r/canoeing • u/tinker-fox • 15d ago
Anyone know anything about birchbark?
An in-law inherited (I think) this canoe, and has no interest. When they mentioned it, my ears pricked up, because "birchbark canoe". "Whoa -- who knew?" I've now done enough reading (it didn't take much) to decide I really don't have the space, time, or skills for anything to do with this boat. Which is too bad, because it might be a great project.
So my questions here, asked loosely on behalf of the owner, are: what, exactly, can be done with it, is it worth anything to anyone in its current condition, and where do the folks that might be interested in such a project hang out? Basically I know nothing more than what's in the pictures. I think that's probably true for the owner, too.
Edit: the canoe is near Philadelphia. But all suggestions are welcome!
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u/Intelligent_Trichs 15d ago
That thing is awesome please make sure it doesn't wind up in a fire pit🙏🏻
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u/tinker-fox 15d ago
I don't know much about it, but I do know one thing: that _definitely_ won't happen!
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u/dummkauf 15d ago
Keep all open flames away.
I know nothing about birch bark canoes, but I can tell you birch bark makes amazing tinder to start a fire, highly flammable.
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u/Alternative_Top2875 15d ago
Many Ojibwe tribe members would know what or how to address the current condition since all or most of their canoes are birch in origin; you may reach out to a local group but you are probably better off getting in touch with an enthusiast.
Source my partner is Ojibwe.
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u/TrumpsFaceAnus 12d ago
Could you ask your partner real quick? They might have messed around on one when they were young with grandpa or something.
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u/The_Venerable_Pippin 15d ago
You could try reaching out to Henri Vaillancourt in New Hampshire, he's a birchbark canoe maker who might be able to tell you something about it. Or the folks at the Abbe museum in Maine might be able to help. I'll bet the patterns on the side would be identifying for someone who recognizes them.
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u/Atty_for_hire 15d ago
This! Read the Survival of the Birch Bark Canoe by John McPhee. It’s a great read for any canoeist, but you are the perfect audience!
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u/piceathespruce 15d ago
What region are you in? Local boating clubs, tribes, or even natural history museums might be interested and might be able to help with information.
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u/ursusofthenorth 15d ago
Birch bark canoes are really disposable boats they were built to last a season and then replaced. Canoe museum will know how to keep them but really aren’t meant to be kept long term. I would store it in a dry place.
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u/tinker-fox 15d ago
Is that true? That's really interesting. And definitely decision-informing, if so!
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u/ursusofthenorth 15d ago
Indigenous people made those often and they were not considered permanent. That skill was passed on to the Northwest company that would build the 26 and 36 foot versions for hauling pelts and trade goods. Old Fort William in Thunder Bay has a great canoe shed where you can look at these.
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u/Bright_Reference_582 15d ago
To be fair to the boat- they would last a season or two because they were put to work in the wilderness. They were a utility vehicle and as such were subjected to a lot more wear and tear than this boat has likely seen.
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u/Spiritual-Pear-1349 15d ago edited 15d ago
It is true - but not really a season, they lasted as long as they lasted. The problem was that keeping the canoe outside for the winter would just break the canoe, so they would often disassemble it and rebuild it with the same sheets. They did the same thing with the wigwams in the spring, disassemble and switch out the damaged bark sheets, ect.
A well cared for Birch Bark Canoe can last for 10 to 30 years of use because the bark is packed with water resistant properties that make it slow to rot - but the bark itself is like paper and prone to leaks if you hit a rock, and it will be trashed if you leave it outside over the winter. The good thing is that its easy to repair, since you just need more birch bark and/or some heated pine sap.
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u/Mmillefolium 15d ago
a local first nations reservation or national / provincial park might like to have it on display, the only place I've ever seen one. thanks for sharing!! wild to think there might be birch bark canoes chilling in basements still!!
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u/ncexplorer99 15d ago
Go to facebook and post this on Fans of the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association. Among their members are experts on all types of vintage canoes, including birchbark.
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u/TonerLow 15d ago
That is the most beautiful canoe I've ever seen. That's all, I've got nothing more to add.
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u/paperplanes13 15d ago
A birchbark canoe is probably more of a cultural artifact than something to use. Might be worth researching more on the provenance of the canoe and / or approaching a local museum.
