The Packet Boat Era
Madison County Eagle, Cazenovia
Aug. 2, 1843
Col. T.C. Nye, of Madison, and Mr. Butterfield, of Utica, have commenced running a daily line of packet boats on the Chenango Canal, from Hamilton to Binghamton. The boats run in connection with the line of stages from Hamilton to Utica.
Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, N.Y., May 1, 1844
PACKET LINE
The public are respectfully informed that the Packet Boat “Norwich,” runs daily from Oxford to Hamilton, up and down. It is connected with a line of stage for Utica, at the latter place, by which passengers arrive at either end of the route in the evening. As the line is established expressly for the accommodation of the traveling public, it is hoped the it will receive liberal encouragement. The Boat leaves Oxford in the morning at 5 o’clock; Norwich at 7; Sherburne at 10; and arrives in Hamilton at 12 1-2. Returning, leaves Hamilton at 3 o’clock in the afternoon; Sherburne, at 5; and Norwich at 7.
May 1, 1844
Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, N.Y.
May 8, 1844
C H E N A N G O C A N A L!
PEOPLE’S LINE OF PACKETS.
Cheaper Fare than any other Line
THE splendid Packet Boat New- York,
Capt. H.BATES, will run on the
Chenango Canal Between
BINGHAMTON & HAMILTON
In connection with a Daily Line of Stages to Utica,
for the better accommodation of the traveling public, -
leaving Binghamton on Mondays, Wednesdays an Fridays,
at EIGHT O’CLOCK A.M. and returning, leave Hamilton
on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 12 O’CLOCK M.
on arrival of the Stage from Utica, arriving at Binghamton
in time for the stages South, East, and West.
Passengers on this line will arrive at Utica in time for the
11 o’clock train of Cars, for Albany, or no pay. The boat is
towed by five relays of three horse teams, and cannot fail;
and passengers are not subjected to the inconvenience of
riding in an old, leaky, or half furnished boat, towed by four
teams, two of them only two horses.
The PEOPLE’S LINE, is the only line that connects with
stages at Hamilton, for Utica, and passengers traveling in any
other line, will be subjected to Livery prices, or be compelled
to await the regular line of stages, which leaves them twelve
hours behind time in their arrival at Albany.
The proprietors of the PEOPLE’S LINE pledge themselves
to the public, that this Boat will continue to run during
navigation, as it was bought and furnished expressly for
the service of this canal.
FARE - From Binghamton to Hamilton 50 cents
“ “ through to Utica, $1.75
For passage apply at the General Stage Office, in Binghamton,
or to the Captain on Board, at the Main Street Bridge.
J. BUTTERFIELD & Co., Utica
T.C. NYE, Madison
E. CLARKE, Oxford
H. BATES, Binghamton
August 18, 1844 PROPRIETORS
________
Packet Boat “Monterey” on the Chenango Canal. On the reverse of the canvas is an inscription stating "View looking west from Miss March's young ladies seminary, situated near the present site of the North Presbyterian Church in 1858. The Chenango Canal occupied the present site of State Street. The packet shown on the picture was run as a passenger boat between Binghamton and Norwich before the railroad was built. George W. Burbank was its captain. The boy in the foreground represents Walter H. Hand with the family dog Czar, famous in the town as a "fighter." The view is looking northeast near the intersection of Chenango and Lyons Streets in Binghamton. The boat ran between Binghamton and Norwich on alternate days. Canal Society of New York State collection.
Canal Society of New York State collection
Binghamton Democrat
June 1, 1847
PACKET BOAT SHENANDOAH
Capt. R .Simmons will run the ensuing season from Binghamton to Hamilton-leaving Binghamton at 7 o'clock Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and leave Hamilton at 7 o'clock Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Fare $1.25. This boat will run in connection with stages from Hamilton to Utica and Canastota. Passengers wishing to go the Western Route will find a Stage leaving Hamilton every morning at 8 o'clock for Canastota in time for the Western packet.
Binghamton Democrat
July 5, 1847
Douglass Pierce of Binghamton, bowsman on Ezra Johnson's Canal boat, was killed on the Canal near Oriskany week before last. As the boat entered the look he jumped overboard, and losing his balance, fell between boat and lock and was shockingly mutilated. Both arms and one leg were broken. He lived about 3 hours. A worthy, industrious man aged 52, he left a wife and 8 children.
