As I stand at the threshold of my 80th birthday I can turn and look back with clarity at all the years that flowed so swiftly by. Clarity is possible not because my own memory is particularly accurate, but because my wife has faithfully chronicled our life together through photographs. In the days of film, the prints did not go into a shoebox to be deat with at some future time, but went directly into albums, thence to shelves where they were instantly available. Now, with digital images, once each year she has a book printed with these aids to memory. Thus, as is the case here, I can pull out the album for the year 1975 and bring to life the building of our boat shop.
Preview: The Early Days – A Dream and The Energy of Youth, by Harry Bryan
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John Clark says:
Harry, I can vividly recall my first visit to your Shop. Mid 80’s Jim Day our Boatbuilding instructor NBCC took us over to your place. PATIENCE B was under construction. I believe you had a Datsun truck that had a plywood body. 40 years passes too quickly.
All the best to you.
Brian Leger says:
Harry, Love your words as always.
Martha, You and the kids travelled to Mactaquac, New Brunswick in the late 80’s and presented a wonderful account of your sailing adventures in the Pacific to the members of the Fredericton Power and Sail Squadron. We had two presentation rooms, one for You and one for Martha and the Kids.
Round one went as I expected with the “Captains” filling your room and the “Mates” heading to Martha & Kid’s room. Round two, for the repeat presentations, had me worried. Would either room have an audience?
Absolutely, every “Captain” went to listen to Martha & Kids, to figure out what they had to do to get their “Mates” to sail around the world with them! Every “Mate” went to listen to You to try to figure out why men are so drawn to boats, sailing and the sea.
Everyone who had to pleasure to meet and talk with you and your family that day left with some very special gifts of shared boat-living experiences, practical boat building/sailing tips and insights into your philosophies of simple, fulfilling living.
Thank you for that day and for continuing to share, teach and inspire!
Bruce MacPhail says:
Harry, I loved reading the comments, including Peter Tomasi’s – my experience too. You and Martha have kept the faith. Feel like sharing more?
Kai Schrodt says:
I’ve always appreciated Harry’s instructive articles about making accessories for boat or shop and learning of his creativity and productivity. He’s been an inspiration to many for a long time. Thank you, Harry.
Roger Stobbart says:
This is just great! I hope there’s much more to come!
George Blaisdell says:
That picture of a mess of dinghies tossed together on the ground is as beautiful a vision of boating that I have ever seen – Seeing the beautiful sheer lines, all the same sheer, from different angles all together Is a massive affirmation of the need to give tax credit to people who improve the aesthetics of the waterfront by building such boats…
Thank-you old timer – Pushing 90 you say? Good ON you!
geo
James Root says:
Having followed Harry Bryan since joining OCH, he has inspired me with his life of having less and achieving more. Wealth, not measured by anything monetary but through quality of life. Thank you Harry for sharing your life.
Sam Benson says:
Amen!
Peter Tomasi says:
I first met Harry and Martha at UVM in the fall of 1964. He was not much of student then; he was already a teacher. Whatever we were talking about or doing, he always sensed what someone needed to know and would fill them in and bring them along. He has remained more than generous with his knowledge and skills. I’ve always had great fun with Harry and Martha, and I never fail to learn from them. They have been the dearest of friends,
Peter Tomasi
Philip Myer says:
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness, concerning all acts of initiative (and creation).”
Wonderful quote- great story Harry.
Scott P. Handley says:
Harry, you and Martha are my idols. You pointed my compass to a way of life previously unknown to me when 15 years ago you invited me to spend 10 days with you in your home and shop when I was 25. I have thought about you both just about every day since. Your deliberate choices toward simplicity, family, hard work, and creativity remain my steady inspiration. I think about the stone room off your kitchen in lieu of a refrigerator, the manual water pump at the kitchen sink, the balanced adjustable lamp beside your rocking chair beside the wood stove, the piano and fiddle in the rhythms of the day, the joys of treadles and pedals in your shop; I hear the sound of the brook beside the sauna, I smell the seaweed in the garden beds, I feel the good rush of life as I abandon our fleeting driftwood sculptures on the rocky cove floor and try my hardest to outrun the flooding tide. Thank you for just about everything.
Raymond Michalowski says:
The boat building skills I learned, and the night of living-room music in the boat house Harry organized during a building Daisy class have remained as luminous memories over the many years since then. Best of all, though, was the insights not just about boats, but about life, imparted by one of the few, truly wise men I have met. So I really enjoyed Harry’s glimpse backward to how he became the guiding light he is for so many in the boating community (and beyond that, I suspect).
Susan Jewett says:
Loved reading this. I too was inspired by Helen and Scott Nearing but, I’m sad to say, my dreams never became a reality. I greatly enjoy the articles posted by Off Center Harbor … please keep them coming and share more by Harry Bryan.
Bob Spalding says:
Harry’s course on building Daisy gave me so many new skills for boat building, including care in measuring, care in using epoxy, and sharpening skills. Thanks, Harry…
Bob Spalding
Ben Mendlowitz says:
Thanks Harry, this lifted my spirits on a cold and too-quiet Sunday. I have just pulled some images for WB of you sailing Katie, so you have been on my mind. What a nice surprise to receive your new post from OCH. Cheers for the New Year, Benjie
John Shepard says:
Loved the images conjured from Harry’s writings. The idea of albums by year of experience is clever. Still having boxes of Kodak pictures perhaps this winter days in the PacificNW can be better put to use.
Andy Oldman says:
Wonderful to read. A great description of success ! I need to repeat what I said at Giffy’s memorial service this summer about when he surveyed Patience B. In 1992. All day long he repeatedly said “you know this ain’t a fancy yacht, but I can’t find nothing wrong with her” Still true 33 yrs later. ! Best. Andy Oldman , SV “Patience B “
David Bornman says:
That’s a lovely story of memories and encouragement to follow creative dreams thank you