Maupin Ferry Traditional Cache
GeoCrater: I am regretfully archiving this cache since there's been no response from nor action by the cache owner within the time frame requested in the last reviewer note.
GeoCrater
Community Volunteer Reviewer for Geocaching.com
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This cache is one of the 12 caches in the Historical Maupin GeoTour operated by the Maupin Area Chamber of Commerce. This tour offers a Geocacher the opportunity to learn about the Central Oregon Historical Experience as it relates to the Maupin Area.
The first ferry to cross the Deschutes near this area was owned by Howard Maupin and built in 1872. In the 40 years following Maupin’s first, the town of Maupin saw a total of 4 ferries, which serviced the needs of the cattle ranchers in the area. In 1903, the Ferry toll rate was:
Man on foot 25 cents
Man on horseback 25 cents
Man, horse and cart 50 cents
Man, horse and buggy 75 cents
Man and 4 horse team $1.25
Cattle, each loose 20 cents
Hogs 20 cents
Sheep, by the hand, ea 1 cent
The old ferries were of the “U” type which meant that if the ferry platform were on the other side of the river and no one was there to bring it over, you’d have to go hand over hand on the cable to retrieve it. The ferry was attached to two heavy cables and used the river current to move across the river.
Finally eliminating the need for the ferries, in 1912, the old wood bridge (as pictured in the photo) was completed. Not so coincidentally, this bridge would serve as the perfect crossing as the new Ford Model T were growing more popular as the affordable automobile in American, and people were using them to travel the countryside.
In 1929, the current Hwy 197 Maupin bridge was finished and was dedicated by Clarence N. Hunt. This was a grand old party with music, lunch, and a parade across the bridge. The bridge acts as a great platform to view both up and down river, it is also the location for the BLM visitor center, and a nice place to catch a glimpse of Maupin resident Ospreys. Each year, the same nesting pair returns to the hand-created nests to raise their young and take advantage of the river’s bounty.
This river crossing may not have the same history as the old Maupin ferries, but it’s a main artery in The Dalles-California Highway.
This cache is one of the 12 caches in the Historical Maupin GeoTour operated by the Maupin Area Chamber of Commerce. This tour offers a Geocacher the opportunity to learn about the Central Oregon Historical Experience as it relates to the Maupin Area.
Complete the 12 Cache Passport and the first 250 receive a custom Maupin Area Chamber of Commerce GeoCoin.
Passports can be obtained from the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center or online at
www.visitmaupin.com
Contact Info: MaupinChamber@gmail.com
Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is located on
Highway 197
Maupin, Oregon 97037
Congrats Chloefind on your FTF of this one! And Happy birthday on your 1300th find!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ybbx, ohg qba’g whzc!