By David Figura | dfigura@nyup.com | Posted June 13, 2018 at 01:22 PM | Updated June 13, 2018 at 01:24 PM
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."
For More Information On Chautauqua Lake Real Estate and Living Visit:
www.chautauqualakehomes.com
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