Original Efforts to Establish City Island Ferry Services During the 1760s

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In a prior posting to the Historic Pelham Blog, I noted that a rope-hauled ferry once run by the Way Brothers operated to connect City Island to the mainland for a fifty-year period prior to construction of the first City Island Bridge in 1868.  See Fri., Mar. 13, 2015:  An Important History of the City Island Bridge Built in 1868 and the Way Brothers' Ferry That Preceded It.  That posting noted:

"Before this bridge [the first City Island Bridge] was constructed, the travel from the main land to City Island was by means of a very primitive ferry, in the form of an old flat scow, similar to the conventional mud scow of to-day. This scow had a flat deck, with a low railing on each side to prevent horses and other animals, from backing off into the water. To each end of this scow was fastened a large cable or rope long enough to reach across the water when the scow was pulled across. 

"In order that the rope should not float and impede navigation on the water that divided the Island from the main land, heavy iron weights were fastened on the rope that that it would sink to the bottom of the river. This primitive ferry was operated by the Way Brothers, who, when the scow had a load, would give a signal and then, with the assistance of two or three men, would walk along the banks and draw the boat across, in the same manner as a horse draws a boat along a tow path. 

"The ferry charged a toll; twenty-five cents for a team, fifteen cents for a single horse and five cents for a man, hog, sheep or goat. This old ferry had been in use more than fifty years up to the time when the City Island bridge was built."

Id. (quoting CITY ISLAND'S HISTORIC BRIDGE -- A SKETCH OF ITS ORIGIN -- To be Replaced by a Modern Iron Structure, Mount Vernon Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 23, 1898, Vol. XXVI, No. 1926, p. 1, cols. 4-5.).

Scow of the Sort Once Drawn by Hand by Men Using

Rope System To Travel from the Mainland to City

Island.  Source:  Otis, James, Peter of New Amersterdam:

A Story of Old New York (Project Gutenberg, 2013)

(Available for "use of anyone anywhere at no cost

and with almost no restrictions whatsoever"). NOTE:

Click Image to Enlarge.

The ferry service once operated by the Way Brothers was not, however, the earliest ferry service that connected City Island to the mainland.  Additionally, there was early ferry service that connected the island to Long Island.  

According to a manuscript entitled "Number one, Book of Laws, ordered by the Community of Minneford's Island, made the tenth day of May, one thousand, seven hundred and sixty-three" held by the New-York Historical Society, on May 10, 1763 residents of City Island (then known as Minneford's Island" authorized a ferry at the northern end of the island to connect it with Rodman's Neck on the mainland.  The ferry was to operate around the clock ("Day Light to Day Light") and it was directed that the ferryman "shall not fail to give good attendance Durering and for the ensuing year from the date hereof, and likewise to keep a sufficient craft to take in a horse and chair, or two horses."  The City Islanders further authorized a toll as follows:  "the ferry man shall receive for each chair and horse not to exceed the sum of one shilling and sixpence, and for each person the said ferry man not to exceed the sum of four coppers for each time crossing said ferry."  That year, the ferry license was awarded to the "best and fairest bidder," a woman known as "Mrs. Deborah Hicks."

Three years later City Islanders authorized a ferry service to connect the south end of Minneford's Island with the opposite shore of Long Island.  The ferry franchise was established on May 13, 1766 and was leased to John Barnes for a term of five years.  

Soon after the authorization of ferry service to Long Island, the residents of the island designated a group of residents to act as a committee and serve as "Proprietors of the Island" -- local representative government in its infancy.  The Proprietors of Minneford's Island soon were faced with disputes over apparent misuse and abuse of the ferry system by residents attempting to transport too many farm animals at one time.  Indeed, at a "meeting of the committee of the Proprietors of Minford's Island" held at the home of Isaac Barnes on May 11, 1765, the Committee ordered:

"that no owner or proprietor of the said Island, not residing thereon, shall put or caus to be put on more than twoo creatures of any kind; likewise, any owner or inhabitant living and residing upon the said Island may bring on twoo cows, if a twoo wheld carriage, one horse, and if a waggon two horses p'r. each right; any person, proprietor, owner or inhabitant disobey these  orders and putting on more than the No. above written, must expect to have them put in common pound and dealt with according to law, &c."

Robert Bolton detailed these developments regarding early City Island ferry service in the second edition of his seminal two-volume history of the County of Westchester published in 1881.  A pertinent excerpt of Bolton's description appears immediately below, followed by a citation and link to its source.

