Sailing with the "Hudson River Day Line" in 1904

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Let's take a journey back in time and up the Hudson River from Manhattan to Albany, sailing aboard the SS Albany with the Hudson River Day Line. With the help of several first hand materials including Day Line promotional and panorama books and early newsreels, we're able to recreate an autumn journey on one of these beautiful lost river boats.
The year is 1904 and we're visiting New York from England. The city is bustling and the river is lively along this historic route.
Special thanks to the Hudson River Maritime Museum: www.hrmm.org/

[@Milos15GameplaysYT]

Seeing Tom dressed as a gentleman from the 1900s. Perfection 👌🏻

[@lonamarilyn1755]

I definitely need a time travelling machine, what a fabulous elegant era for some

[@claudermiller]

You're absolutely right. For some. Unfortunately many still struggled. 😥

[@isaacpeachey8609]

@@claudermiller The key word definitely is “some”. Maybe “few” would work better.

[@MrLilac]

Please do more like this! This video and the 'Traveling on White Star Line's Oceanic Class' one are my favourites you've done so far. You're very good at bringing this sort of ground-level history to life and making it feel real. Like a time-traveller's guide!

[@PartTimeExplorer]

I'm glad you liked it - I have a lot of fun making these types of videos, but I have to admit they're some of the most challenging in terms of research and finding material. I do have a couple more of these in mind and have put together a playlist called "Voyages into the Past" of videos like this.

[@rjsouthworth5246]

If I were travelling on a river boat in the autumn of 1904, I’d be nervously thinking of the General Slocum fire that happened in NYC just that summer.

[@Daniel_Huffman]

That’s such a good point.

[@myassizitchy]

Does he have any videos on the Slocum or maybe even the Sultana ? There is at least 1good video on each on you tube that's been on here forever I wish he'd do some newer ones the ones in those are really old

[@joanne775]

Hi RJ! It's a shame that the General Slocum catastrophe and Little Germany have been left out of the history books of NYC... I happened to stumble across the name here on KZbin. I'm originally from NYC and no one I know (including my 85 year old mother and 83 year old Uncle) ever heard of the General Slocum or Little Germany. It's bizarre that more than 1000 women & children died horribly right in the East River due to total incompetence and even New Yorkers don't know about it.

[@AndyHappyGuy]

The fact that over a hundred years later, we can still relive what New York locals experienced all the way back then is almost a miracle!

[@babyswheels54]

A lifelong New Yorker (though not living there now) I found the trip up the Hudson and the history of the area incredibly excellent, educational and fascinating. I’m so glad I found your channel.

[@DerpyPossum]

All i can say is, *“Lovely”* i feel like that perfectly describes all this. :)

[@mikehunt8375]

Have you ever hiked the trails above the palisades and looked at all the ruins of the old mansions? That would be a great video for you. What a beautiful place!

[@Daocpwnswow]

The talent of drawing scenery in the viewer's mind is impeccable. The mood in this, the day-by-day reviews of Titanic's voyage and indeed the Atlantic of the Oceanic class as mentioned is certainly unique and an impressive achievement. Thanks, the beloved Lynskey couple!Looking forward to the next one already

[@jessebechtold2973]

Watched this several times, absolutely love it and as you say, a reminder to perhaps be a little slower and more deliberate.

[@ratzerman]

I've lived just north of Albany my whole life, and have taken that train ride many times. The next time I do, I will look out onto those waters, picture an elegant steamship bearing my home's name making it's way north, and think of this wonderful video. Thank you.

[@OtherWorldExplorers]

This is a welcome diversion from the various liners that have slipped beneath the waves.

[@besweeeet2]

This was very well done. Would like to see more back-in-the-day tours like this.

[@matthewambrose9363]

Love every one of your videos, Tom. I grew up along the Hudson, and you captured so well the soul of this place.

[@livinglikeananimal]

This was weirdly calming. Gorgeous footage and editing too. What a treat!

[@connorredshaw7994]

I would love to go on a paddle steamer one day the closest I've got to was being on one at Disney land Paris but I would love to travel on one just like they did on the Hudson River many years ago.

[@robertbalazslorincz8218]

I'd ride one of those paddlers too

[@rebeccarabinowitz6590]

Geneva has a few

[@rebeccarabinowitz6590]

In Switzerland

[@rebeccarabinowitz6590]

There's also the American Queen

[@cheshire4856]

I went on one in New Orleans a while back.

