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Waltham on the Charles: A Canoeing Capital of the World in the Early 1900s

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A presentation about "Waltham on the Charles: A Canoeing Capital of the World in the Early 1900s" will be on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation,154 Moody St., Waltham, MA, 02453. See the link below for more details.

Benson


 
I would love to tune in if there were a Zoom/streaming option.

This will not be streamed but they are planning to record it. I will post the link once it is available. The WCHA's YouTube channel at the link below has some similar presentations. Let me know if you need anything else,

Benson


 
Before cars, canoes were one of the most popular ways for courting.

Cars are getting better for courting. Next year Tesla will have a model with no steering wheel. Still not as good as a Charles River courting canoe, and a bit more expensive.

@Benson Gray, I forget whether you have a courting canoe in your W/C collection.
 
I forget whether you have a courting canoe in your W/C collection.

Yes, every good canoe collection should have at least one courting canoe. See the image and link below for two of mine. Arguably, almost any canoe can be used for courting.

Benson




1741869811555.png
 
Yes, every good canoe collection should have at least one courting canoe.

And seeing as my fleet of canoes is light one Courting Canoe- please allow me to quote you, Benson, as the noted authority in an anticipated heated "conversation" with my significant other when I suggest we need another canoe.

I'll let you know how that conversation goes...

( very jealous of that trailer load but i can't imagine portaging either of those gems through Algonquin...)

Bruce
 
I can't imagine portaging either of those gems through Algonquin...

Yes, portaging is usually a challenge with any courting canoe. These were designed to be used at a canoe club where there were always a few dock boys available to help move them around. Good luck with the domestic discussion. I agree that it will go best if you bring the topic up when she is relaxing on some pillows and a back rest with a cool drink while you paddle her around the lake. The picture below shows that a well equipped courting canoe from that period included at least one flag, a Victrola, lots of pillows, a parasol, a back rest, a carbide light, trophies, and a fancy paint design on the exterior. Good luck,

Benson


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Benson's photo shows an exceptionally grand edition of the courting canoe. I call lesser versions the "Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile" configuration.

Early in our tandem paddling days, I advocated (politically incorrectly) for a "Squaw Paddle, Brave Fish" setup. Herself insisted instead on "Brave Paddle, Squaw Birdwatch."
 
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