The Herald's Patent Cedar Canoe

Although the canoe company founded by Daniel Herald produced a variety of canoe models, the most celebrated of his product line was the Herald's Patent Cedar Canoe. The patent in the name, dated 1871, refers specifically to the mould used in the building of this model. Herald developed a technique of double-skin construction in which the patent mould was key. This type of construction was greatly valued for its exceptional strength and the resulting smooth inner skin. Hunters and anglers found the latter feature made cleaning the canoe much easier; a smooth inner skin was also easier on the user's knees. In this regard, it is worth noting that Rice Lake, where Herald developed this canoe, was a favourite spot for hunting water foul and fishing. Among the three moulds in the Daniel Herald–Rice Lake collection is a Herald's Patent mould (940387). The Herald's Patent Cedar Canoe (980007) in the Museum's small watercraft collection dates to 1880 and is marked with Daniel Herald's personal stamp.

Explanatory drawing from Herald's Boat and Canoe Mould patent of 1871. (CSTMC)

Canoe mould for construction of Herald's Patent Cedar Canoe. (CSTMC)

Profile view of Herald's Patent Cedar Canoe, ca 1880. (CSTMC)

Builder's label stamped into the fore-deck of the Herald's Patent Cedar Canoe, ca 1880. (CSTMC)