This summer I heard many stories. Volunteering to lead the wooden boat portion of the 4th of July boat parade required a little leg work to get us all corralled. My parents, Barrett & Marcia, had led the parade in years past so it seemed poetic that I take on the challenge. The previous year there were only five boats in the parade, which was beyond disappointing so I was determined to capture as many as I could. My mother and I sat at the breakfast table and started naming off families with wooden boats. A list of 17 boats became a list of 29 around our lakes after each phone call was made. Over my week of connecting with all of the owners I learned countless facts about each boat's history- how it was named, who its original owners were, when their boat will be restored to participate the following year, and even who learned to ski behind ours when dad was in high school.
To commemorate our newly created group we organized an historic photo shoot of our beloved Chris Craft family prior to the launch of the parade. To see all of our magnificent boats together that afternoon brought me so much joy … and pride … and connectedness to my dear dad. Every time I can show my convertible in an antique car show or, in this case, lead a vintage boat parade brings me closer to him. My children have come to understand this unique reverence and sentimentality that is part of who we are.
The photos memorialize our group and our fleet in a moment in time. It could have been taken decades ago. It could be taken decades from now. These boats are our timeless legacy.