My sister was born in '49, so I'm guessing on the time frame. Probably at Lake Michigan.

Master narrative and all that.

The stern does most of the pushing and the bow does the fine trims and obstacle avoidance. Not to say that the bow position (and mid-canoe sometimes) don't contribute as much forward motion as they can.

I've canoed in lakes, fairly active rivers, etc. The balance is really important. My most miserable time was when the other gentleman I was paired with on the Shenandoah at low water was much larger than me. The stern kept dragging bottom and he had a heart condition so I ended up walking the canoe down the stream.

Besides, what man wouldn't want a lovely companion seated in front?