Lily White's Houseboat, The Raysark, on the Columbia - c. 1903

This view of the Raysark is likely near Lyle, Washington, where Lily White often moored her boat. We're probably looking towards the river from one of the inlets, or "lakes", that occur along the north shore of the Columbia in that area. This peaceful scene gives us a window into the day-to-day experience of White and her friend Sarah Ladd, who used the houseboat as their headquarters while photographing the Columbia Gorge. With six staterooms and an on-board darkroom, the Raysark allowed them a workspace and room for socializing, while living in the wild beauty of the rive. -- This photo is restored and printed by Old Oregon.