Want to get your hands on a fascinating book about Oregon's early boatbuilders? Check out "Drift Boats and River Dories" by author Roger Fletcher. Fletcher retired in the late '90s from the Oregon State University Extension Service. Since that time, he has made it his life's passion to investigate Oregon's early boatbuilders; research the adventures they experienced on the water; and amass renderings as to how they built their boats or dories.
Roy Gault, Outdoor writer for Salem, Oregon's Statesman Journal interviewed Roger. The following quote taken from the interview and subsequent newspaper story on Fletcher reflects his zeal for the subject. "My passion for boats is tied to the parallels I see between the river and how one runs this course we call life. The river is wonderful medicine for the river of life. That sounds kind of hokey, but that's where my passion is. I enjoy fly fishing and I enjoy getting out, but that isn't what pulls me. It's the river itself, and the people who share the passion.
Author Zane Grey, is perhaps Oregon's most noted Dory boat owner. In fact, before he died in 1939, he owned a fishing cabin on the Rogue River and penned one of his most famous western novels entitled "Rogue River Feud". Even today, you can visit his small fishing cabin located on the banks of the wild & scenic Rogue River.
Factoid: Roger Fletcher's newly released book, "Drift Boats and River Dories" is published in hardback by Stackpole Books. Cost is $49.95. According to reporter Gault, the book identifies 11 wooden river boats used years ago on Oregon rivers, with stories about who used them and how they were used, and instructions and blueprints to build them.