Binghamton Democrat
August 24, 1847
The Shenandoah came to Binghamton yesterday loaded with passengers. A banner said "No Monopoly!”- A pledge of Support from the Citizens of Hamilton to the Shenandoah. The Old Zach charges only 50 cents but the Shenandoah gets 50 or 40 passengers and cheers, while Old Zach is met by groans.
Chenango Telegraph
Norwich, N.Y.
Wed., August 11, 1847
The Packet
By reference to another column, an advertisement of Capt. Hess, of the Packet Boat “Shenandoah,” will be found. That Boat was put on the Canal several weeks ago, running from Hamilton to Binghamton, down one day and up the next, Sundays excepted. It was put on, too, after repeated trials to sustain a Packet which resulted in failures. The enterprise was commendable, and affording a cheap, and under certain circumstances, a very desirable mode of traveling, the people on the line sought by word and means to encourage and sustain it.
It had no sooner begun to do a fair, living business, than an opposition Boat was put on, for the purpose we presume, of starving out the “Shenandoah,” and driving her off. But the public will have a word to say about that. Since the opposition Boat commenced running, although the fare is reduced to a more nominal sum, “50 cents from Hamilton to Binghamton,” it has presented a “beggarly account of empty boxes,” while the “Shenandoah” has cleaned out the passengers at the different stations, an sometimes has on board the comfortable number of 35 to 40.
Now, it is left entirely with the public to determine, whether the old line shall be sustained against a powerful competition or not, and whether we shall have any Packet at all on the Canal. If we were to take the expression of community as a criterion not forgetting to mention that the “Shenandoah” is received with three cheers on arriving at the docks and the other with groans (which we deprecate) it would be sufficiently clear that the “Old Line” is and is to be all the toast. The fare is low and accommodations good.
(Same paper)
A CARD.
To The Traveling Public
I take this opportunity to express my thanks for the very liberal patronage bestowed upon the Packet SHENANDOAH, and while I solicit a continuance of their reciprocated favors hitherto, wold here assure them that she will continue her regular trips through this season.
J.HESS, Capt
August 11th, 1847
Broome Republican
October 11, 1848
Broome Republican
October 11, 1848
Chenango Union, November 26, 1851
Packet Boat Orion!
At the solicitation f the business and traveling public, the subscribers have purchased the Packet Boat Orion, for the purpose of running between Norwich and Binghamton; leaving Norwich on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, at 9 o’clock A.M.; and returning will leave Binghamton on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, at the same time.
This Boat, under the command of S.S. Stevens, is well adapted for Passengers and light Freight, and will run through by daylight, thus affording an easy and pleasant mode of traveling to the public, as well as facilities for Tradesmen and others, who desire the transportation of Merchandise & c.
The experience of Capt. Stevens is, perhaps, a sufficient guarantee of a well ordered and properly conducted Boat.
All packages marked “Packet Boat Orion” will be promptly and faithfully attended to,
Samuel S. Stevens & Co.
August 8, 1851.
Chenango Union, Norwich
Chenango Union
April 27, 1853
Packet Boat Line. - The “Knickerbocker,” Capt. Samuel S. S. Stiver, and the “Lady Suffolk,” Capt. P.H. Webster, commenced their regular daily trips this (Wednesday) morning, between Bondsville and Binghamton.
Chenango Union
May 19, 1855
Packet - A packet has commenced running regularly between this place and Binghamton, leaving on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. She is owned by S.R. Per Lee - commanded by Capt. ‘Jim’ Bowen.
[Chenango County Historical Society]
Daily Reporter, Norwich
June 14, 1856
The Packet Boat,
MONTEREY,
Capt. G. W. Burbank!
has commenced regular trips regular trips for passengers and freight between
NORWICH & BINGHAMTON!
The boat has been put in prime order and will run through the season as follows: Leaving Binghamton Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6 1/2 o’clock in the morning, and returning on alternate days, leaving Norwich at 6 1/2 o’clock A.M. For comfort, convenience and economy, this mode of traveling is far superior to any in this Valley. Passengers going South will arrive in time for Mail Trains East or West, also in time for Night Express Trains either way. Passengers going North can have a night’s rest Norwich, and take stages in the morning for almost any part of the country.
