| The
Story of the Shrike -An article written by Mandi
Selvester: The story of the Shrike begins before she
was ever dreamed into being. It started in 1895 near
Owasco Lake, in Auburn, New York. A partnership
between two men from different worlds was formed with a
goal to build bicycle accessory parts. Mr. Ernest S.
Bowen, a mechanical engineer from Cornell and Mr. Walter
L. Fay, salesman and financial manager began with the ides
that they were ready to satisfy every man, woman, and
child' desire to pedal. For this was the height of
the bicycle craze in America. After several years
they sold the business and changed direction slightly.
The engine powered world was growing at a rapid pace
and they believed that they could engineer a safer
internal combustion engine. In July of 1900, their
first engine was installed into a 25 foot boat and tested
on Owasco Lake. It proved itself to be highly
successful. Thus, Fay and Bowen, the boat company
was launched. In 1903, they moved to a bigger
facility in Geneva, New York near Seneca Lake. They
have been there ever since.
In 1914, a 26' launch to be known as "Shrike", was
built and sold to her first owner. We don't know who
they were, but we do know that the boat was noted in a
newspaper article of the time to be "the toast of New
York" at the 1915 boat show. She could cruise at 19
miles per hour and went 118 miles without refueling!
With her raised sheer and low bow, she was dry, seaworthy
and dependable.
Some people say that the Fay & Bowen name lives on
because it represents an era when life seemed less
complicated. When families would travel along the
waterways together, stylishly dressed in their yachties.
Enjoying the afternoon with friends and family.
"those were the days when cars were black, shirts were
white and ice cream was vanilla or chocolate." There
weren't many choices in boats, either. But the boats
they had were sturdy and trustworthy. Maybe we like
these boats just because the are beautiful. Whatever
the reason is that people can't forget the name Fay and
Bowen, we should strive to treasure the few boats that are
remaining. These boats represent time, class and
style. We should strive to keep these traits alive.
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