I am the proud owner of a hand made birch bark canoe – this amazing piece of craftsmanship and artistry was skilled by John Lindman the owner and creator of the Bark Canoe Store.
The canoe he created for me is a traditional and historically correct Algonquin hunting canoe, a 14′ birch bark masterpiece – exquisite in every detail.John created this canoe in the same fashion and using the same methods as the Algonquins once used. He split, shaped and bent each individual cedar rib and slat and for the framework; shaped and worked the bark; stitched each piece together with white spruce root that he harvested and prepared; and sealed each stitch with pitch.
Yes, this beautiful museum piece is indeed water ready and I have taken it out many times to enjoy paddling around nearby lakes.
In May of 2004, I was asked by John if I would take my canoe and another birch bark canoe that a student of his created to Ligonier Pennsylvania to be used during the shooting of a PBS series special called “The War That Made America”. When I arrived on set everyone was absolutely fascinated with the canoes — “did you make them?” — I wish I could say that I had – But mine was the work of John Lindman and the other – his student.
The canoe handles beautifully in the water and is extremely light weight making any portage a pleasure. Mine has real pitch on the seams, a delicate mixture of pine rosin and fat. It does require a bit more attention than if it had been pitched with a synthetic material but that is part of the charm and I would have it no other way. It is actually quite a bit of fun to apply and work in fresh pitch to the seams.
My canoe is currently hanging on a rack on the porch for the winter although I should take it out one more time this season.
John Lindman has been crafting these canoes for years and hosts classes where he teaches you how to build your own canoe — mind you this is not just a sit back and take notes kind of thing, this is a hands-on approach. You will be building yourself a true birch bark canoe with his guidance and help.
I am sorry to say that I have not yet taken the class. I am still determined to do so. John had been after me for a long time to sign up and we have talked about it many times — but I was getting pulled in different directions and the timing never worked out much to my disappointment. Although I believe he may have given up on my attending the class — one of these days I will indeed attend.
I receive his newsletter – which I recommend if you are interested in birch bark canoes.
Please check out his website. He not only holds classes on building canoes but has many for sale on his website.
Each of his canoes are indeed museum quality works of art but they are meant to be used. These arenot just pretty things to look at — they are completely functional.
For those that would love a birch bark canoe but are looking for something a bit more economical John has also started making a line of birch bark replica canoes – they look amazingly like the real thing yet are made of durable fiberglass. You must take a look at these as well.
His canoes have appeared in numerous films, are sought out by enthusiasts, historical reenactment groups and individuals that love paddling on the open waters, as well as those that have a love for the outdoors. In addition, John has written a number of “how-to” articles for periodicals such as Wilderness Ways, Primitive Archer, Muzzle Loader, Smoke and Fire, Backwoods, and On the Trail magazines. In addition, his canoes appear in museum collections around North America.
Call John and talk to him. He is a wealth of information and an absolutely genuine and fascinating guy to talk to.
I have also placed a link in the right hand side bar to his site.
Do you have a birch bark canoe? have you ever wanted to build one? Feel free to leave a comment.
