The Thousand Islands - (Postcard History) by The Antique Boat Museum (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The Thousand Islands are more than 1,800 islands located in 35 miles of the upper St. Lawrence River between Upstate New York and southeastern Ontario.

During the latter half of the 19th century, the region evolved as a vacation destination, initially for Canadian and American urbanites drawn by the restorative powers of spectacular scenery and relaxed summer life. Tourism expanded rapidly, and by the early 1900s, the Thousand Islands boasted dozens of grand hotels, daily railroad connections to New York and Philadelphia, steamship service to Montreal and Toronto, innumerable sightseeing and guided fishing excursions, and the best that North America's premier vacation spot could offer.

Review Quotes

Author: Staff Reporter

Publisher: WWTI Newswatch50

Date: 7/24/09

Over two hundred postcard photos have been culled from an exclusive 3,000-card collection for a new book on the Thousand Islands.

It's part of the Postcard History Series from Arcadia Publishing, similar to the publisher's well-known Images of America Series.

The book was compiled by Fred Rollins, former executive director of the Jefferson County Historical Society, under the auspices of the Antique Boat Museum.

In his forward, Rollins writes that he was contacted by a Syracuse antiques dealer about the Bronson A. Quackenbush collection of Thousand Islands postcards.

Rollins, director of the Western New York Postcard Club, quickly realized a uniquely comprehensive collection in a rare state of organization and preservation.

The book has chapters on Island and River Scenes, Castles and Museums, Cottages and Summer Homes, Hotels and Resorts, Towns and Villages, Bridges and Lighthouses and Boats and Ships.

The book goes on sale for $21.99 starting August 3rd at local retailers, online bookstores or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or 888-313-2665.

A postcard companion packet sells for $7.99.