Hayward, Wisc boat/canoe builders

[AndreasJordahlRhude]

My research into a boat firm's history lead me to Hayward, Wisconsin recently. I was surprised to find that there were eight (8) boat and canoe builders in the area during the 20th century. Maybe more. I just found the eight! There are plenty of lakes and streams in the area, so boating and boat building is not unusual. Even mobster Al Capone liked to take holiday in the area!

The firms are: Argalas Boat Building & Repairing (1940-1950s); Badger Boat Builders at Counderay (19__s to 1986); Glas-Star Boat Co (1954-1955); Hayward Boat Co. & later Hayward Boat Mfg. Co. (1930s?-1967?); Lymburner Boat & Mfg. Co.; Northern Wisconsin Boat Co (1949); Peterson Boat Works
(1930s?-1960s?); Sipe Boat Co.

It appears as some of these were spin-offs from the others. John Sipe worked for Lymburner Boat and later departed and formed Sipe Boat Co. with his brother-in-law Wes Hammerel. John Sipe's son was owner of Hayward Boat Mfg. Co. Glas-Star made fiberglass boats and was purchased by Arnold O'Hare in late 1955 and moved to Onarga, IL to become Crownline Boats.

Not sure who of these made canoes, but Hayward and Peterson and Badger all mention canoes as being part of their product line.

This Peterson Boat Works at Hayward was not affiliated with Peterson Bros. Boat Works at nearby Shell Lake, WI. Neither was associated with Peterson Builders at Sturgeon Bay, WI.

I'd love to hear from anyone that has ever heard of any of these firms and may have one of their boats/canoes and brochures....

The Sawyer County Historical Society has a beautiful circa 1957 Hayward Boat Co. outboard runabout on display at their museum. There are several Hayward Boat Co. boats at the Fishing Hall of Fame as well.

Andreas
thompsonboat@msn.com (thompsonboat@msn.com)

[240sxguy]

Andreas, http://madison.craigslist.org/boa/1389117471.html

Yeah, its glass but most of these folks also started with wood boats. Have you ever heard of inland boat works out of madison/monona wi? They sold wood boats as well, molded mohogany plywood hulls. A local guy was selling a 14'er and it looked to be a well constructed boat. I did go see it in person.

Evan

[AndreasJordahlRhude]

I am very much aware of Shell Lake Boat Company and it's post bankruptcy successor Shell Lake Boats, Inc . In fact, I wrote an aritlce on the company history which was published in the Sept/Oct 2009 issue of "Classic Boating" magazine.

I am aware of Inland Boat of Madison. I don't know much about them, but have heard of them.

Andreas

[C. Ross]

Bob Speltz move over. Andreas, the research that you are doing into small companies that made (mostly) small boats is really interesting. Reminds me that I need to subscribe to Classic Boating as well as WoodenBoat. Thanks.

[Captain Blight]

There's a pretty good tavern called the Timber Chicken, outside the town of Barnes, that serves what may be the best tavern-burger in the Upper Midwest, and hence the world. I know you don't drink but I know you do eat.

I really like that part of the country. Might do a canoe/bicycle tour through there next summer. Will be sure to keep an eye out for any... "objects of interest..." that might be poking out of sheds in the hinterlands.

[Iceboy]

I spent most of my summers in the town of Barnes. Still have 40 acres there. I may have to give the Timber Chicken a try as I'll be there this weekend. I'm also going to try to get into the canoe museum in Spooner. Not sure if they are open yet though.

[AndreasJordahlRhude]

Iceboy: Give the canoe museum folks at Spooner a telephone call ahead of time. They are not officially open yet, but I bet someone would open the doors for you if you call ahead. I stuck my head against the window last week and there are canoe displays set up in the museum.

I don't drink alcohol but yes I do eat. However, I do not eat red meat! Does the Timber Chicken serve turkey or chicken burgers?

A black bear decided to go shopping at the Hayward grocery store last Friday evening. Walked up tothe automatic doors which opened and rambled into the store, climbed up on top of one of the shelves and just hung out! The store was evacuated and the DNR came and darted the bear and hauled him away. I was in the store earlir in the day! HOW FUN!

Andreas

[Iceboy]

I may just do that. My brother is an alderman in Spooner and had something to do with them getting the feed mill. He's told me he can get a tour if it's on the weekend. I may not get there till sunday night due to work conflicts but I'll try.