Artistic Scale Steamship Models
20th October 2022
The Steamships played a critical role in the development of Muskoka and their likeness has been captured in many forms. Countless photographs, paintings, sketches depict the boats in action or at dock. For Chuck Allbon, the interest in the steamships has turned to building scale models of them.
Since 1996, when he retired from teaching, Chuck challenged himself with the technical and artistic process of building models of every public and private service ship or yacht that operated in Muskoka. Chuck’s passion for the process is clear and he has enjoyed problem solving the little details and methods for constructing the boats. Chuck has a well-organized system that has evolved over the more 20 years he has been building the boats. It began as a hobby for the love of the boats and has become an intricate process that includes simple problems such as sourcing storage boxes that will accommodate the boats, but still stack easily.
Chuck’s boats are on display in many cottages throughout Muskoka and James Bartleman purchased one when he was Lt. Governor of Ontario. Chuck feels pride in that many of his boats are purchased by repeat customers as well. His summer season shop is located on the banks of the Indian River, south of Port Carling. Otherwise, you will likely find him at craft shows throughout the season in Muskoka. Chuck and his wife Sandy, especially enjoy the social aspect of the shows and meeting people who are attracted to the boats and their history.
Summer Excitement is Here
By Tim Du Vernet
The ACBS-Toronto boat show is looming large now. With just one weekend to go! For wooden boaters, the show represents a serious start to the season with the long weekend past.
While ACBS-Toronto organizes the event hosted by the Town of Gravenhurst, the ACBS is a big organization and draws participation to this show from several of its chapters.
That means both boating participants and spectators alike will get to enjoy a broad range of classic boats from as far away as Florida, Ottawa, and beyond.
As classic boat collecting matures, more and more fiberglass boats become vintage and historically significant. This year’s show will combine all classic craft into a one day public event on Saturday with member activities happening Friday through Sunday.
Once again, the ever popular card board boat building event will be fun for youth and families as well as those who love to see just how far a card board boat can go.
A special highlight of this year’s event is the return of Miss Canada IV to Gravenhurst. Built by Greavette Boats, she will be the centre of attention at 12:00 with official ceremonies. The return of Miss Canada represents the co-ordinated efforts of many people from Ingersol to Gravenhurst. She will be part of a remarkable documentary film titled “Harold and Lorna”.
The show boat is the very historically significant KITTYHAWK. This name is tied to aviation history as well as more humble boating history on Georgian Bay.
Built in 1929 by Gidley Boats, KITTYHAWK started her career as a taxi boat. She came up for sale and Orville Wright bought her in 1931 after she a hardtop had been added.
KITTYHAWK was his Georgian Bay boat, where he spent the summer. At 32’6” and substantial freeboard , KITTYHAWK, is ready to handle the waters of Georgian Bay. Perhaps her sturdy nature is one of the features that attracted Orville Wright. The Gidley “Gull” model is described in the brochure as an all mahogany express runabout, equipped with a Kermath engine. A “general purpose craft she has a passenger capacity of eight plus incidental baggage accommodation.”
Shis is currently owned by Guy and Kathy Johnstone, who summer on Georgian Bay in an area known as Franceville East. KITTYHAWK will be brought to Lake Muskoka and launched specially for the show. It is expected that representatives of the Wright family will be present for the special showing of this remarkable boat.
Once again, there will be lots to see at this year’s boat show. Remember, the show is one day only with a modest admission fee.
The ACBS will also be selling posters featuring the KITTYHAWK in two versions, the production version and a very exclusive, limited edition version produced by Tim Du Vernet. More updates on the show next week!