it’s the DeLorean of Chautauqua County,” laughs Jay. “It can take you back in
time, then bring you back to today.”
The Bemus Point-Stow Ferry kicked off its 214th season this past Friday, May 23rd with its inaugural trip at 4pm across Chautauqua Lake. The seasonal schedule will run Fridays 4-9pm, Saturdays and Sunday 12-9pm (with special holiday week hours) on its 7 ½ minute trip across the lake. The ferry is also available for special events including book clubs, birthdays, garden clubs and even workout classes.
Jay Kuntz is co-president of The Bemus Point-Stow Ferry with Martha Anderson and has been involved as a volunteer since his retirement in 2016. “The Ferry is an incredible piece of history here in Chautauqua,” says Jay. “We are dedicated to sharing its history with the community, in turn helping deepen appreciation for it’s significant to the area.”
The Bemus Point-Stow Ferry spans 214 years of history. It originated when the county was formed. “One of the first orders of business was granting a license to Thomas Bemus to operate a ferry from Stow to Bemus,” explains Jay. It operated as a family business for 130 years, then became a corporation in the 1800’s. At the end of WWII, around 1945, the county took over operation of the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry until the bridge was built in 1982. “It had become indispensable to the county,” says Jay. “The people in the area depended on it. It was part of our society and our history.” A non-profit group, Chautauqua Historic Vessels, stepped up and took over operation of the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry after the I-86 bridge opened. “John and Betty Lou Chaney were critical in keeping it running. They recognized its significance and were steadfast it keeping it in operation.”
Currently, The Bemus Point-Stow Ferry is a non-profit run entirely by volunteers that operate and maintain this iconic piece of history. In addition to its regular schedule, it is available for mid-week bookings, providing a unique opportunity to view the lake and glimpse into its history. “Pound on the Ferry” regularly holds fitness classes on the water, and the ferry is frequently booked out for special events for reunions, birthday, and group gatherings like book club and garden club. “It’s really makes any gathering special,” says Jay. “Boat traffic is typically low during the week, so we have the flexibility to stay out on the water longer.”
The Bemus Point-Stow Ferry has grown in popularity for school field trips. “We’re hosting about 15 school groups this June,” says Jay. “We love teaching students of all ages about the ferry and its significance to the area. It’s a great opportunity for kids to experience and learn about the ferry.”
The ferry is a connector of people, places and time. “Since its inception in 1811, the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry has been connecting people across the lake, from Stow to Bemus as it was intended. But it also connects us as a community. It connects families over the years, sharing stories and generations. It has played such a vital role in our history here, connecting our people. It’s a connector of technology, it’s design changing with the times and advancements. Its connections are endless.”
Jay loves hearing stories about people’s experiences on the ferry. “I joke that it’s the DeLorean of Chautauqua County,” laughs Jay. “It can take you back in time, then bring you back to today.”
Jay recognizes that the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry would not be what it is today without such a tremendous group of volunteers dedicated to its cause. “We truly have a remarkable group of over 45 volunteers who are committed and devoted to the ferry – keeping it running, sharing it’s history and helping the community experience it now and for years to come.”
For more information, visit thebemuspointstowferry.com and follow on social media for updated schedules.