"In the possession of the New York Historical Society, is an ancient MSS entitled, 'Number one, Book of Laws, ordered by the Community of Minniford's Island, made the tenth day of May, one thousand, seven hundred and sixty-three.'  From which we take the following:

'May 10th, 1763, this day, we, the Community of Mineford's Island, have thought proper to apoint a stated ferry acroost from Mr. Samuel Rodman's Neck to said Island, in manner and form as followeth:  The ferryman to keep a good sufficient craft to ferry a man or men acroost from Mr. Rodmans Neck to said Island, and from said Island to the neck, at all times and from Day Light to Day Light, and shall not fail to give good attendance Durering and for the ensuing year from the date hereof, and likewise to keep a sufficient craft to take in a horse and chair, or two horses in manner and form as abovesaid, and the ferry man shall receve for each chair and horse not to exceed the sum of one shilling and sixpence, and for each person the said ferry man not to exceed the sum of four coppers for each time crossing said ferry, &c.'

The same year the ferry at the north end of said island was disposed of to the best and fairest bidder, viz:  Mrs. Deborah Hicks.  On the 13th of May, 1766, Jeremiah Fowler was ferryman; 11th of June 1776, the ferry was sold to John Bridgewater.

The ferry across from the south end of Minneford's Island, to the opposite shore of Long Island, was established 13th of May, 1766, and let to John Barnes for the term of five years.

'On the 14th day of June, 1763, Isaac Barnes, Benjamin Palmer, John Barnes, Enock Hunt, Joseph Mullinix and Joseph Palmer were chosen by the proprietors trustees of the island.'  The year following, '8th of May, Capt. John Wooley, Israel Pinckney, Aaron Hunt, Benjamin Palmer, Isaac Barnes and Caleb Hunt were appointed the committee, and Benjamin Palmer, clerk and treasurer, to the proprietors of the Island for one year.'  [Page 77 / Page 78]

'At a meeting of the committee of the Proprietors of Miniford's Island, assembled at the house of Isaac Barnes, the 11th day of May, 1765,

'Present:

'MOSES OWENS,      }         {SAMUEL RICE,
DUNCAN CAMPBELL}         {JOSEPH PALMER.'

'The committee ordered that no owner or proprietor of the said Island, not residing thereon, shall put or caus to be put on more than twoo creatures of any kind; likewise, any owner or inhabitant living and residing upon the said Island may bring on twoo cows, if a twoo wheld carriage, one horse, and if a waggon two horses p'r. each right; any person, proprietor, owner or inhabitant disobey these  orders and putting on more than the No. above written, must expect to have them put in common pound and dealt with according to law, &c.' a

[Footnote "a" reads as follows:  "a  In May, 1770, Isaac Barnes had two cows, 2 yearlings and 1 colt, making in all 5 head; Benjamin Palmer, 2; Joseph Muleux, 1; Dukin Campble, 5; Minor Hillard, 10; John Pinkney, 4; John Barnes, 2; Markos Baxter, 4; Deborah Hicks, 8; Widow Brucks, 4."]"

Source:  Bolton, Robert, The History of the Several Towns, Manors, and Patents of the County of Westchester, From Its First Settlement to the Present Time Carefully Revised by its Author, Vol. II, pp. 77-78 (NY, NY:  Chas. F. Roper, 1881) (edited by C. W. Bolton).

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Pelham Native, Samuel Bowne, and His Brother Revolutionized Ferry Service Between Brooklyn and Manhattan Beginning in 1809

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Pelham native Samuel Bowne, and his brother Rodman, reportedly revolutionized ferry service between Brooklyn and Manhattan in the early decades of the nineteenth century.  Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog will provide a little background in this regard and will transcribe an article published in 1931 that described Samuel and Rodman Bowne's accomplishments.  Additionally, an agreement executed among the City of New York and the Rodman brothers in 1820 providing the brothers a 19-year renewal period to offer their ferry service is included as well as minutes of a New York City Common Council meeting held in 1820 approving the draft of the agreement.

Samuel Bowne was born on Pelham Neck (today's Rodman's Neck) in 1790.  He later became a notable resident of Brooklyn.  

In 1789, prior to Samuel Bowne's birth, New York City awarded a ferry lease to establish ferry service between Brooklyn and Manhattan.  At the time, the City required "that the boats, together with their masts and sails, be of such form and dimensions as the wardens of the port of New York should approve; that each boat be constantly worked and managed by two sober, discreet, and able-bodied experienced watermen; that each boat be always furnished with four good oars and two boat-hooks."  Ostrander, Stephen M., A History Of The City Of Brooklyn And Kings County, Vol. II, p. 27 & n.1 (Brooklyn, NY:  Published by Subscription, 1894) (citing "Historical Sketch of Fulton Ferry, 1879.").  

