April 80, 1885.1 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



271 



CANOE CLUB HOUSE PLANS. 



A CANOE CLUB HOUSE. 



AS our canoe clubs grow in members and means, the question of a 

 house is one of the most important that they have to consider. 

 The expense of building even a small house is often a heavy burden 

 for a young club, added to each man's private expenditure for boat, 

 etc., but the growth and prosperity of an organization depend largely 

 on ihe inducements it offers to members. A good shelter for the 

 canoes, suitable racks and lockers, and a dressing room, coupled 

 with a convenient location and facilities for launching, are the prime 

 requisites. Next to these is needed a suitable meeting room, neatly 

 furnished and clean, in which are kept the books, papers, models, 

 etc., of the club. To put all under one roof at first is beyond the 

 reach of most new clubs, who must begin in a small way, adding 

 each year as they can afford it. The value of land along the water 

 usually makes it desirable to build with the smaller side or end 

 facing the water, but where room can be had for a house running 

 parallel with the shore, there are some advantages in the style of 

 house shown above, which we will call the "stall"' plan. The main 

 feature of the system is the division of the space into stalls or alcoves, 

 each giving stowage room for 4 or 6 canoes, with a locker and dress- 

 ing room at the end for the owners of the boats. A cheap house for 

 a small club can be built with a floor space 20xl0ft. The sills, floor 

 joists and flooring being laid on suitable foundations, a light frame is 

 ouilt and sheathed with "novelty siding" or weather boards. The 

 dimensions of this frame will be 8ft. high at ends. The sides will 

 of course be 8ft. high where they join the ends, rising to 13ft. at the 

 center, the roof pitching from the middle of the building toward the 

 two ends. A door 5ft. wide in the water end gives exit for the boats. 

 The boat room is 10x15ft. with 3 racks on each side, leaving a 5ft. 

 gangway. The dressing room, with a small door opening on the 

 street, is 5x10ft., with lockers for 4 or 6 men. Some stowage room is 

 also left in the roof. This house can be built very cheaply and can 

 be enlarged wmen needed by the addition of a duplicate on one or 

 both sides. This addition can be continued indefinitely, each giving 

 room for 6 canoes and 6 men if required. As the club increases an 

 upper story 20x20 may be added if the lower be built strong enough 

 to carry it. A wide piazza can be run along the front. If desired, 

 instead of a second story, a space or two in the center can be taken 

 for a club room. Such a building can be of very light framing, little 

 maierial being required, the cost of labor will be very small, and 

 additions can be made as required. The plans given above are for a 

 large house on the "stall" plan, but under one roof, now building by 

 the Hartford C. O. Instead of racks above, the lower tier of canoes, 

 which tests on the floor, tables CC are built, supported on posts, each 

 holding 2 canoes, while the dressmg rooms accommodate 4 men each. 



The house is located opposite tne steamboat dock under a small 

 grove of trees, well protected from floods, about Soft, above low 

 water mark, and about 80ft. back from the river. It can be reached 

 by a ferry which the janitor will run at stated intervals during the 

 day, and also run by call through the telephone, or by walking or 

 taking a car across the bridge. 



The main floor of the house is 60x30ft. A piazza runs across the 

 entire front (60ft.) from the center of which an incline extends to the 

 float which is 15><20ft. On tbe incline will ruu a car for the transpor- 

 tation of the canoes to and from the float. The north end of the 

 house is furnished in two stories, on the second of which is the jani- 

 tor's room, etc. 



The interior accommodations are ample, as will be seen by looking 

 at plan No. 1, first floor. 



L R., locker rooms, 10x6ft,, are designed to accommodate four per- 

 sons each, who will keep their canoes on and under the racks C. 

 »S S are staircases, the interior ones leading up to the janitor's quart- 

 ers and down into the basement, where there is an earth closet, etc.. 

 and the outside one being for ordinary ingress and egress. W W are 

 windows and D D doorways, the larger one for canoes to be taken 

 through to the incline and the small one for oroinary use. 



Plan No. 2 shows the front of the house, with incline, piazza, doors, 

 etc., and No. 3 is an end view of the house. The house, incline, float 

 and ail complete cost $1,300, and was built by contract. 



