The Mysterious Origins of the Ferryboat

The landmark has been a part of campus for as long as most of us can remember. But how did it come to be called the "Ferryboat?"

Written by Anna Maria Della Costa

The Ferryboat is one of the most legendary landmarks on campus — home to morning and afternoon carpools. But few know how the Ferryboat got its name.

When the City of Charlotte reconstructed the intersection of Rama and Sardis Roads, it meant Providence Day had to close the main entrance at the time and block off the entrance/exit.

“Our entrance was moved to where it is today, and the ferryboat was created,” School Historian Bobbie Hinson says.

Roberta McKaig, Middle and Upper School World Language teacher who first started at Providence Day in 1975, says the designation of "ferryboat" comes from the actual procedure of a ferry, where the gates open and the available space is filled completely with no other movement until it is time to disembark.

“Similarly, we fill the drop-off area with cars that remain in place until a signal is given, and then everyone climbs out and exits the area before traffic moves again,” she says