Six years later, in 1795, a new ferry was established at Catherine Street.  See id. at p. 27.  This ferry came to be known as the "New Ferry" or the "Catherine Ferry."  In 1809, Samuel Bowne and his brother obtained rights to run the Catherine Ferry and promptly revolutionized the service, thereby capturing a large share of the ferry traffic that connected the cities of New York and Brooklyn at the time. 

Within a short time the brothers did away with sails and oars as the principal motive power and introduced horse-drawn ferries.  According to one source, "The horses were retired in 1822, when steamboats were first used on Catharine Ferry, and two years later the Bowne brothers scored another tremendous 'scoop' by introducing on their line two splendid single-hull steamboats, the first of their class that ever crossed the East River."

An image of Pelham Native Samuel Bowne appears immediately below.  The transcribed text referenced above appears immediately thereafter, with each item followed by a citation and link to its source.

"Samuel Bowne, Who Promoted ferry transportation

between Brooklyn and New York a century ago."

Source:  McLoughlin, Maurice E., Stories of Old Brooklyn:

First Steam Ferry Named Washington, Brooklyn Daily Eagle,

Oct. 29, 1931, p. 1, cols. 6-7.  NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

"Stories of Old Brooklyn
-----
First Steam Ferry Named Washington
-----
Dedication of Hudson Span Recalls Time When Bowne Brothers Used New York - Brooklyn Line to Honor Father of Country
-----
By Maurice E. McLoughlin

The opening of the new George Washington Bridge over the Hudson a few days ago brought to mind the fact that Washington was honored over a century ago by having a Brooklyn-New York ferryboat named after him.

The twin ferryboat of the George Washington was called Independence.  The Revolutionary War was still fresh in the minds of every one and the names were received with much favor by Brooklynites who went gallavanting to New York and by New Yorkers who came over to get rest and recreation in Brooklyn.

Samuel Bowne, who was one of the outstanding citizens of the old village of Brooklyn, did much to promote adequate transportation between Brooklyn and New York and as a partner in the firm that owned one of the ferry lines he showed his patriotism by choosing the names menioned for his boats.

Improved Service

In 1809 Samuel Bowne and his brother, Rodman, purchased the New Ferry, or Catharine Ferry, and by making many improvements in the service, captured a good share of the traffic between the cities.

In 1814 they again showed their enterprise by doing away with sails and oars as motive power and by introducing the first ferryboat propelled across the river by horse power.  It was rather monotonous work for the horses, which although they walked many miles every day, really got nowhere.

Strange as it seems, this innovation revolutionized ferry traffic and folks rushed to the Bowne ferry to enjoy the thrill of quick transportation from shore to shore.  

The horses were retired in 1822, when steamboats were first used on Catharine Ferry, and two years later the Bowne brothers scored another tremendous 'scoop' by introducing on their line two splendid single-hull steamboats, the first of their class that ever crossed the East River.  It was these twin vessels that were given the names that proved the patriotism of their owners.

Samuel Bowne and his brother managed Catharine Ferry together until 1836, at which time Samuel secured a seven-year lease in his own name, at a yearly rental of $3,500.  On Jan. 24, 1852, he disposed of his interests to the firm of Smith & Bulkley, who eventually merged their interests with those of the Union Ferry Company.  

Samuel Bowne lived in a fine house at Washington and High Sts., not far from the point that later was chosen as the site for the entrance to Brooklyn Bridge.  He died there in 1853, deeply mourned as one of Brooklyn's leading citizens.

Mr. Bowne was born at Pelham Point, N. Y., in 1790.  He was descended from the Bowne family of Flushing and the Pells and Rodmans of Westchester County.

Samuel and Rodman Browne started in business together at Catharine Slip, New York City, and became interested from the start in shipping.  This is how they entered the ferry business, which built the foundation of a substantial fortune."

Source:  McLoughlin, Maurice E., Stories of Old Brooklyn:  First Steam Ferry Named Washington, Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Oct. 29, 1931, p. 1, cols. 6-7.   

1814 Advertisement by Agents Selling 8-Month

and 12-Month Commuter Passes on the

"New-York and Brooklyn Ferry."  Source:

Ostrander, Stephen M., A History Of The City Of Brooklyn

And Kings County, Vol. II, Between pp. 28 & 29 (Brooklyn, NY:  

Published by Subscription, 1894).  NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

"FERRY FROM CATHARINE SLIP.

This Indenture made the twelfth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, between the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the city of New-York of the first part, and Rodman Bowne and Samuel Bowne of the second part, Witnesseth, That the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the city of New-York, for and in consideration of the rents, covenants, payments, articles and agreements herein after mentioned, on the part and behalf of the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators and assigns, to be observed, paid, performed, fulfilled and kept, have demised, granted, and to farm let, and by these presents do demise, grant, and to farm-let, unto the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators and assigns, all that certain 

     [Ferry from Catharine Market Slip to foot of Main-street, Brooklyn.]

