Saugatuck Ferry sign

Object/Artifact

-

Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society

Saugatuck Ferry: Wood sign
Saugatuck Ferry

Wood sign

Name/Title

Saugatuck Ferry sign

Entry/Object ID

2021.22.02

Description

White painted sign with blue Saugatuck and large red Ferry letters.

Collection

Signs

Cataloged By

Voss, Mary

Acquisition

Accession

2021.22

Location

Building

History Museum at Mt. Baldhead Park/Pump House Museum

Interpretative Labels

Label

Text from SDHS/SCA joint exhibit “Signs of the Times” 2009: 1. sign: Saugatuck Ferry original site: Water Street at the foot of Mary Street, Saugatuck collection: Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society Collection Because the bridge connecting Douglas-Saugatuck was not constructed until1869, the principal means of crossing between the villages was by way of a wood scow-type hand-cranked chain ferry, built in 1857. The ferry carried horses, carts as well as people—and later, automobiles. The present chain ferry replaced the old ‘scow’ ferry in 1956—the creation of R. J. Peterson. It is the only surviving chain ferry in the United States.

Create Date

May 24, 2021

Update Date

September 25, 2025