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It was one of the first opportunities residents had to meet the new captain, who will be at the helm of one of the town鈥檚 most notable landmarks.

鈥淚 mean you can鈥檛 even believe, it鈥檚 just wonderful,鈥� Andrews said. 鈥淭his is such a great opportunity, an incredible vessel, just an incredible history and you can see all the the members of the community come out to to well-wish and and to get started on a new season. So, I pinch myself every day, it鈥檚 awesome.鈥�

The Oxford Bellevue Ferry is America鈥檚 oldest privately owned ferry. Its original ownership was established in 1683. As its name implies, the ferry provides transportation services for vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles and passengers between the incorporated town of Oxford and the historic working community of Bellevue.

Previous owners Tom and Judy Bixler sold the fleet to Andrews this past February and will be enjoying retirement, but they still will be helping out with the ferry when they can.

鈥淚 won鈥檛 lie to you, It鈥檚 bitter sweet,鈥� previous owner Tom Bixler said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a wonderful day knowing that we鈥檝e got the perfect successor. A gentleman who鈥檚 highly professionally trained and has great business sense. It鈥檚 exciting, but it鈥檚 an end of an era. I got the privilege and the honor to own the ferry, I鈥檓 only one of three owners in 90 some-odd years.鈥�

In their 24 years of ownership, the Bixlers are proud of how they brought the ferry forward.

鈥淭he fact that I think we brought the ferry forward so that she can go another 100 years,鈥� Tom Bixler said. 鈥淭here was a time there it was getting harder and harder. We got some great cooperation from the state, the county, but the key here is the fact that community supports it so well and the people of Maryland, I mean it鈥檚 an icon, so we鈥檙e very fortunate.鈥�

Residents brought food items and beverages to the docks to toast the new captain and celebrate the history of the ferry.

The Rev. Kevin Cross conducted the Blessing of the Fleet and wrote a song to help introduce Andrews.

Papers with the lyrics were printed out and residents sung along while Cross flung holy water around the vessel.

After Andrews was introduced, he presented the previous owners with an oar, which symbolized retirement.

鈥淥ur relationship, it transcends past past the commercial buyer seller, and we鈥檙e just partners in maintaining and supporting the ferry,鈥� Andrews said. 鈥淪o we couldn鈥檛 be more pleased with our friendship and relationship with the Bixlers.鈥�

When asked if he had a message for Talbot County residents, Andrews said, 鈥渂e so thankful that you live close to Heaven here in Talbot County and come ride the ferry.鈥