Disaster for Ferries: Settlers of Sanders County Montana: Vignette Vol.1 No. 9

Vignette Vol.1 No.9
[Resource: BEHIND THESE MOUNTAINS ]

Fulk, John

1915. Noxon. Excerpt-Sander's County history of spring-time high water spelled disaster for ferries. For many years John Fulk had operated a ferry at Noxon until one spring when high water tore it loose and it was gone, and probably smashed to bits going through the Cabinet Gorge, miles downstream.

John Fulk, Noxon ferryman, ca.

1920. Courtesy Benjamin F.

Saint collection.

Then a boat that had broken loose from the Green ferry upstream a year earlier was purchased from Riley Eldridge and others one December "to be installed at Noxon for a ferry." A bridge had been built at Thompson Falls so the ferry was no longer needed there. The US Forest Service at Noxon purchased "the big cable and other paraphernalia on the Thompson Falls ferry from E. Preston and moved it to Noxon "where it will be used by the government for ferry service across the Clark's Fork." Ed Hampton was to take charge of the ferry business.

 

Marion Larson gave a Valentine dance in Peek's hall in 1915, giving settlers an opportunity to gather, dance, laugh and exchange the latest news:

• Jesse Gage, Noxon's only barber, was turning his business over to his brother, William.
• A teacher's training and bible study class was organized to meet on Wednesday evenings.
• Jess Beason's house burned down, bringing to town the insurance agent who inspected the ruins.
• Charlie Ellis had had a narrow escape while coming down the bank to the ferry on the north side of the river with a load of ties. His brakes failed and he nearly ran into the river where the road turns to the ferry.
• Reverend Lang preached twice a month at Tuscor. Prohibition, or the Booze Bill, was to be voted on in November 1916. However, not many believed it would pass.

According to Don Maynard the usual number of fights began on the upper landing of the outside staircase ascending to Peek's Hall and more than one tipsy fellow took a rude tumble down them, ending up fighting in the street before the night was over.
 

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