The most frequent question I get asked is where did you get the name "Hemlock Pete". First of all my name is Scott Edwards. The Hemlock Pete title was given to me by my grandfather, Howard Wardner. Here is a man who was blessed with 3 daughters and not a single son. He was an avid outdoorsman born and raised in the Adirondack mountains of upstate NY. His father was an Adirondack Guide working for the Paul Smith's Hotel. When I was born (in Key West Florida) my grandfather drove down to see me. This was a very long trip back in 1957. As the story goes he took one look at me and declared that I was his "Hemlock Pete". According to my grandmother he could not wait for me to accompany him on his hunting and fishing excursions. Unfortunately for both of us he passed away when I was merely 2 years old. My grandmother (Mildred Wardner) quite often would mention how much Howard would have enjoyed my company.
As I grew up I spent as much time as possible outside. Although I never developed a passion for hunting, there was never enough time in a day for fishing, hiking, or canoeing. I spent a lot of time convincing people to go on outings with me. One summer I actually built a canoe cart out of an old bicycle and a couple of 2 x 4's (should have patented that thing) because I could never get anyone to help me carry the canoe to the local pond.
My true love for canoeing developed after I graduated from college. I began racing white water and shortly thereafter, flat-water marathons. Living in Lake George, NY, I was also in great country for camping and exploring. For a short time I worked as a licensed Adirondack Guide. When I got married I threatened to paddle my new bride to our reception on Lake George. I was voted down on the idea. However when I arrived, compliments of my new mother-in-law, the cake sported a beautifully crafted birch bark canoe with perfectly sculptured figures of myself and new bride. Need I say more.
Following my career in the Forest Products industry we moved to New Hampshire in 1986. In 1992, now with two sons, ("lilly dipper" and "tunic") we very modestly approached the idea of a weekend canoe business to help fund their college educations. We sold 11 boats that year and probably 25 paddles. The paddles were all hand crafted by me. Each consecutive year we grew a little, taking on more product lines and expanding into rentals. After 6 years we had sold over 100 boats. We still run it out of the garage and have no plans to do otherwise. I do not have to worry about how much or how little I sell as my overhead is quite low. This allows me to approach a sale as it was originally intended, with no pressure.
Who knows what the future holds. We have developed a solid reputation for quality, service, and fair prices. This will never change, as it is a matter of personal pride.
Happy Paddling!!