Shaw & Tenney of Orono, makers of the world's finest wooden oars and paddles, has been selected by L.L. Bean to help it celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Shaw & Tenney is teaming with West Branch Heritage Timber of Millinocket, which harvests centuries-old logs that lie at the bottom of Quakish Lake in the north woods, to produce the paddles.  Some of the wood dates back to the 16th Century.

Shaw & Tenney, located on Mill Street, has been handcrafting wooden oars and paddles since 1858.  Its partnership with L.L. Bean and West Branch Heritage Timber was formally announced at Shaw & Tenney's plant in a ceremony Jan. 4.  Sen. Susan Collins was the keynote speaker.

Congratulations to owners Steve Holt and Nancy Forster-Holt for carrying on the long tradition of Shaw & Tenney and for this deserved recognition.