Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1921-04-12
THE FERRY AT MANNINGs.

II is not the first time that move
ment has been started to get for the
citizens East of the Shenandoah, the
privilege of first a bridge, and fail
ing, that of a Free Ferry. This sug-
gestion is so far under way that !
would like to submit statement of
the privileges and emoluments ac-
cruing from the conduct of the
present Ferry at Mannings. This
crossing has long been operated by a
family of colored people, whose
honesty, sobriety and knowledge of
their particular business has entitled
them to the respect and affection of
the whole riverside, and much of the
County, beyond. l speak of "Uncle
Geo." Mcdaniel and his sons, one of
whom has recently contracted to run
the boat for the ensuing year, 1921
%. Particularly have | deemed it
important to rent to experienced
river men, that the risk to human life
and property might be reduced to a
minimum: and SO it is, that under my
orders, the Ferryman is instructed
to refuse passengers and freight
when the river is unduly swollen, or
DISTRACTED by heavy ice foes.
The rent paid for the Ferry,
amounts to but little. The house,
and several acres of garden would
rent, suppose, for six dollars a
month; and the Ferry for one dollar.
Hence the large revenue drawn by
the proprietor is $85. per annum.
An increase, by the way of ten
dollars, in the last years. But the
returns from all sources afford, at
the present rate of passage hardly
enough to feed the worthy family of
the Ferryman and to pay his house
rent. And here let me remark,
many persons seem inclined to cheat
the old ferryman of his slender, hard
earned toll "Memen to mori"-
with Charon, it will be more difficult
my gentle summer friends!
Within the last few years, a new
boat was built and a new cable
erected, and every year there is bill
for repairs, rope, &c. reducing profits
to about zero, on this little bit of
property, which is in many ways an
onerous trust. Hence, | am for any
movement on the part of the County
Court which would relieve me of per-
sonal responsibility, and adding to
the value of all mountain property,
at the same time, open up the
country for settlement; and give to
cur East shore brothers, the same
comforts and conveniences for which
the whole county pays so heavily, in
our present costly system of road
construction.
1t has lang been a cherished wish
of mine, to develope this section of
the East Shenandoah. Where the
Little and Manning farms look from
wooded hills into the wonderful blue
mountains of Loudoun, many pleas
ant summer homes might be built,
with access to delicious water, near
enough to the river for bathing and
fishing, and with every advantage to
be found at Bluemont, or other sum-
mer resorts. Stores, garages, good
roads, bridges; all these mean the ad-
vance of civilization. And it is with
such prospect in view that | reso-
lutely refuse to destroy timber,
(albiet the neighbors are not so par
ticular;) and am loath to sell or lease
save to those who sharing the vision,
will agree to see and preserve the
beauty of our own beautiful Blue
Ridge
In 1916 Governor Alexander
Spottiswood, gazing for the first time
into this enchanted Valley, pronounc-
ed it Garden of Eden. SO valueing
its discovery that he constituted the
little band of pioneers who rode with
him, The Knights of the Golden
Horse Shoe. And to this day the
golden badges remain, with which he
commemorated the expedition, in
scribed, as was fit, with a Latin in
scription, "And thus he swears to
cross the Mountains" Perhaps we
might amend it, and say: And thus
we swear to cross the Shenandoah,
with a Ferry, or better-with a
bridge. V. LUCAS.