Contributed by Penobscot Marine Museum
Description
The "Hockomock” was the first double-ended propeller ferry east of Boston. It was launched on February 19, 1901, from William McDonnell’s Shipyard in Bath. Charles Robinson was the vessel’s master builder. The ferry’s machinery was designed by Charles E. Hyde and installed at Bath Iron Works. She was 94 feet long on deck and 31’4” wide. George Gowell was the engineer.
The ”Hockomock” was a constant source of expense due to fuel bills and poor management. By 1907 the first automobiles began crossing the Kennebec on the ferry. In 1910 it carried 1,961 cars. The State of Maine began supporting operating costs in 1913, but it was not until 1916, when 15,000 cars crossed, that receipts exceeded expenditures.
As the amount of traffic increased, this ferry was joined by a double-ended, paddle-wheeled ferry. Built in New York, it was renamed the “Governor King.” In 1920, the two ferries transported 31,747 passengers, 51,200 cars, and 10,021 horse-drawn vehicles.
By 1926 it was evident that the era of “Ferries across the Kennebec” was coming to an end and a bridge had to be built to keep the traffic moving. With the opening of the Carlton Bridge in 1927, both ferries were sold.
About This Item
- Title: "Hockomock" at Sagadahoc Ferry, Woolwich, ca. 1910
- Creator: Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Co.
- Creation Date: circa 1910
- Subject Date: circa 1910
- Location: Sagadahoc Ferry, Woolwich, Sagadahoc County, ME
- Media: Glass Plate Negative
- Dimensions: 12.7 cm x 17.8 cm
- Local Code: LB2007.1.114118
- Collection: Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Co.
- Object Type: Image
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For more information about this item, contact:
Penobscot Marine MuseumPO Box 498, 5 Church Street, Searsport, ME 04974
(207) 548-2529
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