In the era before the advent of the outboard motor, rowboats were used extensively at cottages and hotels around the lakes. The excellent trout population found in the deeper lakes led to the development of a small fishing boat we have come to call a troutboat. Typically 12 – 14 ft in length, round bilged and carrying an aft deck, these small fishing boats rowed easily and handled well in rough water. The demand for these boats was met by numerous builders who operated small boat shops throughout the region. Few if any of these builders identified their work by affixing a nameplate or other marking. Therefore, it’s frequently difficult to determine the origin of these small craft other than by certain design or construction characteristics unique to a certain builder.

The elegant little rowboat shown here is thought to be the work of a Mr. Mitchell who reputedly operated a boat shop on Canandaigua Lake, possibly on the city pier in Canandaigua. She is 12 ft in length and rather lightly constructed with no inwale. She resided at a family cottage on Seneca Lake for about 40 years prior to donation to the Museum.

.