The mighty Paul Bunyan

Construction was started on October 13, 1938 of the first boat to navigate what would become Lake Roosevelt. The project was started on the east shore of the forebay, just above the dap. It was to be 64 feet long, with a 24-foot beam and designed to draw 5 feet of water. The boat, which was sponsored by the Bureau of Reclamation, was also going to be used by the Works Progress Administration to help clear debris from the lakebed of the future reservoir. Afterwards it was to be used for maintenance service.

The boat, christened the "Paul Bunyan," was to be equipped with two 200-horsepower diesel engines. It would also sport a power winch with heavy cable lines to allow the boat to move itself up the various rapids along the river and to remove snags. It was to feature a galley, dining quarters and bunks to accommodate a boat crew of eight, while having the ability to hold 300 men for movement to various projects. It was also equipped with flood lights.

Seen here, it's moving a bridge section from Marcus along the Kettle River to the dam site for reuse on June 7, 1941.

Courtesy Coulee Pioneer Museum / Dan Bolyard, Them Dam Writers online 2020