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Editor's note: The following is from the Kingston (NY) Daily Freeman, March 28, 1912, Thank you to Contributing Scholar George A. Thompson for finding, cataloging and transcribing this article. The language, spelling and grammar of the article reflects the time period when it was written.  Steamboat "Ulster". Tracey I Brooks Collection, Hudson River Maritime Museum Experiences While on Early Morning Drive From Saugerties-New York Boats. (By The Freeman's Mysterious Mr. Fox.) Like girls freshly primped, charming in their spring suits and out for the first holiday of the season, so the popular steamers of the Saugerties & New York Steamboat Company, go into commission this season spotless and faultless, gay and gorgeous. These belles of the river, as handsome in their way as dainty feminines in theirs, are sticklers for style. And Roxbury of New York, the recognized artist in that line has given these gay sisters new attire this year, prettier than ever. "We take pride in refitting our steamers and keeping them in perfect condition though it swallows much of the dividends." said Capt. Robert A. Snyder. "This winter we spent $5,000 overhauling and decorating." Mr. Snyder and James T. Maxwell, founders and sole owners of the Saugerties & New York line of boats, put the river business for Dutchess and Ulster counties on a secure footing when It was gasping for life, 28 years ago; giving reliable transportation service for passengers and commodities, absorbing a steamboat line that was falling to pieces and two freight barge lines. Both are men of large responsibilities. Extensive property owner and together owners of several large Saugerties enterprises. They put on new and palatial passenger steamers with large freight capacity, giving express service to fruit and merchandise, and cheap, adequate river service for getting berries and apples into market. There is no way for these boats to sidetrack and delay merchandise. Receiving it at their New York pier, No. 43 Christopher street, at 6:30 p. m., they deliver it to the consignees at their stopping points along the river before 7 the next morning. The steamer "Ulster" opened this season's trips, leaving Saugerties Tuesday night cheered by crowds gathered to see her off. The next morning the five cars of freight received dally from Saugerties during the close of navigation, in the West Shore yards in this city failed to arrive. They had gone with the "Ulster." On calling at her dock before she sailed I found Daniel N. Finger, general agent, picking up the ends of the first business to be forwarded by the line to New York this year. He has been with the company from its beginning, and knows how to get things started without fuss or labored effort. He inherited the genius for it from his father, Henry L. Finger who was one of the company until the present owners bought it all up. Walking on to the boat we found Capt. George Post directing preparations for departure. The "Ulster" glittered and shone from scrubbing, painting and decorating. Like her sister steamer "Ida" now in Hiltebrant's ship yard at South Rondout, she had been made new in every part that was in any way worn. The stateroom hall showed panels gleaming brightly in buff, green and pink with gold penciling, in pleasing harmony with white ceiling, red figured Brussels and dark blue plush upholstery. This boat was fully overhauled and in perfect condition; and the men were all happy to get back on their jobs.  Steamboat "Ida". Hudson River Maritime Museum The "Ida", still In her winter quarters, I subsequently visited. I found Capt. Charles B. Tiffany enthusiastic over her trim and dress. The boat never looked better or was in better form than now, he said. Not differing greatly in general from her sister, the "Ida" this season dresses more summery in old ivory with slender gold trimmings, her fluted pillars lightly touched with gold lines; her ceiling immaculately white, and carpets, radiators and general equipments comparatively new. Each of the two boats carries about 200 passengers in berths. Their salon decks are girdled with glass giving abundant daylight into the halls that at night are brightly illumined with electric lights. Their staterooms are roomy and well lighted, with toilet conveniences and freshened up by painters. Steam heat warms the boats when required. Each carries an orchestra and piano. Course meals are served in the dining rooms forward, giving views of both sides of the river, at the popular price. The "Ida" makes her first trip Decoration Day. Passengers taking these boats year after year have absolute confidence in their management. The officers of both boats have been in the service of that company several years, Capt. Tiffany nearly 25 years. They are steady and reliable. During the whole period of this company's service it hasn't injured or lost a passenger. The owners do not allow liquors to be served in the boats. They keep no employee who indulges in it. The boats leave New York at 6:30 p. m. and Saugerties at 6 p. m. daily, except Saturday in July and August when the "Ida" leaves at 1 p. m. Excursionists for over Sunday trips and business men rejoining their families in the Catskill resorts make up the passenger lists of this boat on these weekly afternoon trips up to now. These boats laying up for the day at Saugerties give advantages to night travel for the Catskill mountain resorts not provided on other lines. Occupants of berths need not be aroused before their accustomed hours for rising. Those who enjoy the cool, pure break of day air, an invariable cure for the grouch and sullen temperaments, find themselves at their boat journey end in time for any hour of rising. The Saugerties route to the Catskills is the most direct of all others. The nearest to the mountains on landing from these boats. Refreshed with the usual conveniences for their morning toilet, a good breakfast and pure mountain spring water served on these boats the early riser has an experience that makes a new man of him. He