It’s not every day that Lake Hopatcong finds itself featured in one of the nation’s most respected boating publications.
Recently, Boating Magazine published a feature on the American Wooden Boat Restoration Collection currently being offered through Mecum On Time Auctions and displayed at Henderson Bridge Marina. For those of us who have spent time around the collection, the recognition felt especially meaningful.
The article, written by Kevin Falvey, captures what has made this collection so special from the beginning: not just the boats themselves, but the stories, craftsmanship, history, and passion behind them.
As Boating Magazine put it, the collection includes…
“boats, and the stuff that dreams are made of.”
We couldn’t agree more.
More Than 70 Antique Wooden Boats at Bridge Marina… And Much More
While the antique wooden boats naturally attract attention, the collection extends far beyond the boats themselves.
Visitors and bidders have discovered:
- More than 70 antique wooden boats
- Hundreds of vintage outboard engines
- Rare marine parts and hardware
- Nautical signs and memorabilia
- Vintage gauges and instruments
- Restoration projects
- Model boats
- Decades of boating history preserved in one place
One of the most common comments we heard during Preview Days was simple:
“I had no idea there was this much here.”
It’s a sentiment that reflects the scale and scope of a collection assembled over many years by someone with a deep appreciation for classic boats and marine history.
National Recognition for a Remarkable Collection
At Bridge Marina, we were deeply honored to see the collection recognized by Boating Magazine.
For those interested in reading the full story, we encourage you to check out Boating Magazine’s feature on Bridge Marina and the collection.
A Unique Chapter in Lake Hopatcong Boating History
Lake Hopatcong has long played an important role in the antique boating world, making it especially fitting that this collection found a home here. In fact, the Lake Hopatcong Chapter of the Antique and Class Boat Society laid much of the groundwork for the establishment of the national Antique and Class Boat Society, headquartered in Clayton, New York.
Over the past several weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to welcome collectors, restorers, historians, and curious visitors from across the country to see the boats, parts, memorabilia and more up close. The conversations, stories, and excitement surrounding this boating collection have been every bit as memorable as the boats themselves.
While auction lots will close this week, we’re grateful to have played a role in helping share this remarkable collection with the so many. And we’re especially grateful to Kevin Falvey and the team at Boating Magazine for helping tell the story!