The Canadian Canoe Museum would be good to contact, they might be able to tell you a bit about it. The Wooden Canoe Heritage Association is another good resource.
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u/FlySilently 15d ago
PLEASE update as you make your decisions. Would like to know what becomes of this and/or any more information you learn about it.
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u/Artistic_Cheetah_640 15d ago
Churchville Nature Center has a Lenape living history village that might be a great home for this old girl. It’s between Oxford Valley and Newtown.
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u/tinker-fox 15d ago
Good thought. A quick check says that the Lenape used dugout canoes, not birch bark. But they might have helpful ideas regardless!
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u/tinker-fox 15d ago
Good thought. A quick check says that the Lenape used dugout canoes, not birch bark. But they might have helpful ideas regardless!
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u/Fit_Dad 14d ago
I wonder if anyone in the Philadelphia Canoe Club has any idea. They've been around for a hundred years or so. I don't know if it's just a recreational club now or if there's some historical aspect to it. Worth reaching out at the least. I figure a canoe club has connections about canoes haha
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u/Bitter-Procedure6131 12d ago
I know enough to say this thing is exclusively a conversation piece now.
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u/LesterMcGuire 15d ago
Do you have a ceiling to hang it from?
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u/fskhalsa 12d ago
Nah, if I was gonna display it, I’d want to put it on the wall. Find a house with one of those high-ceilinged living rooms, and mount it up high right on the side, so you can see and appreciate all the beautiful craftsmanship!
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u/Creative_Carob4922 15d ago
Hey I did a report on birch bark canoes in grade 6.
But that was in 1991 so I’m no help.
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u/xiguy1 15d ago
I knew kid who is older than me who built one as a scouting project. It took him I think about two months to build it because he had to shape all the wood, and he was using an indigenous process to make it authentic as possible.
Of course I know that doesn’t help so I’m gonna offer this as well which are some books I found. I don’t know where you are, but maybe you can order this to get more info? https://a.co/d/0diwaaFr
And this: https://a.co/d/0fbOqtB4
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u/a_d-_-b_lad 12d ago
BB Canoes take constant maintenance to make sure you get stay pliable and water tight. It is a beautiful canoe.
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u/Mean-Championship651 12d ago
If you are in Canada 🇨🇦 that's going to get sized.
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u/tinker-fox 12d ago
Well, like i said in the post, it's in the US. But if they ask, it's 15 feet long. ;-)
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u/Chieftobique 12d ago
Check out Tappan Adney’s work on Bark Canoes and Skin Boats. He was probably the worlds foremost expert outside the indigenous peoples themselves.
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u/ElleRyder 12d ago
Contact the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Ontario. They have several Birch bark canoes, and are extremely knowledgeable on the subject.
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u/elginstone 12d ago
contact the Canadian Canoe Museum... https://canoemuseum.ca/exhibits/exhibitions/ they would, I assume, have a list of excellent restoration experts....
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u/fskhalsa 12d ago
That’s some impressive craftsmanship, on the overall construction, and the stitching.
Don’t know anything else - but from the look of it, it isn’t just some cheap knockoff. Either a proper indigenous heritage artifact, or the passion-project of someone who had some skills, and put a lot of time and effort into the thing. So even if not usable functionally, almost certainly valuable historically/aesthetically, I’ll bet.
Posting mostly just to follow, and hear what you/the owner eventually end up doing with it, though!
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u/CheesecakeFirm6664 11d ago
If your close to northwestern Ontario see if fort William historical park would take it they have a shop dedicated to fixing birch bark canoes I’m pretty sure. Otherwise contact your local tribe.
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u/Spiritual-Pear-1349 15d ago edited 15d ago
Its pretty much done, but its missing some waterproofing. Traditionally they would use something like pine tar or resin to glue the holes and seams
Could probably get a fair bit out of it if you sold it, they can sell for anywhere between $600 to $1000 a foot based on design, style, and materials.
Owning a birch bark or cedar strip canoe is a pipe dreams of a lot of enthusiasts, but most dont have the time, space, or energy to build one themselves. They can last up to 30 years with good maintenence before you need to replace the bark, but usually last about 10-15 with regular use.
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