takes a short drive to the mountains through the village with its rugged scenery and foaming Esopus where the first sight of the mountains is obtained. He spins over the hard paved [illegible word] road that turns into the Catskills at Saugerties, the usual route of auto parties. The highest summits topped with the big hotels loom up In mighty grandeur, lighted in magnified glory by the morning sun at his back showing wonderous topography — slopes riven with gorges, breasts of rocks, foliage and slides; each turn in the road drawing him nearer with fresh surprises in the unfolding of the range, showing odd shapes in the sky line, strange peaks rising unexpectedly to view in gaps and dropping out of sight as unexpectedly as he goes up and down with the easy rise and fall of the road; the valley falling from sight as in pieces as it is shut out of view on rounding each shoulder of the mountains. That scenery on the road from Saugerties is the most glorious of all Catskill scenery. Nowhere else is it rivalled. It's so different from anything you can get on landing from the river boats at any other point, and it's all lost when travelling by train. More than all, the pure mountain air at sunrise in a ride like that is alone worth the time and money of a trip to the Catskills.  Olive Bridge-in-the-Catskills, N.Y. Temporary Suspension Bridge at site of the Ashokan dam. Hudson River Maritime Museum. HOW TOURISTS BEST ENJOY THE CATSKILLS. At no other river point do conveniences for driving through this magnificent Catskill scenery give greater satisfaction, better sightseeing and a greater chance to get around to the most attractive places with the least distances to travel behind classy teams and autos than by going in from Saugerties. The Van Buskirk stables for twenty-five years have assisted thousands of sightseers to reach the Catskills. Their chauffeurs and drivers know all the country and the best roads to travel. Tourists send word ahead mentioning the class of rig wanted, the number to be carried and the destination and are met at the boat with what they ordered ready to start without delay. Many on more sightseeing trips each year hire teams or autos for the tour of the mountains, taking in the most picturesque sections. With high class autos and a modern garage having convenience and supplies for auto touring parties going through with their own machines, with three large stables of fifty-five horses for driving and saddle and every class of vehicles in popular use for pleasure driving with those accustomed to Catskill travel, the Van Buskirk stables give as good outfits as any of the best New York stables. CHRIST HUBERTS' ONLY RIVER FRONT HOTEL On leaving the boat at Saugerties, the "Scenic village of the Hudson," you'll observe the large stone hotel opposite, pretty with abundance of surrounding foliage and a little park of flowers. It's Christ Huberts's South Side Hotel. You'll be interested In that remarkable elm standing guard over this house, the largest elm in the county, five trees springing up as one and casting shade over a circle of house and lawn measuring 100 feet in diameter. Christ Huberts is now entering his fourteenth season catering to summer pleasure seekers. He is popular with the German singing societies of New York who make up parties on the Saturday afternoon trips of the "Ida" during July and August, leaving pier 43 at 1 p. m. They take possession of the house and have a jolly time of It until the return boat several hours later. New York yachtsmen, bound for the lakes and returning, put in here for its good harbor and he gets their patronage. It's Bohemian, yet the rooms and dining parlors are large and attractively furnished. Christ Huberts is a genial, enterprising landlord, a good fellow to stop with. CARTING AT SAUGERTIES BY LARGE CONCERN. All express, freight and baggage to and from the Saugerties & New York boats and the West Shore railroad are handled by one of the largest trucking and carting enterprises along the river. Owners of baggage coming to Saugerties by boat or car may be assured that it will be delivered safely and promptly by Doyle's baggage wagons. During the many years William Doyle has engaged in the business not a piece has been lost or delayed while in his hands. Shipments of supplies and furnishings for summer homes may be consigned to the care of William Doyle, Saugerties, who will take them from car or boat and deliver them promptly to their destination uninjured. With forty horses, all sized trucks, tackle and other equipments for light or heavy work in which he employs experienced workmen Doyle can move anything that's moveable. All freight, baggage express, machinery, boilers, engines, safes, pianos, furniture moved in Saugerties go through his hands. Supplies for the big mills and their products are carted by his teams. He has full charge of the enormous cartage of the Martin Cantine Co., paper mill business. Mr. Doyle began a poor boy, afterwards trucking with one rig. His success is marvelous. His business amounts to many thousands of dollars annually. It proves that all Mr. Doyle undertakes he accomplishes and to the satisfaction of his patrons. NEW YORK PAPERS AT UP TO DATE STATIONERS. The New York daily and Sunday papers reach Saugerties early in the day and you'll not need to go without your favorite paper when you come up there on a trip. They are served by N. Van Steenberg, the stationer in the new store next to the Exchange Hotel. You can get your stationery there with selections from the most delicate styles you are accustomed to get in New York. If you want calling cards or printed stationery he'll do the printing. Magazines and reading matter, souvenir cards, cigars, playing cards, useful articles, such as are sold by up to date stationers are to be obtained at Van Steenberg's and if there is anything in his line not commonly in stock he'll get it for you. If you enjoyed this post and would like to support more history blog content, please make a donation to the Hudson River Maritime Museum or become a member today!
