Album of Columbia River Light Ship No. 50

Album of Columbia River Light Ship No. 50, 1901

Overview of the Collection

Title: Album of Columbia River Light Ship No. 50
Dates: 1901 (inclusive)
19011901
Quantity: 1 Box, (37 Items)
Collection Number: PC 128 (collection)
Summary: On April 11, 1892, Light Ship 50 was towed to a position five miles west of the Columbia River’s mouth where she became the west coast's first active lightship. In November, 1889 a serious storm broke her anchorage, and the next day her crew beached her. Between February and June of 1901 she was hauled 700 yards overland to where she could be relaunched.The collection holds 37 photographic images, maintained in their original order and binding.
Repository: Washington State University Libraries' Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections (MASC)
Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections
Terrell Library Suite 12
Pullman, WA
99164-5610
Telephone: 509-335-6691
mascref@wsu.edu
Access Restrictions: This collection is open and available for research use.
Languages: English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

On April 11, 1892, Light Ship 50 was towed to a position five miles west of the Columbia River’s mouth where she became the west coast's first active lightship. In November, 1889 a serious storm broke her anchorage, and the next day her crew beached her; she remained beached until June, 1901. Between February and June of 1901 she was hauled 700 yards overland to where she could be relaunched; after repairs she was returned to her station on August 18, 1901. In 1909, she was removed from lightship duties, and in 1915 she was sold at public auction.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The cover reads "Compliments of Allen [Andrew Allen] and Roberts [J.H. Roberts], Portland, Ore., Contractors for moving Columbia River Light Ship No. 50, overland from Ocean Beach to Baker's Bay, at Forth Canby, Washington. Distance, 1-2 of a mile. Light Ship was stranded at McKinsey's Head, Nov. 29, 1899; moved May, 1901." Additional handwritten notes read "Presented to Louis Heinrichs, Ord. Sgt USA. Ft. Canby, Wash."

The collection holds 37 photographic images, maintained in their original order and binding. All photographs are undated and undescribed, though most are noted as having been taken by J.F. Ford. The photograph depicts the grounded ship, the process of moving her overland, those involved, and finally the ship back at dock.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

[Item Description] Album of Columbia River Light Ship No. 50, 1901 (PC 128)

Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries, Pullman, WA.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

It is unclear when and from whom this was acquired, save that it apparently came to the Libraries before 1959. It was held in MASC as Cage 4019 before being redescribed as a photographs collection.

Processing Note

This collection was processed by University Archivist Mark O'English in June 2009.

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

Lightships -- Columbia River Estuary (Or. and Wash.)
Lightships -- Columbia River.
Navigation -- Columbia River -- Safety measures.

Geographical Names

Columbia River -- Navigation -- Safety measures.

Other Creators

Personal Names
- Ford, J. F. (creator)

Archives West Finding Aid

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