


SKETCH MODEL IN CLAY 
Work was begun in the summer of 1908. The time represented by the 
scene is somewhat over a century ago when these Indians first came in 
contact with Europeans. The canoe is supposed to have reached the surf 
of the beach, being kept in position there by the paddlers holding water and 
the bow and stern men operating the poles while ceremonial speeches and 
dances are rehearsed. The result of the positions chosen for paddlers and 
polemen is not only an artistic one but gives opportunity for mechanically 
bracing the boat so that there can be no vibration of the exhibit, the poles 
being anchored in the floor and the paddles riveted in the cement base 
supporting the canoe. 
Mr. Neandross has taken hold of the Museum’s problem with unusual 
insight into the needs of the case, designing an immense composition with 
sweep and balance in the grouping, yet each figure an accurate study of 
tribe, suited in dress and action to its particular part in the meaning of the 
whole. The ideal of exhibition in a people’s museum must be accuracy 
and completeness of truth in such combination with beauty, life and action 
that there is produced a resultant of human interest and educational force. 
Mr. Neandross has proved in his work as a sculptor before the world that 
he is on the way to mastery of a combination in art unusual and difficult, 
that is of realism and idealism. It is this power of the sculptor which is in 
considerable part bringing success to the Museum’s giant task. 
Wits (Gy De 
The actual story of the great canoe’s journey to New York is as follows: It was pad- 
dled by Haida Indians to Victoria; carried by schooner to Port Townsend, Puget Sound; 
by steamer to San Francisco; by Pacific mail steamer to Panama; across the Isthmus on 
the Panama Railroad from Panama to Colon, whence it was shipped on the deck of a 
Pacific mail steamer to New York. In crossing the Isthmus, to avoid injury during sharp 
turns, the canoe was adjusted on two platform cars, being fastened securely on the forward 
car and swinging loosely on greased guys on the rear car. Free transportation from San 
Francisco to New York was contributed by the President of the Pacific Mail Steamship 
Company. 
