The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-10-06
GARNER's FERRY.
Commissioner WatsOn's Report OH
Conditions.

Apropos of the statements made by
Mr.. E. A. Jenkins in his interview
with representative Of The State
in his fifth annual report Commits
sioner E. J. Watson says in relation
to the river crossings, with special
reference to the Gamers Ferry
crossing. after making a thorough in
vestigation:
That the swamp conditions on the
Sumter side of Gamers Ferry are
such as to necessitate the construc-
tion of long stretch Of causeway,
which would probably prove costly,
but not too costly for the benefits to
be derived.
THAT the investigation of ally con-
ditions, agricultural and otherwise,
leads invariably to the conclusion
that the opening of these arteries of
travel is of greatest Importance. that
immense benefit would accrue by rea-
son Of such public highway connec-
tions reducing travel distances in
many instances 40 miles and more,
between Columbia and east Carolina
points. and that steps should be taken
to establish these connections with
the least possible delay.
THAT In the case Of Sumter the
greater burden of construction would
fall on that county; that each county,
In each case receiving equal BENEFITS,
would recommend that, If the pow-
er not now be given by law. such leg
islation be enacted as will enable
these counties. upon petitions of free
holders, to undertake the establish
ment of ferries the expense of
construction and maintenance to be
borne equally by Richland and
Sumter couties.
."Asconservative estimate of the cost
of the ferry. including fiat boat and
complete installation by the drop ca
BILE system (avoiding interference with
navigation). telephone service and
weather houses is $500. The cost of
maintenance would probably be $40
per month. which would amount to
$3.50 per annum.
The construction of the causeways
leading to the old Gamers Ferry has
been estimated by construction en-
sineer who has examined the old en-
bankment. to cost not exceeding $3.50
per mile. including such wooden
bridges as would be necessary to span
gaps. This estimate would entail,
therefore. cost ON the Sumter side
side Of $1,000
Gamers Ferry, which Is almost
due east from Columbia, on a direct
line to Sumter and thence to all prin-
cipal points In Lee. Clarendon, Dar-
lington and Florence couties, is prob
ably the most needed of all the pro-
posed public highway lines of trans
portation. In order to go by We
hicle from Columbia to Sumter and
Clarendon points at present one must
traverse from 40 to SO miles more
than would be necessary should either
of these ferries (Garner's and the old
Sing'eton) be opened.
"On the Richland side. about one
and half miles approach would have
to be reconstructed. but this could be
done by the, county chaingang. A
splendid public road leads to within a
distance OF two miles of this ap-
proach. On the Sumter side. four and
one-half miles Is through the Wa
teree swamp. The old causeway is
there. but there are several gaps that
have been washed from it. and it is
grown up in a thick underbrush and
timber from long disuse. Once hav-
ing passed through the swamp. the
public road into Sumter Is in very
good condition and could easily be
State.