THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 11, 2024 Page 9 ~ 375th Anniversary of Malden’s Incorporation as a Town ~ Deacon Edward Convers – cofounder of Charlestown, Malden & Woburn, first ferryman of Boston & Charlestown, Part 2 By Inna Babitskaya U nder the vote of the General Court on November 9, 1630, Edward Convers got a grant from the Massachusetts Bay Colony to establish the ferry between “Boston and Charlestown, to have the sole transporting of passengers and cattle from one side to the other, for three years from the first day of the next month, for the yearly rent of forty pounds to be paid quarterly to the treasurer, provided that he see it be well attended and furnished with sufficient boats; and that so soon as may be in the next spring he set up a convenient house on Boston side and keep a boat there, as need shall require.” (Rev. Leander Thompson, “Deacon Edward Convers,” Winchester Record, October 1885) As Governor John Winthrop wrote in his “History of New England,” Convers, being “a man of more than usual enterprise... in less than a year after settling in Charlestown... established a ferry, the first between Charlestown and Boston.” The ferry began to operate on June 14, 1631, in an area of a river where now the Charlestown Bridge crosses it and was called the “Great Ferry” “to distinguish it from another that, in 1631, Thomas Williams had “set up” between Charlestown and Winnisimmet. (Thompson, “Deacon Edward Convers”) According to the Massachusetts Laws, “a rider had to let his horse cross by swimming over, being guided from the ferryboat; he then paid no fee for the horse. To transport the carriages that were too large for the ferries, those carriages had to be taken apart, or towed over, while the horse had his forefeet in one canoe-ferry and his hind feet in another, the two canoes being lashed together.” (Alice Morse Earle, “Home Life in Colonial Days,” 1898) At that time, “oars were probably the sole means of propulsion, the channel being narrow and the current strong. In winter, when the ferry could not run, no doubt the thick ice made a convenient bridge between the shores for at least part of the season. At first, the ferry served only foot passengers.” (William Hill, “Family Record of Deacons James W. Converse and Elisha S. Converse,” 1887) In the beginning, the ferry was not a very profitable enterprise. Over 51 5-Star Reviews on Google & Yelp! (857) 417-1936 / Contact@vtechautoservices.com Check Engine Light On? We Can Help! 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Charlestown Ferry Edward Convers was allowed “to take his wonted fees, viz., 2 pence for a single person, and pence apiece, if there be more than one, as well on lecture days as at other times; and for every horse and cow with the man which goes with them 6 pence, and for a goat 1 pence, and a swine 2 pence. And if any shall desire to pass before it be light in the morning, or after it is dark in the evening, he may take recompense answerable to the season and his pains and hazard, so as it be not excessive.” Convers’ lease was renewed on November 9, 1636/37, for three years. However, despite his efforts, there were some complaints from the residents. So, as John Winthrop remembered, in 1638, Convers was admonished by the General Court “to be more careful of the ferry and enjoined to man two boats, one to be on the one side and the other on the other side, except the wind were so high that they were forced to put four men to man one boat, and then one boat to serve,” and fined 10 shillings. In 1639, the ferry brought 50 pounds. Because it was projected that the growth of population would increase the ferry’s income, in 1640, the General Court transferred the privilege to operate that ferry for 155 years to Harvard College to support it financially. It was also done to honor the fellow townsman John Harvard – known for his generous bequest to the college, who, in 1638, owned 120 acres of land in Waterfield (Charlestown Village) not far from the future Convers’ home. As one of the first settlers, Edward Convers became a large landowner, creating sufficient COFOUNDER | SEE PAGE 12 PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-7 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM - ID Required Private Parties Private Parties 4-8 p.m. $10.00 8:30-11 p.m. $11. 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM - ID Required 12-9 p.m. $10.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com
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