[@russbonk1372]

A great show of the beautiful and historic Hudson River!

[@JJMHigner]

FINALLY a vid on the HRDL; a legendary and great service for many years. Sad that something like it is not quite there anymore. Best way to travel. Often, these boats were in the background of many an ocean liner line-up but almost never pointed out or explained.

[@TylerJones77]

hey Tom, i got a video suggestion it is about a packer boat in the great lakes called the SS America it was launched on the 2 of April 1898 America had a number of accidents; the first one barely two weeks after she arrived in Duluth, when the ship ran into an ice floe and stove in her bow.[3 In 1904, she ran too close to the steamer Edwin F. Holmes, destroying five staterooms, and in 1909 she ran aground. In 1909, the Booth Steamship Company failed and a new company, the Booth Fisheries Company, took over operation of the failed company's assets, including America. In 1911, America was lengthened to 183 feet, increasing the gross and net tonnages to 937 tons and 593 tons respectively. The beam and depth remained the same. The rework added 12 more staterooms, bringing the total to 51, of which 43 were reserved for passengers. In 1914, management of the ship was taken over by the United States & Dominion Transportation Company, a subsidiary of Booth. Also in 1914, America again ran aground, taking considerable damage. On 7 June 1924, she struck a reef, capsized, and sank off Isle Royale, Michigan; all 47 people aboard survived, and she was refloated, repaired, and returned to service. In 1926, she collided with another steamer, and in 1927 rammed the dock and grounded while coming into port but then America sank in Washington Harbor off the shore of Isle Royale in 1928, where the hull still remains. The wreck was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

[@jamesanderson3160]

Another incredible video Mr. Tom! Really enjoying the more frequent uploads!!

[@olentangy74]

What great video, Tom. At times I think I was born 100 years too late. It was as you say a slower and simpler time. America was a different place then. Thank you for taking us on s day trip with you Tom, it was wonderful.

[@johnsenig7104]

Tom, your channel has got to be one of the NICEST channels on KZbin, despite the truly horrific stories so often told! This video is nostalgic and lovely on so many levels.

[@dallasbarrigar]

Thank you for this video. I’m a resident of upstate New York, and I am just starting to learn about the steamboat history of the Hudson Valley. Learning about the history of where I live gives me just a little more pride. I would have loved to have seen these boats. There is an ongoing project to restore the SS Columbia to some degree. I am very thankful for that effort.

[@paulnicholson1906]

My wife told me she went from Manhattan to West Point for a football game on the Alexander Hamilton in about 1969. I said you got chance to do something really cool. I only ever saw the Day Line commercials on TV.

[@empressmeowmeow9581]

Really enjoyed this. Feeling under the weather today and this was a pleasant journey to make. Only one criticism - Aaron Burr dueled with Alexander Hamilton, not William Burr. Excellent video.

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Agh, you’re right! Thank you!

[@empressmeowmeow9581]

@@PartTimeExplorer A truly minor glitch in an overwhelmingly informative and relaxing video. I enjoyed it so much. Watching the Swallow video now.

[@thechristiangamer7311]

Sorry to hear that. If you want someone to talk to or if you want me to pray for something then just let me know. Sorry if this is weird I know I am a stranger. I just like to help. Regardless wish you all the best and have a great blessed day and life! GOD bless

[@empressmeowmeow9581]

@@thechristiangamer7311 that is very kind of you. Thanks

[@thechristiangamer7311]

@@empressmeowmeow9581 Of course your very my pleasure happy to help if you need something else just let me know. Regardless wish you all the best and have a great blessed day and life! GOD bless

[@robbicu]

Thanks, Tom! That was really cool!

[@vgahren]

I’m from Tarrytown. Fun fact: Sleepy Hollow was formerly named North Tarrytown. It was renamed Sleepy Hollow in the 90s I believe. Residents felt it sounded better for tourism. I was born in the hospital in North Tarrytown; feels odd when I tell folks the town I was born in ‘doesn’t exist anymore’. 😂

[@gregdcross]

My grandmother got to steam on the Mary Powell on the Hudson River several times. One trip she went with her parents from Kingston NY to NYC for an overnight trip. The Mary Powell was the most beautiful steamship that went up and down the Hudson.

