The Prince Edward Ferry, built in 1885, has little remaining of it except for some gears located near the Ferry Launch on the west side of the Bay. The ferry was originally constructed in Deseronto, Ontario, and was powered by a sidewheel propulsion system. It had a gross tonnage of 18.
The vessel went through several changes in ownership and underwent a rebuild in 1922, resulting in new dimensions of 51 feet in length, 18 feet in beam, and 3 feet in depth. It was owned by various individuals over the years, including W. Powles of Deseronto in 1886 and 1917, A. L. Francis of Picton in 1921, and R. D. McLeod of Picton in 1927.
The Prince Edward Ferry was originally a catamaran-built steamer with a wooden hull. It was equipped with a high-pressure, single-cylinder engine measuring 8 inches by 36 inches and producing 12 horsepower. The engine was manufactured by Samuel Hurlbutt of Prescott, Ontario.
Throughout its history, the ferry underwent ownership transfers and changes in its propulsion system. In November 1885, it was owned by William Powles of the Indian Reservation in Hastings County, Ontario. Ownership later passed to T.C. Fraser of Adolphustown in June 1911, then to William Powles of Picton in May 1912. Hugh McWilliams of Picton became the owner in March 1919, followed by Albert L. Francis of Picton in May 1921. In 1923, Robert O. McLeod of Picton assumed ownership.
Various news articles provide glimpses into the ferry’s operations. The Prince Edward continued to make its regular trips as a ferry steamer in December 1877 and March 1878. However, tragedy struck on June 17, 1884, when the ferry was consumed by a fire in Belleville, reducing it to ashes. The vessel was owned by Mr. Jellett and was valued at $3,500.
The Prince Edward Ferry played a role in local navigation, with the Bay closing for the season in late November. The ferry ceased its operations for the year on December 2nd. The vessel underwent refitting and rebuilding at various times, with mentions of its refurbishment appearing in news articles in 1870 and 1874.
Unfortunately, the registry of the Prince Edward Ferry was closed on September 6, 1928, due to the hull being broken up and abandoned. The once-bustling ferry, with its sidewheel propulsion system, was now relegated to history, with only remnants remaining near the Ferry Launch on the west side of the Bay.
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