By Rick Mansfield

Three generations of the Lewis family handcrafted the 24-foot "river john" that tied for first place in the Eminence Chamber of Commerce’s first annual River Boat Show this past Saturday. The wooden craft made from native pine was entered in the 1960 and older category of the locally sponsored event. Leroy, son Artney, and grandson Shane built this craft a few years ago as a family project. This boat was built "so that my kids and grandkids would have something to remember the old ways" according to Leroy, who patterned the boat after the design he had used a half-century earlier when he had the Powder Mill Ferry and a boat business.

"The flat-bottomed boats didn’t handle a motor as well, so by building in rake at both the bow and stern, water would actually ‘follow’ the lift of the boat in the back up to the prop of the motor and allow you to run in shallower water," the retired educator and coach explained. "I sold and rented boats for years. This design worked really well. They worked well with or without motors. I’d build one in my spare time, working evenings as I could. They took about 40 hours or more to build and would sell for between $50 to $60. I’d sell around five or six a year. John Cooley was the only other boat builder around back then."

They shortened the length of the ribs for the front and back, decreasing gradually from the 30" middle. This provided the rake in the bow and stern, naturally "drawing up" the 16" sideboards. One difficulty today is getting the lumber. "These boards are as old as I am" son Artney informed viewers. "It was a real pleasure for Shane and I to be a part of what is our history and heritage. I’d helped dad before on a few others. It was great getting to enjoy the fellowship of working with him and my son." In his youth, Artney had run similar craft as commissary boats up into the 1970’s.

By Rick Mansfield

A 2007 Blazer SS decked out in John Deere green and yellow took first place in its class and went on to also win Best in Show at Eminence Chamber of Commerce’s first annual River Boat Show this past Saturday. Jack Basham proudly displayed the boat at this first of its kind local event. Several other Blazer boats were on display, and took honors as well. "To build a great looking boat, you need to start with a boat that’s built great," stated one competitor, explaining in part the preponderance of Blazer boats taking home all three trophies in their class.

"I find it fascinating the amount of work these people have put into these beautiful craft," offered Phil Moss of Blazer Boats. "I’m proud that my family can be part of this combination of American enterprise and entertainment." Phil and son Calvin work with their wives at their production plant in Ellington.

Chuck and Ellen Summers of Springfield, who won second with their Blazer, enjoyed the event and were impressed with the hard work of the Eminence Chamber. "Everyone has to start somewhere, and this was a great start." Brad White of Summersville won third.

The event also included dunking booths and a balloon release as part of the Wesley McIntire Memorial foundation. Jane Blake and husband, Richard, manned a food stand to raise money to further the work of this non-profit organization that does so much for the families of cancer patients in Shannon County. Along with selling food and beverages, they released balloons in honor and remembrance of cancer victims and survivors.

The Eminence Chamber of Commerce plans to hold this event again next summer, as well as other events this fall. The Chamber plans to continue their hard work on behalf of local businesses, and hopes to continue to come up with new and innovative ways to involve and entertain even more people in the future.

Next event for Eminence Chamber is the Motorcycle Rally September 10 thru 14.

Jefferson City — Gov. Matt Blunt announced that two Missouri communities have been approved for a total of $1million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED).

The city of Summersville has been approved for a CDBG in the amount of $500,000. The CDBG will be utilized for water system improvements.

The city of Walnut Grove has been approved for a CDBG in the amount of $500,000. The CDBG will be utilized for water system improvements.

The CDBG program, administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, provides grants and loan funds to cities with a population under 50,000 and counties under 200,000 to assist in a variety of public works and economic development projects.

Birch Tree’s Loggers Day and Centennial event will be celebrated on September 6 from 12:00 to 7:00 PM.

Included in this fun event is a Missouri Forest Products Information booth which will have demonstrations for the different chainsaw woodcuts loggers use for governmental certification, in addition to The Missouri Department of Conservation will have an information booth.

The parade will begin at 5:00, and plans are made for it to last until 6:00 p.m. Birch Tree’s parade will spotlight special vehicles, including the first car ever purchased by the MDC, and Smokey Bear. If you plan to enter an item in the parade, a float, a band, or horse/team, please line up at the Ball Park no later than 4:00 p.m.

Some of the crafters include Mandolin Makers, Lye Soap Maker, Turkey Call Maker, as well as booths for a farmer’s market, tie hewing, old logging equipment and much more.

Food booths include Hill Billy Pa’s Bloomin’ Onions, booths with fried fish, fried pickles and fried green beans, and pulled pork sandwiches. The Park Board will have a booth with a nice array of snacks and drinks.

Money raised from the event goes back into the community.

Everyone is encouraged to participate and help celebrate, so bring your lawn chairs and plan to spend the day to enjoy the logging industry and Birch Tree’s Centennial.

Other entertainment will include games all day in the City Park and a Street Dance from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.