by Jim Aamodt
A common thread amongst our members is to continuously seek historical knowledge, learn new skills, teach and help others, and preserve the past and present for future generations, Our common obstacles are time, space, and money (not necessarily in that order)!
Tim Belstadt, his sister Ami, and her husband, Warren Greatbatch, have dedicated themselves to this philosophy. Located in North Tonawanda, New York (about six miles south of Niagara Falls), they have taken historic marine preservation, restoration and education to a new level. On a six-acre site at the mouth of the Erie Canal into the Niagara River, they began their creation of Island Street Boatyard in 1996.
Looking at an abandoned turn of the century railroad swing bridge in the background, one enters the electrically controlled wrought iron gate. Along the perimeter of this fence, they have planted 550 rose bushes to beautify the property each spring. The five-building complex is an 18th century design stone and frame connection to
what once was
. This is Tims dream for his facility.
On the right side of the winding road, is the general office and engine restoration facility. The shop is not only historic, well-equipped and spotless, but has a beautiful clerestory roof, emitting rays of sunlight on their work and on an original poster of Garfield Wood.
Across the road is the main storage building, with 22 ceiling, overhead hoists and mezzanine. An array of boats and engines prevail. Liberty V-12s are plentiful, but how about a Liberty V-24! There is also an immaculate Packard 4M2500 PT boat engine, mounted, and operational, with its specially designed truck and tilt bed. Behind it is the original Garwood Miss America VIII. Throw in cases of unpacked archives, an original 1965 Shelby Cobra, a Shelby Mustang, a 1950 Kurtis, and a new Corvette, and theres something for everyone!
The remote storage building houses a beautiful 26 Greavette Streamliner, a Shepherd, and other boats I dont remember. Do you like engines? V-12s? Theyre all here
a restored Curtis V-12 marine, several Rolls Royce Meteors, an abundance of Liberty V-12s (their specialty), two special Garwood V-12 Liberty racing engines, Packards, Scripps, a few in-line Sterlings and even a Kermath Sea Wolf. The flashy red Ferrari in the corner was another delight. The 36 wood RumRunner with a Liberty V-12 was there, but the 33 Baby Gar was temporarily out for maintenance. A well-conceived racking and parts management system was evident in all storage areas, and each area held a wealth of history.
Walking back towards the complex entrance, we toured their first building, a beautifully designed picnic pavilion, complete with a specially built commercial kitchen. Its wide veranda allows placement of 12 comfortable Amish rockers for people to gaze at the river and the ten space river docks and long launching ramp.
The best was yet to comea two-story clubhouse with main floor great room, stone fireplace, and bar. To replicate a yachts hardtop and 18 beam rear deck, they designed a mahogany transom bar with a sloped roof above, and below a large propeller and working exhausts to surprise everyone after the third martini! The originally crafted stained glass in the background depicts the actual buildings of this complex. Around to the serving side of the bar is a full, modern galley, hidden sound system, and oscillating color backlighting for the stained glass.
Upstairs, overlooking the docks and winding river is a large guest room, complete with a boat-shaped hot tub. But the most dramatic part of this stone building is the 70 lighthouse at its corner. Yesits a real lighthouse, soon to be approved by the coast guard. Two floors of beautifully crafted wood bookcase cabinets encircle the winding stairway. The main level has an inlaid compass rose in the floor and a stunning cobalt blue glass French chandelier overhead.
Shortly after the initial construction began, Jack Belstadt joined his brother, sister and brother-in-law to help with the dream. Heading up the mechanical restoration tasks, Jack makes wonderful things happen. Parts stock, resources, data, and full engine restoration are of the highest quality. They are experts, and they share all their knowledge and are extremely helpful. They do several outside museum projects at no charge.
During our three-day stay, Marcia and I were impressed. Their existing facilities as well as the plans for two additional buildings are awesome. But, the true wealth of the entire project is its people. Tims words speak for the four of them, We have a heritage here, we want to do what is right for the community. Preservation of past artifacts,
educational seminars, workshops, apprenticeship programs, and assistance to antique boat enthusiasts are all part of their dream.
Island Street Boatyard is not a marina open to the public, nor is it in the retail sales or repair business. However, if in the area, Im sure a visit will be welcomed by an advance call.
The dream is being transformed into reality by very inspirational and gracious people, and their great staff. The scope of what they are doing is beyond most of our means, but I hope their vision and dedication may rub off onto others and myself for whatever dream we choose to follow.
A Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society
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