lakefield-canoe-company don't include that model number so this assumption can't easily be confirmed. There don't appear to be any detailed Lakefield serial number records available either. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do.

Benson
 
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