The Criterion was a steel-hulled, diesel sternwheeler built in Charleston, WV by Charles Ward Engineering Works in 1928 and cost approximately $23,000. It was 64.7 x 18 x 3.3 (reported in 1934 as 81 x 18 x 4) and was originally powered by a 100 hp Fairbanks-Morse diesel engine, which was replaced in 1947 with a 300 hp Hercules diesel. Originally owned by Frank W. Paden of Sardis, Ohio, the boat was sold to the Woods Bros. Construction Co. on the Missouri River. In 1943, after a period of inactivity, the Criterion was bought by Charles Ciconett of Louisville, KY, who sold it to Clarence A. "Jack" Grimm of Pittsburgh in December 1944 (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette). The boat was once again sold, this time through Earl Cooper of Parkersburg, WV to the Mead Corporation of Chillicothe, OH in August, 1948. She was sold in 1960 to the Hiwassee Sand Co., Athens, TN.
Photo courtesy of Dan Owen. It was taken May 5, 1928 at Charleston, WV.