To ensure safe transportation, all goods, packages, etc., should be marked either to my care or to the care of the Packet Boat.
G.W. Burbank,
Norwich, June 13, 1856 No. 97.
_______
Chenango Union, Norwich
April 23, 1862
New Packet Boat. - Capt. River has been engaged during the past month, in building a new and first class packet boat which he has named the “Norwich,” and which he advertises to commence running between this place and Binghamton on the 1st of May - leaving this place and Binghamton on the 1st of May, leaving here on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and Binghamton on alternate days. The captain is clever fellow, and deserves success.
Packet Boat Stove at Chenango County Historical Society
Museum, Norwich, N.Y.
Packet Boat Stove at Chenango County Historical Society
Museum, Norwich, N.Y.
Utica Morning Herald
May 6, 1862
Capt. Stever has commenced the regular trips of his elegant new packet boat Norwich, on the Chenango Canal between here and Binghamton, tri-weekly. The Norwich is not quite so fast as the Lightning Express train of the Central Railroad; but she is safer and full as comfortable and always goes through by daylight.
Chenango Union
April 27, 1864
Capt. Stiver is making preparations to start his canal packet Norwich on the opening of navigation. She will run between Norwich and Binghamton as usual, carrying passengers and freight. Her unfailing punctuality, as well as the neatness with which she is kept, together with the gentlemanly and accommodating disposition of the captain, has made the Norwich a favorite with the traveling public. Persons going or coming from one place to there other, particularly women and children, will find
no easier, safer or surer method of reaching their destination. We wish the Captain and his handsome packet the best success.
Chenango Telegraph
May 25, 1864
The Packet. - The Binghamton Times asks whether we are to have direct communication between Binghamton and Norwich this summer by way of the Packet. We are happy to assure the Times that that indispensable institution has been running on the raging canal ever since the opening of navigation. It is commanded as usual by he gentlemanly and popular Capt. Stiver. who has earned golden opinions from his many customers.
Chenango Telegraph
May 3, 1865
Packet Boat - The Packet Boat Norwich, will commence her regular trips between Norwich and Binghamton, on the 15th inst., or as soon as the state of the canal will permit. Capt. Stiver has completed an arrangement with Mr. William Ogden, of Binghamton, for the construction of a second Packet, after the models of the Norwich. It is to be completed on the 20th of August, and will be in running order about the 25th; after which date the captain’s line of travel will afford facilities of being between Norwich and Binghamton, and intermediate places. Being thus mindful of the public wants, weee have no doubt Capt. Stiver will receive, as he deserves, an increased share of the public patronage during the coming season.
From: The Advertiser, Addison, N.Y.
June 9, 1869
Riding a Packet Boat
Painting "Early Days of Rapid Transit" by E.L. Henry
From Chenango Forks to Greene we tried the stage, but for the sake of brevity we pass this part of our journey in silence. From Greene to Norwich we go via the Chenango canal in a packet boat, which glides smoothly along over its raging waters at the surprising rate of three and one-third miles an hour; but it is pleasant to sit quietly on the deck and look once more on the familiar scenes of our youthful days.
Those old hills and valleys are clear in our memory, and many emotions which the pen cannot picture are penned are awakened while we gaze upon them. While many of the friends of our youthful days rest in their beds of clay, never again on earth to greet us, these hills smile beneath the summer’s sun as fresh and youthful as when in childhood we beheld them. Early preferences may have something to do with it, but there is no better country in the world to me than the Chenango Valley.
Chenango Union, Norwich, N.Y.
May 18, 1870
The Packet. - Capt. Stiver, the gentlemanly proprietor of the Packet Boat Line, has commenced business, and the boat “Lillie” will run between this village and Binghamton, leaving here on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, and returning on the alternate days. The opposition of railroad travel makes it unprofitable to run both boats for packet business, and he has nicely fitted up the second boat for excursion parties and picnics.
Chenango Union, Norwich, N.Y.
August 17, 1870
Packet Boat Line
Between
Norwich & Binghamton
___
Fare, $1.50
__
THE PACKET BOAT LILLIE will run between Norwich and Binghamton during the present season, as follows: Lease Norwich on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; leave Binghamton on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Meals furnished to parties desiring, at reasonable rates.
