Vosburg and the Battle for Tillamook Bay Passenger Service
At the turn of the 20th century, the waters of Tillamook Bay became a theater for intense commercial rivalry. Central to this conflict was the Vosburg, a steamer that underwent significant modifications to challenge the existing maritime monopoly and transform how goods and people moved between Astoria and Tillamook.
Expanding the Vosburg
In February 1902, the Vosburg underwent a structural upgrade at Richard Leathers' boat yard in Astoria. The addition of a new passenger cabin, known as a Texas, increased the vessel's tonnage (the measure of a ship's overall size) from 99 to 106 tons. This increase had professional implications for the ship's master, Captain Ernest Loll, who was required to obtain a new master's certificate because his previous credentials were only valid for vessels under 100 tons.
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By March 1, 1902, the Vosburg was acquired by the Nehalem Bay Transportation Company. The company's strategic goal was to establish a route between Tillamook and Astoria to compete directly with the Pacific Navigation Company, which had held a monopoly on the run for several years. To support this expansion, the Nehalem Transportation Company announced plans in March 1902 to construct a new dock at Tillamook City specifically to accommodate the steamer.
Legal Disputes and Passenger Limits
Following the cabin installation, the Vosburg was certified to carry 12 paying passengers. However, this limit was quickly tested. On March 27, 1902, Captain Loll transported 28 people from Nehalem to Tillamook City. This led the Astoria Collector of Customs, Fox, to assess a $500 fine against the vessel.
The vessel's owners, the Wheeler Lumber Company, filed a protest on April 3, 1902. They argued that the customs collector had incorrectly counted the 14 crew members and several non-paying children, asserting that there were only 12 paying passengers on board. Despite this, the steamer's inspection certificate limited the crew to only nine persons. By April 22, 1902, the fine was significantly reduced to $5.
Rate Wars and the Collision with Sue H. Elmore
The competition between the Nehalem Transportation Company and the Pacific Navigation Company—owners of the steamer Sue H. Elmore—escalated into a series of "rate wars." In May 1902, this rivalry actually benefited the local economy; both the Vosburg and the Elmore began running twice weekly between Astoria and Tillamook. This increased frequency allowed local creameries to transport their butter to market in better condition.
A second, more aggressive rate war erupted in April 1904. Initially, freight rates from Portland to Tillamook were $4.00 per ton for merchants and $5.00 for smaller shippers, while passenger fares from Astoria to Tillamook were $3.50. The Nehalem Transport Company initiated price cuts, dropping freight to $3.00 per ton and fares to $3.00. Samuel Elmore responded by further lowering rates to $2.50 for both freight and passengers.
This tension culminated in a physical clash on April 12, 1904, at 10:30 a.m. While the Elmore was en route to Tillamook City, the Vosburg collided with it. While no passengers were injured and cargo remained intact, the collision caused an estimated $150 in damage to the Elmore and $200 to the Vosburg. Following an investigation on April 25, 1904, Captain Ernest Loll's license was suspended for 30 days due to carelessness and unskillfulness, while the master of the Elmore was exonerated. The Vosburg was subsequently sent to the Joseph Supple yard in Portland, Oregon, for repairs.
The End of Competition
The collision marked the beginning of the end for the rivalry. Shortly thereafter, the owners of the Vosburg sold their portion of the Tillamook freight and passenger trade to the owners of the Elmore. This move effectively ended the competition, leaving the Elmore as the sole provider of passenger and freight services between Tillamook and Astoria.
The Vosburg was repurposed exclusively for towing logs from Tillamook and Nehalem to Astoria. With the competition removed, the Elmore immediately doubled its freight rates from $2.50 per ton back to $5 per ton, sparking complaints from Tillamook merchants and discussions about chartering a new steamer to challenge the restored monopoly.
Key Facts
- Vessel Growth: The Vosburg increased from 99 to 106 tons after adding a "Texas" passenger cabin.
- Legal Conflict: A $500 fine for overcrowding was eventually reduced to $5 after a dispute over crew and child counts.
- Economic Impact: Rate wars between the Vosburg and Sue H. Elmore initially improved butter transport for local creameries.
- The Collision: An April 1904 collision led to a 30-day license suspension for Captain Ernest Loll.
- Market Shift: After the Vosburg exited the passenger trade, freight rates immediately doubled to $5 per ton.
| Feature | Nehalem Transportation Co. (Vosburg) | Pacific Navigation Co. (Sue H. Elmore) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role (Post-1904) | Log Towing | Freight and Passenger Service |
| Lowest Freight Rate | $3.00 per ton | $2.50 per ton |
| Lowest Passenger Fare | $3.00 | $2.50 |
| Final Market Position | Exited passenger trade | Established Monopoly |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Captain Loll need a new master's certificate?
Captain Loll needed a new certificate because the addition of a passenger cabin increased the Vosburg's tonnage from 99 to 106 tons, and his existing certificate was only valid for vessels under 100 tons.
What was a "Texas" in the context of the Vosburg?
In this context, a "Texas" refers to the new passenger cabin added to the steamer in February 1902 to increase its capacity for paying passengers.
How did the rate wars affect local businesses?
Initially, the competition benefited local creameries by increasing the frequency of trips to twice a week, allowing butter to reach the market in better condition. However, once the competition ended, merchants suffered as freight rates doubled.
What were the consequences of the collision between the Vosburg and the Elmore?
The collision caused minor financial damage ($150 to the Elmore and $200 to the Vosburg) and resulted in the 30-day suspension of Captain Ernest Loll's license for carelessness.
What happened to the Vosburg after the competition ended?
The Vosburg stopped providing passenger and freight services and was used exclusively for towing logs from Nehalem and Tillamook to Astoria.