Old Town 175259

[Joe D.]

Is the the build record for Old Town serial number 175259 16 available? I know that the number suggests that it was built in the mid-sixties. I bought it from a friend who thought that his dad had purchased it in the 40's or 50's (though they had 2 canoes and may have confused them). The decal on the bow plate is of a red board with black lettering, suggesting pre-1950's. I'm confused. I'm in the process of restoring it and having a great time.

 

[Benson Gray]

The Old Town canoe with serial number 175259 is a 16 foot long Otca model with narrow two and 3/4 inch planking, mahogany decks, a keel, and the stern seat was moved two inches forward of the usual location. It was built between September and November, 1965. The original exterior paint color may have been pale blue but it was shipped with dark green on June 10th, 1966 to Chattanooga, Tenn. A scan of this build record can be found by following the link at the attached thumbnail image below.

This scan was created with substantial grants from the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association (WCHA) and others. 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 join or contribute to the WCHA so that services like this can continue. See http://www.wcha.org/wcha/ to learn more about the WCHA and http://www.wcha.org/join.html to join.

The decal transitions were very gradual so it is not unusual to find newer canoes with older decals as they were using up the old stock.

It is also possible that you could have another number or manufacturer if this description doesn't match your canoe. Feel free to reply here if you have any other questions. Enjoy the rest of your restoration,

Benson