Rollin Thurlow and Jerry Stelmok on television

[Benson Gray]

The link below has Rollin and Jerry on television this evening. Their segment is from about 1:00 to 7:30.

Benson

207: June 12, 2025

Making canoes by hand; exotic plants in Lewiston; Aimsel Ponti on summer concerts you don't want to miss.

www.newscentermaine.com

 

[Boatman53]

Thanks Benson.
Jim

 

[Boatman53]

Just watched it, they are just the nicest people I know.
Jim

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

That was a nice feature and tribute to Rollin and Jerry. Thanks for posting it, Benson.

 

[Robin]

Thanks for the heads up. I have been to Rollin’s shop, he’s a very nice guy and his shop is sacred ground imho. Also nice to hear the term “form” rather than “mold” used in the shop.

 

[ppine]

A while ago I was rounding up material to repair an OT Guide 18. I called Northwoods and had a great discussion with Jerry.

 

[Gamma1214]

Thanks Benson. They seem like quite a pair. I particularly enjoyed: "no sentimental value; get it outta here"... (yeah... right... )

Really great to see craftsmen who enjoy their work

 

[lowangle al]

I really enjoyed my visit to Island Falls Canoe meeting and speaking with Jerry. He is one heck of a nice guy and without a doubt more enthusiastic about canoes than anyone I ever met. He told me he hopes to be building canoes into his mid nineties like Joe Seliga. I sure hope he makes it.

Next time I'm up that way I hope to get to Rollins shop also.

 

[Boatman53]

It’s worth the trip Al.
Jim

I’m told but haven’t confirmed it yet but I heard they are both going to be at the WCHA assembly next month.

 

[Benson Gray]

I heard they are both going to be at the WCHA assembly next month.

Yes, they are scheduled to give a talk titled "100 Years of Canoe Building" on Thursday evening. The link below has the full presentation schedule. I asked Rollin about retirement several years ago when I dropped off my Indian Old Town canoe for restoration. His response was "I've thought about retiring but people keep bringing me these interesting old canoes to work on." His current waiting list is several years long. My daughter and I are scheduled to build a canoe with Jerry next year.

Benson

2025 Assembly Presentations Overview | WoodenCanoeHeritage

This year's Annual Assembly has a wide variety of presentations, classes, and fun events!

www.woodencanoe.org

 

[lowangle al]

I'm sorry I'm going to miss the assembly this year, I'd like to be there for that.

Funny thing, last fall Jerry told me he doesn't do restorations anymore, just new builds. Maybe when he got caught up he had a change of heart. He also had some medical issues recently, so that could have affected his decision.

I bet that will be a great experience building a canoe with your daughter at Jerry's place. Spending time with Jerry should be a big part of it. What model do you have in mind?

 

[snapper]

Thanks for posting that. It was wonderful watching and listening to them discuss their craft. The canoe world is fortunate to have them among us.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well.

snapper

 

[Benson Gray]

What model do you have in mind?

She picked the 15-foot-long Old Town Trapper model in AA grade (mahogany) with half ribs, outside stems, and traditional filler. Jerry usually doesn't allow Old Town canoes to be built in a class but has made an exception in this case.

Benson

 

[lowangle al]

I'm glad Jerry made an exception for you. It's obvious why your daughter would want an Old Town and Jerry probably thought it was the way it should be.

Good call on the half ribs, especially if you're going without a keel.