Robert Young

Robert Young was a stern-wheel driven steamboat that operated on the Columbia and Willamette rivers from 1918 to 1935. This vessel was originally named Nespelem, and operated under that name until 1920. From 1920 to 1935, this vessel was owned by the Western Transportation Company or one of its subsidiaries, and was employed primarily in service to paper mills. Construction Robert Young was originally named Nespelem. Nespelem was built in 1918 for the Miller Navigation Company at Wenatchee, Washington. Nespelem was completed in December 1917. Nespelem was one of the last two steamboats to be constructed in the Wenatchee stretch of the Columbia River The other steamer was the Bridgeport, (438 tons, 121.5 feet) built at Pateros, Washington. Miller Navigation Company The Miller Navigation Company was organized by three experienced steamboat men, Capt. Charles S. Miller, A.E. Davidson, and W.H. Gatward, all of whom were residents of Spokane, Washington. The authorized capitalization of the company was $50,000. Miller was to be the president and Davidson would be the secretary and chief engineer. In May 1917 Miller Navigation Co. announced that it had its first steamer under construction, at Kelso, Washington a considerable distance away from its intended operations on the upper Columbia River. This steamer was expected to be ready for service between July 15 and August 1, 1917. It would carry 200 tons of cargo, and when empty would draw about 20 inches of water. When loaded, the vessel would draw four and one-half feet.