Notes from the Old Noank Jail: A history of river crossings in the region explored in new ferry book

On Thursday, Aug. 9, at 6:30 p.m., there will be a book reading, signing and slide show of “Connecticut River Ferries,” hosted by Bank Square Books in downtown Mystic.

The book is co-authored by professors Wick Griswold and Stephen Jones, published by the History Press, and covers ferryboat activity on the Connecticut River starting over four centuries ago.

Wick Griswold teaches sociology of the Connecticut River at the University of Hartford, has authored three books on the river and hosts a Connecticut River radio program. His experiences include being a short-order cook, commercial fisherman, construction worker and truck driver.

Local author and retired Avery Point professor Stephen Jones has served as a lobster-man, dock worker, filmmaker, publisher and lighthouse keeper, among many other things. He and son Captain Geoffrey Jones manage two maritime operations on the Mystic River.

It is an understatement to say these two authors know their subject and present it very well, with a history that covers the 1600s to our present day. At one point, there were approximately 100 separate ferries crossing the river, prior to the industrial revolution, steam power and bridge constructions. Ferries were initially constructed by birch-bark or dugout canoes, or logs rafted together, powered by oars, sails, poles, cables and horses.

Steam power came later, followed eventually by diesel engines. They transported livestock, wagons, people and then later, autos and trucks. There are still two river ferries in operation today, largely state supported, covering Rocky Hill-Glastonbury and Chester-Hadlyme. Local towns help rally support for the continuation of those ferry services.

In addition to a thorough factual history and detailed timeline of the ferry services, the authors bring to life the individual chief characters and families involved, their conflicts, frustrations, failures and achievements, along with a number of anecdotes concerning various passengers and travel situations.

In short, what could have been a rather dry historical record of activities is instead an easy, lively, entertaining piece of work. I started reading it, and 158 pages later, finally put the book down, after eating only one sandwich, which is a record.

Ed Johnson lives in Noank.