Photo provided

From North House Folk School - June 8, 2025

For more than 20 years, North House Folk School’s summer Boats to Tools Auction has launched paddling adventures and inspired new craft exploration, making the high cost of purchasing new outdoor gear or getting started in a new craft practice more accessible. Simultaneously, the auction has also provided a venue for community members to sustainably pass along preloved items while supporting the mission of the folk school. 

One example of this is an Alumacraft canoe that Beth Homa Kraus found in the auction. Beth is a North House instructor who makes regular use of the canoe to access out-of-the-way places assigned by the DNR for harvesting birch bark. Finding a preloved canoe not only helped Beth build her craft business, but the sale supported North House’s programming. Meanwhile, the donor of the boat received a portion of the proceeds, and got to pass their canoe onto someone excited for new adventures on the water—a win-win-win.

New this year, an online auction will enable people to bid on select Boats to Tools Auction items if they are unable to attend in person. Some of these include the rare chance to purchase student-built North House projects, including an 18’ yurt, wood-fired oven core, and 16’ x 20’ white pine timber frame. Four anvils will also be available online. The online auction will run from June 9-21 and can be found at givergy.us/B2T2025 or through the North House website.

The on-campus auction will be held on Saturday, June 21 from 12pm to 3pm during the upcoming Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival event. Woodworking enthusiasts, or those hoping to get started, can find a variety of gently used tools, including Stanley planes, circular saws, and turning gouges. A range of boats—including a single-seat Wenonah canoe, river skiff, and inflatable kayak—will also be available. As always, the auction also offers unexpected discoveries, including a kicksled, antique wicker rocking chair, treadle sewing machine, YETI Tundra cooler, and more. 

Auction proceeds support North House’s classes and free community programs throughout the year. Donations of outdoor gear, craft materials and tools, and boats are still needed. Detailed information about how to donate and learn more about the auction and Summer Solstice event can be found at https://northhouse.org/events/summer-solstice-festival-2025