Ode to Canoe

Sometimes technology brings with it the loss of tradition and landscape. This poem, written by one W. H. Barraclough, laments such losses. Though it doesn’t specifically mention canoes until the last stanza, this poem laments the loss of the rapids that were once traversed by Canoeists and the switch to ‘noisy’ motor boats that resulted from the locks being built in Port Carling.

This poem dates from 1925-1927 and was donated with a photo album of Muskoka Lakes titled “Muskoka Memories”.

Wood Burnt on the Water

Not only have canoes been created for decoration, but paddles too. This paddle has a design of two salmon paired with a scene of a tourist fishing.

Originally called “pokerwork”, traditional wood burning was made using needles / pokers that were heated in a wood stove and then used to burn intricate designs into a wooden surface. Today, wood burning (or pyrography) uses specialized electric wood burners. 

This paddle dates back to 1890.

Delicate Voyage

Port Carling has been a tourist destination for quite a while, as seen by this little milk glass canoe made as a town souvenir.

Did you know you can collect these little canoes all across Canada? Many “tourist towns” from the 1920s – 1950s sold these delicate boats.

They would also sometimes come in clear glass or pottery.
They were often used / sold as candy dishes.

Birch Bark in Miniature

This miniature birch bark canoe is decorated with red quills and has all the components of a real canoe, including gunnels and a paddle.

The art of making birch bark canoes is nearly 3000 years old. Birch bark canoes mainly replaced dug out canoes, which were heavier and more difficult to make.