The Old Town Canoe Company Build Record Archive Project
Example original record |
After the store burned |
Computer scanning can preserve the records as an electronic photocopy. This information is even more useful in a database. It is then possible to search for specifics like how many green sixteen foot canoes were built in a given year or how many canoes were produced with design number four? The information could also be made available through the WCHA web site on the world wide web. It would not be difficult to offer a service which would allow you to type in a canoe's serial number and see the original model, ship date, color, and other details.
Example scanned record |
Newer canoes and kayaks often have a sticker placed next to the HIN that gives the vessel’s serial number. The HIN: Is a 12-digit serial number that uniquely identifies a vessel. Is usually stamped or embossed on the starboard side at the stern of the hull. However, the location may vary. Welcome to Old Town, makers of the finest canoes and kayaks. We have been building adventure since 1898. Please view this paddle size chart to help find the best length for you. We always recommend talking to an expert in your local paddle shop for what serial advice. Call Old Town Canoe Co. Your serial number will read required, which is typically located at the stern end of the canoe. A research fee read be applied.
Example database summary |
Island Falls Canoe - Maine made custom built canoes, canoe restoration, canoe repair, and canoe building classes. We also carry Old Town Wood Canoe parts and materials and we perform repairs on wooden Old Town Canoes.
The preliminary findings are not very surprising to anyone who is familiar with old canoes. Most of the Old Town canoes shipped with no options (60%), were CS grade (52%), dark green (48%), sixteen feet long (32%), HW models (25%), shipped to customers in New York (24%), and left the factory during the month of April (20%). This is based on a 5% sample of 10237 cards ranging from serial number 1604 to 200999 that were shipped from Old Town between January 29th, 1905 and July 21st, 1979. Authors like Sue Audette have used information from this database to help write about the company. It is a great resource for canoe restorers, researchers, historians, authors, and any other interested persons. This kind of research provides some answers but also tends to raise other interesting new questions like the ones listed below.
- Why was the War Shipping Administrator for the Government of Haiti in New Orleans shipped a Lapstrake Rowboat in 1944? It's a long row from New Orleans to Haiti. They wisely chose to leave it natural and didn't have it painted with their bright national colors.
- What did the Peterborough Canoe Company do with the seven HW models that they purchased between 1906 and 1914?
- Who was Sail Sleds, Inc. and what did the batch of nineteen foot boats that Old Town made for them in 1929 look like?
- Where is the canoe with serial number 200,000 now? Automobile manufacturers and other companies make a big event when one of their products reaches a major serial number milestone. Old Town assigned 200,000 to an ordinary fiberglass canoe and shipped it to Rhode Island in 1976. A small note on the back of the card from 1983 indicates 'R. I. Police has.' I fear that this canoe has met a sad end.
Crumbling records |
Build records closet |
Special thanks are due to: Samuel Johnson, R. C. Whitaker, John Blass, Steve Krautkremer, John Shelley, Tim Hewitt, Sue Audette, Dave Baker, Tom MacKenzie, Geoffrey Burke, Mary Lou Shouse, Julie McCrum, Ralph Kohn, Al Bratton, Jack Gregg, Steve Gurney, and especially to the volunteers who have helped key in this information including: Dan Miller, Dave Smits, Glenn Gillis, Allan Gillis, Bill Whalen, Richard Peters, Elizabeth Heise, Gary Hand, Jim Altemus, Bert Drake, Amy Stein, and Al Stein.
Please feel free to contact Benson Gray at [email protected] or 20 Fox Run Road, Falmouth, Maine 04105 if you have any questions or would like additional information. Some more project details are available in the links listed below. Qr factory 2 9 16 inch.
Navigation Aids
© Copyright Notice
All items contained within these pages are Copyright ©, 1995, 1996,1997, 1998, 1999, The Wooden Canoe Heritage Association, Ltd., and/or it's members.Permission to reproduce this material in any manner must first be obtainedin writing from the WCHA, or the author/ownerof a specific item.
Old Town Fiberglass Planters And More…
Serial Number Idm
PLANTERSOur planters come in a variety of styles, colors and finishes. | RECEPTACLESWe offer a variety of receptacles for litter, ash and recycling. | WATERPROOF LINERSWater proof liners are available for drop in or custom cut to fit in the field. | CUSTOM WORKOur in house team of artisans will craft to your specifications. |
Why choose us?
We manufacture in Orange, California and Phoenix, Arizona. We proudly stimulate the US economy.
We’re Hiring –Our new manufacturing facility in Phoenix is now open and we’re looking for qualified candidates. Click here to contact us.
Warranty – We back our product like no body else! Since we make our product in the USA, you can be confident that we will be there for you and your customers.
Tailor-Made – We welcome custom design and color turning your vision into a reality.
Pep – Yes, we have enthusiasm! We really enjoy what we do for you.
Responsive – If you need quick service and delivery of fiberglass planters instead of con crete, we can help.
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