Presented to volunteers who demonstrate “a jack of all trades mentality and go above and beyond,” New Hampshire Boat Museum’s second Golden Hammer award has recently been given to Ossipee resident Frank DeMore.
Noting he primarily volunteers his time by working in the museum’s Boat Restoration Group and other tasks as needed, such as doors and pipes, DeMore expressed surprise at the award. Regarding why he volunteers his time, he cited a lifelong love of boating instilled in him by his father and uncle (retired chief in the Navy). “Like so many others, my family had a summer camp on Sebago Lake in Maine,” he recounted. “In the mid sixties, my dad had a 16-foot plywood boat and my uncle was at a nearby camp, and we would be fishing together regularly.”
DeMore said his father and uncle were part of a summer community organization in the area with all three serving as presidents at one time. “They put on parades and other events,” he said. “I was always exposed to boating and their love of boating and their willingness to volunteer in that organization.”
DeMore’s interest in volunteering has led him to a life of service, as he said he has volunteered for organizations like Habitat for Humanity, 4H, and the American Red Cross among others. “It’s all been very rewarding,” he said.
According to Martha Cummings, executive director of the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM), DeMore’s enthusiasm for the organization’s mission bodes well for their future. “As we prepare to eventually move to our new location in Moultonborough, in addition to Wolfeboro, volunteers like Frank become even more important, because they possess a deep knowledge about our boats and operation,” she said. “He is a very deserving winner of our Golden Hammer award.”
About NHBM
Founded in 1992 by antique and classic boating enthusiasts, NHBM is committed to inspire people of all ages with an understanding of, and appreciation for, the boating heritage of New Hampshire’s fresh waterways. NHBM exhibits, events and programming covers everything from boat charters, boat trips and race boats to canoes, wooden boats, outboard motors, sculling, sailing sunfish, and Lyman and Johnson motors. Some of our hands-on programs take place on Lake Winnipesaukee. NHBM is sponsored in part by Goodhue Boat Company, Eastern Propane and Oil, Stark Creative, KW Lakes and Mountains, Meredith Village Savings Bank and FL Putnam.