Ferry established from the New or Catharine Market Slip, in the city of New York, over the East River to the foot of Main-street, in Brooklyn aforesaid, back to Catharine Market Slip aforesaid, with all and singular the usual accustomed ferriage, fees, perquisites, rents, issues, benefits, profits, and advantages whatsoever to the said Ferry belonging, or therewith used, or thereout arising, and also the Ferry-house and Lot in Brooklyn appertaining to the said Ferry, to have and to hold the said Ferrry with the appurtenances, and house, and lot, unto the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators and assigns, for and during the full end and term of nineteen years from 

     [From 1st May, 1820, 19 years, to the 1st May, 1839.] 

the first day of May, last past, yielding and paying therefor, yearly and every year, during the said term unto the said, the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the city of New-York, their successors and assigns, 

     [Rent for seven years, $1275.  Rent for five years, $1800.  Rent for seven years, $2000.  Payable quarterly.]

the annual rent herein after mentioned, that is to say, during the first seven years of the said term, the sum of twelve hundred and seventy-five dollars, annually; during the next ensuing five years of the said term, the sum of eighteen hundred dollars, annually; and during the next [Page 9 / Page 10] ensuing seven years of the said term, the sum of two thousand dollars, annually; all of which sums are to be paid in quarter yearly payments, on the usual days of payment of rent, that is to say, one fourth part thereof, on the first days of August, November, February, and May, in each and every year during the said term -- the first payment to be made on the first day of August next.  

     [Rights of the Corporation in case of default of lessees.]

Provided always, and these presents, and the premises hereby demised, are upon this express condition, that if it should so happen, that the said yearly rent, or any part thereof should be behind and unpaid for the space of ten days after any day of payment on which the same, or any part thereof ought to be paid, as aforesaid, or if the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators, or assigns, shall neglect to pay, perform, fulfil, and keep, any or either of the payment on which the same, or any part thereof ought to be paid, as aforesaid, or if the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators, or assigns shall neglect to pay, perform, fulfil, and keep, any or either of the payments, articles, covenants, clauses, agreements matters and things herein contained, which on their part are to be paid, performed, fulfilled and kept during the term aforesaid, according to the true intent and meaning of these presents, that then and in every such case or cases, it shall and may be lawful to and for the said, the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of New-York, their successors and assigns to enter into, and upon the premises hereby demised, and to have, possess, and enjoy the same as fully as though these presents had not been made, any thing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding.  

     [Right to establish a Ferry from foot of Walnut street, 100 feet west of Little-street, L. I. reserved by Lessors.]

And provided further, and it is hereby expressly agreed by and between the parties to these presents, that it shall and may be lawful to, and for the parties of the first par, and their successors, at any time during the continuance of this lease, without any prejudice to the right and interest in the same of the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators and assigns, to establish a Ferry across the East River from the foot of Walnut-street, or from any point to the westward of it, not exceeding 100 feet, or from any point to the eastward of it to the Wallabout, or to any point to the westward of the Wallabout, or to any point to the westward of Little-street, on the Long Island shore, with all the privileges usually appertaining to Ferries; and the said parties of the first part, for themselves and their successors, do covenant and agree to, [Page 10 / Page 11] and with the said parties of the second part, for themselves, their executors, administrators and assigns,

     [Corporation to keep the Chain in repair.]

to keep the chain used on the easterly side of the said Ferry, at the foot of Catharine Slip in good order and repair during the continuance of this lease; and the said parties of the second part, for themselves, their executors, administrators and assigns, do covenant, and agree to, and with the said, the Mayor Aldermen, and Commonalty of the city of New-York, their successors and assigns, by these presents, that they, the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators and assigns, shall, and will yearly, and every year during the said term, well and truly pay unto the said parties of the first part, their successors or assigns, the said yearly rents or sums of money herein before mentioned, at the days and times above specified for the payment thereof, without fraud or delay.  

     [Lessors to provide two Team and three row Boats.]

