50 Stories: Builder of Boats AND the Boys: A Pocock Legacy

While we spent most of 2023 focusing on the historic events that allowed for the origins and shaping of Boathouse Row and parallel developments in other cities, we shifted tonight to a subject that has been our list from the outset of this initiative - George Pocock, his career and contributions to the sport, builder of boats and mentor to many a boys in the boat throughout his life. With the upcoming release of the movie, we thought it timely to provide the stories behind the stories and perhaps some historical context you cannot find in the book or movie, helping to find greater joy and connection in both.
Guest Storytellers include:
Jim Pocock - Grandnephew of George Pocock - Pocock the Builder
Steve Chapin - Builder and Restorer of Pocock Racing shells.
Nicole Klein - Project Manager of the U of W Shell House Restoration Project - speak to the preservation of the ASUW Shellhouse
Judy Rantz Willman, daughter of Joe Rantz, the seven seat in the
1936 U of Washington Gold Medal Crew.
Al Mackenzie - West Coast historian on Pocock boats and
rowing memorabilia.
And facilitated by Rick Stehlik - Rick began rowing in 1962 for Harriton High School and went on to attend Carnegie Mellon, then Wisconsin as a graduate student. He became a full-time sculler, and in 1966 joined the Malta Boat Club and has since continued competing at both an elite and masters level. He served as Malta’s coach, president and continues to actively support the operations and maintenance of the Club. In recent years he has focused his passions on the preservation of historic archives for Malta and Boathouse Row, and is a founding member of this Committee 50. Just this past weekend, Rick was recognized for his impact and lifelong contributions to rowing by being awarded Malta’s most prestigious - Dr. George Morton Illman Award.
We hope you enjoy the information and passion that our guests shared in this Story Hour. We plan to follow-up with more from these folks in future Story Hours.
Be sure to check-out the recordings of past story hours here on the HOSR UA-cam page.

[@erickhorning5198]

My father in Laws name is Leon Pocock. He is a descendent of George. Really cool video after hearing about book and seeing movie

[@Betty_Virago]

I just stumbled on this video while looking for something totally different. I guess the name Pocock and boats was pre-destined. My grandfather, William Pocock, was a boat builder from Bridgwater, Somerset. The Pocock family boats were well-known in the area and written about in the book ‘the boats of the Somerset levels’ by Mike Smylie. Anyway, great video, thanks

[@kristinsmith9678]

How did hanging boats in the ceilings of bars and restaurants ever become a thing? What a waste of a good boat..Thank you for a wonderful presentation!!

[@GarraiEoin]

The wood shells are labor intensive to maintain for use on the water. 35 plus years now of composite boat that are simpler to keep in good condition, has become the norm. The tradition in England was to burn the older wood shells. At least, here in US., the wood shells became useful for decor. They are indoor, and preserved for the future.

[@PatrickCairo-q8j]

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