Tim W wrote:
Interesting short piece in today's paper about a specialist oar maker

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2009...to-make-sculls

Tim W

Ah, yes.

In the days before Craigslist, the following appeared on the austin.forsale
newsgroup:

--- begin quote

OAR WANTED

I would like to procure one old oar. Free would be nice, but I'm willing to
pay a small amount.

[I guess the guy got tired of rowing in circles, anyway one response read as
follows]

You used to be able to find old oars at your neighborhood oar house, but the
city closed most of those years ago.

Your best bet is a street corner in near South Austin soon after dark.

Be aware that old oars are sometimes painted over to make them look like new
oars. This difference is easily detectable in a strong light.

Occasionally an oar seeker will find himself up a creek with a paddle
instead of an oar. This can be quite uncomfortable when shooting the rapids.

Good luck in your quest.