I have always been intrigued by the history of our camps canoe shop program and what happens on the day-to-day and year-to-year agenda. At the end of August I went over to speak with Dave Stanfield to satisfy my desire to learn more about it. Here is a brief synopsis:
TSC’s canoe shop is the house of our camp’s essence. The shop was first run by Stan Murdoch, then handed over to Bill Statten and has been in the hands of Dave Stanfield since 1979 and his right hand man, Dave Statten. TSC prides itself for its canoeing program, so it is no surprise that today, we remain one of the only camps that designs and makes our own canoes on-site.
There are other camp’s that design their own canoe’s but not like ours. There are over 200 canoes between Wapomeo and Ahmek and 170 of those are Cedar Strip. By having our two canoe builders on site, they are able to produce canoes year-round. In a dream world, both Dave’s “hope to see the main docks filled with beautiful blonde canoes” with a mix between Cedar Strips and Chestnuts. However, with the damages done by use and age, the two are swamped by the work it takes to keep each one in shape according to their high standard of quality and beauty. Each canoe that is brought in off the dock is water tested, stripped of its canvas and then patched according to its need. Canoe repair on its own takes up the majority of their time.
There are constantly orders not only in camp but coming from outside our shores for canoes. It is difficult for Dave and Dave to keep up with the demand but somehow manage to do so with the help of some campers and our staff. Cutting the material to make new canoes is another big part of the job and each attainment of wood allows eight to ten canoes worth. Last year they were able to produce five new canoes and it is looking like we are going to get three done this year.
The Algonquin Special is a special mould that was designed by and for TSC. Stan Murdoch takes credit for its design mixing Peterborough and Chestnut wood. Each summer, there are one or two Algonquin Special’s made. Campers are invited throughout the summer from both camps to complete the project. At the end of each summer, Ahmek and Wap alternate who receives this beautiful new canoe. Everything is so mass produced these days that it is neat to know that this canoe was built specifically for this camp by the people who live here.
By getting campers involved in the construction of canoes and having an open door policy around the shop, Dave and Dave are able to educate each camper about our canoes. “There is such a sense of pride we should have for this place” and this pride comes from our unique culture of canoe tripping. We are all proud, and it is important to maintain this sense of pride and ownership, love and respect for each canoe, says Dave Standfield. It is only with education that we can instill this pride in each TSC member. And with pride, comes the desire to support the expansion of our shop and our ability to increase our productivity.
In a dream world, Dave and Dave will be able to build a shop big enough to introduce a craft and wood working program that campers can participate in. One can only imagine the productivity that would come out of this program with the right tools and facility to hold multiple canoes and people at one time. Not only would productivity increase but in turn, people will realize that what we have here is incredibly special. With this desire, we ask those alumnae, current campers and staff to voice their support of this goal.
We are insanely lucky to have these canoes and the ability to continue to construct them. The woodwork is absolutely beautiful and we need to continue to invest our time and money into this never-ending venture that makes our camp what it is today.
Dave and Dave, thank you for your endless hours of hard work and dedication to making these traditional, stunning works of art.
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