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 The swimming pool at O’Neill’s Cozy Corner. Photo courtesy of www.flickr.com March is a good time to celebrate the Irish cultural and historical heritage of the Catskill Mountains. What had been fondly called “Ireland’s 33rd County,” the Irish Alps, or Irish Catskills, was the prime summer destination for thousands of Irish immigrants living in the dense cultural neighborhoods of New York City. Many would take refuge in the lush, rolling green hills of the Catskills away from the heat and dust of NYC summers. Whether by bus, train, or car, hundreds of Irish New Yorkers would make the annual trip to the Catskill Mountains from the 1920s to the early 1970s. The PBS documentary, “The Irish Catskills: Dancing at the Crossroads,” referenced for this blog post, takes viewers on a tour of not only Irish cultural heritage but a sweeping history of the annual migration of Irish-American families to keystone towns of the Irish Catskills, like East Durham, Leeds, and South Cairo. The Catskill Mountains became synonymous with summertime and the leisure of the middle and upper classes by circuitous means. According to Michele Herrmann, writer of “The Borscht Belt Was a Haven for Generations of Jewish Americans,” for Smithsonian Magazine, Jewish aid societies in New York created programs that encouraged Jewish immigrants to earn a living via agriculture as a way of supporting Jewish communities in the States. The Catskill Mountains, however luscious in its greenery, are not conducive to farming given their rocky terrain. New inhabitants of the area quickly learned that they were better off using the land to attract borders for the summer months. The mountains were a major draw for New Yorkers, initially, as doctors at the time often advised tuberculosis patients to get fresh mountain air and (literal) breathing room; the disease was easily contracted in the tightly packed neighborhoods and tenement houses of New York City. Advertising also helped direct attention to the Catskills’ resorts and hotels, such as the guidebook series “Summer Homes” published by New York and Ontario Railway. As Herrmann writes, “...one Jewish farmer named Yana “John” Gerson listed one of the publication’s first advertisements for a Jewish boarding house in the 1890s.” As tens of thousands of Irish immigrants made their way to the United States, they sought a lucrative opportunity to renovate old barns and boarding houses (previously owned by German immigrants up until World War II) into modest hotels for the typical urbanite looking for the fresh mountain air of upstate New York. Many Irish immigrants were also motivated by homesickness, and sought out the familiar surroundings, familiar accents and cultures that made home not feel so far away. The Irish Echo, the oldest Irish-American Newspaper in the United States, established in 1928, and later the Irish Voice were written for Irish audiences, as well as word of mouth, may have advertised these Irish-founded bars, restaurants and hotels bolstered the weary Irish-American city-dweller to explore upstate New York. Hotels like O’Neill’s Cozy Corner in East Durham, NY, later named The O’Neill House, were among the first Irish-owned establishments in the area and sported the latest trends in hotel hospitality. Far more humble than the free wi-fi and complimentary gym access that are the bare minimum of hotel standards today, hotels in the 1920s and 1930s were still writing the “blueprint” that the hospitality industry uses today. A top choice hotel like O’Neill’s Cozy Corner would include such amenities as private toilets, hot and cold running water, electric lights, and East Durham’s first concrete swimming pool. Converted barns acted as dance halls for patrons who would dance along to the musical styles of famous Irish musicians living in New York City who would come up to East Durham and play traditional Irish music. A fun night out in the Irish Catskills would be incomplete if it didn’t have “Stack of Barley/ Little Stack of Wheat,” playing at least a few times that evening.  View over North-South Lake in the Catskills Mountains. Caption and photo courtesy of www.planetware.com The newfound leisure of the working class came on the heels of harsh working conditions of Irish transit workers in New York City, who worked primarily in subway, bus and railroad industries. At this time in American history, there were no laws that dictated the quality of working conditions or for how long people worked or whether or not they were allowed to take time off, so work hours depended upon the generosity of one’s boss, who was usually not very generous. It was common for a transit worker to have 12 hours-long, grueling shifts, every single day with no vacation time. In fact, transit workers were regularly fired for taking off on a Sunday to go to church.  