When Montgomery Had A Ferry

Until the bridge was completed in the early 1920's, a ferry crossed the river at Montgomery.

"Previous to this time [when the bridge was completed in 1921] crossing was made at the foot of second street, by means of a cable ferry, a relic of the past. Just how many years ferry service may have been provided we have been unable to learn, but it goes back as far as the recollections of our oldest residents.  How well these older people recall using the ferry as a means of getting away or coming home, or waiting on the other side for the ferry to come for them after calling for it with the old ferry bell and of being awakened during the night by the ringing of the bell when some weary belated traveler wanted to cross.

When unusually dry weather came or when the river filled with ice, crossing became impossible and then came the tedious drive over dusty or muddy roads around by Allenwood or Muncy." - The Montgomery Mirror, 1939

In the above photo, look close on the right and the ferry is clearly visible.

A cropped version of the above photo, focusing on the ferry

The first ferry at Montgomery, Lycoming County Pa was established by Solomon Menges, in around 1827.   Poles and oars were used to navigate the flat across the Susquehanna. Eventually his three sons, Daniel, Samuel, and William continued the business

June 1893, the Montgomery Ferry company was established. From June 1893 to May 1894, two boats worked bank to bank. 

The 1871 Map shows a "Menges Ferry", prior to the Montgomery Ferry Co.

[The Grit later ran a correction, correcting the name to George Henry Aunkst]

Old Ferry Road at the end of 2nd Street

A ferry bell was placed on each side of the river for patrons to ring when they wanted to cross. 

The Miltonian, June2 1921

On November 12 1921, the Montgomery Ferry was sold at Public Sale.

In 1979, one of the original ferry bells was donated to the borough by Mrs. Margaret Stoltz, her husband Leonard having been the last owner of the bell. 

 The bell was placed in the Montgomery mini park  on the corner of E. Houston Ave and Main Street. Sometime later it was moved to the the Montgomery Borough building. 

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July 29 1940

Jacob Sterner operated the Montgomery Ferry for many years.

1921

"antiquated and inconvenient ferry"