Ditchburn Boats: A Muskoka Legacy - Hardcover

Shield, Harold

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1550464124 ISBN 13: 9781550464122

Publisher: Boston Mills Press, 2003

Synopsis

"If you do not see what you want, ask for it. We can build what you need."
- 1908 Ditchburn Boats catalogue

For nearly half a century, Herb Ditchburn built some of the most legendary watercraft in North America. From the early 1870s to its closure in 1938, the Ditchburn Boats Company manufactured simple rowboats, luxurious launches, record-breaking speedboats, and magnificent cruisers. The Ditchburn name ruled the waves.

Now you can relive a by-gone era in this stunning pictorial about one of boating's most important families and the magnificent watercraft they made. This is the story of how one man's passion for superior design and construction defined the golden age of boating.

The lush color photography throughout the book is a sumptuous, visual feast for the boating aficionado. Each craft is beautifully photographed with rapt attention paid to every luscious curve and whimsical detail. Whether you're an enthusiast of history, design, or boating, Ditchburn Boats is a remarkable book.

About this title

From the Author:

Although sixty-five years have passed since the last Ditchburn boat left the Gravenhurst factory, their products continue to set the standard for the glory years of wooden pleasure-craft construction. Survivors are treasured reminders of a time when craftsmen built boats by hand, using the finest materials, creating a custom product uniquely suited to its purpose and its owner.

Herbert Ditchburn was born in Muskoka in 1880 and it is a reflection of the quality of his life and his contribution to pleasure boating in Canada that this volume has been undertaken. Today, as we try to make sense of a world that is changing dramatically, these wonderful reminders of the past have assumed a new importance -- reminding us of the impact of beauty, function, design, integrity, and craftsmanship on our daily lives. Synthetic materials, mass production, and standardized design largely replaced traditional wooden-boat construction after the Second World War, but the desire to maintain the beloved products of the Ditchburn Boat Co. is increasing each year. Owning a vintage wooden boat has become a status symbol as well as a pleasure, and is now also a responsibility.

The importance of preserving the remaining examples of Ditchburn production is clearly demonstrated by the zeal and dedication of Ditchburn owners. Fully aware of their special status, they have devoted time, money, and skill to maintaining these important vessels, and they have been generous in sharing their good fortune by cooperating to the fullest extent in the production of this volume. Through their efforts, we may share the glory of Ditchburn excellence for many years to come.

The photographer, Bev McMullen, and I hope that this volume will serve to ensure that the memory of this company, the quality of its products, the talent and artistry of its craftsmen will remain forever with Canadians as a benchmark of just how good we can be.

Harold Shield

About the Author:

Harold Shield is past chair of the Antique and Classic Boat Society and founded the Toronto International Boat Show. He is widely considered to be an expert on Canadian boats and boatworks.

Bev McMullen is a Muskoka resident and a regular contributor Classic Boats magazine. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Nikon Wildlife Photography Award and the Kodak Nature & Islands Magazine Award for Photography.

About this edition

• Publisher: Boston Mills Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1550464124
• ISBN 13: 9781550464122
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 156