1954 LCT Ferry Brochure

Ferry Brochure1954 (Interior) Schedules, prices, and map (Source: Geo Davis via Rosslyn Redux)

Are you ready for some more Essex, NY, nostalgia? We have another vintage LCT Ferry brochure to feature this week. The title page of this 1954 brochure claims that these are the: “Most beautiful ferry crossings in North America.”

New Ferry: Adirondack

At the time of this brochure’s release a new ferry began travelling Lake Champlain waters.

A new streamliner, fast and modern, built during 1953, is now in service on the Plattsburgh, NY-Grand Isle, VT route. Three boat summer service between Burlington, VT, and Port Kent, NY, has been made possible by the addition of the newly acquired 30-car ferry “Adirondack.”

On our Facebook page, we asked viewers to tell us if they could determine which ferry was featured on the front of this brochure. I thought it may have been the new Adirondack ferry, but the drawing is missing that ferry’s 3 central windows/openings, so I don’t believe it is meant to be that ferry. One viewer suggested the ferry Valcour:

Greater Adirondack Ghost and Tour Company (Plattsburgh, NY): Great old brochure! That looks like the Valcour…The two “streamline” ferries that LCT operated were usually on the Cumberland Head – Grand Isle crossing and were called the “City of Plattsburgh” and the “City of Burlington.” Neat looking boats…

Check out the enticing excerpts from the brochure below:

Front of 1954 LCT Ferry Brochure (Source: Geo Davis via Rosslyn Redux)

Save 50 to 85 Miles While Enjoying the Most Relaxing Part of Your Trip

Lake Champlain, sixth largest fresh water lake in the United States, lies between Vermont’s famous Green Mountains and the great Adirondacks of New York State. It extends 136 miles from the Canadian border past Fort Ticonderoga South. The lake comprises an area of great historical significance. The first American naval battle was fought against the British at Valcour Island in 1776. Many believe that mountain scenery as seen from Lake Champlain is without parallel in this country. Your vacation trips are pleasanter and more relaxing as you enjoy these crossings while saving time and many travel miles.

Delightful Lake Rides for Foot Passengers

Make a date to take a lake excursion from Burlington or Port Kent. Enjoy the magnificent lake and mountain views on the Streamline Ferry crossing between Burlington, VT and Port Kent, NY. The round trip takes two hours and twenty minutes and will be one to long remember especially if taken at sunset. Refreshments and souvenirs are available in the passenger lounge of either the “Valcour” or the newly acquired “Adirondack” which in addition to the inside lounge has a spacious outside upper deck for passengers. If you live or are vacationing near Lake Champlain make sure to take this beautiful and historic ride.

1954 Essex Ferry Schedule

May 20th Thru Sept. 6th First Trip Last Trip

Lv.Charlotte on the hour 9:00 am 6:00 pm
Lv. Essex on the half hour 9:30 am 6:30 pm

Sept. 7th Thru Oct. 12th

Lv.Charlotte on the hour 9:00 am 5:00 pm
Lv. Essex on the half hour 9:30 am 5:30 pm

As you can see from the schedule above, the Essex-Charlotte ferry did not run during the winter at this time. The schedules for the Burlington, VT-Port Kent, NY and Plattsburgh, NY- Grand Isle, VT also do not show a winter schedule, although those two schedules are longer and go into late fall. Perhaps that means that this is a special special summer brochure?

Or maybe the ice on Lake Champlain during winter was too much trouble to run the ferries? Does anyone know if there were winter ferries in Essex in 1954?

Vintage Essex Ferry Prices

One way……..Car & Driver $1.85, Passengers 35c, (all over 4 adult pass. free), Children 5-12 years 20c.
Round Trip……..Car & Driver $3.00, Passengers 60c (all over 4 adult pass. free), Children 5-12 years 35c.

Foot passengers paid the same fare as car passengers. If only these prices were close to what we pay to travel by ferry today!

Image Gallery

Check out all the segments of this brochure in the gallery below. Click for a larger view!

Front of 1954 LCT Ferry Brochure

1954 LCT Ferry Brochure (Interior segment)

1957 Ferry Brochure (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Essex-Charlotte Ferry: Early Spring Schedule (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Vintage Brochure: Visit Essex on Lake Champlain (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Essex-Charlotte Steam Ferry Brochure (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
Vintage Stereoview: Noble Clemons House (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)

About Katie Shepard

Passionate about reading and writing stories, Katie Shepard enjoys discovering more about her home while writing and editing for Essex on Lake Champlain. Katie graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2011 where she studied English literature, philosophy, and Asian studies. Her first book Essex, New York Architecture: A Doodler's Field Guide was published in 2015. Connect with her on Facebook or at Linked.in. Or email her at katie [@] essexeditions [dot] com.