Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2013 - 41

genteel recreation. Wooden canoes were made entirely of wood
or faced with canvas, then varnished or painted. The hulls of
modern wooden canoes may be reinforced for durability with
fiberglass and epoxy resin.
Whatever the detailing or sealant, wood is at the heart of
the canoe, from the bent ribs that give the craft its distinct
tapered fore-and-aft shape, to the thwarts, stem, gunwales and
seat frames. Northern white cedar, ash, hickory, oak, black
cherry and more were historically and are still used in wooden
canoes. Surface finishes may be left clear to allow appreciation
of the wood’s natural beauty, decorated by the whimsy of
the builder of a new boat or restored to the canoe’s original
appearance and color scheme.
For those wanting to build a classic wooden canoe from
scratch or refurbish a vintage one, the WCHA has information
on obtaining construction plans and practical instruction
and tips on the task. The association also offers assistance
on making a modern wooden canoe or learning how to do a
little fix-up on an older but not necessarily antique one. Not
only does the wooden canoe in general have an intriguing
history, but the background of an individual canoe may be
discoverable. The WCHA has a “Serial Number Forum,” which
would-be detectives of their own boat can post.
Besides being a clearinghouse of practical and academic
wooden canoe knowledge and resources, the WCHA gives
grants to individuals or institutions with projects that support
its mission. It also publishes the bimonthly Wooden Canoe
Journal and can assist those wanting to know what their
wooden canoe is worth and how and where to sell it.
Most of all, the WCHA fosters enjoyment of the wooden
canoe. It holds an “Annual Assembly” each year at Paul Smith’s

College in northern New York. Chapters hold their own or
cooperative events and seminars as well as paddling outings.
The Delaware Valley Chapter’s group has regular
programs on wooden canoe repair and building, paddlemaking, seat-caning and other related crafts, plus paddling
in the summer months. Al Bratton has turned a lifelong
interest in paddling and wooden boats into a profession as a
restorer and designer. Like other chapter members, to him
“the lure of building, restoring and using wooden canoes has
become a passion.”
The Susquehanna Chapter is the newest chapter in
Pennsylvania. “It includes the greater Harrisburg area, north
to the State College area and south to the Mason-Dixon area
and beyond,” said Craig Dunn, member. The chapter offers
excursions, as well as meetings that are mostly educational,
with presentations relating to wooden canoes, history or
wilderness. According to Dunn, “wooden canoes are the
perfect blend of art and function. There is great satisfaction
from paddling an authentic piece of our heritage.”
With the other Pennsylvania chapters, the Three Rivers
Chapter participates in a gathering at Gifford Pinchot State
Park, York County. The group also attends the Western
Pennsylvania Solo Canoe Rendezvous, held near Moraine
State Park, Butler County. The Three Rivers Chapter has
meetings in the winter with demonstrations. Outings
are held in the warmer months throughout western
Pennsylvania, including two days of paddling at Pymatuning
Reservoir, Crawford County. Fred Capenos, member, has
restored three vintage canoes and is working on his fourth.
“Wooden canoes are a very rewarding hobby,” said Capenos.
“Once you start, you can’t stop.”

Contacts

Northern white cedar, ash, hickory, oak, black cherry and more
were historically and are still used in wooden canoes.
PFBC website: www.fishandboat.com

• Wooden Canoe Heritage Association
P.O. Box 117
Tamworth, NH 03886
Phone: 603-323-8992
www.wcha.org
• Delaware Valley Chapter
(eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey
and Delaware)
Phone: 610-326-9282 (Al Bratton)
CanoeAl@aol.com (Al Bratton)
paddlewils@comcast.net (Jim Wilson)
• Susquehanna Chapter
Phone: 717-761-7723 (Craig Dunn)
ccdunn11@verizon.net (Craig Dunn)
Phone: 717-834-9552 (George Ginnovan)
gginnovan@yahoo.com (George Ginnovan)
• Three Rivers Chapter
(western Pennsylvania)
740-381-9034 (Andy Hutyera)
chips@ohio.net

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater • March/April 2013

http://www.wcha.org http://www.fishandboat.com

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2013

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