Ahh memories of Ferryboat Night!  This was back in the day of Old Chanco, we counselors were clever back then finding ways to further wear out the campers for evening program!  The Chanco musicians would lead the campers walking down to Scotsman's Wharf ('single file, people!')  It was there campers would see the old dilapidated warehouse and bar of 'Bluegums' fame as they walked onto the wooden dock to the ferry. Creepy. One could see the dark merky water lapping below through the spaces...was 'Bluegums' waiting underneath?

Back in those days the Grand old Ferries with names of Ocean City and Jamestown once plied the James.  These were grand old dames whose earlier lives back in the 1920's had them cruising the ferry lines up in the North.  Large staircases on each side of the cardecks lead up to expansive lounges with evidence of past bars and elegance.  Now they lead sleepy lives traveling back and forth between quiet Jamestown and Scotsman's Wharf.

But on Ferryboat Night they would come alive again with the whole of Camp Chanco on their decks!  Once the campers were herded to the upper deck, Charlie would station counselors at all four staircases to prevent any wondering below to the cardeck.

As the boat would head to Jamestown, there would be loud singing of camp songs and the Ferryboat captain would thrill the campers with loud blowing of the Ferry horn!  Other riders enjoyed hearing the singing.  When the ferry would begin to enter the dock, the counselors would gather the campers to the front and shout 'blow, we must keep the ferry from crashing into the moorings!'  Campers would wave the old riders off and the new cars on!

The ferry would then make its return trip to the camp side of the river.  It was then that refreshments would be served!!  Doris and Mary's Famous Incredible Sheet Cakes were the stars! Washed down with 'bug juice'. Sometimes birthday wishes were written on the cakes for campers or we would say it was the Ferryboat People's birthday and a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday would be delivered!  After the cake was eaten and the bug juice downed a hush sometimes fell over the campers as the end of the ride began to end.  The march back up the hill to Chanco was abit slower than the hopping and skipping to the ferry.

I remember watching the sunset on the James River from the outside upper decks of the ferry and watching the sunrise too!!  Wonderful memories!