Remembering Our History
When the first camp meetings were held near Centerville on the east side of the Chiquaquet River, there was no way to get to the campground on Christian Hill by land from Centerville and further west. The solution was to provide access from the farm of Captain Prentiss Kelley across the river to a landing north and east of the Tabernacle.
A long boat, square at both ends with pulleys on the side, run by a rope between stakes on the two shores, was fitted with seats and served as a ferry. Captain Kelley managed the boat, the fare being two cents each way. People in Craigville called it the "Pull Over." It was well- patronized for a time, especially by the young people, who considered it great sport to take a ride in the "Pull Over." It was discontinued after a few years.
In 1925, Miss Marion Hathaway, editor of The Craigville Visitor, shared a story of Captain Kelley and his role in the early days of Craigville:
“If one should have walked to the town beach early in the morning some years ago, he would have found the captain just coming into the fish huts with his morning haul. At about 10 o’clock each morning he would start out from his hut with a large basket of fish or clams and make his way to Craigville, where his cheery smile and winning manner were always welcome. His heavy white hair would be covered by a large sea hat and over one arm would be hung an umbrella. This he used not only in rainstorms but when the heat of the sun became too strong. Mrs. Fisher, proprietor of the Chiquaquet Inn, who well remembers the old gentle man, tells of another oddity. Winter or summer Mr. Kelley wore over his shoulders a large shawl folded in a square. He was known to be an accurate weather prophet also, although his predictions often seemed to be guesswork.
The old captain was not an ignorant man but found time to read a great deal and keep up with the interests of the time. This was illustrated by the fact that he was chosen to be one of the main speakers during Centerville’s “Old Home Week” several years ago.
Thus, through his broad, fine view of life, his friendly smile and his little peculiarities, Captain Kelley came to be loved by all who knew him. These, and friends who have merely heard of him, have come to picture him as a true Joseph Lincoln Cape Codder and we hope this article may have helped you to do the same and to feel you have met the spirit of a new friend, for it is the captain’s spirit, only, which lingers with us now.”
Sources: The Craigville Visitor, August 12, 1932;
Old home week celebration, August 19-22, 1904 by Centerville Old Home Week Association (Centerville, Mass.)