Hi, I was more interested in the early days of boat/ship building since Benjamin Reed died 1833. Also that I had read someplace about the building of flatboats that were used by pioneers traveling down the OH to other parts of the frontier, and how these barges, if you will, were then used to make wagons, or even build homes upon arriving their destination. Here in Sheridan, WY, pine is taken from our mountains and taken to the local sawmill to be planed into 2 x 4's, then shipped all over. Then those of us who need 2 x 4's drive to Billings, MT where we can by the same 2 x 4's cheaper than we can here! Had to throw that in! Faith Keahey@cyberhighway.net