____
Time Table
Going South
Leave Norwich 6 A.M.
“ Oxford 8 A.M.
“ East Greene 10:30 A.M.
Greene 12:00 Noon
“ Chenango Forks 2 P.M.
“ Port Crane 4 P.M.
Arrive Binghamton 6 p.m.
Going North
Leave Binghamton 6 A.M.
“ Port Crane 8 A.M.
“ Chenango Forks 2 P.M.
“ Greene 12 Noon
“ East Greene 1:30 P.M.
“ Oxford 4 P.M.
Arrive at Norwich 6:30 P.M.
May, 1870 W.M. Stever, Captain
Semi Weekly Telegraph
Norwich, N.Y.
January 24, 1894
To the older readers it is not necessary to explain that the packet boat sailed over the Chenango canal - a state ditch now all but obliterated. Both the departure and arrive of the packet used to excite much more attention than is paid to the arrival of railroad trains now-a-days. The Captain blew a horn as he approached Norwich, and the three horses, which were hitched tandem and drew the trim craft, were put to a trot and brought the packet up to the dock of the lower “store house,” on South Broad street, flying.
The bowman was the admiration of all the small boys, as with hawser in hand he jumped upon the dock and skillfully wound the heavy rope around the snubbing posts and brought the lively boat to a standstill without a jerk or a bump.
A trip from Norwich to Binghamton by packet, on a long summer’s day in June, was a delight. Old travelers will tell you so. The only danger was from low bridges, of the approach to which you were always informed by the steersman’s cry, “low bridge,” and the only unpleasantness was the bilge-water smell of the locks, when you were down in them.
The packet disappeared with the coming of the railroad, but if we are rightfully informed, this same packet boat still runs on the Erie canal and is known as “The Lillie.”
Chenango Union, Norwich, N.Y.
Thurs., Aug. 9, 1894
The Old Packet “Norwich” Sunk
The only remaining representative of the old type of packet boats on the Erie canal lies at its bottom in seven feet of water at the foot of Mohawk street, Utica. Monday afternoon the steam packet D.D. Winston started from Utica on its trip to Mohawk, with a large amount of freight and five passengers, when she collided with the double header and soon sunk.
Two young lady passengers fell into the canal when leaping the wreck, but were rescued. The packet was built on the Chenango canal upwards of thirty years ago, for passenger and freight traffic between Norwich and Binghamton, and was originally named the “Norwich.” For the past eighteen years she has been run as a packet by Captain Budlong between Utica and Mohawk. She was originally a horse boat but fourteen years ago was made into a propeller.
Madison County Leader and Observer, Morrisville, N.Y.
June 6, 1912
Bouckville - From a poster printed in 1853, at which we have in our possession, we learn that light passenger boats would soon commence running on the Chenango canal, which was nearly ready for traffic, to Binghamton, leaving Bouckville a 6 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning of each week. No definite time is given for the arrival of boats at Binghamton, except that they would land there the next day in time for the passengers to take the cars.
The boats “Knickerbocker” and “Lady Suffolk” are advertised to be fitted in fine shape and that the fare would be $2.13.
Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, N.Y.
Friday, June 4, 1915 (excerpt)
The canal was crossed in the village limits by bridges at Rexford, Mitchell, East and South Main streets and then at the Coombs and Prentiss farms by high iron frame bridges, which in the town made steep climbs for loaded wagons. Then between East and South Main streets a swing bridge was put in, and this was followed later by others of the same pattern at other points.
Another neglect point relates to the packet boats, I referred, when writing of the war, to Steever’s packet which made the daily run to Binghamton and back. It was drawn by three horses driven tandem, with a ride on the leader, and all went at a trot, much different from the slow progress of the ordinary canal horse with their blunt-nosed tows. As Norwich was approached, the rider blew a musical note on the horn.
One year a steam packet made its appearance on the canal - I think it was called the Lillie, [Ed.: "Will o'-the-Wisp"] but this is not certain. I do not remember it was owned by Captain Steever or was a rival conveyance. I have even forgotten whether it and the regular boat ran at the same time. However, it ran but a single year, and I always understood that its wake so washed the banks that the authorities refused to let it continue.
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