Over the years, her owner/captains have included quite a cast of characters. Her first, Richard Royston, in 1683, an esteemed Oxford founder, was, alas, also a sinner and shamefully convicted of forgery. More formidable was Judith Bennett, Talbot’s proprietor for nearly 40 years, beginning in the early 1700s. She stood steadfastly at the helm whenever one of her three husbands didn’t.
Over time, the ferry’s job description changed: from “transporting horses and men” in the 17th century (did women really have to swim?), to becoming a “must-do” on Eastern Shore tourist agendas by the middle of the 20th century. Her SOS calls are legion: helping watermen seed oyster beds, fighting a yacht fire (and rescuing three passengers and three parrots in the process), towing occasional run-a-grounds, and greeting world dignitaries.
In 2002, Captain Judy Bixler became Talbot’s current owner. Twice honored as a leading female entrepreneur by the state of Maryland, she’s also been twice named one of the Top 100 Women in Maryland. Along with her partner and husband, Captain Tom, Bixler has revved up the ferry’s social graces, exposing her to the limelight of fundraising, boat races, and parades. Indeed, Talbot now stars on one of the top 25 bicycle routes in America.
Clearly, the ferry’s reputation exceeds her travelogue billing as a “shortcut” to or from St. Michaels. So board her for a sojourn back in time. Observe Talbot as she communes with osprey, blue heron, and bald eagles. And think of this grande dame not as a leg of your journey, but as a destination unto herself.
Tickets for the seven- to 10-minute ride run $4 to $10. The ferry operates seven days a week from April through November, departing Oxford at 9 a.m. and making crossings every 15 to 20 minutes until sunset or later. For the exact schedule, call 410-745-9023 or visit www.oxfordferry.com.
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