A. Fred Saunders Collection
Repository
Vedder Research Library
90 County Highway 42
Coxsackie, NY 12051
Access Number
Unassigned
Creator
Saunders, A. Fred.
Extent
.3 Cu. Ft. (1 Box)
Languages Present
English
Date Range
1881-1964
Historical Note
The Catskill Mountain Railway was a narrow-gauge railroad constructed in the early 1880s. The rail line was formed primarily in response to demands created by an influx of tourists visiting the famous mountain resorts of Greene County during the later half of the 19th century. The Catskill Mountain Railway followed the right-of-way of the earlier and short-lived Canajoharie & Catskill Railroad from Catskill Point to South Cairo, NY, and along a new route from there to Palenville. However, via this route passengers were still required to take a lengthy coach ride from Palenville to their final destinations on the mountaintop. This factor, combined with pressure from competing rail lines out of Ulster County, prompted the construction of the Otis Elevating Railway and a branch line to Tannersville and Haines Falls in 1892. A decrease in tourists during World War One and a number of other economic factors resulted in the Railway closing in 1918. Mr. Saunders, a railroad enthusiast from Michigan, assembled this material on the Catskill Mountain Railway in the mid-20th century as part of a personal research project.
Summary of Contents
The collection comprises mainly news clippings from the period of the railroad’s operation concerning events and operations. Some photographic material appears primarily featuring Engine No. 1 and passengers. One folder contains timetables for 1901 and 1913. Also included are handwritten and typed accounts of the railway’s history and the biographies of individuals involved with it. Some information also relates to the earlier Canajoharie & Catskill Railroad.
Arrangement
Material grouped by subject and item type, boxes are organized as presented to VRL by the donor.
Acquisition
Gift from donor, 1964. Documentation available within collection.
Processing Details
None Available.
Publication
Collection processor information and dates unavailable, finding aid published Fall 2016 by Jonathan Palmer
Access
Materials are available to examine on-site at the Vedder Research Library in Coxsackie, New York during posted hours as found on the repository’s website.
Access Restrictions
None
Use Restrictions
Researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming to current copyright laws. Duplication of print and photographic materials without express permission of library staff is strictly prohibited.
Citing material
Identification of Item, Folder, Box, Collection Name, Date Range. Vedder Research Library, Greene County Historical Society, Coxsackie NY.
Contents of Collection
Itemized list of collection provided on request when available by calling or emailing the Vedder Research Library during posted hours.
Copyright notice:
Individuals requesting reproductions expressly assume the responsibility for compliance with all pertinent provisions of the Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. ss101 et seq. Patrons further agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Vedder Research Library and its staff in connection with any disputes arising over the reproduction of material at the request of patrons. For more information please visit the following website: http://www.loc.gov/copyright/title17/