[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 177 (Wednesday, December 2, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S12156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING SHAW AND TENNEY

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, today I wish to honor a Maine small 
business with a long standing reputation for producing elegant and 
practical instruments used by the maritime industry. Founded in 1858, 
Shaw and Tenney of Orono, ME, has been producing renown, specialty 
handcrafted wooden oars and paddles for over a century and a half. 
Indeed, Shaw and Tenney is the oldest continuing producer of solid 
wooden paddles and oars in America, as well as the third oldest 
manufacturer of marine products in the country.
  This historic company got its start on the banks of the Stillwater 
River near Orono where its founder, Frank Tenney, first launched his 
signature oars and paddles as part of the Orono Manufacturing Company. 
During the 19th century, Maine rivers and coastal waters served as a 
critical highway network for transporting people and goods throughout 
the State. Small boats such as skiffs, peapods, and canoes were several 
of the major vessels employed in promoting greater commerce, and Mr. 
Tenney's quality oars and paddles served as an indispensible tool in 
helping to propel major industries to new heights across the State. In 
the 1890s, Mr. Tenney merged his small manufacturing company with the 
Boston-based George Shaw Company, which produced similar goods. 
Together they formed what is now formally known as Shaw and Tenney.
  The newly merged business soon moved to downtown Orono's Main Street 
and remained there until nearly 1950, when it relocated again to the 
company's current location at 20 Water Street. The Tenney family 
retained ownership until about 1970 when the company underwent three 
short-lived transitions to new owners. The current proprietors, Steve 
and Nancy Holt, share the privilege of carrying forward the legacy of 
this unique novelty company. Since the Holts came aboard, they have 
expanded the company's product line to include other specialty products 
such as masts, spars, boat hooks, and flagpoles. At the same time, the 
Holts take pride in producing the same quality product that's earned 
Shaw and Tenney its stellar reputation for dependable marine 
instruments.
  More than just ordinary oars and paddles, the Shaw and Tenney product 
line is composed of individual pieces of art specially handcrafted to 
be both practical and refined. Much of the company's well-earned 
success lies in the quality of the raw material used to construct its 
distinguished oars and paddles. To make its flat- and spoon-bladed 
oars, Shaw and Tenney mostly utilizes clear, solid, eastern red spruce 
supplied by two mills located within a 50-mile radius of the company's 
facility. In fact, clear red spruce has the highest strength-to-weight 
ratio of any North American softwood, providing the finished products 
with a noticeable lightweight durability. Each piece of lumber is 
carefully critiqued before generating the exceptional, distinct oar or 
paddle.
  Shaw and Tenney's artifacts are showcased across the country and, 
indeed, the world. Its traditional rowing oars can be found at places 
as diverse as California's Disneyland and the Royal Saudi Naval Force's 
whale boats. Domestic travelers will also notice Shaw and Tenney oars 
in Las Vegas as gondoliers ferry visitors around the city's 
reproduction of Venice's Grand Canal. Furthermore, many U.S. Marines 
give the company's paddles as a gift when an officer leaves the ranks 
and it is not uncommon for customers to request fancy oars to use as 
balusters or stair rails in their homes.
  Shaw and Tenney has truly crafted a legendary product that highlights 
the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Mainers. Since its start on the 
banks of a small Maine river, this impressive small business has 
blossomed into a trusted and worldwide leader in its specialized 
industry. Congratulations to everyone at Shaw and Tenney for over 150 
years of their extraordinary handiwork, and I offer my best wishes for 
their continued success in the future.

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