Letter from Richard T. Hughes 

We will be making a ~100ft replica log raft that resemble the ones that were made to float timber and supplies along our waterways back in the 1800's. The real treat, is that we plan on breaching the Shawville Dam on floating it down river to various locations. Here is all the info I have on the event so far. Things might have changed a bit. If you're interested, I'll keep you posted on the event.

Clearfield County is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. As part of the festivities an authentic timber raft (22ft wide x 110ft long) like the 1000s that floated through our county in the 1800's will be built and launched in Curwensville on March 20th for a two-week, 35 mile long journey to Karthaus on the Susquehanna River.

We're looking for volunteers and enthusiasts who are interested in building and riding the raft. Lynn Robbins of  Olanta, owner of Robbins Lumber Mill has been generous enough to donate the 40 30ft long pine and hemlock timbers.

An authentic cabin will be placed on the raft. On Saturday, March 20th, the raft will leave Curwensville and dock at Witmer Park in Clearfield for a week, so the public can view it. An historical talk will be presented along with the tour of the next-door museum of rafting memorabilia. The following Saturday it will leave Clearfield and go over the Clearfield dam and the Shawville Dam. A certain water level is necessary to go over Clearfield whereas permission has been given by Penelec to breech the Shawville Dam. The raft will terminate at Miller's Landing in Karathaus.

We encourage any group such as boy scouts to participate. Mr. Jerry Bloom of Curwensville will supply generator and drill bits to construct sashes. Gary Gilmore will coordinate tying the raft together and will need help while I will lead a team to build the cabin. Al Pallo and gang will supply live music on board.

We anticipate several segments of rides such as:


2/28 work parties to assemble raft

3/6 work parties to assemble raft

3/20 Curwensville to Hogback (8 man crew) = 3.8 miles

Hogback to Hyde (work party) = 3.3 miles

Hyde to Witmer Park (Crew and Dignitaries) = 2.27 miles

3/27??  Clearfield to Shawville (8 man crew) = 10.15 miles

Shawville to Rolling Stone (work party) = 3.3 miles

Rolling Stone to Miller's Landing (work party) = 2.27 miles


A wrecker truck will be on hand to dislodge the raft from any bridge piers or rocks along the journey. A Canoe scout will be needed to be in front of the craft looking out for sand bars and hazards.

A kick off meeting will be held at Hughes Engineering in Clearfield (located behind Pizza Hut) on 1/29/04. A video of the last raft from 1938 will be shown to illustrate building and maneuvering, plus teams of people will be grouped carry out various tasks. Not since 1938 has a raft run this section of the river.

We hope you can attend and bring a friend. Riding on the raft will be a function of participating. Please call (814-0765-8691) if you have any questions.


Richard T. Hughes.