Feb 2021 Update: Thanks to a recent comment by E Nicolar, the correct identities of these men have been established. According to this new information, on the left is former Governor (now Chief) Peter Nicolar (1853–1927). The gent on the right is Peter's Father-in-law, Tuester Ranco (1813–1914.).
Luc also sent me some pics dating to 1903 of William H. Ganong and his canoe mate, Arthur H Pierce on the portage trail to the Miramichi River, New Brunswick. Both photos have fantastic views of their paddles with distinctive roll top, flattened grips, no doubt influenced by the native Maliseet culture of the region.
Arthur Henry Pierce -
August 1903
Portage to the Northwest Miramichi River, Northumberland County, New Brunswick
Dr. William Francis Ganong -
August 1903
Portage to the Northwest Miramichi River, Northumberland County, New Brunswick
The picture of the Penobscot canoe and paddles isn't "Penobscot Chief Peter N. Tuester and unkown." Sort of got two mixed into one. The man on the left is former Governor (now Chief) Peter Nicolar (1853–1927). The gent on the right is Peter's Father-in-law, Tuester Ranco (1813–1914.) Tuester was a Frenchman from Quebec. A few of his brothers and a sister and he married into the tribe and all had large families, which many descend from even today. Peter married Tuester's daughter Martha (1862–1942.) Nice page on paddles! Ty, E Nicolar
ReplyDeleteThank you for helping to clarify the identity of the men in the photo! I'll make the corrections and update the page. By the way, have you seen the similar photo on this page HERE? According to scholar Harald Prins, the two folks in this other photo are Peter Nicolar (spelled Nicola on the hand-written note) and Frank Loring. Now that I look at it more, could he have mistaken Frank Loring for Tuester Ranco? Similar bows, paddles and canoes are on display so perhaps they are part of the same photo set? What are your thoughts? Many thanks!
ReplyDelete