This photograph shows the construction of a "Junker" at James Rickenbach's drydock. The limiting length of the drydock was 100 feet, so boats longer than this had to be built in two parts and then assembled. The two halves of this junker were lashed together on the drydock deck by means of rope on cleats, and by special couplings on each side.

When boats were constructed at the drydock, the keel (or kelsan) were first laid down, along with the stem and the stern. Then, bottom planks and ribs were placed, which were made of oak. The elbows were cut from oak roots and laid next. The side ribs and spacer beams for dish flanking followed, and side planking Y.P. were placed from the top. Square iron spikes were used in the construction of the boats. The hatches and cabin were caulked. James purchased the hardware, oakum, pitch, tie rode and other materials from Stichter's.

In the wintertime, boats were built in the drydock as the canal was drained of water. Construction took place on land during the summer.

Click here for another view of a canal boat in the canal near James Rickenbach's house here.

Left to right: Curtin Rickenbach (James' son), William Freeman, Yorett "Grandpa" Noecker (Curtin's father-in-law), John Noecker, Morris Noecker (Curtin's brother-in-law), Adam Rickenbach (James' son).