Ilwaco Steamer: Maritime Operations in the San Juan Islands
At the turn of the 20th century, the waters of the Pacific Northwest were vital arteries for commerce and travel. Among the vessels navigating these routes was the Ilwaco, a steamer that played a varied role in the transport networks of Bellingham, Blaine, and the San Juan Islands between 1905 and 1912.
The vessel arrived in Bellingham, Washington, around July 26, 1905, after being purchased by Captain Eugene H. Simpson, a Bellingham resident, and Leonard D. Pike, who resided at East Sound on Orcas Island. Under the command of J. W. Tarte, the Ilwaco was initially intended for the Bellingham-Blaine-Port Roberts route.
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Early Challenges and the Sequoia Collision
The Ilwaco's early tenure was marked by both mechanical scrutiny and misfortune. While awaiting repairs to begin its scheduled run between Bellingham and Blaine in August 1905, the vessel was criticized by the Morning Astorian, which described the steamer as an "old-timer" that should have been retired years prior.
Operational difficulties peaked on October 27, 1905. In heavy fog near Bellingham, the Ilwaco collided with the Sequoia, a lumber schooner being towed to its berth. Despite both captains claiming they had utilized fog signals, the collision resulted in significant damage to the Sequoia amidships. The Ilwaco fared better, with reported damages not exceeding $100, and no serious injuries were reported.
Expanding Service to Friday Harbor
On November 13, 1905, owners Simpson and Pike transitioned the Ilwaco to the Bellingham-Friday Harbor run. This route included various waypoints on Orcas Island, mirroring the service provided by the Islander (a 163 g.t. steamer built in 1904), though it potentially bypassed Deer Harbor and West Sound to allow for service to Lopez Island.
The vessel maintained a rigorous schedule: departing Friday Harbor on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at 6:00 a.m. to reach Bellingham by 11:30 a.m., before continuing to Point Roberts and Blaine. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, it departed Blaine at 6:00 a.m., arriving in Bellingham at 11:00 a.m. and departing at noon for the San Juan Islands, reaching Friday Harbor by 6:00 p.m. The steamer proved its efficiency on one occasion in November 1905, completing the Bellingham-Friday Harbor run in five and a half hours while calling at all Orcas Island points.
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Passenger Feedback and Technical Upgrades
Despite its speed, the Ilwaco faced criticism regarding its comfort. The San Juan Islander newspaper noted that while the vessel was faster than other steamers on the Bellingham route, its passenger accommodations were inferior to those of the mail boats. In response, the owners announced plans in late 1905 to modernize the ship after the holiday season by installing electric lighting and converting the vessel into an oil-burner.
Ownership Changes and Final Years
By January 1906, the vessel changed hands. Leonard D. Pike sold the Ilwaco to George & Barker Co., a salmon canning firm based in Point Roberts, for $6,000. Simultaneously, Pike sold his interest in George & Barker Co. for $30,000.
The steamer continued operations out of Point Roberts, with J.S. Woodin serving as captain by July 1907. By December 1911, George and Barker Co. placed the vessel into winter storage at Decatur Island. The final chapter of the Ilwaco's service began in 1912 when Captain T. Jones of Decatur purchased the ship and converted it into a fish packer powered by a gasoline engine, reportedly employing a crew of 30.
Key Facts
- Acquisition: Purchased by Leonard D. Pike and Captain Eugene H. Simpson in July 1905.
- Primary Routes: Served Bellingham, Blaine, Port Roberts, and Friday Harbor.
- Notable Incident: Collided with the lumber schooner Sequoia on October 27, 1905.
- Sale Price: Sold to George & Barker Co. in January 1906 for $6,000.
- Final Conversion: Transformed into a gasoline-powered fish packer in 1912 by Captain T. Jones.
| Period | Primary Use/Route | Key Owner/Captain |
|---|---|---|
| July 1905 - Oct 1905 | Bellingham-Blaine-Port Roberts | Simpson & Pike / J.W. Tarte |
| Nov 1905 - Jan 1906 | Bellingham-Friday Harbor | Simpson & Pike |
| Jan 1906 - Dec 1911 | Point Roberts Operations | George & Barker Co. |
| 1912 onwards | Fish Packing Vessel | Captain T. Jones |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the original owners of the Ilwaco in 1905?
The vessel was purchased by Leonard D. Pike, a resident of East Sound on Orcas Island, and Captain Eugene H. Simpson, a resident of Bellingham.
What happened during the collision with the Sequoia?
On October 27, 1905, the Ilwaco collided with the lumber schooner Sequoia in foggy conditions. The Sequoia was badly damaged amidships, while the Ilwaco suffered less than $100 in damages; no one was seriously injured.
Why was the Ilwaco criticized by the San Juan Islander?
The newspaper praised the vessel's speed but criticized its passenger accommodations, stating they were much inferior to those found on the mail boats.
How was the Ilwaco modified in its final years?
In 1912, after being purchased by Captain T. Jones, the vessel was converted from a steamer into a fish packer powered by a gasoline engine.
What was the sale price of the Ilwaco to George & Barker Co.?
The steamer was sold to the Point Roberts salmon canners, George & Barker Co., for $6,000 in January 1906.