Village Board Throws Support Behind Reviving Agawam Ferry

The Southampton Village Board on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution in support of the Agawam Ferry, a vision to revive the 19th century ferry service that was operated by one of Southampton's most interesting historic figures.

If the plan comes to fruition in the summer of 2014, the ferry will be named for the man who inspired it, Pyrrhus Concer, who was born a slave in Southampton and, after becoming a free man, went on to become a sailor, a forty-niner, and eventually a captain of a small sailboat on Lake Agawam.

"We're looking to honor Pyrrhus Concer and his legacy by reestablishing a ferry service that will operate next summer, ideally," Nick Palumbo, the village resident who is spearheading the effort, told the Village Board Thursday.

The eight- to 10-passenger ferry would run daily in July and August of 2014 — coinciding with the 200th anniversary of Concer's birth.

Palumbo said the service will not be a commercial enterprise in any way, but rather, a way to teach about history and promote the village.

"We think this is in keeping with things that make Southampton great and make people want to come here," Palumbo said.

"Agawam is considered the jewel of the community," said Mark Parash, of village diner Sip'n Soda, who is another of the residents working on the plan. He envisioned visitors walking off the ocean beach, getting on the ferry and looking at the beautiful homes on the water, and landing near the World War I monument in Agawam Park, thinking, "Where is Southampton going to take us now?"

Mayor Mark Epley agreed with the sentiment. "Ever since the day you first presented it, I've been in love with the project," he said.

To finance the project, the group is using the crowdfunding website Indiegogo. For $5, supporters earn a one-way ticket across Lake Agawam. A roundtrip is $10, and a book of 20 one-way tickets is $100.

Premium perks for donors are a one-hour private excursion with a group of friends for $500, or a three-hour sunset cruise with wine and catering by Golden Pear for $1,000.

So far, $920 has been raised from seven donors, with a goal of $10,000.

The group plans to lease or purchase an electric boat, but, according to the Indiegogo page, if enough capital is raised a local wooden boatbuilding group may be enlisted to make a replica of the sailing vessel Concer used.

The ferry would leave from the north end of the lake, at Agawam Park, and travel about 0.8 miles to the parking lot at the lake's south end. From there, travelers can go to the private Bathing Corporation of Southampton or to Southampton Village's Gin Beach. Those willing to walk three-quarters of a mile each way can visit Coopers Beach, which has lifeguards, concessions, bathrooms and showers. Gin and Coopers require parking passes for motorists, but pedestrians can use the beaches for free.

Visit indiegogo.com for more information and to support the project.