Wes Modes
-
Weird things afoot – cutting into the shelves for a crossbeam to support the extended loft
Weird things afoot – cutting into the shelves for a crossbeam to support the extended loft
-
Yesterday moved half a ton of brush to make room for the shantyboat
Yesterday moved half a ton of brush to make room for the shantyboat
-
River Voices – 2017 Trailer
After 3 years of fieldwork, 1000 river miles, 15,000 road miles, 85 interviews, and now 1 month of combing the archive, and innumerable editing hours, we are extremely excited to present the new trailer.
-
Wes futzes with the shantyboat electrical system
Wes futzes with the shantyboat electrical system (photo by @dudicusmaximus)
-
Another day spent under the decks of the shantyboat-full system shutoff relay
Another day spent under the decks of the shantyboat-full system shutoff relay
-
Miah replaces aging bike tube shelfkeepers. Now stuff won’t rain down on us constantly @dudicusmaximus
Miah replaces aging bike tube shelfkeepers. Now stuff won’t rain down on us constantly @dudicusmaximus
-
-
Only 2 weeks left of the Secret History @Kickstarter & still long way from goal. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1245766964/a-secret-history-sacramento-river-expedition
-
-
The continuing Surprising Things The Mouse Ate series
The continuing Surprising Things The Mouse Ate series
-
Yeah, I guess our mouse visitor really wanted olive oil to go with their other snacks
Yeah, I guess our mouse visitor really wanted olive oil to go with their other snacks
-
Draining the water tanks to revamp the water system. #secrethistory
Draining the water tanks to revamp the water system. #secrethistory #shantyboat via Instagram http://ift.tt/2rHlWCd
-
Won’t be sorry at all to see our leaky unreliable hand pump faucet go
Won’t be sorry at all to see our leaky unreliable hand pump faucet go
-
Trying to break the shantyboat into California
After 3 years of fieldwork, 1000 river miles, 15,000 road miles, 85 interviews, and now 1 month of combing the archive, and innumerable editing hours, we are extremely excited to present the new trailer.
-
@gooddoghazel watches the Secret History media cabinet
@gooddoghazel watches the Secret History media cabinet
-
-
-
-
Great rewards – Check out the Kickstarter
The work we do with the Secret History of American River People has never been more important. At a time when underprivileged voices are being silenced, it is critical that these stories be heard.
-
How shantyboats helped build a culture
A great video about the project by Kirsten Dirksen “I do not know much about gods; but I think that the river Is a strong brown god—sullen, untamed and intractable” “Dry Salvages”, T.S. Eliot Long before Wes Modes began planning a journey down the Mississippi, he started building a traditional barge-bottom houseboat in a California…
-
Fair Companies: How shantyboats down the Mississippi helped build a culture
Long before Wes Modes began planning a journey down the Mississippi, he started building a traditional barge-bottom houseboat in a California backyard out of rustic reclaimed materials (e.g. old fences and chicken coops). Once his shantyboat was complete he hatched a plan to transport it across the country from Santa Cruz to Minnesota to begin…
-
Laughing Squid: Artist Rides Rivers in a Homemade Shantyboat to Learn About the People Who Live on the Banks
Wes Modes, an artist and lecturing professor at UC Santa Cruz and a crew full of creative mates built a shanty boat out of found materials and trash and rode down both the Mississippi River and the Tennessee River over the course of the past two summers.
-
Outfit the Shantyboat
As part of our upcoming fundraiser to support our summer fieldwork, you can help outfit the shantyboat.
-
Ask Me Anything!
We did a Reddit AMA. We’ve done AMAs in 2014 and 2015. They were fun and people asked us good and sometimes funny questions. Hope you can check out this year’s and ask a question or two.
