Richardson Boat Company

Ad in the 1943 North Star, North Tonawanda High School yearbook.

Caption to be forthcoming.

Richardson Boat Company – Sweeney Street between Payne Avenue and Bryant Street - Established in 1909; operated till 1962.

Photo:  A view from the Erie Canal of the Richardson plant and some of the products.

In 1909, the Richardson Boat Company was established in North Tonawanda as a one-man operation. In the next 53 years, it established its position as a major boat builder, employing over 200 workers, and earning commendations from the Federal government for its war work. The range of Richardson boats covered custom, built to order cruisers, sailboats, runabouts, hydroplanes, government work boats, military craft, and (in later years) molded plywood and aluminum hull experiments. The company was known for one of its methods of boat deliveries, inaugurated in the 1930's, the Richardson “Sailaways.” The sheer magnitude of these events, dozens of brand new boats, many with first time boat owners, taking off on a 500 mile trek from the Richardson Boat factory in North Tonawanda , along the Erie Canal, down the Hudson River to New York City , generated tremendous publicity.

For a photo gallery of the Richardson Boat Company, please click HERE.