Claude C. Howard Papers, 1900-1992 | Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

By Caitlyn Rahschulte

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Collection Overview

Title: Claude C. Howard Papers, 1900-1992

Predominant Dates:1968-1992

Extent: 8.0 Folders

Date Acquired: 05/11/1995

Subjects: Ferries, Valley View (Madison County, Kentucky)

Languages: English

Scope and Contents of the Materials

The Claude C. Howard Collection provides an extensive history on the Valley View ferry. The ferry is Kentucky's oldest continuous business, and has run from 1780 to present. The collection has photographs of Valley View and the ferry from the early 1900s to the 1970s. Enclosed are letters and legal documents about the ferry, including deeds and lawsuits. Mr. Howard purchased the ferry in 1950 and operated it himself until 1963. He leased it to other operators until 1991 when the Fayette, Jessamine and Madison County governments jointly purchased the ferry. During their ownership the Howards also collected newspaper articles, advertisements, and pamphlets on the ferry. For over 230 years, the Valley View ferry has carried thousands of people over the Kentucky River. It is still a cherished historic, and functioning, landmark of Kentucky.

Collection Historical Note

The Valley View Ferry is Kentucky's longest running business having been founded in 1780 by the Virginia Legislature. Over the years there have been several boats and owners. Claude C. Howard who grew up near the ferry purchased it in 1950 and operated it himself until 1963. He leased it to other operators until 1991 when the Fayette, Jessamine and Madison County governments jointly purchased the ferry. Today it is being operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Subject/Index Terms

Ferries
Valley View (Madison County, Kentucky)

Administrative Information

Repository: Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives

Acquisition Source: Howard, Mabel

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Folder:

[Folder 1: Correspondence],
[Folder 2: Legal Documents],
[Folder 3: Maps and Surveys],
[Folder 4: News Clippings],
[Folder 5: Photographs],
[Folder 6: Promotional Materials],
[Folder 7: Oversized Photographs],
[Folder 8: Blueprints],
[All]

Folder 4: News Clippings

Barcode: 31234013928542

Item 1: Hero Revealed by a Tragedy, 24 Dec 1926: Huston Cuzick, Ferry Employee, saves Herschel Goins from drowning
Item 2: Across the River--On a Ferry, 30 Aug 1953: Early look-back on Valley View ferry
Item 3: Last Remaining Ferry on the Kentucky River Connects Fayette and Madison at Valley View, 01 Feb 1969: Story from Co-Op Chats on how ferry runs.
Item 4: Valley View Ferry: Kentucky's Oldest Continuous Business, ca. 1971: Quick history of ferry owners from 1780-1950.
Item 5: Valley View Marker Dedicated, 10 Jun 1971: Valley View ferry given Historic Highway Marker
Item 6: Valley View Once Booming Sawmill Community, 20 Sep 1972: Article focuses on Valley View history from mid 1800s to 1900.
Item 7: Rollin' on the River, 19 Oct 1972: Feature article on Valley View ferry
Item 8: The oldest continuous business on record in Kentucky still in operation, 20 Mar 1974
Item 9: Kentucky's Oldest Continuous Business, Ferry, Is For Sale, 05 Jul 1977
Item 10: Ferry in the snow, 15 Jan 1981: Newspaper photograph with description
Item 11: Pilots carry on ferry tradition, 28 Apr 1982: Feature article and photographs of Valley View ferry
Item 12: 1985 is the bicentennial year for the Valley View Ferry, 06 Apr 1985
Item 13: Valley View Ferry (Looking Back), ca. 1987: Updated history article, spanning ferry history from 1780 to late 1980s
Item 14: Where the Road Runs Out, ca. July 1988: Short feature article, featuring ferry operator James Mays, Jr.
Item 15: Valley View Ferry up for sale, 20 Apr 1989
Item 16: Ferry crosses back into history, 05 Jul 1989: Feature article and photographs of Valley View Ferry
Item 17: The Valley View Ferry wasn, 29 Dec 1989: Newspaper photograph with description of ferry when Kentucky River froze.
Item 18: Counties may buy oldest Ky. Business, 03 Oct 1990
Item 19: 3 counties may soon put ferry back in business, 04 Jan 1991: Continuing story of counties surrounding Valley View hoping to put ferry back in business
Item 20: Valley View ferry to open, 25 Jul 1991
Item 21: Official opening, 29 Jul 1991: Newspaper photograph with description of ribbon cutting at ferry's reopening.
Item 22: Locks opening today: Ky. Trying to settle suit against Corps, 22 May 1992: Article depicting how locks and dams effect Kentucky River business and life.
Item 23: Ticket to ride, ca. 1990: Taxpayers shore up useful, historic Valley View ferry. Transportation and tourism significance discussed.
Item 24: Valley View ferry is set to sail again, 12 Mar 2001: Carl Hall takes on ferry business.