I AM A CHRIS – CRAFT
The tag as it appeared in the comment section.
Yesterday Jim Staib put this old original name plate in the comment section. Now, one may see a gold/grey treasure from the past that fits your very early Chris Craft, but this tag has far far more going for it. It’s a window into the heartfelt mission of Christopher Columbus Smith and the entire Smith family. This copy was written with passion and heart. Way before marketing was like this. And THIS, right here, in this copy, on this rare tag, is the reason Chris-Craft became an iconic brand.
I kinda cleaned it up so I could read the copy! Circa 1930
It’s timeless, true and heartfelt. It’s everything. To be honest, up there with Steve Jobs of our time. Man, oh man. this is the guiding light for all business to have. Just read this. It’s inspiring, it’s perfection. I tweaked the art, so it had the emotional copy only.
Of course I couldn’t stop cleaning it up. And this isn’t camera ready yet.
I AM A CHRIS – CRAFT
I am the boat that brought a new day upon the water and a new idea of boating to millions of people. I am safe. Always for you and your family to use and enjoy for I have proven myself superior to all rivals and conditions. times without number. I have speed, strength, and the ability to out perform others, and to out-live them. I am designed in sincerity, built with honesty, endowed with constancy of performance at all times, sold to you with truth and am worthy of your loyal regard throughout the many long years you will use me. I am a Chris – Craft
Cleaned up as a T shirt? Pre War Engine Blue? Possibly in interior colors. Would this be a T shirt folks would wear? If so we will reach out to Chris Craft for permission on the use of their logo. Its a copyright thing. I am thinking the profit would go to the Chris Craft Antique Boat Club!
Bilge Brown
Thank you for cleaning it up! The fact that I couldn’t read it without zooming way in was making me feel old. Now where did I leave my glasses? I swear they were over there by my walker…
Love it! Guess it won’t be available for Christmas this year. Darn. Blue, Bilge Red or Black. Not white. Sign me up.
Love the idea, go for it!!!! I will take one for all my Chris Craft Customers
Great idea! Just don’t make it a “only at Tavares” item. Have it for sale in your store. Thanks!
Yes, on the store. This is an idea to help the club.
That plate really is a nice piece of advertising . Great idea on the shirts!
And the Chris Craft that my family is still enjoying 70 years later is the proof that those words are true.
That’s thoughtful of you to think to use the profits for our club. We have a responsibility to protect and preserve the history of our Greatest Generation. Their an example to us all.
Matt, You should call up Chris Craft and pitch the idea to them of using this for their new ad campaign.
How many people on here have run for there Chris Craft book to figure out which model this was one?
Sign me up for one of these t-shirts. I’m probably in the minority but I actually prefer it to the “Sons of Varnish” shirts.
Wow.. that is heavy. I love it. Makes me wanna own a C.C. . Thanks for sharing.
Pretty cool, but I think Staib should be your T-shirt model since he provided the pic.
…But Staib’s ponytail would block the logo.
Yes! Do it! Love the bilge red!
I am in for one
A Hell of a shirt! The plaque is awesome, but on a T shirt. Its over the top. I am a T shirt collector, have been for years. I would sport my Daytona Beach Spring Break 1977 shirt. But it doesn’t fit anymore.
Great !…I’m not a tee shirt afficanado & would rather a collard shirt but however you do it…I’ll take one…preferably in blue but again, I’ll take one, no matter what color you choose…And the idea of money going to the Chris Craft Club is just frosting on the cake…If you want I’ll be happy to pitch the idea to Steve & Stephen.
I’m really liking your idea of leaving it like the original so you can put peoples hull ID number on it. One for each boat that way.
I think it’s a real neat idea also and wood deafinatly get one in the dark blue. Also think it’s a great idea to get some proseads to the club I think Chris Craft might actually go for that idea.
Would be cool replicated as a small plaque to hang up as well.
Several Years Ago Chris Smith, the founders grand son spoke at the Chris Craft Rendezvous in Port Orchard Wa. He ended his talk with “I am a Chris Craft”. Now I know were he got it.
This would be an awesome T-shirt! I like the idea of having it available in original interior colors. I would definitely order one if available in a bright red.
Great story and I also enjoyed the colorful history in yesterday’s story!
I am curious of what year and model it came from? I see its not made of brass either? Is it steel or aluminum?
Jim g…. I don’t have the Chris Craft book. What model is the 12000 series serial number?
1931 36′ Cruiser
Where’s the Winnebago logo?
I can definitely find room in my collection for one of each color!
Troy, everybody teases me about my WB tee shirt collection, but you look like you have got me beat! Congrats!
I agree with Jeff N that it would make a great wall plaque. It’s a pretty long message for a tee shirt but it looks so cool that I would buy one especially to support CCABC. Blue.
Playing word/phrase association, the first thing I thought of was “I am a Town,” by Mary Chapin Carpenter. Great tune, though it is not so idealistic, more realistic, especially concerning how the town has aged. Give a listen sometime.