When Milton Had A Ferry

 
Although I have photos of the ferry in Watsontown, and in Montgomery, and in Danville...  I've never found a photo of the ferry in Milton.  It is possible none exist, as it appears that the ferry company operated for a short time only, after the 1899 flood.   The sketch above is of an early ferry at Watsontown, and is what I imagine the ferry at Milton may have looked like.  

Below are all the mentions I have found, of a ferry in Milton, Pa. 

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From Bell's History Of Northumberland County: 

The ”Big Island,” after Huling’s departure, was practically unoccupied until the Indian troubles had subsided. Its next resident was Isaac Himrod, who combined the occupations of agriculturist and waterman; in 1782, or shortly thereafter, Bethuel Vincent, having returned from Canada, purchased the island from Hulings. When the convenience of the public required it, a ferry was established, the landing on the eastern bank being at the end of Broadway. This ferry was the principal feature of the place and almost the only evidence of civilization. While the travel was not large, there was sufficient to attract attention to the eligibility of the location as a town site, and this governed its selection for that purpose perhaps as much as any other consideration.

From the Miltonian, in the historical notes columns printed in the early 1920s: "May 2, 1865 - Milton Wire Ferry started below Milton by John A Bogle"

The above ferry was likely abandoned when the first covered bridge was constructed across the river at Milton.  

From a written history of West Milton PA:

"During the interval following the 1889 flood that there was no bridge, a ferry was used."

On Monday February 17th 1890, an application was made for the incorporation of The Milton Ferry Company.

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION.

 Notice is hereby given that an application will be made on Monday, 17th, day of February, A.D., 1890. to the Governor of the State of Pennsylvania, under the Act of Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, entitled "An Act to provide for the incorporation and regulation of certain corporations" approved the 29th, day of April, A-D., 1874, and the supplements thereto,

 by Moses Chamberlain, William B. Chamberlain, George W. Showers, Reuben F. Wilson and William Hull, for the charter of an intended incorporation to be called the ''Milton Ferry Company the character and object whereof is the establishment, operation and maintenance of a ferry over and across the West Brunch of the Susquehanna river, 

between a point on land of Samuel Showers, in White Deer Township, Union County, Pennsylvania, about thirty eight rods South of the division line o said land of Samuel Showers and land of Proctor Green, adjoining the same on the North, and within one-half mile Northerly from the Northern end of the Island known as Elm Island, situate in said River, opposite the Borough of Milton ; and a point on the East side thereof , on land of Moses Chamberlain, in the Borough of Milton, formerly Turbot Township. Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, about fifty-four rods North of a public highway, in said Borough of Milton known as Church Lane, and within one-half mile Northerly from the Northern end of Elm Island a foresaid which said ferry is to connect on the West side of said river with the public road leading from the village of New Columbia to the Borough of Lewisburg in said Union County, by means of private roads opened on said land of Samuel Showers leading from the ferry landing at said river to the said public road, and on the East side of said river with a public road in the said Borough of Milton, formerly Turbut Township, known as Church Lane

 aforesaid by means of a private road leading from the ferry landing at said river on said land of Moses Chamberlain and a public road to the Borough of Lewisburg in said Union County, by means of private roads opened on said land of Samuel Showers leading from the ferry landing at said river to the said public road, and to the East side of said river with a public road in the said Borough of Milton formerly Turbut Township, known as aforesaid by means of a private road leading from the ferry landing at said river on island of Moses Chamberlain and a public road leading from an old ford at said river opposite stone house on said land, which said Church Lane runs from the said river easterly to the public road known as Front Street leading from the Borough of Milton to the Borough of  Watsontown in said County of Northumberland, and for these purposes to have, possess and enjoy all the rights, benefits and privileges of the Said Act of Assembly and its supplements.

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In May of 1891, Dr A.O. Cawley, veterinary surgeon in Milton, was located on 2nd street, "two squares from the Ferry."

"The Ferry Crossing at Milton was located near what is today Boone's Campground (this area was once also Riverside Amusement Park, the park the trolley built) "

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