When the Crossing Was By Ferry

On July 29, 1966 the Astoria-Megler Bridge opened.  It was a momentous occasion. “The Bridge to Nowhere,” as the pundits called it, marked the beginning of a new era.  No longer was crossing the Columbia from the Peninsula to Astoria a matter of catching the ferry.  Spur-of-the moment journeys from Washington to Oregon (and the other way around) quickly became the norm and our shopping patterns, doctoring possibilities, traveling opportunities increased many-fold.  To say nothing of tourism.

Like most of my peers who were on the Peninsula more than fifty years ago, I remember the ferries very well indeed.  Somehow, they made the trip across the river a full-blown adventure.  From waiting in the long line of cars, hoping you’d make it onto the next ferry and not have to wait over, to the rush upstairs to the promise of a milkshake (if you had a quarter), going over to Astoria was a rare treat for most of us.

Megler Ferry Landing, c. 1930s

Another loss has been the ability to make the crossing sans vehicle.  From the beginning, when the ferry schedule coordinated with the train and later when cars could be left along the roadside or at the carpark, passengers could board the ferry, spend a few hours or more in Astoria and return to the Peninsula as pedestrians.  I can still remember that little thrill of anxiety when it got close to boarding time for the homeward voyage.  “Hurry!  We don’t want to miss this ferry!”

Nowadays, of course, the journey is pretty much a matter of course.  I do have a friend or two who won’t drive over the bridge, although they will go as passengers – “too scary” they say.  And, stories of ferry journeys have become the stuff of nostalgia.  Only vestiges remain of the ferry landings and photographs of them in their heyday have segued into the ‘vintage’ category.   Fifty years have gone by and it’s time for a celebration!

Megler Landing in the Days of the Steamers

So… tomorrow, a don’t-miss-exhibition, “Memories of Megler,” opens at the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum with a reception from 5:00 to 7:00. According to the CPHM website, the exhibit will explore Megler from its acquisition by the Ilwaco Railroad and Navigation Company through the steam-ship era and into the auto-ferry years.  Utilizing historic photographs and first person memories, “Memories of Megler” captures the end of the ferry era and the beginning of contemporary auto travel on U.S. Highway 101.

I wouldn’t miss it for the world!