Book Description

For a time in the first half of the 20th century, commercial vessels powered by sail, steam, and internal combustion engines were all plying their trade together on Puget Sound. During those earlier years, mills were busy sawing logs to satisfy the hungry market for lumber, plywood, and other wood products. Boat building and commercial fishing flourished, too. As time went on, wind power gave way to steam propulsion, steam machinery was replaced by internal combustion engines, and paddle wheels disappeared in favor of propellers. This was a unique and exciting era of Puget Sound maritime activity. Eventually, logs were being shipped instead of finished wood products, transportation via highways was increasing, and the fisheries were beginning to show signs that all was not well. Because of these changes, the need was lessened for tugs, freight and passenger boats, and fishing boats on Puget Sound.