Longtime duck hunter Alan Dinkel of Columbia has donated a sneak boat for display at the Blue Rock Heritage Center.

The broad expanse of the Susquehanna River with its shallow islands located near Washington Boro is a perfect habitat for ducks and geese. Since the times of the early Native Americans, this area has been a prime hunting spot for migratory fowl.

A sneak boat was used to hunt in the open water or to be anchored near a small island. The boat could be camouflaged, and many times rowed and not propelled by a motor. In addition to traditional oars located on either side of the boat, a special oar was in the rear of the boat. This oar would project from the rear of the boat and would allow hunters to sneak closer to the prey which would be attracted to the decoys deployed nearby. The ducks and geese could not see the movement of the rear oar.

Dinkel owned the boat for 42 years after purchasing it from the widow of Jake Mowery. The boat was one of three made in the 1940s or early 1950s by Charlie Lucas of Columbia. It is the last surviving boat made by Lucas. Alan's grandfather was August Dinkel, who operated a butcher shop in Washington Boro, and Alan's father, Ed, was the last to operate the butcher shop until its closing in the mid 1970s.

The boat is on display at the Wittmer barn at the Blue Rock Heritage Center, 2251 River Road, Washington  Boro. The Blue Rock Heritage Center is grateful to Dinkel for his generosity allowing the heritage center to showcase a boat used in the traditional way of hunting waterfowl. 

The dates for the Blue Rock Heritage Center to be open in 2024 are: Sundays, May 19; June 2 and 23; July 14 and 28; Aug. 11 and 25; Sept. 8 and 22; and Oct. 13. Hours are from 1 to 4 p.m. each day. Group tours may be scheduled by contacting Charlie Douts at 717-719-3008.