Sternwheelers M. F. Henderson & Shaver with Log Raft - c. 1905

The two named sternwheelers escort a large log raft down the Columbia at the beginning of its voyage in the Pacific, probably to San Diego. while three and four masted sailing ships wait in the background.

Detail view 1 gives us a closer look at the Shaver, while detail view 2 shows the three masted schooner. These giant log rafts, created mostly by Simon Benson, were a way to bring logs to the deserts of southern California at the turn of the last century. At the same time, steamships were replacing tall masted sailing vessels on the high seas.

-- This photo is restored and printed by Old Oregon.