The Bob Speltz Legacy Lives On At The Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum

Chris-Craft Silver Arrow “Topsy” on display at the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum. (Jim Arneson photo)

The Bob Speltz Legacy Lives On
At The Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum
Story by Dave Bortner
Photos by Jim Arneson & Dane Anderson

A couple of things Tom Juul said today in his BSLOL (Bob Speltz Land-O-Lakes) Winter Workshop tech session at the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum really resonated with me.

One, to those of us growing up in vintage boats in the 1970’s, pre-Internet, is the profound effect Bob Speltz’s Real Runabouts books had on our hobby. They were the go-to source for information about vintage boats, our Encyclopedia Britannica, if you will.

Cover of the Bob Speltz Real Runabouts Volume III.

Since the “BS” in BSLOL stands for Bob Speltz, we really emphasized his contributions last fall, when we put on the Woods and Water show here in Minnesota. Among our attendees today at this tech session, there are a number of people, at least eight, who knew Bob personally, and can attest to his fervent interest in all aspects of vintage boating, and, especially, in getting it written down!

Classic boat restoration expert Tom Juul talked about how things have changed in his business since the 80’s from shop tools and equipment to methods of searching for boats. He did a quick synopsis of how he starts a boat restoration and then went into the tools and supplies that he likes to use. His tips and tricks included sharpening techniques for hand tools and how to make your own bungs and install them so that the grain matches the planks. (Dane Anderson photo)

Tom Juul sharing some woodworking tips during the BSLOL Winter Workshop tech session. (Jim Arneson photo)

We even have the privilege of seeing the last boat Bob Speltz restored, a 1916 Dingle rowboat, which is here at the museum, on loan from Dane Anderson.

Today, we’re making a very special presentation to the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum, on behalf of our good friends and ACBS board member, Paul and Karen Harrison.

Dave Bortner shares some thoughts with the audience that gathered at the museum for the BSLOL Winter Workshop. (Jim Arneson photo)

Bob Speltz’s sister, Mary Keating, donated some of Bob’s scrapbooks to ACBS several years ago. Paul and Karen Harrison bought them at auction, and then had them scanned, and have made a DVD available through ACBS. After they did the scanning, they wondered “what’s next?” with this one of a kind resource.

They felt they should reside in Minnesota, and asked some of us at BSLOL where we thought they should reside. Well, there’s really only one choice, one place in Minnesota whose mission it is to honor the legacy of vintage boating and the lake lifestyle, and that’s The Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum!

Executive Director Bruce Olson added: “As a display and resource, these books will enhance and strengthen our mission. Thank you to Paul & Karen, Mary & family and to the ACBS Chapter bearing Bob’s name for this significant contribution. Bob was an important contributor to our boating community and to the Legacy of the Lake Culture we share.” – Bruce

Dave Bortner presents the Bob Speltz Scrapbooks to Bruce Olson – Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum Executive Director. (Dane Anderson photo)

It’s our honor today to convey these very special historic documents to the museum, on behalf of Paul and Karen Harrison.

Dave Bortner
Freedom Boat Service

One of the premier maritime museums in the country, the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum continues to grow and often changes their exhibits to keep the museum fresh and entertaining for all ages. (Jim Arneson photo)

The Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum

From the website: The Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum celebrates our lake traditions and legacies, and is committed to their preservation for future generations. A visit to the MLMM is enjoyable for everyone in your family.

The Maritime Gardens continues to grow adding to the museums attractions and event possibilities. (Jim Arneson photo)

Visitors will discover classic boats, grand hotel and resort history, fishing memorabilia and much more. The Maritime Gardens unfolds as the project continues the development of Phase Two. Several events are scheduled in the Gardens this summer. The Museum and Gardens provide an excellent venue for your next company event or wedding.

For more information on renting the museum facilities for your event, or how to contribute to this project, contact the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum & Gardens 320-759-1114 or you can visit their website by Click Here.

(By the way, you can click on the photos today to enlarge them.)

The museum’s impressive Gar Wood section. (Jim Arneson photo)

The success of early fiberglass boats played a key role in Minnesota, and is well represented in the museum. (Jim Arneson photo)

Another shot of “Topsy” courtesy of Jim Arneson. A period when Chris-Craft began the transition from wood to fiberglass with the Silver Arrow model.

From the Bruce Carlson collection, the row boat is a Hugo Easy Row as is the Kayak above. (Jim Arneson photo)

The museum also has a vast collection of vintage outboard motors, a way of life for recreational boaters throughout Minnesota back in the day – land of 10,000 lakes. (Jim Arneson photo)

Vintage miniature outboards – you can find them on display at the museum. (Jim Arneson photo)

Visiting the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum is like taking a step back in time – The “always welcoming” Bruce Olson and his dedicated team do an amazing job with the facility both inside and outside in the adjacent Maritime Gardens area. (Jim Arneson photo)

Congratulations to the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum as the recipient of the Bob Speltz Scrapbooks donation. This is exactly where they belong for future generations to appreciate the massive contribution Bob Speltz made to the hobby.

Thanks to Dave Bortner, Jim Arneson & Dane Anderson for sharing this story with us today.