"PADDLING CANOES AND PADDLING RACES." 



Editor Forest and Stream: 



Your April 16 number contained a surprise for me in the article 

 written by "Boreas." To accuse a builder, in the columns of a sports- 

 man's journal like Forest and Stream, of publishing in his catalogue 

 "statements likely to mislead the canoeist" and "untruths," is a 

 grave charge, and one not to be passed over in silence. As the For- 

 est and Stream has given space for the accusation, we trust it mil 

 also give space in which it may be refuted. 



The '-misleading statement" is nothing more or less than Article II. 

 of the constitution of the A. C. A., and has been published in the 

 writer s catalogue since 1882. Rather queer that the sharp eyes of 

 "Boreas" had not seen it before. However, we hope that the A. C. A. 

 will amend its constitution so that the publication of anv of its arti- 

 cles will not "mislead." 



Now to the second and graver charge: 



I quote from "Boreas": "Again on page 20, in describing the Prin- 

 cess model, Mr. R. says, re the Nellie, 15x31^: She was also second 

 in a half mile race, the first in the race being Mr, Johnson, in a canoe 

 built especially for racing. This is not true [italics are the writer's] 

 and is unfair to Mr. Johnson." 



The record as published in Forest And Stream, shows that Mr. 

 Johnson brought three canoes to the meet of '84, viz : Maggie l8f t. x 

 24inx Hillcrest, 16ft.x28in., and Mamie, 16ft.X31in. If these canoes 



were not built for raciug. then it is a singular coincidence that one of 

 them crowded the limit to a fraction and the other two were full 

 length and but lin. over beam for the events in which they could 

 enter, and that Mr. Johnson went into every regular paddling race of 

 the meet, using in each race whichever of these canoes it was to his 

 advantage to use. This he had an undoubted right to do under the 

 rules. Still, Mr. Johnson's persistent efforts to contest for and win 

 everv paddling race led to the belief that he was a professional (which 

 w T as indignantly denied by his friends), and more than anything else 

 led to the adop'ion of the rule that thereafter members should use 

 but one canoe ill A. C. A. races. 



"Boreas," with far less than his usual perception, seems to have 

 overlooked the fact that the language which he complains of was not 

 found in a newspaper article where the reader might feel in doubt 

 whether the point arrived at was to compare the merits of men or 

 canoes, but in a catalogue describing canoes, and where there could 

 be no possible doubt of its meaning, viz. : that the 15x31}^ Princess 

 (said by some to be unfit for paddling) had, in one event at least, 

 proved nearly a match for a canoe "built especially for racing," and 

 paddled by a man of Mr. Johnson's acknowledged prowess. We fail 

 to see where the language used was "unfair" toward Mr. Johnson. 

 Certainly nothing of "the kind was intended, and as to the "untruth," 

 we believe the record of events as above recited is circumstantial 

 evidence strong enough to clear us from any imputation that our 

 male parent was the individual who tempted Eve. 



As regards Mr. Johnson he may well be proud of his record as a 

 paddler. The writer is unacquainted with him but has always heard 

 him spoken of as a genial and pleasant gentleman, whose hand he 

 hopes to grasp at the next A. C. A. meet. J. H. Rushton. 



Canton, N. Y . , April 20. 



A. C. A. PRIZE FLAGS. 



THE regatta committtee thank the undermentioned members for 

 their kind promises of prize flags and other prizes, received since 

 the last acknowledgment. 

 The Rochester C. C. per Mr. Geo. H. Harris, one flag. 

 Mr. R. W. Baldin, Ottawa, for Miss Baldwin, one flag. 

 Mr. J. K. Bakewell, Washington, D. 0., for Mrs. Bakewell, one flag. 

 Mr. Will Brooks, San Francisco, Cal., for Mrs. Brooks, one flag. 

 Mr. W. J. Root, Brooklyn, one flag. 



making a total of twenty-four flags. Forty-five are required. Offers 

 of special prizes received from Mr. S. D. Kendall, a flag for canoeist 

 making the longest independent cruise, and from "Dorsal Fin" of a 

 camp kit as prize for an appropriate contest. 



