serial no.#122139

[warrenshome2002]

Attempting to track down information on my new winter project- an Old Town 14ft. wooden boat. Serial no. 122139 With recently received info. this serial # is not it. Reinvestigated and even tried pencil and crayon rubbing on paper. The issue the last digit- the 1st 5 in this are clearly deeply stenciled- metal number punch- likely with hammer- the final 6th digit- hand scratched and lightly at best. My current hunch it is not a curved # 0-2-3-5-6-or 8. With confirmation 122134- 122139 now incorrect. How to I proceed? Direction appreciated. Currently weather an issue here- post pics asap.

 

[warrenshome2002]

serial # 122139 inquiry posting- I could not figure out how to edit and add pics- so here they are

 

[Dave Osborn]

A lot of our crew is at the WCHA Annual Assembly. Be patient. Someone will get back to you soon.
Looks like a 7 to me.

 

[warrenshome2002]

Thank You Dave- coincidently the WCHA event is being held just up the road from my home at Paul Smith's College

 

[Benson Gray]

Welcome and congratulations, my guess is that you have the Old Town boat with serial number 122137. This is a 14 foot long, AA (or top) grade, all wood sea model with mahogany gunwales, mahogany decks, mahogany thwarts, mahogany seats, a keel, outside stems, and a floor rack. It was built between June and July, 1937. The original exterior colors were white with bright red on top and black on the bottom. It shipped on July 2nd, 1937 to Rutland, Vermont. A scanned copy of this build record can be found below.

This scan and several hundred thousand others were 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 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 you could have another number or manufacturer if this description doesn't match. Feel free to reply here if you have any other questions.

Benson

 

[warrenshome2002]

SUPER!!!!! Thank You Benson. I had been hesitant though should not have, in again contacting Old Town with this my 3rd. attempt. Wondering- please find attached I received from our Adirondack Museum in Blue Mtn. NY. An advertisement by Old Town for this craft- posted in? Newspaper- magazine- or catalogue- when- unknown? which pointed me to Old Town and the WCHA. In trying to learn more- would you have direction to a refinisher- refurbisher or site who be able answer questions about these boats? Your words in a post on WHCA forums said something like the serial no. search rabbit hole. I chuckled then, still am- chuckles are good things. Appreciate your perspective.

Best,
Dominick

 

[Benson Gray]

You are on the right track. The page for your boat from the 1937 catalog is attached below. It is similar to the newer pages that you have already found. One of the canoe restorers listed at https://www.woodencanoe.org/builders-suppliers may be able to help you refinish and/or refurbish it. It seems to be in good shape so any good wooden boat restorer should be able to help. There aren't many of these boats around so you may not easily find someone who knows them well. I know of two that Chris Cushman with Androscoggin Wooden Boat Works at https://www.androscogginboatworks.com/ has restored. Good luck,

Benson

 

[MGC]

If Dominick is located close to PS he must also be located quite close to another reputable restorer. Mason Smith lives on Northpoint Road Long Lake. He has slowed down a bit but he is still working.
His son Reuben is also nearby in Warrensberg. He specializes in boats.
Mason's brother Everett is also still working in Canton.

 

[warrenshome2002]

Thank You- very close indeed. Appreciate your response. This is a very very solid craft- has stood to time well- sheltered for many years. What is left - motor rebuild underway and I have a few questions on the steering wheel installed- not a factory installed option and refinishing the bow decking? Would you have phone or other contact info? I'd definitely contact.

Best,
Dominick