| Poem Our 2004 Jr.Craftsman
Carson Thomas, age 11 1/2. |
| Book Review Raiders of the Lost Barque
If you are looking for an exciting book to interest young people in antique boating, Raiders of the Lost Barque, An Adventure Story for Young Boaters would be most appropriate. This newly published book is written by Steven Duff of Parry Sound, a member of ACBS and owner of several wooden boats. It contains many references to boating and cottaging on Georgian Bay. The use of the word barque is poetic for vessel or boat and the title centers around the movie Raiders of the Lost Arc. The main plot of the book is the adventures of a group of 12 14 year old boys and girls who call themselves The Magnificent Seven. The story of their many activities and antics are intertwined with other themes including over development in cottage country, pollution from personal watercraft, family conflicts, native land claims and personal achievements. Michael, a 12 year old, tells the story over three summers spent with his family at their cottage. He recounts many adventures of interacting with the neighbours, fighting politicians in Ottawa concerning land use and even stealing back his grandfathers large wooden cruiser. Michaels love of boats and adventures on them far surpasses his love of school and with each coming summer, he yearns to return to the cottage and plan outings with these friends. Antique and Classic Boat Society members will see many references familiar to them. Michael mentions attending the Toronto Boat Show and the Gravenhurst boat show as well as Dippys, Grews and Hackercrafts. In the book, there are several references to maintaining wooden boats and some of their history. The illustrations and map in the book are sketches probably done by a teenager, but fitting for the theme and age group appeal. The book would make a great read aloud novel for a teacher or a family. Because some of the language in the book is at a higher level than most 12 year-olds can comprehend, it would be best if an adult read the book and discussed it with the younger generation. The up-do-date references of GPS and computer technology along with the Ontario setting will interest young and older readers alike. I highly recommend this book for family purchases and as gifts. Lets introduce our young boaters to stories involving antique boats. This book can be order from Trafford Publishing, Suite 6E, 2333 Government Street, Victoria , B.C. www.trafford.com or 1-888-232-4444 Sumitted by Mary Storey, secretary of ACBS Toronto and a former teacher librarian. |
| Sponge Jr. Craftsman recipient
Sponge - "Sea Flea" length 8' width 4' Power - 1970's 7.5 Mercury I had a very small budget for the boat. The only wood purchased were 2 sheets of 1/4" ply from the lumber store. This was the plywood for the deck and hull. The remaining pieces were scrap from the garage. The total cost of the boat was $96.06. I used gorilla glue ("strongest glue on earth :-)") to hold it together, as well some screws and nails. The bow was clinch nailed with bronze nails. Then and layer of west system was put along the bottom seams. The name although inspired by the cartoon is appropriate as you may get very wet in the boat. Great fun was had on lunching day July 7.05. I had a blast once I got over the jitters of driving such a small craft. My younger bother took off and was a little less timid with it. I had to call him back in so I could get another go. I suspect that great rides will be had for many years to come. Jennifer Bullen |
| Book Review Polka Dot and the Segwun
The setting is Lake Muskoka, the characters are a brother and sister and the plot involves boating adventures, the Segwun and a hermit All children will be interested in reading this adventure book, but especially those who enjoy cottaging and boating with their family. This warm-hearted children's book celebrates the joys of cottage life, exploring nature and learning respect for the lake. Jason and Kate explore the southern part of Lake Muskoka in Polka Dot, which is a comical bathtub of a boat. On several occasions they encounter the newly restored Segwun and dream of its past history. On one such outing they find Sam, a hermit, who has been living isolated on an island for several years. Several times they visit him and Kip,his biting, but friendly dog. They also connect him with their Grandfather and the two of them tell many stories of the steamship era when Sam worked on the Segwun. Whether fishing, painting, hiking, picking berries or picnicking, Jason and Kate amuse the reader with their cottage activities. On one occasion, Jason finally gets to take Polka Dot by himself. He is hypnotized by the Segwun, following it for several miles away from his cottage. A storm comes up and his sister Kate springs into action and rescues him. The book reveals warm friendships between family members and generations. It is a suitable book for a family read aloud or for reading by any child in the age eight to twelve age range. Book reviewed Mary Storey |
| Book Review 2 The Message in the Maggie MacD
A children's book reviewed by Mary Storey When a children's book keeps an adult reader intrigued and excited, it has to be a good one. Kathy Krogh has outdone herself with this sequel to Polka Dot and the Segwun, her first book, reviewed in this magazine 2001. The Message in the Maggie MacD is the story of Kate who spends her summers at the family cottage on Lake Muskoka watching the Segwun pass and exploring. This particular summer she entertains her Scottish cousin and begins to look into her family history, which results in a trip to Scotland. The author has based the book on her family history, which she has been researching for many years. There are many references to boats with statements like "my new boat is all wood&none of this fiberglass stuff like the new boats they have today, stated Grandfather." He is referring to the Cape Islander boat he brought from the Maritimes. It holds a truck of old family letters and journals. Kate becomes very interested in the story the letters tell and so starts the mystery and adventure. Another character in the book, Sam, an old friend, shares the skills from his Native ancestors and tells stories of early Muskoka. The book has environmental, safe boating for teenagers and family conflict themes. There are many references to boats and boat building tying the idea of the Segwun being built in Scotland to its present dock in Muskoka 116 years later. The story would amuse smaller children and be a good read for children starting to read their first chapter book. To order the book contact the author at 905-936-6659 or heronisl@istar.ca
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| Jr Craftsman Program Receiving the award for 2004
What is the Jr. Craftsman Program? The Jr. Craftsman Program is an initiative started by ACBS international as a means of increasing the number of youth involved in our society. Aimed at promoting a love of wooden boats, with a focus on safe boating, this program provides a venue for our younger members to display their works. Participants between the ages of 9 and 19 are encouraged to enter projects for display at our summer boat show, and on our web site. Entries at the show may be judged according to their classification. Projects can range from restoration of a boat, to a newly constructed boat, be it a full sized boat or a model, power or sail. The projects may be displayed on land or in water. For more information on the program, contact: Derek Crawford derekaCrawford@rogers.com (905) 464-4421 For those interested in building a boat as a parent/child winter project, boat plans and kits are readily available for sale, or can be found for free on the internet. Talk to Derek for more information.
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