Photo: Allan Newell
CLAYTON,
New York (May 8, 2013) – The Antique Boat Museum (ABM), North America’s premier
freshwater nautical museum based in Clayton, New York, released today a pilot
episode of what the Museum hopes to one day turn into a mini-series.
“Old
Boat Stories: Episode One” [as seen below] has been launched via the Museum’s YouTube channel
(youtube.com/antiqueboatmuseumny), with the intent of perhaps becoming a wooden
boating mini-series.
Set in the heart of the 1000 Islands region of upstate New York, the pilot episode focuses on the restoration and history of Splinter, a 28-foot long-decked launch built by Morristown Boat and Engine Company. Splinter, originally built in 1912, has the ability to cruise throughout the region now some 100 years later thanks to the dedication and hard work put forth by wooden boat enthusiasts such as Allan Newell and Everett Smith, former curator of the ABM. Newell, who is a long-standing contributor to the ABM and has served for several years on the Museum’s Board of Trustees, is the owner of the boat and he shares with viewers the boat’s history and revitalization in this episode.
Included
in the episode is Emmett Smith, son of Everett, and current curator of the ABM.
“Devotion
toward wooden boats goes unheralded and the production of this pilot episode
allows us to share with the world the uniqueness and character that wooden
boats, as well as their owners, collectors and craftsmen possess,” explained
Fritz Hager, Executive Director.
“Episode
Two” is currently being drawn up to document the restoration of the world’s
largest runabout, Pardon Me, which departed the ABM in 2012 for Brooklin, ME to
undergo extensive work.
Filmed
in 2012 and produced by Le JIT Productions of Brooklyn, NY, the concept of “Old
Boat Stories” was developed in conjunction with former ABM Director John
MacLean in an effort to highlight antique and classic boating and ensure
longevity in the hobby, as well as stay true to the ABM’s mission of
celebrating boats to advance public understanding of the cultural history.
Located
on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features
a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats among thousands of
recreational boating artifacts. Beginning May 10, the campus comes alive with
speedboat rides, boat shows, and educational programs for all ages, special
events and more. For more information please visit the Museum’s website at ABM.org.
