The transformation of trees into masts is a long and exacting process, according to Captain David Falzetti, Director of Milwaukee Lake Schooner, Ltd. Initially, the trees will need to be open-air dried, which is a slow operation lasting approximately two years. Then, using the time honored method, the trees will be squared off, yielding a large four sided timber. The edges of the square will then be cut to produce a timber with an octagonal cross-section. This will be repeated twice more to create a 16-sided, and then a 32-sided cross- section. The remaining edges are then taken down to complete the raw shaping of the mast.
It was a cold, gray, late-winter morning as the small group gathered in the forests of the Menominee Indian Reservation near Neopit, Wisconsin. Many diverse interests were represented, including representatives from the Menominee Tribal Legislature and Menominee Tribal Enterprises, as well as foresters and loggers. A preliminary survey had already been completed to locate suitable trees. Only those trees were considered which had at least 60 to 80 feet of perfectly straight growth before any branches, and had a diameter of approximately two to three feet for the entire length.
The group was guided to the location of each individual tree which had been identified. Capt. Falzetti then carefully examined the tree, and would silently nod, or shake his head. The gravity of the situation could easily be read on his face. As Capt. Falzetti noted, the making of spars was no science, but rather a dying art where ever fewer people had any direct experience. He was making decisions that both he and the schooner would live with for years to come. He was also deciding the fate of trees which, judged to be approximately 160 years old, dated well back into the golden age of sail.
Once the final decisions had been made, everyone returned to the location of the first tree to be felled, and the loggers began their work. The cutter, chain saw in hand, took only minutes to notch and cut the pine, which stood approximately 100 feet overall. It slowly toppled, pushing aside or crushing everything in its path. Two skidders, heavy equipment unique to loggers, drove in and attached cables to the massive tree and pulled it free from the underbrush, and onto the logging road.
Lawrence Waukau, Menominee Tribal Enterprises President, explained that normally each harvested tree would be cut into 12- to 14-foot sections on the spot -- the typical sizes for cut lumber. The trees that had just been felled could be trimmed to no less than approximately 70 feet, and hence presented a unique challenge. As each tree in turn was loaded onto a logging truck by itself, with 20- to 30-feet of the tree hanging off the end of the trailer, the true size of these masts-to-be was obvious. The trees will be stored at the sawmill in Neopit, and eventually transported to the Milwaukee lakefront. Even that will present its own difficulties since special State permission will be required to transport such long loads.
The Milwaukee Lake Schooner will carry masts which originate from the shores it will call home. It is fitting that the timber was donated by the Menominee Indians, a woodland people whose ancestral home extends throughout most of what is now Wisconsin. Culturally adapted to, and harmonious with the environment, the Menominee Indians have practiced a system of sustained-yield management of their forests through selective harvest. This far-sighted vision was conceptualized by early Menominee leaders, and allows the forest to be harvested at a rate that would achieve a perennial balance between annual growth, natural mortality, and the production of timber through selective harvest. Particularly in view of the history of logging in the Lake States since the 19th century, the fact that the Menominee Forest remains largely intact despite the conversion of vast areas of surrounding land to agriculture speaks eloquently for the wisdom of their system of forestry. The mere fact that trees of the size and quality essential for making masts still exist is a tribute to the Menominee People.
With the felling of these pines, Milwaukee Lake Schooner, Ltd. has begun the long process of constructing a full-sized reproduction of a Great Lakes schooner. These vessels were built by the thousands along the shores of Lake Michigan and, during much of Milwaukee's past, as many as 30 vessels were arriving per day at the port of Milwaukee. The schooners themselves were based loosely on Baltimore clippers but differed in many important respects. Great Lakes schooners tended to be longer, somewhat narrower, and utilized a centerboard instead of a keel. The construction of this vessel is of significance because there are currently no full-sized reproductions of a Great Lakes Schooner in existence.
The Milwaukee Lake Schooner will serve many important functions. As an educational tool, the schooner will provide a catalyst for renewed interest in maritime education. It will enhance academic study and develop a deeper sense of stewardship for the precious resource that is the Great Lakes. Naturally, the ship will also serve as a goodwill ambassador for the City of Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin as well as providing a focal point for tourism on Milwaukee's lakefront.
The as yet unnamed Milwaukee Lake Schooner has already come a long way since the initial idea for the project was conceived. Naval architects have already produced a set of line drawings for the vessel which, although not finalized, provide an excellent image for what the vessel will look like. She will have two retractable centerboards, a length on deck of approximately 95 feet, a sparred length of approximately 130 feet, and three gaff-rigged masts with a raffee (a triangular topsail typical of Great Lakes schooners).
For more information contact:
Milwaukee Lake Schooner, Ltd.,Telephone: +1 (414) 276-5664.
In order to get an idea of whether the distribution of information through this medium is effective, please mention that you read this article.Disclaimer: The sender has no official connection with Milwaukee Lake Schooner, nor the Menominee Indian Tribe. The information contained in this article is partially original material, as well as adapted from material by the Milwaukee Lake Schooner, Ltd. and Marshall Pecore, a forest manager for the Menominee Tribal Enterprises. References available upon request.
Hannes.
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Internet: Hannes.Beinert@FullFeed.Com
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Date: Mon, 14 Mar 1994 01:16:40 -0600
Sender: TALLSHIP - Sailing and Operation of Traditional Sailing Vessels
From: R Hannes Beinert
Subject: Milwaukee Lake Schooner News
To: Multiple recipients of list TALLSHIP