Background
The story of this canoe's journey begins in 1948 when Wallace Johnston purchased it for his daughters Judy and Mary. He had picked it up in Peterborough from Chestnut Canoe. Wallace had requested the wider model because it would be less tippy than the regular size. Wallace Johnston was well known in Tweed and the area around Lake Mazinaw as he was the General Manager of the Sawyer Stoll Lumber Company an important employer in the area.
The sisters would paddle the 10 mile trip, from the top of Lake Mazinaw all the way past the rock to the south end, making sure to pass by the famous Mazinaw Boy’s Camp, a long standing summer institution.
On several occasions, councillors from the camp would make the trek from the boys camp to the top of the lake to hang out at the cottage making mischief with the canoe and giving ‘private lessons’ on the art and science of paddling.
When Judy and her future husband were courting the canoe became their means of escape from adult supervision.
The canoe has stayed in the family all these years and since 1965, finds its home at the ‘new’ family cottage on the south lake. The last shot is of the canoe on the dock on the north lake of Mazinaw. A young Lisa Johnson stands guard.
Inspection
I can see this Chestnut has a few memories tucked away in its grain; replaced planks, the stitching of a new section to the inner gunwale, and restored bow/stern stems are visible when I peek in.
The first part of the serial number is clear but It's hard to make out the second set of serial number imprints. In the end, it doesn't really matter since the serial numbers are a bit of a mystery anyway.
I just love the lines in this image. Notice the 1/2" sheer line from the top of the ribs to the planking.
I'm not sure about the white residual but if I were to guess, it was a type of epoxy to prevent the canvas from tearing away from the gunwales.
Repairs
Pulling the canvas tight over the hull using a come-along on each end.
I use 3/4" brass tacks to secure the canvas to the hull.
Keel secured and sealed.