And also, that they, the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators and assigns, shall, and will during the whole of the said term of nineteen years, at their own proper costs and expenses, furnish, provide, and navigate upon the said Ferry, from Catharine Slip to Brooklyn, aforesaid, two good and substantial Team Ferry Boats, to be propelled by not less than eight good and substantial horses, and keep the said Team Ferry Boats at all reasonable times thereafter, continually employed on the said Ferry, during the term hereby granted.  And also that they, the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators and assigns, shall and will, during the said term of nineteen years, if thereunto required by the said parties of the first part, or their successors, or the Committee on Ferries for the time being, maintain, and keep at their own proper costs and charges, three good and substantial Row Boats, of such size and construction as now is, or may be required by the Common Council, to carry and transport carriages and effects across the said river, from either side thereof, with safety, convenience, and expedition; and that the said Boats shall, when required, at all times during the said term, be kept in good and sufficient repair, and be furnished with good and sufficient oars, and other implements, at the proper expense and charges of the said parties of the second part, their executors, admin- [Page 11 / Page 12] istrators and assigns, and that each of the said Boats when required as aforesaid, shall be manned with two honest, sober, skilful, and able bodied men, who shall be competent to row said Boats, and who shall at all reasonable times give their constant and ready attendance to the said respective places of landing for the prompt and expeditious transportation and conveyance of passengers and effects across the said River; and also, that they, the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators, or assigns, shall and will

     [Lessees to repair Frames, Ferry stairs, and Bridges -- the whole of the old, and half of new part of Pier on the easterly side.]

keep the Frames, Ferry-stairs and Bridges, used at the said Ferry on each side of the same, and the whole of the old part of the pier on the easterly side of the Slip, occupied for the use of the said Ferry at Brooklyn, and one half of the new part of said pier, in good order and repair, at their own expense, during the continuation of this Lease; and also, that they, the said parties of the second part, their executors or administrators,

     [Lessees not to transfer without consent.]  

shall not nor will at any time during the ame term, in any manner grant assign, transfer, or set over this present Lease or any part thereof, or the above described and demised premises, or any parcel of the same without the leave and consent of the said parties of the first part, or their successors, in writing, under their common seal, first had and obtained; nor shall do, commit, or suffer any act or acts, thing or things, either by commission or omission, which shall create a forfeiture of these presents, or the premises hereby demised, or in anywise lessen, injure, or encumber the same, or the rents and revenues thereof; but that they, the said parties of the second part, 

     [Ferry, how to be conducted.] 

will conduct and manage the said Ferry agreeably to such ruels, regulationss and restrictions as now are, or from time to time hereafter during the said term, shall by any by-laws, ordinance, order or resolution of the said parties of the first part, or their successors, be reasonably made or passed, in relation thereto.  

     [Premises to be surrendered at the expiration of Lease.]

And also, that they, the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators, or assigns, shall and will on the last daay of the term hereby granted, or other sooner determination hereof, well and truy deliver up the said hereby demised premises, with the rights, privileges, and appurtenances thereunto belonging, into the hands and possession [Page 12 / Page 13] of the said parties of the first part, their successors or assigns, without fraud or delay; and the said parties of the second part, for themselves their executors, administrators, and assigns, and the said, the Mayer, Aldermen, and Commonalty of the city of New-York, for themselves and their successors, do mutually covenant, grant and agree to, and with each other respectively, in manner following, that is to say,

     [Boats and furniture to be paid for by appraisement.]

that the Team Boats and all other boats and furniture of what description soever, as shall be actually employed on the said Ferry, at the expiration of the said term, shall be valued by three indifferent persons or appraisers; one to be chosen by the said parties of the first part, or their successors, one by the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators, or assigns, and the third by the persons or appraisers so chosen by the said parties to these presents, and before they proceed to make the said valuation the decision of two of which said persons or appraisers given in writing under their hands and seals, shall be final and conclusive, provided that the said parties of the first part shall not be bound to pay for any number of boats commonly denominated Team Boats, exceeding two, unless the saiid parties of the first part, or their successors, shall during the said term request the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators, or assigns, to build a greater number of Boats of that description.  And it is hereby further agreed by and between the said parties, that such decision shall be made and given within twenty days after the expiration of the said term, or other sooner determination of these presents as aforesaid.  And the said parties of the first part, their successors and assigns, shall and will within ten days thereafter, pay to the said parties of the second part, his executors, administrators, or assigns, the sum awarded to be due to him or them, provided the said Boats and Furniture shall be assigned and delivered over within the said term, by the said parties of the second part, their executors, administrators, or assigns to the said parties of the first part, their successors or assigns, free and clear from any claims and demands from any person or persons whatsoever.  

[Page 13 / Page 14]

In testimony whereof, to one part of these presents remaining with the said, the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of New-York, the said parties of the second part, have set their hands and seals; and to the other part thereof remaining with the said parties of the second part, the said, the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the city of New-York, have caused the Common Seal of the city of New-York to be affixed, the day and year first above written.

Sealed and Delivered in presence of OGDEN EDWARDS.  }

RODMAN BOWNE, [L. S.]

SAMUEL BOWNE, [L. S.]"

Source:  FERRY LEASES, NOW IN FORCE; Printed Under the Direction of the Comptroller; Ordered by Resolution of the Board of Assistant Aldermen, of October 22, 1832, pp. 9-14 (NY, NY:  Board of Assistant Aldermen, 1832).

