In June 2002, an 18th century Cherokee canoe was found in the cold clear water of the Chattooga River. Early Cherokee canoes called dugouts were burned and scraped out of single tree trunks. The excavated boat was in the traditional Cherokee style, but showed evidence of metal tool work introduced in the colonial era. Phil Greene, a master canoe builder living in Round-O, also applies modern tools and technologies to create what are essentially traditional canoes -- durable, seaworthy boats that demonstrate the art and technique of woodcraft. Phil is also the brother of Tim Greene, a wood bowl maker.
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A typical Phil Greene canoe is a Spotlight of exotic and indigenous woods that were cut, sanded, carved and refined for six months or more. The canoes combine sculptural details with practical design...
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In June 2002, an 18th century Cherokee canoe was found in the cold clear water of the Chattooga River. Early Cherokee canoes called dugouts were burned and scraped out of single tree trunks. The...
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Finished hulls appear as rich warm-toned boats encased in a layer of glass. The finish is the result of hours of sanding and polishing the epoxy layers on the outside of the hull. A fairing board is...
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Wood destined to become part of a canoe is kept dry in a loft above Phil's workshop. A tour through the loft reveals the different woods found in Phil's work including red cedar, bloodwood, walnut...
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Wood Song Canoes, Phil's business, gets its name from the feeling he gets as he quietly glides through the water in a well made wooden boat. We visited Phil and his son as they "baptized" a new boat...
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The finished paddle has three basic parts--the grip, the shaft and the blade. The grip is ergonomic, or designed to reduce a paddler's hand fatigue, and can be custom shaped to the user's hand. The...
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Canoes need paddles, so Phil specializes in both woodworking crafts. While paddles made of softwood are more often purchased for economy and function, paddles of hardwood are bought for visual appeal...