Old Time Trains

Canadian Pacific Car and Passenger Transfer Company

Incorporated March 17, 1888 by Captain David H. Lyon to operate a car ferry between Brockville, Ontario and Morristown, New York where it would connect with new Utica & Black River. The use of Canadian Pacific in the name had no connection to the CPR except for the CPR's upcoming importance in handling freight across the river to/from the USA. In 1896 Lyon moved his operation to Prescott, Ontario. Increased traffic called for more ferries including a new one built in 1907 which began service in the spring of 1908. This new ferry was named after Lyon's father, Charles Lyon. Lyon died in 1929 and on September 1, 1929 the CPR bought his company. The CPR then managed to get the New York Central to buy 50% interest in the enterprise since most of the traffic was handled for the NYC. Eventually, it all came to an end when on September 25, 1970 a fire destroyed the slip in Ogdensburg and the decision was made to close down.

M.V. Prescotont
link

Station and car ferry Charles Lyon. Prescott 1905.

Digitally restored image courtesy of Gordon Kennedy

Ogdensburg with hopper cars of coal.
Note it is flagged for London, England! Registering a ship in another country is still a common practice for ships of all kinds.

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Old Time Trains © 2014 2015 2017

Canadian Pacific Car and Passenger Transfer Company

Incorporated March 17, 1888 by Captain David H. Lyon to operate a car ferry between Brockville, Ontario and Morristown, New York where it would connect with new Utica & Black River. The use of Canadian Pacific in the name had no connection to the CPR except for the CPR's upcoming importance in handling freight across the river to/from the USA. In 1896 Lyon moved his operation to Prescott, Ontario. Increased traffic called for more ferries including a new one built in 1907 which began service in the spring of 1908. This new ferry was named after Lyon's father, Charles Lyon. Lyon died in 1929 and on September 1, 1929 the CPR bought his company. The CPR then managed to get the New York Central to buy 50% interest in the enterprise since most of the traffic was handled for the NYC. Eventually, it all came to an end when on September 25, 1970 a fire destroyed the slip in Ogdensburg and the decision was made to close down.

M.V. Prescotont
link

Station and car ferry Charles Lyon. Prescott 1905.

Digitally restored image courtesy of Gordon Kennedy

Ogdensburg with hopper cars of coal.
Note it is flagged for London, England! Registering a ship in another country is still a common practice for ships of all kinds.