Historic Chautauqua Lake ferry on shore for repairs, should be running again soon
By David Figura | dfigura@nyup.com | Posted June 13, 2018 at 01:22 PM | Updated June 13, 2018 at 01:24 PM
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David Figura | dfigura@nyup.com
Bemus Point, N.Y. -- One of the nation's oldest cable ferries, located on Chautauqua Lake in Western N.Y., is currently up on skids, undergoing much-needed repairs.
However, officials from the Sea Lion Project Ltd., the all-volunteer group dedicated to maintaining and keeping the Bemus Point-Stowe Ferry running, say the work should be complete by the end of July, said Chris Flanders, a spokesperson for the group.
David Figura | dfigura@nyup.com
When it first built by local resident Thomas Bemus in 1811, the ferry linked the east and west shorelines of Chautauqua Lake at the lake's narrowest point.
It was initially a hand-powered, a small raft with ropes, used primarily for agricultural purposes, moving wagons, cattle and sheep between the two shores. Otherwise, it was a 20-mile trip around the lake.
Sea Lion Project Ltd.
In time, various versions of the ferry were built, powered by horses, steam power, automobile engines -- and most recently, a diesel engine and paddle wheels.
Sea Lion Project Ltd.
The current ferry is essentially a flat barge measuring 34 by 64 feet with small cupolas on either end.
The need for a ferry on the lake was decreased in 1986 with the construction of bridge for Route 86 that spans the lake a short distance away.
Sea Lion Project Ltd.
The need for a ferry on the lake was decreased in 1986 with the construction of bridge for Route 86 that spans the lake a short distance away. However, the ferry holds a special place in the hearts and minds of those who grew around the lake, and those who frequent its waters each summer.
"I'm 70 now. Growing up here, it was the biggest deal -- a quick way to get across the lake," Flanders said. "Weddings have been held on it, it was a tradition to use it to cross the lake once you first got your driver's license. All sorts of things."
Sea Lion Project Ltd.
The trip from one shore to the other takes about 15 minutes on the ferry. The craft travels the same exact route each time, connected to the two shores by two cables. It can carry up to nine cars, and frequently transports bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
Sea Lion Project Ltd.
At one time, the craft was maintained by state Highway Department, with those using it paying $1 for a one-way trip. Now, those who use it simply give a donation, Flanders said.
Sea Lion Project Ltd.
The ferry was inspected by state officials earlier this spring and it was deemed unsafe, requiring the replacement of several steel beams above the craft's steel hull and below the wooden decking. Volunteers have been working on most of the repairs.
"The only person we're hiring is the marine welder," Flanders said.
David Figura | dfigura@nyup.com
Sea Lion Project Ltd. is seeking donations to cover the current repair costs ($50,000), but expects the craft's entire steel hull will have to be replaced in the future -- an estimated $300,000 job.
To follow along as the work progresses and to learn more history about the ferry's service on Chautauqua Lake since 1811, Sea Lion Project has two Facebook pages: "The Historic Bemus Point-Stow Ferry" and "Friends and Fans of the Bemus-Point Stow Ferry."
Donations can be sent to the Bemus Point/Stow Ferry, PO Box 339, Bemus Point, NY 14712. There's also a Go Fund Me Page, "Save the Bemus Point-Stowe Ferry."
To follow along as the work progresses and to learn more history about the ferry's service on Chautauqua Lake since 1811, Sea Lion Project has two Facebook pages: "The Historic Bemus Point-Stow Ferry" and "Friends and Fans of the Bemus-Point Stow Ferry."
Donations can be sent to the Bemus Point/Stow Ferry, PO Box 339, Bemus Point, NY 14712. There's also a Go Fund Me Page, "Save the Bemus Point-Stowe Ferry."
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