The Dodges Ferry I Knew

Founding member Judy Pearson has self published a delightful account of her family history and memories from 1940 through to 2020.

“My conscious memories began for me at around the age of two years old. I was the youngest of the family by seven years, my sister Wanda being the eldest and then brother Brian. It would have been the summer of 1940/41 and a vivid memory recalls absolute joy at being in my father’s old rowing boat, sitting on my mother’s lap, with a brown rug wrapped around me…”

Judy Pearson, The Dodges Ferry I Knew, p3

The history of the family and township unfold as Judy tells of how Ralph Dodge came to Van Diemens Land from Norfolk Island, ran a ferry service, farmed and raised a family, saved the Princess Royal and established a legacy that lives on in the town’s name.

Coloured with a generous sharing of images from the family collection as well as many of her own photographs, Judy looks back on her life and her growing fascination with the seaside town that bears her great grandfather’s name.

Early years at Bellerive, summer camping, shack life, family ties, community milestones, the beaches, the sandbanks, the changing times… The Dodges Ferry I Knew is Judy’s tribute to her family and community heritage and special love of the place she now lives with Geoff, her life-long best friend and loving husband for over 60 years.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

“I have noticed over past few years with population growing that people seemed hungry to know the history, needing clarification of the nomenclature and just “what it was like”. With writing the book I was fulfilling a lifetime dream, but I feel I have achieved so much more by sharing my story with the wonderful  people of our community, both past and present.”

Judy Pearson, December 2020

Published in November 2020, The Dodges Ferry I Knew – through the eyes of the ferryman’s great-granddaughter… is a 112 page A4 journal written and designed by Judy Pearson, with editing and cover design by Melinda Reed, printed in Hobart by Monotone Art Printers, ISBN 978-0-646-82741-4.

Available from:
Dodges Ferry Post Office & Newsagency, 60 Carlton Beach Road, Dodges Ferry, Tasmania
Cracked and Spineless New and Used Books, 138 Collins Street, Hobart, Tasmania
or contact Judy on (03) 6265 8085 for further details.

“Writing a book about Dodges Ferry was simply something I felt I had to do. To see it in print and to find the many purchasers showing excitement and joy when collecting a copy, while at the same time sharing their stories with me, is the best reward of all.”

Judy Pearson, December 2020