Historic Hood River
Things Not To Do with An Infant
10-24-2025
Notes
This image is associated with the set of prints showing construction of a log raft on the lower Columbia River. As if often the case, the details are more interesting than the main theme. It’s hard for me to imagine being comfortable enough around logs to carry an infant– or a small dog– out onto one. There were frequent accounts in the local newspapers about men being crushed or maimed in mill or logging accidents, so you’d think more care would be in order!
If you can’t make it out, the dog is standing on its hind legs holding a pole.
Dale Nicol
Until I read your full posting, I thought the dog, at first glance looked like a small monkey!
kmb
Interesting, but definitely not something we will experience in our lives. I am left wondering if the individual logs would roll over if you stepped on them wrong, I assume so, and if you were not careful you could fall down between two logs into the water.
Pat A
I see the dog possibly leaning against a Peavey stuck into the log.
No safety equipment, no hard hats or gloves. They appear to be completely safe with no fear of slipping.
Looks like a flood has inundated the area?
Thorn
Closely inspecting the log raft, it appears the largest logs are in the center, gradating down to the sides, with heavy cables and a few cross beams providing tension and some stability so the logs would not rotate easily or at all. And, as dangerous as I agree this era of log rafting and mill work was, there was plenty of liquid courage being poured. Mom seems to be having a hoot too.
nels
The size of logs then compared to what you see on logging trucks nowadays.