Olcott Beach New York Harbor Alexandria Cruise Boat Real Photo Postcard
Olcott Beach, New York, situated on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, developed into a popular resort destination and commercial port in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Harbors like this were vital hubs, facilitating both the transport of goods by sailing vessels and the burgeoning tourist trade via passenger steamers. The scene captures a typical bustling waterfront from this era, where traditional sailing ships shared the waterways with modern steam-powered vessels.
The prominent paddle steamer "Alexandria" was a side-wheel passenger vessel built in 1904, primarily serving routes connecting Toronto, Canada, with various American ports on Lake Ontario, including Olcott Beach. Her presence alongside a three-masted schooner illustrates the transitional period in Great Lakes shipping, where efficient steam power began to eclipse sail for passenger and some cargo services. The "Alexandria" notably operated until she was destroyed by fire in 1916, thus dating this image to between 1904 and 1916.
The prominent paddle steamer "Alexandria" was a side-wheel passenger vessel built in 1904, primarily serving routes connecting Toronto, Canada, with various American ports on Lake Ontario, including Olcott Beach. Her presence alongside a three-masted schooner illustrates the transitional period in Great Lakes shipping, where efficient steam power began to eclipse sail for passenger and some cargo services. The "Alexandria" notably operated until she was destroyed by fire in 1916, thus dating this image to between 1904 and 1916.