"COMMON COUNCIL MINUTES 24 July 1820 . . . 

The Counsel presented the following Communication.  Vizt

'The Counsel herewith submits for execution the Draught of a Lease to Rodman Bowne and Samuel Bowne of the Ferry from Catherine Slip to the foot of Maine Street at Brooklyn for nineteen years from the first day of May last.  This Lease has been prepared in pursuance of the Report of the Ferry Committee upon this subject and of subsequent directions given by them.

These directions were, first, that the Lease shoud be made to Samuel and Rodman Bowne, second, that the Ferry granted should be from Catherine Slip to the foot of Maine Street at Brooklyn, instead of from Catherine Slip to Brooklyn.  To this alteration Mr. Bowne has consented.  Third, that the Lessees shall have the Ferry house and the Lot appertaining to the Ferry during the continuance of the this Lease.  This House and Lot Mr. Rodman Bowne has considered as an appurtenance to the Ferry, although it is not expressly mentioned in his Lease, and has heretofore occupied it as such.  

The Counsel also submits for the acceptance of the Board a release from Rodman and Samuel Bowne and wife of the westerly side and half part and Northerly or outer side of a certain pier on the Easterly side of the Ferry Slip at Brooklyn, now used by Messrs. Bownes, and also a smalll block or pier at the outlet of the Slip.  This release is made in pursuance of a former agreement with the Corporation,

Respectfully Submitted

(Signed)  Ogden Edwards"

Source:  MINUTES OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK 1784-1831, Vol. I, p. 240 (NY, NY:  Published by the City of New York, 1917).

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An Important History of the City Island Bridge Built in 1868 and the Way Brothers' Ferry That Preceded It

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By the mid-1890s when New York City annexed City Island and adjacent areas on the mainland, the old City Island bridge that was completed in 1868 had become a decrepit and dilapidated eyesore. The bridge originally was built from the timbers of an ancient decommissioned ship known as the North Carolina, cobbled together with a draw that was taken from the old Harlem Bridge when that bridge was replaced.  As one account put it so succinctly, even when newly-built in 1868, the City Island bridge was "nothing but a second hand affair." 

The City Island Bridge that currently connects City Island with the mainland and that replaced the one built in 1868 was erected beginning in 1898.  It opened to the public July 4, 1901.  It cost $200,000.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes another article published shortly before construction of the replacement bridge began.  The article recounts the history of the first bridge and, perhaps more interestingly, describes the Way Brothers ferry that pre-dated that bridge.  The text of the article is followed by a citation and link to its source.  

"Old City Island Bridge"

Source: "Chapter XX: City Island" in History of Bronx Borough City Of New York

Compiled for The North Side News By Randall Comfort, p. 59 (NY, NY: North Side

News Press: 1906). NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

"CITY ISLAND'S HISTORIC BRIDGE.
-----
A SKETCH OF ITS ORIGIN.
-----
To be Replaced by a Modern Iron Structure.
-----

The old City Island bridge is doomed.

The decree went forth more than one year ago.  The structure is unsafe, the timbers shaky and the stone abutments washed out and crumbling from the storms and tides of more than thirty years.

What wonderful and interesting tales this old bridge could tell:  What fish stories, real or imaginary, the thousands and tens of thousands of fishermen from almost every hamlet in Westchester County, might relate.  There is not another bridge in this state that has a fisherman's record that can compare with that of the old structure at City Island.  Not a single day in the whole year, when the weather permitted, holiday or Sunday, that this bridge did not have its complement of fishermen.

The 'old salt,' with weather beaten face, pea jacket, leather hat, and stump clay pipe, with his old fashioned hazel rod fish pole; the professional angler, with his up-to-date bamboo pole, waterproof line, patent reel and modern outfit; the mechanic, the laborer, the clerk,, the young man with his less pretentious tackle, all could tell some interesting fish story in connection with that old City Island bridge; and, no doubt, in each breast an echo, 'How dear to my heart are the scenes and recollections of this old bridge which will soon be only a remembrance of days gone by!'

The march of improvement has decreed the destruction of this old water mark.  New York City now owns City Island bridge.  It is the connecting link between Pelham Bay Park and the Island.  It is an old wooden structure, not by virtue of years, but by reason of the fact that the materials used in its construction were not new.  The old timbers are morised and bolted together and form an old fashioned frame work of early bridge building.

The City Island bridge was built in 1868 and this would make it just thirty years old, but the timber from which this bridge is constructed, together with the experiences and incidents connected with it, make it historically interesting.