Michael J. Quill, founder of the Transit Workers Union (TWU) in 1934. Photo courtesy of www.twu.org That is, until Michael J. Quill, from County Kerry in Ireland, co-founded the Transit Workers Union of America in 1934. He advocated on behalf of over 34,000 transit workers for higher wages, a 40-hour work week, and paid vacation time. These changes introduced leisure time to the lives of many transit workers and their families. With higher wages and paid vacation time, Irish families could now afford to travel and stay at resorts and hotels for extended periods of time. Predominantly working class families could now experience rest and what it felt like to be waited on for a change.  Photo courtesy of www.shamrockhouse.com Of the over 40 Irish-owned hotels and resorts in the Catskills at the height of their popularity, only a handful are in business today. As one contributor reflects in “The Irish Catskills” documentary, “Air conditioning, airlines, and assimilation were the three A’s that killed the Catskills.” As the 1960s and 70s came to a close, the majority of Irish immigrants were no longer working class but were upper middle class. They could not afford the luxury of their own backyards and larger homes that made escaping to the mountains redundant. When the Irish Catskills first came into prominence, most immigrants could not afford to go back home to Ireland, which is what made resort life in the Catskills feel so welcoming. Around the time of the Catskills’ decline in popularity, upper middle class Irish-American families could afford to travel to the real Ireland whenever they wanted, so an analogue of Ireland was no longer necessary. Air conditioning went from a luxury to a summertime necessity, so spending one’s free time in a hot wooden cabin in the middle of the woods was no longer as appealing as it once had been. However, there are places in upstate New York that are doing their part to keep the Irish musical and cultural history of the Catskills alive. Shamrock House, an inn/restaurant/bar holds Traditional Irish Sessions every Sunday afternoon, in which musicians can bring their own instruments and play alongside each other, or simply come and be a joyful spectator. Annual events like Irish Arts Week have also taken on the mantle of maintaining Irish traditional music and dance for the next generation of young artists. Each summer, famous musicians teach middle school and high school aged kids the traditions and cultures that have become synonymous with the Catskills Mountains and Irish communities abroad. External Links: To watch the full “Irish Catskills” documentary: WMHT Specials | The Irish Catskills: Dancing at the Crossroads | PBS
AuthorCarissa Scantlebury is a volunteer researcher at the Hudson River Maritime Museum. She graduated from Hunter College with a degree in Classical Archaeology. She loves getting lost in a cozy fantasy novel, watching Doctor Who (David Tennant is her favorite), and learning new languages. If you enjoyed this post and would like to support more history blog content, please make a donation to the Hudson River Maritime Museum or become a member today!
 Hudson River Maritime Museum Collection  Hudson River Maritime Museum Collection The Ashokan Reservoir was built between 1907 and 1915 to supply water to New York City. The flooding of twelve communities and thousands of acres of farmland sparked long-lasting controversy. The last of the land claims were settled in 1940. Two thousand residents were moved, some of the communities were relocated, others were flooded. The dam was constructed with Rosendale cement. Today trails along the Reservoir provide pleasant walking and biking opportunities. In 1905 the New York State Legislature enacted legislation to create the New York City Board of Water Supply. The Board had the authority to acquire land and build dams and reservoirs in the Catskill Mountain watershed. At the time it was built, the Ashokan was one of the largest reservoirs in the world. Water from the Esopus Creek and tributaries feed the Ashokan. If you enjoyed this post and would like to support more history blog content, please make a donation to the Hudson River Maritime Museum or become a member today!
 circa 1890.  Catskill Mountains scene. Hudson River Maritime Museum Collection Catskill Mountains retreats, including the Cockburn House in the Mount Pleasant area of Shandakan, offered welcome relief from the heat of the metropolitan areas. Visitors traveled to the Catskills via Hudson River steamers and railroad to enjoy refreshing summer vacations. The Ulster & Delaware Railroad extended from Kingston Point to Oneonta, NY traversing the Catskill Mountains through Ulster, Delaware, Schoharie and Otsego counties. Steamboat travelers landing at Kingston Point on the Hudson River transferred to U&D Railroad cars to continue their journey. There were many Catskill resorts during the areas prime in the 1800s to mid-1900s. The Catskill Mountain House, opened in 1824 and rival Kaaterskill Hotel, opened in 1881, were two of the largest resorts. If you enjoyed this post and would like to support more history blog content, please make a donation to the Hudson River Maritime Museum or become a member today!
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