This story that first appeared in Forest & Stream in 1880 and shares an interesting encounter on Lake Welekennabacook, which is one of jewels in the Rangeley Lakes chain. Never heard of it, you say? Well, that is because its name was later changed to Lower Richardson. Civil War Veteran, Steven Morse, the principal character in this tale, was one of the most esteemed and capable guides in the region. The battle-hardened Sargent Morse returned from his service in the Army of the Potomac to find the peace and gainful employment he knew was readily available within its great beauty and impressive fish and wildlife resources.

The tale also refers to his “skiff,” which was in fact one of the first “Indian Rock” boats. Indian Rock was the original name given to the now famous Rangeley Guide Boat. The boats were a knock-off of the Saranac Guide boat, but “vastly improved” thanks to R.G. Allerton of the Oquossoc Angling Association. Allerton and the club members were seeking a fast and stable solution for their guides to better row them about the regions often choppy waters in search of, what were at the time, the world’s largest known brook trout. As a result, the first two Indian Rock Boats (named for the location of the club) were built by guides Percy Ball and Luther Tibbetts and soon after Morse purchased his for the princely sum of $35.00 ($795.00 in today’s dollars). Morse’s iconic boat is now part of the collections of the Outdoor Heritage Museum in Oquossoc. It is the oldest known example of a “Rangeley” still in existence and thousands were built. Stories of the indefatigable Morse and his innovative guide boat appeared in many vintage publications of the day. Enjoy “A Bear Race” as retold by the “sport” who reluctantly took part and be sure to get outside and make some great outdoor history of your own!