-
Looking Back at the War Against the Dakota People in Minnesota
I was reminded of these interviews recently, and how little I know when I heard a radio story about the U.S.-Dakota War.The conflict engulfed the very area in which I interviewed the Dakota men. I hadn’t asked Arthur or Art directly about the conflict, though we alluded to it when we talked about the Ft. Snelling Indian concentration…
-
Miah marveling at the amazing generous gifts flooding in
Miah in total amazement at the amazing generous gifts flooding in from fans of the Secret History project. Thanks Frank for the new water system
-
People ask all the time about how the shantyboat was built
Now, all of the shantyboat build process is available on the Secret History website. From hull framing, sheeting, fiberglass, to cabin framing to finish
-
-
-
-
Gerty Tonjum, boathouse owner, talks about river time
Gerty Tonjum, boathouse owner in Winona, MN along the banks of the Mississippi River summer 2014. This is part of a longer interview in the Secret History archive.
-
Secret History shantyboat clean-up day and mouse habitat exploration
Secret History shantyboat clean-up day and mouse habitat exploration
-
Freddie’s Dead
You may remember that our 1978 20 hp Mercury outboard that we call Freddie Mercury had some engine problems while we were in the middle of Lake Kentucky. A while after we returned home, we took Freddy to one of our few local outboard repair shops. We didn’t hear from him and we didn’t hear…
-
A sad mouse casualty aboard the shantyboat. He may or may not have died of natural causes
A sad mouse casualty aboard the shantyboat. He may or may not have died of natural causes
-
What surprises await us in the Secret History installation media cabinet?
What surprises await us in the Secret History installation media cabinet?
-
-
This Summer’s Expedition on the Sacramento River
In previous years, Modes has exhibited the project in the Midwest on the Mississippi River and in the Southeast on the Tennessee River. This year, he brings his project “home.”
-
Secret History shantyboat nestled in the redwoods in California
Secret History shantyboat nestled in the redwoods in California
-
-
Tribune-Courier: Floating Artist
In general, when people are posed with the question, ‘What is art?’ the answers align with ideas of paintings created by the greats like Vincent Van Gogh or fantastic photographs that capture space and time in unique ways like the work of Ansel Adams. The answer might vary a bit and turn into a deep…
-
Shantyboat home in Felton California
Shantyboat home in Felton California. Benzy has to lift the telephone wires on the little road up to where the shantyboat nestles in the redwoods
-
Shantyboat in the Paducah Labor Day Parade
Shantyboat in the Paducah Labor Day Parade. Nathan Lynn playing banjo while Wes tries to make banjo sounds that are not too disharmonious. Photo by Mitch Kimball
-
-
Looking through the Mary Wheeler collection at the Paducah Library
Looking through the Mary Wheeler collection at the McCracken County Library
-
-
Secret History talk at River Discovery Center, Paducah
Secret History talk at River Discovery Center, Paducah
-
Rev Kempton Baldridge one of a few chaplains for more than 4000 towboats
Rev Kempton Baldridge one of a few chaplains for more than 4000 towboats and riverboats on American Rivers
-
Shantyboat On display
Shantyboat On display today and tomorrow. Open House 10-2pm Saturday at the River Discovery Museum on Water St in Paducah
-
Bruce Walker king of the bar-b-Que in north Paducah
Bruce Walker king of the bar-b-Que in north Paducah at A&J’s BBQ. We had a great conversation about the neighborhood and then he made the most delectable ribs I’ve had all year
-
Paduca Sun: Artist-in-residence Modes slated to discuss journey of shantyboat
Paducah Arts Alliance artist-in-residence Wes Modes and his 1940s-era shantyboat landed recently in Paducah for two weeks to discuss his ongoing project, “A Secret History of American River People.”
