1912 ❖ Benson Log Rafts Heading South

Benson log raft on the Columbia R.,
preparing to head south to California.
Click to enlarge.
Original photos from the S. P. H. S.©

"The second of the Benson log rafts left Wallace Slough last night for San Diego, in tow of the steamers SHAVER and CASCADES, of the Shaver Transportation Co. After reaching Sand Island the raft will be turned over to the tug HERCULES, of San Francisco, that will take it down the coast.
      This is the second of these rafts to be taken so far this year, and it is expected to have at least three more ready for shipment before fall. The Benson Co has a mill in San Diego and finds it more profitable to ship the logs there and then manufacture the lumber than to ship the prepared lumber from here. The rafts that are shipped from the Columbia to San Francisco by the HLC are principally of piling for use in that locality."
The Morning Oregonian, 25 July 1912.