The New Steamer Ruth Takes Her Maiden Run Down the Pend Oreille
Fitted out at the Transportation Co. dock and steered by a set of 'monkey rudders,' Newport's newest riverboat proves herself on a trial run to Downs' Landing — if only the government inspectors would hurry.
The new steamer Ruth made its first trial trip this morning, leaving the Transportation Co.'s dock, where she had been fitted with machinery, at 10:30 and made a run to Downs' Landing and return. In addition to Capt. Lanneau's family and friends from Spokane, there were several Newport people on board to participate in the maiden trip of the new boat.
The Ruth is a staunchly built craft, with several features new to Pend Oreille river boats. She is equipped with hydraulic steering gear and an additional set of rudders, known as the 'monkey rudders,' which are located behind the wheel and are a great aid in handling the craft. Her boiler power is about 400. The engines worked as smoothly as could be expected on the first voyage, and on the return trip a noticeable improvement was made, which will be increased as the machinery gets properly set. The boat answers the wheel readily, and her first performance was very satisfactory to Capt. Lanneau and his crew. She is officered as follows: Capt. A. S. Lanneau, master; Clarence Sample, pilot; A. P. Orr, mate; H. H. Hoyt, purser; N. C. Campbell, steward; Jas. Prewitt, chief engineer.
Government inspectors have not yet arrived, and the boat will not enter on a regular schedule until she has been passed on by them. It is thought that the schedule can be started next week, but regular trips will not be made until she has been given several trial runs.
The boilers of the Ruth were tested on Wednesday and found satisfactory. As soon as the inspectors arrive an official inspection will be made and the boat placed in commission. Fire extinguishers have been received, and the work of unpacking the furniture and getting the boat in readiness for service has been started. Capt. Lanneau is anxious to get the boat running, but the slowness of the officials is hindering him.
John Sound, the contractor who built the Ruth, has returned to his home in Portland, Oregon. He left a couple of carpenters here to complete the work necessary on the boat. Mr. Sound's work on the Ruth is highly commended by the owners of the boat and all who have watched the construction of the same.
“She is equipped with hydraulic steering gear and an additional set of rudders, known as the 'monkey rudders,' which are located behind the wheel and are a great aid in handling the craft.”
Before the highways, the Pend Oreille was Newport's Main Street: freight, mail, excursions and passengers all moved by sternwheeler and steam launch off docks that no longer exist. The Ruth's launch was a small-town bet that the river route still had a future. Today the same water carries sport boats and kayaks, and the town's identity as 'Where Rail and River Meet' survives mostly in slogans and old photographs.
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