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Steve’s Blog
Current River Style Jon Boats
This is the Current River style boat. My grandfather got the plans in Doniphan on the Current River in about 1920 and hired local boat builder from near Steelville, MO. on the Meramec River. These boats were built on the site where they were to be used and launched. It usually took a boat builder about a week to complete the boat and 2 paddles. Ours were always 24′ x 4′ (width at the center) tapering to 18″ at the bow and stern.
When completed they were sunk for several days to swell the wood and close any leaks. It took 5-6 men to roll them over and empty them and they would then dry for several days in the sun. Total weight was about 250-300 pounds dry. I watched the last one built in 1960 (I was 13). They used local woods; sassafras, hickory, and some quarter-sawn white oak where straight grain mattered; like gunwales.
In 1960; the price of the wood was $47.50; labor was $100; total $147.50. In 1960 the bottom was made from plywood.
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Prior to that the bottoms were planked. We had boats built in 1906 (gig boat), 1921 (lost to flood), 1930, 1947 (broken on truck from float return trip), 1952 (lost to flood), and 1960 (sunk in 1969). Total price in 1921 was $38.00.
All of our boats were built from the same pattern; except prior to 1920 our family used gig boats to float They were up to 28′ – 32′ long and only 2-3′ wide at the center with an up-swept bow and stern. The were also common of the North Fork of the White River.
As far as the pictures go; to is our 1930 Jon Boat, next; in the 1930’s our boat at Huzzah Meramec junction; next to right is our boat in 1949 at Saranac Spring riffle, next to right in beginning of 3 boat float at Onondaga Cave before the bridge in 1926, next; is the hog trough at the town of Scotia on the Huzzah Creek about 1947.
Getting them back after a float was hard to do without a trailer; usually on a long bed truck with additional oak 2X4″ 16′ long under the boat for additional bracing to keep them from snapping in half on a bumpy gravel road.
Eastern Hognose Snake
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IS THIS SNAKE DEAD ??Nope, just playing possum.This is an Eastern Hognose or Spread-head (Ozark term). They are so interesting to observe. If you encounter one, they try to run, if they can not get away, they will coil up and shake their tails like a rattle snake; even hiss loudly and strike out; if that does not work to scare you off, then they writhe around on the ground like they are fatally injured; all the time, watching your reaction.
Finally, they play dead, and roll over on their back, allow their mouth to open and let their tongue hang out. If you roll them back over on their stomach, they will immediately roll over again and will continue this “act” until you leave. I have seen a few of the these snakes in sandy places where there are lots of frogs at ROLF.
These snakes are harmless; they won’t even bite. Please do not attemp to harm or kill Missouri’s snakes.
Good sized Northern Water Snake this May 2008
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I saw him along the North Fork banks on a cool morning. He is not very aggressive like they can be because her is real cold. These snakes arebeneficialand should not be harmed or teased in any way. The are falsely accused of being poisonous moccasins but are harmless. Also pictured (on top) is a pretty large one from 2006 up river near Blue Springs.
Old days of hunting before game laws in Missouri
The days before the Missouri Department of Conservation and statewide game laws lead to an abundance of commercial hunting for profit and fun. The is a picture of Raithel’s Meat Market in downtown Jefferson City, Missouri about 1900. Look closely; you can see deer, bear, and cougar or bobcat. (Courtesy Missouri Secretary of State office).
