Contributed by Penobscot Marine Museum
Description
The Winterport ferry, which operated from this dock, served the community in the years before the advent and popularity of automobiles and the construction in 1931of the Waldo-Hancock bridge over the Penobscot River at Prospect.
The earliest ferry was a dugout propelled by paddles. The Coulliard brothers, who lived on opposite sides of the river, operated the ferry, charging 12 cents one way. If anyone with a horse wanted to cross, the animal was forced to swim and towed behind the ferry.
Later, when people wanted to get to Bucksport, Bangor, or Castine, the ferry was the means of getting to the trains that operated on the east side of the river. A Winterport resident recalled taking the ferry in the 1890s and boarding the train to get to the school she attended in Bucksport.
James Curtis was the ferryman for many years, who “plied the oars” back and forth in all kinds of weather. He inspired his passengers with confidence that he would safely take them across the river.
About This Item
- Title: Winterport ferry, ca. 1910
- Creator: Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Co.
- Creation Date: circa 1910
- Subject Date: circa 1910
- Location: Winterport, Waldo County, ME
- Media: Glass Plate Negative
- Dimensions: 12.7 cm x 17.8 cm
- Local Code: LB2007.1.112741
- 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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