R. W. Gibson, Chairman Regatta Committee. 



S' 



AROUND STATEN ISLAND. 



TARTING from "Marmalade Lodge" one bright spring morning, 



1 the Red Rover bounded off under full sail, as if she enjoyed the 

 prospect of her first cruise for the season, and indeed it was a joyous 

 scene; the sun shining brightly and warmly after the long cold whiter, 

 the waters dancing and sparkling as if glad to be relieved of the icy 

 intruders, who had bobbed up and down on their surface for weeks 

 and weeks, and the skipper as light-hearted as if he had thrown away 

 work forever instead of a couple of days. 



Dashing along at a merry rate, the Bed Rover made short work of 

 the distance between "Marmalade Lodge" and the entrance to Staten 

 Island Sound, over whose waters she was soon speeding. Sometimes 

 passing oyster skiffs whose owners watch the little canoe at first with 

 derision and then with envy at the easy way in which she slipped 

 through the water, and answered her crew's cheery "good morning" 

 with different degrees of gruff n ess, varying with the condition of their 

 individual digestive organs. Sometimes shooting by a quiet farm- 

 house, whose neat exterior showed that thrift and comfort reigned; 

 sometimes gliding past a pebbly beach or steep bank. Although it 

 was not yet noon, the skipper began to feel hungry (some claim that 

 he always feels so), and decided to lunch before reaching Tottenville. 

 In order to carry out this excellent scheme, the Red Rover was run 

 aground on a mud flat about five yards from the shore and prepara- 

 tions for the feast begun. After rummaging around in the "fore 

 hold" the flamme foreee lamp and alcohol bottle were produced, 

 along with some canned salmon, tea, sugar, salt and crackers. The 

 tea being made and the salmon warmed, after the lamp had nearly 

 consumed the skipper's lower extremities, which wore in "wading 

 trim," the Red Rover's captain and crew proceeded, without any 

 regard for rank, to enjoy the good things set before them. Some 

 small boys who had thus far watched the proceeding in idleness, 

 were now impressed into the service, and a couple of tin pails and 

 some orders given them to f etcb fresh water. The messengers having 

 returned, the crew set to work restowing the cargo and hoisting sail. 



Running down to Tottenville, the Red Rover was soon busy dodging 

 the numerous sloops and schooners that lay before that ancient 

 town, some of them at anchor and some of them sailing about, and 

 ail of them apparently bent on being destroyed by the sharp nose of 

 that little vessel. To increase the difficulties of the gallant skipper of 

 the festive Red Rover, the wind and tide were now dead ahead, and 

 the laziness of the crew even stronger than usual. Somewhat 

 daunted by this combination of difficulties, it was decided to go into 

 camp, although the afternoonlwas yet young. Accordingly the canoe 

 was run ashore about a mile below Tottenville, and camp pitched in 

 the worst place tbe skipper could possibly find. 



Having "slicked up" a little the skipper started for town, leaving 

 his craft to take care of herself. After wandering around the town 



for awhile and exciting general comment by his appearance, the 

 skipper returned toward evening to his camp, and was muchly re- 

 lieved to find things all right. 



The "inner man" again raising a howl, supper was considered in 

 order, and the preparations therefor begun. Searching for Are wood 

 for some little time, a pile of old shingles was found near a deserted 

 house, and immediately appropriated, and contrary to all sayings 

 about stolen goods, etc", made an excellent fire wmich cooked a first- 

 rate supper. While the culinary art was being indulged in, the ship- 

 per of a coa-ter happened along and kept the Red Rover and her 

 crew company till the latter turned in, and then went away declaring 

 that the "hull bizness" looked like a corpse in a coffin, and indeed the 

 resemblance must have been strong, as the skipper lay on his back 

 in the bottom of the canoe with his upturned face gleaming in the 

 starlight. 



The next morning was foggy and squally, and the weather gave 

 every promise of being as dirty as po=sible for the remainder of the 

 day. After breakfast the cargo wasrestowed and the canoe restored 

 to her natural element, was soon banging away at the short, sharp 

 seas, under the pressure of her mainsail. That day seemed to be 

 made up of fog, squalls and desolation, for the whole coast was 

 deserted save for an occasional fishing party, who were out in spite 

 of the weather, and who gazed at the canoe with wonder as she went 

 along over the big seas that tne wind was rolling up in the lower bay. 

