2021.22

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.