FRENCHTOWN ISLAND CLUB BIO– was established on Pinkerton Island in 1888 by eight Frenchtown residents and eight Lambertville residents.
The island is accessed by a cable ferry across about 800 feet of water, at least it was last time I looked. The little ferry boat is attached to a cable, fore and aft. Then by shortening or lengthening those ropes, the boat is angled so that the river's current propels the boat. It's very clever and low-tech. The camp has no electricity and there's a “cold cellar” for perishables. Forman Vanselous (1903-1994) ferried me out there in 1981 and gave me a tour.
The cabin was a cozy and rustic, with lots of little iron beds that looked like something orphans would have slept in a hundred years ago. Membership was still limited to 16 residents of Frenchtown or Lambertville.