It’s time for another throwback to old days of  Essex, NY! Today, we’re sharing another vintage ferry brochure–this time from 1958!

Credit goes to Lorri Carson for providing us with this vintage brochure. Thanks very much for sharing it with us! If any of you viewers have unique or vintage Essex memorabilia or photographs we’d love to see it and share it on the Essex on Lake Champlain Blog! Please let us know!

Colorful Cover Art

The cover seems to be decorated in an art style that looks like colorful layered paper. The layers of yellow form a sun that highlights the title “Lake Champlain Ferry Crossings.” The mountains rising in the background are the Green Mts. of Vermont or New York’s Adirondacks. Can anyone tell which they are meant to be? Or perhaps they are meant to be either.

The multi-colored greens, blues, and purples are meant to create the waters and currents of Lake Champlain. There are even little fish-shaped cutouts swimming below the ferry.

The ferry featured on the cover it pictured full of cars and people. Can anyone name the specific ferry?

We’ve transcribed some of the most enjoyable content from this brochure below for you to enjoy.

Essex Ferry Prices

Check out the prices the Essex-Charlotte ferry crossing used to charge in 1958. They really make one long for the old days!

One way……..Car & Driver $1.85, Adult Passengers 35c, Children 5 to 12 years 20c, Maximum Fare $3.25

Round Trip……..Car & Driver $2.75, Adult Passengers 50c, Children 5 to 12 years 25c, Maximum Fare $4.75

Foot Passengers same Fare as Car Passengers

Breakfast on Board

LCT Ferries used to include breakfast on board for only 45c! Check out the menu below:

Large Fruit Juice
Toast & Marmalade or Donuts
Coffee, Milk, Tea, or Hot Chocolate

The brochure claims that this would “Save Time in the Morning!” It seems that the menu grew a bit since the 1957 ferry brochure was released. (Source: Geo Davis via Rosslyn Redux)

Historical Lake Champlain

A bit of Lake Champlain history is provided in the interior of the brochure:

Historical 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 to the village of Whitehall, the birthplace of the American Navy. 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

An interior segment of the brochure extols the beauty and pleasure of Lake Champlain ferry rides:

Enjoy the magnificent lake and mountain views on the Streamline Ferry crossing between Burlington, VT., and Port Kent, N.Y. 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.

We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the past! See all pages of this brochure in the gallery below. Click for larger view.

Related articles

• 1954 LCT Ferry Brochure (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• 1957 Ferry Brochure (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Essex-Charlotte Steam Ferry Brochure (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Vintage Brochure: Visit Essex on Lake Champlain (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Pledge to Protect Lake Champlain (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)