In neighboring Surry County (my home county), there is a ferry that crosses the James River and connects Surry County to Jamestown. It has an interesting history, and I would venture to say that most of its passengers aren’t aware of it.
In 1923, a local citizen, Captain Albert Jester, began plans for a ferry service. And on February 26, 1925, the ferry made its first crossing. Captain Jester’s son-in-law, S. Wallace Edwards, helped his father-in-law on the ferry. Because there were no local restaurants where travelers could purchase a meal, Mr. Edwards began selling ham sandwiches on the ferry. They were made with the family’s home-cured country ham. This was the beginning of a long-standing Surry County business, which developed into not only curing and selling hams, but also sausage, bacon and other pork products.
This vintage postcard show the original ferry, the Captain John Smith, which was built in Battery Park, Virginia. Ironically, that location is within sight of where Motor Man and I now live.
I found this old newspaper article announcing that Captain Jester was adding another ferry in 1937.
The ferry was privately owned until 1945-46, when it was purchased by the Virginia Department of Highways. There was a toll until 1997, and, since that time, the 15-minute ferry ride has been free of charge.
I knew Mr. Edwards’ son, S. W. Edwards, Jr, and went to school with his son and daughter. In the late 1990’s, I worked for them at their ham business as the retail sales office supervisor. Part of my job was to give tours of the smokehouse, showing guests the steps of the ham curing process.
With the ferry being so close to my hometown, I’ve traveled on it many times. (My mom never did. She couldn’t swim, and much preferred bridges to boats.) It’s a nice ride, weather cooperating, of course. It offers an interesting view from the water of the Jamestown historic area, including a statue of Pocahontas.
This was taken quite a few years ago of Motor Man, Marshall and me during one of our ferry rides.
Marshall and his cousin, Ray, during a visit in 2010, enjoyed feeding the seagulls.
And then, Ray grew up, and during a visit from their home in Texas, he and his mom, my niece, Donna, enjoyed a breezy ferry ride.
The following video, from ten years ago, during the 90th anniversary, gives you more information on the ferry.https://youtu.be/lx9EN3C_MI0?si=yR__LBGSOmxToIWm
Early this morning, Motor Man and I took a ferry ride, and to celebrate this occasion, brought donuts to the crew. I’m glad another of my nieces, Lita, a ferry employee, was working, so I could personally give her the donuts.
Later today, there will be a parade of 1925 vintage autos, then a ceremony in Jamestown. And in May, Surry County Historical Society will have its own celebration of the ferry’s 100th anniversary.
If you’re ever in the area, we certainly recommend this short, but scenic ferry ride.
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 
Well that ferry has been in business a long time and 100 years is certainly call for celebration – I’m sure the crew appreciated the donuts and the recognition!
Pam
Just like most every other feature of this area, there’s a rich and interesting story behind it …. I would’ve loved to have had one of THOSE ham sandwiches !
What a nice tribute to our ferry system – donuts too. And isn’t it curious to note that it originally went to Jamestown Island. Mom says she remembers that.