Commuters aboard the Private Joseph Merrell wait to dock in 1972. (Staten Island Advance)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Perhaps the most iconic symbol of Staten Island is the big orange boat -- the Staten Island Ferry -- which provides 22 million passengers a year, or 70,000 folks a day, not counting weekends, quick and free transportation between Staten Island and Manhattan.

Long before bridges were built, the ferry transported people between the two islands and remains the only non-vehicular route between the St. George ferry terminal and Whitehall Street in lower Manhattan.

The nine-boat fleet is operated by the city Department of Transportation to ensure the smooth operation that affords commuters and tourists with spectacular views of Lady Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline.

Scroll below for vintage scenes of the Staten Island Ferry. Send yours to gsantos@siadvance.com.

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Staten Island Advance Photos

Staten Island Ferry Capt. Robert Gulbrandsen in 1971.

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A 1949 aerial view of the ferry terminal construction.

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A 1972 photo depicts John Walsh posting a new sign at the St. George ferry terminal about the new fare policy.

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In 1965, Staten Island Ferry passengers wait to board at the South Ferry terminal.

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Ferry customer gets a professional shoe shine aboard the Staten Island Ferry in 1970.

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Rush-hour crowds check into the South Ferry terminal in 1965.

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In 1980, cars were allowed on the Staten Island Ferry.

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Staten Island Advance Photos

Robert Weru tries to fly a kite on the ferry in 1969, and is told by two marine detectives to stop, as it interferes with navigation.

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Staten Island Advance Photos

Commuters walk through the sliding doors at the St. George ferry terminal in 1969.

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A 1982 scene of the New York City skyline, as seen from the Staten Island Ferry.

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A bootblack waits for customers at the ferry terminal in 1970.

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At the St. George ferry terminal in 1968, commuters head down the steps to Staten Island Rapid Transit trains.

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Staten Island Ferry commuters grab a bite to eat at the terminal food counters.

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Scene of the St. George ferry terminal in 1971.

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At the St. George ferry terminal in 1969, commuters en route to the Staten Island Rapid Transit.

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Staten Island Advance Photos

The Archbishop John J. O'Connor smiles and waves at schoolchildren as he is escorted from the ferry terminal by members of the Knights of Columbus in 1984.

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Staten Island Advance Photos

This 1990 Staten Island Ferry Terminal sign at Whitehall has since been updated.