Post by SS San Mateo on Mar 6, 2007 11:55:01 GMT -8
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J., March 4 — In this age of online auctions, rapid-fire sheriff’s sales and everything-must-go closeouts, who has not made an exorbitant purchase only to tuck it away in a closet or garage once at home, its usefulness a sudden mystery?
A former Staten Island ferry, docked on the Raritan River since the mid-1970s. For George Searle, there is very little he can do to keep his biggest impulse buy a secret. His relatives have rolled their eyes about it. Millions of drivers along the New Jersey Turnpike have gawked at it. And state environmental officials, after threatening fines and penalties, have started their latest assault on it.
For the better part of three decades, Mr. Searle has been the proud owner of the Mary Murray, an old Staten Island ferry that he bought at auction and had towed up the Raritan River to the marina here where he lives and works. And ever since, its rusting and unmistakable outline has been a landmark for turnpike motorists crossing the Raritan near Exit 9.
A former Staten Island ferry, docked on the Raritan River since the mid-1970s. For George Searle, there is very little he can do to keep his biggest impulse buy a secret. His relatives have rolled their eyes about it. Millions of drivers along the New Jersey Turnpike have gawked at it. And state environmental officials, after threatening fines and penalties, have started their latest assault on it.
For the better part of three decades, Mr. Searle has been the proud owner of the Mary Murray, an old Staten Island ferry that he bought at auction and had towed up the Raritan River to the marina here where he lives and works. And ever since, its rusting and unmistakable outline has been a landmark for turnpike motorists crossing the Raritan near Exit 9.
More at:
www.nytimes.com/2007/03/05/nyregion/05ferry.html?em&ex=1173243600&en=5a1a0770274002a1&ei=5087%0A
