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White Lake Property Owners Association
August 2007 - Salvaged Buck's Rowboat
At the 2007 WLPOA Annual Meeting and Picnic, I was talking to Lisa Vich about scuba diving in White Lake. I asked her if she had found anything interesting, and she mentioned an old rowboat in about 20 feet of water. In early August 2007, two scuba divers recovered a rowboat from about 20 feet of water. According to Fred Forest, they asked if they could leave it on the Rowe's beach until they could come and get it, which they did.
Based on a similarity to a rowboat owned by the Spoerls that was originally a Buck's Resort rowboat, we believe that the salvaged one was also a Buck's rowboat. If it sank while the resort was in operation, that would mean it was under water for over 40 years.
I'm a little disappointed that it was removed from the lake because I think it made a relatively harmless and quite interesting scuba or snorkling attraction, but as long as it was on the surface I took a few photos. Fred took a couple as well, and here they are.
The salvaged rowboat sees the sun once again. Notice how nicely the white paint was preserved on the lower part which was covered by silt. Photo courtesy of Fred Forest.
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Another photo from Fred showing the front of the rowboat. No word if that rope is original or was attached by the salvors.
A shot I took from the stern. It appeared to be an aluminum boat with some wooden fittings.
Close-up of the side. Notice the two sets of oarlocks.
This is the rowboat that was originally from Buck's and never sank (Spoerl's?). It was upside down so I didn't get a great look at it, but I did note that it appeared to be the same shape and also has two sets of oarlocks. Also notice that the paint on its bottom seems to be in worse shape than the part of the salvaged rowboat that was in the silt. Interesting.
While I was taking these pictures, I spoke to Bill Vich and Dave Strysick about Buck's resort. Evidently this boathouse dates to the Buck's days. The cabin above it was the Buck's residence, and I understand it is still owned by a Buck relative. I also learned that the white structure to the right of the Vich's A-Frame (which I didn't take a picture of) was the boat rental shed for Buck's. Additional (or more accurate :) details are always welcome.
Eric Elfner
August 2007
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Last Updated by Eric Elfner September 2007 (What's New?)