Feature Story

from Conservation Federation vol 84 no 2

Plywood Canoes

“Imagine my surprise when I won the drawing for the canoe our group built,” says Dave. Unfortunately, the boat is only temporarily in his keeping. “I had to miss a friend's wedding to attend the workshop. In an effort to apologize for missing Todd and Jen Wilkinson's wedding, I promised that if I won the boat it would be my wedding present to the happy couple. So now the boat is sitting in my garage waiting for Todd to add some finishing touches to the boat. I know Todd and Jen will use the boat during some cleanups on the James River (near where they live in Springfield). The upside for me is that I will get to build another boat with Ted.”

Sarah credits Ted for making the workshop accessible to people of varying skill levels. “Ted presented everything in nice bite-size pieces and put the tools right in our hands,” she says. “He did not gatekeep his knowledge. He let us in on his secrets, giving us tips on the boats we were building along with advice for future plans.”

Dave echoes Sarah’s praise. “The workshop was a wonderful opportunity to spend a few days working with Ted, who is a Jacks Fork River legend,” says Dave. “Ted reinforced the old saying, ‘A good man is always worth listening to’."

Ted’s assistant for the workshop was Linda Mercurio, of Illinois, who built her own wood canoe with Ted last year. In addition, Mary Billman, of Troy, and this writer, who both have built boats with Ted in the past, helped out.

“This was the ultimate teambuilding adventure,” says Sarah. “The Stream Team program really planned an amazing workshop. They pulled all the right pieces together for an unforgettable weekend.” And the location was a plus, too. Paddle Stop is a canoe and kayak rental operation in New Haven, as well as a micro-brewery and gathering place, and in the big workshop area, they build state-of-the-art custom boats, many for long-distance paddlers on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.

“Paddle Stop was such an inspiring location. Having the amazing owners and staff there all weekend just added to the welcoming atmosphere of the entire workshop,” says Sarah. “What a treat to end class with a great beer out on the patio just a short stroll to the Missouri River.”

Participants had the option of spending the night at nearby Camp Trinity or making their own lodging arrangements.

Plans are underway for a workshop this fall, but details are still being worked out, says Ted. Maximum class size is 16 people.

Custom construction

As noted earlier, Ted sometimes works individually with people to build boats. Mary, Ted and I are long-time paddling buddies. On one of many floats during the pandemic summer of 2020, Ted suggested that Mary and I build boats with him that fall. It seemed like a perfect pandemic project, and the three of us began a great adventure that stretched over many weekends in October and November that year.

Mary had strong skills using various power tools and doing home repair-type projects, but I was a total novice when it came to any of the woodworking skills. They were patient and helpful and together we assembled our two boats in Ted’s home workshop.

Mary’s artistic abilities showed when she ordered special trim to finish her boat and worked with Ted on creative touches. Mine was plainer than Mary’s, but it looked darn good to me! I proudly show it off to anyone who will walk out to the boatshed with me to take a look.

At least once a summer, Ted organizes a Wood Boat Float, when he and others with wood boats gather on the Current River for a fun day of paddling. The reactions from other people on the river is always astonishment and curiosity. People paddle alongside, asking about the boats, some taking photos and some even asking if they can take one for a trial paddle. It’s a great way to spark river camaraderie.

Would you like a plywood boat but you’re not sure about tackling one yourself? How’s this for a possibility: The author is donating her 14-foot plywood solo canoe, built with Ted in late 2020 and not yet christened, as a fundraiser for the Ozark Riverways Foundation (ORF), the official Friends group for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and an affiliate member of CFM.

Tickets will be available for a donation online or in person at ORF events throughout this year, and the winning ticket will be drawn on December 30, 2023. For details, visit Ozark Riverways Foundation on Facebook or www.ozarkriverwaysfoundation.org