Wooden boats from 'On Golden Pond' visit Hagadone Marine Group

CAROLYN BOSTICK | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 5 months AGO

Josh Smith shows off the Chris-Craft boat Thayer IV from the 1981 film, "On Golden Pond." Two of the original boats used in the film are being displayed in the Hagadone Marine Group showroom for the summer.
CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press

A propeller signed by Katherine Hepburn from the film, "On Golden Pond" is part of a display at the Hagadone Marine Group showroom honoring the history of wooden boats. The display contains the Thayer IV and the Mariah from the movie.

The Mariah, a 19-foot Century Raven boat, was used in the 1981 film, "On Golden Pond." The boat, along with the Thayer IV, are being displayed at the Hagadone Marine Group showroom for the summer.

Memorabilia from "On Golden Pond" accompany the Mariah and Thayer IV from the 1981 story and are on display at the Hagadone Marine Group this summer.

The script from the film, "On Golden Pond."

The Mariah and Thayer IV are on display at Hagadone Marine Group for the summer.

COEUR d’ALENE — Wooden boats are a time-honored tradition for their craftsmanship and aesthetic.

Two iconic boats from the 1981 film, "On Golden Pond," the Mariah and the Thayer IV, have made their way to the Hagadone Marina Group showroom for the summer.

The movie takes place on a New England lake called Golden Pond and features Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda. The film was Henry Fonda’s last.

A propeller signed by Hepburn and others involved in the film, a movie script, the mailbox and some of the background for the boat designs are included in the display, along with a screen showing clips from the movie.

The Thayer IV is a 1950 Chris-Craft Sportsman, and the U.S. Mail Boat Mariah is a 19-foot Century Raven.

Hagadone Marine Group General Manager Ryan Holmes said the movie helped pique interest in wooden boats in the '80s and '90s and said he was excited for the boats to be seen by the local wooden boat community in Coeur d’Alene.

“It’s become such a hotspot for wooden boats. It's a good choice to show some of the history,” Holmes said.

These two boats are untouched and still have the original finish. They are equipped with all of their parts. The owner wishes to remain anonymous.

Chris-Craft also recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, making it the perfect time to highlight wooden vessels such as the Thayer IV.

Master craftsman Josh Smith said he particularly enjoys the quality craftsmanship that sets wooden boats apart from their counterparts.

“The history of guys using their hands to build one boat at a time, it just brings back a part of the heritage,” Smith said. “The craftsmanship, the elegance of wood, is lost nowadays.”

A propeller signed by Katherine Hepburn from the film, "On Golden Pond," is part of a display at the Hagadone Marine Group showroom honoring the history of wooden boats. The display contains the Thayer IV and the Mariah from the movie.

The Mariah, a 19-foot Century Raven boat, was used in the 1981 film, "On Golden Pond." The boat, along with the Thayer IV, are being displayed at the Hagadone Marine Group showroom for the summer.