-
David Nickell talks about his family history in the Land Between the Rivers
David Nickell talks about his family history in the Land Between the Rivers, an intense story of government betrayal and intrigue
-
Merryman Kemp founder of Merryman House
Maryman Kemp founder of Maryman House, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence. Interview in Anita’s garden
-
-
Louie Kirchhoff baker in Paducah for 75 years
Louie Kirchhoff who has lived in Paducah for 75 years, much of the time running his families bakery on 2nd Street since 1873
-
Nathan Blake Lynn, musician, historian, and amateur folk musicologist
Nathan Blake Lynn, musician, historian, and amateur folk musicologist. Interview at Paducah riverfront at dawn
-
-
African glass beads at the Paducah Farmers Market
African glass beads at Melanie and Erileigh’s stall at the Paducah Farmers Market. So much good stuff, fresh veggies and fruit. Shantyboat parked at edge of market
-
Anita Stamper, our generous host at the beautiful Mav House
Anita Stamper, our generous host at the beautiful Mav House
-
Capt Ron Gray Jr of the American Queen meets the captain of the Shantyboat Dotty
Capt Ron Gray Jr of the American Queen meets the captain of the Shantyboat Dotty
-
Secret History shantyboat visits the American Queen at Port of Paducah
Secret History shantyboat visits the American Queen at Port of Paducah
-
AL.com: On a shantyboat in Alabama, nights are hot, food is good and stories flow
Smack dab in the middle of the Tennessee River, between the O’Neal Bridge stretching from Muscle Shoals into Florence and TVA’s Wilson Dam, a recreated relic of river history is stuck like a catfish on a line, its anchor snagged on God only knows what at the bottom of the river.
-
Paducah WPSD: Secret History of River People coming to Paducah
The River Discovery Center in Paducah will host an exhibit including a 1940s shantyboat starting Friday.
-
Secret History installation at the River Discovery Center in Paducah
Secret History installation at the River Discovery Center in Paducah
-
Shantyboat from Founder’s Room at the River Discovery Center
Shantyboat seen through the windows of the Founder’s Room at the River Discovery Center in Paducah where the Secret History installation will be for the next two weeks
-
West Kentucky Star: Artist Concludes Daring River Voyage in Paducah
A rustic recreated 1940s shanty boat, a daring river voyage, and a meticulous archive of river stories are all part of a multi-year art and history project, “A Secret History of American River People.” Santa Cruz, California artist Wes Modes is currently floating his homemade houseboat on the historic Tennessee River.
-
-
My favorite Secret History paparazzi photo
My favorite Secret History paparazzi photo. Back from the Benzy as ships mate days
-
Adrian playing dress up
Adrian playing dress up. He already had the radio on so we could listen to radio chatter as they blew up a major highway span we were crossing under. Thanks to friends in Guntersville for the sweet patches
-
Captain and two ships mates, Age and Penske, arrive after trials and tribulations at Kenlake Marina
Captain and two ships mates, Age and Penske, arrive after trials and tribulations at Kenlake Marina
-
Oh no! Freddie’s transmission died in the middle of Lake Kentucky
Oh no! We lost the rest of Freddie’s transmission in the middle of Lake Kentucky
-
Old Danville Grain Elevator submerged by the inundated Tennessee River
Old Danville Grain Elevator submerged by the inundated Tennessee River in the flooded town of Danville
-
Our first volunteer fish dinner
Our first volunteer fish dinner! When we to hop in the johnboat to pick up new ships mate Penske, we found he had jumped in during our rough traversal of Kentucky Lake
-
Two Weeks in Paducah, Kentucky
Join us in Paducah Kentucky for a two week long series of Secret History events. Modes has exhibited the project in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Huntsville, and Florence, and will end his historic journey at the Port of Paducah. The project will be exhibiting for two weeks starting August 23rd in partnership with the Paducah Arts Alliance.
