Log boats in the eastern woodlands, and especially the lower Great Lakes, were often constructed from the tulip tree (Lirodendron tulipfera) - also known as "yellow poplar", "tulip poplar", "canoe tree", and sometimes "whitewood". Other woods were also used - especially in regions that did not have access to tulip trees, and these include white pine, southern yellow pine, oak, and cypress... and likely many others.
The dugout is truly a functional vessel. They are nearly indestructible in normal use, and many historical accounts mention the value of this durability when dragging the vessel over log jams and across shallow areas. Log boats up to eighty feet long (!!!) are mentioned in historical accounts, and dugouts up to forty feet long are mentioned many times. One account records a single dugout carrying tons of cargo and a family of settlers - with enough room for Grandma to recline in her favorite chair for the ride. They are also surprisingly stable and have unique handling characteristics that must be experienced to be appreciated.
The
canoe in the pictures and
video below was built by fifth graders at Goodwillie Environmental
School in Ada, MI with some help from Kevin Finney (pathwayscrg.org)
and myself. Students made many of the tools used to turn a fire-felled
log into a beautiful and functional dugout. Along the way, we found
many opportunities to learn about diverse subjects like the importance
of wetlands, ancient technologies and process, and how people
rely
on the natural world to meet our needs. Dugouts are a fantastic
interactive project for group or public settings such as school group
projects, museum exhibits, and special events. We can provide the
tools, materials, experience, and knowledge of archaeological
and
historic record necessary for building accurate replicas and
developing
activities
and peripherals related to dugout canoes, and if you would like to buy,
rent, or lease one or more dugout or bark canoes, we may have just what
you are looking
for.
