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Hockanum Ferry, Northampton, Mass. Mt. Holyoke in Distance.

(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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Ferries were a convenient way of getting across the Connecticut River and remained in use even after railroad, trolley, and foot bridges spanned the river. This ferryman is transporting passengers from Northampton, Massachusetts to Hockanum, located in the northern section of Hadley, Massachusetts. Note the way he moved the ferry along by hauling the boat hand-over-hand along a rope while his partner controlled the rudder. Ferries typically charged different rates for pedestrians, animals, and vehicular traffic such as the buggy and bicycle shown here. In the distance, Mount Holyoke provides a scenic backdrop. Its summit had been a popular tourist destination for over a century by the time this postcard was made in 1916. The summit of Mount Holyoke provides panoramic views of Massachusetts and neighboring states.

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