Classic strip-built row troller to highlight Mercer Library auction
A classic, wooden Rangeley Lake strip-built row troller will be highlighted at the Friends of the Mercer Library auction, July 12th. The artisan’s goal was to row it in the 2008 Muskie Classic in Boulder Junction, but he passed away before he had that chance. Now, his widow, who wishes to remain anonymous, has consigned it to the library benefit auction.
With patience and skill, an artist’s eye, and a love of wood, water and boats, a retired machinist worked for two winters on his masterpiece. Thin strips of seven different types of wood precisely cut and coaxed gently to curve around a mold were glued in place, one by one. Still in new condition, it has been sheltered in the shop for seven years.
Based on independent appraisals from two wooden boat builders, Winchester Boat Works of Presque Isle and Newfound Woodworks of New Hampshire, the boat’s value is estimated at $15,900. “The row troller is a functional work of art and is a beautiful display of seven different woods,” said Adam Jahnke, general manager of Winchester Boat Works. “The craftsmanship is superb and the boat is the amazing end result of many years of research, attention to detail and hard work. Simply put, this is an amazing boat.”
The row troller, a distinctive American sporting boat design, has been known for over 100 years for its ease of rowing and stability. The mahogany wine glass transom was designed so the water would help push the boat as it swirls by. The hull of the troller is constructed of individual strips of red cedar, white pine, walnut, redwood, black ash, cherry and butternut fastened with glue and no nails. Two cane seats, two strip-built oars with ash shafts and two bronze oarlocks are also features of this boat.
Perhaps the journeyman’s inspiration to build his classic row boat was born in the 1940’s and ‘50’s when he spent his childhood summers helping his grandfather maintain the boats at their cabins up north. Or perhaps it was the restoration of a mahogany-hulled Chris Craft completed with his father in 1953. Whatever ignited his passion, pride of workmanship and attention to detail are evident in everything he created. His first strip boat project was a beautiful kayak that still graces a wall in his home.
The library auction on Sunday, July 12th will be held at the Mercer Community Center, 2648 Margaret Street, at 2:00 PM when auctioneer, Scott Hueckman of Phillips will raise the gavel. Doors open at 11:00 for previewing the items, and lunch will be available. The boat will be auctioned at 3:00 PM and will also be on display in the Mercer Library July 7-10.
“Including this beautiful boat in our consignment auction is a great opportunity for the library,” said Teresa Schmidt, library director. “This auction always raises a lot of money to support our library programs, and this special item is sure to make it an event to remember.”
In addition to the row troller, the Friends have a fine assortment of items to auction, with more coming in daily. A partial list includes a solid oak bar with mirror and glass rack, antique wood-working tools, antique duck decoys, Horton crossbow and a Browning compound bow, Adirondack chairs and table, painted kitchen table with four chairs, telescope, oil lamps, an aluminum row boat, car carriers, exercise equipment and more. 40% of the proceeds benefit the Friends of the Mercer Library.
For more information about placing a proxy bid on the troller, call Teresa Schmidt at the Mercer Library, 715-476-2366. To view auction items visit www.hueckmanauction.com.