-
-
Not everyone knows it’s good luck to pass under a train bridge
Not everyone knows it’s good luck to pass under a train bridge and extra if it has a train and even more if it’s moving. So it was a lucky day
-
Pete and Wes look at Freddie to see why we no longer have a reverse gear
Pete and Wes look at Freddie to see why we no longer have a reverse gear
-
David “Scoop” Anderson who worked on riverboats and towboats for years
Davis “Scoop” Anderson who worked on riverboats and rowboats for years, finally settling out as a newspaper editor (earning his nickname
-
Shantyboat in the secret abandoned MARINA OF THE DAMNED
Shantyboat in the secret abandoned marina of the planet of the apes
-
Dramatic skies over the shantyboat on the Tennessee River
Dramatic skies over the shantyboat on the Tennessee River near the confluence of the Duck River with Adrian fishing from the bow
-
Typically amazing cuisine aboard the shantyboat. The full time caterers turned out to be a great investment
Typically amazing cuisine aboard the shantyboat. The full time caterers turned out to be a great investment
-
Fishing for breakfast at the confluence of the Duck River with the Tennessee
Fishing for breakfast at the confluence of the Duck River with the Tennessee
-
We learn to read the river: this beautiful herringbone pattern precedes larger wind waves
We learn to read the river: this beautiful herringbone pattern precedes larger wind waves. A steady breeze over a reach creates tiny ripples that reinforce each other, becoming swells that can become challenging for the shantyboat
-
Pete Selmeci who’s job is to fix big boats and move them around
Pete Selmeci who’s job is to fix big boats and move them around. He was limping this disabled Love Boat with his business partner Mark downriver. He helped us look at our own limping Freddie Mercury who lost reverse gear and supplied is with rum and coke
-
Lost at the rainy end of the world! Next episode of the SHANTYBOAT GUYS
Lost at the rainy end of the world! Next episode of the SHANTYBOAT GUYS
-
Life without the internets! Next on the SHANTYBOAT GUYS
Life without the internets! Next on the SHANTYBOAT GUYS
-
Barges in the mist
Barges in the mist. People ask us constantly if the tows give us any trouble. After over 1000 miles on inland waters we can definitively say, No, towboat crews are professional, more courteous, more responsible, and create less wake than big yachts
-
Secret History is largely a donation supported project and your contribution directly supports our fieldwork. Consider supporting the project.
-
Emergency! Out of vodka and down to a finger or two of gin
Emergency! Out of vodka and down to a finger or two of gin
-
Gene Davidson owner of the Clifton Marina
We talked to Gene Davidson who owns the Clifton Marina. He’s lived either in Clifton or nearby Waynesboro all of his 80 years. A pharmacist for most of his career, Gene created the marina in the early 2000s after he retired.
-
The folks at Clifton Marina treated us super decently
The folks at Clifton Marina treated us super decently. Say hi to Sonja and Gene when you come by on the Tennessee River
-
Glen Lineberry worked on towboats for 50 years
He worked for 40 years on line towboats that would travel from the big river ports hauling stuff upriver. He started as deckhand, and worked as mate, assistant engineer, and finally chief engineer for decades.
-
-
Bob who is traveling from Paducah to the Gulf of Mexico via the Tombigbee River on a Seedoo stopped by Clifton to gas up
Bob who is traveling from Paducah to the Gulf of Mexico via the Tombigbee River on a Seedoo stopped by Clifton to gas up
-
An afternoon roadtrip on Tennessee back roads
An afternoon roadtrip on Tennessee back roads. Age and I escape in the Marina loaner beater car
-
Poor poor Hazel. Her paw was burnt by a falling pot of boiling water when a big yacht passed us by close and fast
Poor poor Hazel. Her paw was burnt by a falling pot of boiling water when a big yacht passed us by close and fast
-
The adventures of Peggy Sanford’s Aunt Jonnie
My Aunt, Jonnie Ruff Vailes, taught in a one room schoolhouse on Island 40, located near Memphis on the Mississippi River. Although Island 40 was in Tennessee the only way to get there by road was by going through Arkansas.
-
Jackie Irvin runs an opiate addiction program at Jabbok Refuge Center Church
Jackie Irvin who runs an opiate addiction program at Jabbok Refuge Center Church talks to us about growing up Black in small town Tennessee, her faith, her (mostly white) clients, and racism in the South
-
-
Serious beverage situation on the next episode of the SHANTYBOAT GUYS
Serious beverage situation on the next episode of the SHANTYBOAT GUYS
-
Main St of Saltillo leads right down a boat ramp to the river
Captivating on several levels. Main St of Saltillo leads right down a boat ramp to the river with a half dozen stop signs near the end. Perhaps they had a problem’tDriveInTheRiver