[@k1ross]

The "Queen of the Hudson" and an utterly beloved boat for decades! (Although as far as beauty is concerned (and just my opinion), her exposed boilers, out on her guards, detracted from her otherwise lovely lines). But, gosh, what I wouldn't give for a chance to ride on the Mary Powell!

[@backwithabang5842]

Watched it in my Lunch break at work. This really calmed me down in a special way... I love it.

[@CuttingEdge49]

Being from Newburgh born in 1957 I really enjoyed this adventure back in time. Thank you

[@nevinhedley1797]

Fascinating. And beautifully presented, as always. Thank you.

[@darthdevious]

I used to live in Middletown, NY and worked just outside of Newburg. Went to Kingston a few times, been to the lighthouse you showed. Also took a cruise to look at some of the mansions on the river. Also went to Bear Mountain a few times. Haven't been in that area for almost 20 years now. This brought back memories, thank you.

[@trevorb6923]

I've basically lived in Albany my whole life and never knew about this, loved this

[@Mdnightsoldier]

This was so beautifully done, I'm glad content creators like you still exist on YT. And this video definitely deserves way more views.

[@nancysmith-baker1813]

Wow what we have lost .thank you .

[@thepandorica1428]

This was absolutely delightful. Thank you for this journey!

[@malcolmatkinson3124]

Being from upstate New York it’s wonderful seeing all these places I know well in this time

[@bigfish8280]

Thanks for sharing. I was born in Yonkers New York, raised in the village of Nyack in Rockland county across from Tarrytown and I've lived all over the Hudson valley.

[@thevoidborn7524]

This is such a love letter to my home, I live in new paltz between minnewaska/mohonk and poughkeepsie, and it’s just so touching to see all this history and such in the valley and landmarks I love

[@marcfiore4319]

Lived in the Poughkeepsie area in the mid-60s, and rowed the Hudson on the Crew Team at FDR High School in Hyde Park. Waiting for our turn in the shells, we would run 2 miles North and back on the railroad tracks at the top of the bluff, passing the ruins of the abandoned Woodcliff Pleasure Park. We found the place kind of spooky, but it’s draw was irresistible to me. I would run ahead of the others to get enough time to hop the fence and do a little exploring a couple of times a week during the season. The place at one time boasted the World’s largest salt water swimming pool. Satellite photos show it to be mostly gone now, with just the ticket booth remaining. Another great video!

[@yamato0965]

A Texan who loves the Hudson - Tarrytown is terrific!

[@k1ross]

Around the 4 minute mark when you are mentioning the American Line & the SS New York, the film pans by Pier 13 owned by the Starin Line (which was at the foot of Cortlandt St when it used to go all the way to the river). In all the days of steamboating in New York, there is nothing...NOTHING...I would more like to be able to travel back in time to experience than a cruise on the Starin Line out to their "family day resort" at Glen Island (New Rochelle). I have collected a few things from the Line/Resort (and learned more) over the years, and it seems so utterly enchanting. If you have (so rightly) enjoyed recreating this absolutely lovely trip on the Day Line, you might want to explore the Starin Line and Glen Island. Just a thought.

[@845_Mk6]

From rockland county ny the areas around the river will always be the best anywhere you can experience a little bit of everything in ny

[@chriswitt2596]

You are absolutely first class. Makes me want to be able to go back in time and take that lovely trip up the Hudson. You are a perfectionist. Great job.

[@Corgis175]

This brings back some good memories. I graduated high school in 1961 in NJ and our graduation trip included the Red Circle Line tour up the Hudson to Bear Mtn. and West Pt where we disembarked at both locations.

[@newenglandwaterman8165]

As a new subscriber and New York harbor tugboat captain who used to run heating oil to Albany, this video was a real treat. Great work!

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Thank you and welcome!

[@r.i.p.hayman5854]

A company of marine and travel consultants prepared a business plan to restore this same Hudson liner service in the 1990’s, an enterprise that foundered on the rocks of 9/11 in 2001. This venture could have invigorated the river towns and upstate economy, but alas, there was no initiative of support and now the Hudson is the only major river in the world without any public ship transport. What could be a daily pleasure for a vast public is now still sweet nostalgia. Maybe this voyage can happen again, someday. The Hudson River flows on and patiently awaits…

[@RexStewartoriginals]

You couldn't have said it better...The same holds true with the sailing ship Half Moon. Both ideas (and support) could have kept tourism balanced relative to river activity. Today, it's silent with only memories from the mind.