 The wind increased steadily till toward four bells it was blowing 

 almost half a gale, and what was worse, the fog had become so thick 

 that it was impossible to see fifty yards in any direction. In spite 

 of this the Red Rover kept on till she ran onto a shoal, over which 

 the surf was breaking violently, and was half filled by the foam of 

 one big fellow. How she ever got out is still a mystery to her skipper, 

 who only knows that get out she did, and no sooner was she out than 

 she lay as straight a course as possible for a lighthouse, which she 

 had passed but a few moments before entering tne breakers. Arriv- 

 ing opposite the light the skipper quickly lashed the sail to the deck 

 (the Red Rover was lateen rigged), and put the hatches out of harm's 

 way, then grasping the paddle he backed her through the surf, 

 jumped out, seized the forward end of the cockpit, and with the help 

 of the willing lighthouse keeper soon had her out of danger. As it 

 was useless to attempt to continue on that day, it was arranged with 

 the lighthouse keeper to leave the canoe in" his charge for a day or 

 so. Accordingly, after having donned dry raiment, the crew of the 

 Red Rover walked to Ne v Dorp, where the train was taken for the 

 city. 



Monday afternoon sees the Red Rover afloat again, but under very 

 different circumstances. The fog is gone, the wind is to be scarcely- 

 felt, and the glorious spring sun again makes the water dance and 

 sparkle and glitter as her skipper lazily swings his paddle to the tune 

 of his favorite songs, and partly drifts to the "Narrows," where the 

 breeze being favorable, sail is hoisted and the dear little craft glides 

 through the gathering darkness to the boathouse. Friday. 



New York, March 19. 



THE NEWBURG MEET. 



AT a meeting of canoeists representing four different clubs, held 

 atNereburg. March 30, it was decided to hold the spring meet on 

 the last Friday and Saturday (29th and 30th) of May. The camp will 

 be ready for canoeists on Thursday, 28th. The location will be at 

 Plum Point, near the camp ground of last year. 



The float will be anchored off the northern extremity of the Point, 

 and all races will start from aud finish at tnat point. 



The course for sailing races willbe three mi'es, iu form of a triangle, 

 the base running one mile due east from the 1 oat, thence northwest- 

 erly ooe mile and back to starting: point. 



The paddling course will be half a mile south from float and return. 



Wind and weather favoring, the regular races will be sailed Friday 

 afternoon, 29th. Should there be no wind the sailing races will be 

 postponed till next day, to be sailed either morning or afternoon, as 

 the regatta committee may decide. 



There will be four races, in following order: 



First— Class 4, paddling. 



Second— Class A, sailing, three miles. 



Third— Class B, sailing, three miles. 



Fourth— Class 2, paddling, one mile. 



Saturday will be reserved for special races and other events of in- 

 terest. For that day the committee in charge would like a race be- 

 tween four canoes to be selected, one each, from the four leading 

 models in the races of the day before. Would also like a race in 

 which all unclassified canoes could enter. 



The committee are well aware that the time is limited and that 

 crowding too many events into the programme would destroy all the 

 pleasure of the meet, so limit the number of regular events to four, 

 with two extras if found expedient. Any additions or alterations may 

 be made later, or at time of meeting. Any special races may be 

 arranged at that time. The committee will make races for beaching 

 canoes, and will endeavorto have tne float securely anchored. If the 

 secretaries of clubs will at their earliest convenience report to our 

 purser, Mr. H. A. Harrison, the number of their men likely to be 

 present, they will greatly aid us in making the necessary arrange- 

 ments. 



Transportation from New York may be had by steamer James T. 

 Brett from foot of Rector street. Pier 6, at 11 o'clock A. M., and from 

 West Twenty-first street at 11:15. She will stop at the Knickerbocker 

 Club House.and at Rockland Point or Haverstraw for the Shattemucs 

 of Sing Sing if desired. This boat is the successor to the "Milk- 

 slinger," much larger and with good accommodations for passengers 



