TOP ROW - Birchbark Canoe

Birch Bark Canoe, 1950

Donor: Eva Stafford, 1974

This canoe was used during the dedication of the Mackinac Bridge in 1958 to re-enact the crossing of the Straits of Mackinac by Native Americans and European traders.  

The Mighty Mac was an engineering triumph, linking Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Over five miles long, it was then the world’s longest suspension bridge.

An Authentic Reproduction

In 1950, Celer Stafford of Comstock Township hired Canadian Ojibwa craftsmen to build this authentic birch bark canoe using traditional Native American techniques and materials. Layers of birch bark were cut and sewn into place. Cedar strips formed the frame and spruce gum made the canoe watertight.  

Traditional birch bark canoes could be up to 40 feet long. They were sturdy enough to carry 15 persons or a ton of goods, yet they were light enough to carry between waterways.

Stafford displayed the canoe in his marine supply store for almost 20 years. He loaned it to the Mackinac Bridge Authority for its opening ceremonies.  Mrs. Stafford donated it to the Museum in 1974.