Launch
Name/Title
LaunchEntry/Object ID
1999.004Description
1999.004 Fawn Boat Type: Open motor launch Builder: Bowdish & Co. Model: Unknown Original Power: 1 ½ Hp Steam Engine Current Power: 3 Hp 2-Cylinder Buffalo Gasoline Engine (1908) s/n 133 Length: 19' Beam: 4' 6" Date Built: 1887 Bowdish & Company was started in the late 1880s in Skaneateles as a builder of rowing boats, canoe, and small steam launches. The company had several unique methods of construction, at least two of which were patented. The rib feet were joined to the keel by special cast bronze fittings, and the plank seams were fitted with a batten that was let into the edge of each adjoining plank, for strength and water-tightness. The firm changed its name in the 1890s, and the shop burned in 1899. Some information says that Bowdish in fact became the Skaneateles Boat Company, but the evidence is unclear. "Fawn" was built by Bowdish in 1887 as a steam launch, outfitted with a 1-1/2 hp steam engine. In 1908, the steam power plant was replaced with a gas engine. This was the Buffalo that she currently has, which would have been a very modern engine for its time, being a 4-cycle motor cast in a single block, and using a sophisticated oiling system. The Buffalo starts with a hand crank, and is fitted to an early in-and-out Snow & Petrelli clutch. The boat was moved around a few times, finally coming to Seventh Lake in the Adirondacks, where she got her name. The owner, Russell Springsteen, finally retired her in 1940. She sat in the woods behind a shed at the camp until 1965, when John Wells purchased her for the purpose of restoration and to participate in the ABM boat show. Mr Wells and his wife Shirley restored the boat over the next 5 years, replacing a good deal of missing hardware and locating the Buffalo engine that was installed in 1908. In 1971, Fawn was brought to the Boat Show and won Antique Boat of the Year. She won Queen of the River in 1973, and again in 1983, making her the only boat ever to win that award twice. "Fawn" won many additional awards at other boat shows in the US and Canada, and received a great deal of press, appearing on the cover of Wooden Boat #2, and in many other publications such as the New York Times, Sports Illustrated, and others. These make "Fawn" one of the most well-known and appreciated antique boats in the world. In 1999 Mr. John Wells died, and his wife Shirley donated "Fawn" to the Antique Boat Museum in his memory. She remains in very good condition. EVS 08 Fawn has the distinction of winning more classic boat shows than any other craft in the Museum. Her story is a wonderful tribute to John Wells who located Fawn under a tarpaulin in the woods behind its former boathouse near Seventh Lake in the Adirondack Mountains. She was originally a steam launch. In 1908 Fawn's owners on Oneida Lake converted her to a new 4 horsepower Buffalo gasoline engine. In the early 1920s she was sold to her next owner and transported to Seventh Lake. John Wells was looking for an old boat to restore in 1965 so that he and his wife, Shirley, could participate in the recently organized Clayton Antique Boat Show. John struck a deal with the owner and purchased Fawn for $25 as is and began his search for her history and the boat's missing hardware. Six years later, in 1971, Fawn was ready for her debut in the 7th Annual Clayton Boat Show winning the show's highest award; Antique Boat of the Year. In 1973 she won the Queen of the River Award as the best of all the previous winners. Her photo appeared in full color on the cover of second issue of Wooden Boat Magazine. Her photo has also appeared in Sports Illustrated, Boating Industry, Motor Boating, Boating, The New York Times and Popular Mechanics. In 1982 Fawn was recognized at the Ottawa International Boat Show with two significant awards; Oldest Boat in Show and Best Antique Launch. In 1987, the year of Fawn's 100th birthday, she won the award for the best slow speed launch. She also won the prestigious Renaissance Cup at the Alexandria Bay Vintage Boat Show that recognizes both the history of the boat and its involvement in the activity of the Thousand Islands.Collection
BoatsAcquisition
Accession
1999.004Source or Donor
Wells, John, Mrs.Made/Created
Manufacturer
Bowdish & Co.Date made
1887Place
Location
Skaneateles, NY, USAEdition
Model: LaunchNotes
Early Date: 1887 Propulsion: inboard gasoline Engine: 1908 Buffalo Gasoline Motor Co. Type AA serial #133 Field 9: Dash Crank Model engine Cylinders: 2 HP: 3Other Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
Number Type
Other NumberOther Number
NY 29 CBDimensions
Width
4-1/2 ftLength
19 ftLocation
*Don Doebler Collections Storage Facility
Gallery
*Miller S. and Adelaide S. Gaffney GalleryBuilding
*Small Craft BuildingBartlett Point Barn 1
*Cleveland E. Dodge Memorial Launch Building