[@jeffcampbell1555]

Another great job. You capture imagery and atmosphere so well. I long to travel first class on the steamers of the era. Oh...to have money in 1904. Life was a seven-course banquet. Of course, it was also pretty easy to catch typhoid or tuberculosis without knowing how, so our time has nice elements, too. Just not as beautiful as a trip up the Hudson on a steamboat. Thanks

[@AdventuresofanoldSeadog]

Loved it

[@forechunkukee]

There are museums that would love to have a presentation like this. Well done.

[@box3976]

I grew up in Yonkers, N.Y. from 1951 on. I remember the Yonkers Ferry at Ashburton Ave and Alexander Street that Crossed The Hudson River to Alpine, N.J. That Ferry Boat ended up on Lake Erie as an Floating Office. And I also remember the Side Paddle Wheelers that stopped at the Yonkers Pier at the 'Foot of Main Street. Steam Ships called The Alexander Hamilton, Robert Fulton, Henry Hudson. And there were, (at least), 3 Taverns that were in walking distance of The Pier that catered to Sailors from Tug Boats and other ships that stopped there. The Tyrone House was a 100 yards away. Second was The Half~Way House, 200 yards away. And Third was The "Ship Of Lost Souls", about a 1/4 mile away on New Main St.

[@samhooper8829]

I spent most of my life in the mid Hudson valley and I’d never heard of these steam boat lines this video was fascinating

[@nordisk1874]

Brings back such memories of almost getting arrested at Bannermans Castle in the fall off 2006. With our passengers on a down bound cruise from Montreal to Rhode Island. I grew up on Long Island, but never really traveled upstate besides lake George, the Hudson and Erie Canal gave me a love of the beauty of NY! We docked at their docks at Bear Mountain, West Point, and Catskill. We docked at the Maritime museum in Kingston as well.

[@GreatDahne]

I was born and raised not far from Rhinebeck. The lore surrounding the Hudson Valley and its thousands of years of human habitation is enough to overwhelm even the most seasoned historians. Pair it with a view you'd be hard-pressed to find in most other places, and it's easy to see why so many are captivated by the places in this video. I moved away for school and work in the Rockies now, but this video has made me more than a little homesick. Fantastic video, Tom!

[@robertcornelius3514]

I love the old photos.

[@johnpeters9175]

Your video review was a pleasure to watch, but I do have one minor critique. Catskill was a major stop on the day line. It was the gateway to the Catskills mountain houses (not Kingston) and was already famous for the (and in some cases the home of) Hudson Valley School of artists. It was also a major commercial hub rivaling Kingston.

[@bonjourwatchersofvideos7857]

New to watching but I know I won’t stop. Everything is interesting.

[@sumner1944]

OUTSTANDING !

[@tomholland3236]

In my early teens we used to take the Alexander Hamilton on church outings to Bear Mountain every Labor Day. IN THE SUMMER WE TOOK THE JOHN MESSIC OUT THE EAST RIVER TO RYE BEACH AMUSEMENT PARK SHE RAN A STEADY 18 MPH THOSE WERE THE BEST TIMES TO BE ALIVE!.

[@denisecostaon]

am in awe to see this fantastic work !!!!!!!!

[@jillatherton4660]

A splendid voyage, Ol' Bean. TY.

[@jasonbecker4049]

I've got a couple record albums of old steamboat aged songs by various artists. Really a great set.

[@inadisapio8184]

Your videos are outstanding, I love listening to you describing the history.

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Thank you very much!

[@johnjacobs1625]

My Grandfather Barney O'Brien took the First Diesel Locomotive from NYC TO Albany on the NYC Railroad!! He worked on the RR 50 years! JJ

[@bigkujo6636]

Born and raised on that river. Great video!

[@leonidaslantz5249]

I found your channel today and am glad I did. Your video is fantastic. I felt as if I was actually on this trip.

[@845_Mk6]

Great vid as always great facts and history of the area I live in thanks

[@rasmus945]

nice hat you got there

[@christineellis7632]

I grew up in Poughkeepsie and boated on the Hudson with my family. I remember the Alexander Hamilton Dayliner in particular. It was a beautiful ship! Thank you for this video.

