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Canoes: A Natural History in North America

Mark Neuzil and Norman Sims

Overview

This is the story of the canoe, that singular American artifact so little changed over time. Featured here are canoes old and new, from birch bark to dugout to carbon fiber; the people who made them; and the adventures they shared. With features of technology, industry, art, and survival, the canoe carries us deep into the natural and cultural history of North America.

Follow author Mark Neuzil on Twitter: @mrneuzil

Citable Link

Published: 2016

Publisher: University of Minnesota Press

ISBN(s)

9780816681174 (hardcover)

Subject

Resources

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A woman races in a solo open canoe class in 1922 at a regatta in Chemong Park just north of Peterborough.

Chemong Park Regatta

From Chapter 4: All-Wood Canoes

A woman races in a solo open canoe class in 1922 at a regatta in Chemong Park just north of Peterborough.

American Canoe Association founding member William Alden and his original canoe Shadow at the ACA gathering on Lake George in 1881.

William Alden and Shadow

From Chapter 4: All-Wood Canoes

American Canoe Association founding member William Alden and his original canoe Shadow at the ACA gathering on Lake George in 1881.

In this photograph titled “The Canoe, The Cup and The Captor,” R. W. Gibson poses with the International Challenge Cup, which he won in the Rushton Vesper that he had designed, August 26, 1885.

The Canoe, the Cup, and the Captor

From Chapter 4: All-Wood Canoes

In this photograph titled “The Canoe, The Cup and The Captor,” R. W. Gibson poses with the International Challenge Cup, which he won in the Rushton Vesper that he had designed, August 26, 1885.

A black and white photograph of a campsite of a man, Jules Fox Marshall, canoeing up to a campsite with a canvas tent supported by birch tree limbs.

Jules Fox Marshall

From Chapter 4: All-Wood Canoes

Picture of Jule Fox Marshall, ACA canoeing enthusiast, in canoe next to camp ca. 1926.

A black and white photograph of an older man, Jules Fox Marshall, in a dark suit.

Jules Fox Marshall Portrait

From Chapter 4: All-Wood Canoes

Portrait of Jule F Marshall, probably from around 1958 when he was an officer of the American Felt Company.

A close up photograph of a black image of a turtle on a white background.

Turtle Logo

From Chapter 4: All-Wood Canoes

The turtle logo that appeared on all Inwood Canoe Club canoes. Jule Fox Marshall joined the Inwood Canoe Club of New York City in the early twentieth century.

A sketch by Jule Fox Marshall of canoe racers at an American Canoe Association gathering, circa 1920s.

Jule Fox Marshall Sketch

From Sidebar: Jule Fox Marshall

A sketch by Jule Fox Marshall of canoe racers at an American Canoe Association gathering, circa 1920s.

A black-and-white photograph of a canoe race in progress.

Sy Barash Canoe Races

From Chapter 7: The Human-Powered Movement

Canoe racing, with both professionals and Sunday cruisers competing, remains a popular form of outdoor adventure.

A black-and-white photograph of Eugene Jensen and his racing partner leaning against a car with a canoe strapped to the hood.

Eugene Jensen

From Chapter 7: The Human-Powered Movement

One of the famous twentieth century marathon canoe racers and designers was Eugene (Gene) Jensen, who made a name for himself racing on the Mississippi River.

A black-and-white photograph of Francis Amyot being hoisted by teammates.

Francis Amyot

From Chapter 7: The Human-Powered Movement

The Canadian Olympic hero Francis Amyot at the Berlin Games in 1936, where he won his country’s only gold medal in a custom-built canoe made to fit his 6-foot-plus frame.

A color photograph of a women's competitive canoe team paddling through water.

National Canoe/Kayak Championships

From Chapter 7: The Human-Powered Movement

High-level racing, here featuring a women’s C4 race at the National Canoe/Kayak Championships in Sherbrooke, Quebec, has been a part of canoeing history since clubs were formed in the 19th century.

Canadian Olympian Larry Cain at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, California.

Larry Cain

From Chapter 7: The Human-Powered Movement

Canadian Olympian Larry Cain at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, California.