Site Record
Metadata
Site# |
116 |
Site Name |
Cape Elizabeth ferry |
Description |
Ferry privileges were granted as early as 1719 to John Pritchard, to operate a ferry across the Old Casco River (Fore River) to the Purpooduck shore. On the Neck (the north side), the ferry landing was on the point on the eastern side of Clay Cove, near Pritchard's house. On the Purpooduck side, the privilege of operating the ferry was given to John Sawyer, "he keeping a good canoe for the accommodation of passengers." 1 - The History of Portland, Willis, page 342. "In 1719 John Sawyer had built a large crib-work wharf close by the foot of what is now Sawyer Street. It was here that the ferry landings were made until late in the century." Also, "After the Revolutionary War the ferry was operated for many years by Capt. Cary McLellan, a prominent citizen of the town. He made regular crossings to Ingraham's Wharf using an open boat propelled by sail or oar. In 1787 a new landing place was constructed near Sawyer's Wharf, on flats purchased from the estate of Christopher Strout. Also, that same year Capt. McLellan was awarded the ferry franchise for a period of 25 years and greatly expanded at his own expense, the facilities of the ferry landing. Eight years later he surrendered his franchise and the town awarded him 50 pounds as compensation for the improvements he had made. He was succeeded by Jonathan Sawyer who held the post until 1800." 2 - The Histoy of Cape Elizabeth, Jordan, page 106. The side-wheel, double-ended steam ferry Elizabeth was launched on June 17, 1848. In April 1849, an article stated that the Elizabeth had recently commenced running between Maine Wharf and Ferry Village, "the first attempt at steam ferryage in this quarter." The Elizabeth operated until she was destroyed by fire in 1856. The Little Eastern was built at the Dyer shipyard; she was launched and put in service in 1857. The side-wheeler H.H. Day was built at the Dyer shipyard; it replaced the Little Eastern in 1864. The 54-foot steamer Josephine Hoey was put in service in 1871, making trips between Custom House Wharf and the Cape Elizabeth ferry landing. In 1875, the small passenger steamer Mary W. Libby was added to the ferry service, making trips around Casco Bay. In May 1885, the double-ended, side-wheel steam ferry Cornelia H. was launched in Bath and was put in service in June 1885 (along with the Mary W. Libby). The Cornelia H. was destroyed by fire on September 3, 1892. Two steamers, the Isis and the Chebeague were put into temporary ferry service after the Cornelia H. was destroyed. The steamers Alice and Winter Harbor were also being used, as well as the Josephine Hoey and the Mary W. Libby. In March 1893, the Elizabeth City was launched by the New England Shipbuilding Company of Bath. She had engines from the Portland Company installed. She went into regular service in June 1893. The Elizabeth City proved very reliable and garnered most of the ferry service, driving the competing ferries out. Due to declining revenue, the Elizabeth City was removed from service in January 1912. In 1920, the steamer Lottie & May was in operation. (*Ferry schedule, 2010.120.8) |
