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Originally Posted by howitzers
I am restoring a famous old racing boat which raced on Winnipesaukee in the 1930's-40's & 50's. She is a Gar Wood model 28-55 and originally had a Liberty V12 aircraft engine from WWI. Her name was WILD CAT IV and she raced at the Weirs and in Alton Bay, driven by Vinnie Callahan, owner of Channel Marine.
She may have been owned by Stearns Marine in Lakeport, Dexter Sheppard and/or GlenRoy Scott, but she definitely was owned by the Ken Clarke family of Varney Point in the '40's and early '50's when raced. She was then renamed CORSAIR and owned by the Fox family near Ellacoya. Photos of the restoration can be found on my website at newenglandboatandmotor.com.
I am looking for people around the Lake who might have old scrap books or photo albums showing the old races in that time period or knew any of the families mentioned above.
Feel free to contact me at [email protected]
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The New Hampshire Boat Museum in Wolfeboro may be able to help you. The theme of the museum this year is "The History of Boat Racing on Winnipesaukee" They have several race boats on display and have many accounts of the different kind of boats and boats races on the lake over the years.
There are many on the staff at the NHBM that have years of experience with woodies like the Hackcraft, Garwood Chris Craft. Many of the staff members restore old woodies. George Johnson of Wolfeboro now deceased was the go to person and historian about these beautiful craft.
Just last week the NHBM had 15 woodies taking people for a ride on the Boat House Tour. It was amazing to see all the woodies Chris Craft, Garwoods, Shepards and Hackercraft cruising the lake all day.
I'm sure they may help you get more information if you were to call the NHBM. Ask for Rick Koriaun. His Step father was George Johnson.
Also may be of interest to you and others, on September 13 and 14 the NHBM has 60 boats coming to Wolfeboro Bay to race for the two days. It is called the Vintage Race Boat Regatta. The races will include Vintage Gold Cup Hydroplanes that will exceed 100MPH. Jersey Skiffs and other classes including Hydroplane outboards. all of which can be seen at the New Hampshire Boat Museum. In fact there is a Hydroplane on display called the "Roman Candle" which will be taken out of the museum and put into the race.
Sorry for getting little off the subject, but the NHBM may help you get the information you are looking for.