Dartmouth College. Ledyard Canoe Club
Biography
In January of 1920, a group of Dartmouth students gathered together with the goal of restoring a rowing team to the college. They proceeded to procure pledges of financial support from various interested alums, and by March they had come up with a sufficient sum to get started. However, the College Trustees rejected the students’ proposal, and their plans were halted. Fortunately, these students refused to give up, determined as they were to take advantage of their proximity to the Connecticut River.
In April of 1920, they founded Ledyard Canoe Club. The new club chose John Ledyard for their namesake, a man who, in his first year as a Dartmouth student, grew tired of his studies, felled a pine tree, dug out a canoe, and set off down the Connecticut to become an explorer. By 1921, their second year in existence, the new organization had already retraced Ledyard’s trip to the sea, a tradition that continues today. Quickly, the little club had become a strong community that inspired students to challenge themselves. Imbued with John Ledyard’s adventurous spirit, Ledyard Canoe Club has motivated canoeing and kayaking expeditions around the world. Yet, no matter how far they travel, Ledyardites return to their little home on the Connecticut to encourage the next generation of Dartmouth paddlers.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
Dartmouth College, Ledyard Canoe Club records
The collection contains correspondence, meeting minutes, audiovisual materials, photographs, certificates, budgets, realia and publications documenting the administration of the Ledyard Canoe Club and the competitions and trips it sponsors.