[@WeddingVegetables]

What a great video! I've enjoyed a lot of your content after finding your channel a few days ago but this video was something special. Thank you so much!

[@zztop4996]

This was so much fun. Thank you!

[@busterdee8228]

When I moved away from upstate NY, I thought Victorian homes I ran into were just dressed up houses that started out much more humbly. Finally, someone referred to the houses I had grown up with as Hudson Valley Gingerbread. Apparently, the invention of the band saw had held near religious significance for us.

[@bradfordbarrettluckotheIrish]

Outstanding job friend, makes me want to leave CA tomorrow to sail up the Hudson.

[@thomasconley3429]

Another fascinating video... of a much more genteel time. Well presented.

[@RexStewartoriginals]

My glass is raised...Great documentary on the Day Line and to end it at my birth city Albany. I will share it with my audience when I begin the videos on my Hudson River steamboat models. Hopefully you will get more patreon support from them, as I will redirect. Again, kudos.

[@kellyandrichweddle2425]

Really enjoyed this video and format

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Thanks! If you liked these voyage videos, I have one or two more on my channel - one about traveling on an early White Star Line ship, and one about Christmas aboard an ocean liner. I hope to make more, so stay tuned!

[@JJMHigner]

BTW love your outfit. Always keeping in time :)

[@ratso4443]

I give this video a 10. You’re a marvelous historian/storyteller.

[@weirdoburritopros7505]

I’ve been to that railroad bridge up in Poughkeepsie, it was ginormous. Going under it was pretty scary to, walking on the bridge too was unbelievable besides the rough winds that day.

[@semperparatus678]

Damn, I felt I was on the trip. KUDOS!!!!!!

[@JohnSmith-ft2tw]

Well, I watched three in a row. So I subscribed. Unique and informative, yet tastefully artistic. Very nice.

[@ur2ez2011]

Nice ode to The French Connection. "Picking your feet in Poughkeepsie ".

[@PartTimeExplorer]

I was waiting for someone to get the reference!

[@SuperDadJohnson]

This is a fantastically fascinating video, great job!!!

[@mathy906]

imagine, going on board on that voyage with all the knowledge of today, that would be an amazing experience!

[@bettyprussia9777]

Love how you enhance the video with your dress and elegance! Kudos keep up.the interesting 🤔 videos

[@pilates68]

Excellent!!! So well done.

[@brookeshaffer4377]

What a fantastic step back in time🌟Well done.Thank you✨

[@Rachel-art-and-design]

Such a nice video presentation. I’ve always wanted to visit the east coast but haven’t made it yet. It was a nice “trip”.

[@burntavocado5033]

This channel is such a gen

[@BTScriviner]

Beautiful! Wonderfully done.

[@ThraceVega]

"The train that took over the route will get you from Manhattan to Albany in 4 hours today." I admire your faith and optimism in Amtrak.

[@davemcmahon8140]

Nice vid great concept! I really enjoyed this production.

[@TugberkIsyapar]

amazing work

[@andrewdonovan1035]

Interesting video. Though your mixing up Bear Mountain and Indian Point, which was owned by HRDL. Also, HRDL didn't end in 1971. 1971 was the year the Steamer Alexander Hamilton went out of service. The successor Day Line operation continued until 1989 with the boat "Dayliner".

[@kathieamundsen5849]

I had a summer job on the Dayliner 1976-1981 . It was run by Circle Line at this time . Heard many stories about the Alexander Hamilton as my boss used to work on that boat .

[@mikepowell2776]

Brilliant!, Loved the whole concept. Moving pictures very well done. River services are a very under-reported aspect. Hope you might look at some European examples, perhaps the Danube by Royal Austrian during the mid 19th century.

[@mnhoss2100]

Great video as always sir 👍

[@bobbilynncalderon6464]

Tom looks great dress up in the 1900😊

[@CatskillsGrrl]

I am fortunate enough to split my time between the Upper West Side of Manhattan and Palenville, a hamlet of Catskill, NY, on the Hudson. Oh, how I would love to make that commute on a steamboat up the Hudson. (BTW, if you want to Part-Time explore my neck of the Catskills check out Green Cottage, Palenville on Airbnb. 😉)

[@Electriceye1984bySam]

Your attire is superb 👌🏻

[@primeguy9855]

How i would love to travel back in time and witness it all irl 🙂