-
Free AquaBound Kayak Paddle with purchase of Wee Lassie Style Canoe
HomeHemlock Pete's HistoryBusiness PhilosophyCustomer CommentsAmazing Lady PaddlersContact Us
CanoesWee Lassie CanoesPaddlesCustom PaddlesCurrent InventorySale ItemsOutdoor GearCustom Woodworking
Repairs
Paddling ArticlesWater LevelsPaddle Size GuideWhere to PaddleOther Links
Ultralight boats!
Hemlock Pete's History
The most frequent question I get asked is, "Where did you get the name Hemlock Pete?" First of all my name is Scott Edwards. The Hemlock Pete title was given to me by my grandfather, Howard Wardner. A man who was blessed with three daughters and not a single son, an avid outdoorsman born and raised in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. His father was an Adirondack Guide working for the Paul Smith's Hotel. When I was born (in Key West Florida) my grandfather drove down to see me, a very long trip back in 1957.
As the story goes according to my grandmother he took one look at me and declared that I was his "Hemlock Pete". The one who would accompany him on his hunting and fishing excursions. Unfortunately for both of us he passed away when I was merely two years old. My grandmother (Mildred Wardner) quite often would mention how much Howard would have enjoyed my company.
As I grew up I spent as much time as possible outside. Although I never developed a passion for hunting, there was never enough time in a day for fishing, hiking, or canoeing. I spent a lot of time convincing people to go on outings with me. One summer I actually built a canoe cart out of an old bicycle and a couple of 2 x 4's (should have patented that thing) because I could never get anyone to help me carry the canoe to the local pond.
My true love for canoeing developed after I graduated from college. I began racing white water and shortly thereafter, flat-water marathons. Living in Lake George, NY, I was also in great country for camping and exploring. For a short time I worked as a licensed Adirondack Guide. In the mid '80's I relocated to NH following my career in the lumber business. At the time I had one son and then a second followed shortly thereafter. At some point there were discussions on the cost of college educations and so was born the idea of a part-time canoe business. That was in 1990. 11 boats were sold that year and probably 25 paddles which were all hand crafted by me.
Each consecutive year it grew a little, taking on more product lines and expanding into rentals. After 6 years sales had topped 100 boats. At this point still run out of the garage with no plans to do otherwise. There are no worries about how much or how little was sold as my overhead was quite low, allowing me to approach a sale as it was originally intended, with no pressure.
In the late '90's a career change brought me into teaching. A profession I immediately fell in love with and still hold that passion today. My curriculum even includes classes in wood and composite boat building along with outdoor exploration education. Along with the new career came summers off and the ability to run Hemlock Pete's Ultralight Canoes and Kayaks full time through July and August. Shortly after the millennium the business was moved from the garage to the barn, directly across from the North Haverhill Fair grounds.
2017 marked our first full season out of the new barn located in Orange, VT as well as the opening of Hemlock Pete's Custom Woodworking.
Over the years Hemlock Pete's has developed a solid reputation for quality, service, and fair prices. This will never change, as it is a matter of personal pride. What does the future hold? In 2020 we are celebrating our 30th year of helping people to enjoy paddling and we continue to follow the same original philosophy of providing excellent quality and service.
Stop by and visit my wife Lisa and me -- just to hang out and chat or join us for a paddle.
Happy Paddling!!
Scott Edwards of Hemlock Pete's Ultralight Canoes and Kayaks
Have a question? I'm happy to answer it - just email me at hpcanoes@gmail.com
hpcanoes@gmail.com
603.667.5112
We specialize in ultralight solutions and offer expertise in canoes and Wee Lassie boats, as well as all the related equipment. Our favorites are Wenonah canoes and Wee Lassie boats. Although we will work with any material we like to get folks set up with lightweight canoes so you can dedicate your time to the joy of being out on the lakes and rivers instead of struggling to move your boat between car and water.
Scott Edwards, "Hemlock Pete" himself, offers you decades of paddling expertise. He is friendly, down-to-earth, and provides superior customer service. You won't find a better, or more pleasant, deal elsewhere.