ROCKY HILL–It’s only the 360th season, but it’s time to celebrate the annual launch of the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Connecticut River Ferry!
The ferry is the country’s oldest, continuously running ferry; the first ride was all the way back in 1655! Initially, it was just a small raft pushed across the river by long poles. However, the ferry was replaced in 1876 with a steam-driven craft.
Today’s boat is a flatboat named the Hollister III; it’s a three-car barge that’s towed back and forth by a diesel powered towboat called the Cumberland.
The ferry operates daily through November and is a much-needed sign that spring is here.
“Everybody is ready to get going, put this winter behind us and look forward to spring and summer,” Blaise Clemente, the ferry’s captain, said.
Meanwhile, the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry has delayed its opening because of mechanical issues. Sharon Silbo, of Wethersfield, is just happy the same can’t be said for the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury line. “We thought for sure the water would be too high. This time of year it’s usually flooded. So we’re pretty excited it’s on time this year.”
For more information on the ferry schedule and ticket prices, click here.
