Free Ferry Ticket to Blackwell's/Welfare/Roosevelt Island on Way to Penitentiary Courtesy of Roosevelt Island Historical Society - It's Still Nice To Be Here

Roosevelt Island Historical Society President Judy Berdy shares this image showing at one time there was ferry service to and from Roosevelt Island and it was FREE.

At the time this steam boat ticket was used, Roosevelt Island was named Blackwell's Island and the ferry was used for transporting visitors to the penitentiary on what is now Roosevelt Island. From Ms. Berdy:

I just acquired this ferry ticket that was used when visitors were coming to the penitentiary.   It was free!!!!  What can I say!  The ticket is now part of our archives.... Please note it was for ROUNDTRIP

Former Roosevelt Island resident Mike P sent in this link to the New York Public Library's Digital Collection of Roosevelt/Welfare/Blackwell's Island images.  As Mike wrote:

Great stuff, thought you'd like to see.

Here's a convict boat on it's way to Blackwell/Welfare/Roosevelt Island

Image of Convicts Boat to Welfare Island from NYPL Digital Gallery

and the view of the East River and Blackwell's/Welfare/Roosevelt Island from 86th Street in Manhattan.

Image of Blackwell's Island from 86th Street via NYPL  Digital Gallery

More pictures from NYPL Digital Gallery here.

In addition to Blackwell's, Welfare and Roosevelt Island, the original Indian name for the Island that is our home was Minnahannock which means:

It's Nice To Be Here

More on early history of what is now Roosevelt Island from this previous post.

UPDATE 11:45 PM - Ms. Berdy adds:

This was the last steamer to travel between Manhattan's East 78 St. and the Octagon Pier. The service ended when the Welfare Island Bridge opened in the late 1950's.

 Image from Judy Berdy and RIHS

The lore is that the ride could take 3 minutes or 30 minutes depending on the currents in the river.