The “Moose” was built in 1900. The “Moose” had a mast, and was used as a sail boat and that MacLachlan had used it on the river.
“The Moose” is the largest and considered the most reliable craft on the lake. It is in place to say that Lake Bemidji is a rough body of water when a gale strikes it, and I speak from experience. “The Moose” carries passengers to and from the Turtle River stage route, and braves all kinds of storms. (Bemidji Pioneer, Oct 17, 1901)
Wm. MacLachlan announces that the passenger boat “The Moose” will be launched Monday. Mr. MacLachlan has made considerable repairs to the boat and it is one of the staunchest on the lake. The launching this year is several days later than usual and for the past five years the “Moose” has made regular trips to the head of the lake May 1, a feat that will be impossible to accomplish tomorrow. (April 30, 1904)
Ice Boat Broke Down.
The “Big Moose” an ice boat which Captain W. B. MacLachlan has had in course of construction for some time past, was finished Saturday and taken out on its trial trip yesterday morning. The craft behaved beautifully but while coming around the turn at the south end of Lake Bemidji the forward runner struck a crack and the boat stopped suddenly, breaking the mast and bowsprit. As a result the boat is out of commission but will be put onto the ice again as soon as the necessary repairs are made. (Dec 12, 1904)
Moose Launched
Captain W. B. MacLachlan Saturday afternoon launched his boat, the “Moose,” and is now
making preparations to put the vessel into commission on Lake Bemidji. The boat has been entirely overhauled and is in excellent condition for work during the summer season. (Apr 24, 1905)
Teachers’ training school in Bemidji, together with the instructors and conductor, were this afternoon entertained by Superintendent Regan on an excursion to Rocky point, at the north end of Lake Bemidji, on the Moose. (July 11, 1905)
Capt. W. B. MacLachlan has returned with his boat, the “Moose,” from a successful trip up the Mississippi river between Bemidji to Lake Plantagenet, The river between Bemidji and Lake Plantagenet has been regarded as too shallow to allow the passage of a boat the size of the “Moose,” but Mr. MacLachlan’s trip is evidence that at the present time, at least, the voyage can be accomplished by almost any boat on the lake. (July 11, 1905)
The Moose was still operating on the lake in 1909.