The Ironton Ferry. Original Ironton Ferry beached for the winter ?

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1 The Ironton Ferry 134 years of service and still going strong. Original Ironton Ferry beached for the winter ? The Ironton Ferry is a four-car cable ferry that crosses a narrow point on the South arm of Pine Lake (Lake Charlevoix) at a place called Ironton. The ferry connects Ironton, a small village about 5 miles south from Charlevoix to Boyne City The Charlevoix County Board of Supervisors approved the starting of the Ironton Ferry. Henry E. Sheldon is authorized to build and operate a ferry system securely guided by cables affixed to the sides of the craft moored to the East and West banks of the Ironton Narrows Cannel.

2 The two cables descend into the water, about 4 fathoms, allowing deep water passage through the narrows so not to impede any schooner or propeller traffic. She was at first a small wooden barge (18 x 24 ) that was hand pulled from shore to shore. Her capacity was limited to 1 wagon depending on size of teams, foot traffic and assorted livestock. The propulsion power came from the operator and the passengers working a hand powered windlass system The charges for the Ironton Ferries were; Double-teams Single-teams Beasts Sheep Footmen 30 cents 20 cents 10 cents except sheep 10 cents up to six over six, 5 cents each 5 cents without beasts Threshing machines and articles of such nature $1.00 Note: the charge for the teams included the wagon, carriage, and their respective occupants 1886 The County bought the ferry and ran it toll free until 1949 when with much consternation from the county population a toll was again established.

3 1892 Ironton Iron Smelting Plant and Charcoal Kilns, at this time Ironton was the largest town on Pine Lake. Ferry with a team and wagon. The ferry is written up in the Guinness Book of Records and the Ripley Believe it or Not. Captain Sam Alexander of the ferry is listed in Ripley s Believe It or Not for travelling 15,000 miles while never being more than 1/4 mile from his home.

4 The ferry was cited for a marine violation not having a lifeboat on board. This was rescinded by securing a lifeboat on davits that extended over the side of the ferry. Ferry after addition of required life boat 1901 the Ironton ferry service operated 244 days this year at a cost of only $ dollars the older wooden ferry was replaced with a steel barge (30 x 50 ) that was diesel powered by two propellers one at each end. To go from bank to bank you simply changed the direction of the propellers.

5 The ferry and her two slips along with the loading and unloading gates underwent many modifications some by Bill Porter s company from East Jordan. This keeping her up to the many transportation and Maritime safety regulating that continually requires updating. Today the 600 foot plus trip takes about 3 to 4 minutes depending of water traffic. The narrows is a little over 6 fathoms in depth handling large, lake and ocean going vessels as required. When Pine River was dredged in 1873 changing from a river, with about a 4 foot fall, to a channel it allowed large vessels to enter and sail the length and width of the lake. Please remember that East Jordan is on one end of Lake Charlevoix and there were large vessels coming and going to the many factories located there.

6 Boyne City, East Jordan and Ironton were major shipping and receiving points in the period of 1880 through In 2008 she transported over 67,000 thousand vehicles across the straights. This theoretically saved these vehicles a trip of about 18 miles that would be required to drive around the lake not taking the ferry. She went through her 5 year maritime required inspection and is reported to be in good repair. This inspection was done the last few years at the Boyne City Public Boat Launching area. Where she was hauled and wintered. She winters on the Ironton side of the narrows when she is laid up for the winter season. Remember the ferry needs to be towed to Boyne as she is without a ships rudder and cannot steer for herself. The original diesel engine was replaced with a modern unit due to the cost of repairs and problems in obtaining parts. Her old engine resides at the Boyne Falls Michigan Fly- Wheelers, where it has been refurbished and once again dutifully provides a reliable source of power. Once again operating old equipment as required WHAT THE HE??

7 The serenity of the peaceful narrows is shattered by the sounding of a ferry s horn to be in compliance with the laws of the Intercostal Waterways! The Ironton Ferry is now required to comply with the U.S.C.G. rule that any vessel leaving dockside must sound its horn for a period of 4 to 6 seconds. This is an old requirement that was been on the books for years. There is a no wake law enforced and I know of no collisions due to the ferry crossing! The decibel level of this fog horn is something one does not want to hear, near or far. Let alone in the early morning or evening hours. She only used her horn for extremely bad weather, snowvery-heavy, and when the boating traffic was congested. Cannot a variance be obtained to muzzle the hideous noise? Why belabor us with this now? When my wife, Pat, and I crossed the narrows a few days ago the horn was blessedly mute. It is my understanding that this horn requirement is still under question? Today Ironton Ferry Service The Ironton Ferry operates during the late spring, summer, and early fall months across the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix. Generally, it is open from mid-april through mid-

8 November. Operating hours are 6:30 AM. to 10:30 PM. Today s fare Information: $3.25 per car $0.50 per person (w/out vehicle or bicycle) $1.00 per person with bicycle A book of 20 tickets can be purchased for $50.00 at the Ferry or the County Treasurer's Office. I asked about livestock and my memory thinks something about bringing a shovel was mentioned, just in jest maybe? Let s not involve the EPA thank you! The Ironton Ferry today sailing for Ironton. Closing on November 25 this year we bid ado to the Ironton Ferry for the year.

9 See you in the spring. Edward May III Curmudgeonly Historian