Before this bridge was constructed, the travel from the main land to City Island was by means of a very primitive ferry, in the form of an old flat scow, similar to the conventional mud scow of to-day.  This scow had a flat deck, with a low railing on each side to prevent horses and other animals, from backing off into the water.  To each end of this scow was fastened a large cable or rope long enough to reach across the water when the scow was pulled across.  

Scow of the Sort Once Drawn by Hand by Men Using Rope

System To Travel from the Mainland to City Island.

Source:  Otis, James, Peter of New Amersterdam:  A Story

of Old New York (Project Gutenberg, 2013) (Available for

"use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no

restrictions whatsoever").  NOTE:  Click Image to Enlarge.

In order that the rope should not float and impede navigation on the water that divided the Island from the main land, heavy iron weights were fastened on the rope that that it would sink to the bottom of the river.  This primitive ferry was operated by the Way Brothers, who, when the scow had a load, would give a signal and then, with the assistance of two or three men, would walk along the banks and draw the boat across, in the same manner as a horse draws a boat along a tow path.

The ferry charged a toll; twenty-five cents for a team, fifteen cents for a single horse and five cents for a man, hog, sheep or goat.  This old ferry had been in use more than fifty years up to the time when the City Island bridge was built.

The timber in this bridge was taken from the old naval ship North Carolina, which David Carl [sic], a ship builder on City Island, purchased from the government at the Navy yard, the year previous.  Carl bought this vessel for the iron and copper that her frame contained.  He had the vessel towed to City Island, where he dismantled her.  After removing all the iron and copper in her hull above the water line, he cut the vessel into sections and, as fast as these sections dropped over into the water, they were towed ashore by the fishermen and inhabitants of the Island, who need the timber and cut it up for firewood; the agreement having first been made with Carl [sic], that he was to have every bolt and bit of the copper in the wood.  

The accumulation of frame work, planking, ribs, stays, etc., was so large that a number of men decided to form a company and build a bridge out of the lumber.  The corporation comprised David Carl [sic], Josh Leviness, Benjamin Hageman, William Lockwood, George Gould, David Cromwell and one or two others.  

In the Spring of 1868, Zeke Rowe, of Flushing, L. I., contracted to build the bridge for $35,000.  He set at work a large force of men and on August 21, 1868, the bridge was opened for travel and the first person to cross it was a woman, Mrs. George Gould, mother of Theodore Gould, who opened the first hotel in Mount Vernon, where Adelina Patti made her first appearance at a concert.

The Goulds were among the pioneers of Mount Vernon when the Home Industrial Association of which Horace Greeley was President, purchased the site of this city.  

The first bridge tender and toll taker was Andrew J. Horton, aand the last bridge tender, Phil Flynn.  The bridge had a small draw, which opened to the vessels desiring to go up the Sound.  The iron work and machinery of this draw were taken from the old wooden Third avenue drawbridge, over the Harlem River, at 130th street, New York City.

The bridge is nearly half a mile long.  It has a narrow foot path on the north side.  The drive way is just wide enough for two vehicles to pass each other and a driver mustd keep his wits about him to avoid a collision.  

In going over the bridge every plank and frame piece creaks and groans as if in agony.  The stone piers that carry the frame work, are falling and crumbling and, in order to hold the stones together, large piles and logs have been anchored around the piers to save them from falling in to the mud.  At the present tie a one horse car line runs on one side of the drive.  This railroad runs between City Island and Bartow.  The Westchester Electric Company recently purchased the franchise, and when the new bridge is completed, trolley cars will take its place.

At the time when this bridge was thrown open to the public there was no way of traveling, except by foot or by carriage.  

The Harlem River branch of the New Haven Road did not pass through this territory until 1872.

Robert J. Vickery ran the first stage from Bartow to City Island and met the very first train that went over the road in the Fall of 1872.

It was only a short time after the opening of the Harlem branch road, that the citizens of the town of Pelham voted to purchase the City Island bridge, and, through the Board of Supervisors who granted permission, bonds were issued for this purpose.  After the town of Pelham purchased the bridge, it was made free to all travel.

The bridge, as stated at the outset, has been condemned.  A sign on the bridge warns the public that the bridge is unsafe and cautions the traveller to go no faster than a walk.  

Since City Island has been annexed to New York City, the old draw has not been in use.  It is not safe to open it.  

A new bridge is soon to take the place of the old City Island bridge.  Surveys, plans and specifications have been made and the contract for the abutments has been awarded to Warren Roosevelt & Son, of this city.

The new bridge will be of iron and steel, with large draw.  It will be wide enough to accommodate foot passengers and vehicles and, it is estimated, will cost about $200,000."

Source:  CITY ISLAND'S HISTORIC BRIDGE -- A SKETCH OF ITS ORIGIN -- To be Replaced by a Modern Iron Structure, Mount Vernon Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 23, 1898, Vol. XXVI, No. 1926, p. 1, cols. 4-5.  

