The first ferries in southwestern Sask

By Joan Janzen

The history of the ferries that dotted southwestern Saskatchewan is discussed by Ralph Rose in “A Past to Cherish”. The Prelate Crossing was one of the first ferries to be built in 1904. It was built by Ralph Rose’s brother and operated by Charlie Montgomery who lived nearby.

Prelate Ferry in 1933. Jacob Hoffman is standing at the back of the 1926 Chev. Photo: A Past to Cherish

The Leader Ferry began operating around 1910. It was operated by P.A. Coates until the government took it over in 1917. In 1919, Billy Cleghorn became the operator. Sometimes, it was necessary to use two ferries, one on the south and one on the north side of the bar, since the sand bars were constantly shifting. The ferry would have to be moved either upstream or downstream, depending on where the sand bars were. Very often, travellers would have to drive in water from one to the other.

Spring flooding also posed a problem, causing the river to overflow and flood the operator’s residence. The operator assistant was Walter Orr, who worked from 1928 until 1936. Later, Ab May was an assistant. Billy Cleghorn retired in 1940.

Although there was a ferry in the Empress area called Dargie’s Ferry, little is known about it.