ABOUT THE CANOE

Punkie is a beautiful “Canadian” model, all-cedar smoothskin canoe, meant for occasional use with a sail. Displayed in the Owen D. Young Library, Punkie had many owners until eventually finding her home at St. Lawrence University on January 13, 2004. Punkie was acquired by the University in 2003 after a library renovation sparked community interest in acquiring and displaying a Rushton canoe.

To add a Rushton canoe to the school’s library would represent the numerous connections that exist between St. Lawrence and the Adirondacks. When then-librarian Bart Harloe found out that a Rushton canoe was available, he began negotiations, and it soon became clear that this canoe was a perfect fit. Hand-crafted by John Henry Rushton (1843-1906) in 1891, Punkie is something of an Adirondack commodity, a beautiful representation of Rushton’s craftsmanship and the work of a world that seems now somewhat obsolete. The presentation of a canoe is not just about the artistry of its production but also its usefulness. Punkie is no longer a perfect canoe by any means, but the significance lies in her usefulness, her beat-up hull and repaired keel. A well-loved canoe is a canoe that has been used, the wicker seats are meant to be sat upon, and the painter’s rings are meant to be hitched to cleats. The grace of a canoe is in its purpose, and Punkie represents the natural beauty of the art of the canoe.
– Fiona Malcarney

John Henry Rushton
Punkie, 1891
All cedar smoothskin “Canadian” model canoe with fiberglass coating
Owen D. Young Library, Center for Teaching and Learning Room