The Boatbuilders of Muskoka - Softcover

A. H. Duke; W.M. Gray

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1550460749 ISBN 13: 9781550460742

Publisher: Boston Mills Press, 2004

Synopsis

This is the story of the craftsmen who created the incomparable wooden launches of Ontario's famous Muskoka Lakes district.

The names Ditchburn, Duke, Greavette, and Minett are synonymous with top-of-the-line vintage watercraft. These shops, together with many lesser-known ones, set standards for artistry, woodworking, and finishing that were unsurpassed anywhere.

Most of the boats seen on these waters were built by local craftsmen, and many of these were "one-off" craft reflecting both the particular desires of the individual purchaser and the skilled craftsmanship of the builder. The Boatbuilders of Muskoka tells the story of these craftsmen and the principal shops that built some of the finest wooden boats in North America.

Illustrated with numerous contemporary photographs of the builders and their work -- ranging from rowboats to mine sweepers -- this book provides us with an invaluable record of a very special part of our boatbuilding heritage.

Join veteran boatbuilder A. H. Duke and noted Muskoka historian W. M. Gray for this fascinating look at the heyday of Muskoka boatbuilding.

About this title

About the Author:

A.H. Duke was born and raised in Port Carling. In 1926, at the age of 18, he entered his father's business, Duke Motor Service, which later became Duke Boats. Aud's tape recordings of many boatbuilders' stories and his hobby of photography allowed him to document the varied craft and makers who were vital to this historic Muskoka industry.

W.M. Gray's family has been summering and boating on Lake Joseph for over a century. While he has written on many diverse subjects, he has always had a particular interest in the history of Muskoka and especially that of its wooden launches. He lives in Toronto.

Review:

Anyone with an interest in history and/or custom-built wooden boats will enjoy [this book]. (Glenn Perrett Cottage Times 2004-10-07)

About this edition

• Publisher: Boston Mills Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1550460749
• ISBN 13: 9781550460742
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 148