The Legacy of the Lakeside Wooden Boat Society

In Lakeside, Ohio, wooden boats are more than just watercraft—they are vessels of memory, heritage, and deep-rooted community connection. Unlike other places around the world where such boats have faded into history, Lakeside celebrates them as sacred storytellers—reminders of generations’ past and the enduring beauty of craft and care.

This reverence for wooden boats sparked something powerful. In 2003, fourteen Lakesiders—Brenda & Frank Baker, Dwight Davis, Mame & Bill Drackett, Marsha Jenkins & Ron Jacobs, LuAnne & Tom Ramsdell, Tom Salamone, Betsey & Phil Savage, and Barb & Dick Swanson—gathered over their shared love of these elegant boats. United by passion and purpose, they formed the Lakeside Wooden Boat Society (LWBS), a volunteer-led organization officially recognized by Lakeside in 2004.

Since its founding, LWBS has grown into a thriving community of more than 70 members. The group’s mission is threefold:

1. To promote the heritage, love, and appreciation of the art and craft of wooden boats.

2. To contribute to the development of the Lakeside Chautauqua waterfront through the Master Planning process.

3. And to support ongoing efforts to improve and enhance the health of Lake Erie.

The very first Lakeside Wooden Boat Show in 2004 was as humble as it was heartfelt: just three boats displayed in the pavilion circle. It was an unsanctioned event—organized without LKSD board approval—designed to gauge interest and community curiosity. What started as an experiment has since blossomed into a beloved annual tradition. In 2025, the wooden boat show is set to feature an average of 80 boats, attracting collectors, enthusiasts, and spectators from across the region.

Most of the boats featured in the show are classified as "classic" wooden boats (built between 1943 and 1975), though the full range spans:

●        Historic (pre-1918)

●        Antique (1919–1942)

●        Classic (1943–1975)

●        Late Classic (1976–2000)

●        Contemporary (2001 to present day)

The most common model on display is the Lyman, a cherished Lake Erie favorite that makes up over 80% of the fleet. In 2025, the show celebrated the 150th Anniversary of Lyman Boat Works, featuring a special visit from the Sandusky Maritime Museum, showcasing a rare 1939 custom Lyman to honor this historic milestone.

Beyond the Boat Show, Lakeside Wooden Boat Society (LWBS) fills Lakeside’s summer calendar with a variety of engaging, water-themed events and educational programs. Some of the most cherished offerings include:

●        The Annual Blessing of the Fleet – Held each June, this tradition is led by the Lakeside Chaplain to celebrate and safeguard the community’s vessels.

●        The Pirate Adventure (est. 2019) – A favorite among children, this event invites kids and captains to dress in pirate attire for a playful and spirited evening on the water.

●        “Gilligan’s Island” Cruises to Kelley’s Island (est. 2024) – Offered two times each summer, these themed cruises invite six guests to embody characters from the classic TV show during their voyage.

●        Weekly Pond Boat-Building Classes – Designed for children ages 4–12 and held four-six times a week, these classes teach boat construction at three levels: puddle boats (youngest group), balloon boats (intermediate), and sailboats (oldest group). A fourth level, “monster boats,” allows kids to design and build their own creations. Participants also learn to safely use tools like a drill press.

●        Waterfront Cruises on Miss Muffet – Hosted twice weekly by long-time Lakesider Dwight Davis, these 30-minute cruises aboard a 1956 Chris-Craft Constellation offer a relaxing glimpse into Lakeside’s boating culture.

●        Fundraisers like the Buoy Tree – Creative fundraising efforts help support dock restoration and other waterfront improvement projects.

The Society also contributes in tangible ways. LWBS volunteers have built five watercrafts from scratch—four “Lakeside Daisy” rowboats and one kayak—and restored a classic Lyman named “Button.” The hands-on boatbuilding course that produced the Daisy fleet has become a cornerstone example of how the Society turns craftsmanship into community. The four Lakeside Daisy’s have been sold and are navigating the waters across the United States.

In 2008, Lakeside purchased a 1931 antique Richardson Cruise wooden boat, which was christened “Amazing Grace.” Amazing Grace was used for evening boat rides twice a week for 30 to 60 minutes for 16 years. After years of cherished service, Amazing Grace was retired in 2023—a fitting symbol of both legacy and renewal. Today, the evening boat rides are given on “Miss Muffet”, a 1956 38-foot Chris Craft.

The impact of LWBS extends well beyond Lakeside. Over the past two decades, the Society has built relationships with preservation groups, nonprofits, and museums across Ohio—bringing model boats, ice boats, amphicars, and other historical watercraft into the Lakeside orbit. These exchanges not only enrich Lakeside’s cultural offerings but connect its story to a broader network of wooden boat stewards.

But for all the boats, exhibits, and programs, it’s the people who make the magic. The original LWBS founders, many of whom still volunteer today, know that wooden boats are ultimately about connection: to each other, to history, and to the water that binds them.

“The truth is,” one founder shared, “most people have never seen Lakeside from the water.” That simple shift in perspective—being on the lake, looking back at the shore—can be transformative.  It’s why the Society remains committed to taking more guests and long-time Lakesider’s out on the water, helping them see their community anew.

As it enters its third decade, the Lakeside Wooden Boat Society continues to grow—not only in numbers, but in vision. It remains a beacon of craft, care, and community. From teaching children how to tie their first knot to restoring century-old vessels, LWBS is keeping tradition alive while inspiring the next generation to set sail.