*          *          *          *          *

To learn more about the City Island Bridge, early efforts to develop a bridge from the mainland to City Island and about Benjamin Palmer, Samuel Rodman, and others involved in efforts to build such a bridge, see the following.   

Thu., Dec. 04, 2014:  Park Department Commissioners Condemned -- But Didn't Close -- the "Dilapidated" City Island Bridge in 1894.

Tue., Oct. 07, 2014:  Legislative History of the 1775 Statute Authorizing Construction of City Island Bridge.

Tue., Jul. 22, 2014:  Stories of City Island Bridge Published in 1892.

Wed., May 28, 2014:  Description of City Island in the Town of Pelham Published in 1868.

Wed., Mar. 10, 2010:  1899 Article About City Island's New Bridge Describes History of Area and Includes Wonderful Images.

Wed., Dec. 05, 2007:  Photograph of the Old Wooden City Island Bridge.

Tue., Dec. 26, 2006:  1775 Statute Authorizing Samuel Rodman and Benjamin Palmer to Build City Island Drawbridge.  

Tue., May 02, 2006:  Benjamin Palmer's Advertisement in 1756 To Raise Subscriptions To Fund a Free Bridge From Manhattan.

Wed., May 17, 2006:  More About Benjamin Palmer's Involvement With Raising Funds for a Free Bridge from Manhattan. 

Fri., May 05, 2006:  1763 Announcement That City Island in the Manor of Pelham Has Been Laid Out in Lots for Sale.

Mon., May 15, 2006:  Resales of Lots in the 1760s on the Island Known Today as City Island.

Thu., Apr. 19, 2007:  An Account of How Soldiers Were "Recruited" in Pelham in 1758 for the French and Indian War.  

Mon., Jan. 29, 2007:  Palmer Family Offers One Thirtieth of City Island for Sale in 1785.

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More on the Work of the Pelham Manor Protective Club in 1884

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For the last several days I have been posting information about the work of the Pelham Manor Protective Club first established in 1881 as a "Vigilance Committee" to oversee the health and welfare of Pelham Manor residents a decade before the incorporation of the Village of Pelham Manor.

Today's posting transcribes a brief reference to the work of the Club in preventing hunters from bagging game out of season in Pelham Manor.  The article is transcribed in its entirety because it contains other interesting information about Pelham and City Island.

"PELHAM AND CITY ISLAND.

--Pelham Manor and Larchmont are the two tony summer resorts between New York and New Haven. 

--Now that the Park Bill is law, and a large portion of the little town of Pelham is included within the limit, what is to become of the balance is the question.

--It would be well for some of the sportsmen of Pelham and Westchester to discontinue the shooting of woodcock until after the 1st of August.

--The very valuable horse belonging to Mr. David Carll died very unexpectedly Wednesday.  The animal appeared to be in perfect health and had been driven by the owner shortly before it died.

--Why should not the County of Westchester help to maintain and support the City Island Bridge, as well as some of the bridges in the upper towns of the County.  It is a heavy burden for the little town of Pelham, and flavors of a little unfairness somewhere.

--The Pelham Manor Protective Club is doing good work in the way of preventing the killing of woodcock and other game out of season, protecting from the heartless sportsmen the killing of song and other harmless birds, also preventing the pasturing of cattle, etc., upon the highway.

--Messrs. Jenkins and Cameron will sell on Monday, July 7, a number of valuable pieces of real estate, situated at City Island, the property of Capt. Joshua Leviness.  Doubtless an opportunity will present itself upon this sale for those desirous to invest in real estate property.  See advertisement in another column.

--Choice building lots upon City Island will command a good price within a few years.  The new park and a number of other schemes now on foot, including the proposed rail road across to Yonkers, would make the place central and add greatly to its many natural attractions.

--What is wanted is a ferry from City Island across to some point on Long Island.  At present it is a very inconvenient matter to cross to and from Long Island to Westchester County.  If a ferry was established at this point how soon would City Island bridge be a great thoroughfare.

--The body of Mrs. Heany, the lady who committed suicide by jumping from the steamer, C. H. Northam on the 23 inst, was found floating off City Island on Wednesday by Joshua Banta.  Coroner Tice held an inquest which resulted in verdict in accorance with the facts above stated.  The mother, brother and husband of the unfortunate lady and the companion who was with her when she threw herself overboard attended the inquest and took charge of the remains."

Source:  Pelham and City Island, New Rochelle Pioneer, Jul. ?, 1884, p. ?, col. 7 (date and page number were not included at the time on the newspaper page; believed to be July 1884 based on reference on the page that event will take place on Monday, July 7 which would place the date in 1884, likely shortly before July 7).

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